She’s my ex-girlfriend’s little sister - and now she’s in my bed.
A lifetime ago, I thought I’d have my forever in Starlight Bay.
But I’d been wrong.
So wrong.
Too stubborn to go home to Tennessee, I did everything I could to make a life in this small coastal town.
It took time, but with a thriving business and the inherited bees I’d grown to love - I’m finally happy.
Mostly.
One message from my ex’s little sister has me rethinking everything.
She’s gorgeous and sweet with a body guaranteed to drive a man wild.
Even worse? She’s making me feel again.
I didn’t mean to kiss her but once I started I couldn’t stop.
Now I’m counting the days until she leaves because being in Starlight Bay was always meant to be temporary.
I followed a woman once for love and I swore I’d never do it again.
Hallie isn’t just any woman, she’s the one I’ll never recover from.
Return to Starlight Bay, the first Man of the Month Club small town. Revisit old friends and fall in love with all new book boyfriends in this romantic seaside town full of Happily Ever Afters.
Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.
A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.
She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.
I am always so impressed when an author can write a novella length book that I feel is a complete and satisfying read that is not missing a thing. This book, starting with its clever title, is so much fun. The characters are wonderful, there is plenty of banter (the text message exchanges are first rate!) and there is a kitten in the mix (an adorable pet is always a plus for me). Sawyer and Hallie have crossed paths before when she asks him if she can live with him while completing a nursing assignment in Starlight Bay. She has been traveling all over doing this kind of work, and coming back to her hometown has her somewhat nervous. Hallie's sister was in a relationship with Sawyer years ago, and even then Hallie had something of a crush on him. Sawyer is living in Starlight Bay keeping bees (not a job one encounters every day!) and doing the chef work for a meal prep business. It was such fun when they argued about food, since Hallie is all about quick, portable, and what she's always known, and Sawyer discovers he likes making her real food. I really enjoyed seeing these two find their way to each other, and I can't wait to read more of Ms, Hale's work.
I love a novella that tell a full story in fewer words! These too in this story have such great chemistry together and the tension is so hot. Sawyer is broody and stubborn, but looking good in that kitchen and so tempting. Hallie is sweet and fun and watching her figure it all out was so fun.
First things first.. Alexandra's ability to make you love her characters from the freaking PROLOGUE! Is second to none. I loved these two so much. I did want to reach into Starlight Bay and shake them both once or twice. But as far as miscommunication tropes go this was perfectly written. Two people learning who they are, how to love, and how to trust. Walker and Beth's absolute blunt advice had me dying. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
This is quick, easy to read, and I enjoyed my time with Sawyer and Hallie.
The way these two are connected to each other should be very awkward, but sometimes you just need to move past it, and recognize the opportunity to get it right! I enjoyed the way Sawyer ended up with his hives, and Winnie. I liked how Hallie chose to stay.
The chemistry between these two is addictive and steamy, and very entertaining. I recommend this author and her numerous creative works.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC (thank you) and my thoughts are my own.
Thanks to Alexandra Hale for the #gifted copy of this book.
"But I'm not just falling for him. I'm in love with Sawyer Kade. And I don't want to start this next chapter of my life without him."
Summary: Sawyer Kade left his hometown in Blackstone Falls to follow who he thought was the girl of his dreams - until she wasn't. Rather than return home after his girl broke his heart, Sawyer made Starlight Bay his quiet home, even inheriting bees. But he's about to have his world flipped upside down.
"I never meant to fall for you... It was inevitable for me,' he says with a wry grin."
My Thoughts: Ahhh, Alexandra honestly does it again. What sets her novellas apart is their perfect blend of passionate intensity and heartwarming romance, always delivered in an irresistibly charming way. Going into this story, I didn't know much about Jensen's brother, Sawyer Kade, but I'm so glad I know him now. I love the brief backstory we get of Sawyer and Hallie, especially since she's his ex-girlfriend's sister, whom he's known since she was still in high school.
Though these two haven't seen each other in several years, their chemistry is jumping off the page. I could not wait for them to give in to their attractions to one another. It was wonderful to witness Hallie's transformation as she discovered an unforeseen path in life, learning to embrace a slower, more fulfilling way of living. Though she had wanted nothing more than to be free of her hometown, she realized that Starlight Bay was exactly where she was meant to be with Sawyer by her side.
The clever bee puns throughout were simply brilliant! This offered fascinating insights into Indie's story, fueling my eagerness for its upcoming release later this month. Grab this adorable and quick story below!!
What You'll Find: 🔥Ex Girlfriend’s Sister 🤩Age Gap 😉Too Stubborn to go Home 🥰Roommates to Lovers 🐝Inherited Bees 💖Small Town Romance ❤️🔥Spice + Swoon
This Man of the Month/ Return to Starlight Bay novella is a spicy sister’s ex-boyfriend, shared living space between Hallie McKinley, a traveling nurse, and Sawyer Kade, part-owner of Coastal Eats and novice beekeeper, set in the coastal town of Starlight Bay. Halle’s new location is back in her hometown where her parents still live but their house is currently being renovated and she needs a quieter place to stay so she bravely reaches out to the man she had a crush on when he was her older sister’s boyfriend. I loved the reunion between Hallie and Sawyer…both struggling with their attraction to each other… Hallie: ”Well, well, well Sawyer Kade, we meet again. What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?” Sawyer: “Cute. I was gonna say welcome home but you’re already causing’ trouble.” Hallie: “Sounds like you missed me.”
Lots of teasing banter between these too and Sawyer isn’t shy when speaking what he’s going to do when he finally gives in and loses the control he’s been trying to maintain. Callie knows how to unravel that control and doesn’t mind doing it. She could talk him into just about anything and he made promises that he was determined to keep. In the end they both got what they wanted.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Starlight Bay here we go ,with this spicy little snack I’m so happy we’re back to see these two. Hallie McKinley is a traveling nurse and ending up in her home town should be straight forward enough ,only her mum n dad are having renovations done so she can’t stay in the noisy disruptive homestead,so reaches out to her older sister’s ex instead. Sawyer Kade is joint owner of Coastal Eats but his inheritance,his beekeeping is his retreat. It keeps him grounded and forces his hand to stay in Starlight Nay make it his forever home.The thing he loves to do . Last thing on his mind is to woo …The teasing banter though from the very start and has them pegged for future sweethearts . Grumpy and sunshine and she will be mine sorta caper this sassy woman will out ,at last be his as easy as ripping a piece of paper. He knows that she isn’t here to stay and he’ll not follow another no way . So how will this story play out you might ask. But this is Alexandra Hale who has written this so I had every confidence in a satisfactory conclusion with my fingers crossed of course …Its attraction beyond repute and I quickly settled in to read with this book with promise so darn cute. And boy did it deliver ! Delightfully made me all a shiver did this ,it was an absolute masterpiece,a chef’s kiss. Can you tell I enjoyed this? Well I’m a heart on my sleeve sorta gal after all . And with this very well written immersive book ? I had a ball! I adore these characters of yours Alexandra Hale and your storytelling overall is mighty compelling .
Beehive Yourself is a delightful novella that blends small-town charm with sizzling chemistry in Alexandra Hale’s Man of the Month Club series. Set in her beloved coastal romance world, this sweet read instantly captivates from the first page.
Hallie comes home for a temporary nursing position and ends up staying with Sawyer Kade—the grumpy yet soft-hearted mountain man last seen in Unexpectedly Falling. Their initial awkwardness—she’s the younger sister of his ex—melts away under the storm of attraction that crackles between them. What unfolds is a passionate, second-chance romance that feels both tender and intoxicating, brimming with emotional tension.
Hale's writing is both playful and impactful: she masterfully deepens character development and fast-forwards a novella-sized tale with all the emotional stakes of a full-length novel. The small-town setting, inner-heart struggles, and found-family warmth make this story shine brightly.
If you’ve ever wished a novella could feel substantial, Beehive Yourself delivers. A heart-fluttering, soulful romance packed into a deliciously cozy package—absolutely recommend it!
𝐁𝐞𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 is a Man of the Month novella by Alexandra Hale, featuring a spicy and fun roommates to lovers, ex-girlfriend’s sister romance for Sawyer and Hallie that has so many things to love in such a short story! They were full of passion and chemistry and always at the ready with witty banter and sassy comebacks, whether through text or in person! Prepare to swoon over Sawyer… whether he was cooking for her, staging a picnic, or cuddling a cat he didn’t want, I fell for him as hard as Hallie did! I loved the unique history they shared, and the way her sister Beth was her unlikely source of advice and encouragement! While I did get frustrated with them at times, I wasn’t ready for the story to end! This author always creates compelling characters with intriguing bonds with each other that builds great worlds and supports the small town vibe I love so much! I can’t wait to get my hands on Indie and Beau’s story very soon, and now I’m super curious about Walker too!
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶����🌶
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Beehive Yourself 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alexandra Hale 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Return to Starlight Bay (MOTM) 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Sawyer Kade & Hallie McKinley
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: 🐝 Small Town 🐝 Ex-Girlfriend’s Sister 🐝 Age Gap 🐝 Roommates to Lovers 🐝 Too Stubborn to go Home 🐝 Inherited Bees 🐝 Spice + Swoon
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Alexandra Hale has once again proven why she's the queen of novellas. Beehive Yourself showcases her storytelling, packing a punch of swoon, spice, and banter into a concise, satisfying narrative.
This charming book introduces us to Sawyer Kade, a gruff but lovable hero who's had a mention in Alexandra Hale’s previous work, Unexpectedly Falling. Sawyer's life is turned upside down when he offers to let Hallie, his ex-girlfriend's little sister, stay with him while she completes a nursing rotation in Starlight Bay.
The banter between Sawyer and Hallie is witty and engaging, and Alexandra Hale skillfully crafts tension between them, making their eventual kiss explosive and unforgettable. Hallie brings a ray of sunshine into Sawyer's life, and their chemistry is undeniable.
A unique aspect of the story is Sawyer's unlikely passion for beekeeping, which adds a fascinating layer to his character. As a bee enthusiast myself, I was delighted by this element and how it wove into the narrative.
Beehive Yourself is an excellent introduction to Alexandra Hale's world, offering a concise and captivating taste of her storytelling style. If you're new to her books, this is the perfect place to start.
I loved Hallie's gumption to just go for it. How many times do you get to see where your teenage crush might have gone if something happened? Hallie is successful and really living that here for a good time, not a long time aesthetic. Being a travel nurse serves this mentality well. And once she steps inside Sawyer's house, all bets are off.
Sawyer is a serious guy. He owns a business with his best friend. He is single but not mingling. His heart was broken but Hallie's sister, Beth. He decided that serious love just wasn't in the cards. Cooking is his love language and one breakfast changes everything.
Hallie & Sawyer cut through a lot of their past insecurities over Beth and what she means to both of them. Once they get over themselves & under each other it becomes very clear that there is more to this thing than a physical attraction. In fact, it is serious and real and a bit scary. And watching two people who had defined what love would look like in their lives change their minds, open their hearts, and build a life together was a whole lot of fun.
This novella follows Hallie and Sawyer. Hallie is returning to her hometown to take a temporary nursing position. Since her childhood home is under construction, she asks Sawyer if she can stay with him. He is her sister’s ex-boyfriend and the guy she had a massive crush on when she was younger.
I love a novella written by Alexandra, I’m guaranteed to have a good time. I know there will be lots of fun banter, lots of tension, and spice 🔥. And all of that was present here!
I loved how grumpy Sawyer was and how he became a reluctant beekeeper. Even though he tried to deny his attraction to Hallie, he still wanted to protect her and take care of her. I loved Hallie’s sunshine and her ability to push Sawyer’s buttons. And when he finally gave in to his attraction it was so good! There is an outdoor shower scene that will live rent free in your head for a while 🔥
I was able to read this in an evening, so if you’re looking for a fun, quick read then this is for you!
Thank you to Alexandra Hale for my ARC of this novella, Beehive Yourself is out TODAY!
This was an absolutely adorable novella, that felt complete with its plot and the spice was great. That in and of itself was a feat, but this was truly a great read. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything even thought this was a shorter read. I adored this couple and even appreciated the background and conflict that happened. Not to mention the laughs and a cute kitten. I can never say no to those ☺️❤️ overall a quick, satisfying romance read.
❤️ Tropes ❤️
💋 small town romance 💋 ex girlfriend’s little sister 💋 forced proximity (temporary roommates) 💋 “eff it” moment
Hallie is a traveling nurse and accepted a contract in her hometown. She planned on staying with her parents, but their house is currently under construction. So she contacts Sawyer, to see if she could stay with him for that contract before moving onto her next one. Yeah, he is her sister’s ex boyfriend and she might have had a tiny crush on him way back then. But it’s been years and they are adults. This isn’t going to be awkward at all.
“Be a good girl and I will make you whatever you want.”
This was such a fun novella. Alexandra just knows how to write, and it doesn’t matter if it is a full-length book or a novella, you get lost in the words and just fall in love with the couple as they work through their insecurities and find love. Sawyer is a chef that makes personal meals that people can purchase, I mean come on what a fun job, and Hallie has taken a position as a traveling nurse in her hometown hospital. Hallie has wanted to go home and decides to reach out to Sawyer to see if she can stay with him while she is there. See there is a history between these two, but not what you would think. Sawyer dated Hallie’s older sister. I just loved getting to read these two work around the feelings that they have and the worry about that ex factor when they are so perfect together. I love the idea of why Sawyer keeps the bees and how it correlates with life. A truly great read.
Starts with a Prologue with Hallie asking her sister's ex-boyfriend Sawyer if she could live with him for a few months in Starlight Bay Hospital while working as a traveling nurse and he says yes. Sawyer was not just a boyfriend to Hallie sister Beth but he ask her to marry him but she turns him down and a couple on months later she marries another guy but that ended in a divorce a couple months later then Beth sends him a invite to her wedding to Piper but he does not go. Sawyer can believe he said yes to Hallie living with him and when she shows up there is a instant attraction to her and he does not know what to do about it. I was drawn to keep reading to find how Hallie and Sawyers relationship develops and there are some laughs and some miscommunication between them because neither one will tell each other how they feel about each other. I love the ending. I look forward to reading the next book Say Yule Stay.
Beehive Yourself is part of the Return to Starlight Bay Man of the Month Series.
This was a cute story about Sawyer and Hallie. We find out that he is Hallie's sister's ex boyfriend, but over the years they have stayed in touch. But now she needs a place to stay for a bit of time and they agree to live together. Once they are together under one roof, we see the sparks fly. But since they have a bit of a convoluted past they both try to fight their feelings. Also, Hallie is only going to be there for a short time and feelings don't want to be hurt.
I loved how Sawyer put so much out there even if it ended up hurting him. Hallie had a lot to think about and work through and even though she made some bad decisions concerning Sawyer, we still see that she is a good person, she just needed some time to wrap her head around some things.
This was a nice mild spicy read. I loved seeing these two reconnect and find happiness together.
Alexandra Hale always brings such a swooning spice to her stories - I love it! Beehive Yoursekf was no different.. this twist on the roommates to lovers trope, with him being her sister's jilted ex, was perfection. His denial over buried animosity got completely overshadowed when they saw eachother again and sparks started flying. Talk about tension in house - wow. Still, she was only there temporarily, and even if her sister wasn't an issue, her longevity was. Yep - go with that argument.😉
This may have been a short novella, but it didn't lack for anything regarding the storyline. From start to finish the banter was sizzling, pacing was spot on, characters (main and secindary) were seamless, and the resulting story was all Hale and worthy of more than 5⭐️. This was part of a multi-author series and this far they've all been excellent.
I was fortunate enough to receive a gift copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
This is a very short novella (just 106 pages), which I devoured in one quick sitting. As always with Alexandra Hale, it was heaps of fun, and even in such a compact story, I felt like I got to know the characters and really engage with the romance. We’ve heard mention of Jensen’s brother in Unexpectedly Falling (Blackstone Falls), but this is the first time we’ve properly met him – and I loved getting a glimpse into his life.
The chemistry between Hallie and Sawyer is on fire, but it’s not just heat – they’re so in tune with each other too. Hallie bringing home a kitten and Sawyer just going with it was such a small moment, but it said everything about how smitten he was. A sweet, sexy, and satisfying read – perfect when you need a short burst of romance and an ideal holiday read.
Many thanks to Alexandra Hale for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
This book was so hunny sweet and the perfect read to make you bee in a happy feels mood 🍯❤️
I was already swooning and getting giddy from the summary so I knew this was going to be a good one. Older sister’s ex boyfriend, close proximity, and secret mutual pining… yep I was sold!
It wouldn’t be an Alexandra Hale book if the moment the couple finally got together didn’t make me swoon, and then immediately get right to the spice. 🫠
Slight Spoilery comments:
Having Beth be married (twice) after the breakup definitely helped make it feel less weird for Sawyer and Hallie to be together because it took away the concern Beth would ever want to get back with Sawyer.
Also, amen to having Sawyer’s friend Walker say what was really going on without being vague. It’s so refreshing to read a book where the friend knows how the MMC feels and actually tells the FMC the truth 🙌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is No Point in Fighting Love - I really enjoyed reading this forbidden romance story where the characters and the issues they dealt with felt very real. There was an easiness to the story that made it flow smoothly and ensured I was able to turn the pages without even realizing the passing of time. Not everyone would agree with the characters relationship because of their prior connection, but I believe many years had passed since their prior connection ended and it gave them the foundation to build upon for a better future together. I can say without a shadow of doubt, that Alexandra Hale didn’t disappoint with this entertaining story, that in my humble opinion deserves to be read b6 every avid romance reader.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC Review Beehive Yourself by Alexandra Hale 5/5 stars
What a story and what a fun novella with two characters that were full of fun and chemistry! Sawyer was an amazing man and oof , he stole my heart from the first page to the last. I loved his emotional confusion that he had and finally GOT out of his way and to true happiness with Hallie! Hallie, my girl! I really loved her character and how she kept going for her man who finally came around! I enjoyed her relationship with her sister and how encouraging and supportive they are of one another!
Again, Alexandra Hale has a novella I wish would have been made into a full length because I can NOT get enough of these two! I am really excited to see more of them in the background of the other stories.
Thank you to @authoralexandrahale and her team for an eARC.
Hallie is a travelling nurse who has returned to her hometown for her next assignment. When staying with her parents isn’t a viable option she reaches out to Sawyer, her sister’s ex-boyfriend, who she idolized when she was younger.
After being hurt by Hallie’s sister, Sawyer is determined to protect his heart. He believes that having Hallie stay with him won’t be a problem until he sees the adult version of her and now he doesn’t know how to protect his heart when he knows she plans to leave.
I enjoyed seeing Hallie and Sawyer fall for each other before they realized what happened. He is swoony not only when it comes to the cat she has adopted but the way he prepares meals for her and the interactions between them are humorous. There is also a great cast of secondary characters who are there for them when misunderstandings arise.
Alexandra Hale delivered! I have been looking forward to this book since it's release was announced. There is just something about a title like Beehive Yourself that hints at lots of fun. I was not disappointed!
From the very beginning I loved Hallie. She's sassy and fun and her banter with Sawyer is brilliant. While Sawyer is that delicious balance of grumpy without being rude. And then there is his desire to take care of Hallie - swoon! They definitely have chemistry which jumps off the page. Sawyer and Hallie have a hint of history and a touch of awkward with his past relationship with Hallie's sister, which adds an aura of forbidden.
Alexandra Hale gives Sawyer and Hallie a well developed story that allows the reader to feel like they have read a full novel in the length of a novella.
This book was just what I needed!! This short and sweet with steam story hit the mark on the feels... I love Alexandra and all her books that she writes. When I saw she was writing an ex's sibling trope, I was in love. I don't know why I love this trope so much.
Hallie and Sawyer have always had this connection. She looked at him with stars in her eyes, and he always looked out for her. There is just something so sweet when you build on a friendship that makes me swoon. They both have their dreams and ideas of their future, and with some different ideas, they can make it work.
I loved how easy this was to read! If you want a fun-loving book that you can read in one sitting, this one is for you!
I absolutely finished this novella in one sitting. This doesn't happen for me anymore because well, life.
Sawyer isn't necessarily a grumpy bachelor, but he was hurt once before and has kept to himself since having his heart broken a decade ago. He's got one good friend, but has stayed in a town that belonged to her and made a home there after she left. Now, he'll share his home with her sister Hallie while she's in town for a few months.
What's supposed to be a short stay reignites some chemistry that could never be unearthed. When I say chemistry.. oof. These two are full of spice once they get going, and I couldn't put them down.
Such a cute quick read and perfect for a relaxing summer evening!
Awww, the bees and the cat....they just made me grin. While Hallie and Sawyer made me fan myself. Their chemistry was electric!
Even though Sawyer dates Hallie’s sister, it was ages ago and it shouldn't make things odd. Yet funny how it still does. But the passion these two shared could never be topped and they were so perfect for each other. And of course, there’s bumps because she’s a traveling nurse who absolutely loves that and hasn't stayed in one place in forever and he doesn't want to fall for her. But the heart never stops to ask who we should fall in love with and this isn’t any different.
So, grab this book because it Will make you smile, will make you swoon, and will make you wish for these two to have their happily ever after.
A sweet and enjoyable novella that will have you smiling and laughing right from the start. Ms. Hale tells us the story of two people who you could say have a forbidden lust for one another. Beehive Yourself is a quick afternoon summer read and a great addition to the Return to Starlight Bay series. Hallie needs a place to stay and she asks her sister's ex-boyfriend, Sawyer. Not a problem, right? Well, that's not the case. She had a secret crush on him and he has always had a soft spot for her. Now that she is there, Sawyer is fighting the lustful attraction he has towards her and she towards him. I love the internal talks each one of them had. Add in Winnie the rescue cat and Hallie's dietary menu and the laughs keep coming.