The Beeswax: Screen Stars, Scandals, and Stunts
- Ingrid Rivera
- Apr 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Our Beeswax post aims to provide recommendations for readers seeking wholesome and enriching stories, without the added spice found in some novels. As a reminder, below is our Sticky Scale, which breaks down our spice ratings to help readers make informed choices.
Wax
The first of the three ratings is Wax. Just like handling wax, which can be slippery yet becomes brittle when dried, Wax books contain no explicit sensuality. While physical romance may be hinted at or described in general terms, it will not be detailed.
Honey
Moving up a step, the second rating is Honey. As you can imagine, honey is significantly stickier than wax, but more importantly, it is sweeter. Honey books offer a perfect option for readers seeking a more adventurous read without delving into spicy territory. In simpler
terms, think "fade to black." These books may include moderate sensuality, and physical actions will be described and detailed but won't be explicitly written. If you're unsure whether you're ready for a truly spicy book, these recommendations are sure to help!
Nectar
At last, we've arrived at the final rating: Nectar. These books are not for the faint of heart, I can guarantee you that. These books will have your blood pumping, your palms sweating, and your heart racing. Whether you're into the typical, the taboos, or any of
the myriad kinks out there, this section will surely have something for you! But be warned, our Nectar recommendations will feature explicit sensuality and go beyond what's appropriate for anyone under the age of 18. Sex will be depicted in graphic detail, and
there's always a chance that acts beyond intercourse may make an appearance. So, strap in, grab your favorite drink, and settle into your favorite spot as you venture into a world of new experiences or revisit your favorite smutty reads.
Love in the Spotlight
An Unexpected Homecoming
When life veers off course, sometimes the only remedy is to return to where it all began. Portia MacIntosh does just that as she invites readers to embark on a heartwarming journey of love, laughter, and second chances. Emmy Palmer, the beloved star of the fantasy series "Bragadon Forest," finds herself thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons when scandal rocks her glamorous life in London. Faced with the need to lay low and escape the chaos of the city, Emmy reluctantly returns to her seaside hometown, seeking refuge and solace among familiar faces and childhood memories.
As Emmy navigates the complexities of her newfound situation, her agent suggests a surprising opportunity: starring in the community Christmas pantomime. But what could be more unexpected than discovering that her leading man is none other than her ex-boyfriend, the one she left behind when she embarked on her journey to fame and fortune in London? As rehearsals for the pantomime ensue, Emmy finds herself entangled in a web of emotions as old feelings resurface and new connections are forged. Amidst the festive cheer and theatrical antics, the age-old question looms large: will they or won't they reignite the flame that once burned between them?
A Star of Stage and Screen
The first of this month's Wax book recommendations is Will They, Won't They? by Portia MacIntosh.
When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began... Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London. But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass. Emmy's agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago... As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is - Will they? Won't they? |
MacIntosh weaves a tale of romance, redemption, and the power of forgiveness in Will They, Won't They?. With her trademark wit and charm, she brings to life a cast of endearing characters who leap off the page. From Emmy's journey of self-discovery to the heartwarming bonds forged in the close-knit community, every aspect of the story resonates with warmth and sincerity. At its core, "it reminds us that true happiness often lies in embracing the unexpected twists and turns of life and finding joy in the simplest of moments. Offering a delightful romp through the highs and lows of love and life, sprinkled with humor, heart, and a generous dose of holiday magic, the story is sure to delight. With its irresistible charm and clever premise, this novel is sure to capture the hearts of readers.
Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages. Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire. You can keep up with her releases and the author herself by visiting her website portiamacintosh.com.
The Boy Next Door
Friendly Neigborhood Competition
If you're searching for a delightful and heartwarming read that will leave you laughing out loud and swooning with delight, look no further. This charming romantic comedy is packed with humor, wit, and a healthy dose of rivalry-turned-romance that will keep you eagerly turning pages until the very end. Meet Bree Leake, a free-spirited and independent actress who's always been on the move. But just when Bree is ready to pack her bags and move on again, her parents present her with an irresistible offer: if she stays put in Abingdon for one full year, they'll give her the one thing she's always wanted—her grandmother's house. It seems like Bree's dreams are finally coming true, until life throws her some unexpected curveballs.
Enter Bree's new neighbor, Chip McBride. For the first time in her life, Bree has met her match in another person, and it is driving her crazy. Desperate to reclaim her peace and quiet, Bree embarks on a mission to drive Chip out of the neighborhood. Despite her best efforts to drive him away, Bree finds herself drawn to Chip in ways she never expected. As their playful rivalry escalates, so do their feelings for each other, blurring the lines between love and hate.
The Other Side of the Fence
Lock your doors because our second Wax Book recommendation is about to rock the neighborhood: The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson.
Actress Bree Leake doesn't want to be tied down, but just when it's time to move on again, Bree's parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she's always wanted—her grandmother's house. Her dreams are coming true... until life throws her some curve balls. And then there's her new neighbor. Chip McBride. For the first time in her life, she's met the person who could match her free-spirited air—and it's driving her to the ledge of sanity. She would move heaven and earth to have him out of her life, but according to the bargain she's struck, she cannot move out of her house and away from the man who's making her life miserable. So begins Bree's obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast. Bree isn't the only one who's a wee bit competitive, and as Chip registers what Bree's up to, he's more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur. Good fences make good neighbors—and sometimes love and hate share a backyard. |
The Cul-de-Sac War is a delightful romp through the ups and downs of love and rivalry, sprinkled with humor, heart, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Melissa Ferguson's witty prose and endearing characters will capture your heart from the very first page and leave you smiling long after you've finished the book. So if you're in the mood for a feel-good read that's guaranteed to lift your spirits and leave you grinning from ear to ear, this is it. Trust me—you won't be able to put it down!
Melissa Ferguson is the bestselling author of titles including Meet Me in the Margins, The Dating Charade, and The Cul-de-Sac War. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and children in their growing farmhouse lifestyle and writes heartwarming romantic comedies that have been featured in such places as The Hollywood Reporter, Travel + Leisure, Woman’s World, and BuzzFeed. You can keep up to date with Melissa and her books by visiting her website melissaferguson.com.
IF YOU READ ANY OF OUR MONTHLY HONEYPOT BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS, WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN THE QUEEN'S CORNER TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
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