Mother of Pearl: A Sapphic Sugar Baby Romance

Stars: 4 Stars Format: Digital Series: Stand Alone Steam Level: Steamy I read this for the 2025 Sapphic Book Bingo Micro-Tropes reading challenge for the prompt Flirting via Text Messages. Read all the content warnings for this one. A. A. Fairview does NOT pull any punches with the kink in this (which, to be completely honest, is a big part of the reason I got this.) Quick Thoughts: - One thing not mentioned in the content warnings in this is there is Mommy play - If you are new to monster romance, I would not recommend this as a first foray into it but if you’re intrigued definitely go for it - From beginning to end this is one sexy book - I love that the object of Lydia’s desire, Stephanie, is not some skinny, unblemished model mom, she has curves and stretch marks and cellulite, and Lydia is HERE FOR IT - The roommates were adorable and it melted my heart to see two people who were relative strangers genuinely care about Lydia - Bringing the Sexy with a capital S in this book - Something that was such a joy to read in this is how much Stephanie LOVES spoiling Lydia and the gifts are not used as a way to control either partner. That line in the title “A Sapphic Sugar Baby Romance” was not kidding around - The author does not shy away from the Sugar Baby part of the story, but they inject so much caring and heart into the book that it avoids all those toxic pitfalls that come with this kind of story - So. Incredibly. Sexy. - “There’s FU money and then…

All I expected from this novel was an age-gap sapphic love story. I did not know it would be a creature feature. I did not know that it would be an honest look at how relationships start and change. I did not expect the characters to feel so real and complicated. I found the writing compelling on the story, both heartfelt and challenging. This is no happily ever after…. Even with the scales, this is a little snip of real life.

This was good and I enjoyed it but I wanted more from it I think ): I would definitely read more from this author!

⭐️3.5 - the ending of this one really surprised me!! It wasn't your typical "happily ever after" they get married and adopt the step-kids and everything is sunny and warm. It felt realistic for where the FMC's were in their life and they both openly communicated about what they wanted from the relationship. I didn't realize this was a novella until I started it and my only complaint is that it wasn't longer to fully flesh out Steph and Lydia's summer fling. Still a very fun and spicy monster read. And the sugar baby aspect was so fun to read about!

I loved every second of this book. It's exactly what I wanted to read beach side on a hot summers day. Absolutely perfect. Grab it and dive in head first. Trust me, the waters just right ;)