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You and Me, Honeybee
Amid the darkness, a honeybee will always find the sweetest blossom…
They may just need a little help along the way.
Bea Di Menna is still haunted by the shadows of Fayette Bay’s dark past, where the events of last year shattered the world of her and her friends. Desmond Rose, a sadistic criminal, kidnapped and tortured them, leaving scars that refuse to heal. She’s shut herself off and taken to blaming the only person she can think of—the hacker who she believes watched them suffer and did nothing to stop it.
Artie Avila is renowned as the nation’s top underground hacker. But after learning what happened to his best friend last year, he’s traded his private business for something a little less…illegal. But stupid games always end with stupid prizes, and leaving the world of shadows doesn't mean the shadows will leave him.
When a mutual friend reaches out for help keeping an eye on a struggling Bea, Artie must find a way to earn her trust and keep her safe through any means necessary. Even more so with a new threat in town, who seems determined on dragging Bea into the mess he created.
Forget keeping enemies close—Artie needs to keep them far, far away. But with Bea beginning to open up and let him in, he realises facing the unpredictable challenges of the present might be the only way to outrun the shadows of their shared past.
They may just need a little help along the way.
Bea Di Menna is still haunted by the shadows of Fayette Bay’s dark past, where the events of last year shattered the world of her and her friends. Desmond Rose, a sadistic criminal, kidnapped and tortured them, leaving scars that refuse to heal. She’s shut herself off and taken to blaming the only person she can think of—the hacker who she believes watched them suffer and did nothing to stop it.
Artie Avila is renowned as the nation’s top underground hacker. But after learning what happened to his best friend last year, he’s traded his private business for something a little less…illegal. But stupid games always end with stupid prizes, and leaving the world of shadows doesn't mean the shadows will leave him.
When a mutual friend reaches out for help keeping an eye on a struggling Bea, Artie must find a way to earn her trust and keep her safe through any means necessary. Even more so with a new threat in town, who seems determined on dragging Bea into the mess he created.
Forget keeping enemies close—Artie needs to keep them far, far away. But with Bea beginning to open up and let him in, he realises facing the unpredictable challenges of the present might be the only way to outrun the shadows of their shared past.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2024
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 6, 2024
This is honestly one of my new favourite books of all time.
Thank you so much to Gemma for sharing this wonderful story with me early <3
TROPES:
🤍 black cat x golden retriever
🤍 brothers best friend
🤍 he falls first
🤍 dual POV
I am beyond obsessed with Bea and Arthur, their chemistry was just so good? Their connection was so real. I am a woman OBSESSED. I love the brother’s best friend trope but I feel like it’s so hard to find a *really* good one but this delivered everything it needed to and more. I also adore the black cat X golden retriever dynamic and it works so perfectly for these two.
The story was so unique and unlike anything I’ve come across before, this was such a wonderful blend of ALL of the good stuff, romance, drama, friendships etc. it was also just so funny? I found myself laughing out loud at the back and forth banter and I don’t usually feel that invested, I fully believe these have to be two real people!!
Gemmas writing is so iconic, idk how she does it!! This could have easily been written by an author with a million stories under their belt, but for this to be her SECOND novel?? I am beyond excited to see where she takes us next bc best believe I am sat, buckled in and ready.
Thank you so much to Gemma for sharing this wonderful story with me early <3
TROPES:
🤍 black cat x golden retriever
🤍 brothers best friend
🤍 he falls first
🤍 dual POV
I am beyond obsessed with Bea and Arthur, their chemistry was just so good? Their connection was so real. I am a woman OBSESSED. I love the brother’s best friend trope but I feel like it’s so hard to find a *really* good one but this delivered everything it needed to and more. I also adore the black cat X golden retriever dynamic and it works so perfectly for these two.
The story was so unique and unlike anything I’ve come across before, this was such a wonderful blend of ALL of the good stuff, romance, drama, friendships etc. it was also just so funny? I found myself laughing out loud at the back and forth banter and I don’t usually feel that invested, I fully believe these have to be two real people!!
Gemmas writing is so iconic, idk how she does it!! This could have easily been written by an author with a million stories under their belt, but for this to be her SECOND novel?? I am beyond excited to see where she takes us next bc best believe I am sat, buckled in and ready.
June 6, 2024
3.5 up until the end. It all really fell apart at the 80% mark and wasn't written well at all. Stop trying to write 'mission impossible' plotlines if you can't do it in a realistic way.
May 31, 2024
Thank you so much to Gemma Nicholls for receiving You and Me, Honeybee for an ARC review. I have given this book three out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I think I would’ve benefitted from reading the first instalment to this series as there were definite key points which would’ve helped me to understand the genre of this book a little better. However, after the first 15% of the book I felt as though I could carry on with it being a standalone.
I must admit, I don’t think I’m a huge fan of romance mixed with crime lord situations. At least, I didn’t find it a compelling factor in this book. I found myself feeling disconnected to the story but really enjoyed the main characters: Arthur and Bea. The secondary characters were also great and I loved learning about them too!
Arthur was someone who I didn’t particularly like to start off with and thought it was too cocky and sure of himself however, as we get to know him, he’s a very sweet and sensitive soul who is nothing but full of love and care for his family and close friends. Bea was an independent, strong woman who has been through a spout of trauma in the recent past. I really loved learning about Arthur and Bea, watching their relationship blossom and found it enamouring how they leaned on each other for support.
I would like to read the first book in the series to see if that would change my view on reading romance with the crime element involved.
I think I would’ve benefitted from reading the first instalment to this series as there were definite key points which would’ve helped me to understand the genre of this book a little better. However, after the first 15% of the book I felt as though I could carry on with it being a standalone.
I must admit, I don’t think I’m a huge fan of romance mixed with crime lord situations. At least, I didn’t find it a compelling factor in this book. I found myself feeling disconnected to the story but really enjoyed the main characters: Arthur and Bea. The secondary characters were also great and I loved learning about them too!
Arthur was someone who I didn’t particularly like to start off with and thought it was too cocky and sure of himself however, as we get to know him, he’s a very sweet and sensitive soul who is nothing but full of love and care for his family and close friends. Bea was an independent, strong woman who has been through a spout of trauma in the recent past. I really loved learning about Arthur and Bea, watching their relationship blossom and found it enamouring how they leaned on each other for support.
I would like to read the first book in the series to see if that would change my view on reading romance with the crime element involved.
May 24, 2024
You and Me, Honeybee ARC review 💛🐝🤍🍯
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this book has changed the trajectory of my entire life. Artie and Bea are forever in my heart and i love them so much!!
i can’t even articulate any words that make sense so i’m sorry if this review is just me babbling and telling you to read this 😭
Gemma can do no wrong and now i feel like i need to read her debut because i need more of this writing, of this world with Gemma’s beautiful storytelling!!
go read this book it’s amazing and perfect and beautiful and everything in between!! 🫶🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this book has changed the trajectory of my entire life. Artie and Bea are forever in my heart and i love them so much!!
i can’t even articulate any words that make sense so i’m sorry if this review is just me babbling and telling you to read this 😭
Gemma can do no wrong and now i feel like i need to read her debut because i need more of this writing, of this world with Gemma’s beautiful storytelling!!
go read this book it’s amazing and perfect and beautiful and everything in between!! 🫶🏼
May 10, 2024
The connection I felt to this book was so good. Not just the connection and spark that the two main characters had but the way I felt I could connect to them especially Bea. Her cute quirks with her failed crafts and tea loving and how she processed her anxiety.
Then the whole story in general was fantastic, there was romance, drama, laugh out loud moments.
The book has it all!
Then the whole story in general was fantastic, there was romance, drama, laugh out loud moments.
The book has it all!
June 1, 2024
A 3.5 (rounded to 4)
'𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙸𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚛, 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝.' - Who doesn't love a good book Dedication
This is the second book in The Fayette series, however I read this as a stand alone. Which was fine but maybe I'd have understood more and appreciated the other characters more if I had read book one, The Long Con.
This is a Fluffy rom-com with a little crime/mystery which was fun to read, a little different from the normal rom-com's.
Bea & Artie were super cute, I loved the nicknames Artie had for Bea and thought they were great MC's, I enjoyed the closed door romance but think I wouldn't of enjoyed a bit of un closed 🤭
Read if you like:
🐝 Duel POV
🍯 He falls first
🐝 Black cat x Golden retriever
🍯 Closed door romance
'𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝙸𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚛, 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝.' - Who doesn't love a good book Dedication
This is the second book in The Fayette series, however I read this as a stand alone. Which was fine but maybe I'd have understood more and appreciated the other characters more if I had read book one, The Long Con.
This is a Fluffy rom-com with a little crime/mystery which was fun to read, a little different from the normal rom-com's.
Bea & Artie were super cute, I loved the nicknames Artie had for Bea and thought they were great MC's, I enjoyed the closed door romance but think I wouldn't of enjoyed a bit of un closed 🤭
Read if you like:
🐝 Duel POV
🍯 He falls first
🐝 Black cat x Golden retriever
🍯 Closed door romance
May 5, 2024
This book was so good! I am officially in love with Artie! Best character of the series so far!
I love his humour, I love his sensitivity, I love his banter.
The story was brilliant, I enjoyed everything about it.
If I could add one thing it would be to have a little spice but without it, it was excellent too. That’s just personal preference.
I love his humour, I love his sensitivity, I love his banter.
The story was brilliant, I enjoyed everything about it.
If I could add one thing it would be to have a little spice but without it, it was excellent too. That’s just personal preference.
May 21, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gemma has again written an amazing romance which will make you squeal with joy, not want to put the book down and let it end and also it may cause you to fall for Artie Avila!
What I particularly love about this book is the anxiety and mental health representation, througn the character of Bea and as someone who has struggled with anxiety, I can tell you this felt so realistic on page and the way that the characters handled it was also amazing! The emotions in this book are just so real too!!
Another thing I love about this book is how it feels so like you've been transported to the world of Fayette Bay, and it feels like such a cozy place to be and honestly, I kind of forgot I was reading!!
Also the romance and the build up is so on point and is one of the cutest things ever! It’s so simplistic and I love how this book is closed door and yet we still know they are in so in love! 💖
One other thing I love in this book is the multiple povs!! I love getting both sides of the story and seeing both of them fall in love with each other!!
I can honestly say that this book is one of my fave romances I’ve read and definitely my favourite from Gemma so far!! I cannot wait for more from Fayette Bay! For this book, there’s nothing I don’t love and I’m so honoured and so thankful to have received an ARC and also to have been able to read it as a beta reader!! thank you so much Gemma!!! 🫶🏻
Gemma has again written an amazing romance which will make you squeal with joy, not want to put the book down and let it end and also it may cause you to fall for Artie Avila!
What I particularly love about this book is the anxiety and mental health representation, througn the character of Bea and as someone who has struggled with anxiety, I can tell you this felt so realistic on page and the way that the characters handled it was also amazing! The emotions in this book are just so real too!!
Another thing I love about this book is how it feels so like you've been transported to the world of Fayette Bay, and it feels like such a cozy place to be and honestly, I kind of forgot I was reading!!
Also the romance and the build up is so on point and is one of the cutest things ever! It’s so simplistic and I love how this book is closed door and yet we still know they are in so in love! 💖
One other thing I love in this book is the multiple povs!! I love getting both sides of the story and seeing both of them fall in love with each other!!
I can honestly say that this book is one of my fave romances I’ve read and definitely my favourite from Gemma so far!! I cannot wait for more from Fayette Bay! For this book, there’s nothing I don’t love and I’m so honoured and so thankful to have received an ARC and also to have been able to read it as a beta reader!! thank you so much Gemma!!! 🫶🏻
September 1, 2024
This was such a wonderful fluffy happy read, I enjoyed book one in the series and I loved book two.
I adored Bea and Artie, their chemistry was sparkling from the first chapter. I loved the dynamic between them both. Bea was such a strong female lead, seeing her journey throughout the book was so gorgeously done. Artie was just the best kind of golden retriever male, he’s so full of fun and joy.
This isn’t just a romance, this has high stakes, mental health representation such as anxiety and it’s all pulled together so well.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.
❀ dual pov
❀ fast paced / high stakes
❀ mental health rep
❀ he falls first
❀ found family
Thank you so much Gemma for the arc of this book 🫶🏻
I adored Bea and Artie, their chemistry was sparkling from the first chapter. I loved the dynamic between them both. Bea was such a strong female lead, seeing her journey throughout the book was so gorgeously done. Artie was just the best kind of golden retriever male, he’s so full of fun and joy.
This isn’t just a romance, this has high stakes, mental health representation such as anxiety and it’s all pulled together so well.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.
❀ dual pov
❀ fast paced / high stakes
❀ mental health rep
❀ he falls first
❀ found family
Thank you so much Gemma for the arc of this book 🫶🏻
May 22, 2024
Happy release day to this amazing book!! honestly, this is the best book I’ve read this month! The romance, the storyline, the writing, I loved it so much!
The romance in this book is chef’s kiss! The banter between the characters got me tabbing so many pages 🤭🫶🏻 (also the nicknames they gave each other?! So obsessed!). Also, it is closed door which is right up my alley and although the romance is a huge part of the book, the action part is also there to keep you on the edge of your seat. I swear the second the plot thickens and there’s some action into the plot, I couldn’t physically put this book down. Also, there’s no third-act break-up!! This is one of my favourite thing about the book! I love that they are communicating with each other <3
If you’ve seen my review for the first book in the series ‘The Long Con’, then you’ll know that I have been loving Artie’s character since then and I am even more obsessed with him now help 🫣. Also, Bea’s character is so real, sometimes when I was reading her pov I was like ‘this is exactly how i feel’. I adore her character. I feel like both Bea and Artie are so Taylor Swift coded 🤭. Also I love seeing the gang in this book! (re: Silas, Jessica, Maria, and a new character, Andrew 🤭) and Artie’s twin sister omg I love her character! A particular scene in the book makes me so excited for the next book 🤭 (Maria and Andrew?)
I also love Gemma’s writing! It flows and is so easy to follow from the start to the end. Also love the way that it is dual pov so we can see both Bea and Artie’s perspective. It adds so much to the story!
I absolutely recommend this book for everyone to read, it is an interconnected standalone in a series so although you don’t need to read the first book to read this one, I highly recommend you read the first one first, then continue with this one!
Thank you so much Gemma for sending me an ARC of your book! I can’t wait for the next book in the Fayette Bay series!
The romance in this book is chef’s kiss! The banter between the characters got me tabbing so many pages 🤭🫶🏻 (also the nicknames they gave each other?! So obsessed!). Also, it is closed door which is right up my alley and although the romance is a huge part of the book, the action part is also there to keep you on the edge of your seat. I swear the second the plot thickens and there’s some action into the plot, I couldn’t physically put this book down. Also, there’s no third-act break-up!! This is one of my favourite thing about the book! I love that they are communicating with each other <3
If you’ve seen my review for the first book in the series ‘The Long Con’, then you’ll know that I have been loving Artie’s character since then and I am even more obsessed with him now help 🫣. Also, Bea’s character is so real, sometimes when I was reading her pov I was like ‘this is exactly how i feel’. I adore her character. I feel like both Bea and Artie are so Taylor Swift coded 🤭. Also I love seeing the gang in this book! (re: Silas, Jessica, Maria, and a new character, Andrew 🤭) and Artie’s twin sister omg I love her character! A particular scene in the book makes me so excited for the next book 🤭 (Maria and Andrew?)
I also love Gemma’s writing! It flows and is so easy to follow from the start to the end. Also love the way that it is dual pov so we can see both Bea and Artie’s perspective. It adds so much to the story!
I absolutely recommend this book for everyone to read, it is an interconnected standalone in a series so although you don’t need to read the first book to read this one, I highly recommend you read the first one first, then continue with this one!
Thank you so much Gemma for sending me an ARC of your book! I can’t wait for the next book in the Fayette Bay series!
May 20, 2024
If you love a rom com with a little bit of crime, then you will absolutely adore the Fayetteville Bay series is a treat! Before I delve deeper into this, I recommend reading The Long Con first for more context, but it could be read as a standalone.
Bea is still recovering from the trauma of being trapped in a dungeon, and the one person she hates from this previous experience from his lack of help, Arthur, won't leave her alone. Arthur is tasked to watch over Bea and keep her safe and feelings start to form on both sides during the process. All the while, Arthur is stalked by the mysterious D.W. As his feeling's grow for Bea, so do the threats against her life.
If you're familiar with my reviews, you would know that I really enjoy a high-stakes rom com. So, from the first note Arthur receives from D.W., I was so invested. You're following along the mystery of trying to figure out who this person could possibly be, and it's kinda exciting.
Bea really grows through the process of this book. She's got a lot of trauma to overcome from the experiences in book one, but as she falls in love, she also starts to grow stronger. Even when things get scary, she stands firm beside Arthur-- who might I remind you, she hated.
If anything, I struggled with the tone of the novel that shifted between cute and cheesy rom com to epic crime boss. Sometimes the transition was a little jarring. However, it was still enjoyable to the end because I was captivated by the storyline and mystery.
Bea is still recovering from the trauma of being trapped in a dungeon, and the one person she hates from this previous experience from his lack of help, Arthur, won't leave her alone. Arthur is tasked to watch over Bea and keep her safe and feelings start to form on both sides during the process. All the while, Arthur is stalked by the mysterious D.W. As his feeling's grow for Bea, so do the threats against her life.
If you're familiar with my reviews, you would know that I really enjoy a high-stakes rom com. So, from the first note Arthur receives from D.W., I was so invested. You're following along the mystery of trying to figure out who this person could possibly be, and it's kinda exciting.
Bea really grows through the process of this book. She's got a lot of trauma to overcome from the experiences in book one, but as she falls in love, she also starts to grow stronger. Even when things get scary, she stands firm beside Arthur-- who might I remind you, she hated.
If anything, I struggled with the tone of the novel that shifted between cute and cheesy rom com to epic crime boss. Sometimes the transition was a little jarring. However, it was still enjoyable to the end because I was captivated by the storyline and mystery.
May 16, 2024
🌷ARC REVIEW🌷
"𝕀 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕪 𝕡𝕪𝕛𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕤, 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪.”
“𝕀 𝕡𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕖𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”
“𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕠𝕗𝕗 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖,”
..........melting🫠🤭
Artie and Bea🫶🏻🥹
Rating-4/5
Tropes-
🐝He falls first
🐝Brother's Best friend
🐝Dual POV
🐝Black cat × golden retriever
🐝Closed Door romance
🐝Mental health rep
🐝Found family
🐝No third act breakup
This was such a cute fluffy romance with a lot of drama.
Honestly I haven't read something like this before but I loved it sm and now I am going to read the first book in this series too. This was a unputdownable Read.
The banter between them, all the laughing out loud and swooning moments. I was giggling like a teenager🙈
HE IS A HERO, BUT NOT IN HER STORY✨
Artie is a dream man.HE READS ROMANCE NOVEL😭🌷 The way he gives her different nicknames and how only she is allowed to call him Artie🥺Bea is a strong and amazing woman with traumatic past. Loved their chemistry. Their connection was so good!! I loved how Artie helped Bea overcome her fears. He was there for her at every step.They fit so perfectly even with opposite personalities, continuously bringing out the best in each other.
This is a cute, fun,quick and a comfort read
and you guys need to read this!!🥺🫶🏻
Thank you so much @authorgemmanicholls for writing Artie and Bea and giving us the chance for early read❤
"𝕀 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕪 𝕡𝕪𝕛𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕤, 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪.”
“𝕀 𝕡𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕖𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦.”
“𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕠𝕗𝕗 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕖,”
..........melting🫠🤭
Artie and Bea🫶🏻🥹
Rating-4/5
Tropes-
🐝He falls first
🐝Brother's Best friend
🐝Dual POV
🐝Black cat × golden retriever
🐝Closed Door romance
🐝Mental health rep
🐝Found family
🐝No third act breakup
This was such a cute fluffy romance with a lot of drama.
Honestly I haven't read something like this before but I loved it sm and now I am going to read the first book in this series too. This was a unputdownable Read.
The banter between them, all the laughing out loud and swooning moments. I was giggling like a teenager🙈
HE IS A HERO, BUT NOT IN HER STORY✨
Artie is a dream man.HE READS ROMANCE NOVEL😭🌷 The way he gives her different nicknames and how only she is allowed to call him Artie🥺Bea is a strong and amazing woman with traumatic past. Loved their chemistry. Their connection was so good!! I loved how Artie helped Bea overcome her fears. He was there for her at every step.They fit so perfectly even with opposite personalities, continuously bringing out the best in each other.
This is a cute, fun,quick and a comfort read
and you guys need to read this!!🥺🫶🏻
Thank you so much @authorgemmanicholls for writing Artie and Bea and giving us the chance for early read❤
May 22, 2024
🐝 "As much as you annoy me, and as much as my brain begs me to realise that this is a bad idea, I can't stop thinking about how good we might be together"
🐝 "Just me, my Honeybee, and what I imagine dreams are probably made of"
🐝 "You are my yellow too. My calming, beautiful, hopeful light after a year of the darkest dusk"
Told from dual POV we follow Artie and Bea and their complicated attraction. Bea is still haunted by her past trauma and kidnapping, and holds Artie partially to blame for his involvement and hacker lifestyle.
She tries to avoid him, but when their mutual friends task him to watch out for her, it evolves into humourous drama and a charming slow burn romance with flirty banter and awkward stalking.
As they grow closer, Artie begins to get threatening messages, not only against him but to Bea as well. He tries to work out who has a vendetta against him and tries to keep Bea safe from harm. Things don't always go to plan though and the last few chapters are a high stakes rescue mission, with sacrifices and drama.
I love the characters and the elements of found family in this sweet romance, the cute nicknames, crafting hobbies, swoony moments, cosy vibes, and the interesting twists and action sequences.
Can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading The Long Con first so you understand the character backgrounds.
🐝 "Just me, my Honeybee, and what I imagine dreams are probably made of"
🐝 "You are my yellow too. My calming, beautiful, hopeful light after a year of the darkest dusk"
Told from dual POV we follow Artie and Bea and their complicated attraction. Bea is still haunted by her past trauma and kidnapping, and holds Artie partially to blame for his involvement and hacker lifestyle.
She tries to avoid him, but when their mutual friends task him to watch out for her, it evolves into humourous drama and a charming slow burn romance with flirty banter and awkward stalking.
As they grow closer, Artie begins to get threatening messages, not only against him but to Bea as well. He tries to work out who has a vendetta against him and tries to keep Bea safe from harm. Things don't always go to plan though and the last few chapters are a high stakes rescue mission, with sacrifices and drama.
I love the characters and the elements of found family in this sweet romance, the cute nicknames, crafting hobbies, swoony moments, cosy vibes, and the interesting twists and action sequences.
Can be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading The Long Con first so you understand the character backgrounds.
May 21, 2024
Thanks to Gemma Nicholls for letting me be a part of your ARC team for your latest release.
What to expect:
🐝Trauma and anxiety references
🐝Black cat x Golden retriever dynamic
🐝He falls first
🐝Dual POV
🐝Closed door
I felt like I could really connect to the characters, and this is what I love in a modern romance book. Bea had her quirks, like her failed crafts, and she had ways she dealt with her anxiety. But she really cared about people, and that really shined through. She initially didn't trust Arthur because of their shared past, but she came round and overcame those feelings.
Arthur, a hacker, who did have a bit of shady past working for criminals, but now is on the straight and narrow. He was scared to act on his feelings for Bea after being threatened by someone from his old life. But he was kind and going through his own issues throughout. I love how they both leaned on each other and gave each other support.
I felt like I would have benefited from reading the first book in this series for context, but after the first 10%, I flew through this - so it definitely could be read as a standalone.
The plot was definitely original with the added crime element, and I'll be looking forward to continuing the series!
What to expect:
🐝Trauma and anxiety references
🐝Black cat x Golden retriever dynamic
🐝He falls first
🐝Dual POV
🐝Closed door
I felt like I could really connect to the characters, and this is what I love in a modern romance book. Bea had her quirks, like her failed crafts, and she had ways she dealt with her anxiety. But she really cared about people, and that really shined through. She initially didn't trust Arthur because of their shared past, but she came round and overcame those feelings.
Arthur, a hacker, who did have a bit of shady past working for criminals, but now is on the straight and narrow. He was scared to act on his feelings for Bea after being threatened by someone from his old life. But he was kind and going through his own issues throughout. I love how they both leaned on each other and gave each other support.
I felt like I would have benefited from reading the first book in this series for context, but after the first 10%, I flew through this - so it definitely could be read as a standalone.
The plot was definitely original with the added crime element, and I'll be looking forward to continuing the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 🐝☀️
Firstly, thank you so much to Gemma for letting me ARC read the second book in the Fayette Bay series!
This book was just an all round fluffy dream that gives me that fuzzy feeling inside. It’s such an easy story to relate to in terms of the characters. Anxiety is a huge part of the plot and both Bea and Artie suffer throughout the book, but the depiction is done so perfectly. You feel you are right there with them. They truly stick by each other and help each other work out their trauma in their own ways and just have someone to lean on when they need it.
Bea is the definition of a strong independent woman and Artie is just so funny with his constant jokes and sarcasm. They have such a strong connection and their chemistry is on point. Not only is this a romance but there is so much drama within the plot also. Honestly, if you are a fan of a fluffy black cat x golden retriever romance this is perfect for you!
Tropes:
🐝 He falls first
🖥️ Black cat x golden retriever
🐝Brothers best friend
🖥️ Fluffy closed door romance
🐝 Dual POV
It’s due for release on the 22nd May, happy reading!! 🐝☀️
Firstly, thank you so much to Gemma for letting me ARC read the second book in the Fayette Bay series!
This book was just an all round fluffy dream that gives me that fuzzy feeling inside. It’s such an easy story to relate to in terms of the characters. Anxiety is a huge part of the plot and both Bea and Artie suffer throughout the book, but the depiction is done so perfectly. You feel you are right there with them. They truly stick by each other and help each other work out their trauma in their own ways and just have someone to lean on when they need it.
Bea is the definition of a strong independent woman and Artie is just so funny with his constant jokes and sarcasm. They have such a strong connection and their chemistry is on point. Not only is this a romance but there is so much drama within the plot also. Honestly, if you are a fan of a fluffy black cat x golden retriever romance this is perfect for you!
Tropes:
🐝 He falls first
🖥️ Black cat x golden retriever
🐝Brothers best friend
🖥️ Fluffy closed door romance
🐝 Dual POV
It’s due for release on the 22nd May, happy reading!! 🐝☀️
May 13, 2024
ARC Review 🐝
★ ★ ★ ★ .5
If you’re after a quick and easy read, this book is for you!
The chemistry and the banter was everything. I loved the storyline and honestly haven’t read something like this before. I found myself physically laughing out loud and kicking my feet giggling throughout the whole book.
I loved Bea and her quirky crafts and tea obsession, such a nice addition to add more personality to the character. Also, can we take a moment for Arthur and how supportive and funny he was the entire time!
Anxiety is a massive part of the book and we get to see how both of the characters work through their own struggles but also support each other. It really feels like you’re there with them when they’re trying to work through everything not just as a couple but individually as well.
Read if you like:
💛 He falls first
💛 Dual POV
💛 Closed door romance
Release date: 22nd May
★ ★ ★ ★ .5
If you’re after a quick and easy read, this book is for you!
The chemistry and the banter was everything. I loved the storyline and honestly haven’t read something like this before. I found myself physically laughing out loud and kicking my feet giggling throughout the whole book.
I loved Bea and her quirky crafts and tea obsession, such a nice addition to add more personality to the character. Also, can we take a moment for Arthur and how supportive and funny he was the entire time!
Anxiety is a massive part of the book and we get to see how both of the characters work through their own struggles but also support each other. It really feels like you’re there with them when they’re trying to work through everything not just as a couple but individually as well.
Read if you like:
💛 He falls first
💛 Dual POV
💛 Closed door romance
Release date: 22nd May
May 22, 2024
🌶️
Tropes-
Not-so-enemies to Lovers
He falls first
Brother's Bestfriend
Mental health rep
Closed door romance
No third act breakup
Absolutely love this book 😍
This is such a sweet, comfy romance novel with a tiny bit of dark twist.
Once you start reading this, you cannot stop.
You just can't! Our beautiful characters in this story are literally the sweetest.
The banter and attraction at same time are perfectly portrayed!
It definitely has made a way to my comfort reads.💓
Arthur Avila is a hacker, made mistakes in the past but that's all he thought of it. The past.
But his past has come back to bite him back, all at the wrong time. Because now among very close people in his life, is her. Beatrice Di-Menna. Will he be able to save her?
Beatrice Di-Menna has lived her life alone. She is suffering from anxiety due to everything that has happened the past year to her and her closed ones. The ones who aren't her family but mean so much to her. She has taken some wrong opinions on Arthur but as she gets to know him, she realises the real truth and gives him a chance. But is he really the one for her?
This book was very interesting and so wholesome, I could read it anywhere, anytime.
Just too perfect.
Tropes-
Not-so-enemies to Lovers
He falls first
Brother's Bestfriend
Mental health rep
Closed door romance
No third act breakup
Absolutely love this book 😍
This is such a sweet, comfy romance novel with a tiny bit of dark twist.
Once you start reading this, you cannot stop.
You just can't! Our beautiful characters in this story are literally the sweetest.
The banter and attraction at same time are perfectly portrayed!
It definitely has made a way to my comfort reads.💓
Arthur Avila is a hacker, made mistakes in the past but that's all he thought of it. The past.
But his past has come back to bite him back, all at the wrong time. Because now among very close people in his life, is her. Beatrice Di-Menna. Will he be able to save her?
Beatrice Di-Menna has lived her life alone. She is suffering from anxiety due to everything that has happened the past year to her and her closed ones. The ones who aren't her family but mean so much to her. She has taken some wrong opinions on Arthur but as she gets to know him, she realises the real truth and gives him a chance. But is he really the one for her?
This book was very interesting and so wholesome, I could read it anywhere, anytime.
Just too perfect.
May 12, 2024
This was such a quick easy read, with brilliant and relatable characters ( not so much with the constant kidnapping and crime lord involvement but personalities definitely 😂)
Bea and Artie’s relationship is super cute, I love that they were able to balance each other and bring out the best in each other constantly.
This isn’t a spicy book but the tension is there, and THOSE scenes are just implied with very minimal detail so this is a great book for those of you that aren’t a fan of smut.
This would have been a 5⭐️ book for me however, there’s a question I WISH was asked and it wasn’t, you’ll understand when you read it
Tropes:
- He falls first
- Black cat x golden retriever
- Mutual Healing
- You’re mine
Bea and Artie’s relationship is super cute, I love that they were able to balance each other and bring out the best in each other constantly.
This isn’t a spicy book but the tension is there, and THOSE scenes are just implied with very minimal detail so this is a great book for those of you that aren’t a fan of smut.
This would have been a 5⭐️ book for me however, there’s a question I WISH was asked and it wasn’t, you’ll understand when you read it
Tropes:
- He falls first
- Black cat x golden retriever
- Mutual Healing
- You’re mine
May 7, 2025
This was my first arc read, and what a start! The book has duo pov's and was written in British English.
A behind-closed-door romcom with a side order of crime. Bea is strong and brave, Arthur is patient and cheeky. There is so much sweetness in the book! The way they interact was just perfection - funny, witty and warm. The nicknames they had for each other, and the way they talk to each other was just 🥺❤️.
It had definitely got me smiling and kicking my feet. The book describes the perfect image of the early stages of love: the "can't be apart from each other for 1 second", having the other person occupying your mind 24/7, the healing and comfort inside of you when you're falling in love. Despite it being an easy read, please check the trigger warnings before you dive in ❤️🩹
A behind-closed-door romcom with a side order of crime. Bea is strong and brave, Arthur is patient and cheeky. There is so much sweetness in the book! The way they interact was just perfection - funny, witty and warm. The nicknames they had for each other, and the way they talk to each other was just 🥺❤️.
It had definitely got me smiling and kicking my feet. The book describes the perfect image of the early stages of love: the "can't be apart from each other for 1 second", having the other person occupying your mind 24/7, the healing and comfort inside of you when you're falling in love. Despite it being an easy read, please check the trigger warnings before you dive in ❤️🩹
May 22, 2024
This book is so different from what I normally read. It's not *just* a romance. It has darker themes and mystery, which is so fun! The characters are funny yet deep with individual back stories which I appreciate a lot. They're fully fleshed out characters making their relationship...more.
Recommend this book for those interested in getting more than a contemporary romance and instead getting a deeper plot with fun characters and a mystery sub-plot!
Thank you for the ARC, Gemma!
Recommend this book for those interested in getting more than a contemporary romance and instead getting a deeper plot with fun characters and a mystery sub-plot!
Thank you for the ARC, Gemma!
June 11, 2024
This is the first book i have read by Gemma and I will definitely be reading her other book!
I really liked this book and thought the story was very unique! It's everything you'd expect from a romcom with a crime element too!
Bea and Arthur were amazing characters and I whole heartedly adore them!
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a brothers best friend, black cat x golden retriever rom com where he falls first!
I really liked this book and thought the story was very unique! It's everything you'd expect from a romcom with a crime element too!
Bea and Arthur were amazing characters and I whole heartedly adore them!
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a brothers best friend, black cat x golden retriever rom com where he falls first!
July 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️’s - this book was a cute little romance, Bea and Artie clicked from the start. Even when she hated him, which she quickly got over cause Artie was very charming towards here. They helped each other heal over past events, the drama/action was a little bit anticlimactic, it was good but i was expecting more with home much it was building up. Cute ending though and it was a very good anxiety rep book.
Spice: 🌶️
Happiness: ☺️☺️☺️
Sadness: 😢
Baggage: 🧳🧳🧳
Spice: 🌶️
Happiness: ☺️☺️☺️
Sadness: 😢
Baggage: 🧳🧳🧳
May 15, 2024
A beautiful beautiful read that I had the pleasure to come across, Gemma’s style of writing is wonderful and she is a kindhearted person too. I really loved the relationship the main characters developed and the references to what happened in the first book. I wish Gemma all the success as she deserves it 🩷
May 24, 2024
You and Me, Honeybee will forever be my comfort book! It’ll be the book that I recommend first to everyone and anyone who asks. I resonated with Bea so much it felt like we were the same person! I still can’t stop thinking about Bea and Artie to this day 🫶🏼
May 12, 2024
I thought this was a great read. I enjoyed Bea and Artie as characters and loved them even more together, especially when they both showed their protective sides.
March 21, 2025
Incredible!
Wonderful! Artie and Bea are so wholesome, I'm obsessed! Gemma has outdone herself again, what a great book with lots of exciting twists too.
Wonderful! Artie and Bea are so wholesome, I'm obsessed! Gemma has outdone herself again, what a great book with lots of exciting twists too.
February 23, 2025
You and Me, Honeybee is the second book in the Fayette Bay series, and easily my most anticipated book of 2024! It can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading The Long Con first!
Bea Di Menna has been stuggling with the events of last year, where she was held hostage along with her friends by a sadistic criminal. Now that Desmond is dead, she blames the only person she can, Arthur Avila.
Enter Artie, a top hacker in the underground world, who gave it all up last year for something a little less illegal. When he’s asked to look out for Bea, he tries to keep her safe whilst also trying to earn her trust.
Their relationship starts out rocky, but even though she doesn’t like or trust him, the chemistry between Bea and Artie is undeniable from the start. The nicknames are absolutely adorable, and I laughed way too hard at their banter.
Once again, Gemma has absolutely gripped me with her story. She makes her characters feel so real and relatable, and I love the way she handles the more difficult aspects of trauma and anxiety with so much care and attention.
I absolutely loved The Long Con, so it’s no surprise that I’m now obsessed with You and Me, Honeybee! I really can’t wait for book three!
*I received an advance reader copy of this gorgeous book for free (thank you so much Gemma Nicholls), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Bea Di Menna has been stuggling with the events of last year, where she was held hostage along with her friends by a sadistic criminal. Now that Desmond is dead, she blames the only person she can, Arthur Avila.
Enter Artie, a top hacker in the underground world, who gave it all up last year for something a little less illegal. When he’s asked to look out for Bea, he tries to keep her safe whilst also trying to earn her trust.
Their relationship starts out rocky, but even though she doesn’t like or trust him, the chemistry between Bea and Artie is undeniable from the start. The nicknames are absolutely adorable, and I laughed way too hard at their banter.
Once again, Gemma has absolutely gripped me with her story. She makes her characters feel so real and relatable, and I love the way she handles the more difficult aspects of trauma and anxiety with so much care and attention.
I absolutely loved The Long Con, so it’s no surprise that I’m now obsessed with You and Me, Honeybee! I really can’t wait for book three!
*I received an advance reader copy of this gorgeous book for free (thank you so much Gemma Nicholls), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
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