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If You Dare #1
Sweet Hate
Note to Self: Don’t play truth or dare with your super hot ex best friend if you’re not prepared to lose more than your panties.
Which is why avoiding Axel Verona is the only priority as I come back to Sweet Haven for the first time in eleven years.
But I didn’t count on accidentally setting my gram’s bakery on fire.
Or that the super growly, chisel jawed fireman coming to my rescue would be none other than Axel himself.
FML.
The sparks flying between us are hotter than the flames coming from the oven.
Not that it matters.
After he ghosted me for over a decade, I’m pretty sure he hates me.
And you know what?
I’m not a fan of his either.
But when he surprises me with a game of truth or dare over text, I can’t back down.
One dare leads to the next, and before I know it…
I’m in too deep.
All it takes is a video of him sliding down a fire pole.
One look at those bulging arm muscles and his cheeky wink, and now all I can think about is sliding down his instead.
Last time I gave into those orders, I lost my best friend and that’s one thing I don’t plan on repeating.
Which is why avoiding Axel Verona is the only priority as I come back to Sweet Haven for the first time in eleven years.
But I didn’t count on accidentally setting my gram’s bakery on fire.
Or that the super growly, chisel jawed fireman coming to my rescue would be none other than Axel himself.
FML.
The sparks flying between us are hotter than the flames coming from the oven.
Not that it matters.
After he ghosted me for over a decade, I’m pretty sure he hates me.
And you know what?
I’m not a fan of his either.
But when he surprises me with a game of truth or dare over text, I can’t back down.
One dare leads to the next, and before I know it…
I’m in too deep.
All it takes is a video of him sliding down a fire pole.
One look at those bulging arm muscles and his cheeky wink, and now all I can think about is sliding down his instead.
Last time I gave into those orders, I lost my best friend and that’s one thing I don’t plan on repeating.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
About the author
Canea Cox
2 books42 followersOh hai!
Welcome to my GR Profile.
I’m a UK based author / illustrator, living in London with my IRL book hubby.
If I’m not dreaming up or drawing my latest book boyfriend, I can be found looking at our predominantly grey skies and manifesting sunset views over the ocean.
Fun fact: my book characters reeeally start talking to me once I’ve drawn them. Sweet Hate all started with their cover, and Haven just couldn’t stop chatting away in my mind at 3am until I listened and spilled out her story.
Between my sheets you can expect to find the inner ramblings of the heroes who love hard, and the sassy, spirited heroines who love to bring them to their knees. You’ll also find, not limited to, crass humour (because yes, I do have the same sense of humour as a teenage boy occasionally 🤷♀️), swearing, spice, and the odd Britishism that will very likely sneak into all my characters because I write how I talk…
If you loved my books, feel free to inbox me on
Insta @caneacoxauthor, because I love to hear about what you enjoyed!
If you hated it, that’s cool, but respectfully, I don’t need those inbox DM’s.
This author shit is a wild ride, and I’m thrilled you hopped on it with me!
Welcome to my GR Profile.
I’m a UK based author / illustrator, living in London with my IRL book hubby.
If I’m not dreaming up or drawing my latest book boyfriend, I can be found looking at our predominantly grey skies and manifesting sunset views over the ocean.
Fun fact: my book characters reeeally start talking to me once I’ve drawn them. Sweet Hate all started with their cover, and Haven just couldn’t stop chatting away in my mind at 3am until I listened and spilled out her story.
Between my sheets you can expect to find the inner ramblings of the heroes who love hard, and the sassy, spirited heroines who love to bring them to their knees. You’ll also find, not limited to, crass humour (because yes, I do have the same sense of humour as a teenage boy occasionally 🤷♀️), swearing, spice, and the odd Britishism that will very likely sneak into all my characters because I write how I talk…
If you loved my books, feel free to inbox me on
Insta @caneacoxauthor, because I love to hear about what you enjoyed!
If you hated it, that’s cool, but respectfully, I don’t need those inbox DM’s.
This author shit is a wild ride, and I’m thrilled you hopped on it with me!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Haven and Axel were high school friends with benefits/sweethearts turn "enemies" I use that term loosely because they truly didn't hate eahcother. mad at eachother yes. but hate no. they acted like it but. I didn't feel a hate bone.
it was sorta a im push you away and not connect you so you dont stay.
that's what Axel did to her his own personal problems and he knew she would stay for him.
that was the reason. so you see them try to avoid eachother but cant since he lives in the apartment upstairs.
Also hes helping fix up the bakery that caught on fire. there is alot of back and forth between the 2.
it did annoy me why the reason and Axel could've been up front years ago why the ghosting. they sorta had the same problem him thinking she might leave. instead of talking. but if that happen we probably wouldn't get this book.
we get the next couple. and like Axel hes a playboy. and his girl crush doesn't believe hes the one to settle down. and she saw all his hook ups. BECAUSE SHES HIS ROOMMATE. IDK if I'll read that one. girl deserve better.
Saftey- Axel was known as a playboy only did ons nothing else no serious stuff. Before FMC came back home he hasn't slept with anyone in 8 months. So celibate. We do see a ons person but fmc puts her in place.
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Seperation (few years)
Push away from both
praise kink
Mentions of death of a parent
no condom
semi public play
hea
Epilogue
Haven and Axel were high school friends with benefits/sweethearts turn "enemies" I use that term loosely because they truly didn't hate eahcother. mad at eachother yes. but hate no. they acted like it but. I didn't feel a hate bone.
it was sorta a im push you away and not connect you so you dont stay.
that's what Axel did to her his own personal problems and he knew she would stay for him.
that was the reason. so you see them try to avoid eachother but cant since he lives in the apartment upstairs.
Also hes helping fix up the bakery that caught on fire. there is alot of back and forth between the 2.
it did annoy me why the reason and Axel could've been up front years ago why the ghosting. they sorta had the same problem him thinking she might leave. instead of talking. but if that happen we probably wouldn't get this book.
we get the next couple. and like Axel hes a playboy. and his girl crush doesn't believe hes the one to settle down. and she saw all his hook ups. BECAUSE SHES HIS ROOMMATE. IDK if I'll read that one. girl deserve better.
Saftey- Axel was known as a playboy only did ons nothing else no serious stuff. Before FMC came back home he hasn't slept with anyone in 8 months. So celibate. We do see a ons person but fmc puts her in place.
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Seperation (few years)
Push away from both
praise kink
Mentions of death of a parent
no condom
semi public play
hea
Epilogue
May 30, 2026
After eleven years away in London, Haven has returned to the small stateside town where she never felt like she fit in to try to make a go of her grandmother’s bakery. Unfortunately she immediately experiences an electrical fire after accepting a huge job for a socialite’s wedding. As she’s attempting to put out the fire herself, she’s snatched up and tossed over a massive shoulder which just so happens to belong to the one man she hoped she’d be able to avoid.
Firefighter and handyman Axel is shocked when he’s called to the fire beneath his apartment and finds his former best friend and his first love Haven in real danger. Harnessing his fear for her safety, he dons the mantel of anger to scold her for not running out of the building and tries to keep the anger simmering to hold her at arms length. Of course he fails spectacularly and meddling friends conspire to throw the pair of them into each other’s way as much as possible.
Old feelings can’t be contained, but can their need to protect their hearts keep them from a happily ever after?
This was a fun, steamy, and somewhat angsty second chance romance. Four and a half stars rounded to five.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Firefighter and handyman Axel is shocked when he’s called to the fire beneath his apartment and finds his former best friend and his first love Haven in real danger. Harnessing his fear for her safety, he dons the mantel of anger to scold her for not running out of the building and tries to keep the anger simmering to hold her at arms length. Of course he fails spectacularly and meddling friends conspire to throw the pair of them into each other’s way as much as possible.
Old feelings can’t be contained, but can their need to protect their hearts keep them from a happily ever after?
This was a fun, steamy, and somewhat angsty second chance romance. Four and a half stars rounded to five.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
November 25, 2025
”We wasted so many years because I was a total idiot”
That sentence pretty much sums up the whole book. (Possible spoilers ahead)
H has some type of martyr complex.
H and h have always been BFFs until the summer they turned 18. h was leaving after the summer to go overseas, so h and H embarked on a FWB relationship. He didn’t tell her his dad was dying because he knew she would stay and give up her dreams. 🙄 Fantastic! Everybody loves a man who assumes and makes decisions for them. 🤦♀️ :/s
So what does he do? He completely ghosted her for 11 years right after she left (but hey, at least he shagged her one last time before she got on the plane 😬) The poor woman kept texting him for weeks and he wouldn’t reply.
I guess his reasoning for not contacting her later on was because he heard she moved on with another guy. What did he expect her to do? 🤷♀️ He had also moved on with every woman in town.
Haha. This H loved h so much that he basically banged EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. In town. Let me list all the reasons he justifies to h how she is different, tho.
1. Never bought any of his bangs to his home
2. Never went bare with any other woman
3. Never f’ed any other woman twice
4. Never let any other woman on his motorcycle
5. Never let any other woman call him daddy
Now after 11 years, she’s back in town. For some reason, THAT MAKES ZERO SENSE, he is very angry and rude to her. Buuuuuuut, he’s also always rubbing all up on her. 😏
Random note but WTF does this guy have a white streak of hair in his bangs? It’s mentioned a bunch. Why?
So these two will go about 70% before they will even have a serious discussion, but even then, it’s just brushed over very quickly. They get to the smexing. Both H and h were exhausting with their POVs. None of their actions made any sense at all.
That epilogue was something. It was literally THE SAME DAY.
This H wasn’t nothing but a manchild with a martyr complex.
Meh 🫤
That sentence pretty much sums up the whole book. (Possible spoilers ahead)
H has some type of martyr complex.
H and h have always been BFFs until the summer they turned 18. h was leaving after the summer to go overseas, so h and H embarked on a FWB relationship. He didn’t tell her his dad was dying because he knew she would stay and give up her dreams. 🙄 Fantastic! Everybody loves a man who assumes and makes decisions for them. 🤦♀️ :/s
So what does he do? He completely ghosted her for 11 years right after she left (but hey, at least he shagged her one last time before she got on the plane 😬) The poor woman kept texting him for weeks and he wouldn’t reply.
I guess his reasoning for not contacting her later on was because he heard she moved on with another guy. What did he expect her to do? 🤷♀️ He had also moved on with every woman in town.
Haha. This H loved h so much that he basically banged EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. In town. Let me list all the reasons he justifies to h how she is different, tho.
1. Never bought any of his bangs to his home
2. Never went bare with any other woman
3. Never f’ed any other woman twice
4. Never let any other woman on his motorcycle
5. Never let any other woman call him daddy
Now after 11 years, she’s back in town. For some reason, THAT MAKES ZERO SENSE, he is very angry and rude to her. Buuuuuuut, he’s also always rubbing all up on her. 😏
Random note but WTF does this guy have a white streak of hair in his bangs? It’s mentioned a bunch. Why?
So these two will go about 70% before they will even have a serious discussion, but even then, it’s just brushed over very quickly. They get to the smexing. Both H and h were exhausting with their POVs. None of their actions made any sense at all.
That epilogue was something. It was literally THE SAME DAY.
This H wasn’t nothing but a manchild with a martyr complex.
Meh 🫤
December 1, 2025
Man I really had to push through this one. Was determined to finish it, in the end I learnt two things.
1. Blow my load in you is not a sexy term and should never be written in spice again.
2. I detest when they refer their bits as he and she
When it comes to the story it was just abit daft. The reason he ghosted her was ridiculous, I truly did not understand why he hated her when she came back to town she did absolutely nothing wrong. It all went abit too fast, from hating her to being in love with her instantly. I'm not against a playboy mmc sometimes it goes with the story, but in this it was talked about FAR too much to a cringey level.
Finally throwing in a daddy kink in the last few chapters is cramming stuff in to appeal to as many people as you can.
In the end, I heavily skipped through the epilogue.
1. Blow my load in you is not a sexy term and should never be written in spice again.
2. I detest when they refer their bits as he and she
When it comes to the story it was just abit daft. The reason he ghosted her was ridiculous, I truly did not understand why he hated her when she came back to town she did absolutely nothing wrong. It all went abit too fast, from hating her to being in love with her instantly. I'm not against a playboy mmc sometimes it goes with the story, but in this it was talked about FAR too much to a cringey level.
Finally throwing in a daddy kink in the last few chapters is cramming stuff in to appeal to as many people as you can.
In the end, I heavily skipped through the epilogue.
July 27, 2025
Let’s start off with a huge apology to Canea. For three days, my giddy self was in your DMs giving you a play by play of my thoughts and feelings while reading your book. Someone needed to hear all my internal thoughts. As this was an ARC, you were the chosen one. You’re welcome. 😊 Hopefully you weren’t bothered too much by my extra self. 🤞🏽
Now on to Haven and Axel.
These two love birds had the angsty, "I hate you" flirting down to a T. The best part? All of their flirting was deliciously filthy. Oh good lord. Axel has a month on him that would make all proper, southern ladies clutch their pearls as they exclaim “I do declare!” Haven isn't any less inappropriate. Girl. Outfit choices. Let’s go shopping. For me. 🤣🤣
So many wonderful things here. Small town, second chance, frenemies to lovers, and a cinnamon alphahole are all found in this story. How can a book have me squealing from the banter (from both the sexy and vanilla kind), cheering when either Haven or Axel made a move, or in tears when they were laying their hearts out on the line?
From the teasers, this book promised smartass comebacks. It delivered on that front. In spades! What was a surprise to me was how much it sucked that every day life got in the way of me finishing this story. The need to cocoon myself in my favorite blanket while devouring this book instead of going to my favorite Yelp event was STRONG!!! The only upside to getting dolled up to party like a 20 something was getting to prolong the ending for an extra day.
Spoiler Quotes. Seriously. Stop if you don’t want to read them.
Last chance.
Stop reading if you don’t want to know.
“Saving kittens? The only pussy I’m trying to save right now is yours, Haven.”
-Axel
“If anything, my inner hussy got off on it. I need my bloody head examined.”
-Haven
“You got a medical condition that stops you from wearing shirts Verona?”
-Haven
“His now full erection prods at my thin panties. Balls…this was not the day to wear a tiny dress. Not when I just passed go and flew right through the friendzone. What was I thinking with this stunt?”
-Haven
“It’s always been her, Keely. Now, if you don’t mind, can you please stop making a scene and get the fuck out of my face so I can get back to spending time with my girl?”
-Axel
“It might be a bit late, but I picked up one of those fancy coffees you like, and I saw you reading one of those lady porn books, so I asked the lady in the bookstore what’s new and popular, and she gave me those. I hope you haven’t read them yet.”
-Axel
Now on to Haven and Axel.
These two love birds had the angsty, "I hate you" flirting down to a T. The best part? All of their flirting was deliciously filthy. Oh good lord. Axel has a month on him that would make all proper, southern ladies clutch their pearls as they exclaim “I do declare!” Haven isn't any less inappropriate. Girl. Outfit choices. Let’s go shopping. For me. 🤣🤣
So many wonderful things here. Small town, second chance, frenemies to lovers, and a cinnamon alphahole are all found in this story. How can a book have me squealing from the banter (from both the sexy and vanilla kind), cheering when either Haven or Axel made a move, or in tears when they were laying their hearts out on the line?
From the teasers, this book promised smartass comebacks. It delivered on that front. In spades! What was a surprise to me was how much it sucked that every day life got in the way of me finishing this story. The need to cocoon myself in my favorite blanket while devouring this book instead of going to my favorite Yelp event was STRONG!!! The only upside to getting dolled up to party like a 20 something was getting to prolong the ending for an extra day.
Spoiler Quotes. Seriously. Stop if you don’t want to read them.
Last chance.
Stop reading if you don’t want to know.
“Saving kittens? The only pussy I’m trying to save right now is yours, Haven.”
-Axel
“If anything, my inner hussy got off on it. I need my bloody head examined.”
-Haven
“You got a medical condition that stops you from wearing shirts Verona?”
-Haven
“His now full erection prods at my thin panties. Balls…this was not the day to wear a tiny dress. Not when I just passed go and flew right through the friendzone. What was I thinking with this stunt?”
-Haven
“It’s always been her, Keely. Now, if you don’t mind, can you please stop making a scene and get the fuck out of my face so I can get back to spending time with my girl?”
-Axel
“It might be a bit late, but I picked up one of those fancy coffees you like, and I saw you reading one of those lady porn books, so I asked the lady in the bookstore what’s new and popular, and she gave me those. I hope you haven’t read them yet.”
-Axel
March 2, 2026
I loved this book!
I was not expecting anything, just a simple romance book, but it was so good. This was fun, exciting, sexy, and with a looot of tension. Exactly what I like.
I’m excited to read the next book in the series this summer!
I was not expecting anything, just a simple romance book, but it was so good. This was fun, exciting, sexy, and with a looot of tension. Exactly what I like.
I’m excited to read the next book in the series this summer!
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️✨ (2.75 stars, rounded up)
I should have loved this book because it combines two of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers and second chance romance, but it just didn't do it for me.
I liked both Axel and Haven, but I didn't understand why Axel was so mean to Haven at first; I sort of (but not completely) understood his motivation for cutting off communications with Haven when she moved away, but I didn't understand why he would then be so mean to her when she came back home, considering it was HIS fault that they stopped talking! It just didn't make sense to me.
I also didn't love the fact that they were so physical, so quickly...I wanted more of a slow burn, more of them pining for each other but thinking their love was no longer reciprocated, but it seemed like they just jumped right back into their physical relationship. I just didn't buy their mutual feelings for each other. 😔
The Truth or Dare element to the story was fun and provided some humor, and lots of steam...this book was quite spicy overall, probably 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5 on spice!
Overall, if you're looking for an easy read that is light on angst and on character development, but fairly heavy on spice, this could be a book for you!
Thanks to the author, Canea Cox, for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
I should have loved this book because it combines two of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers and second chance romance, but it just didn't do it for me.
I liked both Axel and Haven, but I didn't understand why Axel was so mean to Haven at first; I sort of (but not completely) understood his motivation for cutting off communications with Haven when she moved away, but I didn't understand why he would then be so mean to her when she came back home, considering it was HIS fault that they stopped talking! It just didn't make sense to me.
I also didn't love the fact that they were so physical, so quickly...I wanted more of a slow burn, more of them pining for each other but thinking their love was no longer reciprocated, but it seemed like they just jumped right back into their physical relationship. I just didn't buy their mutual feelings for each other. 😔
The Truth or Dare element to the story was fun and provided some humor, and lots of steam...this book was quite spicy overall, probably 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 / 5 on spice!
Overall, if you're looking for an easy read that is light on angst and on character development, but fairly heavy on spice, this could be a book for you!
Thanks to the author, Canea Cox, for providing this book for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
May 5, 2026
What was rubbish -
1. the forced British slang. It doesn’t flow from the character so sounds extremely cringy - like the author had to prove the FMC lived in London but didn’t know how to apart from throwing a “mate”, “ffs”, “prick”, “twat” around. The problem isn’t about using the slang, it’s with how it’s used and the context it’s used in. Both show the author doesn’t know much
2. MMC keeps swapping between calling her “my girl”, “my hurricane”, “my xyz” to saying I hate her, she ended me, I don’t want to get involved. Considering he literally ghosted her on day 1 of her leaving the country - mind you this is after promising her he would always be her friend -makes him look like a right “prick”. Also, he’s calling her “my girl” on page 2 of the book where they haven’t seen each other for 10yrs and he’s saying he hates her. It just feels extremely weird
3. The MMC and his repetitive inner monologues! This guy is extremely annoying with his constant hot/cold drama. I think the author should have plotted that a bit better to make them sound less like dumb af whiny teenager and actually a full grown man who needs to take some f’ing accountability for ghosting his best friend and girlfriend 2.5 seconds after she leaves in the past. Esp after he repetitively assures her that nothing will change. This made him insufferable - and honestly I wanted him to be ditched
4. She takes him back far too easily and that makes the whole thing feel extremely superficial / sex related only. He ghosted her and doesn’t even explain why but she’s so desperate to have him in her life as a best friend again. Why? When they haven’t worked through anything and he hasn’t even explained or apologised? Makes no sense
5. the really icky daddy kink in the last 10%
What was tolerable -
1. Atleast from her side, the angst was good to start with. From his side, he can really go suck an egg. The plot and angst did derail after the first 20-30% though
2. It was spicy (apart from the jarring daddy scene). At least the hero could deliver on the Os if not anything else. But really that’s all he’s worth. Otherwise he was a whiney little b. Really disliked the way he was written
Overall - 2 generous stars for an extremely vapid book. Ok for the spice, but if you’re looking for an angsty, second chance romance with the pain and rebuilding of the relationship being at the crux, this is not the book for you
1. the forced British slang. It doesn’t flow from the character so sounds extremely cringy - like the author had to prove the FMC lived in London but didn’t know how to apart from throwing a “mate”, “ffs”, “prick”, “twat” around. The problem isn’t about using the slang, it’s with how it’s used and the context it’s used in. Both show the author doesn’t know much
2. MMC keeps swapping between calling her “my girl”, “my hurricane”, “my xyz” to saying I hate her, she ended me, I don’t want to get involved. Considering he literally ghosted her on day 1 of her leaving the country - mind you this is after promising her he would always be her friend -makes him look like a right “prick”. Also, he’s calling her “my girl” on page 2 of the book where they haven’t seen each other for 10yrs and he’s saying he hates her. It just feels extremely weird
3. The MMC and his repetitive inner monologues! This guy is extremely annoying with his constant hot/cold drama. I think the author should have plotted that a bit better to make them sound less like dumb af whiny teenager and actually a full grown man who needs to take some f’ing accountability for ghosting his best friend and girlfriend 2.5 seconds after she leaves in the past. Esp after he repetitively assures her that nothing will change. This made him insufferable - and honestly I wanted him to be ditched
4. She takes him back far too easily and that makes the whole thing feel extremely superficial / sex related only. He ghosted her and doesn’t even explain why but she’s so desperate to have him in her life as a best friend again. Why? When they haven’t worked through anything and he hasn’t even explained or apologised? Makes no sense
5. the really icky daddy kink in the last 10%
What was tolerable -
1. Atleast from her side, the angst was good to start with. From his side, he can really go suck an egg. The plot and angst did derail after the first 20-30% though
2. It was spicy (apart from the jarring daddy scene). At least the hero could deliver on the Os if not anything else. But really that’s all he’s worth. Otherwise he was a whiney little b. Really disliked the way he was written
Overall - 2 generous stars for an extremely vapid book. Ok for the spice, but if you’re looking for an angsty, second chance romance with the pain and rebuilding of the relationship being at the crux, this is not the book for you
July 31, 2025
I fully DEVOURED this book in one sitting. Nothing was gonna tear my eyes away from this one🥵
I have never loved a couple as much as i loved these two. OH MY GOD.
STEAMY ANGST? ✅
GROVELLING? ✅
ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS? ✅
This book had me giggling from the very first sentence, I was chuckling, giggling and kicking my feet throughout it all 🤪
THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN… Axel you have my whole heart baby 😩 How can someone be so sweet and have such a filthy mouth at the same time?! Im on my knees for my new favourite book boyfriend 😮💨
I loveeeeee Haven, she went away, found herself and came back stronger and better than ever, what a woman
The ending to this book was so well rounded for their story, I absolutely loved how their chapter turned out and the epilogue?!? CUTEEEEEE
The love i have for these characters is insane, this is my first book by this author and absolutely wont be my last. Canea’s writing style is right up my alley and the way they portray the want and need of these characters, makes me melt. I am SO excited to read Swayze & Mia’s book, i know that will hit just as good as this one did!
Thank you so much to CC for the opportunity to read this book early! This was an absolute pleasure to read, start to finish ❤️🔥
I have never loved a couple as much as i loved these two. OH MY GOD.
STEAMY ANGST? ✅
GROVELLING? ✅
ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS? ✅
This book had me giggling from the very first sentence, I was chuckling, giggling and kicking my feet throughout it all 🤪
THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN… Axel you have my whole heart baby 😩 How can someone be so sweet and have such a filthy mouth at the same time?! Im on my knees for my new favourite book boyfriend 😮💨
I loveeeeee Haven, she went away, found herself and came back stronger and better than ever, what a woman
The ending to this book was so well rounded for their story, I absolutely loved how their chapter turned out and the epilogue?!? CUTEEEEEE
The love i have for these characters is insane, this is my first book by this author and absolutely wont be my last. Canea’s writing style is right up my alley and the way they portray the want and need of these characters, makes me melt. I am SO excited to read Swayze & Mia’s book, i know that will hit just as good as this one did!
Thank you so much to CC for the opportunity to read this book early! This was an absolute pleasure to read, start to finish ❤️🔥
August 8, 2025
I had the privilege to read this arc. I absolutely devoured it. It is so good. Its funny, spicy, swoony, and everything. I won't spoil anything, but get some firefighter romance in ya life!
April 22, 2026
There was no yearning just straight up hate to falling in love. The whiplash was intense. The book was significantly more smut heavy than plot heavy.
September 4, 2025
I LOVED every minute of it, I was kicking my feet and giggling by the end of chapter 1 and it didn’t stop until I finished the book 3-4 hours later. Also… firefighter x baker romance? A trope I didn’t know I needed!!!
This was one of those books where it was that good that every character was a main character, I absolutely loved Axel and Haven, but the side characters definitely had some of my love too. Everyone was just so much fun to be around.
The banter was also chefs kiss. From the cheeky text messages, to the tension whilst Haven and Axel were around each other, but even more so my favourite parts were the cheeky TRUTH OR DARE games they played. The spice was definitely spicing!!
The friendships were also amazing, considering both Axel’s and Haven’s situationship. I loved how they are all solid friends but they still invested themselves and kept the banter going just to spice things up.
For a debut novel, this book was phenomenal. You would not believe this is a debut book! And I cannot wait for book 2 in the If You Dare series.
This was one of those books where it was that good that every character was a main character, I absolutely loved Axel and Haven, but the side characters definitely had some of my love too. Everyone was just so much fun to be around.
The banter was also chefs kiss. From the cheeky text messages, to the tension whilst Haven and Axel were around each other, but even more so my favourite parts were the cheeky TRUTH OR DARE games they played. The spice was definitely spicing!!
The friendships were also amazing, considering both Axel’s and Haven’s situationship. I loved how they are all solid friends but they still invested themselves and kept the banter going just to spice things up.
For a debut novel, this book was phenomenal. You would not believe this is a debut book! And I cannot wait for book 2 in the If You Dare series.
February 19, 2026
So good!! This is best friends to (kinda) enemies to lovers. The inner monologues of both MCs were so funny and the book flowed really well between the current day and sneak peaks into the past. MMC is a fireman, FMC is a baker, and they’ve both loved each other their whole lives but have been too scared to tell the other, especially after life pulled them apart for a decade at age 18. If you enjoy a good romcom, don’t sleep on this one!!! Can’t wait for book 2 next year!!💗💗💗
4.5🌟
3🌶️
4.5🌟
3🌶️
September 29, 2025
DNF @ 20% - this just really wasn't for me, it was one of those where the 'London-isms' just sounded really off, and the pop culture references to other books really just was the final nail in the coffin.
November 17, 2025
I feel like the author tried to write a rom com and it just came out completely wrong and it just gave me the ick to the max.
September 6, 2025
🔥 ARC REVIEW 🧁
🚒It started with a game of Truth or Dare… and ended with something much bigger.
🧁 Haven is back in town, and she’s stirring up more than just sweet trouble—especially when it comes to her ex–best friend, who just so happens to be the town’s smokin’ hot fireman.
🔥 Fireman MMC
🧁 Baker FMC
🔥 Public Service
🧁 Ex-Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Frenemies with Unfinished Busines
🧁 Dares & Sizzling Chemistry
🔥 Flirty (and fun) Text Messages
🧁 He Falls First, and Harder
🔥 Found Family Friend Group Chat
Sweet Hate, more like Sweet HEAT! Drop me off in Sweet Haven because I want to LIVE in this rom com!!
I absolutely fell in love with Haven and Axel. This was Canea’s Fox debut novel and I have never been more impressed.
“You’re my heaven and Hell wrapped in a pink bow”
“He’s slowly winning me over with the three c’s. coffee, kisses and cock no wait, ones a k he’s making me forget the whole damn alphabet.”
“This, right here? This is home. How would she react if I fell to my knees right now and begged her to stay with me forever?”
The story follows Haven who left her small town for 10 years to live in London being a star baker. Before she leaves her and her best friend Axel cross a boundary that cannot be uncrossed.
10 years later Haven returns like a hurricane home to take over her grandmothers bakery, and burns down the kitchen 2.5 seconds after coming back. In runs, Axel Havens ex best friend who ghosted her for 10 years.
Hurricane Sprinks turned Axelmans world upside down for the second time and this time he was ready to risk it all.
This book had me laughing, wanting to cry and scream at them both the entire time. If you like banter, this is the book for you. The book edged you on for days! The yearning, the chemistry, the internal conversations were EVERYTHING.
Axel had some of the best quotes and lines. This man was DETERMINED. Anything to make his Sprinks smile. Axels spice? 🥵🫠 thank goodness he’s a firefighter because that man knew how to turn up the heat. The spice in this book was amazing! It was the perfect about of banter with claiming energy. Do not let the cover fool you, the spice was downright FILTHY in the best way possible.
Since Haven burned the kitchen down, Axel is on a mission to create her dream bakery and win her over. He thought in 10 years he could forget about Sprinks but it turns out it made him want her even more. They are both head over heels for each other and stubborn af.
I can honestly say this is in my top 5 books for the year. I will be recommending this book forever. You need to crash into sweet haven because this is a rom com you won’t want to leave. Such a fun and steamy rom com that will be one of my favorite reads.
AND not only was the book amazing but, Canea drew EVERYTHING. The artwork in this story made it 20x better. I’m blown away at the artistry and the time that went into this masterpiece. She just became my new “must buy, must read” author. 💕
🚒It started with a game of Truth or Dare… and ended with something much bigger.
🧁 Haven is back in town, and she’s stirring up more than just sweet trouble—especially when it comes to her ex–best friend, who just so happens to be the town’s smokin’ hot fireman.
🔥 Fireman MMC
🧁 Baker FMC
🔥 Public Service
🧁 Ex-Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Frenemies with Unfinished Busines
🧁 Dares & Sizzling Chemistry
🔥 Flirty (and fun) Text Messages
🧁 He Falls First, and Harder
🔥 Found Family Friend Group Chat
Sweet Hate, more like Sweet HEAT! Drop me off in Sweet Haven because I want to LIVE in this rom com!!
I absolutely fell in love with Haven and Axel. This was Canea’s Fox debut novel and I have never been more impressed.
“You’re my heaven and Hell wrapped in a pink bow”
“He’s slowly winning me over with the three c’s. coffee, kisses and cock no wait, ones a k he’s making me forget the whole damn alphabet.”
“This, right here? This is home. How would she react if I fell to my knees right now and begged her to stay with me forever?”
The story follows Haven who left her small town for 10 years to live in London being a star baker. Before she leaves her and her best friend Axel cross a boundary that cannot be uncrossed.
10 years later Haven returns like a hurricane home to take over her grandmothers bakery, and burns down the kitchen 2.5 seconds after coming back. In runs, Axel Havens ex best friend who ghosted her for 10 years.
Hurricane Sprinks turned Axelmans world upside down for the second time and this time he was ready to risk it all.
This book had me laughing, wanting to cry and scream at them both the entire time. If you like banter, this is the book for you. The book edged you on for days! The yearning, the chemistry, the internal conversations were EVERYTHING.
Axel had some of the best quotes and lines. This man was DETERMINED. Anything to make his Sprinks smile. Axels spice? 🥵🫠 thank goodness he’s a firefighter because that man knew how to turn up the heat. The spice in this book was amazing! It was the perfect about of banter with claiming energy. Do not let the cover fool you, the spice was downright FILTHY in the best way possible.
Since Haven burned the kitchen down, Axel is on a mission to create her dream bakery and win her over. He thought in 10 years he could forget about Sprinks but it turns out it made him want her even more. They are both head over heels for each other and stubborn af.
I can honestly say this is in my top 5 books for the year. I will be recommending this book forever. You need to crash into sweet haven because this is a rom com you won’t want to leave. Such a fun and steamy rom com that will be one of my favorite reads.
AND not only was the book amazing but, Canea drew EVERYTHING. The artwork in this story made it 20x better. I’m blown away at the artistry and the time that went into this masterpiece. She just became my new “must buy, must read” author. 💕
September 7, 2025
I tend to hate second chance romance books. When I applied to receive an ARC copy of this book, I somehow missed the "second chance" part of it. After getting the ARC and realizing that this had a second chance element to it, I will not lie - I was slightly disappointed, but I already made the promise to read this book and give my honest input on it. I did just that and I am more than excited to say that my original hate on second chance romances has shifted all thanks to Canea Cox - which might I add, this is her first book released and it is actually amazing! - I cannot wait for more!
This book is a delicious combination of sweet, spicy and hilarious - RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING! The spice is spicing. I give this book a 4/5 on the spiciness scale. The spicy scenes were written very well, but was not overdone or override the plot. The plot and spice seamlessly intertwined.
Now let's talk a little about Haven and Axel. Haven is such a strong and beautiful woman who is amazing at baking and starting fires. That is okay though, because Axel is amazing and will always be there to put out those fires - literally and figuratively 😉
There were times where I literally facepalmed with the denials from Axel and Haven regarding how they never loved each other more than friends. Mind you, Axel came to his senses real quick, but Haven was in full protect her heart. I will not give any spoilers on why - but the ENTIRE explanation is revealed later in the book. It is worth it and had me feeling a type of way.
I must also mention that the insults that were thrown to each other were naughty and hilarious! I am including some of my favourite quotes from the book - that will not have spoilers.
P.S. - stay tuned for the second book in this series (Sour Notes, expected August 2026!!). I have a very strong feeling that it is going to be just as good as this one!
This one hit too close to home! LOL
All in all, I would STRONGLY recommend that you read this book. You will be thoroughly entertained and invested!
This book is a delicious combination of sweet, spicy and hilarious - RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING! The spice is spicing. I give this book a 4/5 on the spiciness scale. The spicy scenes were written very well, but was not overdone or override the plot. The plot and spice seamlessly intertwined.
Now let's talk a little about Haven and Axel. Haven is such a strong and beautiful woman who is amazing at baking and starting fires. That is okay though, because Axel is amazing and will always be there to put out those fires - literally and figuratively 😉
There were times where I literally facepalmed with the denials from Axel and Haven regarding how they never loved each other more than friends. Mind you, Axel came to his senses real quick, but Haven was in full protect her heart. I will not give any spoilers on why - but the ENTIRE explanation is revealed later in the book. It is worth it and had me feeling a type of way.
I must also mention that the insults that were thrown to each other were naughty and hilarious! I am including some of my favourite quotes from the book - that will not have spoilers.
P.S. - stay tuned for the second book in this series (Sour Notes, expected August 2026!!). I have a very strong feeling that it is going to be just as good as this one!
“Saving kittens? The only p**** I’m trying to save right now is yours, Haven.”
Well, if I can grab the damn jar from the top shelf. Apparently the store caters primarily to giraffes, because the height of this shelf is ridiculous.
This one hit too close to home! LOL
The girl who grew a pair of balls since she left. They might shrivel on the odd occasion, but don’t all balls shrink when they get scared? It’s biology.
If anything, the minute she touched my arm, my d*** hid like a turtle in its shell.
He went. He saw. He cumquered.
“Shit, I’ve missed you so much.” I smile down at him ready to admit I’ve missed him too but he’s not looking up at me. Is he talking to my p****?
All in all, I would STRONGLY recommend that you read this book. You will be thoroughly entertained and invested!
September 17, 2025
Sweet Hate by the wildly talented Canea Cox was exactly the dose of joy, spice, and swoon I needed to shake up this chilly September.
Let me tell you, from the very first page I was gone. Hooked. Glued. Entranced. You know that rare feeling when a book just immediately grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go? Yeah—that was me with this one.
Let’s start with Haven—our main female character, the sassy, confident queen who waltzes back into Sweet Haven after way too much time in London. She’s stylish, sharp, and not afraid to take up space.
When her grandmother hands over the family bakery, Haven suddenly has a decision to make: settle into this sweet little small town permanently or jet back to her London life. Sounds simple, right? Ha! Wrong. Because fate (and Cox’s genius) had something much juicier in store.
Enter Axel Verona. Oh. My. Goodness. Axel. Haven’s former ex–best friend, turned full-blown heartthrob, turned my new fictional obsession.
He is everything—charming, considerate, smart, thoughtful, and so devastatingly in love with Haven it made me want to scream into a pillow. He’s got that mix of boy-next-door warmth and “knock-your-socks-off” allure that you just can’t resist.
And their dynamic? Absolute fire. The banter is razor-sharp, the chemistry is sizzling, and the sexual tension practically leaps off the page.
I swear, their interactions had me laughing one second, blushing the next, and clutching the book like it was my lifeline.
But here’s the kicker: the artwork. Yes, actual illustrations sprinkled throughout the book—done by Cox herself. Talk about talent!
Each drawing made the scenes even more vivid, like stepping directly into Sweet Haven and watching everything unfold in front of me. It turned an already immersive story into a full-on experience.
Reading Sweet Hate felt like biting into the most decadent dessert—sweet, indulgent, satisfying, with just the right amount of heat. It gave me butterflies, it made me grin like an idiot, and it completely reignited my love for small-town romances.
Cox’s writing has that magic blend of charm, sass, and heart that makes you feel everything while also making you laugh out loud.
Bottom line? This book is an absolute gem. It’s addictive, it’s romantic, it’s a total mood-lifter—and honestly? I’m already planning my reread.
Five stars. Ten out of ten. A billion percent recommend. If you’re not reading Sweet Hate yet, you’re missing out on one of the best rom-com delights of the year. Period.
Let me tell you, from the very first page I was gone. Hooked. Glued. Entranced. You know that rare feeling when a book just immediately grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go? Yeah—that was me with this one.
Let’s start with Haven—our main female character, the sassy, confident queen who waltzes back into Sweet Haven after way too much time in London. She’s stylish, sharp, and not afraid to take up space.
When her grandmother hands over the family bakery, Haven suddenly has a decision to make: settle into this sweet little small town permanently or jet back to her London life. Sounds simple, right? Ha! Wrong. Because fate (and Cox’s genius) had something much juicier in store.
Enter Axel Verona. Oh. My. Goodness. Axel. Haven’s former ex–best friend, turned full-blown heartthrob, turned my new fictional obsession.
He is everything—charming, considerate, smart, thoughtful, and so devastatingly in love with Haven it made me want to scream into a pillow. He’s got that mix of boy-next-door warmth and “knock-your-socks-off” allure that you just can’t resist.
And their dynamic? Absolute fire. The banter is razor-sharp, the chemistry is sizzling, and the sexual tension practically leaps off the page.
I swear, their interactions had me laughing one second, blushing the next, and clutching the book like it was my lifeline.
But here’s the kicker: the artwork. Yes, actual illustrations sprinkled throughout the book—done by Cox herself. Talk about talent!
Each drawing made the scenes even more vivid, like stepping directly into Sweet Haven and watching everything unfold in front of me. It turned an already immersive story into a full-on experience.
Reading Sweet Hate felt like biting into the most decadent dessert—sweet, indulgent, satisfying, with just the right amount of heat. It gave me butterflies, it made me grin like an idiot, and it completely reignited my love for small-town romances.
Cox’s writing has that magic blend of charm, sass, and heart that makes you feel everything while also making you laugh out loud.
Bottom line? This book is an absolute gem. It’s addictive, it’s romantic, it’s a total mood-lifter—and honestly? I’m already planning my reread.
Five stars. Ten out of ten. A billion percent recommend. If you’re not reading Sweet Hate yet, you’re missing out on one of the best rom-com delights of the year. Period.
September 9, 2025
Thank you Canea Cox for my ARC of Sweet Hate in exchange for this honest review.
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
-childhood best friends
-second chance romance
-ex best friends
-enemies to lover
-he falls first and SO hard
-possessive MMC
After reading this book by Canea Cox by brain was so excited I said I need to read everything else they have ever written...only to find out this is a debut novel. I went from an extreme high to devastation. Instantly pre-ordering anything else that comes along.
Haven is the girl that always stands out (it's hard not to with pink hard and leopard leggings) but is still struggling with what to do with her life. She is back in her small town after a decade in London and has to decide which dream to pursue; running her Gran's bakery or following in her celebrity chef father's footsteps.
Axel was the one that was left behind and sacrificed his own heart to do what he thought was best for the person he loved more than anything else. Except somehow his selflessness has turned him into a grunting grump who can't seem to handle Haven being back in town.
She doesn't want to risk her heart on the same man again, but Axel can't seem to stay away from "his girl" and making sure everyone knows this time and its for keeps.
The bantering and heat between these two is undeniable and will have you burning hotter than the fires Axel puts out. A strong firefighter that is possessive over who he claims and cannot help acting like a caveman every time Haven enters a room.
I need to know more about them and all their friends. Already excited for the next story and hope to see their story develop more in the background while their friends search for their HEA!
Favorite Quotes:
"Hurricane Haven isn't just a nickname-it's a warning. She's a force of nature. She doesn't just pass through your life; she leaves wreckage. You can't help but be pulled in her electric energy, but try to hold her down and she'll tear you apart."
"The flames firing from her eyes as she approaches the truck would burn a lesser man to the ground. Luckily I'm a firefighter and can stand a little heat."
"It's so damn attractive that this man can just pick me up and toss me around however he wants. Not that I'll admit that to him though. I do have some pride."
"Hurricane really is a fitting nickname. She's my hurricane. She wrecked any peace I had, and now the only place I find calm is in the eye of her storm."
4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
-childhood best friends
-second chance romance
-ex best friends
-enemies to lover
-he falls first and SO hard
-possessive MMC
After reading this book by Canea Cox by brain was so excited I said I need to read everything else they have ever written...only to find out this is a debut novel. I went from an extreme high to devastation. Instantly pre-ordering anything else that comes along.
Haven is the girl that always stands out (it's hard not to with pink hard and leopard leggings) but is still struggling with what to do with her life. She is back in her small town after a decade in London and has to decide which dream to pursue; running her Gran's bakery or following in her celebrity chef father's footsteps.
Axel was the one that was left behind and sacrificed his own heart to do what he thought was best for the person he loved more than anything else. Except somehow his selflessness has turned him into a grunting grump who can't seem to handle Haven being back in town.
She doesn't want to risk her heart on the same man again, but Axel can't seem to stay away from "his girl" and making sure everyone knows this time and its for keeps.
The bantering and heat between these two is undeniable and will have you burning hotter than the fires Axel puts out. A strong firefighter that is possessive over who he claims and cannot help acting like a caveman every time Haven enters a room.
I need to know more about them and all their friends. Already excited for the next story and hope to see their story develop more in the background while their friends search for their HEA!
Favorite Quotes:
"Hurricane Haven isn't just a nickname-it's a warning. She's a force of nature. She doesn't just pass through your life; she leaves wreckage. You can't help but be pulled in her electric energy, but try to hold her down and she'll tear you apart."
"The flames firing from her eyes as she approaches the truck would burn a lesser man to the ground. Luckily I'm a firefighter and can stand a little heat."
"It's so damn attractive that this man can just pick me up and toss me around however he wants. Not that I'll admit that to him though. I do have some pride."
"Hurricane really is a fitting nickname. She's my hurricane. She wrecked any peace I had, and now the only place I find calm is in the eye of her storm."
September 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Debut author, Canea Cox, has given readers a debut novel, Sweet Hate, that is a fun and spicy read. I couldn’t put this book down! Everything about this book pulls you in and has you rooting for our MCs to finally lower their guard and admit to feelings they have kept pushed aside for over a decade. Canea brings her story to life with amazing characters, cheeky fun, spicy romance, and laugh out loud moments.
Haven is returning home after being abroad for 11 years. Having never felt that she fit in, her small hometown hasn’t changed much, but she is determined to make it work for her. But her luck is running short when an electrical fire breaks out at her grandma’s baker. She is a strong and independent woman, so of course, she tries to put out the fire herself. Until she is scooped up and removed from the burning building. Rescued by a firefighter? Who hasn’t fantasised about that? What isn’t part of the fantasy is said firefighter is her ex-best friend and someone she hoped to avoid a bit longer.
Axel doesn’t expect the person he rescued from the bakery fire to end up being his former best friend and first love. She left a long time ago, never looking back. When he fails miserably at welcoming her back, he is offered a second chance by some well meaning, meddling friends who can see what Haven and Axle won’t admit too. A game of truth or dare unfolds and as it progresses, Axle finds himself having a second chance with the girl who got away.
Fun, flirty, angsty, and tension filled perfectly describes Canea’s story. The first in the If You Dare series, this author holds so much potential. With layered and dynamic characters, the story was easy to read and fall into. I loved everything about Axle and Haven and fully enjoyed their journey back to each other. She is definitely an author that will be on my TBR and I am excited to see what she writes next.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🚒Frenemies to Lovers
🧁He Falls First and Harder
🚒Firefighter MMC
🧁Baker FMC
🚒Truth or Dare
🧁It’s Always Been You
🚒Second Chance Romance
Debut author, Canea Cox, has given readers a debut novel, Sweet Hate, that is a fun and spicy read. I couldn’t put this book down! Everything about this book pulls you in and has you rooting for our MCs to finally lower their guard and admit to feelings they have kept pushed aside for over a decade. Canea brings her story to life with amazing characters, cheeky fun, spicy romance, and laugh out loud moments.
Haven is returning home after being abroad for 11 years. Having never felt that she fit in, her small hometown hasn’t changed much, but she is determined to make it work for her. But her luck is running short when an electrical fire breaks out at her grandma’s baker. She is a strong and independent woman, so of course, she tries to put out the fire herself. Until she is scooped up and removed from the burning building. Rescued by a firefighter? Who hasn’t fantasised about that? What isn’t part of the fantasy is said firefighter is her ex-best friend and someone she hoped to avoid a bit longer.
Axel doesn’t expect the person he rescued from the bakery fire to end up being his former best friend and first love. She left a long time ago, never looking back. When he fails miserably at welcoming her back, he is offered a second chance by some well meaning, meddling friends who can see what Haven and Axle won’t admit too. A game of truth or dare unfolds and as it progresses, Axle finds himself having a second chance with the girl who got away.
Fun, flirty, angsty, and tension filled perfectly describes Canea’s story. The first in the If You Dare series, this author holds so much potential. With layered and dynamic characters, the story was easy to read and fall into. I loved everything about Axle and Haven and fully enjoyed their journey back to each other. She is definitely an author that will be on my TBR and I am excited to see what she writes next.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🚒Frenemies to Lovers
🧁He Falls First and Harder
🚒Firefighter MMC
🧁Baker FMC
🚒Truth or Dare
🧁It’s Always Been You
🚒Second Chance Romance
September 4, 2025
So, first book that I've read by this author and wow. Hot, like, HOT, hot. I'm not sure why, quite possibly due to the name of the book, but I thought I was getting a sweeter read, not such a super spicey, hot read. And I am here for it.
You go in thinking that this is a miscommunication trope, but it turns out its not. Its more of a dude being a dude, not using his brain trope. Best friends become lovers the last summer that they're together, before Haven moves to London, swearing to each other that nothing will change between them. But promises seem meant to be broken and heartbreak seems inevitable.
Fast forward, Haven is back and her first run-in with her ex-best friend is when the bakery she is taking over from her Grandma catches on fire and Axel is the fireman that carries her out. During her years away, Axel became quite the playboy and Haven gets to hear all about it from mutual friends, and even gets to see a bit of it first hand.
Axel and Haven just seem like two magnets, being drawn together, time after time, even against their own will. They have some clashes, they have some blow ups, they fall back into their truth or dare era, trying to one up each other. Then feelings start creeping back in, and as much as they each fight it, slowly they start to fall in love, or possibly back in love, or maybe even realize they never fell out of it in the first place.
Secrets come out, feelings are hurt but then slowly they start working their way through everything. Until Axel finds out a secret that Haven didn't tell him and he starts to pull away. There were times I wanted to pop Axel upside the head, cause dude, wtf?! I do not blame Haven for doing anything and everything she did to protect herself, up until she realizes just what's the most important to her. Did I mention this story is hot?? Yeah, be prepared for spice, some sweetness, and then more spice. Oh and then a bit more spice. 😉
You go in thinking that this is a miscommunication trope, but it turns out its not. Its more of a dude being a dude, not using his brain trope. Best friends become lovers the last summer that they're together, before Haven moves to London, swearing to each other that nothing will change between them. But promises seem meant to be broken and heartbreak seems inevitable.
Fast forward, Haven is back and her first run-in with her ex-best friend is when the bakery she is taking over from her Grandma catches on fire and Axel is the fireman that carries her out. During her years away, Axel became quite the playboy and Haven gets to hear all about it from mutual friends, and even gets to see a bit of it first hand.
Axel and Haven just seem like two magnets, being drawn together, time after time, even against their own will. They have some clashes, they have some blow ups, they fall back into their truth or dare era, trying to one up each other. Then feelings start creeping back in, and as much as they each fight it, slowly they start to fall in love, or possibly back in love, or maybe even realize they never fell out of it in the first place.
Secrets come out, feelings are hurt but then slowly they start working their way through everything. Until Axel finds out a secret that Haven didn't tell him and he starts to pull away. There were times I wanted to pop Axel upside the head, cause dude, wtf?! I do not blame Haven for doing anything and everything she did to protect herself, up until she realizes just what's the most important to her. Did I mention this story is hot?? Yeah, be prepared for spice, some sweetness, and then more spice. Oh and then a bit more spice. 😉
September 22, 2025
It’s been eleven years since best friends Haven and Axel have seen each other and spoken to each other, but when Axel rushes into a bakery on fire, the last person he expected to see was Haven. The last he knew, she was living in London. Haven is now back home and taking over her family bakery; she has a very important order that she needs to complete and with this fire, she doesn’t know if she can make this happen. Axel is the handyman that can help her, but there is so much animosity between the two, but also so much sexual energy. He’s loved her forever but she’s determined to keep him at arms length.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. There’s a very particular audience of this type of book, and that audience will absolutely LOVE it! This book is close to 500 pages long and most of it is spicy scenes. In fact, if I were take out the spicy scenes and the scenes leading up to and after the spicy scenes, the scenes of thoughts of spice, the may be 100-200 pages – this is just a guesstimate. The plot was lacking and at times, just went out the window and was completely forgotten about. This kind of book is just not for me personally. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind spicy books, but I don’t want a book that is ALL spice and barely any plot building.
There was a huge miscommunication trope here, and it didn’t even get addressed until about 68% into the book! That’s when it felt like the first time these two had a real conversation, one that didn’t revolve around sex.
That being said, the scenes and the angst were well written. This particular type of book just isn’t for me. But, like I said above, there is absolutely an audience for this book. That audience is going to devour this book and LOVE it!
I have very mixed feelings about this book. There’s a very particular audience of this type of book, and that audience will absolutely LOVE it! This book is close to 500 pages long and most of it is spicy scenes. In fact, if I were take out the spicy scenes and the scenes leading up to and after the spicy scenes, the scenes of thoughts of spice, the may be 100-200 pages – this is just a guesstimate. The plot was lacking and at times, just went out the window and was completely forgotten about. This kind of book is just not for me personally. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind spicy books, but I don’t want a book that is ALL spice and barely any plot building.
There was a huge miscommunication trope here, and it didn’t even get addressed until about 68% into the book! That’s when it felt like the first time these two had a real conversation, one that didn’t revolve around sex.
That being said, the scenes and the angst were well written. This particular type of book just isn’t for me. But, like I said above, there is absolutely an audience for this book. That audience is going to devour this book and LOVE it!
September 5, 2025
This is a 2nd chances (ex best) friends to lovers situation with a lot of humor/witty banter. While I really enjoyed this book I had a hard time with Axel at the beginning being so hot and cold with Haven when she first moved back to town he was really giving her mixed signals and it was his fault they were in the current position friendship wise I get he had his own reasons but they have both grown up a bit you would think that he would know how to be nicer especially since he wanted to get back on her good side... and hopefully on her "really good" side.
Haven was a fierce and sassy FMC but she really let Axel off the hook super quick before she was letting him have spicy times with her multiple times. Other than those initial things this was a quick read I really enjoyed our lead characters together and their conversations and interactions with their friend group added some additional comedy, Axel our Firefighter also has some great co-workers (maybe some of these guys will get their own book who doesn't love a man in a uniform).
We all know how these situationship type relationships end up they can keep it casual until they can't... and we love that spark that leads to full on fire! Yes please sign me right up. This book had me rooting for these two friends to make up and find their happily ever after.
Blog post: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*first love *ex- best friends *Firefighter MMC *Baker FMC *Sassy FMC *friends to lovers
*2nd chance romance *spicy/steamy *rom-com *banter *friends with benefits *playboy MMC
*lack of communication/no communication for over 10 years
*discussions of death of parent (in the past) *Small town
Haven was a fierce and sassy FMC but she really let Axel off the hook super quick before she was letting him have spicy times with her multiple times. Other than those initial things this was a quick read I really enjoyed our lead characters together and their conversations and interactions with their friend group added some additional comedy, Axel our Firefighter also has some great co-workers (maybe some of these guys will get their own book who doesn't love a man in a uniform).
We all know how these situationship type relationships end up they can keep it casual until they can't... and we love that spark that leads to full on fire! Yes please sign me right up. This book had me rooting for these two friends to make up and find their happily ever after.
Blog post: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*first love *ex- best friends *Firefighter MMC *Baker FMC *Sassy FMC *friends to lovers
*2nd chance romance *spicy/steamy *rom-com *banter *friends with benefits *playboy MMC
*lack of communication/no communication for over 10 years
*discussions of death of parent (in the past) *Small town
August 26, 2025
Truth or dare and risking everything
I enjoyed this second chance, childhood friends, first love, enemies to lovers small town romcom. This is a heartwarming, funny and spicy romance as seen through the eyes of two lovable and relatable characters with just the right amount of feelings. In my opinion for an enemies to lovers story to work, the author has to straddle a fine line of sexy animosity without tipping into meanness or abuse. This book does an excellent job of straddling the line until the MCs move past it. Haven is a pastry chef who has returned to small town Sweet Haven after a decade of living in London. Axel is a lieutenant in the Sweet Haven fire department. Axel and Haven were best friends as children and had a spicy summer before she moved to London at 18 and Axel immediately ghosted her. Now that they’re back in the same small town there will need to be some truth telling, baggage unpacking, and life course rearranging before they can restart the journey to their interrupted HEA. Along the rocky journey getting there is a fair amount of push-pull, will they won’t they, c’mere c’mere getaway getaway between them. No matter how hard they tried to resist or what their internal dialogue argued for, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. There was a good teaser for the next book in the series at the end of this one so I’ll have to put that on my list. 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this second chance, childhood friends, first love, enemies to lovers small town romcom. This is a heartwarming, funny and spicy romance as seen through the eyes of two lovable and relatable characters with just the right amount of feelings. In my opinion for an enemies to lovers story to work, the author has to straddle a fine line of sexy animosity without tipping into meanness or abuse. This book does an excellent job of straddling the line until the MCs move past it. Haven is a pastry chef who has returned to small town Sweet Haven after a decade of living in London. Axel is a lieutenant in the Sweet Haven fire department. Axel and Haven were best friends as children and had a spicy summer before she moved to London at 18 and Axel immediately ghosted her. Now that they’re back in the same small town there will need to be some truth telling, baggage unpacking, and life course rearranging before they can restart the journey to their interrupted HEA. Along the rocky journey getting there is a fair amount of push-pull, will they won’t they, c’mere c’mere getaway getaway between them. No matter how hard they tried to resist or what their internal dialogue argued for, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. There was a good teaser for the next book in the series at the end of this one so I’ll have to put that on my list. 3.5 stars.
September 5, 2025
🔥 Okay where is my firepole to slide down? 🤭
Honestly speaking, this book was lots of fun. Two Ex-Bestfriends brought back together into their orbit due to a fire, and nothing is the same after that. I saw this book months ago, and me liking pink, fell in love with the pink cover. I think that was Canea's bait, because the story itself was really beautiful. 🥺💖 Reeled me all the way in.
Axel is a hard working fireman and loved by everyone in town, cept the one he wants the most. Haven is back in his view, and he convinces himself in the beginning that staying apart is best, until various circumstances bring them together. Fixing up her Gram's bakery was the last thing on his list, but it becomes the very thing that brings them together.
Haven is saved by the man she least expected when her bakery goes up in smoke, landing her in the arms of no one other than Axel. Try as she might to stay clear of him, they run into each other again and again until the flames are hard to ignore between them. What unfolds is a game of truth or dare that changes everything, including their feelings.
What blew me away the most is that this is Canea's debut!!!! 😳 Her first book! I'm sad and don't wanna leave. This entire ARC ride has been wonderful, and our team is pretty amazing too! I am vibing with excitement for Book 2!
💖 Lovable Friend Group (Lucas is on my list now)
💖 Supportive Fire Crew
💖 Caring Community
💖 Open Door Spice
💖 All the banter
💖 Adult Truth or Dare
💖 Second Chance
✨️ Like with any book please read the Content Warnings before diving in!
Honestly speaking, this book was lots of fun. Two Ex-Bestfriends brought back together into their orbit due to a fire, and nothing is the same after that. I saw this book months ago, and me liking pink, fell in love with the pink cover. I think that was Canea's bait, because the story itself was really beautiful. 🥺💖 Reeled me all the way in.
Axel is a hard working fireman and loved by everyone in town, cept the one he wants the most. Haven is back in his view, and he convinces himself in the beginning that staying apart is best, until various circumstances bring them together. Fixing up her Gram's bakery was the last thing on his list, but it becomes the very thing that brings them together.
Haven is saved by the man she least expected when her bakery goes up in smoke, landing her in the arms of no one other than Axel. Try as she might to stay clear of him, they run into each other again and again until the flames are hard to ignore between them. What unfolds is a game of truth or dare that changes everything, including their feelings.
What blew me away the most is that this is Canea's debut!!!! 😳 Her first book! I'm sad and don't wanna leave. This entire ARC ride has been wonderful, and our team is pretty amazing too! I am vibing with excitement for Book 2!
💖 Lovable Friend Group (Lucas is on my list now)
💖 Supportive Fire Crew
💖 Caring Community
💖 Open Door Spice
💖 All the banter
💖 Adult Truth or Dare
💖 Second Chance
✨️ Like with any book please read the Content Warnings before diving in!
June 4, 2026
So social media has been influencing a lot of my reads 😅 I don’t think I would have read this one had I come across it, but it was a cute fluffy read. That’s not to say there isn’t serious subject matter though! Axel is a firefighter so the danger of the job is translated on page at some points.
I thought it was funny that Haven’s personality revolved around her being clumsy, it’s the ditzy cute kinda clumsy, where it’s inevitable that something crazy happens. I think I didn’t mind it for this book because it’s very unserious, and it was a fluff read for me and just a fun romcom. I would compare this read to a LifeTime or Hallmark movie, its very childhood friends to lovers and forced proximity, small town and overall inevitable couple, no matter how much they might avoid each other at the beginning.
So the plot is pretty straight forward, very streamlined, these two are navigating adult life and reconnecting basically, there was a lot going on when they lost contact and the communication takes a hot minute to kick in, but when it does it’s like a breath of relief tbh. It’s a lengthy book and I did kinda feel like it could have been shorter, but it wasn’t too dragged out.
The spice! This was a medium burn, with a medium amount of heat throughout. These two are just very hot for each other 😂 There’s some shenanigans over the phone, fun times in a restaurant kitchen, and on his motorcycle and truck. Basically a lot anywhere but a bed 😂 there’s also used of frosting (she’s a baker 🤭😏) and a bit of a Daddy kink.
❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I thought it was funny that Haven’s personality revolved around her being clumsy, it’s the ditzy cute kinda clumsy, where it’s inevitable that something crazy happens. I think I didn’t mind it for this book because it’s very unserious, and it was a fluff read for me and just a fun romcom. I would compare this read to a LifeTime or Hallmark movie, its very childhood friends to lovers and forced proximity, small town and overall inevitable couple, no matter how much they might avoid each other at the beginning.
So the plot is pretty straight forward, very streamlined, these two are navigating adult life and reconnecting basically, there was a lot going on when they lost contact and the communication takes a hot minute to kick in, but when it does it’s like a breath of relief tbh. It’s a lengthy book and I did kinda feel like it could have been shorter, but it wasn’t too dragged out.
The spice! This was a medium burn, with a medium amount of heat throughout. These two are just very hot for each other 😂 There’s some shenanigans over the phone, fun times in a restaurant kitchen, and on his motorcycle and truck. Basically a lot anywhere but a bed 😂 there’s also used of frosting (she’s a baker 🤭😏) and a bit of a Daddy kink.
❤️❤️❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 5, 2025
I just finished Sweet Hate by Canea Cox and it was such a fun, fast read! I devoured this book. It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance with the perfect mix of flirty banter, heat, and heart. My favorite enemies-to-lovers stories are really friends-to-enemies-to-lovers and this book hits the mark on that.
The story starts when the Haven comes back to her hometown after years away, accidentally sets her grandma’s bakery on fire, and the firefighter who shows up is none other than her ex–best friend/ex-flame, Axel. What begins as a rough tart to their reconnection leads to something more. The chemistry between them is nonstop, and the “truth or dare” texting game had me hooked. I loved who they became during those games.
The spice in this book was filthy and so unexpected when you have the cutest and sweetest cover known to the book world! 🧁
I also have to say, I want in on the group chat! The friend group in this book is everything. I honestly wanted to be part of their group chat because they were that entertaining. I always love a group chat scene in a book but these had me laughing at the chaos.
And don’t even get me started on the couple teased for book two… they totally grabbed my attention halfway through, and I’m already counting down to their story.
Overall, this was such a quick, super fun read that made me smile the whole way through. Definitely recommend if you’re into small-town romance, playful banter, and characters you just want to hang out with!
The story starts when the Haven comes back to her hometown after years away, accidentally sets her grandma’s bakery on fire, and the firefighter who shows up is none other than her ex–best friend/ex-flame, Axel. What begins as a rough tart to their reconnection leads to something more. The chemistry between them is nonstop, and the “truth or dare” texting game had me hooked. I loved who they became during those games.
The spice in this book was filthy and so unexpected when you have the cutest and sweetest cover known to the book world! 🧁
I also have to say, I want in on the group chat! The friend group in this book is everything. I honestly wanted to be part of their group chat because they were that entertaining. I always love a group chat scene in a book but these had me laughing at the chaos.
And don’t even get me started on the couple teased for book two… they totally grabbed my attention halfway through, and I’m already counting down to their story.
Overall, this was such a quick, super fun read that made me smile the whole way through. Definitely recommend if you’re into small-town romance, playful banter, and characters you just want to hang out with!
September 9, 2025
Sweet Hate is the first book in Cox's If You Dare series. This small town, friends-to-lovers, second chance romance features Haven Blake and Axel Verona.
Haven and Axel were best friends. When they got older they decided to lose their virginity to one another, and in so doing, discovered that they had enjoyed a physical connection which they were keen to further explore. Not long thereafter, Haven left the town of Sweet Haven for an opportunity in London. Axel promised that nothing would change between them but as soon as she departed, he disappeared from her life.
Over ten years later, Haven returns to Sweet Haven to consider running Sweet Bakes, her family's bakery. She hasn't seen or spoken with Axel since the day she left. As luck would have it, a fire starts in the bakery and one of the firemen who shows up to douse the flames is her ex-best friend.
Watching these two reconnect was at times awkward but also very sexually charged and flirty. The chemistry between Haven and Axel is off the charts. They are like magnets, incapable of keeping away from each other. The pull is intense, and frequently comical. There is some seriously delicious spice in this book, in addition to lots of humour. It was a delightful read that had me smiling and laughing and cheering them on.
A couple of my favourite lines:
"Jesus, Verona, we signed up for the news, not the weather."
I've always loved Axel. As my best friend.
Later on, as my best friend, who had the perfect joystick I could play with.
It looks like the next book in this series will feature Swayze & Mia and I'm eager to read it!
Haven and Axel were best friends. When they got older they decided to lose their virginity to one another, and in so doing, discovered that they had enjoyed a physical connection which they were keen to further explore. Not long thereafter, Haven left the town of Sweet Haven for an opportunity in London. Axel promised that nothing would change between them but as soon as she departed, he disappeared from her life.
Over ten years later, Haven returns to Sweet Haven to consider running Sweet Bakes, her family's bakery. She hasn't seen or spoken with Axel since the day she left. As luck would have it, a fire starts in the bakery and one of the firemen who shows up to douse the flames is her ex-best friend.
Watching these two reconnect was at times awkward but also very sexually charged and flirty. The chemistry between Haven and Axel is off the charts. They are like magnets, incapable of keeping away from each other. The pull is intense, and frequently comical. There is some seriously delicious spice in this book, in addition to lots of humour. It was a delightful read that had me smiling and laughing and cheering them on.
A couple of my favourite lines:
"Jesus, Verona, we signed up for the news, not the weather."
I've always loved Axel. As my best friend.
Later on, as my best friend, who had the perfect joystick I could play with.
It looks like the next book in this series will feature Swayze & Mia and I'm eager to read it!
August 26, 2025
Sweet Hate by Canea Cox is like biting into a gooey, fresh-baked cookie—sweet, a little messy, and oh-so-irresistible. When Haven returns home to help her grandma with the bakery and promptly sets it ablaze, she didn’t expect a certain hunky firefighter-ex—and old best friend—to come crashing into her life (and literally hoisting her out of danger).
Enter Axel Verona: brooding, chisel-jawed, and absolutely the kind of heartthrob you challenge to a rousing game of truth or dare—because yes, the dares are scorchingly steamy. Their enemies-to-lovers banter had me turning pages like a caffeinated love-drunk squirrel. Underneath the sass and alpha-hole vibes, there’s unexpectedly deep emotional pull, dual POV tenderness, and a second-chance spark that feels both fiery and real.
Canea Cox weaves small-town charm, supportive BFF distractions, hilarious movie callbacks, quirky text battles with Alexa, and even some sweet, relatable quirky-girl humor (“short chubby girl vibes”—yes, me too!) into a recipe that’s equal parts heat, heart, and humor. After too much dark romance in my reading diet, this was exactly the sweet fix I craved.
In short: A saucy, heartfelt, laugh-out-loud return-home rom-com that left me fanning myself and begging for Axel’s next dare. Rounded up, that’s a full 5 out of 5 stars—no contest.
Enter Axel Verona: brooding, chisel-jawed, and absolutely the kind of heartthrob you challenge to a rousing game of truth or dare—because yes, the dares are scorchingly steamy. Their enemies-to-lovers banter had me turning pages like a caffeinated love-drunk squirrel. Underneath the sass and alpha-hole vibes, there’s unexpectedly deep emotional pull, dual POV tenderness, and a second-chance spark that feels both fiery and real.
Canea Cox weaves small-town charm, supportive BFF distractions, hilarious movie callbacks, quirky text battles with Alexa, and even some sweet, relatable quirky-girl humor (“short chubby girl vibes”—yes, me too!) into a recipe that’s equal parts heat, heart, and humor. After too much dark romance in my reading diet, this was exactly the sweet fix I craved.
In short: A saucy, heartfelt, laugh-out-loud return-home rom-com that left me fanning myself and begging for Axel’s next dare. Rounded up, that’s a full 5 out of 5 stars—no contest.
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