Honey and Heat

by Aurora Palit

She’s known as the Ice Princess. He’s got a reputation for melting hearts...except hers. Let the rivalry begin.

Cynthia Kumar always wins. She’s successful, competitive, and knows exactly what she to be the heir to her father’s multimillion dollar business.

Except, her father just chose his successor and it’s not her…it’s her one-night stand.

Rohit Patel can’t believe his luck. He’s just landed the opportunity of a lifetime, his future is once again on track, and the woman he spent one steamy night with could be the love of his life.

Except, she’s his new boss’s daughter and now she hates him.

When Kumar Constructions falls under scrutiny, both Cynthia and Rohit are determined to see its tarnished reputation restored to its original glory. As they each try to swoop in and save the day, their game of one-upmanship fails spectacularly, leaving them no choice but to set their differences aside and work together. But as their partnership to save the company—and their feelings for one another—blossoms, they’ll have to decide what’s more important…their careers or love?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Workplace Romance

Audible Audio

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

✦ My Overall Thoughts ✦

This workplace romance was phenomenal! It comes with a strong female main character, who I absolutely loved in this novel! The banter between the main characters was strong in this one! This is a medium paced read, filled with strongly developed characters. I enjoyed the supporting characters in this story as well. This is a mix of both plot and character driven. This book made me feel emotional, empowered, hopeful and tense. This is an enemies to lovers romance, that includes two very successful main characters. This came with a clear thesis, was well paced and easy to follow. Even though this book looks innocent, it comes with steamy spice! I was fully immersed while reading this book and I will be reading more books by this author! It is beautifully written and easy to read.

✦ Quick Synopsis & Rating ✦

“Honey and Heat” is a novel about a business woman named Cynthia and a man named Rohit, who both end up working together in the same workplace. Cynthia never loses and wants to be the one that heir her father’s multimillion dollar company. However, her father ends up choosing Rohit and not her. Prior to this day, Cynthia and Rohit had slept together. It was just a one night stand, but it ends up turning into something more after all the banter and rivalry that happens between the two! The professional workplace turns into a personal one, which makes them wonder as to what really matters in life. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!

✦ Who I think would enjoy this & Content Warnings ✦

I think fans that love a great workplace romance, with spice and banter, would really enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include explicit sexual content and strong language.

✦ Thank You ✦

Thank you to NetGalley, author Aurora Palit and Berkley Publishing Group for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

✦ Release Date ✦

This book is expected to be published on September 16, 2025!

✦ Book Tropes ✦

╰┈➤ Enemies to Lovers
╰┈➤ Workplace Romance
╰┈➤ Strong FMC
╰┈➤ Workplace Drama
╰┈➤ Family Focus
╰┈➤ Black Cat & Golden Retriever

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥

ツ౨ৎ

[Aurora Palit]

Hi book lovers!

I wanted to leave some content warnings for my sophomore book, Honey and Heat:

-graphic, open door sex scenes
-complicated family dynamics

Please take care of yourselves on your reading journey and thanks for considering Honey and Heat for your TBR!

-Aurora
P.S. two crayons were harmed in the writing of this book - sorry, Crayola.

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing complicates life quite like realizing the guy you had instant chemistry with might just be standing in the way of everything you’ve ever worked for.

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

Cynthia Kumar has spent her whole life striving to earn her father’s approval, convinced that if she worked hard enough he’d finally hand over the family business to her. She’s brilliant and capable, but constantly dismissed, and it was both heartbreaking and frustrating to watch her pour so much of herself into a place where she was never fully seen.

Rohit Patel’s story is rooted in sacrifice. He’s worked himself to exhaustion in order to support his family, juggling studies and endless jobs until he finally lands the career opportunity he’s been hoping for. To him, this new job represents more than just money—it’s stability, pride, and the chance to ease the load he’s carried for so long.

When their paths cross one night, Cynthia and Rohit connect in a way neither of them expected. The spark between them is undeniable, but by morning their lives are set back on very different tracks. (one night stand alerttttt ‼️)
It isn’t until later, when circumstances tie them together again in a complicated way, that the tension really starts to build. Cynthia sees him as a threat to everything she’s worked for, while Rohit can’t stop being drawn to her strength and drive. (he likes himself a side of feisty and bossy 🥵)

What made the story so compelling to me was how differently they viewed each other. Cynthia, fueled by frustration and resentment, is determined to protect her place. Rohit, on the other hand, is quietly captivated by her, respecting her fire even when she lashes out. (he really is just perfect okay) He listens more than he speaks, and his calm, steady presence balances her intensity in such a beautiful way. (i really don’t know how he did it tbh because i would have snapped at some point 😭)

The family dynamics added even more depth. (love me some good family drama hehe 🤭) Cynthia grew up in a loving home on the surface, but her father never really knew her as she grew older, and her mother wasn’t the emotional support she needed. That lack of true understanding shaped so much of her drive, and it made her journey toward opening up to others even more powerful.

And yes, the spice is definitely there. It’s fun, it’s steamy, and it fits perfectly with their chemistry. 😝😝

By the end, what stood out most was watching Cynthia realize she didn’t have to carry every burden alone, and seeing Rohit stand by her in ways that made her feel truly seen and understood. I also loved how Rohit came to realize that while supporting his family was a blessing, his whole life didn’t have to revolve around it, he was allowed to build something for himself too. The romance was tender, the spice was satisfying, and the growth both characters went through made the whole story so rewarding.
It’s not just about romance—it’s about two people learning how to step out from under the weight of family expectations and finally live for themselves.

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

“She was like honey and heat, and with her, he was home.”

“There was no uncertainty when it came to Rohit, forever kneeling before her, hand out and waiting for her to grab on, whether she was at her worst or her best.”

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

things to know about the book ↓

👠 workplace romance
👠 rivals to lovers
👠 grumpy x sunshine
👠 strong heroine
👠 third person pov

A huge thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Aurora Palit for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.

[Lochi's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora Palit’s Sunshine and Spice will forever be on my bookshelf and I’m so happy Honey and Heat can live right beside it. In her second novel, Palit dives into the importance of a healthy working environment, being the only woman in the boardroom in a corporate structure unwilling to change, the financial stressors of being an immigrant and supporting family, and finally the guards women place around their hearts and inner peace while trying to balance the journey of accomplishing personal goals and milestones (while the world constantly tells them no).

So when people say romance is redundant? I scoff and simply show books like Honey and Heat to them.

I was an early reader of Sunshine and Spice and caught the potential chemistry between Cynthia and Rohit. The sparks were sizzling and they came to fruition in Book Two. It’s your classic “Black Cat x Golden Retriever”, workplace romance, with a slight touch of enemies to lovers. But throw in the high stakes of Succession (Rich Kumar is no doubt Logan Roy) and it’s a stellar romance novel.

Rohit calling Cynthia his ‘rani’ (Queen)? *heart eyes* his quotes in this book are caring and divine (kind of wish he loved Bollywood movies more though lol). Y'all are going to instantly love him. While Cynthia is cold she takes her time warming up to him and it’s totally understandable. She’s not callous, simply cautious. Absolutely no slander for Cynthia. Plus we get some special appearances from our lovelies Naomi and Dev from Book One (YAY).

Yes, I have immense praise for this book but I also want to highlight some things. The format this time around is a bit choppy, and the ending felt abrupt. We were often given information but now shown (the best way I can describe it there were a lot of fade to black moments?) I felt rushed this time while reading and barely had time to sit with a moment before we were off dealing with something else in the book.

I wish we had more time with Sipra Kumar instead of Rich Kumar. The inclusion of Rohit's family felt off at times. Plus, I wanted the journalism aspect of the story to be beefed up. Overall, there was room for growth. But that’s natural for authors trying to figure out their tone and story after they debut.

So I’m happy to give Honey and Heat 4.5 stars (round that star upto a 5 cause I adore Aurora) and I can’t wait to get a physical copy later this year.

Thank you so much Berkley Publishing for the digital arc!

[krislyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this eARC!

I really enjoyed this book! It’s such a quick, fast-paced, and cute read. We follow Cynthia and Rohit, two determined characters, in a workplace romance! Cynthia, our FMC, is known as an ice princess. She is headstrong, ambitious, and determined to make her dad see her for what she is. I loved Cynthia, but I always love an ice princess who secretly has a heart of gold.

Rohit, our MMC, is the sunshine golden boy. He’s charming, easygoing, and is helping his family back home. The way he followed Cynthia around like a lost puppy 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️. He was so precious!!!

The only downside to this book was I felt like nothing was happening for most of the book. A lot of the main points weren’t solved until 92% in, and some of it could’ve definitely been solved way before then. Overall, I did like this book and the author’s writing! I will definitely pick up her next books!

[Ashton Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It was definitely very focused on the corporate aspect, but the romance was also great. And Soneela Nankani is probably my favorite woman audiobook narrator, so anytime she’s involved I know I’m going to have a great time.

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cover and the synopsis is even better, so I was thrilled that it delivered for me.

I really liked Cynthia and Rohit. She's ambitious and driven and crunchy. He's charming and loyal and soft. Together they have chemistry for days and loads of animosity. I loved reading these two figure things out and go from one night stand to workplace enemies to more.

Plot wait, it's good. There are a good amount of moving pieces, but everything felt necessary to flesh out the character development. Cynthia has the most growth and it was a damn delight reading her maneuver towards what she wanted for her life. Added bonus, the sort-of-breakup doesn't last long.

Overall, this was such a fun and full of heart book. I can't wait to go back and read Naomi and Dev's book.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took a bit to get going for me and I honestly didn't think I was going to like it, but the ending sold me and I ended up bumping it up to 3 stars.

Honey and Heat is my first book from Palit and it looks like it's her sophomore novel. It was a solid romance. It hit all the beats that you needed it too but I think where I lacked connection was that her main characters were a bit stiff. Mainly Cynthia. And while I know this is part of her personality, but even her thoughts seemed shuttered and closed off. It was hard to get a read on her and I found her to be quite mean to those around her - even her best friend. And then when her father passes her over as heir to his company - while I get why she's upset - at the same time, my first thought was, did you ever talk to your dad about it? Based on the beginning, my thought was no. She just expected people to know her goals and it was like, no one could read your mind.

Then there was Rohit who was the exact opposite of Cynthia. He wore his heart on his sleeve and led with his emotions in everything. Which at times I felt like it was a little over the top. Almost as if the author was trying to make him too perfect. He obviously wasn't - we, the readers, knew he had secrets and struggles, but the meshing of his public and personal persona didn't really flow well. He reminded me so much of a golden retriever. He just followed Cynthia around all the time and wanted to please everyone.

All in all, this book took awhile to hit its stride. I honestly didn't ship the two of them together until pretty much the very end. Which for a romance book is weird. I wished we would have gotten more time with Cynthia and her family because I feel like there was a lot left unexplored there. It was all kind of pushed together at the end but this is where the story really shined for me.

I do think this book will be hit with a lot of people and I did enjoy reading it. It just didn't blow me away.

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been on the brink of tears for days as life is hard but this book helped pull me out while helping me healthy cry a little. Cynthia Kumar is the “ice princess” personified. Strong, focused, capable, and so alone. She is fighting for her father’s attention and her mom’s acceptance of her single kid-free life. She’s the anti-“good Indian girl” and she doesn’t care. After a rough family dinner laced with disappointment and judgement (who hasn’t been there) she ends up at a bar where she meets Rohit. Rohit, the simp king, who basically wants to live his life groveling at the feet of Cynthia. At one point I swear he was going to pass out from seeing her toes.

God, I loved these characters. Rohit and Cynthia have an amazing night and then the next day she finds out Rohit is the potential candidate her father is considering to be his replacement-not her! (The audacity!) I love a mean FMC who wants what she wants and a simp who loves being bullied by his woman. This is a workplace romance with a cultural twist. There are plenty of men who are trash in this story but out of those murky pits we have Rohit who lives to serve his family and Cynthia. Reading the first book in this series will help sweeten this one but it’s not necessary. (But please go read that one as it’s also fabulous)

I really wanted more interactions with Cynthia’s family as they really drove this story. Their desires and expectations for her and the business they run driving the two main characters together and apart. I connected deeply with Cynthia and her struggles with her father and Rohit’s burdens for his family.

The story is open door romance but I would give it like 2 🌶️🌶️. The yearning was top tier though as the forced proximity was going to drive someone crazy. (Maybe me…) The story was delicious, the characters diverse, and the references to “10 Things I Hate About You” makes this book an easy 5 stars for me.

Thanks to Berkley Pub for the ARC from the Hub for Underrepresented Voices! To see myself in a story is a dream.

[casey ⋆˚౨ৎ ⋆.˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my first book by this author and it did not disappoint. i’m a sucker for a rivals to lovers in a workplace especially this one because the banter and being forced to work together!!!! i really loved our main characters. cynthia is a strong fmc who pushes to be the best she can in the male dominated business her dad run’s. rohit moves to Canada from India to pursue a job that’ll provide for his family and take care of them and he likes romcom movies!!! the character development and growth between the two of them was well-written.

cynthia always wins, she’s successful, competitive, and knows she has what it takes to be the heir to her father’s multimillion dollar business. that’s until her father chooses someone else, her one-night stand. rohit just landed the opportunity of a lifetime and feels his life is on track with the woman he just spent the night with until he finds out she’s this new boss’s daughter and she now hates him. soon after, the company falls under scrutiny and both are determined to restore the tarnished reputation and work together.

tropes: rivals to lovers, workplace romance, desi romance, canadian setting, mlm takeover, golden retriever mmc, black cat fmc, he falls first

💼👠🎞️🍷💻

[amarachireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading books that have workplace romance and this was no exception. We have the fmc who is the only daughter of a rich CEO, she had been working at her dad’s company in hopes of being promoted to the CEO. When her dad announces his retirement and that he has chosen a replacement the fmc is upset and goes out and has a one night with a guy she really connects with. The next day she realizes that the guy is her dad’s replacement and the rivals and enemies plot and banter starts.

I really loved seeing this strong fmc thst despite being in a male dominated field is doing great and is a badass leader. I think her struggles with her family were real and made me relate to her more. The mmc is basically the opposite of the mmc and i liked the banter and chemistry between them. The mmc fell first and it became a slow burn. I liked the romance and build up to the relationship. I liked the diversity as well as both characters are from India and the cultural aspects to the story. Overall a cute and fun romcom, thanks to Berkley for this arc.

Read for:
- One night stand to enemies to lovers
- Indian mc’s
- Workplace romance
- Rivalry
- Takes place in Canada
- Black cat x golden retriever
- Steamy
- He falls first

[Ellie Ahrendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the ARC!

This is my first book from this author, and she did not disappoint!
I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between the two main characters. I really liked that Cynthia so confident in herself. We a love a girl boss!
And Rohit, what a man! We love a man who simps.

I didn’t care for the massive time jump in the beginning of the book. After they meet for the first time, there is a one year time jump. I feel like we missed out on a lot of their relationship. And I find it unrealistic that they work together for an entire year, and never confront each other about what happened.


This book was a pleasant experience, and I enjoyed learning about Bengali culture and transitions.

I will definitely read more by this author!

[Maven Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey and Heat by Aurora Palit is a spicy, smart workplace romance about Cynthia Kumar, an ambitious, driven corporate heir known as the “Ice Princess,” and Rohit Patel, a warm, earnest newcomer whose one‑night stand with Cynthia unexpectedly turns into so much more when he’s hired by her father to lead the family business into the future.

Cynthia has spent years trying to earn her father’s approval and prove she’s CEO material, only to watch him groom Rohit, someone she barely remembers for the job she wanted most. Thrust together to repair the company’s reputation and boost morale after a scandal, the two rivals must navigate corporate tension, cultural expectations, and simmering attraction, transforming professional competition into something heated, tender, and deeply human.

Reading Honey and Heat feels like being swept into a playful enemies‑to‑lovers story with real heart and unexpected depth. Cynthia’s icy exterior, rooted in her craving for respect and familial approval, made me root for her growth even when her reactions felt sharp; she’s not perfect, but her ambition and vulnerability make her feel like someone you want to see succeed. Rohit’s golden‑retriever charm, his dedication to family back in India, and the way he genuinely supports and uplifts Cynthia were both swoony and sincere, giving their slow‑burn romance emotional payoff beyond workplace banter.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Honey and Heat four stars because it balances spice, wit, and character growth in a way that feels both fun and meaningful. The workplace backdrop and rivals‑to‑lovers tension are classic rom‑com gold, but what stayed with me most was how much I cared about Cynthia and Rohit’s individual journeys, not just their chemistry.

If you love slow‑burn romance with cultural nuance, clever banter, and messy, rewarding emotional growth, this one will leave you smiling long after the last page.

[elise | bookingthroughlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

one night stand turns workplace enemies to lovers 😏 i really enjoyed this book & the banter between cynthia & rohit and how they overcame the obstacles keeping them from being together. this book is a great representation of standing up for yourself in the workplace and in following what you're passionate about.

thank you so much Berkley Romance & Berkley Pub for the arc! this is my honest review.

[FER · Rating 5 out of 5]

HONEY AND HEAT is spice and everything nice about a workplace romance. Cynthia and Rohit thought they found The One after a one night stand, but instead they found a new rival at the office. Rohit threatens Cynthia's chances at being named her father's successor as CEO. And Rohit carries such enormous preasure to succeed that he can't afford to step away from the opportunity - even for love. A collaborative project forces them though to confront their pent up fears, anger, frustration, and (lucky for us) attraction.

Like the title suggests, Cynthia and Rohit have opposites attract energy - grumpy & sunshine. But this duality is also present in them as individuals. Cynthia's "ice princess" work persona is armor against frat club boardroom condescension. She supresses her vulnerability out of necessity. Rohit has a level of charisma that opens doors before he can even knock, but he's hard working and responsible. The attraction between them is heat and the emotional security they build for each other is honey.

I love that their story has a heavy emphasis on generational and cultural expectations. There are examples of how these practices can be a burden. Rohit assumes the role of the model immigrant to assimilate and keep his seat at the conference table. Cynthia fills the role of eldest son while shouldering the perceived disappointment of not being the model daughter. And still! There is joy and appreciation and honor for their culture. Cynthia and Rohit's journeys speak to the common experience blending new and traditional lives especially for immigrant families.

Overall, I highly recommend HONEY AND HEAT to readers seeking a hot rivals to lovers romance. There is magic too in how raw and relatable Cynthia and Rohit's emotional journeys are. You'll fall in love with them instantly.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the advance copy to read and review.

[romancelibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cynthia Kumar has all that it takes to be the next CEO of her father's company. But her dad ends up choosing someone else as his successor and that person happens to be Rohit Patel, Cynthia's (hot) one night stand. Here's the thing that the synopsis does not give away: Rohit doesn't actually know that he's the successor. Cynthia's dad does not actually give him the good news until much later in the story. So, Rohit, who's pretty much in love with Cynthia, has no idea why she hates him so much.

There's a lot to like about this book. The characters were flawed and interesting. The relationship dynamics were complex and nuanced. The office politics were messy, just like real life. But there were questionable behaviours and reactions that went ignored. For instance, Cynthia has been the subject of such overt misogyny that I'm surprised her father has not once called out the men on his senior leadership team. Some of the comments that were thrown at Cynthia happened in the presence of her father. I couldn't respect him after all of that, despite Cynthia working so hard to earn his praise. At the same time, Cynthia is ambitious and wants to be the heir of her father's business. But she never once actually brought this up to her father, who in turn had no idea that Cynthia had such aspirations. Then again, I am 100% sure that had Cynthia been a boy, her father would've automatically handed over the reins to her, regardless of whether she wanted it or not. So, as you can see, this daughter-father dynamic is complicated, but by the time I finished the book, I was not fully satisfied with how the conflict between them was resolved.

My absolute favourite thing about this book, though? Cynthia reconnecting with her mom. The thing with Cynthia is that she had always craved her father's approval, which in turn meant that her mother was left on the sidelines. But throughout her journey, Cynthia realizes that she missed so much time with her mom because she was too busy trying and failing to impress her dad. And she really works on that and improves her relationship with her mom.

Now, why am I only talking about the family dynamic and not the romance? I think Cynthia and Rohit are great together when they are on the same page. I could see that the author was trying to sell this romance from a feminist point of view, but I'm not sure if I'm convinced. I'm not saying that Rohit and Cynthia are anti-feminist. As individuals and as a couple, Rohit and Cynthia are 100% feminist. But there were certain work-related situations that were supposedly resolved in a feminist way, but ended up being the opposite, in my opinion. It's a challenge to apply the lens of feminism in office romances and have it executed effectively. Office politics are not exactly the easiest things to incorporate into office romances, especially if you're angling to resolve them in a feminist way. So while feminism was great in the context of the romance, I'm not sure if that lens was used effectively in the context of office politics.

Overall, there were things to like about this book, but I don't think that the office politics were properly addressed. We also really needed an epilogue.

[Danielle Kaitlin (daniallreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step aside Carrie Soto, there's a new baddie in town & her name is Cynthia...

Thank you @aurorapalit for the #gifted copy of your upcoming release for a group of us bookish souls! [Pub Date: September 16, 2025]

If you ever want to feel empowered as a woman, this book will make you want to kick that patriarchy right in the nads after you put it down. Aurora wrote so much more than a romance novel. It's a reminder of how fierce females are & that we deserve e q u a l i t y. This story made me believe in myself as a woman in a directors position. We are bold, strong and powerful ladies & "Honey and Heat" is the best book to pick up to remind you all of that plus she has a cutie main hawtie who quotes rom-com's & melts when you bring him cupcakes on his birthday.

Wait until you guys meet Cynthia. I know the book world is going to be divided about her, but I want to be this queen when I grow up.

She has goals & she stops at n o t h i n g to achieve them. Late nights? No sweat. Neverending to-do lists? It's a norm. A hot man who she hooked up with is taking her dad's position as CEO (which she's been trying to grab for 15 years)... Houston, we have a problem. Yup, we meet the rival that will melt the "ice queens" hard exterior. Let's be real. You'd melt for Rohit, too. When you read this, you'll know.

Rohit and Cynthia are the best pair. He helps her discover her true passion and happiness. She helps him fight for what he loves and gives him a challenge. There's so many things I want to word vomit about, but ugh, I shouldn't spoil too much since this doesn't come out until Septemeber!!!

Just trust me, if you're drawn to books with powerful & strong leading ladies. A man who watches rom-coms for comfort. Hilarious Banter. A family story that will make you cry & melt your heart. "Honey & Heat" should be added to your future tbr.

💜 Workplace Romance
🍯 Rivals to Lovers
🌶 Rom-Com Quotes
💜 Female Empowerment
🍯 Family Drama
🌶 Golden Retriever MMC
💜 He Falls First
🍯 Black Cat FMC
🌶 Canadian Setting
💜 Don't F*** With Me Heels

[Pam Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Honey and Heat. All opinions presented here are my own.

Honey and Heat is a companion novel to Sunshine and Spice. But have no fear, you can read this as a standalone. That said, I look forward to reading Sunshine and Spice, as well as any other book Palit releases.

Honey and Heat showcases a woman who knows her worth and is willing to fight for it. It also showcases a man who loves love and will do anything to support those he cares about. If only the two had communicated better, several issues could have been resolved much sooner. That said, if that had happened, the book would have been at least 100 pages shorter. That said, most of Cynthia’s issues revolve around her relationship with her parents, rather than Rohit.

There is no wasting time in the book getting to the open-door sex scenes. I believe it was in Chapter 2 or 3. Obviously, with the mention of a one-night stand, you know there’s not going to be much of a delay in those scenes. However, you will have to wait a while for more, as Cynthia and Rohit need to focus on their relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Honey and Heat and look forward to reading more from Palit. Who do I think will enjoy reading it? Do you enjoy reading about workplace romances? What about books with strong family connections? Or, ones with sassy leads who learn more about themselves as the book goes on? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider reading Honey and Heat.

[Horizon Littéraire · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Review ✨
Honey and Heat by Aurora Palit really won me over. From the very first pages, I was pulled into the explosive dynamic between Cynthia Kumar, the infamous “Ice Princess” determined to prove she deserves her place in the family company, and Rohit Patel, the golden retriever who’s just as bright as he is persistent. Their rivalry is both professional and personal, and the banter-filled dialogues had me smiling all the way through.

What I especially loved is the way the author weaves a slow-burn romance with strong cultural and family stakes: the pressure of traditions, her father’s expectations, but also Cynthia’s journey to finding her own voice. Rohit, on the other hand, is irresistible for his kindness and his ability to melt Cynthia’s icy defenses every single time.

While reading, I kept thinking of Suits for the corporate vibe and of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne for the romantic tension. The romance is spicy just enough, never gratuitous—every scene adds something real to their relationship.

It’s a story that made me laugh, sigh, and even reflect. If you enjoy romances with rivalry, humor, and real emotional depth, Honey and Heat is definitely one to add to your September TBR!

— Sandrine 🌻

[Maren Meade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Berkley Romance for the free copy.

I enjoyed this! It starts out hot and heavy, which I didn’t hate! The chemistry between Cynthia and Rohit is electric, but that intensity is quickly snuffed out by the realization that they work together. Cynthia has issues in her relationship with her Dad and unfortunately, Rohit is a casualty of that. She sees him af a barrier to her carefully constructed (😉) plans. Thankfully, we see them get closer again when they’re tasked with boosting morale at the company. That time together allows them to get to know on another on a deeper level.

I loved how supportive they were of one another. Cynthia puts everything she has into her job with little to no recognition from her Dad, but Rohit is consistent with his admiration and praise of her as businesswoman. Rohit emigrated from India to Canada for college and has since been working hard to provide for not only himself, but his family back in India. He has a lot of weight on his shoulders and his time with Cynthia is his one reprieve. Despite the pressures he faces, he prioritizes Cynthia and makes her feel like a queen. If you love books with men who are down bad, look no further.

While I loved any scenes we got with Cynthia and Rohit, some of the inner monologue slowed the book down it felt redundant.

Read if you like:
Rivals to lovers
Workplace romance
Indian representation
Black cat FMC
Golden retriever MMC
Spice

[Mae Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-workplace rivals
-one night stand
-second chance
-idiots to lovers


Aurora is one of the wittiest writers out there, and I always enjoy reading her books. She writes such smart characters and shart dynamics that have me unable to put the book down. And the sexual tension *whew*. This book is messy in the best way that only Aurora can write and two people with great banter who try to fight it but really can't. I'll read anything she writes.

[PrincezzBookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reviewer:
I can honestly say I loved the way this book came together. The beginning was slow, but necessary to figuring out the character's personalities. I felt like there are lots of relatable moments with the MFC being an only girl trying to follow in her dad's footsteps at his company to the MMC being an immigrant and trying to be everything for his family back home while searching for his place.
It is a romance so yeah...you figure out the end lol. The journey wasnt easy or quick, but I enjoyed the ride getting there.

[Nae · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you @berkleyromance for the free book and @prhaudio for the audiobook! vick krishna and soneela nankani did a great job bringing cynthia and rohit to life and capturing the chemistry between them.

while this book didn’t blow me away, i was entertained. what i appreciated most, was the way it showed how messy life decisions can be. you won’t always know what you want to do and that’s ok.

i really sympathized with rohit. he worked hard and carried this deep obligation to his family back home. that part hit me personally because i’ve watched my mom do the same thing since i was a child— sending resources to haiti for her family and always putting herself second. that responsibility shaped so much of her life and kept her from living fully for herself. i loved that rohit’s family eventually encouraged him to choose his own path and pursue happiness, because that reminder— that you can honor your family while also living for yourself— was powerful.

⭐️ 3.5 stars!!

[Clara Gilleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love an MMC that’s so down bad 😭🥰

I really enjoyed this one - the chemistry was perfection between Cynthia and Rohit, and he was SO head over heels for her, I absolutely loved it. An excellent rivals-to-lovers workplace romance!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!

[olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[riti aggarwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

sometimes you read things and they do what they were supposed to in the moment, even if they're mid and just fine and not unique and very girl-bossy

[Ayushi (bookwormbullet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

[Thya (wiltedpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

i need an ice princess in my life

[Kimberly Rosas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! After reading Sunshine and Spice, I was beyond excited to read Cynthia’s story in Honey & Heat. Cynthia is my favorite type of FMC to read about—someone who works incredibly hard for what she wants, while also being misunderstood by those around her. This shows up a lot in her workplace, where she works at her father’s company and hopes to become CEO one day. That dream is crushed when her dad brings Rohit on, who quickly becomes the golden boy of the office—and just so happens to be her past one-night stand.

I would describe this very lightly as an enemies-to-lovers because Cynthia’s distaste for Rohit is pretty one-sided. Rohit has golden retriever energy, but that comes from his deep-rooted need to please others. And for good reason—he’s in Canada to help support his family back home. It isn’t until Rohit and Cynthia are assigned to work together on a project that they’re forced to confront the tension between them. They’re both strong-willed and driven, but it’s their differences that bring them closer. Rohit wears his emotions on his sleeve and is incredibly thoughtful. Cynthia keeps things close to herself but is loyal and caring. They give each other a safe space to let their guard down and just be.

The third-person POV worked so well for this story. I felt like I got to understand each character in their own way and see their personal growth unfold. We were shown their development, not just told. This book hit all the details I love to see in a romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Teneisha (Teesbookjourney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora Palit delivers a sharp, sizzling workplace romance that balances family legacy, ambition, and undeniable chemistry with surprising warmth. Cynthia Kumar is the kind of heroine I can’t help but root for—driven, fiery, and unwilling to shrink herself for anyone. Watching her collide (and then collaborate) with Rohit Patel, the man who unexpectedly becomes both her rival and potential partner in every sense, was equal parts frustrating and delicious.
The tension between them is pure spark—equal measures of pride, passion, and a touch of chaos. Palit does an excellent job layering their motivations, showing that beneath the competition is a shared desire to prove themselves and to be seen beyond titles or expectations. The corporate drama adds real texture, too; it’s not just a backdrop but a meaningful part of how their relationship evolves.
If I’m being honest, there were moments where the pacing felt a little uneven—some scenes lingered longer than needed—but the emotional payoff and witty dialogue more than made up for it. The story’s mix of heat and heart hits just right, especially in how it explores power dynamics without losing the romance’s playful edge.
Bottom line: Honey and Heat lives up to its name—sweet, intense, and satisfying with just the right amount of burn.