Tea Nook Burnt: A friends with benefits to lovers romance

by Eldora Deasil

Sweet sins, sticky situations and rules bound to be broken...

Apparently sinning has consequences - divorce, jealous ex's, a son who it's becoming increasingly difficult to see. Fortunately, sinning also comes with the benefits of a feisty little cake designer.

She's sexy, loud mouthed and just happens to be the daughter of the tea shop owners who took me in at my lowest.

Sinners may not be supposed to reap rewards, but after three years of friends with benefits, I'm starting to wonder if I might just have to sin a little more.

After all, what's a little stalking between friends?

Boo
"Yes, Chef!" Friends with benefits with my secret sulky bestie seemed a great idea, three years ago. Now heart palpitations are involved? Not so much.

Gabriel
Cake testing, she said. Cake testing, yeah, right. It used to be about cake testing. Now I'm not even sure I care about the cake and isn't that a kicker for a pâtissier?

Welcome to Tea Nook, the spiritual tea shop, opened by Bean because the leaves told her to. Can Gabe shackle his restraint back in place to keep what he has or has the devil finally come to claim him? His chest certainly burns, when she comes to play...

Contemporary romance author Eldora loves her cinnamon rolls with a little bite, all the spice, and frosted with neurodiversity.

All Tea Nook books are readable as stand alone or may be read in chronological order. Eldora promises a HEA and no MC cheating.
***
Burnt is a MF Friends to Lovers, Found Family, contemporary tea shop romance. It features a surly chef, who learns to like being a 'Good Boy' and a learning support assistant slash cake designer with ADHD, whose passions involve teasing, crocheting tortoise shell covers, and calling Gabe 'pussycat'.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Romance, Amazon

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2025

About the author

Contemporary romance author Eldora loves her cinnamon rolls with a little bite, all the spice, and frosted with neurodiversity.

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was so much potential

This book had so much potential. It started off immedately with Gabe under some bleachers with a girl when he was in high school. There’s quite a bit of reference to religious trauma, and Gabe goes through it. We were just kind of thrusted into Boo and Gabe’s situationship, and really had no explination as to what these guidelines were that they kept referencing during their extra spicy baking session. I would have loved more actual story between the characters. It felt like we would get chapters of spice, and one or two story, multiple more chapters of spice, and a sprinkle of story. It felt very discombobulated. I personally also struggled with the grammar, and it had nothing to do with the author being British, as I’ve read books from other British authors. There were times it was very choppy, and we went from one scene immediately into another with no guidance of how we got there. I found myself re-reading multiple sections trying to figure out where I got lost.
Boo and Gabe are an absolutely adorable couple, I just wish we had more of their story and less of their spice. Which I know sounds crazy, but this book really could have used more storytelling to give it a better flow.

[Gemma Spittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt really was a super fun read but not for the timid! Talk about getting hot & fresh in the kitchen!
Firstly, the playlist QR code at the beginning of the book was a fantastic touch - these matched the content to perfection and I loved the ease of access. I also liked the occasional text messages scattered throughout, which allows us to get a bit more into the progression of the main character relationship development.
Secondly, talk about starting mid action! From the outset, the storyline was relentless in detailing the sexual escapades between Boo and Gabe (affectionately referred to as Cupcake and Sexy Chef) and such good fun.
Until I read this book, I believed my attempt at a cheese soufflé was the pinnacle in kitchen adventure; I clearly lived a sheltered life!
Thanks to Eldora Deasil for sending me this arc x

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burnt
Eldora Deasil

First and foremost listen 🎧 to the playlist thru the QR code provided at the beginning of the book. Then read the book. The playlist will absolutely make sense.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Burnt was a great book to read. Deserving of a 5 star review. Just like in the name, it was HOT!! The author’s unique sense of writing style truly captures a readers attention with descriptive writing and attention to details (wink 😉 wink). I mean makes me want a cheese cake real bad. 😂

Favorite characters (of course) Gabriel and Boo. You learn to love and root for them to get together already. It was heartwarming. The peep into the text interactions throughout the chapters were cute.

“YES CHEF!”
Every time you hear the saying, your mind will take you back to this book…I’m just saying. This book stays with you forever now!! 😂

10/10 would recommend!!

[Stacy1312 · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Melt in your Mouth Magic🪄

This book opens with a Bang... quite literally 🥵 under the school bleachers 🫠
I loved this book. Its fast paced, yet slow where it needs to be, in order to create the momentum and angst.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The main characters have my heart! Boo and Gabe are absolute goals ❤️ Their playful banter, yet heartwarming honesty is so beautifully written. @tea.nook brought the heat, the spice, and all the flavours for this one!
I have to give a shout out to the other characters from the book, especially Garth and Bean! Their appearances within the book are perfectly timed and bring the hysterics.

🌶🌶🌶🌶
They say if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen... Uh, well, the heat in Gabriel's kitchen is fever dream HOT 🔥 and I want to get burnt by it, just like our girl Boo! You know you want to aswell 😉

[Raquel Rolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me in all the right ways. It’s sharp, funny, and unapologetically hot. Boo and Gabe have that kind of chemistry that sneaks up on you until you’re fully invested. What starts as a friends-with-benefits deal slowly turns into something deeper, even if neither of them wants to admit it.

Boo’s confidence jumps off the page. She’s bold, messy, and impossible not to root for. Gabe is her opposite, quiet and brooding, but every time they’re together sparks fly. Their back-and-forth had me grinning, and the tension never lets up.

The Tea Nook setting adds warmth that makes the chaos between them even better. The side characters bring humor and balance, and the text messages and playlists make the story feel alive.

It’s the kind of romance that stays with you after the last page. Sweet, filthy, and full of heart.

[FictionHealsMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! 😍 It follows Gabe and Boo, whose relationship starts as friends with benefits and slowly evolves into something much deeper. The most captivating part was seeing them both navigate their feelings while respecting boundaries, step by step they finally come together, and the growth of their relationship felt so real and satisfying. 🥹💛

There were other themes in the book I really enjoyed, but I have to mention the spice… let’s just say I was blushing! 🔥 What made it even more unique was that Gabe is a pastry chef, so desserts and sweets play a fun and playful role in the steamy scenes. It felt fresh, different, and memorable compared to other stories I’ve read.

If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance with emotional growth, humor, and a little heat, this one is worth picking up!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride from start to finish and I mean that in the best way. It’s bold, funny, and full of heat. Gabe and Boo’s relationship is messy, passionate, and impossible to look away from. They’ve been in a friends-with-benefits situation for years, but now things are shifting, and neither of them seems ready for what’s coming.

I loved Boo’s personality she’s loud, confident, and full of sass. Gabe, the broody pâtissier, is her perfect match, even if he tries to fight it. Their banter made me laugh, and their chemistry was off the charts.

The setting at Tea Nook added a quirky charm, and the side characters brought warmth and depth. I also liked the little extras like text messages and the playlist it made the reading experience feel more immersive.

[Heather Bolin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in a standalone series. I like the story between Gabe and Boo. This book was hard for me to get into and left a lot of things not answered. Not sure if the story with Gabe and Boo will continue. I liked the spice in the book and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I am hopeful for the next stories in the Tea Nook world. I liked how the whole family was included from the first book and at times the two books happened congruently. I would have liked to have a little more from this story then what we got. I understand that not everyone will see this book the same way I did. So please read and make your own choice. The Tea Nook world is a beautiful world, and I hope that everyone can find a story in this world that they love.

[A Bookaholics Confession · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ Stars 4/5
🌶️ Spice 4/5

💙Friends-to-lovers
💜Good boy
💙Jealous ex
💜 Cupcake and Chef


I really like the chemistry between Gabe and Boo. The passionate scenes are truly **"very spicy"** definitely not for the faint of heart and left me captivated.

The characters felt consistently believable, Boo, in particular! Her relatable nature and humor made her an favorite.

The writing style is accessible with a fast, easy-to-read pace, which makes the pages simply fly by. The author definitely succeeds in capturing the important themes of passion and intrigue in a great way.

In short: Read it! "Burnt" is a wonderful, HOT, and heartwarming story that I highly recommend.

[Heather Deffley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. My first time reading this author and I would definitely read her writing again and I would also recommend this book to people to read.

I loved the names of some of the characters, so quirky, Boo, Bean, Flower just to name a few.

Boo is the main FMC and she is fab, she's a sunshine personality, works with children and is just a all round wonderful person you absolutely want to be best friends with. Gabe our MMC, hes got a dark past which is told a little in the story, he needs Boo's sunshine and she shares with him willingly. Its a bit spicy a bit dark and has a HEA. You wont be disappointed with the read of this book, I promise. Enjoy!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel and Boo

“My Boo.”

Starts with a bang… the dirty kind.
This is a steamy friends with benefits-to-lovers story, and they have so much chemistry.

The text interactions are adorable and highly amusing…. And their friends and family were amazing. Despite the actions of his horrible and manipulative ex, I was absolutely rooting for them to get their act together to finally get the happy ending.

And on that note…

“You’d be the first thing I saw, when I woke, and I’d be jacking off to you in the shower at four o'five on the dot.”

Yep… king of romance, ladies and gents…

[AM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tea Nook Burnt has a cozy concept with a darker edge, and that combination mostly works. The small-town café setting is charming, and the atmosphere is easy to settle into, especially for readers who enjoy quiet mysteries with a hint of tension. The premise is intriguing, but the execution can feel uneven at times. The pacing slows in the middle, and some character motivations could have been developed more clearly. Overall, it’s a pleasant, low-stakes read with a few missed opportunities—enjoyable enough, but not especially memorable.

[Danielle Raithby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise with the first sentence jumping straight into the sex. Made me blush, but i loved it , i was hooked start to finish, especially the heat, Gabe and boo's relationship is messy and they have been friends with benefits for a while, but things are soon changing, without them realising what is happening .
they are both perfect for each other even if Gabe doesn't realise it yet. I really enjoyed this book

[Anisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cozy, bold, spicy and, imho very romantic. While I found the book a bit hard to get into at the beginning, I came to love Eldora's writing style. I love the tension and buildup between characters, as well as the overall character development for not just the main characters but the side characters as well. Overall, if you are looking for a fun, cozy read, with significant (and well written!!) spice, I would definitely recommend this book

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you hot like a fresh baked pastry, trust me. Love the vibes! The plot was great and it was hard to put this read down! The friends with benefits to lovers aspect really drew me in. Loved the chemistry that oozes off the pages and I really loved the POV narration.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this book will make you want to pick that V*b* up and use it, it was hot and steamy from the get go which I loved , it didn't drag or take too l9ng to get into the book yet somehow the author still managed to keep the plot and spice well balanced.

The characters were adorable and fun too

Ill admit this book definatly surprised me in the best way

[Molly Morg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to eat your heart out. This book was delicious in every way. Eldora is a talented writer, I was immersed in her story from the first page. The spice was just…chefs kiss!

She represents each characters personality so well and even though at times they see themselves as weak or not worth love, Eldora makes them powerful and brave.

Loved this book and I absolutely adore this author!

[Laura Moncrief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the chemistry between Gabe & Boo!! Very spicy scenes!! Who wouldn’t want to be a charcuterie fruit buffet?? Also love the relationship of Alder and Bean. Great parents to Boo and Hester and surrogate parents to Gabe and Garth. Loved it!!! Highly recommend!!!

[Amber K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline is very intense, but well written, and draws the reader in! The reader can easily relate to one of the main characters. Words to describe this book: Well written, interesting, inventive, intense especially in the sexual aspects, funny, witty

[Andrea Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about Gabe & Boo.
These two characters easily snatch your attention and demand you watch their growth during the book. Their intense relationship develops into something much more. You'll want to keep reading to see what happens.

[Sofie Berndt Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book. Though it was not quite my cup of tea. But still well written 😊

[Alice W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nicknames were cute and I loved this book. This book was very good.