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The Honeypot: December's Sweet & Spicy Book Picks

Welcome to our tantalizing journey through the literary spice rack! We're diving deep into the world of books, exploring the spectrum from the mild to the fiery hot. Just like spices add flavor and excitement to our favorite dishes, books can range from subtle and understated to bold and intense in their storytelling. Join us as we embark on a flavorful adventure, uncovering titles that offer a little extra zest and heat to your reading experience. Whether you're craving a gentle simmer or a full-blown inferno of emotions, there's something on this spicy bookshelf for every palate. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to spice up your reading like never before!


a line of eight red peppers

Content & Trigger Disclaimer: The books featured below contain mature themes and explicit sexual content that may not be suitable for readers under the age of 18. While we strive to offer a diverse selection of literature in our Honeypot section, we acknowledge that some content may not be appropriate for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised, and we encourage adult readers to explore these titles with an open mind and awareness of their content. Additionally, we remind parents and guardians to exercise caution and discretion when selecting reading material for younger audiences.

 
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The Beeswax


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. These picks aim to provide recommendations for readers seeking wholesome and enriching stories without the added spice found in some novels.


 
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune book cover

The Christmas Tree Farm

by Melody Carlson


When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.


With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.



 
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore book cover

This Is Not a Holiday Romance

by Camilla Isley


Nina Thompson has one Christmas wish: to avoid her brother’s obnoxiously handsome best friend, Tristan, like the plague. From the moment he humiliated her as a teenager to their escalating revenge schemes, Nina and Tristan’s relationship can only be defined as an all-out prank war! And there is yet to be a winner.


But it just so happens the ghost of Christmas present has other ideas. When Tristan unexpectedly crashes her family’s Christmas, Nina’s dreams of a peaceful holiday vanish faster than Santa up a chimney. Determined to end their rivalry for good, she braces herself for one last prank-filled showdown.


But when they find themselves snowed in, with no way of avoiding each other amongst the holiday festivities, they discover their heated exchanges have been masking a different kind of sizzle. Caught in a snow globe of holiday romance, they decide to let their fiery chemistry burn bright—but this is absolutely and unequivocally nothing more than a secret fling destined to melt with the snow, this is not a forever romance…



 
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The Sweet Spot


Moving up a step, the second rating is Honey. Honey is significantly stickier than wax, but more importantly, it is sweeter. These curated books strike the perfect balance between intimacy and storytelling. In simpler terms, think "fade to black." These books may include moderate sensuality and physical actions, which will be described in detail but not explicitly written. Whether you're intrigued by the idea of diving into a spicy read or prefer to ease into it gradually, these selections are tailor-made for you.


 
The Fate of Stars by SD Simper book cover

The Christmas Tree Farm

by Laurie Gilmore


Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.


Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.


After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.


Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.


But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questioning why she refused help in the first place.



 
Alexander by Harlowe Savage book cover

Christmas Sweater Weather

by Jaqueline Snowe


Charlotte Calhoun has avoided Hayden Porter, her older brother’s sexy-as-sin best friend, ever since that mortifying night when he flat-out rejected her. She’s crushed on him forever, while he’s made it crystal clear he only sees her as a silly kid sister. Fine. Except this Christmas season, they’re thrown together at a snowy ski resort for her brother's bachelor party, complete with mistletoe, cozy fireplaces, and adjoining rooms. She can tell herself to get over Hayden, but holiday cheer is turning to holiday lust every time he is within ten feet of her. 


Between being a full-time single father and his high-pressure college coaching job, a romantic relationship is off the table for Hayden. But every time he gets near Charlotte-all-grown-up, his feelings are anything but casual. So far, they have managed to keep their sexy times under wraps so that they don’t cause conflict on her brother’s big day. But a secret weekend fling is one thing. It’s two long weeks until the wedding, and hiding their growing feelings is going to take a Christmas miracle.



 
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The Spice Rack


At last, we've arrived at the final rating: Nectar. These books are not for the faint of heart; that much is guaranteed. They will have your blood pumping, your palms sweating, and your heart racing. Whether you're into the typical, the taboo, or any of the myriad kinks out there, this section will surely have something for you! Our recommendations will feature explicit sensuality, sex will be depicted in graphic detail, and there's always a chance that acts beyond intercourse may make an appearance.


 
Kings Rising by CS Pacat book cover

Meet Me in Los Feliz

by Kelly Reynolds


A California Christmas is all Nora’s ever known. She’s got everything she needs in Los Angeles – a flexible part-time nannying position, roommates who might as well be her family, and an acting career in the making. The last thing she’s looking for is a relationship. So why does this redheaded, dirty-talking Brit suddenly have her tinsel in a twist?


Bowie has a nasty habit of falling too hard, too quickly. When he finds himself suddenly single (yet again) just before the holidays, he decides to take his friends’ advice and try something new: a holiday fling. Seems easy enough until he meets Nora, the hypnotic, purple-haired goddess with curves for days, who just so happens to be his ex’s sister’s roommate.


She just wants something casual for Christmas.

He doesn’t think he’ll be able to let her go come Boxing Day.


Can they turn their naughty month together into something nice forever?



 
Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert book cover

His for Hanukkah

by Reese Morrison


Most people like vacations. And Christmas. They both make Adam want to scream. And kick things. Anxious, lonely, Jewish, and in serious need of a Daddy, Adam finally loses it in the lobby of his favorite BDSM club--right in front of the guy he's been crushing on.


Tate's been dreaming about Adam for a long time. Trying to pick him up for a scene seemed to scare him away, and he worries that Adam wasn't as accepting of his transgender status as he'd hoped. But when the sobbing boy seeks comfort in his arms, he hopes this can be another chance.


When Tate learns how invisible Adam feels being Jewish during "the holiday season," he sets out to win his boy over by making him his for Hanukkah. He plans to spoil him with eight nights of affection, laughter, and submission, showing Adam that he can be the Daddy that he deserves. But will it be enough for Tate to keep him after the holiday's over?



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