Stuffed

Sugar & Spice #2

by Alexis Winter

'Tis the season for second chances, and mine just walked back into my life wearing a perfectly tailored tux and a Scrooge-worthy scowl.

Zane Mercer—the same bad boy who used to steal my dark chocolate espresso cookies in high school—is somehow even more delicious ten years later.

Thanks to his younger brother Asher's generous investment and business mentoring, my best friend Ivy and I are finally opening our dream bakery in downtown Chicago.

Everything was sugar and spice until Zane started showing up, criticizing our plans while undressing me with those ice-blue eyes.

I can't tell if he wants to shut us down or pin me under the mistletoe.

Maybe it's the magic of the season, or maybe it's the way he keeps finding excuses to get me alone at holiday parties, but our heated arguments are starting to feel a lot like foreplay.

Behind that frosty exterior, I catch glimpses of warmth.

And when he threatens to stuff my stocking with coal for testing his legendary control? Well, suddenly being on the naughty list doesn't sound so bad.

Everyone says mixing business with pleasure is a recipe for disaster.

But as Christmas draws closer and the chemistry between us gets hotter than my bakery’s freshly baked gingerbread, I'm starting not to care what ends up in my stocking—as long as it's from him.


This is book 2 in my sweet and spicy holiday duet, Sugar & Spice.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Second Chance, Contemporary, Smut, Enemies To Lovers

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2024

About the author

Alexis Winter is a contemporary romance author who loves to share her steamy stories with the world. She specializes in sexy billionaires, cocky alphas, brooding bad boys and the women they love. 

If you love to curl up with a good romance book you will certainly enjoy her work. Whether it's a story about an innocent young woman learning about the world or a sassy and fierce heroine who knows what she wants you're sure to enjoy the happily ever afters she provides.
 
When Alexis isn't writing away furiously, you can find her exploring the Rocky Mountains, traveling, enjoying a glass of wine or petting a cat.
 
You can find her books on Amazon.

Reviews

[Karla ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ Romance Navideño
❤️ Grumpysunshing
❤️ Enamoramiento de juventud
❤️ Segundas Oportunidades

Y sigo con los libros navideños 😍

Que cosa más linda, ligera, divertida y romántica acabo de leer!!

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking to read this second part to find out how Zane and Tessa's story ends.
I liked it much more than the first one, what a beautiful book and how it warms the heart. The love story is so sweet and the chemistry between them is off the charts.

[Kelly Andringa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 ⭐️ because it r started out kinda fun then sorta tanked with the whole emotional unavailable MC who can’t communicate trope. However, it turned around and eventually became a fun, spicy romcom.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this book was more popular but I felt it was the same story almost with different characters. Yes I enjoyed Zane and Tessa’s dynamic, but wanted more originality

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Tis the season for second chances, and mine just walked back into my life wearing a perfectly tailored tux and a Scrooge-worthy scowl.

Zane Mercer—the same bad boy who used to steal my dark chocolate espresso cookies in high school—is somehow even more delicious ten years later.

Thanks to his younger brother Asher's generous investment and business mentoring, my best friend Ivy and I are finally opening our dream bakery in downtown Chicago.

Everything was sugar and spice until Zane started showing up, criticizing our plans while undressing me with those ice-blue eyes.

I can't tell if he wants to shut us down or pin me under the mistletoe.

Maybe it's the magic of the season, or maybe it's the way he keeps finding excuses to get me alone at holiday parties, but our heated arguments are starting to feel a lot like foreplay.

Behind that frosty exterior, I catch glimpses of warmth.

And when he threatens to stuff my stocking with coal for testing his legendary control? Well, suddenly being on the naughty list doesn't sound so bad.

Everyone says mixing business with pleasure is a recipe for disaster.

This contemporary second chance enemies-to-lovers Christmas romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is set in a winter wonderland that is engulfed by the magical spirit of Christmas in Chicago, and characters that are exuding power, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with being stuffed in this enemies-to-lovers Christmas romance that is humorous, mature, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, sugar and spice, Christmas draws closer and the chemistry between us gets hotter than my bakery's freshly baked gingerbread, drama, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with stuffed and an explicit enemies-to-lovers Christmas romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly magical and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Stuffed is book two in Sugar & Spice duet series by author Alexis Winter.
In this Christmas Holiday, Second Chance Romance, we follow Tessa Marlow, best friend/business partner to Ivy Calloway and Zane Mercer, older brother to Asher Mercer, whose story was told in book one Unwrapped.

When it came to Tessa and Zane’s story, it made for quite an emotional rollercoaster ride, considering the constant highs, lows and ups and downs they navigated through in the building of their relationship. Then again that wasn’t surprising when you took into account having an MMC like Zane who is tall, dark and emotionally unavailable on one hand.
And the other, a bold yet feisty FMC like Tessa, who knew what she wanted with being emotionally ready and available when it came to Zane.
It’s ultimately what made for a rocky journey that involved butting of the heads a lot, going back and forth and pushing and pulling. More so on Tessa’s part with trying to make Zane see the light, given his position on the stance he stood.

Given the battles Tessa and Zane faced, author Alexis allowed us to get a real feel for their characters.
From seeing the unravelling of their layers showcased through the changes they faced and endured, given the testing of their strengths and weaknesses both mentally and emotionally.
To then lead to the development of growth they presented as the story progressed along. Particularly in Zane’s case considering who he was and where he stood in the beginning with his personal thoughts and views. Especially in regards to himself.
Further adding to the in-depth exploration of their characters.

Although Stuffed was more intense given the major tension, alongside the strong emotional aspect throughout.
Just like Unwrapped, Tessa and Zane’s story Stuffed still made for an enjoyable read that was sugar in being sweet and cute. And spice due to the hot and steamy moments shared between the two.
All whilst bringing the holiday feels in being a Festive Christmas read.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion? Maybe. Spoilers included ****
Tessa has had a crush on Zane since high school. I don't think of this as a second chance because they never dated before or connected in any way, really. There is a lot of repetition. For example of lot of snowing out side where it didn't really need to be said. A lot of him thinking he is not good for her. We don't get any real explanation for why. The late reason we do get does NOT make any sense to me and conflicts his party boy ways and his earlier statement that he had more than one heart break. Supposedly he has loved her since high school, but he has never reached out? Nor has she? There is a lot of her pushing him and him acting all against her. I also don't care for the Mr. Mercer stuff instead of first names. There were consistency issues for me. ********
Spoilers *******


For example, Zane takes a call near midnight, they argue, she leaves but then he texts her about 11:30 and she comes back after getting home and going to bed. I also take issue with him letting her travel around Chicago late at night alone. I take issue with him leaving her in the bakery alone, supposedly late at night, after he walked in because she didn't lock the door. There are places where she and her best friend, Ivy, exchange information off page but really there doesn't seem to have been enough time for all of that. Also there is no mention of Christmas until boom, he asks what she is doing and suddenly tomorrow is Christmas day. There are weird lapses in time, they take a walk on Saturday, she spends the night but yet on Monday when she talks to Ivy, she hasn't had contact with him on Sunday? Did she just teleport home during Saturday night? There is also the issue where she acts like she doesn't know his family but she and Asher, his brother, were good friends in high school and she hung out with him hoping to see Zane. The story idea is good, the execution is not my favorite.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Alexis Winter's "Sugar and Spice" duet and I couldn't wait to read Tessa and Zane's story.
Tessa Marlow and her best friend Ivy had scrimped and saved every penny to follow their dream of opening a bakery that they would call "Sugar and Spice", Ivy was the baker and Tessa was the brains who handled the financial side, did the projections, printed the spreadsheets etc........they really needed someone to invest in them, someone to believe in them, Asher Mercer was that person. Asher and Ivy had got close and he thought that the bakery was an excellent idea but it meant that Tessa had to present her business plan to Asher's older brother Zane, the same Zane that she had an almighty crush on in high school, the same Zane that she had secretly followed like a puppy dog, the same Zane who had totally ignored her. Zane was now the wealthy CEO of the family's financial business and the last person that he expected to see with a business plan was Tessa Marlow, the same Tessa who was miss popularity at high school, the same Tessa who had stalked him, the same Tessa who he had a secret crush on.
Tessa and Zane couldn't be more different, she was bouncy, feisty and beautiful, she wasn't the little girl who had followed him, she was now a self assured, clever woman. Zane was handsome but he was broody, when he had taken over the business from his father everyone had expected him to fail, but he hadn't, he had put shutters up on his old life and built the company up to where it was now.....he had also built high walls around his heart that he would let no one through.
This story follows Tessa and Zane's battles, he was so attracted to Tessa but he couldn't let his barriers down, but Tessa was determined to break them with a pickaxe if necessary to get their HEA. Lovely lighthearted Christmas romance.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing says Christmas quite like a second chance at love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a whole lot of tension wrapped up in holiday lights.

Tessa Marlow has worked hard to turn her dream into reality—opening a bakery with her best friend Ivy. Everything is falling into place, thanks to a much-needed investment from Ivy’s boyfriend, Asher. But there’s just one little problem: that investment comes with a catch. Enter Zane Mercer, Asher’s older brother, a brooding, emotionally unavailable CEO with the power to make or break their bakery before the doors even open.

Zane and Tessa have history—though if you ask him, he’d probably deny it. She was the bubbly, popular girl in high school; he was the untouchable bad boy. She had a huge crush on him back then, and if she’s being honest, those feelings never quite went away. But now? Now he’s standing in front of her, more frustrating (and somehow even more attractive) than ever, criticizing her business plans while giving her looks that are way too heated for someone who supposedly doesn’t care.

The push and pull between these two is pure magic—equal parts witty banter, fiery tension, and undeniable chemistry. Zane is the kind of man who’s locked his heart behind steel walls, but Tessa? She’s not the type to back down. If she has to break those walls down with a sledgehammer (or maybe a rolling pin), so be it.

This book is a perfect mix of sugar and spice—sweet, heartfelt moments balanced with sizzling passion that’ll leave you breathless. There’s a bit of angst, a whole lot of flirting, and just the right amount of Christmas magic. If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with strong heroines, grumpy-but-swoon-worthy heroes, and enough tension to heat up a cold winter night, this one is definitely for you.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book Unwrapped, I could not wait to read Stuffed. Why it is not necessary to read book one I suggest you do because you will be able to make all the connections better. The first book was based around Ivy and Asher, and this is Zane and Tessa’s story. Ivy and Tessa are best friends who are opening a bakery together and Asher and Zane are brothers who have built a million-dollar business and are looking to invest in the bakery. All four of these characters went to school together and had crushes on one another but never acted on them.

Zane was the bad boy (or at least he wanted to come across that way) and Tessa was a cheerleader and missed social butterfly and was liked by everyone. She had a huge crush on Zane in high school, but he did not give her the time of the day, but he most definitely wanted to. Now years later his brother Asher and her best friend have finally ended up finding happiness with each other and Tessa is determined to make sure he gets Zane’s attention. Zane is closed off and has built up walls after several reasons you will find out as you read the story. Tessa is smart and feisty and will stop at nothing to get through to Zane. The push and pull between these two is so sexy and their banter are hilarious, and their chemistry is smoldering hot. I loved this story and could not put it down. Wonderful holiday story you do not want to miss. It is 5+ stars in my opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the Xmas based duet from Alexis.
Meet Zane and Tessa, who you will meet firstly in Unwrapped. Zane is hardened and cynical about love. He is too busy burying himself in work to let love into his life. Tessa has thrown her all into helping her best friend get the bakery, they have both dreamt about, up and running, too busy to be bothered with men.
When the investment opportunity of a lifetime comes their way, Tessa and her friend Ivy agree to explore it. Tessa is knocked sideways when she finds the offer comes from the brother of her high school crush. Zane is equally surprised one of the girls opening the bakery is the girl he worshipped at high school but was too scared to tell her how he felt.
Both find the spark is still there, Tessa is maybe still interested in exploring further but Zane is determined, spark or no spark, it's not happening.
This is a great read, Tessa has spunk and snark in buckets and isn't afraid to use it to wear Zane down. Can she get him to see not everyone only cares about money and that what they had ten years earlier might just be enough to take a chance on.
This will have you laughing and wanting to shout at Zane to lighten up and take a chance. Beautifully written this and Unwrapped, the first book in the duo, are perfect to snuggle up with on these dark nights and fall in love with these characters who will have you rooting for them up till the end.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing His Broken Heart -
Tessa’s crush on Zane since high school never waned, but she didn’t allow him to get away with anything each time they met as adults. Zane was intensely attracted to Tessa, but his history with the women in his social circle had left him jaded and unwilling to enter into a relationship. However, Tessa’s entrance into Zane’s life via his brother and her best friend allowed them to get closer and she managed to challenge him, where he was prepared to risk aphis heart with her.

Unfortunately, Zane and Tessa’s path to happiness didn’t run smoothly, as his insecurities kept disrupting their budding romance , but she persevered in her determination to show him that he was worth being loved. As luck would have it, Tessa’s love and support gave Zane the confidence to finally acknowledge his feelings for her, so they could get the future they both deserved.

I really enjoyed reading this fascinating story, with sizzling chemistry between the characters and everything they did to make this entertaining story come together. I suggest you have an ice cold drink beside you whilst you read this book, because there is a chance you will be overheated by the time you finish reading the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school crushes don't always end when high school is over. Sometimes feelings are still there a decade later.


Zane, the high school bad boy and Tessa, the smart cheerleader were always aware of each other but never acted on their attraction. Fast forward and they are thrown together again, this time for business purposes.

Zane has walls a mile high built around him but Tessa is tenacious and is determined to break them down. She knows what she wants and is going to go for it. I loved how the characters were written, the dialogue, the settings and there were so many meaningful lines that I will have to reread the book to write them down so I can remember them. The story moved along well even though the relationship had plenty of swerves and bumps along the way which, of course, made the ending that much sweeter. One of my favorite quotes towards the end says it all, "Some love storied don't end with happily ever after. They just keep getting better. Keep growing." The paragraphs following this add to it and make the ending really meaningful. I just wish it hadn't had to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane Mercer stoic, ice cold demeanor, loner personality with a fear of getting burned has met his kryptonite in Tessa Marlow. Cheerleader Tessa has had a crush Zane Mercer her friend Asher’s older bad boy brother since she was fourteen, watching him through her pompoms she sees past his walls to the real him. This story is about when Zane and Tessa meet ten years later Zane is still that brooding cynical bad boy to all, Tessa still sees past his. Tessa and Zane take us on a journey of discovery, of embracing your heart’s desire, of possibilities and hope. This story is about the dreams of one young brave, persistent girl who never gives up making her dreams a reality. This story is about a young confused, bitter, angry young boy who must overcome his issues to succeed, has to open his heart and break those walls to find peace and hope and embrace the possibilities and stop being afraid. I absolutely loved this story and how well written it is. I loved the strength and tenacity Tessa shows, I also loved the transformation of both Tessa and Zane, and I loved all parts of Zane especially his weakness. We find out in this book if Zane is brave enough to embrace the possibilities… I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some loves don’t just change us; they complete us.

This is a standalone, steamy, (sort of) enemies to lovers, second chance, bad boy/good girl romance. While this is intended to be a holiday romance, it isn’t solely centered on the holidays if that isn’t your thing. I won’t rehash the blurb but I will say that this story has tried and true tropes and a heaping dose of mutual pining which makes for an enjoyable read. I also cared about the characters and thought that Zane and Tessa were real and relatable. I was rooting for them and their relationship. While there was much to enjoy about this one, I didn’t enjoy all of it and would rate this story 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. This story was very repetitive, there were inconsistencies with Tessa’s behavior at times (shy and unsure vs. bold and confident), and it was not well paced. The repeated push-pull and the will they or won’t they also made me frustrated in the beginning. I will say that once Zane committed and took the leap and let Tessa in there wasn’t any additional unnecessary conflict or drama which I appreciated. In the end this story had heart, heat and a satisfying extended HEA that made for a pleasurable read.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging second chance romance with steam and heart
As with most of Ms. Winter’s books, I was glued to it until I could finish it. Captivating and disarming. Especially notable at this time of year the author has added a nice little message of social awareness in that Zane has always wanted to help the less fortunate and we get to see his desires play out in this sweet and steamy book. Zane Mercer of The Chicago Mercers and Tessa Marlowe knew each other from high school, one problem among others, she was three years younger. She was the good girl and he was the bad boy. Explanation to follow in the book…
Their story will end fifteen years into the future from the book’s starting point which was a delightful surprise and conclusion to this book and the duet. It reminds me of a country song about a guy who finds a woman who fixed his brokenness even though she didn’t do the breaking. If you like strong alpha men with heart finding their one-and-only and finally getting their act together to move on their feelings, you will want to read this fantastic book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Booksprout.

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down to 3 for GR.
I really enjoyed the underlying premise of this book- I absolutely love the whole idea of crushes from high school that never took fruit and are now reunited as adults. Love. It.

The characters in this are both great, I love broken boy/cold man Zane and Tessa who is bold and goes for what she wants.

However, it all fell a bit flat for me - I was just missing depth of the connection. I felt myself a couple times wondering what it’s all based on and what their connection really is. I had this a bit in the first book too but even more in this one. The angst on Zane’s part felt a little contrived or not explained well enough and Tessa gave in in some moments too quickly for me. The last 25% or so just got a bit boring for me as I just didn’t feel connected enough to them.

That said, I still enjoyed the read and kept the pages turning. I think I liked the premise and characters enough that it still kept my interest up enough and kept me entertained. There are a couple of moments I found emotionally touching and there’s also a bit of heat.

Low on the Christmas vibes scale but it is there.

Overall a nice read!

3.5/5 ⭐️

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tessa Marlow and her friend Ivy need some investment money for there Bakery so the go to both of there former crushes the Mercer Brothers Archer and Zane the bad boywas Tessa's crush he stayed away and she secretly longed for his attention no there thrown together to make her company a success. Zane always liked Tessa secretly crushed on her but she was younger and too good for him and now hes grumpier then ever but that's not enough for Tessa to give up on him they both want to be seen and they both want to give back threw there prosspective businesses but a relationship may not work Zane has been burned and he's closed off to anything that's not work. Tessa just wants Zane there both going to have and work to have anything real. Okay here's the thing this book was marketed as and enemies to Lovers book but there wasn't any real tension between the couple and they both seemed incomplete as characters like they were stuck as teenagers or college kids and Zane his past wasn't all that shocking this book has potential but it felt incomplete so it's a 4 and half stars for me.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review

[Rebecca Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuffed is book 2 in the Sugar and Spice series. It can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read book 1 first as you learn about Ivy and Asher who are the couple in the first book but also feature in here. This bok is about Zane and Tessa. Zane was the bad boy in high school while Tessa was the smart cheerleader. They liked each other in school but never acted on their attraction. Now as adults they end up working together and the attraction between them is still there. But things aren't smooth sailing as Zane has built walls around himself to stop himself getting hurt, but that doesn't stop Tessa from trying to break them down.
I loved how the characters were written, how closed off Zane was to anything apart from work and how strong willed Tessa was to work her way into his heart. Another great Christmas story with a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rena Spensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuffed is part two in the Sugar and Spice duet which is Tessa and Zane’s story.

It was a cute holiday romance with just enough spice to get you a little warm(iykyk). Tessa and Zane take their mutual high school crush and turn it into real life adult love after reconnecting after 10 years.

Tessa is a confident, spitfire of a women who spends a lot of energy trying to get Zane to let his walls and guard down, so he can realize what he’s missing and how he’s gonna lose out on the love of a lifetime if he keeps pushing her away. Zane is terrified to open up and Tessa is determined to prove that he deserves to be loved and that she isn’t going anywhere. On top of it all it takes place during the holidays. Such a cute holiday story with a HEA and I can’t wait to add it to my library.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darlene Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were first introduced to Zane and Tessa in" Unwrapped", the first book in the Sugar and Spice series.
Zane appears to be the stuffy, all business, sexy looking brother with walls built so high around himself.
Tessa, a warm giving person who has sacrificed and worked hard for everything she has and wants to have. She has had a secret crush on Zane since high school and it hasn't gone away.
"Taking Chances", no stranger words have ever been said.
A courage of baiting/tease hits Tessa in response to Zane's assessment of her new business.
Second chances are a wonderful thing and being assertive, knowing what you want and going after it.
Slowly the walls that were built begin to crumble.
The author has brought together the meaning of trust, growth and love.
This is such a feel good book, you can't put it down.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved Tessa. She was soft but so strong. She saw the real Zane, and had always seen him past all his walls. Once he let her in just a little, she kept challenging him to open up but always reassured him that she wasn’t going anywhere, despite him trying to raise his walls over and over. Zane wasn’t a bad guy and, in fact, had a huge heart but had become so locked into his public icy, ruthless CEO image that he was afraid to let himself feel anything soft. This was a sweet, angsty story about two people who had always SEEN each other finally finding each other - when Tessa was strong enough to challenge Zane without losing herself and Zane was ready to drop his walls and embrace a full life of love and work and family. Sweet, hot, angsty. Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristina Maysonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Sugar and Spice holiday duet and I couldn’t wait to get Tessa and Zane’s story. You can read this as a standalone, but you get a little more insight into their story if you read Unwrapped first.

Tessa and Ivy are best friends and are in the process of opening a bakery which has been their dream. Tessa is the brains and in charge of all the finances. That's when she brings in the Mercer brothers to consult on their plan. Tessa had a crush on Zane Mercer in high school and seeing him now, she still has that crush. Zane is really reluctant to relationships and falling in love so he keeps her at an arm's length. My only problem with this was that I couldn’t quite understand or relate to why he was so untrusting and avoiding love so it made it hard to connect with him. But I loved his story with Tessa. They fought hard for their HEA. If anyone was going to be the one to get Zane to drop his walls, it was going to be Tessa. She tries crashing right through them because she sees who he really is.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuffed is an enemies to lovers, Christmas romance. I thought the plot was marvelously entertaining, the characters were wonderful and the final outcome was breathtaking. Author Alexis Winter continues to show what a fabulous author she is with each book that I have read so far from her. I thought this book was entertaining, enjoyable to read, suspenseful and a page turning holiday romance. I thought that the characters were beautifully written and perfectly executed throughout the story. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters and getting to see their amazing story unfold. Stuffed is a definite recommended holiday romance book for those who enjoy reading these books. I’m looking forward to reading more amazing books from this author in the near future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part two of the Sugar and Spice duet and whilst it can definitely be read as a standalone, reading Unwrapped first does give a little more insight into the family and friends dynamics. Tessa is feisty and a good businesswoman who had and still has a high school crush on Zane who gave off bad boy vibes in school and is now a hardened businessman who has walls around his heart. Enter Tessa back into his life because of the business she and her friend Ivy are starting with the help of financial backing from Asher and Zane’s company. Tessa sees the real Zane and their romance will make you laugh, cry and at times want to shake some sense into Zane. As a standalone this is a delightful romance and read as part of the duet it is a heartwarming feel good romance and I loved the extended epilogues.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story.
Really loved reading Tessa & Zane's story that you couldn't help but smile reading it.
They'd loved each other from afar since children as being his brother Asher's friend & hung out together although he was the well known bad boy.
Now 10yrs later they meet again only this time Tessa is not letting him hide from her but he is afraid to give into his feelings. Everyone has known & could see how they felt about each other since they were children desperately hoping this will be finally the happy ever after.
The will they won't they is sweet, romantic, steamy with funny banter & we see the softer side to Zane with Tassa breaking down the walls the big powerful CEO has built.
I definitely recommend reading this book it's a wonderful love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy, Second-Chance Romance
Tessa has had a crush on Zane since high school, but he’s always been emotionally guarded, keeping people at arm’s length with his gruff demeanor. Now, years later, when she finally gets close enough to glimpse the man beneath the scowl, she starts to wonder—could there be more behind those growls and icy stares?
Zane isn’t all hard edges. There’s a softer, more vulnerable side he’s been hiding, and Tessa might be the one person who sees it. But will she have the patience to wait for him to let her in? And what will it take for Zane to finally drop his defenses?
I enjoyed this sweet and spicy story—equal parts heat and heart. The heartwarming moments sneak up on you when you least expect them, adding depth to the sizzle. Recommended for fans of second-chance, grumpy/sunshine holiday romances with a generous helping of steam and charm.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this story. I have wanted to read Zane and Tessa’s story since Unwrapped. I am glad I didn’t have to wait long between the two. I was right in thinking I would enjoy their back and forth. There is some drama and angst, but also some funny and steamy times. There were times when I wanted to thump Zane on his head and shake some sense into him. 🤣 I really enjoyed and loved their texts to each other. These two were made for each other and you definitely need to read this book. I couldn’t put it down once I started. While it is a standalone, I still think you should also read Unwrapped. Meet the other Mercer brother in that book. Just snuggle in with some wine or hot cocoa and get immersed into the Mercer’s world.

[Jacque · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to caveat this with the fact that I read the first in this series and I didn’t love it, so I didn’t have high hopes for this one but as someone who struggles to read part of a series, I figured I’d power through the short story.

Just like my review of the first book, this felt rushed but also way too long. It was just a lot of Tess pushing Zane and him pretending to not be interested until like three days in he just says he loves her and he’s in.

This might be spoilers so read with caution-I also thought it weird he wanted to have her run the kitchen in his homeless shelter. Tess couldn’t cook a bit. Why not have her help with the business side if he wanted to include her?

I wasn’t a fan of the numerous epilogues. They felt tacked on and unneeded for a short story.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa and Zane’s story, we catch glimpses in the first book but you can read it here. They have noticed each other in high school but he’s older and was doing some illegal stuff back then. Now him and his brother, Asher, own their own business and Tessa and her bf, Ivy, ask Asher for advice. But when Zane and Tessa keep seeing each other their chemistry starts to sizzle. He has walls built due to his thinking he’s not enough but she bulldozed them down and you see glimpses of them all years later. Love these books so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.