Singing My Tune

Aussie Cravings #4

by Layla Pine

Sex and feelings are a volatile cocktail …

Katarina Drákos has a lot going on. She’s taking the first step towards a musical theatre career, her best friend might be getting deported, and she’s keeping a big secret from her mother.

Oh, and she just can’t stop thinking about the stranger who got her off in a nightclub, then vanished. The stranger who gave her a taste of exactly what she’s been looking for in a man – hot, kinky and dominant.

If only she’d had a chance to explore the explosive chemistry she felt with him …

... Dominic Fournier needs to be in control, especially when it comes to sex. So, when a beautiful mystery girl almost makes him lose it, he escapes just in time. Only he can’t get her out of his head.

When term begins and he returns to his vocal coaching job, his control is tested to its limit. Because the ingenue soprano he’ll be teaching – the one everyone has their eye on – is his mystery girl.

An hour, alone together in Dom’s classroom every week is torture unlike anything either of them have experienced…and it’s only a matter of time before one, or both of them, succumb to their desires…

But can they ever be more … when everything between them must remain a dirty little secret?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

554 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Layla has been writing stories ever since she could pick up a pencil and shape words. The most memorable works of her tween and teen years included a rap version of 'Little Red Riding Hood' and an embarrassingly spicy high school camp/murder mystery (which was possibly a sign of things to come).

​
Layla studied Communications at Newcastle University in NSW, Australia, and worked as a buyer and marketing coordinator in the education sector, before joining her husband in the family retail business. That's still her day job (she's very lucky her boss is pretty lenient, or she'd never get any writing done).


Layla lives on an acreage in regional NSW with her husband, two rambunctious children, four mostly feral cats, and an ancient German Shepherd who still thinks he's a puppy. Oh, and some angry Plovers that swoop her every spring without fail.

Reviews

[Jessica Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I want to thank Layla for the opportunity to beta read this fantastic book. I will be forever grateful getting to read her books before they come out to the public.

Wowza, what a book this was! It was absolutely incredible from start to finish. A damn masterpiece. I have loved all of Layla’s books but can I just say this one… THIS ONE IS MY HOLY GRAIL!!!

Dom & Kat are fantastic characters and I loved going on their journey with them. Reading about them getting to know each other and what they go through.

Also, the spice was spicin’ haha it was some of the best spice I have ever read in any book. Hot damn 🔥 just make sure you have your partner or… tools nearby 🫢😏 you’ll need them.

The ending was perfection. Layla did a fantastic job with wrapping it all up in a neat little bow and giving us everything we needed.

I highly… HIGHLY recommend this book! You won’t regret it. Such an epic read.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review for Singing My Tune by @laylapine_author

Singing My Tune is available tomorrow the 15th March and it’s on Kindle Unlimited!

While this is book 4 of the Aussie Cravings series, it can be read as a standalone, however I would strongly recommend reading at least book 3 Hating Dr Fox as you’ll get a deeper insight into the MMC Dom.

Before I get into my thoughts, here are the tropes (and tbh this is what hooked me in!)
💜 Forbidden Romance (teacher/student)
💜 Age Gap
💜 Mutual Pining
💜 Hurt/comfort
💜 Australian setting

Layla, you have done it again! This book was addictive, fast paced, captivating, I literally did not want to put it down!

I don’t tend to reach for Forbidden Romances but I think I might be converted after reading this 🙈

This book is full of real characters with real life issues and adversities to overcome. But warning, it may make you snacky as they talk about some yummy Australian treats (luckily I had some chocolate caramel ice cream in the freezer 😉)

4.5 ⭐️

[Sam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

*special thanks to Layla Pine for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I am on the record for enthusing so highly about Hating Dr Fox, the previous (3rd) book in the Layla’s Aussie Cravings series. This book may be a new favourite - and that’s not an easy feat considering how much I love Hating Dr Fox!

Singing My Tune picks up only a few months after the main conflict of Hating Dr Fox, with some overlap. It follows Dominic Fournier, first introduced in Levi’s story Strokes of Midnight, and best friend to Dr Xander Fox. I loved Dom throughout Hating Dr Fox and I only love him so much more now.

During a wild night out, Dom meets Katarina Drákos though the two don’t exchange names or numbers. Instead, Dom has the shock of his life when he sees Kat again - as his student at NIMTA, a school for performing arts in Sydney! Though both hesitant to cross that point of no return, tensions rise around the production of Phantom of the Opera and the two embark on a very spicy, very thrilling affair that all too quickly becomes more than either of them bargained for!

I loved Kat, I loved Dom, and I loved the cameos from Xander, Georgie and Levi. It was a balm to see some further resolution from the fallout of Hating Dr Fox and I absolutely have found a new book boyfriend in Dominic - if I could order one of him off of Amazon I would have done it already!

The Fantales plot, the Phantom energy, and the Kate Bush interlude were all fun and memorable even if I can never understand how someone’s favourite song could be Wuthering Heights.

Absolutely adored this!

Please check your trigger warnings. Some triggers include sexual assault, illness, death of a parent, anxiety, Dom/sub dynamics and musicals.

[Allison Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So honoured to be one of the beta readers for Singing My Tune. I have loved all of Layla’s books but this one is without a doubt my favourite. It pulls you in from the first page. Layla has captured the emotions of the characters perfectly, and you truly feel like you are experiencing this love story with them.
Cannot wait to see this one take off, it deserves more than 5 stars!

[Lys Rix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive Singing My Tune as an ARC read.

I went in blind beyond knowing it was a romance between a vocal coach and his student. I've read book 1 in the Aussie craving series but ran out of time for book 2 and 3 before receiving this ARC. But it was ok and I think this can be read as a stand alone. I'm assuming if you've read hating Dr Fox you'll get a bit more connection/empathy for Dom's backstory/trauma. But there was enough explanation in this book, that I didn't feel like I missed out on enough to tarnish this 5 star read for me.

My first impression was of the cover. It instantly screamed phantom of the opera to me and those that know that scene in the musical will just know.

To my delight the story does occur on the backdrop of the main characters preparing to perform phantom. So my musical theatre heart was able to visualise the drama, the emotion and the music in my mind in great detail as I pretty much know that musical word for word lol. Those that don't know the music may not connect with that aspect of the story or may have to spend a lot of time on Spotify for the full experience. WHICH YOU SHOULD, because Andrew Lloyd Webber is a legend and you've missed out on life.

The writing is fabulous. The pacing, flawless.
The character ARCs are clear and wrap up well in the ending

The FMC and MMC's relationship feels natural and is was nice to read a loving, supportive, non-toxic, well communicated relationship for a change. Don't worry despite the above it's far from boring, it's spicy AF ++++ and the spice didn't stale throughout the story. This is not something to buddy read with your mother ha ha ha...

Contains themes:
Age gap
Teacher student forbidden romance
Dom/Sub dynamic
BDSM

Check TW's - does contain SA, parent illness and loss, anxiety/trauma recovery.

Overall a 5 star read for me. Highly recommend!

PS. One TW not listed and very important - book contains discussion and obsession of the great fantail chocolate discontinuation debacle. I was severely triggered as I really want a fantail right now ha ha.

[Danielle Glučina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - thank you SO MUCH Layla for the opportunity of being an ARC reader!

The main characters Dom and Kat were just incredible- I loved their relationship, how supportive they are of each other and the spice 🌶️ 🤩 AMAZING!

My favourite couple and my favourite book in the series.

What I love about Layla’s writing is that the spice is phenomenal but there’s always an incredible plot that goes hand in hand with it.

If you like a spicy romance, amazing and gripping plot line with characters you’ll think about for months on end this is the series for you!

ps- I really hope we get more about Dom and Kat because I’m not ready to let go of them yet!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla can do no wrong!
I loved this deliciously spicy book and the nicknames between Dom & Kat. Their relationship definitely started off in a non-traditional way but I love how good they were for each other.
Oliver gave me the ick from the very beginning and no spoilers but I hope he gets what he deserves.
I also adored the side characters and am absolutely looking forward to hopefully seeing a book between Ri and her mysterious Henry (and hopefully more about the lumberjack bodyguard too!).

[A.L. Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally leave reviews for books I have read because I am an author, and something about that just feels icky.

But I had to tell everyone about this book!

I beta read "Singing My Tune" for Layla and absolutely adored it. Probably more than I loved the first three in the Aussie Cravings Series, so that's saying something.

Dom & Kat will forever hold a special place in my heart.

It is a teacher/student, age-gap, forbidden, kinky romance set in Australia. But don't let that put you off because they are both consenting adults in a performing arts school setting. She is in her twenties, and he is in his thirties. So, it is not a massive age gap, but it is a thing.
This book will pull at your heart strings. Have you invested in the characters' journeys, and at one point, it even made me sob my heart out.

The characters - chef's kiss.
The side plots - Intriging.
The spice was spicing, and boy, was it hot! I give this book 4 chilli peppers.
The character development - perfection!
The writing - consistent throughout.

Overall, this is yet another amazing book by Layla Pine, and I felt so blessed to have been chosen to help her in really getting to the heart of this story.
So, thank you, Layla, for trusting me with your book baby.

You should absolutely pick up a copy of this book!

What are you still doing here? Run! Go grab a copy!

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader

This book is so much fun! Grumpy sunshine, music, food, set in Australia, sub/dom, etc.....

Get onto it and preorder. It is absolutely amazing!

[Naz.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️
- Teacher x student
- Age gap
- Dom x sub

I’m going to start off by saying I had some strong feelings of dislike towards Dom after reading Hating Dr Fox but in this book he has totally redeemed himself. After you get to read what happened from his prospective and what he felt/feels, I understand him better. That scene where he shared his past with Kat and what he wanted with her after really showcased their bond. I love how they constantly bettered one another and grew to be great communicators in their relationship. There’s no third act break up here!

Kat is a strong FMC who is family oriented. She’s dated boys but finally found herself a man who knows just what she needs. I liked how she always stood up for herself and when she stood up for Dom knowing he needed closure from Georgie. She was the perfect match for Dom to finally trust someone else enough to let go of his control.

I enjoyed how the story just wasn’t based around the teacher x student trope but had other interesting storylines going on. Like the uneasiness of Ollie, not being able to gage his intentions. The drama of theatre amongst the cast. Sexual harassment in the workplace (I wish I could have seen Vivian suffer a little for what she did). Kat’s friend Ri facing the difficultly of staying in the country with an expired visa. The heartbreaking pain of having a loved one living with Alzheimers. I really related to the experiences Kat and her mother were going through with her dad. This book had it all.

I thought the dom x sub dynamic would entail some more darker kinky scenes but I think it was pretty light. In saying that, the spicy scenes were still hot and definitely intense.

I was so happy to see previous characters make appearances here and there, especially Levi who is my favourite MMC in the series (sorry Dom, but you’re a close second). I also loved the side characters in this like Kat’s aunty Sophia, Dom’s mother Elena, & Lucian the lumberjack bodyguard. I’ve been enjoying this series and cannot wait for more books to be released (I need a Mac book ASAP!).

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves drama, the teacher x student trope, interesting and entertaining characters, and a story that focuses on many topics outside of the one between the main characters.

[Satchel Paige (Southernbellbookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story because I was ready to get Dom’s side of events we’ve seen over the course of the last few books, especially after Hating Dr. Fox. Dom has beaten himself up his entire adulthood from decisions made as a teen, and these decisions have affected the way he views relationships and love. He’s driven to control in all aspects of his life and his mantra is never to give in to his urges, to let himself give up parts of himself, to let go and give someone his heart.

Kat is fighting against her dreams and the expectations of her family. Shes works in her Aunt’s restaurant while preparing for school. She wants to be on her own and enter into musical theatre instead of teaching like her mother. With a roommate who likes to party and bring Kat out of her shell, they take a night on the town and Kat finds her eye on a hot stranger.

A one night stand of severe hotness leads both Dom and Kat breathless and wanting more and they can’t stop thinking about one another. Months go by and when Kat goes for her vocal lessons, she comes face to face with the man who gave her pleasure in a bar. Dom realizes she’s the face he can’t get out of his head. Both spend the lessons actively pretending they don’t remember the other, while subtle touches and innuendos ramp up the tension and it’s a delicious burn!

I loved watching Dom and Kat go from forbidden relationship to a love that is unmatched. Dom awakens things in Kat that she never knew she needed or wanted. He gives her a strength to stand up to her mom, as well as deal with her father’s sickness. Kat shows Dom that he can let go of the past and make a future with her, whatever it takes. I loved to see Dom’s tender side and when all of the past unfolds between him, Xander, and Georgie, we get some closure and much awaited healing for them all.

The spice is spicing, you get all the feels, and the cameos of our favorites (hello Levi!!). Thanks Layla for having me as a beta again for this book! The journey through the process with you is so much fun and the read that much more special!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! I have been waiting for Dom to have his own story since Strokes at Midnight, and I could not have imagined anything better than this!

I loved how Layla pushed the boundaries of her usual couple dynamic with this story, both emotionally and sexually. She explores ideas that might be “taboo” and really delves into the feeling behind them. I appreciate the nuance she uses when delving into how different life experiences might fuel certain sexual desires, without shaming or demeaning the desires themselves. I am always amazed at how Layla approaches the sexual relationships between her characters with such an obvious emphasis on consent, communication, and raw, shameless desire.

The characters were superb (as Laylas character always are), as was her use of dual POV to show the parallels between the characters thought patterns, and how they were feeling during situations involving both characters. I think it adds an extra layer of understanding to the characters, and allows us an insight into their relationship that the characters are not yet privy to. I absolutely adored how strong, resilient, passionate, and vulnerable Kat was as an FMC. I especially loved her third party take on the situation between Dom and Georgi, and how she approached the situation with her usual fire and emotion. I think it is so beautiful to see female authors using their FMCs to show how women are emotional, and the power (not weakness) that lies within that emotion. Dom as an MMC was everything I wanted from him and more! Watching his gruff exterior melt away, and expose a vulnerable, sensitive, and flawed but beautiful man truly made my heart so happy. The way Layla manages to explore so many real life issues (from Alzheimers to SA), and perfectly capture the complex emotions that people have surrounding them is what brings her writing (and her characters) to a level of its own.

Also, if Ri doesn’t get her own spinoff series I’m going to be pissed!

[Tez · Rating 4 out of 5]

{Thank you to author Layla Pine for my ARC copy of Singing My Tune}

4.5⭐️

Favourite Quote:

"Girlfriend’ just seems....inadequate, somehow. Like, what we have is bigger than that.” I thought for a moment then smiled, my heart speeding up. “L’autre morceau de mon coeur.”
“The other piece of my heart,” I translated in a whisper

Singing My Tune is the 4th book in the Aussie Craving series. These are interconnected stand alone books.

This book follows Dom and Katarina. They have a brief spicy encounter in a night club but do not exchange details thinking that they will never see each other again. Shortly afterwards, Kat starts her music studies at NIMTA and is shocked to find that Dom is her vocal coach. Neither of them say anything to each other thinking that the other person doesn’t remember them. However their desire for each other is too strong and they succumb to their desires.

As they get to know each other they start to develop deeper feelings for each other. Dom learns to overcome his previous trauma and loose some control and Kat finds support in Dom when she needs it the most.

I loved this book and I would say it is probably my favourite book of the series so far. I adored the relationship between Dom and Kat. I loved the relationship they both had with their friends and family.
This book touched on some sensitive issues and Layla did a wonderful job of exploring those traumas through to the healing process.
Now on to the spice! Wow this book was the spiciest of this series, there was a lot of spice but it did not take away from the plot at all, in fact it enhanced it and showed how we can be vulnerable and trust people completely.
I do recommend checking your trigger warnings before reading this book.

[Jaein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Layla for this ARC 🤍

This book embodies everything I cherish in a steamy romance novel. The dynamic and sizzling chemistry between Katarina and Dominic is palpable, drawing readers into a whirlwind of emotions from the very first page. Their interactions, whether it be through heated exchanges or tender moments, are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.

One aspect that truly sets 'Singing My Tune' apart is the inclusion of a curated song playlist. Each song resonates with the characters' emotions, enhancing the atmosphere and enriching the storytelling. It's a brilliant touch that adds depth and dimension to the novel, allowing readers to further immerse themselves in the world of Katarina and Dominic.

Moreover, the portrayal of emotions in this book is nothing short of remarkable. Layla has a knack for delving into the depths of human feelings, capturing the raw intensity of desire, longing, and vulnerability with finesse. It's this emotional depth that makes the characters feel incredibly real and relatable, ensuring that their journey resonates with readers long after the final page is turned.

In conclusion, 'Singing My Tune' is a compelling and unforgettable read that delivers on every front. With its scorching romance, engaging characters, and evocative storytelling, it's a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ratings:
4/5 ⭐️
5/5 🌶️

[Day Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️I received this book as part of Layla Pine’s ARC Team⭐️

Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

So first and foremost, if you have been into spice since Chapter 1 🌶️, Strong FMC 💪, a bit of a Swift reference ✨, no 3rd act breakup, and an Australian-based story 🫶LAYLA IS YOUR CUP OF TEA! Especially if you’re into spice with great storylines. I cannot stress enough about this!

🎤 Katarina Drákos is our FMC, A young fantastic singer who is ready to fulfill her career dream.

🎶 Dominic Fournier is our MMC. The feared teacher, dedicated to his craft and with huge emotional baggage.

With that being said, and this one being book 4 of Aussie Cravings with some glimpses of the couples for books 2 and 3, I believed I knew what to expect, or so I thought 😳! The story of Dom (pun very much intended 😉😉) and Kat is complex, intense, prohibited(?), fun, and sexy ❤️‍🔥 I LOVE some dom/sub moments in my reading 🥵 and although was apprehensive about the whole student/teacher story for the power play in place and age gap, I have to say it was very well served on the story always putting the consent in the front of it all. 🫡

➡️Do I recommend it? HELL YES! The way we see some items hunting Dom and some other heavy subjects on Kat’s life get a great angle and closure gave me this happiness I can’t shake off 🤭. Also, I love the way life got in between the story, meaning the realness of it all with the perfect amount of spice, is just what I needed. On top of it all the setup being Musical Theater got my heart! 🎼🎤I can’t say more to convince you to RUN and grab this book.

🤔 Why not 5 hearts? I want to know more in terms of the conclusion for Ri, Fkn Ollie especially, and Naomi.. Also, Dom’s mom was put in the middle of the story but no conclusion there… But Layla, you did not disappoint and this book adds up to the reasons I got you in my top 5 authors, consider me an Aussie lover. 🇦🇺💜

[Nikki - Nikki's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat is about to start her journey into her musical theatre career. Before she starts she has the most incredible spicy encounter of her life in a night club and she can't stop thinking about it. She has been looking for a hot and dominant man and finally found him!

Dom, the handsome and dominant man in the night club, can't stop thinking about the encounter either, little did he know that his mystery womam is Kat, one of his students.

The chemistry is off the charts! can they keep their forbiden romance a secret?

So darn spicy! Laylas sauciest book yet.
There is:
-forbidden romance
- age gap
-dom/sub
-musical theatre setting
- trauma healing

Whilst this is book 4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone but highly reccomend reading the others first for the full effect.

Please do check your CWs as there may be triggering events for some.
I am a sucker for characters healing together and this was done in such a beautiful and respectful way.

Layla once again made me feel all the emotions of her characters, I don't think I could hate anything she writes.

Whilst I was given a copy to review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, there’s just so much to love about Dom and Kat.

After a naughty moment in a bar, Kat and Dom can’t stop thinking about their encounter. But when she goes to her vocal training class, they realise that what they did can never happen again now that they are student and teacher. Will they be able to resist the pull towards each other that they have?

Dom is the perfect name for this character - he loves to dominate her in the bedroom. But she loves it just as much. But the way he completely melts for her is so divine. Fantales anyone 😊

There’s something about Aussie authors that I find so appealing - I love all the Aussie references, the music references and the overall tonality of the characters. This is my first read from this author, and I will definitely be reading her back catalogue as I really enjoyed the style of writing.

Check the trigger warnings before diving into this one as it covers some topics that some may find distressing.

Thank you @laylapine_author for the e-ARC of this book. It’s a fantastic story, filled with great characters, great spicy spice and lots of drama to keep you intrigued to the very end.

4.5 stars

[Layna allbookedup23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would just like to thank Layla for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this book!!

I'm so obsessed with the Aussie Cravings series; this book was no different. I love that this book was set in Australia, more specifically there were mentions of my home town so being able to connect with some of the locations and references was so nice.

Layla has captured the emotions of certain situations so beautifully, this book pulls you in from the very first page. I wish Kat and Dom had more than one book. although this book is 600 pages (which I was terrified to find out) I read 55% of it in one sitting. Layla does romance SO WELL!

This book was very spicy like I'm talking spicy scene 3% in. Although it is a teacher/student romance which I don't usually enjoy, Layla has used this trope so well. If I could give this book 6 stars I would. I cannot wait to see the positive reactions to this book after its release.

PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!!

[Janelle | booksaremint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominic (Dom) and Katarina (Kat) have a brief but steamy encounter one night.
Not long after, Kat starts a new University music course only to realise Dom is one of her teachers! Eek...! As part of her course, Kat the talented singer that she is, has to "endure" private singing lessons with Dom... *cue the super close proximity*

What follows is a battle to see who will break their silence first and ignite the sparks still well & truly burning.

I was completely addicted to this book from the first chapter. Dom and Kat's chemistry was palpable 🥵 "Sir Dom" was a kinky dream and did not disappoint behind closed doors. Kat was a strong, talented and endearing fmc. The journey they go through to be together is secretive and captivating with lots of twists and turns along the way.

This is the first book of Layla Pine's I have read but it won't be the last. I hadn't read the previous books in the series but I don't think it mattered (though I will go back and read them).

Do yourself a favour and read Singing My Tune. I highly recommend it!

*Please check TWs*

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Fourth book in the Aussie Cravings series. Dom has a “second base” one night stand with a woman in the pub and he can’t stop thinking about her. On the first day at theatre school he sees her again and she is his student. Kat thinks he doesn’t remember her and she goes about pretending she doesn’t remember either. But Dom and Kat cannot deny their connection or that they are the only ones who can satisfy each others needs.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I’m obsessed with this series and obsessed with Layla’s writing! This book is so very steamy and had a spicy scene 3% in!!! It is a teacher/student romance with sub/dom spice. PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!! I love Dom, I love Kat and I love that this is set is Australia too, understanding the references makes me feel so much more connected to the story! Highly recommend.

[Sarah Deery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to ARC this amazing book! And oh my gosh, the feels I got throughout this book was a roller-coaster! There was angst, happiness,anger, and even parts where I sucked in a breath, held it, and flushed all over!!! This book could definitely be read as a stand-alone, but some parts would make better sense if you have also read Hating Dr Fox. Layla 100% smashed this spicy read out of the park. I fell in love with the vulnerability of both characters as well as their development, though the whole book. As I reached the final chapter, I won't lie. I was left wanting more of these two, but my heart felt so happy with their ending. It's definitely worth a read and well done to Layla for another amazingly done book. You are a star!

[Jorgiagood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I’m obsessed! I think Dom and Kats story might be my favourite! Dom just took my heart from the beginning and I fell in love! I think we could all understand why Kat fell so in love with this man! He’s just so dreamy and cute and ahhhhh
If you love teacher x student, spice/kinky, forbidden romance, mutual pinning, musical theatre, age gap (9 years), hurt and comfort, and last but not least he breaks faces and burns saucepans for her! Like what more could you want in a spicey romance read! Like I’m sorry I cannot get over this man he’s definitely a new book boyfriend and I also cannot wait to hopefully, see a story of Ri and her mystery billionaire husband with her marriage of convenience ✨Laya you have yet again created a book I will never forget! Love love love!

[ems_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be selected for the Beta team for this incredible author. What an experience! This is my first ever beta read and what a book to begin with!

Layla is hands down one of my favorite authors. She absolutely hooked me with the first book of her Aussie Cravings series and honestly, each book she releases just gets better and better.

This was BRILLIANT! She has absolutely outdone herself. The plot is bang on, the character dynamic is absolute perfection and the spice! Dear lord the spice 🫠 at several points I had to put this one down because it was too spicy to read at family events.

Keep them coming Layla! Because I need the next one like yesterday.

[Lisa Sssshhhh I’m reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla Pine delivers again!!!!

There was a LOT of story packed into this book! A LOT! There’s the forbidden love story of a student and teacher, there’s also a Dom/Sub dynamic at play, workplace dramas for them both, an ailing parent and not-ideal communication about that. On top of all of that is a side-character from hell that potentially sabotages the theatre school’s annual production.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also a cameo from the lead from Hating Dr Fox and Fantales.
This was my least favourite of the Aussie Cravings series so far, and it was still a five-star read!
I’m hoping Ri and Henry’s story is next.

[Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW 4.5⭐️’s*

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC when I was recovering from a surgery, and I don’t know what it was but I felt so much better.

- Forbidden Romance
- Teacher/Student
- Dom/Sub
- Age Gap
- Mutual Pinning

This was so fun and witty.

Excuse me, we had a Draco Malfoy reference!!! 😊😊🥰 “I’m loving for it!”

I think I need some water, because the spice was vey spicy 🌶️ 🥵

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series more as ive gone along

This book has it all.
Great storyline that are easy to follow. Fun, cheeky and sexy. I love Dom and Kats relationship in this book.
He calls her puff, she calls him sir. This book is great for contemporary romance lovers.
I love this series more and more with each book I read. Can't wait for more.

[Kirilee Lennerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want some of the best spice written that doesn’t get repetitive or boring, that only comes second to a fabulous, well fleshed out story with interesting characters and high stakes… this book is for you.
It is a stand alone, but I recommend that you read the rest of the Aussie cravings series first - or at the very least, “hating doctor fox” (another 5 star) for full context.

[Meagan Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla Pine has done it again! I love the characters she brings to life in her stories. I was rooting for them, or hating on them. And the chemistry was on point. Also, I must live under a rock because I had no idea fantales had be discontinued. Now I’m devastated and craving some real bad.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was first Layla Pine novel.... and will not be my last!!! I NEED to read the others in the series now!!! I love the forbidden romance, the pining lovers, the yes sir, the confident mfc. The spice was on point from page one!!! What are you waiting for? Go read it!!!

[Alice Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Tip his is a great continuation of this series and a new trope type, taboo student-teacher. It works well and the university age of the student makes it an okay read without feeling ick. I liked the music component and the characters were well developed and relatable.