Expressive and Surprising!

Sabrina, a trans woman, bumps into Delilah on her way to work, and it’s an introduction neither of them can forget. With Delilah occupying her every thought, when a chance to explore being a submissive with Delilah comes along, Sabrina is excited, even if it is just the promise of one night.

I was really surprised with how fantastic this story was at not shying away from the BDSM theme it promises early on, and bravely exploring the topic with lots of different scenarios between Delilah and Sabrina. What I loved most was the connection they shared, and just how affected by meeting Sabrina Delilah really was. In different ways, they both had their lives turned upside down. The relationship that was forming between them was putting Delilah out of her comfort zone, while Sabrina was vulnerable to getting hurt emotionally if Delilah couldn’t be in her life more permanently.

There were a lot of themes and scenes that were not for the faint hearted, but so many as well that while they were uncomfortable for the characters, really helped to inject a bit of humour into the story. The passion flowed between these two at every moment, and we were really taken on the journey from Sabrina’s perspective. In a way she was sharing her experience and that excitement at the new and unknown, but also that wariness and hesitance sometimes turning up really came through.

I really enjoyed the story. Loved the uniqueness and the representation for trans women in a more erotic story, and anyone who like erotic fiction is likely to really enjoy this too.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

this book was so good I absolutely loved it! I loved the characters the author did a great job with the writing on this book I read it in less than 24 hours.

This one just wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with the characters and I think it was mainly due to the writing style. It was a tad too casual for me.
There were also moments where I thought that some scenes went a tad too far on the degrading side of things.
Not my cup of tea but I'm sure lots of others will enjoy it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it has since come out. This was a nice kinky trans inclusive sapphic romance that felt genuine. I like queer kink books just so much more than nonqueer kink. It gave space to the tenderness of bdsm.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elena Abbott and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for the ARC. This was my first ARC read.

I went in blind with this book, it is not something I would usually read, however I did enjoy this book.

At first glance you expect to read a spicy, trans, romance with BDSM exploration. On a deeper level you find yourself reading a heart wrenching story about acceptance and belonging.

The meet was cute 😍

This is my second Abbott book )and also my second running-into-a-person-holding-coffee meet cute) and i was NOT disappointed. here are times where the messaging in the writing is a little ham-fisted, especially when talking about romance tropes and BDSM advice, but the overall messaging in this story is really important and the author is really talented at writing honest trans lives.

this story was extremely romantic for a high heat sexy BDSM novel, and it was my first experience with a puppy play novel which was so much fun. and just as a wee extra note — ‘Vibe Check’ is the best sex shop name i’ve ever seen

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️

A strong sapphic book with a trans fmc, kink and a heart wrenching story about acceptance and belonging. Really enjoyed this. As others have said, feel like the marketing needs to be adjusted slightly to make sure this book is received as well as it should be!

I'm sorry I previously submitted the wrong review to this book and now I can't fully deleted. I haven't read this book yet.

what a super fun read! as a queer woman, i really really felt the parts of not being "enough" in the community, and those really tugged at my heartstrings. overall the first half was a bit slow but i definitely couldn't put it down in the second half. i loved the blossoming of Sabrina's relationship, there were points i was angry with her for being angry with Delilah, but then she would reassess and understand certain decisions and i really liked that!! this is a wonderful BDSM book and i appreciate the amount of times consent was established. there is spice in this book but it's not overwhelming!

Honestly I'm not even sure what 2 say got 3 pages in and stop it felt like a script for a play not a book
This book is not for me and I personally wouldn't recommend it

As much as I appreciate the love that the LGBTQ community gets in this novel, I don’t think this genre is for me. I’m sure that’s more my fault than the book, but this one didn’t hit for me.

Sabrina and Delilah make a great couple. Their conflicts are mostly due to the internalized issues due to past experiences. I enjoyed watching them work together to overcome these voices, and to lean on each other for support when needed. While they come together through kink, their bond is more based on who they are and their support of each other.

I really enjoyed this book, and absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a kinky Sapphic romance.

I received a free advance review copy through from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley and my review is voluntary.

I loved every minute of reading this,
And found there to still be enough of a plot to keep me engaged while also just being there for the ride.
I enjoyed the character development from both characters and look forward to more books from this author

This book was quite intriguing and threw me for a loop. It not what I thought it would be. Its not ny usual read but I enjoyed it and thought the author did a good job. I recommend.

Thank You Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

This was such a delightful surprise of a book - however, I think the marketing may get this into the hands of the wrong kinds of readers. I would have loved to see the summary celebrating that this is a trans-inclusive lesbian story - I absolutely loved the exploration of Sabrina, the bitter realities balanced with this incredible and validating connection with Delilah, and her overall badassness as an incredibly sexy sub. I was swooning right along with both women - Sabrina & Delilah.

I adore the agency that Sabrina has even as she’s been whisked into subspace by this powerful woman. There’s even great discussions about the dynamics between them, even to the point of Delilah not being able to let go of some power because that’s all she’s ever known as a rich child of privilege. I think the author being a trans woman really brought all the nuances needed to the perfect light. It all read so smoothly and was so achingly romantic alongside the more severe sexual relationship between the two women.
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A heads up for one thing though, readers only surface level familiar with domme/sub will also be surprised at the puppy play that develops between the two - it’s not my personal kink, but hey, I had a great time reading it anyway and it wasn’t a turn off in anyway - though it does come on a bit unexpectedly.
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Nevertheless, To Please Her was a delicious little book and I’m eager to see what this author writes next. I am so intrigued!

*I received an eARC from Bold Stroke Books & NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

This is my first read with a trans main character. When me meet Sabrina, we see her juggle living authentically while struggling to cope with past traumas and justifiable fears. Sabrina lost everything (i.e. family, friend, fiancée, and career) to fully embrace who she was always meant to be. As a result, it’s made Sabrina hesitant to leave her comfort zone. Sabrina and Delilah have immediate, intense chemistry. Almost a cat and mouse vibe. Delilah is the first romantic partner to treat Sabrina’s trans identity as a sign of strength instead of a flaw. While Delilah may seem like the answer to Sabrina’s long abandoned prayers, Delilah is also fighting her demons. Their budding relationship gives them the courage to take charge of their lives, regardless of toxic familial relationships and societal norms. I wouldn’t classify this book as “erotica” because it was kind of tame. However, I enjoyed the story and found the characters compelling. I’m glad Sabrina got her HEA.

Rating: 3.75/5 (rounding to 4)

Lesbian BDSM romance? Yes, please! To Please Her is a sultry, emotionally rich novel that pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go.
The story follows Sabrina Doyle, a hardworking woman juggling two jobs and zero time for love—until a chance coffee spill introduces her to the magnetic Delilah Holte. What begins as an awkward accident turns into a series of electric encounters that neither of them can ignore. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really makes this novel shine is how it explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and self-discovery with care and nuance.
I was genuinely surprised by how much depth this story had. Beyond the steamy scenes (which are deliciously well-written), there’s real emotional weight here. The characters feel authentic, their struggles relatable, and their growth satisfying. I found myself completely absorbed, even forcing myself to slow down just to savour the experience.
If I had one minor critique, it’s that the pacing lags a little in the middle—some of the internal monologue starts to feel repetitive—but it’s a small bump in an otherwise beautifully crafted, sex-positive, and deeply resonant love story.
If you're looking for a queer romance that’s bold, heartfelt, and unapologetically steamy, To Please Her should be at the top of your TBR.

☆ 3,75 rounded up

I went into this book completely blind—I have never read anything by Elena Abbott—but the blurb of this book intrigued me and I ended up really enjoying this.

This book dives into themes like trans identity, domme/sub dynamics, and personal growth, and Abbott handles all of it with care and depth. I especially appreciated the representation—it was the first book I’ve read featuring a trans main character, and it felt so refreshing and important.

I absolutely loved Abbott’s writing style. It’s super easy to read, flows naturally, and pulled me in from the very first page. The whole cast of this book was diverse and well-written, but the dynamic between Sabrina and Delilah stole the show. Their chemistry? Off the charts from the very first meeting.

If you’re looking for a queer BDSM romance that also has real emotional weight, To Please Her is definitely worth checking out. I’m absolutely planning to read more from Elena Abbott in the future.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Elena Abbott, and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 📚

To Please Her by Elena Abbott is a bold and emotionally layered exploration of power, pleasure, and identity. Steeped in S&M themes and sizzling with intensity, this novel goes beyond eroticism to present a deeply affirming and inclusive story that celebrates the complexities of desire and the strength found in vulnerability.

Abbott weaves a compelling narrative that features a richly diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ characters, offering authentic representation without falling into stereotype. The relationships are nuanced, the emotional stakes are high, and the depiction of kink is both respectful and empowering. Beneath the heat lies a strong current of empathy, making space for themes of acceptance, consent, and chosen family.

What makes To Please Her especially powerful is its message: love, in all its forms, deserves to be seen and honored. This is a story that resonates not only with members of the LGBTQIA+ community but also invites broader audiences to reflect on compassion, authenticity, and the freedom to love without shame.

Provocative, heartfelt, and unapologetically honest, To Please Her is a standout erotic romance that both entertains and enlightens.