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Honeyed Fables
A dark contemporary romance following a bookstore owner with a dark past and a billionaire playboy who wants nothing more than to darken her further.
Unknown Binding
Published April 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 1, 2025
Browsing what to read next, I stumbled across this.. One look at the cover, 🫶 the tiny blurb and without any hesitation I grabbed it..
This was such a cute, fun read, the giggles came freely from the get go, I loved Fallon, her free spirit and her love for books had me gravitating towards her character, her friendship with Thomas her assistant was so refreshing, their bond shone throughout.
Hayes crashed into her life on a whimsical lie on a takeover from his father, his father wants her crushed, Hayes is there to make it happen.
He moved towns, apparently worked for free, and sought every bit of information he could glean with Fallon's quick rise to success.
I just wish Hayes had more of a backbone when it came to his father, and told his dad where to shove it, he was too much under his oldman's thumb which made him go down a notch for me.
This was such a cute, fun read, the giggles came freely from the get go, I loved Fallon, her free spirit and her love for books had me gravitating towards her character, her friendship with Thomas her assistant was so refreshing, their bond shone throughout.
Hayes crashed into her life on a whimsical lie on a takeover from his father, his father wants her crushed, Hayes is there to make it happen.
He moved towns, apparently worked for free, and sought every bit of information he could glean with Fallon's quick rise to success.
I just wish Hayes had more of a backbone when it came to his father, and told his dad where to shove it, he was too much under his oldman's thumb which made him go down a notch for me.
May 4, 2025
It’s 1am, and I’ve just finished this beautiful whirlwind. I feel like I’ve just gone through every emotion, and I’m sitting here crushed that it’s over.
I’ve never wanted to be an FMC more than I want to be Fallon. And I’m about to send my highlights to my man so he can pick up a few more pointers on naughty things to say to me.
Whitney has one again crushed it with her best friend character as well, she writes besties like no other, and I would kill for a sequel with bestie being a prominent piece.
This also felt a lot deeper on a more personal level, the bits of Whitney that I could feel peeking through. The emotions, depth, and experiences that just felt so raw and real. And some of the lines hit deep for me too, like a gentle nudge to keep going.
I’ve never wanted to be an FMC more than I want to be Fallon. And I’m about to send my highlights to my man so he can pick up a few more pointers on naughty things to say to me.
Whitney has one again crushed it with her best friend character as well, she writes besties like no other, and I would kill for a sequel with bestie being a prominent piece.
This also felt a lot deeper on a more personal level, the bits of Whitney that I could feel peeking through. The emotions, depth, and experiences that just felt so raw and real. And some of the lines hit deep for me too, like a gentle nudge to keep going.
May 14, 2025
starts with a lie
I hated knowing from the start that this starts off with deception. I just couldn’t enjoy the story and
Knew what was coming. I couldn’t connect with Hayes and the heroine fell for him too quickly. Each had heartbreak to over come but it was an ok ending. If this doesn’t bother you it would be a good read.
I hated knowing from the start that this starts off with deception. I just couldn’t enjoy the story and
Knew what was coming. I couldn’t connect with Hayes and the heroine fell for him too quickly. Each had heartbreak to over come but it was an ok ending. If this doesn’t bother you it would be a good read.
November 2, 2025
This isn’t the first Whitney Dean book I have read and absolutely loved.
This book was just so good. I loved Fallon!! Such a strong fmc fighting her own grief and Fitz trying to win a rubbish father’s approval.
Loved it.
Read it.
This book was just so good. I loved Fallon!! Such a strong fmc fighting her own grief and Fitz trying to win a rubbish father’s approval.
Loved it.
Read it.
May 19, 2025
This book took me completely by surprise!
The FMC is a bookstore owner, this immediately checked a box for me. The MMC is a rival and visits Fallon's bookstore with a hidden agenda and secret identity. Two more boxes checked!
The story is spicy, don't be fooled by the cover 😉 but it also has a sweet side. I loved Fallon and Hayes! The author did an amazing job to make these characters feel relatable. I know understand what others mean when they say 'I inhaled this book', because that explains exactly how I feel about Honeyed Fables.
🍯Dual POV
🍯He falls first
🍯She can't stand him
🍯Secrets and heartbreak
🍯Very spicy
I can't believe this is the author's first contemporary romance!
I definitely recommend picking this up if you like romance, books about books and spice.
Many thanks to R&R Booktours and Whitney Dean for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The FMC is a bookstore owner, this immediately checked a box for me. The MMC is a rival and visits Fallon's bookstore with a hidden agenda and secret identity. Two more boxes checked!
The story is spicy, don't be fooled by the cover 😉 but it also has a sweet side. I loved Fallon and Hayes! The author did an amazing job to make these characters feel relatable. I know understand what others mean when they say 'I inhaled this book', because that explains exactly how I feel about Honeyed Fables.
🍯Dual POV
🍯He falls first
🍯She can't stand him
🍯Secrets and heartbreak
🍯Very spicy
I can't believe this is the author's first contemporary romance!
I definitely recommend picking this up if you like romance, books about books and spice.
Many thanks to R&R Booktours and Whitney Dean for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
No. Nope. This MMC was despicable.
May 19, 2025
I’ve been trying to branch out into different genres, and as one of my first contemporary romance novels, Honeyed Fables was a fantastic choice. There is so much to love about this book, from the characters, the plot and the spice I was blown away and gobbling this one up.
The main characters both have their secrets and tramua’s which made them more relatable for me. Overall, I enjoyed Honeyed Fables immensely and would recommend it to anyone who likes a workplace romance, banter and a good amount of spice!
The main characters both have their secrets and tramua’s which made them more relatable for me. Overall, I enjoyed Honeyed Fables immensely and would recommend it to anyone who likes a workplace romance, banter and a good amount of spice!
May 13, 2025
Wow, where do I even start? I absolutely loved this book! I think I saw on Whitney's Instagram that she was scared to leave the fantasy world and write a more contemporary style romance, but let me just say, you wrote this book SO well my girl. I couldn't put it down. I lol'd and highlighted so much. In some places, it felt like I was highlighting every other page.
"I'll tell him. Even if we only cross paths for a moment. If it's the last tick of a watch, only seconds with him, I promise he'll know how dearly I needed him."
Now to get down to what I loved specifically:
Fallon. I think she could be my actual spirit animal. I just loved her so much. I've said it before and I will say it again here: I love a good FMC more than I love a good MMC. When there is a solid female lead, it just makes everything so much more enjoyable, and Fallon is just that. I feel like I could sit down and have a cup of coffee with her and we'd probably laugh until we cried. Her sense of humor was spectacular, but I can also relate so much to the anxiety attacks and dissociation to preserve your mental well-being. I see you, and you are not alone. I also just have to say, EVERY girl deserves a Thomas. He was the real hero in this story: "I'm on my way, don't hang up." An actual Godsend angel.
Exposing my toxicity here- I loved Fitz from the moment he entered the scene lol I never once was mad at him for his scheming and I probably should have been, But idk, he can use me for information any day of the week. Fallon and Fitz together is just pure magic, they complement each other so well and their banter is truly top tier.
I was not expecting this book to make me cry, and I was especially not expecting a mini therapy session (from Ryan of all people), but damnit Whitney, I probably needed that. Where can I send my copay??
I also thought this was a standalone for some reason and the way my jaw hit the damn floor when certain events were happening and then we get hit with "Acknowledgmements" .... I am ashamed how many times I tapped 'back' on my Kindle and then went forward again to make sure my Kindle didn't glitch and skip some chapters. Crap, I really need book two. This book was pretty fast-paced but when I looked back at the end, so much had happened. I can't wait to continue.
Psst Fitz...ask her that question about Andrew again! *wink*
"I'll tell him. Even if we only cross paths for a moment. If it's the last tick of a watch, only seconds with him, I promise he'll know how dearly I needed him."
Now to get down to what I loved specifically:
Fallon. I think she could be my actual spirit animal. I just loved her so much. I've said it before and I will say it again here: I love a good FMC more than I love a good MMC. When there is a solid female lead, it just makes everything so much more enjoyable, and Fallon is just that. I feel like I could sit down and have a cup of coffee with her and we'd probably laugh until we cried. Her sense of humor was spectacular, but I can also relate so much to the anxiety attacks and dissociation to preserve your mental well-being. I see you, and you are not alone. I also just have to say, EVERY girl deserves a Thomas. He was the real hero in this story: "I'm on my way, don't hang up." An actual Godsend angel.
Exposing my toxicity here- I loved Fitz from the moment he entered the scene lol I never once was mad at him for his scheming and I probably should have been, But idk, he can use me for information any day of the week. Fallon and Fitz together is just pure magic, they complement each other so well and their banter is truly top tier.
I was not expecting this book to make me cry, and I was especially not expecting a mini therapy session (from Ryan of all people), but damnit Whitney, I probably needed that. Where can I send my copay??
I also thought this was a standalone for some reason and the way my jaw hit the damn floor when certain events were happening and then we get hit with "Acknowledgmements" .... I am ashamed how many times I tapped 'back' on my Kindle and then went forward again to make sure my Kindle didn't glitch and skip some chapters. Crap, I really need book two. This book was pretty fast-paced but when I looked back at the end, so much had happened. I can't wait to continue.
Psst Fitz...ask her that question about Andrew again! *wink*
September 6, 2025
I had this book on my TBR for quite some time after hearing people say that it was a meet-cute romance. I was interested and got my hands on a copy of the book from The Butterfly Book Club subscription box for special edition books. It was honestly worth the money, and it was indeed well spent.
Fallon was relatable in ways that she was passionate about her business and how she maintained that environment of friendships and familiarity. She was in control of her life and had things planned out for herself and her future, and it's one of the things I loved about her. Hayes (also known as Fitz) was cunning, smart, strategic, and had his heart in his sleeves. Both characters, I liked how they struggled in ways that allowed them to find ways to get out of situations. Unfortunately, that left Hayes in a very rough spot, with his father asserting so much control and giving him no choices whatsoever. The journey between these two characters was genuine, and they both worked with each other. There was a communication issue, but it was because Hayes had been withholding information and used Fallon just to give information to his father, only for his father to be cruel and wanted to be greedy and want more power business-wise.
I really loved how Fallon slowly let Hayes in after building her walls up so high and being very particular about her choices in her life. Hayes was pretty much a golden retriever puppy in so many ways when he fell in love with Fallon. She fell first, but he fell harder...much harder, and I loved how he didn't expect the relationship with her to be so fiery and passionate altogether. The spice scene was just *chef's fucking kiss*. I'm not going to lie, on here, it had me smirking at how Hayes was and how needy he was for Fallon. The scenes had both an open door and a fade to black scene as well, which was a nice touch to their intimacy. I would rate the spice scenes a 2 out of 5 peppers because it was the right amount of spice between the characters. It wasn't too much nor was it too little...it was the perfect amount for this story in particular
This book was definitely an easy read and straight to the point from start to finish. It was smooth, and it was easy to go back a chapter or two and easily get the clarification that you needed. I enjoyed reading this lovely book.
Fallon was relatable in ways that she was passionate about her business and how she maintained that environment of friendships and familiarity. She was in control of her life and had things planned out for herself and her future, and it's one of the things I loved about her. Hayes (also known as Fitz) was cunning, smart, strategic, and had his heart in his sleeves. Both characters, I liked how they struggled in ways that allowed them to find ways to get out of situations. Unfortunately, that left Hayes in a very rough spot, with his father asserting so much control and giving him no choices whatsoever. The journey between these two characters was genuine, and they both worked with each other. There was a communication issue, but it was because Hayes had been withholding information and used Fallon just to give information to his father, only for his father to be cruel and wanted to be greedy and want more power business-wise.
I really loved how Fallon slowly let Hayes in after building her walls up so high and being very particular about her choices in her life. Hayes was pretty much a golden retriever puppy in so many ways when he fell in love with Fallon. She fell first, but he fell harder...much harder, and I loved how he didn't expect the relationship with her to be so fiery and passionate altogether. The spice scene was just *chef's fucking kiss*. I'm not going to lie, on here, it had me smirking at how Hayes was and how needy he was for Fallon. The scenes had both an open door and a fade to black scene as well, which was a nice touch to their intimacy. I would rate the spice scenes a 2 out of 5 peppers because it was the right amount of spice between the characters. It wasn't too much nor was it too little...it was the perfect amount for this story in particular
This book was definitely an easy read and straight to the point from start to finish. It was smooth, and it was easy to go back a chapter or two and easily get the clarification that you needed. I enjoyed reading this lovely book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
Oh boy, this book… where do I even start? Some parts of it were closer to 4 stars and then other parts were more like a 1 or 2 stars. I rounded to 2.5⭐️
The first chapter starts off really strong. I instantly connect with the author’s writing style. It had a natural, easy flow to it. The kind that truly makes you forget you’re reading. I loved the setting - a cozy bookstore- and I loved the main character, Fallon and her best friend Thomas. I wasn’t as impressed with the MMC, Fitz. The whole man-whore vibe just isn’t my thing. Also his friends, Jace and Andrew’s personalities for the majority of the book kind of fell flat as well. The writing seemed to slow down in chapter 2 and 3 but then picked up again and I was back into the flow of the book. The insta-lust came on a little too quickly for my taste at the beginning but for only 187 pages I guess that is to be expected. One thing I was pretty impressed with was the author’s ability to write the spicy scenes. It was the only time Fitz comes off likable in the story. His dialogue and the way the author describes his mannerisms was so well written. Those scenes were pretty hot. 🥵
Unfortunately there were more things I didn’t like about this story than things I did like. For starters, there were a lot of inconsistencies in the storyline. Lots of inner monologue that constantly contradicted itself. I was absolutely REPULSED by Fitz’s offer to Fallon in his condo. It made me not like his character for the duration of the story… which, by the way was another inconsistency. He would never get back with his ex knowing his friend Jace had been with her after the breakup but then he’s suggesting he share Fallon…..? I’m sorry but that was just weird, came out of left field and gave me major ick after that. Also I think for as big of an ass as Fitz was and as big of a secret he was harboring during the 3rd act breakup, the reconciliation needed more time than it got. It was like the author creates this monster asshole that is completely callous but then Fallon forgives him instantly and the author expects the reader to do the same. Umm no, we are still pissed over that lying SOB!
By the end of the book I was so ready to just be done with it.
The first chapter starts off really strong. I instantly connect with the author’s writing style. It had a natural, easy flow to it. The kind that truly makes you forget you’re reading. I loved the setting - a cozy bookstore- and I loved the main character, Fallon and her best friend Thomas. I wasn’t as impressed with the MMC, Fitz. The whole man-whore vibe just isn’t my thing. Also his friends, Jace and Andrew’s personalities for the majority of the book kind of fell flat as well. The writing seemed to slow down in chapter 2 and 3 but then picked up again and I was back into the flow of the book. The insta-lust came on a little too quickly for my taste at the beginning but for only 187 pages I guess that is to be expected. One thing I was pretty impressed with was the author’s ability to write the spicy scenes. It was the only time Fitz comes off likable in the story. His dialogue and the way the author describes his mannerisms was so well written. Those scenes were pretty hot. 🥵
Unfortunately there were more things I didn’t like about this story than things I did like. For starters, there were a lot of inconsistencies in the storyline. Lots of inner monologue that constantly contradicted itself. I was absolutely REPULSED by Fitz’s offer to Fallon in his condo. It made me not like his character for the duration of the story… which, by the way was another inconsistency. He would never get back with his ex knowing his friend Jace had been with her after the breakup but then he’s suggesting he share Fallon…..? I’m sorry but that was just weird, came out of left field and gave me major ick after that. Also I think for as big of an ass as Fitz was and as big of a secret he was harboring during the 3rd act breakup, the reconciliation needed more time than it got. It was like the author creates this monster asshole that is completely callous but then Fallon forgives him instantly and the author expects the reader to do the same. Umm no, we are still pissed over that lying SOB!
By the end of the book I was so ready to just be done with it.
May 21, 2025
Honeyed Fables had potential, and I really wanted to like it more than I did — but overall, it just didn’t completely land for me.
Let’s start with Hayes, the male lead. I kept waiting for his arc to mean something, for the hints of growth to actually take root, but every time he said something that almost suggested he was learning or changing, he’d backslide — and not in a way that felt intentional or layered, just... frustrating. He felt shallow, like he was built to appear complex without actually doing the emotional work of becoming someone you could root for. For 70-75% of the book (literally) he was being deceitful, and by the end after a sudden flip, I wasn’t convinced he’d truly changed at all.
Another thing that pulled me out of it: the over-explaining. Every theme, every emotion, every character choice was so thoroughly spelled out that it left little room for personal interpretation or quiet reflection. It’s like the book didn’t trust the reader to get it on their own. I don’t mind a story that takes its time to be clear, but when nothing is left unsaid, it starts to feel more like a lecture than a narrative.
In the end, Honeyed Fables wasn’t a total miss. There were moments and side characters (like Thomas and Andrew) I genuinely enjoyed, but the lack of meaningful growth in the lead and the heavy-handed storytelling kept me from fully connecting. The ending did create a great place for another book to follow, I did enjoy it. I also did love the overall story and plot of the book, I just wish it was smoother.
Let’s start with Hayes, the male lead. I kept waiting for his arc to mean something, for the hints of growth to actually take root, but every time he said something that almost suggested he was learning or changing, he’d backslide — and not in a way that felt intentional or layered, just... frustrating. He felt shallow, like he was built to appear complex without actually doing the emotional work of becoming someone you could root for. For 70-75% of the book (literally) he was being deceitful, and by the end after a sudden flip, I wasn’t convinced he’d truly changed at all.
Another thing that pulled me out of it: the over-explaining. Every theme, every emotion, every character choice was so thoroughly spelled out that it left little room for personal interpretation or quiet reflection. It’s like the book didn’t trust the reader to get it on their own. I don’t mind a story that takes its time to be clear, but when nothing is left unsaid, it starts to feel more like a lecture than a narrative.
In the end, Honeyed Fables wasn’t a total miss. There were moments and side characters (like Thomas and Andrew) I genuinely enjoyed, but the lack of meaningful growth in the lead and the heavy-handed storytelling kept me from fully connecting. The ending did create a great place for another book to follow, I did enjoy it. I also did love the overall story and plot of the book, I just wish it was smoother.
May 21, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Honeyed Fables
Fallon is an indie bookstore owner in a quiet New England town. She’s fiercely independent, ambitious, and wants to maintain control and keep her secrets close to her heart.
Hayes, the billionaire heir of her business rival, is tasked to scope out the competition. While getting close to Fallon and keeping his identity hidden was part of his plan, falling for her was decidedly not. Will their secrets tear them apart?
Tropes:
👀Dual POV
📚Bookish FMC
🙋🏻♂️He falls first
🙅🏻♀️She can't stand him
🤫Secrets and heartbreak
🫥Hidden identity
🫂Forced proximity
🌶️Very spicy
Within this 200ish page story, Whitney breathes so much life into Fallon, Hayes, and Sanderling, New Hampshire. Shoreline Scribes is a bookish store dream with its craft coffees, book events, and ample Romantasy inventory. I *need* it to exist IRL!
She’s running from her past. He’s running from his future set for him. She’s captivated him with her inner strength and he’s burrowed his way into her heart. Both their futures are irrecoverably changed once the truth comes to light. What are they willing to lose?
Honeyed Fables is a dark and decadent tale that delivers all the feels and brings the heat. I devoured this debut contemporary Dark Romance!
Huge thanks to @whitneydeanwrites and @rrbooktours for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: Honeyed Fables
Fallon is an indie bookstore owner in a quiet New England town. She’s fiercely independent, ambitious, and wants to maintain control and keep her secrets close to her heart.
Hayes, the billionaire heir of her business rival, is tasked to scope out the competition. While getting close to Fallon and keeping his identity hidden was part of his plan, falling for her was decidedly not. Will their secrets tear them apart?
Tropes:
👀Dual POV
📚Bookish FMC
🙋🏻♂️He falls first
🙅🏻♀️She can't stand him
🤫Secrets and heartbreak
🫥Hidden identity
🫂Forced proximity
🌶️Very spicy
Within this 200ish page story, Whitney breathes so much life into Fallon, Hayes, and Sanderling, New Hampshire. Shoreline Scribes is a bookish store dream with its craft coffees, book events, and ample Romantasy inventory. I *need* it to exist IRL!
She’s running from her past. He’s running from his future set for him. She’s captivated him with her inner strength and he’s burrowed his way into her heart. Both their futures are irrecoverably changed once the truth comes to light. What are they willing to lose?
Honeyed Fables is a dark and decadent tale that delivers all the feels and brings the heat. I devoured this debut contemporary Dark Romance!
Huge thanks to @whitneydeanwrites and @rrbooktours for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 12, 2025
Honeyed Fables is definitely not type of story that I pick up. I very much love Whitney Dean so I was definitely hesistant to read this contemporary romance. It had a ton of things I genuinely have had trouble stomaching such as instant love. It was a tad fast paced, but I was definitely hooked. And again why I love Whitney so much. The chemistry between Fallon and Hayes was great, I wish the build up and banter was longer! I genuinely think the overall idea of the heir to a big bookstore chain going undercover to learn the ins and outs of how his indie book store is not something I've seen before and intriguing to me!
I never wish for contemporary books to be longer LOL; BUT I would of loved to have gotten more depth and information about not only the main characters but also the secondary characters. If you know me, secondary characters are my kryptonite and this was no different. I loved Andrew, Jayce, Thomas, and Raquel, I def need more from them! But overall this book was fun and felt more rom com then dark romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Whitney Dean for the ARC! I highly recommend this quick spicy read!
✨Tropes✨
⭐️ Instant Attraction
🌙 Workplace Romance
💫 SPICE
⭐️ Secrets
🌙 Heartbreak
💫 Forced Proximity
I never wish for contemporary books to be longer LOL; BUT I would of loved to have gotten more depth and information about not only the main characters but also the secondary characters. If you know me, secondary characters are my kryptonite and this was no different. I loved Andrew, Jayce, Thomas, and Raquel, I def need more from them! But overall this book was fun and felt more rom com then dark romance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Whitney Dean for the ARC! I highly recommend this quick spicy read!
✨Tropes✨
⭐️ Instant Attraction
🌙 Workplace Romance
💫 SPICE
⭐️ Secrets
🌙 Heartbreak
💫 Forced Proximity
May 6, 2025
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙩 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: Honeyed Fables
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Whitney Dean
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ★★★★☆
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡: Medium
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: Check before reading!
𝙈𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙩 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚:
Okay, first things first—this cover? STUNNING. But also? A total catfish. It screams dark, possessive romance, and I was READY for that vibe. So imagine my disappointment when I got a sweet, cozy, small-town rom-com instead. Gorgeous? Yes. Accurate? Not even close.
Fallon is my spirit animal. She’s feisty, hopelessly romantic, and owns a bookstore (instant win). Watching her run from her past and grow into her own was everything. And Fitz? A beautifully broken man on a journey to figure his life out—yes, please.
Were there a few plot points that wandered off and never came back? Sure. But did I care? Not really. This story lives rent-free in my heart purely because of Fallon.
•
•
•
𝙃𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙨: #RomComReads #Bookstagram #BookLover #CoverCatfish #BookReview #ContemporaryRomance #FallonAndFitz #SweetButMakeItSassy #BooksWithHeart #BookishHumor #MoonlitBooksApproved #FictionalSoulmate #BookstoreBabe #ReadingEscape #HotCoversSoftStories
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚: Honeyed Fables
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Whitney Dean
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ★★★★☆
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡: Medium
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜: Check before reading!
𝙈𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙩 𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙚:
Okay, first things first—this cover? STUNNING. But also? A total catfish. It screams dark, possessive romance, and I was READY for that vibe. So imagine my disappointment when I got a sweet, cozy, small-town rom-com instead. Gorgeous? Yes. Accurate? Not even close.
Fallon is my spirit animal. She’s feisty, hopelessly romantic, and owns a bookstore (instant win). Watching her run from her past and grow into her own was everything. And Fitz? A beautifully broken man on a journey to figure his life out—yes, please.
Were there a few plot points that wandered off and never came back? Sure. But did I care? Not really. This story lives rent-free in my heart purely because of Fallon.
•
•
•
𝙃𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙨: #RomComReads #Bookstagram #BookLover #CoverCatfish #BookReview #ContemporaryRomance #FallonAndFitz #SweetButMakeItSassy #BooksWithHeart #BookishHumor #MoonlitBooksApproved #FictionalSoulmate #BookstoreBabe #ReadingEscape #HotCoversSoftStories
June 20, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
One sitting… that’s how quickly I devoured this book because I absolutely could not for any reason put this book down because I had to know what was going to happen next!! Fallon and Hayes will absolutely steal your heart, they’re both carrying secrets, and darkness from different things in their lives and they’re closed off from people, and the world but when their worlds collide maybe they can see that it’s okay to let people in. And OMG the romance yall it was such a beautiful read!! The chemistry was impeccable from meeting one! Even if their romance seems destined to end in tragedy… because one of them might be keeping too many secrets for a real relationship to bear and flourish. But maybe just maybe together they can conquer anything, even the secrets they keep. All of that to say that if you’re looking for an emotional, and character driven romance, full of banter, swoon-worthy moments, plenty of spice, characters that will steal your heart, and a ending that will leave you smiling and reeling at the same time than I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Honeyed Fables immediately!
HAPPY READING 📖
Spice:🌶️🌶️
One sitting… that’s how quickly I devoured this book because I absolutely could not for any reason put this book down because I had to know what was going to happen next!! Fallon and Hayes will absolutely steal your heart, they’re both carrying secrets, and darkness from different things in their lives and they’re closed off from people, and the world but when their worlds collide maybe they can see that it’s okay to let people in. And OMG the romance yall it was such a beautiful read!! The chemistry was impeccable from meeting one! Even if their romance seems destined to end in tragedy… because one of them might be keeping too many secrets for a real relationship to bear and flourish. But maybe just maybe together they can conquer anything, even the secrets they keep. All of that to say that if you’re looking for an emotional, and character driven romance, full of banter, swoon-worthy moments, plenty of spice, characters that will steal your heart, and a ending that will leave you smiling and reeling at the same time than I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Honeyed Fables immediately!
HAPPY READING 📖
May 7, 2025
Honeyed Fables is the type of story that I don't usually gravitate towards - insta lovey, fast paced kind of story. But by page 15, I was intrigued. The chemistry between Fallon and Hayes was great, but I do wish that there was more build up for them. The overall premise of the heir to a big bookstore chain going undercover to learn the ins and outs of how a small town, indie book store is ran was unique and not something I've seen written before.
I do wish that the overall story was an additional 100 or so pages longer; I would of loved to have gotten more depth and information about not only the main characters but also the secondary characters. I do wish that I could of learned more about Andrew, Jayce, Thomas, and Raquel -- I think that it would of answered some questions that I found myself asking. Even though I do wish the story was longer, this in no way ruined my experience reading this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Whitney Dean for the ARC! I highly recommend you check this out if you're looking for a quick but amazing (and spicy!) read.
I do wish that the overall story was an additional 100 or so pages longer; I would of loved to have gotten more depth and information about not only the main characters but also the secondary characters. I do wish that I could of learned more about Andrew, Jayce, Thomas, and Raquel -- I think that it would of answered some questions that I found myself asking. Even though I do wish the story was longer, this in no way ruined my experience reading this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Whitney Dean for the ARC! I highly recommend you check this out if you're looking for a quick but amazing (and spicy!) read.
May 21, 2025
If you are a fan of a darker Contemporary Romance with He Falls First, She Can’t Stand Him, Secrets and Heartbreak, Dual POV and so much more this book is for you!
In Honeyed Fables we meet Fallon, the owner of a very successful bookstore Shoreline Scribes, whose life is her bookstore and is reluctant to ask for help outside of her best friend Thomas. She definitely wasn’t expecting to get help from the infuriating man that walks into her store.
Hayes’s, looking to make his father proud, has come to Fallon’s town to check out the competition to his father’s business which happens to be Fallon’s store. He wants to learn all of her secrets to success, with his best friends Jace and Andrew in tow, he will do whatever it takes to find out including pretending to be someone else and seducing her.
However, Fallon is not so easily wooed and cannot stand Hayes and his arrogance. When Thomas ends up hiring him to help at the store she is beside herself but reluctantly agrees to give him a chance.
Though she tries to deny it, Fallon and Hayes chemistry is undeniable even when she hates him 😏 Hayes begins seeing there is more to Fallon than meets the eye and surprising himself he starts to not see her as the enemy very quickly. When his father delivers him an ultimatum he must make a decision though it might hurt Fallon in the process.
My heart hurt for Fallon and I was surprised when I caught myself crying while reading this book. Throughout their story we see Fallon, haunted by her past and not thinking she deserves any happiness. Hayes realizes he will do anything to protect Fallon and gosh what he does hurts. When Fallon learns the true will she be able to forgive him? Read Honeyed Fables to find out!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
In Honeyed Fables we meet Fallon, the owner of a very successful bookstore Shoreline Scribes, whose life is her bookstore and is reluctant to ask for help outside of her best friend Thomas. She definitely wasn’t expecting to get help from the infuriating man that walks into her store.
Hayes’s, looking to make his father proud, has come to Fallon’s town to check out the competition to his father’s business which happens to be Fallon’s store. He wants to learn all of her secrets to success, with his best friends Jace and Andrew in tow, he will do whatever it takes to find out including pretending to be someone else and seducing her.
However, Fallon is not so easily wooed and cannot stand Hayes and his arrogance. When Thomas ends up hiring him to help at the store she is beside herself but reluctantly agrees to give him a chance.
Though she tries to deny it, Fallon and Hayes chemistry is undeniable even when she hates him 😏 Hayes begins seeing there is more to Fallon than meets the eye and surprising himself he starts to not see her as the enemy very quickly. When his father delivers him an ultimatum he must make a decision though it might hurt Fallon in the process.
My heart hurt for Fallon and I was surprised when I caught myself crying while reading this book. Throughout their story we see Fallon, haunted by her past and not thinking she deserves any happiness. Hayes realizes he will do anything to protect Fallon and gosh what he does hurts. When Fallon learns the true will she be able to forgive him? Read Honeyed Fables to find out!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 16, 2025
This was definitely a fun shorter romance read with a few darkish elements thrown in! The FMC runs a successful bookshop and collects special editions so I was immediately all in to this book!
I would rate this 3.75/5⭐️
I enjoyed the read and the way the characters were portrayed throughout the book. We don’t really get to fully know them and the full extent of their secrets until the end of the book which was very interesting and unique!
The ending of the book was very open ended. I feel like the MC’s did get their HEA but there were conflicts still left unfinished. I assumed this was a standalone? But now I am wondering if the author intentionally left it open ended for another book?!
The side characters had pretty large voices so I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned into an interconnected standalone series
Overall it was a fun and interesting read and would make a great palette cleanser in between heavy fantasy reads.
I would rate this 3.75/5⭐️
I enjoyed the read and the way the characters were portrayed throughout the book. We don’t really get to fully know them and the full extent of their secrets until the end of the book which was very interesting and unique!
The ending of the book was very open ended. I feel like the MC’s did get their HEA but there were conflicts still left unfinished. I assumed this was a standalone? But now I am wondering if the author intentionally left it open ended for another book?!
The side characters had pretty large voices so I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned into an interconnected standalone series
Overall it was a fun and interesting read and would make a great palette cleanser in between heavy fantasy reads.
May 21, 2025
HOLY EFFING HAYES! I am fucking drenched from this book! Whew 😮💨! She hot! The way that man speaks, I need a seriously cold shower!! I got hooked within the first chapter of this book! I can’t even hype it enough! I love everything Whitney Dean writes and this is no different! First of all I always love a main character to owns or works at a books store. Like that’s my dream!
The tension, the secrets, the betrayal, the emotion and the spice was just 🤌! I really like Fallon and her best friend is so much fun! I like the instant connection she has with Hayes and the banter between them is absolutely amazing! I did like his friends in the end, definitely took a bit to warm up to them, but they surprised me in the end with how they acted and I loved it.
I WANT MORE!! I need to have more of them. This book left me begging to not end, it was such a good time! Give me more of this fun friend group! Love it so much!! 🫶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The tension, the secrets, the betrayal, the emotion and the spice was just 🤌! I really like Fallon and her best friend is so much fun! I like the instant connection she has with Hayes and the banter between them is absolutely amazing! I did like his friends in the end, definitely took a bit to warm up to them, but they surprised me in the end with how they acted and I loved it.
I WANT MORE!! I need to have more of them. This book left me begging to not end, it was such a good time! Give me more of this fun friend group! Love it so much!! 🫶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 25, 2025
Honeyed Fables offers an engaging mix of contemporary billionaire romance and emotional tension, perfect for readers who enjoy morally grey characters and secrets that complicate love. Fallon’s guarded past and Hayes’s hidden identity create a compelling dynamic filled with vulnerability and high stakes. The forced proximity and slow-burning chemistry keep the pages turning.
That said, while the premise is strong and the characters have depth, some plot elements felt a bit familiar or predictable for this genre. The business rivalry backdrop added interesting conflict but sometimes overshadowed the emotional connection I was hoping to see more fully explored. Overall, Honeyed Fables is an enjoyable read with a solid balance of romance and drama, but it didn’t quite reach the level of emotional payoff I was expecting.
That said, while the premise is strong and the characters have depth, some plot elements felt a bit familiar or predictable for this genre. The business rivalry backdrop added interesting conflict but sometimes overshadowed the emotional connection I was hoping to see more fully explored. Overall, Honeyed Fables is an enjoyable read with a solid balance of romance and drama, but it didn’t quite reach the level of emotional payoff I was expecting.
June 9, 2025
I knew this was a shorter story going into it (221 pages) so I expected the insta love and plot to be a bit rushed. I was actually pleasantly surprised and hooked onto the story until about 75% in.
It started to fall apart with me when all of the sudden Hayes is like sex means nothing to me and let's have a threesome with my friend. I actually had to reread that page because I was like "Wait, what? Did I miss something?"
Fallon deserved better than Hayes. His redemption arc was flat and he didn't grovel or prove himself enough for me.
Also the ending seems unfinished. Is there another book?
All in all I am giving it 3 stars because I did enjoy about 75% of it and if it didn't fall apart at the end I probably would have rated it 4 stars.
It started to fall apart with me when all of the sudden Hayes is like sex means nothing to me and let's have a threesome with my friend. I actually had to reread that page because I was like "Wait, what? Did I miss something?"
Fallon deserved better than Hayes. His redemption arc was flat and he didn't grovel or prove himself enough for me.
Also the ending seems unfinished. Is there another book?
All in all I am giving it 3 stars because I did enjoy about 75% of it and if it didn't fall apart at the end I probably would have rated it 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
"You're such a little tragedy with all your secrets, aren't you?"⠀
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Whitney Dean, Honeyed Fables⠀
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Honeyed Fables by Whitney Dean is an enjoyable romance with a bit of spice and a lot of secrets. I liked the contemporary twist on the classic "character with a secret falls for undercover billionaire" trope. ⠀
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I love Fallon! She is so interesting and creative. Her jewelry and bookstore interests are right up my alley and I feel like she has so much passion and drive. Hayes is a bit overbearing at times but I liked him more as the book progresses. ⠀
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This was a solid contemporary romance that I would recommend to readers who like strong female main characters and dream of meeting their own secret billionaire. ⠀
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Whitney Dean, Honeyed Fables⠀
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Honeyed Fables by Whitney Dean is an enjoyable romance with a bit of spice and a lot of secrets. I liked the contemporary twist on the classic "character with a secret falls for undercover billionaire" trope. ⠀
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I love Fallon! She is so interesting and creative. Her jewelry and bookstore interests are right up my alley and I feel like she has so much passion and drive. Hayes is a bit overbearing at times but I liked him more as the book progresses. ⠀
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This was a solid contemporary romance that I would recommend to readers who like strong female main characters and dream of meeting their own secret billionaire. ⠀
July 10, 2025
4 ⭐️
3 🌶️
I originally picked this book up for something quick because of its shorter length, but was pleasantly surprised at how invested I was by the end. The cover had me thinking it would be a darker romance, but this story gave more of a small town, cozy vibe with a good bit of spice. Fallon was such a sweetheart, and I absolutely loved her relationship with her best friend/employee (everyone needs a Thomas in their life!). While Hayes brought some serious steam to the story, I just wanted to shake him at times due to the lack of backbone when it came to his father (come on bro, you’ve got an amazing education - you don’t need dear old dad). But, his charisma outside of the office made up for it 👌🏼 Although it said this is a standalone, I feel like the ending left things open for another book, maybe? Possibly? Please? I really enjoyed this one & I’d definitely recommend. Currently available on KU!
3 🌶️
I originally picked this book up for something quick because of its shorter length, but was pleasantly surprised at how invested I was by the end. The cover had me thinking it would be a darker romance, but this story gave more of a small town, cozy vibe with a good bit of spice. Fallon was such a sweetheart, and I absolutely loved her relationship with her best friend/employee (everyone needs a Thomas in their life!). While Hayes brought some serious steam to the story, I just wanted to shake him at times due to the lack of backbone when it came to his father (come on bro, you’ve got an amazing education - you don’t need dear old dad). But, his charisma outside of the office made up for it 👌🏼 Although it said this is a standalone, I feel like the ending left things open for another book, maybe? Possibly? Please? I really enjoyed this one & I’d definitely recommend. Currently available on KU!
September 22, 2025
At first, I wasn't too sure I was going to be able to continue as the writing style isn't one I'm used to. But I persevered and I am so glad I did.
Contrary to other reviews, I really understood how the FMC fell so head over heels for the MMC so quickly. I've been there, it does happen!
I wasn't keen on Fallon at first - her first interaction with Hayes was rude but I came to love her. As for Hayes, well, he's the type of guy I wouldn't date in real life. But that's the thing about my fictional boyfriends, I love then toxic as f***, and Hayes is pretty toxic.
The spice scenes were *chef's kiss* and I actually enjoyed the realness of them... the awkwardness that comes (wrong word choice) from someone who isn't as experienced as the other.
Contrary to other reviews, I really understood how the FMC fell so head over heels for the MMC so quickly. I've been there, it does happen!
I wasn't keen on Fallon at first - her first interaction with Hayes was rude but I came to love her. As for Hayes, well, he's the type of guy I wouldn't date in real life. But that's the thing about my fictional boyfriends, I love then toxic as f***, and Hayes is pretty toxic.
The spice scenes were *chef's kiss* and I actually enjoyed the realness of them... the awkwardness that comes (wrong word choice) from someone who isn't as experienced as the other.
May 20, 2025
I was going to give this book 2 stars, but at the end, kind of made me change my mind. I liked the concept of the book. I liked the plot of the book, but the part where his friend tries to hit on the female main character that is just not what friends do. Because it was a short book I feel like I tried to do its best to give character development, but I found it kind of lacking. Also, I thought it was kind of weird that they just threw in like a threesome opportunity right in the middle of the book and I feel like both times it was trying to test the female character to see if she was worthy or not and I did not like that. I feel like this book had a lot of potential to be great, but even the miscommunication trope wasn’t my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
So cute! I loved how this was just a quick little read. If you’re needing just a little refresh I’d pick it up. Hayes & Fallon were so fun & they just bounced off each other really well. The chemistry was intense between the two from the get go. I really wanted to scream at Hayes. I mean you know what’s going on & stuff but he was a 💩. And then he’s not a 💩. Ugh poor guy. He gets trapped but so many questions about his dad. Like what’s going on there.
I will say I wasn’t prepared for Fallons backstory but woah. I liked that she stood up for herself & Hayes. Also yes there’s some spice in here so be prepared. Such a nice fun little gem of a book.
I will say I wasn’t prepared for Fallons backstory but woah. I liked that she stood up for herself & Hayes. Also yes there’s some spice in here so be prepared. Such a nice fun little gem of a book.
May 3, 2025
Ilove Whitney's writing and relationship building. Even though this an instalove/ instalust relationship, and parts of the relationship feel disjointed on paper. It's still incredibly solid relationship building.
I know WD struggled to write/finish this book, and that's a bit like how it read for me - the pacing and conclusions to everything were just rushed for me, with the plot and character personalities feeling a bit disjointed.
Still love WD and hopefully this means her fantasy work will be next💕
I know WD struggled to write/finish this book, and that's a bit like how it read for me - the pacing and conclusions to everything were just rushed for me, with the plot and character personalities feeling a bit disjointed.
Still love WD and hopefully this means her fantasy work will be next💕
May 6, 2025
Title: Honeyed Fables
Author: Whitney Dean
@whitneydeanwrites
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Tropes:
Instant Attraction
Hidden Identity
Forced Proximity
Workplace Romance
Triggers:
Grief
Anxiety
Complicated Parent/Child Relationships
Whitney’s Thoughts:
I have been missing Whitney Dean’s writing in my life and this was a great end to that drought! Fallon and Hayes and sweet and spicy, and this fast-paced story was a quick read. The ending was a little too quickly wrapped up but I’m hoping for future bonus chapters of what’s next for those two!
Author: Whitney Dean
@whitneydeanwrites
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Tropes:
Instant Attraction
Hidden Identity
Forced Proximity
Workplace Romance
Triggers:
Grief
Anxiety
Complicated Parent/Child Relationships
Whitney’s Thoughts:
I have been missing Whitney Dean’s writing in my life and this was a great end to that drought! Fallon and Hayes and sweet and spicy, and this fast-paced story was a quick read. The ending was a little too quickly wrapped up but I’m hoping for future bonus chapters of what’s next for those two!
May 19, 2025
Fallon and Hayes are windswept insta-lovers but there was a bit of a twist that I didn’t see coming. I’m also wondering if there’s gonna be a second book?!? There’s like a sort of cliffhanger where some things are resolved but some aren’t. It was still an entertaining read and I enjoyed getting to know the MC’s. I think Thomas was my favorite though, he was a true ride or die and then Jace ended up growing on me too! Loving the side characters in this one. Classic contemporary romance with bookish vibes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
Unfortunately, this one just fell flat for me. I didn't feel the connection between the two MCs. I also just really couldn't get passed something the MMC does. The story is short and I feel that maybe I would have connected more if the author had delved deeper into their story. I really liked Fallon's BFF Thomas. He was a great character. I also really enjoyed Fallon and sympathized with her. Overall, I just needed more.
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