The Spice Rack: (Holi)Days and (Late) Nights
- Victor Castillo
- Apr 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Spice comes in a myriad of forms and varieties, encompassing both the literal flavors and the figurative elements that add zest to literature. Just as in cooking, where some prefer a hint of cinnamon or clove to subtly elevate a dish, while others crave the bold kick of black pepper or chili flakes, readers also have their preferences when it comes to the level of spice in their literary adventures. 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.
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Holiday Cheer
'Tis the season to jingle those balls – and we're not just talking about ornaments on the tree! Get ready to kick off the holiday spirit with a sizzling collection of romantic comedy stories that are sure to warm even the chilliest winter night. Twenty of today's rom-com authors have come together to deliver a festive treat that's guaranteed to leave you laughing, swooning, and feeling merry and bright in all the right places. But there's more to this steamy set than just heartwarming stories and crackling chemistry. With each purchase, you'll also be supporting a worthy cause. That's right – proceeds from this spicy anthology will benefit the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, helping to raise awareness and support for those affected by this important issue.
Ho, Ho, Ho
Our first Nectar pick this month is Jingle Balls by various authors.
Jingle those balls for a great cause and get a head start on the holiday spirit with this spicy collection of romantic comedy stories. Twenty of today’s most entertaining rom-com authors have teamed up to go #Nuts4Books. Proceeds from this steamy set will benefit the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation. Curve Ball by Aidy Award I Told You So by Serena Bell Sleigh My Name by Kilby Blades A Blue Balled Holiday by Dylann Crush Jingle Ball Bender by Sophia Henry Ball Sacked by Christina Hovland Coldcocked by Saint Nick by Melonie Johnson Under the Mistletoe by Tawdra Kandle Decidedly for Christmas by Stina Lindenblatt Licking His Candy Cane by Elizabeth Lynx Wrapped Up With You by Claire Marti One Jingle or Two by MK Meredith Rockin’ Around the Jingle Balls Ball by Susannah Nix Lick My Snowballs by Tracey Pedersen Deck the Halls With Balls by Marika Ray Not So Silent Night by Piper Rayne Out of the Eggnog by Arell Rivers Mistletoe Hearts by Brenda St. John Brown Scoring a Holiday Match by Delancey Stewart Nuts About You by Sylvie Stewart |
These talented storytellers have pulled out all the stops to deliver a holiday anthology that's as spicy as it is sweet, as hilarious as it is heartwarming. So why not treat yourself – and support a good cause in the process? Get ready to jingle all the way to a happier, healthier future for all. After all, 'tis better to give – and receive (ha!) – than to miss out on the chance to spread joy and goodwill to all. Let's make this read one to remember – one jingle at a time!
Authors include Aidy Award, Serena Bell, Kilby Blades, Dylann Crush, Sophia Henry, Christina Hovland, Melonie Johnson, Tawdra Kandle, Stina Lindenblatt, Elizabeth Lynx, Claire Marti, MK Meredith, Susannah Nix, Tracey Pederson, Marika Ray, Piper Rayne, Arell Rivers, Brenda St. John Brown, Delancey Stewart, and Sylvie Stewart.
Banging On The Wall
Thick Walls Make Good Neighbors
Are you in the mood for a story that will make you laugh out loud, swoon with delight, and maybe even blush a little? This delightful rom-com serves up a generous helping of humor, steamy chemistry, and unforgettable characters that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The story kicks off when Caroline moves into her new apartment, only to discover that her walls are paper-thin – and her neighbor's bed seems to be constantly in use. Thanks to the athletic prowess of her unseen neighbor, Caroline finds herself privy to the intimate sounds of his nocturnal adventures. But as entertaining as it may be to listen to the parade of women coming and going, Caroline's fantasies soon keep her up at night, too. Determined to put an end to the wallbanging that's keeping her awake, Caroline confronts her neighbor – the mysterious and undeniably attractive Simon Parker. What follows is a hilarious and steamy game of cat and mouse as Caroline and Simon navigate their undeniable chemistry and the thin walls that separate them.
Thin Walls Make Good Lovers
Our second Nectar pick for this month is Wallbanger by Alice Clayton.
The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she's gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor's nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy's athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly... In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight... |
Alice Clayton has crafted a story that is equal parts silly and steamy, with characters you can't help but root for and laugh along with. From the laugh-out-loud moments to the sizzling sexual tension, Wallbanger will leave you grinning, and blushing, from ear to ear. So if you're in need of a pick-me-up, a good laugh, or just a feel-good read to brighten your day, this is the book for you. With its witty dialogue, irresistible romance, and laugh-out-loud humor, it's the perfect book to curl up with and escape into a world of laughter, love, and happily ever afters. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
Alice Clayton worked in the cosmetics industry for over a decade before picking up a pen (read laptop). She enjoys gardening but not weeding, baking but not cleaning up, and finally convinced her long-time boyfriend to marry her. She has a delightful pooch named Matilda. You can keep up to date with Alice and her works by visiting her website authoraliceclayton.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.
Comments