Category: Spicy🌶️

Categories
RomCom Spicy🌶️ Thick Babes

THE DATING PACT

BY Lulu Morris. Pub Date 1/15/2025

Rating: 4.5*s

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

When Ellie bluffs her way into a high-end party with her best friend, the last thing she expects is to end up going home with infamous actor Alex King, because he’s too drunk to remember what hotel he’s staying in. But when the paparazzi catch them together the morning after, their new friendship suddenly becomes the tabloids’ front page.

Alex needs a plus-one. Not only is his brother marrying his ex, but he’s become the villain in the eyes of the press. With a loved-up date by his side, the public might finally see him as moving on and his new play might finally get the ticket sales it needs to not close down.

But a wedding in the Bahamas, surrounded by gorgeous celebrities, with the paparazzi lurking everywhere, is plus-sized Ellie’s worst nightmare. Even as Alex’s displays of affectionate become more real and less fake, will she lose a part of herself during their pact?

REVIEW

This was such a cute thick babe romance. Alex and Ellie have been through the wringer personally and professionally and it’s surprising that the spark they have when they meet doesn’t catch the entire bar on fire. The fake dating trope is a fun one, and the setting and deepness of the characters make it that much more intriguing. I do love a good dual POV–matter of fact, they are my favorite type of romance.

I really loved both of the MMCs and how they presented themselves to the world and balanced one another. Alex and his struggles being seen by his family, and Ellie and her body issues, which I totally could commiserate with. They really became good friends even with all of the drama, and that made the chemistry so much better. I do wish we had more depth with the other characters, but the hateable ones were super hateable and the loveable characters made you want to squeeze them.

I highly recommend this to the thick babes romance readers who also love a good faux dating trope!

Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
After Dark Contemporary Fiction Romance RomCom Spicy🌶️ Thick Babes

FUNDAMENTALS OF BEING A GOOD GIRL

By Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone. Pub Date 1/13/2025

Rating: 4*s

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

Maddie Kowalczk is ready to be a bad girl. When the rookie lecturer lands at Astra University, she’s looking to start fresh after a messy breakup. But her first night in town takes a twist when she bumps into Bram Loe—a reserved but incredibly handsome single dad she (not so accidentally) stole a parking spot from earlier that day. The unspoken chemistry as he locks eyes with her while she gets a birthday spanking at a local bar is hotter than a Bunsen burner at full flame.

Bram is looking for a break from his hectic life as an ecology professor and dad to rambunctious twins and a busy teenager. So when his college friend’s divorce celebration brings him face-to-face with the same delectable brat who stole his parking spot, he’s ready for a night to remember. But the next morning, Bram’s world turns upside down (and that’s not just the hangover talking). His new nanny? None other than Maddie, who also happens to be the new poli-sci adjunct at the university where he teaches.

Maddie is desperate and broke, so when Bram offers her a raise and the chance to set some ground rules, she can’t say no. As the two settle into their new roles, the normally unruffled Bram finds that no one riles him up like Maddie does, which is a problem when every argument feels like foreplay. Of course, Bram is an educator first and foremost, and he very quickly finds he can’t resist the temptation of instructing Maddie in the fundamentals of being a good girl.

And it turns out Maddie’s a hands-on learner…

REVIEW

I cannot express how excited I was to see the Murphy/Simone duo back together again!

The A Christmas Notch series was amazing and one of my favorite series and most highly recommended spicy book trilogies, and after reading The Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl, I have a feeling that the Academic Affairs series is going to be skyrocketing to the top, too.

This book is deliciously spicy, with complex and complete characters, beautifully described settings, and all the right kinks. I loved Bram and his family and friends and I thought Maddie was a great character. Very strong, and her struggles to find the right future for herself after spending so many years with the wrong person felt very reminiscent of my own experience, and the way Bram went from buttoned up dad to feral daddy? So hot.

I am psyched for the next book. If it’s about who I think it’s about–well, let me put it this way: I’ve been searching for a bully to lovers romance and I have a feeling that’s exactly what is coming.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Cozy RomCom Spicy🌶️ Thick Babes

SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE

By Olivia Dade. NOW AVAILABLE!

Rating: 3.5*s

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Karl and Molly were never together. There was a time, right after high school, where it seemed like they might finally cross the line from friends to lovers…but instead, a foolish misunderstanding meant they never spoke again. Molly went to LA and got married. Karl stayed in Harlot’s Bay and bought a bakery.

The only connection the pair has shared over the years is painfully one-sided: Now divorced, Molly narrates monster romance audiobooks, and Karl is an ever-diligent listener, clinging to his only piece of the one that got away.

Still, Molly hasn’t totally left Harlot’s Bay behind. When she hears that Karl’s obituary has run in the local paper, unexpected grief prompts her to hop on the next flight to Maryland…where she finds Karl very much alive, the victim of nothing but an accidental obituary.

As the pair reunite, they finally hash out their missed connection. True, Molly isn’t quite ready to trust again, but Karl is determined to prove himself worthy of her faith and devotion. And as her remaining time in Harlot’s Bay ticks down, Molly, the habitual cynic, just might find that Karl, the cranky town curmudgeon, is impossible to leave behind a second time.“

Thoughts:

Olivia Dade is one of my absolute favorite authors. Karl and Molly’s story is cute. I can’t say it’s my favorite Olivia Dade story, but I did respect the choices made throughout. And of course we’re all mostly here for the hilarity, character growth and SPICE, and the author absolutely delivers on all of them. It’s Harlot’s Bay, after all, and the Spite House is open for rent.

The only reason I didn’t connect as much with this book was more because of the characters, and not becaise they weren’t well written, but because I didn’t personally connect to standoffish Molly and I only somewhat connected to gruff and blunt Karl. I do think that other people will have a better experience and I’ll definitely recommend it to my sister. Again, the writing is fine, but I just had a hard tome connecting. I did enjoy the ending!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for this review. I knew this one was going to be good!

Categories
After Dark Romance Spicy🌶️ Thick Babes

LOVE ME STALK ME

BY Laura Bishop. Pub Date 12/2/2025

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

When overworked department store manager Izzy Russo downloads an AI boyfriend app to fill the emotional void left by her inattentive real one, she thinks she’s just venting to a harmless chatbot named “Caleb.” In reality, she’s been pouring her deepest, dirtiest fantasies into the ears of Callahan Knight—her store’s brooding new head of security.

Because Cal? He’s been listening. The moment he saw Izzy, he knew she was his. Did he hack her phone? Absolutely. But who could blame him? A woman like Izzy deserves to be cherished by someone who truly knows her worth—and he’ll do anything to be that man.

So when Izzy finally sees her boyfriend for who he really is, and the danger she’s unknowingly been caught up in, Cal is ready to protect her, no matter the cost. Even if it means revealing the truth.

She might not have meant to build the perfect man. But he’s here now. And he’s never letting her go.

REVIEW

This was a good introductory Stalker romance. Morally Grey, but we’re talking LIGHT gray. The stuff that happens to Izzy because of her ex is a different story. That’s definitely the darkest part. I really enjoyed the relationship development between Izzy and Cal, and all of the other characters were also well fleshed out. Amanda has a story of her own coming and Izzy’s family probably isn’t going away soon, and that’s a good thing. Their banter is hilarious and I LOVED Nonna.

The spicy scenes were fantastic. You would expect something dark from the description regarding the AI, and maybe I’m desensitized, but I thought the MMC used it in the most wholesome way given how dark romances like this tend to get. Don’t get me wrong, the sex scenes are still explicit and petty hot, but the overall lead up and motivations from our “stalker” are a romantic dream.

I recommend this for those who enjoy a dark romance but really want that white (gray) knight vibe as a change of pace.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
After Dark Fantasy Spicy🌶️ Survival

PSYCHO SHIFTERS

BY Jasmine Mas. Now Available from Harlequin Trade Publishing!

Rating 4*

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

These alpha males think they own me.
After growing up with nothing, I’ve finally found my path to freedom: I’m a shifter, a warrior who transforms into a monster.
All I have to do is survive bootcamp.

I didn’t count on my three 6’5 roommates-slash-trainers. Covered in tattoos, jeweled, and horned, these are like no men I’ve ever dealt with before.

They don’t think I belong.
They don’t think I can fight.
They don’t think I’m strong enough for war.
They don’t think I can shift.
I’m about to prove them wrong.

Jax, Ascher, and Cobra are going to be devastated when they discover my truth…just wait until they see my shifted form.

REVIEW

This reverse harem fantasy is wild. I really liked this book. The world is massive, with the first three books covering three different realms.

But we’re here to talk about the first book, even though I immediately moved on to the 2nd and 3rd. There is a lot of spice (not with the MFC) and tension. It’s 100% the kind of read you want if you’re looking for something that is a guilty pleasure. It’s the reality TV of reverse harem fantasy romance. We don’t get the full characterization of any of the characters. You like them, but not really love them. It’s all lust, nothing deep, but again: guilty pleasure. If you want some hot quick trashy fantasy, read this. Again, I immediately read the rest of the series as it was available on KU, so this did scratch an itch for me. It’s a compliment. However, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. It’s PACKED with excellent voice talent reading you to filth.It honestly MADE the first book for me and gave me a deeper appreciation for the rest of the series. Honestly, without the audiobook setting the scene for me, I would have struggled with this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
After Dark Contemporary Fiction Romance Spicy🌶️

HE SEES YOU WHEN YOU’RE SLEEPING

BY Alta Hensley. Pub Date 9-16-25

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“It’s the night before Christmas and I’m alone in the house…

Popular jewelry influencer Chloe Hallman is steeling herself to spend another holiday on her own. Instead, she finds herself drawn to two different guys… a smoldering hot fan of her secret, seductive online persona, and a sexy fireman named Jack who looks out for her in their NYC neighborhood.

She has no idea that I know her better than she knows herself. Her deepest secrets, her darkest desires—she’s careful, but I’ve been watching, never leaving footprints in the snow outside her home.

Jack was the first responder to the accident that stole a beautiful young woman’s family two Christmases ago, and he’s been quietly guarding her ever since. When Jack uncovers Chloe’s secret account, his obsession only grows. Both he and Chloe are drawn to the darkness that mirrors their own.

She’s my Christmas wish come true. And I’m hers. She just doesn’t know it yet.“

THOUGHTS

Stalker romances have become a real “thing” lately, and some of them are super dark, some of them are less dark. This one falls into a less dark category. I liked both characters. I think this is a good introductory romance into this specific trope, because it would be irresponsible to jump directly into the deep end of stalker romances.

The spicy scenes have a sweet kinkiness to them, and you can easily see this beckoning an after dark Lifetime type movie. The MMC is a very protective guy who knows what he is doing is creepy and actually cares about it. The FMC has a hidden side and there are real life consequences she is trying to avoid. They also meet one another and like one another in the wild, which, again, adds a sweetness to the story.

Highly recommend for those curious about the trope but not wanting to go into darker territory quite yet.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Categories
After Dark Contemporary Fiction Romance Spicy🌶️ Supernatural

KNOT THEIR BURDEN

By Melissa Huxley. Audiobook. Pub Date 10/21/25

Rating 3*

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Sage was perfectly content in her little bubble, working and living as a Beta at a large company. Keeping in her own lane and not making any waves.

Until the universe decided to give her an abrupt status change.

When a far from ideal development occurs and throws everything in her life into utter chaos, Sage is forced into an unforgiving world of Alphas, brutality, and pack politics.

She is nothing like the Omega they imagined, and they are far from the Alphas she pictured.

Can four alluring Alphas give her back some semblance of her life and give her the freedom she fears is slipping through her hands? Or will she be stuck in a world where she is destined to be owned and destroyed?”

REVIEW

If you are looking for a trashy reverse harem werewolf romance this is a good, quick read to fill that need. When I say trashy, I mean that in a good way. The way that some reality TV is bad for you but it’s a guilty indulgence. This has a ton of spice (obviously), and the narrators do pretty well, although I’m not a huge fan of the breathy drama ‘sexy’ voice. It makes it feel a little cheesy, although it kind of is. The characters don’t have a lot of depth, but that’s part of the charm. It was a nice “Brainbreak” from the normal dark romance subject matter that I’ve been injecting into my brain lately, but just as many chili peppers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the advanced Audiobook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Romance Spicy🌶️ Survival

A SCAR IN THE BONE

By Sophie Jordan, Pub Date 10-14-2025

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“It’s been a year since Tamsyn transformed. From royal whipping girl in the palace of Penterra to the bride of Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands. From the enemy in the Beast’s bed to the wife he sacrificed himself to save. From an ordinary girl…to a dragon. And not just any dragon—a powerful fire-breather…and the best hope to keep magic from flickering out forever.

With Fell gone, torn from her side in the dangerous swirling mists of the Crags, Tamsyn is heartbroken and alone among the dragon pride. An unwelcome outsider still learning to survive in this fiery skin of hers within a new cutthroat society, she trains in the arena until her muscles burn and her blood spills. Slowly, Tamsyn forges herself into a warrior in the shadow of Fell’s enigmatic brother, Vetr, whose silver eyes track her with distrust…and maybe something more.

But is Fell truly beyond her reach? Their bond pulls at her, as fiercely as the drive to protect both humans and dragonkind from the growing threat posed by Stig, once her closest friend, now a relentless enemy determined to hunt her down and destroy her—and with her, all things magic.

Magic stirs in the darkness, strengthening all who believe in it. But will it be enough to save Tamsyn, the pride, the kingdom…and a fiery love fated to endure for centuries, as deep as a scar in the bone?”

THOUGHTS

This book was absolutely heart wrenching but in the best way possible. There was a very tasty love triangle and enemies at every turn. There’s revenge, romance, intrigue, and anything else you could ask of a good fantasy. I adore Sophie Jordan, but I had not read her fantasy before this prequel series to Firelight. In other words, I have not read the Firelight series, but if it’s anything like this one, I probably need it on my TBR stat.

This is not a standalone and you need to read the first in the prequel series before you dive into this one. There’s no way you can appreciate the depths of the betrayals and the highs of the revenge scenes if you don’t. I love a good romantasy and this was a FEAST!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Fantasy Romance RomCom Spicy🌶️ Supernatural Witchy!

DEALING WITH A DESPERATE DEMON

By Charlotte Stein. Pub Date 10-07-2025

Rating – 4.5*s

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

Nancy has just about given up on finding her special person when Jack Jackson—big, scary and the town loser—walks into her bookstore. He’s apparently even more desperate for help in the romance department than she is. And after a bit of gentle persuasion, he finally accepts her guidance in securing his dream girl. Practice dates, lessons in tenderness—you name it, she can teach it.

There’s just one problem: his dream girl might have more than an issue with his dating skills. Because Jack isn’t just a little clueless; he’s actually the demonic son of Satan, from the deepest depths of hell. He’s spent his entire long underlife dragging evildoers to their fates, while really trying not to live up to his dad’s expectations.

Now, it isn’t just about getting a date with his dream girl. He needs to become a better man to win over the woman he’s been cosmically bound to, in a Beauty and the Beast style pact. If he fails, everyone he cares for will face a terrible fate. Luckily for him, Nancy may well be the witch she’s always tried to pretend she wasn’t. She can save him, he knows it—and she’s starting to know it too. Even if every day spent with him is an agonising reminder that she isn’t the girl he’s fated for.

But as the deadline approaches she’s starting to wonder… Could it be that she’s finally found her Prince? Or is she about to lose her heart to hell?

THOUGHTS:

I love a Charlotte Stein book, and this one was a pretty good supernatural romance. It was a very grumpy sunshine, he fell first romance. The secretly cinnamon roll-esque grumpy lead and a sunshine bookworm with a healthy bit of CPTSD gives it a little more bite.

I think the best part of this book is the way the “I can’t tell you about my curse” plays out. As always. It leads to misunderstandings and misadventures, but it goes beyond that, too, because Jack is also up against Nancy’s self doubt and the fact that she has no idea that Jack is holding a candle for her, and he hasn’t the slightest idea that the flame has been lit on hers, too.

As always, the spicy scenes are SPICY and Stein is able to keep the problems relatable, even with a sentient truck involved.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
After Dark Contemporary Fiction Spicy🌶️ Thick Babes

COME OUT COME OUT

By Alexia Onyx. Pub Date 8/26/25

Rating 3.5*s

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“She’s creeping slowly toward death. He’s determined to keep her alive.

Aiden

My little wraith torments herself in a desperate attempt to escape from the pain that runs deep in her veins. I could be that escape if she’d only let me. I will own her pain, her suffering, and her pleasure. I just need her to see me.

Skye

Every day is a burden that pushes me closer and closer to my end. I always found the notion of death romantic; I never could have predicted how right I would be.

Contains mature themes.”

REVIEW

I was pretty psyched to receive this audiobook as an ARC. Grayson Owens is one of my top masc audiobook readers. I also read that this was a super dark romance with a thick lady main and I’m all about that representation.

The premise was interesting, the narration was great, and the story was very spicy. I saw the pattern for Aiden’s corporeal visiting hours almost right away. I also like Skye, though there is a good reason for the self harm trigger warnings, so if they bother you I advise either skipping this one or proceeding with extreme caution.

I am into the cat and mouse thing that has been a recent trend in erotica romantic fiction and this story had plenty of that in it and Aiden’s obsession with Skye was at the exact right pitch. It was mostly fantastic.

I really enjoyed this up until the very last scene, which left me in existential crisis mode a little. It was super great until that point, but it kind of felt like it was trying to one-up similar books and sort of overshot it from enjoyable and hot f*##$% up to disturbing. Again, I loved it up until the end. It was so nice having a bigger body represented in one of these obsessive romances, but I feel like the HEA could have ended better. I wish I could say more, but I don’t really want to spoil it. Some people may find it to be very Romeo and Juliette coded, so if you’re into that you would probably really like this, but R&J has never really been my cup of tea. I will definitely be going back to listen to a few scenes again because it is good and although I didn’t like the ending, the rest was worth the listen.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.