The Spice Rack: From the Instagram Feed to the Locker Room
- Ingrid Rivera
- Feb 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Spice comes in many forms and varieties---both literally and in literature---and that is why this section has been titled The Spice Rack. Some like their spice, like cinnamon and clove, just enough to get your heart going but more of an add-on than a focal point. Others prefer a more even split, like paprika or coriander, where it is very much present and sharing the stage with the story. But those who like to live on the edge know that the best spice comes from the ones, like black pepper or chili flakes, that will just not be ignored. They take center stage and really turn the heat up on the full blast. Regardless of where you fall on your spice intake, one thing is for sure: there is something out there for everyone.
As a reminder, below is the structure of our Sticky Scale.
Wax
The first of the three ratings---and the one to which we dedicate this post---is Wax. Anyone who has previously handled wax knows it can be a slippery substance, but it becomes brittle when dried. Therefore, Wax books have no explicit sensuality. Physical romance
may be described in general terms or implied, but your innocence will remain intact.
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's monthly section is The Sweet Spot because these books will be the perfect option for those looking for a more...
adventurous read while not devolving into spicy territory. In simpler terms, think fade to black. There is sure to be moderate sensuality, and physical actions will be described and detailed but will not be explicitly written. If you're unsure of whether you are ready for a
true spicy book, these recommendations are sure to help!
Nectar
At last, we have arrived at the last of the ratings: Nectar. These books are not for the faint of heart; I can guarantee you that. Nectar's monthly section has been deemed The Spice Rack (if you know, you know). These books will have your blood flowing, your palms
sweating, and your heartbeat racing. Whether you're into the sweet stuff, the taboos, or any of the laundry list of kinks out there, this section will surely have something for you! Be warned, our Nectar recommendations will have explicit sensuality and go beyond what is
appropriate for anyone under the age of 18. Sex will be written in graphic detail, and there is 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.
The Truth Behind the Feed
A Feed of Lies
Social media has quickly become the birthplace of threats and deceit for those who have used it since it was introduced. The people we often idolize and lift up on these platforms are the same ones who present a persona to the world. It's true that sometimes you must present a crafted version of yourself to the world when it's a choice, but there comes a point when a line is crossed. This is the concept presented in the first of this month's picks as author Ana Huang pits an influencer who hides her truth from her followers with a man who hides his truth behind a mask. When lies and half-truths collide, and the two are forced together by the universe---and maybe a bit of manipulation---their secrets are powerless against the feelings they bring out in each other. But those same secrets could threaten to topple the haven they forge for themselves in the end.
Masks & Facades
Our first Spice Rack pick this month is Twisted Lies by Ana Huang.
He'll do anything to have her...including lie. Charming, deadly, and smart enough to hide it, Christian Harper is a monster dressed in the perfectly tailored suits of a gentleman. He has little use for morals and even less use for love, but he can’t deny the strange pull he feels toward the woman living just one floor below him. She’s the object of his darkest desires, the only puzzle he can’t solve. And when the opportunity to get closer to her arises, he breaks his own rules to offer her a deal she can’t refuse. Every monster has their weakness. She’s his. His obsession. His addiction. His only exception. ** Sweet, shy, and introverted despite her social media fame, Stella Alonso is a romantic who keeps her heart in a cage. Between her two jobs, she has little time or desire for a relationship. But when a threat from her past drives her into the arms—and house—of the most dangerous man she’s ever met, she’s tempted to let herself feel something for the first time in a long time. Because despite Christian’s cold nature, he makes her feel everything when she’s with him. Passionate. Protected. Truly wanted. Theirs is a love twisted with secrets and tainted by lies…and when the truths are finally revealed, they could shatter everything. |
In the fourth book of her Twisted series, Ana Huang delivers a steamy slow burn romance featuring some of the most favorited tropes of the romance genre. From fake dating to forced proximity to Possession, this book brings it all wrapped up in a fiery collision between Introverted sweetheart Stella and Brilliant but deadly Christian. When their upstairs-downstairs neighbor situation turns into a moving in together situationship, they can't help the pull they force on each other. Stella is Christians one weakness, his one exception, and Christian is Stella's sexual reawakening, bringing out sensations she had long since felt. Its a relationship marred in lies, a living situation fir to push them both to their limits, and a love story so fragile the first secret to spill runs the risk of shattering their world.
Ana Huang is a New York Times, USA Today, international, and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Best known for her Twisted series, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance with deliciously alpha heroes, strong heroines, and plenty of steam, angst, and swoon sprinkled in. Her books have been sold to over two dozen foreign publishers for translation and featured in outlets such as NPR, Cosmopolitan, Financial Times, and Glamour UK. A self-professed travel enthusiast, she loves incorporating beautiful destinations into her stories and will never say no to a good chai latte. When she’s not reading or writing, Ana is busy daydreaming and scouring Yelp for her next favorite restaurant.. You can learn more about Huang and explore her many works at anahuang.com.
Dashing Through the Snow
Skating onto the Scene
In honor of having a hockey romance in both of our previous Honeypot posts, we fet it only fitting to wrap out this month's selections with one that truly mealts the ice. As wedon our skates once more, we find oourselves sliding into the world of the Calgary Outlaws, where our two leading men find their worlds come together. One is a is chasing a dream to leave his small-town behind and play in the NHL while the other is the son of a hockey legend. Despite their differences, both men find they struggle with confidence and fitting in. When they both find themselves spending the winter together with the Calgary Outlaws, and finding their way into a rommates situation, you just know the sparks were bound to fly.
Hockey, Holidays, and...Hickeys
t's time to shine a spotlight on our second pick for this month's Spice Rack category: Time to Shine by Rachel Reid.
A merry and bright hockey romance about finding your place, finding your people and finding your way back to the one you love the most. For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes. The only player who doesn’t seem to notice is Calgary’s superstar young winger, Casey Hicks. Casey treats Landon like an old friend, even though they’ve only interacted briefly in the past. He’s endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon absolutely can’t relate to. They couldn’t have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that’s not a hotel room and Casey has just bought a massive house—and hates being alone. As roommates, Casey refuses to be defeated by Landon’s one-word answers. As friends, Landon comes to notice a few things about Casey, like his wide, easy smile and sparkling green-blue eyes. Spending the holidays together only intensifies their bromance-turned-romance. But as the new year approaches, the countdown to the end of Landon’s time in Calgary is on. |
Landon, the small-town boy longing to play in the NHL never expected to be pulled to joing the Calgary Outlaws, albeit temporarily, but when he is, he couldn't be more ecstatic about the chance even if it means spending the entire time on the bench just waiting for a moment to shine. WHat's more, he could never have expected the force of nature that is Casey Hicks, the Outlaw's superstar winger and son of a Hockey legend. But Casey is nothign like Landon would have thought and treats Landon like they have been freidns for years. It's a shock to Landon, with his longer nature and introverted self, but Casey doesn't seem to notice and when Landon needs a place to stay, Casey is all-too-happy to offer up his house. Its a win-win for both men as Landon seeks a place to stay and Casey hates being alone. But Landon's time with the Outlaws has been limited from the start and as his looming departure draws ever closer, can the two men who have found somethign special in each other during their time together survive the coming change.
Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen! Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players. Her Game Changers m/m hockey romance series is available from Carina Press. Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids. You can keep up to date with Reid and her releases by visiting her website rachelreidwrites.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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