A Taste For Trouble: A Spicy, Small-Town Romantic Comedy

by Ally Kay

Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont …where the champagne is chilled, the gossip flows freely, and romance comes with a side of high-stakes chaos.
Rose Murphy writes steamy romance novels for a living, and every hero she imagines just happens to look like Dominic Carlisle…the grumpy, gorgeous, billionaire who happens to be her godmother’s son.
Dom is a six-foot-something, devastatingly handsome CEO with a jawline that could cut glass, a freakishly tidy house, and the emotional range of a teaspoon.
Meanwhile, Rose is five feet of glitter, chaos, and dangerously big feelings…the kind that can turn even the most polished penthouse upside down. And she’s not alone. Her feral black cat, Sweetpea, has a strict “no men allowed” policy, which Dom is about to test…repeatedly.
He thinks she’s a nuisance. She thinks he’s her muse. And neither of them is prepared for the meddling of Maplewood’s sharp-tongued, old-money grandmothers, who’ve secretly decided these two belong together.
When Rose needs help, Dom steps in like the reluctant billionaire hero he is. Soon, Rose is living in his apartment, and raiding his kitchen at midnight, while Sweetpea hisses at him from every countertop. Together, they are slowly unraveling the orderly walls he’s spent a lifetime building.
He thinks she’s too chaotic. She thinks he’s too uptight. And the tension simmering between them says they’re just one stolen kiss away from combusting.
A Taste for Trouble is a grumpy/sunshine, forced-proximity, billionaire romantic comedy, where opposites attract, sparks fly, cats are judgmental, and even the neatest of billionaires can’t resist a little chaos.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Cheryl Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose is a hot mess! From her strawberry blonde hair with purple streaks to her glitter obsession to her two best friends, Mara and Treyor. This girl needs a blinking warning sign attached to her everywhere she goes. Not to mention her slightly neurotic cat that hates men, ok not slightly, this cat is neurotic!! Dominic is a man with a very troubled past who doesn't want anything to do with love. Oh he definitely wants Rose but love is out of the question. When Rose is threatened by her ex, and the mob, Dominic brings her home with him to keep her safe. In between two nosy best friends, a meddling grandma, a evil cat, and a fake relationship and Rose herself, Dominic doesn't know if he is coming or going but he does know he doesn't want to let Rose go. This book is full of laugh out loud moments, pure chaos, a really fun antics! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My favorite part was when Frankenkitty brought his little surprise to Dominic and dropped it on his chest, funny stuff!! I'm left wondering whose marry-me lasagna was the best. Lots of fun antics, plenty of heat, some scary moments and a great HEA.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose writes steamy romances, she also is mom to a male hating cat called Sweetpea. The name really doesn't match his temperament. Living in her little cottage she's as happy as she can be. Until she ends her relationship. Then suddenly her life is no longer her own. Dominic has everything he wants. A successful company, his mom and Gran are well looked after. A big must no relationships, he is OK with a quick fling, but no feelings. Looking out for his mom's goddaughter, and close family friend, keeps him on his toes. Rose has a tendency to act on impulse and nothing she does is simple. Then he finds himself in a fake relationship and her living in his penthouse. That's not bad enough she brings he demonic cat Beelzebub/Sweetpea. There's also the hidden fact that he also cares deeply for Rose. This is a funny, spicy romance that also shows that the past doesn't always repeat itself. It's an easy to read story that I would strongly recommend.

[KELLI DANIELS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Taste for Trouble is a delightful blend of sharp wit, irresistible chemistry, and pure romantic charm. Ally Kay brings Maplewood, Vermont, to life with its mix of small town charm, meddling grandmothers, and champagne-soaked chaos. Rose and Dominic’s dynamic is magnetic the perfect storm of grumpy billionaire meets radiant chaos. Their banter is fast, funny, and heartfelt, making every page a joy to read. Sweetpea the cat adds an extra layer of humor and warmth that makes the story even more memorable. For fans of smart romantic comedies where opposites collide and sparks fly, this one is pure entertainment from start to finish.

[SuzieQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun read with a crazy cat thrown in. Dom has known Rosie since they were children. He's uptight and rigid and has a very sterile home whereas Rosie is potentially a crazy cat lady in the making, writes romance books, purple streaked hair and glitter that get's everywhere. She is the total opposite of what Dom's life is.

Rosie is forced to share Dom's apartment for safety reasons, and the chaos begins. Great banter, and with a side dish of lasagna, this little rom com will warm your heart. Add in the mix of some BFFs and cunning old ladies to do a bit of matchmaking and voila! HEA

[Yami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a enjoyable read and I loved it. The chemistry that Rosie and Dominic was so good. This was the perfect mix of flirty, fun and just a tiny bit of drama.

I did wish that a few of the chapters had gone a bit deeper and had a little more drama, but overall I had a blast reading this book.

If you're into billionaire romances you definitely don't want to miss out on this one.


*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much fun
This is the firt book I´ve read from this author but it surely won´t be the last, I had so much fun reading about meddling, gossiping but well meaning small town matchmakers (who can beat a grandmother, anyway?) and the interaction between Rosie and Dom is simply hilarious but also sweet. Although I must admit I also have a strained relationship with cats, Sweet Pea added to the fun as well.

[Ezgi Place · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book