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The Hornets Nest #1
Bad Honey
Estella Meile is running.
Running from the death of her parents and twin brother.
She’s sprinting and stumbling from the guilt that chases her over causing the accident.
A failed fastpitch star she tracks across the country she moves in with her best friend Zoey and tries to find peace by throwing herself into her studies. If she can keep her head down and finish her last year of school then she can separate the old Ella and the new. But Harbor University has other plans for her. Silas Shore hires her as the medical team's intern and thrusts her into the world of Hornets baseball without hesitation.
Captain Arlo King is a legacy all-star pitcher with a bad attitude and a dark past. A tangled history with his brother threatens to unravel everything. But he sets his sights on winning it all; he doesn't have time to be anything but focused. His team is falling apart, and his championship slipping through his fingers.
When Ella barrels into his life he’s unsure of how to stop her from unraveling everything he’s ever known. She’s sweet, caring, and broken in ways he could never understand. Slowly his priorities shift, opening his eyes to something other than baseball and his tortured past.
Running from the death of her parents and twin brother.
She’s sprinting and stumbling from the guilt that chases her over causing the accident.
A failed fastpitch star she tracks across the country she moves in with her best friend Zoey and tries to find peace by throwing herself into her studies. If she can keep her head down and finish her last year of school then she can separate the old Ella and the new. But Harbor University has other plans for her. Silas Shore hires her as the medical team's intern and thrusts her into the world of Hornets baseball without hesitation.
Captain Arlo King is a legacy all-star pitcher with a bad attitude and a dark past. A tangled history with his brother threatens to unravel everything. But he sets his sights on winning it all; he doesn't have time to be anything but focused. His team is falling apart, and his championship slipping through his fingers.
When Ella barrels into his life he’s unsure of how to stop her from unraveling everything he’s ever known. She’s sweet, caring, and broken in ways he could never understand. Slowly his priorities shift, opening his eyes to something other than baseball and his tortured past.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
96 people are currently reading
1611 people want to read
About the author
Aubrey Taylor
18 books130 followersAubrey Taylor is a 32-year-old mom living in chilly Canada with her two kids and wonderful husband. Raised by Dean Winchester, Percy Jackson, and horror movies. She's a loud, nerdy, sarcastic lover of stories. Her favourites always including chosen families and adventure. She has been writing and creating stories from her dreams ever since she could remember. With massive emotions of her own, she puts her entire heart into her characters and stories. Aubrey's favorite genres are fantasy, reverse harem romance, and contemporary romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
May 11, 2024
If you’re not ready to ugly cry, maybe read something else because this book will break your heart💔 It broke mine anyway.
It handled triggers so well and didn’t overcomplicate the characters' emotions or add unnecessary plot lines for dramatic effect.
The content warning is extensive, but the main triggers seem to be drug addiction, physical abuse, PTSD and alcoholism. There are a lot more, so make sure you read the whole list.
When you start the book you are greeted with a definition page, which is very long. I understand that it’s great to have, but you probably won’t look back on it (I didn't anyway) and you will generally pick up on what stuff means.
———
So in this book, we are introduced to Ella and Arlo. Ella is a physical therapist intern and Arlo is a Star baseball player. It’s in no way a straightforward romance, but I much preferred it this way.
Ella was a very lovable and approachable character, whereas Arlo was well-liked, but had a very hard exterior. This was evident when he had to make hard decisions as the Captain of the team.
Both characters had experienced trauma, but their experiences didn’t necessarily overlap, except when it came to grief. I liked that they didn’t always know each other's pain, but they could sympathise with how the other felt.
One plotline I initially struggled with was the abuse that happened to Arlo. In my mind, I didn’t understand why he kept returning to a place he knew abuse would occur when he lived in a safe environment. The story does explain why in greater detail and again I cried. Once explained it did make complete sense to me, but as I haven't experienced what the character had it took me a little while longer.
I would categorise this as an Enemies to Friends to Lovers. It’s kind of a slow burn that at times focuses more on healing from trauma before the romance gets involved.
It was very much a ‘found family’ trope as well, as the rest of the baseball team was heavily featured and bonded through the sport. However, they seem to adopt Ella into the fold really quickly and act as a support for her.
The friendship with Silas was initially my favourite until Cael came onto the scene and then all bets were off. They had such a sweet ‘sibling’ relationship and he was a very funny character.
For me, I will say some chapters may have gone on for a little bit longer than needed, but I do like things to be straight to the point. Towards the end of the book, after a specific resolution happened, I didn’t necessarily see the need for so many chapters to follow it. I’m not lowering the score though because I got to these chapters when it was like 3 am, so that may have played into it 😅🫠 I can’t really leave some books unread.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!! It seemed very well written and the relationship flowed really naturally. Also, I love the cover, it definitely drew me in.
Sidenote - They call the groupie girls ‘bat bunnies’ which honestly took me a minute to understand 😅
It handled triggers so well and didn’t overcomplicate the characters' emotions or add unnecessary plot lines for dramatic effect.
The content warning is extensive, but the main triggers seem to be drug addiction, physical abuse, PTSD and alcoholism. There are a lot more, so make sure you read the whole list.
When you start the book you are greeted with a definition page, which is very long. I understand that it’s great to have, but you probably won’t look back on it (I didn't anyway) and you will generally pick up on what stuff means.
———
So in this book, we are introduced to Ella and Arlo. Ella is a physical therapist intern and Arlo is a Star baseball player. It’s in no way a straightforward romance, but I much preferred it this way.
Ella was a very lovable and approachable character, whereas Arlo was well-liked, but had a very hard exterior. This was evident when he had to make hard decisions as the Captain of the team.
Both characters had experienced trauma, but their experiences didn’t necessarily overlap, except when it came to grief. I liked that they didn’t always know each other's pain, but they could sympathise with how the other felt.
One plotline I initially struggled with was the abuse that happened to Arlo. In my mind, I didn’t understand why he kept returning to a place he knew abuse would occur when he lived in a safe environment. The story does explain why in greater detail and again I cried. Once explained it did make complete sense to me, but as I haven't experienced what the character had it took me a little while longer.
I would categorise this as an Enemies to Friends to Lovers. It’s kind of a slow burn that at times focuses more on healing from trauma before the romance gets involved.
It was very much a ‘found family’ trope as well, as the rest of the baseball team was heavily featured and bonded through the sport. However, they seem to adopt Ella into the fold really quickly and act as a support for her.
The friendship with Silas was initially my favourite until Cael came onto the scene and then all bets were off. They had such a sweet ‘sibling’ relationship and he was a very funny character.
For me, I will say some chapters may have gone on for a little bit longer than needed, but I do like things to be straight to the point. Towards the end of the book, after a specific resolution happened, I didn’t necessarily see the need for so many chapters to follow it. I’m not lowering the score though because I got to these chapters when it was like 3 am, so that may have played into it 😅🫠 I can’t really leave some books unread.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!! It seemed very well written and the relationship flowed really naturally. Also, I love the cover, it definitely drew me in.
Sidenote - They call the groupie girls ‘bat bunnies’ which honestly took me a minute to understand 😅
dnf
September 25, 2025DNF 30%
У цієї книги є багато схожого з Хлопцями Томмена, але у мене не склалися стосунки з авторським стилем.
ПЛЮСИ:
• Спорт. Якщо вам хочеться спортивного роману, зазирніть сюди, його тут багато. Авторка провела дійсно ґрунтовну роботу, тут навіть є глосарій з термінами. Спорт тут не просто на фоні, він основа.
• Знайдена родина та дружба. Чудова компанія друзів. Окремо мені сподобалась дружба Елли та Кайла. Хоча він спокійно міг замінити головного героя, між ними хімії було більше.
МІНУСИ:
• Стиль авторки. Це жахливо написано. Читається важко (і не через англ). Мені не вистачило чогось, що б зібрало цю історію до купи. Окремі думки є, але вони не клеються в одну картину. Враження ніби багато чого залишилось поза сторінками. І діалоги місцями дивні. Вони мали бути смішними, але більшу частину я стояла поруч ніби бідний родич і не розуміла про що вони говорять. Іноді доводилось перечитувати по декілька разів, щоб зрозуміти хто говорить 😂
• Про гг не можу судити, бо мало прочитала. Але до чоловіка було багато питань.
У цієї книги є багато схожого з Хлопцями Томмена, але у мене не склалися стосунки з авторським стилем.
ПЛЮСИ:
• Спорт. Якщо вам хочеться спортивного роману, зазирніть сюди, його тут багато. Авторка провела дійсно ґрунтовну роботу, тут навіть є глосарій з термінами. Спорт тут не просто на фоні, він основа.
• Знайдена родина та дружба. Чудова компанія друзів. Окремо мені сподобалась дружба Елли та Кайла. Хоча він спокійно міг замінити головного героя, між ними хімії було більше.
МІНУСИ:
• Стиль авторки. Це жахливо написано. Читається важко (і не через англ). Мені не вистачило чогось, що б зібрало цю історію до купи. Окремі думки є, але вони не клеються в одну картину. Враження ніби багато чого залишилось поза сторінками. І діалоги місцями дивні. Вони мали бути смішними, але більшу частину я стояла поруч ніби бідний родич і не розуміла про що вони говорять. Іноді доводилось перечитувати по декілька разів, щоб зрозуміти хто говорить 😂
• Про гг не можу судити, бо мало прочитала. Але до чоловіка було багато питань.
March 27, 2024
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛᴇʀᴡᴇɪɢʜᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴅ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʟɪꜰᴇ.” …
… “ᴍʏ ꜱᴜɴꜱʜɪɴᴇ ɪɴᴄᴀʀɴᴀᴛᴇ”
I don’t even know where to begin properly with this review like even just this is making me tear up and wanna cry. I would give anything to experience this book for the first time again. I am just in constant awe of the power that Aubrey’s words hold. I really wanna try to write this review sans spoilers so, bare with me lol.
Arlo and Ella’s romance is just so beautiful, by no means perfect and that is exactly what makes it perfect. But even more beautiful than their romance is their growth and their healing as they find themselves once again while finding each other.
THE TEARS THAT I SHED THIS ENTIRE BOOK.
Our little found family, The Harbor Hornets. I just, I love them all with every fiber of my being for their own particular reason and I am so grateful for how we get to see and experience all of them in the start to this series. And I absolutely cannot wait to meet them again. As soon as you start reading this book, ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴀ ʜᴏʀɴᴇᴛ.
Gracias Aubrey, for your passionate and caring way of writing mental health, addiction and representing the queer community. Y gracias, por regalarle este libro al mundo. Anybody who has the privilege to read this will be forever changed.
*taps two fingers to chest* 🤍
… “ᴍʏ ꜱᴜɴꜱʜɪɴᴇ ɪɴᴄᴀʀɴᴀᴛᴇ”
I don’t even know where to begin properly with this review like even just this is making me tear up and wanna cry. I would give anything to experience this book for the first time again. I am just in constant awe of the power that Aubrey’s words hold. I really wanna try to write this review sans spoilers so, bare with me lol.
Arlo and Ella’s romance is just so beautiful, by no means perfect and that is exactly what makes it perfect. But even more beautiful than their romance is their growth and their healing as they find themselves once again while finding each other.
THE TEARS THAT I SHED THIS ENTIRE BOOK.
Our little found family, The Harbor Hornets. I just, I love them all with every fiber of my being for their own particular reason and I am so grateful for how we get to see and experience all of them in the start to this series. And I absolutely cannot wait to meet them again. As soon as you start reading this book, ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴀ ʜᴏʀɴᴇᴛ.
Gracias Aubrey, for your passionate and caring way of writing mental health, addiction and representing the queer community. Y gracias, por regalarle este libro al mundo. Anybody who has the privilege to read this will be forever changed.
*taps two fingers to chest* 🤍
September 30, 2025
Rating : ☆☆☆☆☆
———
“𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬, 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵, “𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘵.”
———
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 : 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡
- 𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙊𝙑
- 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮
- 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙓 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘
- 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙
- 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 : 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮
- 𝙃𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩
- 𝙋𝙏𝙎𝘿 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙇𝙂𝘽𝙏𝙌+ 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙚 & 𝘾𝙖𝙥
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮 : 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨
✔️ Available On KU
———
This book was EVERYTHING and more. I was hooked from the get go, and found it VERY hard to put down.
Arlo and Ella’s story was so special, watching them go through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, it felt super real like I was watching them in real life, the way it was written had me reading like I was watching a tv show cause I could picture EVERY scene.
Arlo was everything that Ella needed and vice versa. The way he helps her heal through he trauma and her helping him with his just shows how perfect for eachother they were.
Another aspect I loved was that even though the book is mainly about Arlo and Ella, the rest of the group got SO much time in the spotlight, which helped the found family aspect shine through, I feel like I know every single one of them. The friendships are as important as the romantic relationship.
It’s so hard to pick favourites but apart from Ella and Arlo I felt such a special connection to Silas, Cael, Van, Dean and Zoey. Especially Silas and Cael. They really shined for me, and I can’t wait to get to know them more.
Ella and Cael’s friendship was the most purest thing, I love that we got a beautiful opposite sex friendship, cause I don’t see them much in books. Misery loves Misery 🫶🏼
I love sports romance so much, but especially when the actual sports games are HUGE elements. It makes the book in my opinion. Even tho I didn’t know what was going on it was great (I don’t know a thing about baseball) but I feel like I’m learning!
———
“𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦,” 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬, 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵, “𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘵.”
———
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 & 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :
- 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 : 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡
- 𝘿𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙊𝙑
- 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮
- 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙓 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘
- 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙
- 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 : 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮
- 𝙃𝙚 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩
- 𝙋𝙏𝙎𝘿 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙇𝙂𝘽𝙏𝙌+ 𝙍𝙚𝙥
- 𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 : 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙚 & 𝘾𝙖𝙥
- 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙭𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙮 : 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨
✔️ Available On KU
———
This book was EVERYTHING and more. I was hooked from the get go, and found it VERY hard to put down.
Arlo and Ella’s story was so special, watching them go through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, it felt super real like I was watching them in real life, the way it was written had me reading like I was watching a tv show cause I could picture EVERY scene.
Arlo was everything that Ella needed and vice versa. The way he helps her heal through he trauma and her helping him with his just shows how perfect for eachother they were.
Another aspect I loved was that even though the book is mainly about Arlo and Ella, the rest of the group got SO much time in the spotlight, which helped the found family aspect shine through, I feel like I know every single one of them. The friendships are as important as the romantic relationship.
It’s so hard to pick favourites but apart from Ella and Arlo I felt such a special connection to Silas, Cael, Van, Dean and Zoey. Especially Silas and Cael. They really shined for me, and I can’t wait to get to know them more.
Ella and Cael’s friendship was the most purest thing, I love that we got a beautiful opposite sex friendship, cause I don’t see them much in books. Misery loves Misery 🫶🏼
I love sports romance so much, but especially when the actual sports games are HUGE elements. It makes the book in my opinion. Even tho I didn’t know what was going on it was great (I don’t know a thing about baseball) but I feel like I’m learning!
December 4, 2024
Oh my. Oh my oh my. Where should I even start? THIS. IS. AMAZING. I wish there would be a higher number to rate this book because DAMN. I love it so so much. Aubrey Taylor did it once again. I will never get tired of her books and the fact this is a series of four books? *faint*
I can’t wait to see them all again in action (especially Cael).
I cried 6 times. 6. Times. Which is a lot. It wasn’t always just sad tears though! It’s just amazing how Aubrey makes people feel through her writing. The representation of mental health and addiction was SO GOOD. And the way she portraits the found family trope was incredible. It really felt like I was part of it. The friendships were top tier and I really need and want a Cael Cody in my life. The connection between Ella and him was something special and I really want to see more of that. But also Ella and Arlo??? Are you kidding me? THEY ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER. And they really complete each other in a lot of ways.
I will recommend this book as much as I can. It’s one of my favorite books now. I haven’t had that feeling of keeping up all night because I just can’t stop reading in a long time.
So, if you like: found family, sports romance, hurtXcomfort, a really hot bisexual best friend who would burn the world for you, a cute relationship that makes you heart flutter, really gooood spice that make your toes tingle - then this is for you!
I am so so proud of you, Aubrey, and I can’t wait to see where your journey is taking you. And I’m definitely excited to meet Cael and Clementine. I’m counting the days.
I can’t wait to see them all again in action (especially Cael).
I cried 6 times. 6. Times. Which is a lot. It wasn’t always just sad tears though! It’s just amazing how Aubrey makes people feel through her writing. The representation of mental health and addiction was SO GOOD. And the way she portraits the found family trope was incredible. It really felt like I was part of it. The friendships were top tier and I really need and want a Cael Cody in my life. The connection between Ella and him was something special and I really want to see more of that. But also Ella and Arlo??? Are you kidding me? THEY ARE SO CUTE TOGETHER. And they really complete each other in a lot of ways.
I will recommend this book as much as I can. It’s one of my favorite books now. I haven’t had that feeling of keeping up all night because I just can’t stop reading in a long time.
So, if you like: found family, sports romance, hurtXcomfort, a really hot bisexual best friend who would burn the world for you, a cute relationship that makes you heart flutter, really gooood spice that make your toes tingle - then this is for you!
I am so so proud of you, Aubrey, and I can’t wait to see where your journey is taking you. And I’m definitely excited to meet Cael and Clementine. I’m counting the days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
You know when you start a book, and you just instantly know it’s going to be a book that you will love? That was this one for me. Bad Honey is literally packed with all the emotions, angst, tension, friendships, found family, trauma and healing, I loved every minute of reading.
“𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.”
A new to me author, I added this to my goodreads list after seeing Tayla post about it, her book recs never fail me.
Do yourself a favour, read this book. I went in blind, I literally did not read the blurb so I was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was a sports romance 🤭 I’m already deep into book two and just as obsessed, because Cael Cody 😭
“𝑻𝒘𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.”
A new to me author, I added this to my goodreads list after seeing Tayla post about it, her book recs never fail me.
Do yourself a favour, read this book. I went in blind, I literally did not read the blurb so I was pleasantly surprised when I realised it was a sports romance 🤭 I’m already deep into book two and just as obsessed, because Cael Cody 😭
November 25, 2024
The amount of love I have for the Hornets is unreal. I love this group of found family so dang much. Arlo & Ella are just simply the best together and I love Cael Cody with all my heart.
September 6, 2025
My bestie has been begging me to read this series and I'm so mad at myself for not starting it sooner. I had the best time reading about Arlo and Ella and I honestly didn't want their book to end! I loved that the side characters had a lot of screen time even though the book wasn't necessarily about them. The found family trope was so prevalent and I loved it. I also loved all of the nicknames everyone had for each other, it warmed my heart every time.
I think Ella and Cael's platonic friendship is the sweetest thing and I loved watching them become closer and be there for each other. Friendships like that are so important no matter where you are in life and I can't wait to watch them thrive because I just have a feeling they'll show up in later books.
Arlo, my love, I'm so glad you got your shit together because for a second there I wanted to deck you in the face myself because what the hell!!!! I love his relationship with Ella and their banter is TOP TIER. I was giggling and kicking my feet because they fight so hard not to want each other when it's so obvious that's not the case. Ella is one of my favorite FMCs because she is so sassy, won't take shit from anyone, and has the biggest heart for the people she loves.
I had been meaning to ask why he always said two steps instead of one, but at that moment, I realized. It was because he wasn’t letting me walk alone. It was his step, in time with mine.
I did not cry with this book but I got VERY close because Aubrey started fucking with my heart and almost sent me over the edge hahah, forwarding my therapy bill STAT! I had a great time with this story but I would check TW before picking it up!
Bad Honey has:
- dual pov
- found family
- baseball !!
- cute nicknames
- forced proximity
- team captain x team medic
I think Ella and Cael's platonic friendship is the sweetest thing and I loved watching them become closer and be there for each other. Friendships like that are so important no matter where you are in life and I can't wait to watch them thrive because I just have a feeling they'll show up in later books.
Arlo, my love, I'm so glad you got your shit together because for a second there I wanted to deck you in the face myself because what the hell!!!! I love his relationship with Ella and their banter is TOP TIER. I was giggling and kicking my feet because they fight so hard not to want each other when it's so obvious that's not the case. Ella is one of my favorite FMCs because she is so sassy, won't take shit from anyone, and has the biggest heart for the people she loves.
I had been meaning to ask why he always said two steps instead of one, but at that moment, I realized. It was because he wasn’t letting me walk alone. It was his step, in time with mine.
I did not cry with this book but I got VERY close because Aubrey started fucking with my heart and almost sent me over the edge hahah, forwarding my therapy bill STAT! I had a great time with this story but I would check TW before picking it up!
Bad Honey has:
- dual pov
- found family
- baseball !!
- cute nicknames
- forced proximity
- team captain x team medic
March 31, 2024
actually a 3,5 rating
February 12, 2024
♡ ARC REVIEW ♡
Bad Honey (The Hornets Nest #1) by @aubreytaylorauthor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ /5
She’s done it again! Incredible Aubrey always manages to take a good grip on me, toss me around and put me back together in one piece again with her writing. I’ll always recommend her till the end of the line.
Arlo and Ella are such a power couple. Their journey is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and I felt my heart clench for them for every single step they took for the better, for each other🥹. Their growth was so strong. The things weighting down on them, their obstacles, as a reader I could FEEL how well they lifted each other 😭. If Arlo is the sky then Ella is the sun, both are so attentive and big hearted to everyone around. New fav couples CHECK!
The characters are written in such depth it brings them so close to my heart with everything I feel for them. They’re relatable and so realistic, they have their own struggles, flaws and ways to handle it. And still, the team respects them for who they are and they always got each other’s backs. Every single one has their own story and it makes me wanna pull down the sun on them because they deserve the whole damn world. The amount of times I screamed, cried and giggled…they felt so alive to me and what I would give to be a part of this big, supportive and loving family of Hornets Nest ⚾️ A team on the field as well outside of it for sure 🫶🏼 The found family is screaming here in bold letters!
Cael’s and Ella’s friendship is top tier and one of the most sob worthy and beautiful at the same time, Silas is like a big brother to Ella (THE EMOTIONS), Dean and Cael…that’s it, just them, please for the love of good I love them so much. Cael and Arlo both share such devastating pasts and struggles. Even though I sometimes wanted to smack their heads, they can always count on having a free shoulder to rest their heads on for each other. Van and Zoey are so wholesome and I loved them and Ella as a trio from the very start.
Thank you Aubrey for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader. It was truly an honor and I’m excited to continue the story of these amazing characters🤍
Bad Honey (The Hornets Nest #1) by @aubreytaylorauthor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ /5
She’s done it again! Incredible Aubrey always manages to take a good grip on me, toss me around and put me back together in one piece again with her writing. I’ll always recommend her till the end of the line.
Arlo and Ella are such a power couple. Their journey is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and I felt my heart clench for them for every single step they took for the better, for each other🥹. Their growth was so strong. The things weighting down on them, their obstacles, as a reader I could FEEL how well they lifted each other 😭. If Arlo is the sky then Ella is the sun, both are so attentive and big hearted to everyone around. New fav couples CHECK!
The characters are written in such depth it brings them so close to my heart with everything I feel for them. They’re relatable and so realistic, they have their own struggles, flaws and ways to handle it. And still, the team respects them for who they are and they always got each other’s backs. Every single one has their own story and it makes me wanna pull down the sun on them because they deserve the whole damn world. The amount of times I screamed, cried and giggled…they felt so alive to me and what I would give to be a part of this big, supportive and loving family of Hornets Nest ⚾️ A team on the field as well outside of it for sure 🫶🏼 The found family is screaming here in bold letters!
Cael’s and Ella’s friendship is top tier and one of the most sob worthy and beautiful at the same time, Silas is like a big brother to Ella (THE EMOTIONS), Dean and Cael…that’s it, just them, please for the love of good I love them so much. Cael and Arlo both share such devastating pasts and struggles. Even though I sometimes wanted to smack their heads, they can always count on having a free shoulder to rest their heads on for each other. Van and Zoey are so wholesome and I loved them and Ella as a trio from the very start.
Thank you Aubrey for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader. It was truly an honor and I’m excited to continue the story of these amazing characters🤍
January 17, 2024
I can’t thank Aubrey enough for subconsciously giving me exactly what I needed to escape reality for a while. Arlo and Ella. So wonderfully flawed but perfect for each other. I felt right at home at the Hornet’s Nest and don’t ever wanna leave. The way found family is portrayed is absolutely wonderful and I was hooked by the first word that left Cael Cody’s mouth. You can bet your sweet butt on how excited I am for his book.
What are you waiting for ? Go read Bad Honey.
What are you waiting for ? Go read Bad Honey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
“i don’t want to go six seconds without loving every piece of you”
3.25⭐️
3.25⭐️
April 15, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ rounding off to 4 ⭐️
It’s very difficult for me to review this book because the positives and the criticism go almost hand in hand with my reading journey of this book. First of all this is a tough book and I don’t just mean that a glorified list of trigger warnings exists to tick every trope in the book. Rather the book doesn’t hold hands when it comes to representation of addiction, trauma, PTSD and abuse but it also deals with them in a most delicate way with great sensitivity but brutal truths. The people suffer but their strength lies in the way they overcome them “two steps at a time”. The emotions are gut wrenching and visceral and the Hornets will stay in mind long after the book has ended. The language is exactly what a book of this depth needs and despite the sports setting it’s pretty easy to understand.
Now my main issues with the book and many will even overlook them because if you can get into the book deeply then they are non-existent however it was not so for me. The book was 100 pages too long and I know it was needed for character growth and development but I felt the extra pages slowed the pacing considerably which in turn affected the relationship dynamics between the leads. Estella at times felt too stubborn and the logic behind her actions defied reasoning at times. Arlo and Cael saved the book in my opinion but this book is a romance and without the trauma, the characters development, found family and hidden courage to fight internal demons, at the core of it (which is the romance) fell short. I would gladly exchange the few well done but slightly misplaced spicy scenes in the book for more yearning and pining on mutually respectful level. Not every romance needs banter and the romance could have been more nuanced.
Overall it’s actually a really beautiful book and I would recommend it highly but for me personally it wasn’t my highlight read.
It’s very difficult for me to review this book because the positives and the criticism go almost hand in hand with my reading journey of this book. First of all this is a tough book and I don’t just mean that a glorified list of trigger warnings exists to tick every trope in the book. Rather the book doesn’t hold hands when it comes to representation of addiction, trauma, PTSD and abuse but it also deals with them in a most delicate way with great sensitivity but brutal truths. The people suffer but their strength lies in the way they overcome them “two steps at a time”. The emotions are gut wrenching and visceral and the Hornets will stay in mind long after the book has ended. The language is exactly what a book of this depth needs and despite the sports setting it’s pretty easy to understand.
Now my main issues with the book and many will even overlook them because if you can get into the book deeply then they are non-existent however it was not so for me. The book was 100 pages too long and I know it was needed for character growth and development but I felt the extra pages slowed the pacing considerably which in turn affected the relationship dynamics between the leads. Estella at times felt too stubborn and the logic behind her actions defied reasoning at times. Arlo and Cael saved the book in my opinion but this book is a romance and without the trauma, the characters development, found family and hidden courage to fight internal demons, at the core of it (which is the romance) fell short. I would gladly exchange the few well done but slightly misplaced spicy scenes in the book for more yearning and pining on mutually respectful level. Not every romance needs banter and the romance could have been more nuanced.
Overall it’s actually a really beautiful book and I would recommend it highly but for me personally it wasn’t my highlight read.
January 19, 2025
I’m typically a hockey romance girlie but when I saw this cover and read the description I couldn’t resist trying something a little different 😆
And I wasn’t disappointed! I devoured this book in two sittings and completely forgot I was supposed to be buddy reading it!
I knew absolutely nothing about baseball before going into this but the author includes the most comprehensive glossary I have ever seen at the start and it was a huge help! I also found that the technical baseball aspect of this book isn’t so huge or integral to the plot that you wouldn’t be able to read it without the glossary which is nice.
One thing that really had me hooked with this book was the characters. There were so many different relationships to explore and each of them was different, with every character battling personal traumas that were deep, dark and unique. This was not a light or easy book by any means (covering difficult topics such as grief, mental health, academic pressures and addiction) but the way that these characters supported and showed up for each other really had me hooked and has kept me thinking about them for days after finishing the book.
It’s easy to get caught up in the heavier moments in the story bc there are a lot of them but there are also some really really sweet ones. If someone ever reads a romance book (or any book for that matter) just to talk to me about it, and cooks me pasta whilst I read my book on the kitchen counter, I will immediately melt into a puddle 🥰
A massive thank you to Aubrey Taylor and Buddy Read Book Nook for providing me with a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
And I wasn’t disappointed! I devoured this book in two sittings and completely forgot I was supposed to be buddy reading it!
I knew absolutely nothing about baseball before going into this but the author includes the most comprehensive glossary I have ever seen at the start and it was a huge help! I also found that the technical baseball aspect of this book isn’t so huge or integral to the plot that you wouldn’t be able to read it without the glossary which is nice.
One thing that really had me hooked with this book was the characters. There were so many different relationships to explore and each of them was different, with every character battling personal traumas that were deep, dark and unique. This was not a light or easy book by any means (covering difficult topics such as grief, mental health, academic pressures and addiction) but the way that these characters supported and showed up for each other really had me hooked and has kept me thinking about them for days after finishing the book.
It’s easy to get caught up in the heavier moments in the story bc there are a lot of them but there are also some really really sweet ones. If someone ever reads a romance book (or any book for that matter) just to talk to me about it, and cooks me pasta whilst I read my book on the kitchen counter, I will immediately melt into a puddle 🥰
A massive thank you to Aubrey Taylor and Buddy Read Book Nook for providing me with a copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
January 16, 2024
ARC Review:
There are many parts of this book that I absolutely loved and couldn't get enough of, like the representation of platonic friendships and loyalty. The book also did a fantastic job of thoughtfully but realistically representing topics like addiction and PTSD.
Moments that were heavily influenced by these topics were nicely interspersed with many cute little scenes between characters that served to represent the highs and lows of life whilst also providing a break from the tension of the plot and skilfully developing the characters.
I absolutely loved Cael and just want to wrap him up in a big hug and hold him close to my chest. I was honestly more invested in him than any of the main characters.
However, the relationships between some characters (especially the romantically involved) seemed a little hasty or forced. Their attraction kind of wasn't explained, especially the feelings of the MMC towards the FMC. He just seemed to like look at her and immediately was obsessed with her in a way I couldn't understand; in saying this, though, when the two characters later interact in scenes, I can definitely see a connection growing between them. I feel I would have been more invested in their story if this initial unexplained attraction wasn't so stressed.
In saying this though, I cannot commend the author enough on the platonic relationships that are explored, as these are realistic and absolutely tugged on my heartstrings.
The flow of the story was also very up and down. Some parts were extremely fast and raced by and others felt like they dragged on. I feel the book could have lost a few scenes without losing meaning or importance. There was also quite a few tense confusions and other grammar issues that kept pulling me back from my spot in the book and into the real world (though the author does do a good job of taking me from real life in the first spot, and does successfully draw me back in shortly afterward).
Another thing that must be mentioned is how well the author ties in all little real life messages into the story that the reader can take away. I found myself constantly highlighting lots of little lines that I just loved and wanted to remember!
Overall, the plot was solid, the characters were great and the main message of the story on the complexities of love made it a good read. This is definitely a book that some readers would love, but I just don't think it was written for me.
There are many parts of this book that I absolutely loved and couldn't get enough of, like the representation of platonic friendships and loyalty. The book also did a fantastic job of thoughtfully but realistically representing topics like addiction and PTSD.
Moments that were heavily influenced by these topics were nicely interspersed with many cute little scenes between characters that served to represent the highs and lows of life whilst also providing a break from the tension of the plot and skilfully developing the characters.
I absolutely loved Cael and just want to wrap him up in a big hug and hold him close to my chest. I was honestly more invested in him than any of the main characters.
However, the relationships between some characters (especially the romantically involved) seemed a little hasty or forced. Their attraction kind of wasn't explained, especially the feelings of the MMC towards the FMC. He just seemed to like look at her and immediately was obsessed with her in a way I couldn't understand; in saying this, though, when the two characters later interact in scenes, I can definitely see a connection growing between them. I feel I would have been more invested in their story if this initial unexplained attraction wasn't so stressed.
In saying this though, I cannot commend the author enough on the platonic relationships that are explored, as these are realistic and absolutely tugged on my heartstrings.
The flow of the story was also very up and down. Some parts were extremely fast and raced by and others felt like they dragged on. I feel the book could have lost a few scenes without losing meaning or importance. There was also quite a few tense confusions and other grammar issues that kept pulling me back from my spot in the book and into the real world (though the author does do a good job of taking me from real life in the first spot, and does successfully draw me back in shortly afterward).
Another thing that must be mentioned is how well the author ties in all little real life messages into the story that the reader can take away. I found myself constantly highlighting lots of little lines that I just loved and wanted to remember!
Overall, the plot was solid, the characters were great and the main message of the story on the complexities of love made it a good read. This is definitely a book that some readers would love, but I just don't think it was written for me.
November 9, 2023
∞ / 5 ★
I am a big fan of Aubrey's work since her first book "You left us in Georgia", but Bad Honey conquered the throne pretty fast and easily.
As the book will officially come in 2024, I can already say it will be my favorite book in 2024!
Both Arlo and Ella hit home for me and their stories were so heartbreaking but also so adorable and cute. It was the perfect balance between trauma, misery, despair and hope. Aubrey not only portrayed love in a very real and special way, but also friendship and found family. I think found family is my new favorite trope.
I felt so pulled into this world that I even dreamed about being part of the Nest. It's so crazy, I've never had this feeling with another book before.
As #1 of a whole series this book contains a lot of characters but Aubrey managed to introduce them all amazingly, giving them their spotlights and spreading information about them without losing the focus on Arlo & Ella. I highly admire her for these skills.
I felt all the emotions throughout the book. I cried while discovering Ella's and Arlo's stories, I hated Nicholas, Arthur and Daddy Miele a lot (and they deserve everything I wrote in the comments while beta reading the book!), I laughed about the brilliant sassiness of different characters, I exclaimed loud "awwww" when they finally found each other and I felt a lot of the despair of Arlo.
Aubrey, you created a wonderful world and I knew already what an amazing author you are, but with this book you managed to create a masterpiece. I can't wait for all the books that are coming.
I promise I will do anything to help you spread this book in the world. Because you, Arlo, Ella and the Hornets deserve it.
*puts two fingers in front of her chest*
I am a big fan of Aubrey's work since her first book "You left us in Georgia", but Bad Honey conquered the throne pretty fast and easily.
As the book will officially come in 2024, I can already say it will be my favorite book in 2024!
Both Arlo and Ella hit home for me and their stories were so heartbreaking but also so adorable and cute. It was the perfect balance between trauma, misery, despair and hope. Aubrey not only portrayed love in a very real and special way, but also friendship and found family. I think found family is my new favorite trope.
I felt so pulled into this world that I even dreamed about being part of the Nest. It's so crazy, I've never had this feeling with another book before.
As #1 of a whole series this book contains a lot of characters but Aubrey managed to introduce them all amazingly, giving them their spotlights and spreading information about them without losing the focus on Arlo & Ella. I highly admire her for these skills.
I felt all the emotions throughout the book. I cried while discovering Ella's and Arlo's stories, I hated Nicholas, Arthur and Daddy Miele a lot (and they deserve everything I wrote in the comments while beta reading the book!), I laughed about the brilliant sassiness of different characters, I exclaimed loud "awwww" when they finally found each other and I felt a lot of the despair of Arlo.
Aubrey, you created a wonderful world and I knew already what an amazing author you are, but with this book you managed to create a masterpiece. I can't wait for all the books that are coming.
I promise I will do anything to help you spread this book in the world. Because you, Arlo, Ella and the Hornets deserve it.
*puts two fingers in front of her chest*
May 7, 2024
ARC review
This book was different for me, it touched on topics I haven't or don't normally gravitate towards and I loved it.
Ella was such a sweet soul who had a crap past she was trying to get over and Arlo struggled with tense relationships with his dad and brothers. if I could give these two and Cael the biggest hugs I would. Cael was my favorite side character honestly.
I loved this book. It was so different from anything I had ever read.
When we first meet Ella she is on a mission to leave her past behind her. Mistakes that lead to tragedy haunt her and she wants a fresh start.
Dealing with a drunk father and an abusive brother, Arlo is simply trying to make it one day at a time.
These two broken souls meet and have more in common than they realize. Arlo was such an a-hole to Ella at first but his actions, albeit not excused, make sense. He was dealt a crappy hand and only has his team in his corner. If nothing else though, he was a caretaker and worked to make sure those he loved were okay.
I loved the friendship between Ella and Cael. They were there for each other because they dealt with the same demons. She never left his side even when he faltered and she loved him unconditionally.
The found family in this book was amazing. Without hesitation Ella was welcome and they proved to her that her past meant nothing to them.
tw
anxiety/panic attacks
drug abuse/alcohol abuse (addiction)
physical/emotional abuse (parent +sibling)
familial death/car accident
physical scars
unaliving attempt/thoughts w intentional dr*g overdose
if any of these trigger you please take a break, be mindful of what you're reading, and look after yourself 💛
⭐️ 4.25
🐝 found family
⚾️ he falls first
🐝 forced proximity
⚾️ ptsd representation
🐝 baseball romance
This book was different for me, it touched on topics I haven't or don't normally gravitate towards and I loved it.
Ella was such a sweet soul who had a crap past she was trying to get over and Arlo struggled with tense relationships with his dad and brothers. if I could give these two and Cael the biggest hugs I would. Cael was my favorite side character honestly.
I loved this book. It was so different from anything I had ever read.
When we first meet Ella she is on a mission to leave her past behind her. Mistakes that lead to tragedy haunt her and she wants a fresh start.
Dealing with a drunk father and an abusive brother, Arlo is simply trying to make it one day at a time.
These two broken souls meet and have more in common than they realize. Arlo was such an a-hole to Ella at first but his actions, albeit not excused, make sense. He was dealt a crappy hand and only has his team in his corner. If nothing else though, he was a caretaker and worked to make sure those he loved were okay.
I loved the friendship between Ella and Cael. They were there for each other because they dealt with the same demons. She never left his side even when he faltered and she loved him unconditionally.
The found family in this book was amazing. Without hesitation Ella was welcome and they proved to her that her past meant nothing to them.
tw
anxiety/panic attacks
drug abuse/alcohol abuse (addiction)
physical/emotional abuse (parent +sibling)
familial death/car accident
physical scars
unaliving attempt/thoughts w intentional dr*g overdose
if any of these trigger you please take a break, be mindful of what you're reading, and look after yourself 💛
⭐️ 4.25
🐝 found family
⚾️ he falls first
🐝 forced proximity
⚾️ ptsd representation
🐝 baseball romance
July 9, 2024
Estella “Ella” Miele is running from her past and blames herself for a tragic accident that took the lives of her family. A student at Harbor University in Rhode Island, she is taken on as an intern for the Hornets’ baseball team’s doctor, which sets her in the sights of their captain, Arlo King.
TW: PTSD, addiction, panic attacks, car accident, deaths of parents, death of a sibling, suicide attempt, physical abuse
I’ve heard so many great things about this book, I had to give it a try. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was still enjoyable and even healing.
You could say the characters are morally grey, and I had some trouble liking certain ones (some more so than others), but they were written so well with such depth. The relationship between Arlo and Ella started off rocky with their rough around the edges personality, but deep down it’s clear that they care so much, not just for each other, but for everyone in their group. Cael was my favorite. I loved his energy and could relate to him in many ways.
TW: PTSD, addiction, panic attacks, car accident, deaths of parents, death of a sibling, suicide attempt, physical abuse
I’ve heard so many great things about this book, I had to give it a try. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was still enjoyable and even healing.
You could say the characters are morally grey, and I had some trouble liking certain ones (some more so than others), but they were written so well with such depth. The relationship between Arlo and Ella started off rocky with their rough around the edges personality, but deep down it’s clear that they care so much, not just for each other, but for everyone in their group. Cael was my favorite. I loved his energy and could relate to him in many ways.
July 9, 2024
5 ⭐️
@mk_readsoftheday recommended this to me and I am sooo glad she did! I planned on reading a chapter or two and ended up finishing the book. I couldn’t put this book down!
This book tugged at all my heart strings. I’m a sucker for a broken boy and Arlo and Cael checked all the boxes.
Ella and Arlo are that couple that you know without a doubt will still be loving each other in 50 years. Arlo is the king of small gestures and is constantly showing up for Ella. He reads her books. 😭🥹
The found family is masterfully done. *chefs kiss* I honestly can’t even form words to describe how much I loved it.
Bad Honey deals with some heavy topics including addiction, physical and mental abuse, and loss and grief, so please check the trigger warnings before jumping in. Aubrey handles these topics with such care and weaves these topics into each character so beautifully that you can’t help but root for them. Looking at you Cael Cody. 🥹💛
I will be talking about this book forever.
@mk_readsoftheday recommended this to me and I am sooo glad she did! I planned on reading a chapter or two and ended up finishing the book. I couldn’t put this book down!
This book tugged at all my heart strings. I’m a sucker for a broken boy and Arlo and Cael checked all the boxes.
Ella and Arlo are that couple that you know without a doubt will still be loving each other in 50 years. Arlo is the king of small gestures and is constantly showing up for Ella. He reads her books. 😭🥹
The found family is masterfully done. *chefs kiss* I honestly can’t even form words to describe how much I loved it.
Bad Honey deals with some heavy topics including addiction, physical and mental abuse, and loss and grief, so please check the trigger warnings before jumping in. Aubrey handles these topics with such care and weaves these topics into each character so beautifully that you can’t help but root for them. Looking at you Cael Cody. 🥹💛
I will be talking about this book forever.
November 27, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this:
1. At the beginning, I thought it was going to be a beautiful story about grief (E) and how to deal with your families expectations (A), but then it just kind of fell flat?
2. I felt like there were some key parts missing between the relationship of C and A, and also A and E. It feels like they just fought and made up out of nowhere.
3. felt like it was missing some chapters with critical information? it felt felt like it had unnecessary time jumps that left things in previous chapters unresolved
4. Still will give it 3 stars because it was good
I'm excited about Cael's story. He is the most interesting character.
1. At the beginning, I thought it was going to be a beautiful story about grief (E) and how to deal with your families expectations (A), but then it just kind of fell flat?
2. I felt like there were some key parts missing between the relationship of C and A, and also A and E. It feels like they just fought and made up out of nowhere.
3. felt like it was missing some chapters with critical information? it felt felt like it had unnecessary time jumps that left things in previous chapters unresolved
4. Still will give it 3 stars because it was good
I'm excited about Cael's story. He is the most interesting character.
May 19, 2024
2.5/5. the main characters didn’t have a deep connection with each other and that made me disconnected with the book. the platonic relationship got more build up and connection than the love interests did.
August 30, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶
⚾️ Team Captain x Team Medic
✨️ Brother's Girlfriend
💕 He Falls First
✨️ Small Town
💕 Found Family
✨️ Forced Proximity
⚾️ PTSD Rep
💖Addiction
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+
✨️ 📚 Book 📖 REVIEW ✨️
I started this as a lead up to True Honey and I couldn't have felt more feelings throughout this WHOLE book 😢. I kept asking myself if I was going to get a break from allll the feels I had, finally I got some giggles and squeals to round everything out!
Ella was such a strong woman! She had been through some SERIOUS trauma! Not just regular shmegular stuff, but she really struggled with PTSD. I couldn't help but feel some type of way 😕. But I loved that she was willing to work through her trauma! But she was more than willing to help everyone around her, so that she could have them in her life.
Arlo, Bless this man. He had some serious issues within his family, but was willing to be the one to take it all so that someone else he loved wouldn't have to. I loved that he was so in love with Ella, and would do anything for her.
I couldn't stop having feels about these two and what they have had to go through collectively! They have been through so much, but still stand strong! I'm excited to see them throughout the rest of the series!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️🌶 /5
🌶️🌶️🌶
⚾️ Team Captain x Team Medic
✨️ Brother's Girlfriend
💕 He Falls First
✨️ Small Town
💕 Found Family
✨️ Forced Proximity
⚾️ PTSD Rep
💖Addiction
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+
✨️ 📚 Book 📖 REVIEW ✨️
I started this as a lead up to True Honey and I couldn't have felt more feelings throughout this WHOLE book 😢. I kept asking myself if I was going to get a break from allll the feels I had, finally I got some giggles and squeals to round everything out!
Ella was such a strong woman! She had been through some SERIOUS trauma! Not just regular shmegular stuff, but she really struggled with PTSD. I couldn't help but feel some type of way 😕. But I loved that she was willing to work through her trauma! But she was more than willing to help everyone around her, so that she could have them in her life.
Arlo, Bless this man. He had some serious issues within his family, but was willing to be the one to take it all so that someone else he loved wouldn't have to. I loved that he was so in love with Ella, and would do anything for her.
I couldn't stop having feels about these two and what they have had to go through collectively! They have been through so much, but still stand strong! I'm excited to see them throughout the rest of the series!
🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶️🌶 /5
May 14, 2025
“two steps at a time” 🥹
i adoooooreddddd this so so so much!!
after seeing a friend be pulled out of mammoth slump by this book i decided to give it a chance to pull me out of my own mammoth slump and boy has it ever. i am so excited to continue with this series and read caels story - my broken boy 😭
i loved ella, the traumatic grief she went through, navigating her recovery in the process, finding herself and her found family among the hornets nest. i cannot even fathom having gone through what she did, the guilt, the grief 🥲 but arlo mf’n king, our ever patient mmc - grouchy on the outside but a mushy lover boy on the inside. hiding his own struggles and grief to be there for everyone else and always putting himself second. sometimes i just wanted to shake him (!!!!) but everything worked out the way it needed to in the end.
found family is something that really pulls me into a series and this one has it in spades. i’m ready to dive into honey pot straight away and hope sweet angel cael finds his HEA
i adoooooreddddd this so so so much!!
after seeing a friend be pulled out of mammoth slump by this book i decided to give it a chance to pull me out of my own mammoth slump and boy has it ever. i am so excited to continue with this series and read caels story - my broken boy 😭
i loved ella, the traumatic grief she went through, navigating her recovery in the process, finding herself and her found family among the hornets nest. i cannot even fathom having gone through what she did, the guilt, the grief 🥲 but arlo mf’n king, our ever patient mmc - grouchy on the outside but a mushy lover boy on the inside. hiding his own struggles and grief to be there for everyone else and always putting himself second. sometimes i just wanted to shake him (!!!!) but everything worked out the way it needed to in the end.
found family is something that really pulls me into a series and this one has it in spades. i’m ready to dive into honey pot straight away and hope sweet angel cael finds his HEA
February 28, 2024
4.25 stars!
This is my first baseball romance fic! I loved it! Really intriguing and Aubrey kept the plot moving smoothly, following the journey to championships. Aubrey did a really great job at balancing the romance, drama, baseball, and relationships.
I loved the focus on mental health and that the depiction of addictions recovery was a non-linear path. Sometimes novels can paint an idealistic image of mental health and addictions struggles that doesn’t quite balance the bad days and good days.
The main characters were all really compelling with their own personal struggles. The dynamic of Ella, Arlo, and Cael was really interesting. I also really liked that we learnt about each of the characters’ backgrounds, families, traumas, etc. It made me feel more connected to each one of them. I’m super excited to read the next book about Cael!!
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a sports romance with drama!
*Thank you so much to Aubrey for this ARC!*
This is my first baseball romance fic! I loved it! Really intriguing and Aubrey kept the plot moving smoothly, following the journey to championships. Aubrey did a really great job at balancing the romance, drama, baseball, and relationships.
I loved the focus on mental health and that the depiction of addictions recovery was a non-linear path. Sometimes novels can paint an idealistic image of mental health and addictions struggles that doesn’t quite balance the bad days and good days.
The main characters were all really compelling with their own personal struggles. The dynamic of Ella, Arlo, and Cael was really interesting. I also really liked that we learnt about each of the characters’ backgrounds, families, traumas, etc. It made me feel more connected to each one of them. I’m super excited to read the next book about Cael!!
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a sports romance with drama!
*Thank you so much to Aubrey for this ARC!*
September 28, 2025
5⭐
2🌶️
I freaking loved this book.
Arlo and Ella had my heart from the beginning. I was with them every step of the way. Their struggles both personal and in the relationship were so freaking well done.
Side characters.... Okay. Just like omfg. I have already started book 2 because Cael stole my freaking heart. Van and Zoey???? And Silas oh dear God I can't wait to read his book.
Oh and Arlo calling him Kitten!!!?? I just can't even remember a better nickname and character quirk ever lol.
I've never read baseball romance before. I'm freaking here for not baby. I felt the pressure, I sat reading the game parts with my shirt collar up over my mouth on the edge of my seat waiting... Will they? Won't they? Chef's kiss!!!
This book has heavy themes, heavy character flaws but they are done freaking spectacularly.
Oh and the playlist. Song two was Shake The Frost by Tyler Childers. Need I say more???
2🌶️
I freaking loved this book.
Arlo and Ella had my heart from the beginning. I was with them every step of the way. Their struggles both personal and in the relationship were so freaking well done.
Side characters.... Okay. Just like omfg. I have already started book 2 because Cael stole my freaking heart. Van and Zoey???? And Silas oh dear God I can't wait to read his book.
Oh and Arlo calling him Kitten!!!?? I just can't even remember a better nickname and character quirk ever lol.
I've never read baseball romance before. I'm freaking here for not baby. I felt the pressure, I sat reading the game parts with my shirt collar up over my mouth on the edge of my seat waiting... Will they? Won't they? Chef's kiss!!!
This book has heavy themes, heavy character flaws but they are done freaking spectacularly.
Oh and the playlist. Song two was Shake The Frost by Tyler Childers. Need I say more???
March 31, 2024
i feel like this book did an amazing job with trauma and addiction as well as the found family. coming from someone whose family has had some addicts it was nice to read it where it seemed pretty realistic.
although i will say that this book was just up and down for me. i really liked up to 40% but after it dragged. the other characters i fully enjoyed was arlo & cael but honestly more so cael. the love interest just felt too forced to me after a minute and i just didn’t feel the connection with them anymore. maybe it’s cause they didn’t have a strong more meaningful connection at the beginning for me.
the book was also pretty up and down for me as well with just the pacing. it was either too fast or too slow so it’s taken me awhile to finish it.
overall, i just don’t think it was for me but i can 100% see how others are enjoying it.
although i will say that this book was just up and down for me. i really liked up to 40% but after it dragged. the other characters i fully enjoyed was arlo & cael but honestly more so cael. the love interest just felt too forced to me after a minute and i just didn’t feel the connection with them anymore. maybe it’s cause they didn’t have a strong more meaningful connection at the beginning for me.
the book was also pretty up and down for me as well with just the pacing. it was either too fast or too slow so it’s taken me awhile to finish it.
overall, i just don’t think it was for me but i can 100% see how others are enjoying it.
June 13, 2025
The ending really ruined it for me, from chapter 37/38 to be precise and not BC of the FMC but because of MMC. I honestly didn't liked him as the love interest, I don't deny he was a sweet partner when they finally get together but before that, nope, I wasn't rotting for them to be end game.
what I really loved was Cael and Ella's friendship, they understood and supported eachother through everything (I kind of disliked he didn't respected her boundaries when it came to Arlo on the last part of the book but that doesn't erase everything else)
Another thing I didn't liked was the cliche forgiveness at the end, magically a bad guy feels bad 🙄 it would've made more sense if the dude showed remorse through the story but no, he was an ass; as well as the typical confrontation of the MC with the abusive parent of their significant other, it added nothing relevant to the ending 🙄
what I really loved was Cael and Ella's friendship, they understood and supported eachother through everything (I kind of disliked he didn't respected her boundaries when it came to Arlo on the last part of the book but that doesn't erase everything else)
Another thing I didn't liked was the cliche forgiveness at the end, magically a bad guy feels bad 🙄 it would've made more sense if the dude showed remorse through the story but no, he was an ass; as well as the typical confrontation of the MC with the abusive parent of their significant other, it added nothing relevant to the ending 🙄
December 10, 2024
I was initially considering giving this book 4 stars, but after reflecting on it, I’ve decided to give it 3.9. The reason is that the use of nicknames throughout the story bothered me—it made the book feel a bit juvenile. At first, this was almost a dealbreaker for me, and I almost stopped reading. However, if you're like me, I highly recommend pushing through because the book really does get better. I enjoyed the plot and especially the theme of found family. Additionally, I didn’t find the book to be overly triggering, though I recommend checking the trigger warnings for yourself. Despite my minor issues, I’ll definitely be reading the second book
March 25, 2025
I will never get over Ella and Arlo♥️
“Books are written to incite emotions in us, ones we may never get to experience on our own or perhaps to prepare us for them when we finally do. If you aren’t feeling anything when you read them, you aren’t picking ones for you.”
” I don’t wanna fix anything,” Arlo said without hesitation, “All those broken little pieces make up who you are. I’d be foolish to think I could undo all the hurt you’ve suffered the last few years. I’m just grateful I was allowed to love what incredibly beautiful heart that suffering formed.” “And if I let you down?” “You won't. I have waited my entire life to love someone like you, Ella. Every little moment stitched together led to now, to you.”
“Books are written to incite emotions in us, ones we may never get to experience on our own or perhaps to prepare us for them when we finally do. If you aren’t feeling anything when you read them, you aren’t picking ones for you.”
” I don’t wanna fix anything,” Arlo said without hesitation, “All those broken little pieces make up who you are. I’d be foolish to think I could undo all the hurt you’ve suffered the last few years. I’m just grateful I was allowed to love what incredibly beautiful heart that suffering formed.” “And if I let you down?” “You won't. I have waited my entire life to love someone like you, Ella. Every little moment stitched together led to now, to you.”
June 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ god this was so worth staying up for. this was so fun and sweet and i loved every second of it !!!! also i may have cried a lil. loved loved loved the characters and cael has my whole heart ok 😭 and i can’t believe i’m saying this but it’s making me want to read more books about baseball teams
and does anyone know if silas is looking for a wife cuz i am looking for a husband
and does anyone know if silas is looking for a wife cuz i am looking for a husband
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