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The Cheshire Set #3
That Boy
A new chapter in the IPPY Award-Winning Romance Series…
“I’ll burn the whole world for you, Sofia. But only if you’ll dance with me in the flames. Only if you want it.”
Building an impossible tea farm in the Cheshire countryside was Sofia’s second chance. A way to prove herself. A fresh start. She knew it would be graft. She anticipated a degree of isolation. But with Christmas imminent and the farm faltering, her thoughts have grown darker. She’s searching for something, an ineffable force to make this year the magical wonderland she always craves and never finds.
With so much riding on the tea farm’s success, there’s no time to fix her ailing social life. Sofia resigns herself to another lonely holiday.
Enter Matt.
Delaware Grange’s twenty-one-year-old assistant gamekeeper. Nice enough, a bit dopey.
As she hunkers down for winter, Sofia thinks she’s prepared for everything. Nothing could prepare her for Matt. For the abrupt awareness of him. For the way he’s far more capable than he seems. Thoughtful. Considerate. Quietly intelligent.
Way sexier than he appears.
Suddenly impossible to ignore.
But Matt isn’t what he seems. A darkness runs beneath Delaware Grange. Insidious. Creeping. Buried deep.
Sofia was little more than a challenge. A box for Matt to check. An assignment to complete.
Until he fell.
Hard.
Now all he sees is her. All he wants is her. And all he knows is she has no idea who he truly is. While Sofia fights her feelings in the face of forbidden fruit, Matt wrestles with the reality of his true purpose on the estate.
The pair fall into an intoxicating, passionate, volatile romance.
As winter deepens and Christmas closes in, two lonely souls struggle to find peace in each other, and trust becomes the most dangerous choice on the estate.
Falling for Matt threatens everything Sofia has worked so hard to build. Falling for Sofia might just be the making of Matt.
That Boy is a Dual POV, high-heat, secret-identity romance where desire, deception, and devotion collide in a snowy small-town Christmas.
While not required, it is highly suggested to read Nightshade before That Boy.
Author’s Note: Each novel in The Cheshire Set can be read as a standalone, but the following order avoids spoiling the reading experience of earlier books.
Recommended Reading Order for The Cheshire Set:
Bane
Nightshade
That Boy
Eve Was Framed, a prequel novella to Bane, isn’t strictly part of The Cheshire Set but is available for free download on the author’s website.
“I’ll burn the whole world for you, Sofia. But only if you’ll dance with me in the flames. Only if you want it.”
Building an impossible tea farm in the Cheshire countryside was Sofia’s second chance. A way to prove herself. A fresh start. She knew it would be graft. She anticipated a degree of isolation. But with Christmas imminent and the farm faltering, her thoughts have grown darker. She’s searching for something, an ineffable force to make this year the magical wonderland she always craves and never finds.
With so much riding on the tea farm’s success, there’s no time to fix her ailing social life. Sofia resigns herself to another lonely holiday.
Enter Matt.
Delaware Grange’s twenty-one-year-old assistant gamekeeper. Nice enough, a bit dopey.
As she hunkers down for winter, Sofia thinks she’s prepared for everything. Nothing could prepare her for Matt. For the abrupt awareness of him. For the way he’s far more capable than he seems. Thoughtful. Considerate. Quietly intelligent.
Way sexier than he appears.
Suddenly impossible to ignore.
But Matt isn’t what he seems. A darkness runs beneath Delaware Grange. Insidious. Creeping. Buried deep.
Sofia was little more than a challenge. A box for Matt to check. An assignment to complete.
Until he fell.
Hard.
Now all he sees is her. All he wants is her. And all he knows is she has no idea who he truly is. While Sofia fights her feelings in the face of forbidden fruit, Matt wrestles with the reality of his true purpose on the estate.
The pair fall into an intoxicating, passionate, volatile romance.
As winter deepens and Christmas closes in, two lonely souls struggle to find peace in each other, and trust becomes the most dangerous choice on the estate.
Falling for Matt threatens everything Sofia has worked so hard to build. Falling for Sofia might just be the making of Matt.
That Boy is a Dual POV, high-heat, secret-identity romance where desire, deception, and devotion collide in a snowy small-town Christmas.
While not required, it is highly suggested to read Nightshade before That Boy.
Author’s Note: Each novel in The Cheshire Set can be read as a standalone, but the following order avoids spoiling the reading experience of earlier books.
Recommended Reading Order for The Cheshire Set:
Bane
Nightshade
That Boy
Eve Was Framed, a prequel novella to Bane, isn’t strictly part of The Cheshire Set but is available for free download on the author’s website.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
26 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Briar Black
5 books33 followersBriar has been a professional copywriter for many years (far more than she cares to admit). She began her career working for large companies and agencies before realising she could do it all for herself. Now, she happily writes for businesses and entrepreneurs she’s passionate about and dreams of the day her fiction becomes popular enough for her to retreat into fictional worlds full-time. Growing up in Cheshire and falling in love with its countryside, small towns, and villages, she’s enjoyed creating a fictional world that reflects her own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 14, 2025
That Boy by Briar Black
I really enjoyed this read, there’s a bit of mystery woven throughout, along with some well-kept secrets that kept me hooked. I loved the touch of suspense, and Matt is absolutely a golden retriever when it comes to Sofia. The dual POV was great, too; it helps us understand Matt better and also shows why Sofia struggles so much with trust. I mean… how do you trust someone who can barely give you an honest answer? Matt was off fighting and killing people and Sofia thought he was probably off cheating on her because he wont tell her where he's going. I have trust issues. I barely trusted Matt LOL.
This was a cozy Christmas romance with a hint of darkness mixed in. It does end on a cliffhanger, and the next book is expected to be released sometime in 2026.
Tropes:
• He Falls First
• Spicy
• Secret Identity
• Snowy Small-Town Christmas
• Stalking
• Forbidden Love
• Winter / Christmas Romance
Thank you to Briar Black and RR Book Tours for the gifted copy.
I really enjoyed this read, there’s a bit of mystery woven throughout, along with some well-kept secrets that kept me hooked. I loved the touch of suspense, and Matt is absolutely a golden retriever when it comes to Sofia. The dual POV was great, too; it helps us understand Matt better and also shows why Sofia struggles so much with trust. I mean… how do you trust someone who can barely give you an honest answer? Matt was off fighting and killing people and Sofia thought he was probably off cheating on her because he wont tell her where he's going. I have trust issues. I barely trusted Matt LOL.
This was a cozy Christmas romance with a hint of darkness mixed in. It does end on a cliffhanger, and the next book is expected to be released sometime in 2026.
Tropes:
• He Falls First
• Spicy
• Secret Identity
• Snowy Small-Town Christmas
• Stalking
• Forbidden Love
• Winter / Christmas Romance
Thank you to Briar Black and RR Book Tours for the gifted copy.
November 19, 2025
This one surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting cozy winter romance and got that plus a darker edge that snuck up and wrapped around my heart. It’s slow to start, but the emotional tension builds beautifully and when it breaks? Absolute flame moment.
Matt… quiet, steady, seemingly harmless, until you realize there’s a storm under the surface. He’s the definition of falls first, falls hardest, with that morally grey protectiveness that hits different. Sofia’s still healing and fighting trust issues, and watching her slowly let her guard down was so satisfying.
It’s a blend of small-town holiday warmth, shadowy undertones, and slow-burn heat that goes from soft to scorching without warning. Perfect for winter nights when you want something that feels comforting but still cuts deep.
4.5 stars this one is cozy with claws.
Matt… quiet, steady, seemingly harmless, until you realize there’s a storm under the surface. He’s the definition of falls first, falls hardest, with that morally grey protectiveness that hits different. Sofia’s still healing and fighting trust issues, and watching her slowly let her guard down was so satisfying.
It’s a blend of small-town holiday warmth, shadowy undertones, and slow-burn heat that goes from soft to scorching without warning. Perfect for winter nights when you want something that feels comforting but still cuts deep.
4.5 stars this one is cozy with claws.
November 21, 2025
I thought this was a cute book. A little slow for me to get into in the beginning but I'm glad I kept going because I did think it got better as it went on with more suspense of what was going to happen. I will say I did not read any of the prior books before reading book 3, and I felt like it was fine with no need to read the others first unless you wanted to.
I'm not the rabbit in this hunting expedition, Sofia. I'm the wolf."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Workplace Romance
✨Secret Identity
✨"Age Gap"
✨Slow Burn
✨He Falls First
✨Small Town Romance
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Christmas Romance
✨Cliffhanger
"I'll burn the whole world for you, Sofia. But only if you'll dance with me in the flames. Only if you want it."
Sofia, sweet closed off Sofia. She helps run the tea farm and after a career setback from a previous job, has chosen to not have friends other than coworkers and doesn't go out much. After a freak accident, she finds herself being "babysat" by Matt to make sure she is ok. But as time goes on and things become physical, she finds herself eventually falling for him. Even when she becomes suspicious of him and knows he is lying to her, she is all in no matter what.
Matt has been working on the tea farm for a few years but has a secret that no one knows. He plays the young man who isn't the smartest with certain things who has had a hard life, when really he is just undercover to seduce Sofia in attempts to gain intel on the farm. But as he got the chance to get closer with her, he fell hard and fast. And started questioning his true intentions with what he was doing in attempts to get information.
I think Sofie and Matt are super cute together, but come on girl make him sweat a little. How do you just let him drop bombs like he did and just brush it off.
Thank you so much Briar Black and R&R Book Tours for gifting me a reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm not the rabbit in this hunting expedition, Sofia. I'm the wolf."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Workplace Romance
✨Secret Identity
✨"Age Gap"
✨Slow Burn
✨He Falls First
✨Small Town Romance
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Christmas Romance
✨Cliffhanger
"I'll burn the whole world for you, Sofia. But only if you'll dance with me in the flames. Only if you want it."
Sofia, sweet closed off Sofia. She helps run the tea farm and after a career setback from a previous job, has chosen to not have friends other than coworkers and doesn't go out much. After a freak accident, she finds herself being "babysat" by Matt to make sure she is ok. But as time goes on and things become physical, she finds herself eventually falling for him. Even when she becomes suspicious of him and knows he is lying to her, she is all in no matter what.
Matt has been working on the tea farm for a few years but has a secret that no one knows. He plays the young man who isn't the smartest with certain things who has had a hard life, when really he is just undercover to seduce Sofia in attempts to gain intel on the farm. But as he got the chance to get closer with her, he fell hard and fast. And started questioning his true intentions with what he was doing in attempts to get information.
I think Sofie and Matt are super cute together, but come on girl make him sweat a little. How do you just let him drop bombs like he did and just brush it off.
Thank you so much Briar Black and R&R Book Tours for gifting me a reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for the gifted paperback copy. Opinions are my own.
Hello to my new favorite Briar Black book!
That Boy is the third book in the romantic suspense series, Cheshire Set, but fear not! It can be read as a standalone.
The story follows Sofia and Matt. He's a secret agent on a mission on the Delaware Grange tea farm. His cover is that of an assistant gamekeeper, and seducing Sofia is a part of his mission. What Matt doesn't expect is that he would fall HARD for this woman, so much so that as their affair unravels, he begins to question his mission. And despite being suspicious of his secrets and agonizing over the implications of her forbidden feelings for Matt, Sofia just can't stay away.
Reading That Boy has been AN EXPERIENCE. Having already met these characters in Nightshade, I was really happy to see the Delaware Grange found family again, but also very careful because of things that happen in the finale of that book 👀 BUT falling in love with Matt and Sofia was not really a choice, it was an inevitability. The chemistry between them is electric, passionate, and highly entertaining. Their opposites attract dynamic makes their banter super enticing, but my favorite moments were those where both Sofia and Matt allowed themselves to be vulnerable despite the secrets, the heartbreak and the tension created by Matt's double life. And now that I'm thoroughly obsessed with them and hopelessly rooting for their happy ending, I am counting on the author to prove to me that I THINK I know things but actually know nothing (IYKYK).
Here are some tropes to look forward to:
- romantic suspense with spice
- super strong found family vibes
- morally gray golden retriever MMC
- workplace romance and age gap dynamics
- a Christmas setting
Hello to my new favorite Briar Black book!
That Boy is the third book in the romantic suspense series, Cheshire Set, but fear not! It can be read as a standalone.
The story follows Sofia and Matt. He's a secret agent on a mission on the Delaware Grange tea farm. His cover is that of an assistant gamekeeper, and seducing Sofia is a part of his mission. What Matt doesn't expect is that he would fall HARD for this woman, so much so that as their affair unravels, he begins to question his mission. And despite being suspicious of his secrets and agonizing over the implications of her forbidden feelings for Matt, Sofia just can't stay away.
Reading That Boy has been AN EXPERIENCE. Having already met these characters in Nightshade, I was really happy to see the Delaware Grange found family again, but also very careful because of things that happen in the finale of that book 👀 BUT falling in love with Matt and Sofia was not really a choice, it was an inevitability. The chemistry between them is electric, passionate, and highly entertaining. Their opposites attract dynamic makes their banter super enticing, but my favorite moments were those where both Sofia and Matt allowed themselves to be vulnerable despite the secrets, the heartbreak and the tension created by Matt's double life. And now that I'm thoroughly obsessed with them and hopelessly rooting for their happy ending, I am counting on the author to prove to me that I THINK I know things but actually know nothing (IYKYK).
Here are some tropes to look forward to:
- romantic suspense with spice
- super strong found family vibes
- morally gray golden retriever MMC
- workplace romance and age gap dynamics
- a Christmas setting
November 27, 2025
Hello, favorite book in the series!
That Boy is the third standalone book in my beloved romantic suspense series, Cheshire Set. I say standalone because yes, this book can be read on its own without having read any of the other books in the series. However, if you do read the other books, this has to be read after Nightshade even though the events of That Boy happen before the events of Nightshade. Trust the process. I sure am!
Building a tea farm in the Cheshire countryside was Sofia’s second chance, but the farm is struggling, and with all the problems she’s facing, Sofia has no time to fix her ailing social life. But then there’s Matt, the 21 year old assistant gamekeeper on Delaware Grange tea farm. But Matt is truly an undercover agent. Sofia was supposed to be part of his mission, but he wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her.
This book had me pulling out my mental murder boards again because I have been cursed with knowledge, and with knowledge come theories. Having met Sofia and Matt in the previous books, I know things that happen, although now I’m questioning EVERYTHING, and isn’t that exactly what we love about mystery? It’s certainly what I love. This couple, with their perfect banter and passionate, impossible connection, has surprisingly become my favorite of the series so now I MUST have the next book, and I pray my theories are correct. Also, I was happy to be back on the farm and its found family. It is always a joy to return to these characters.
Here are some tropes!
🔍 romantic suspense with spice
🕰️ age gap
📂 workplace romance
🎄 Christmas setting
🫂 found family
🩶 morally gray golden retriever MMC
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
That Boy is the third standalone book in my beloved romantic suspense series, Cheshire Set. I say standalone because yes, this book can be read on its own without having read any of the other books in the series. However, if you do read the other books, this has to be read after Nightshade even though the events of That Boy happen before the events of Nightshade. Trust the process. I sure am!
Building a tea farm in the Cheshire countryside was Sofia’s second chance, but the farm is struggling, and with all the problems she’s facing, Sofia has no time to fix her ailing social life. But then there’s Matt, the 21 year old assistant gamekeeper on Delaware Grange tea farm. But Matt is truly an undercover agent. Sofia was supposed to be part of his mission, but he wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her.
This book had me pulling out my mental murder boards again because I have been cursed with knowledge, and with knowledge come theories. Having met Sofia and Matt in the previous books, I know things that happen, although now I’m questioning EVERYTHING, and isn’t that exactly what we love about mystery? It’s certainly what I love. This couple, with their perfect banter and passionate, impossible connection, has surprisingly become my favorite of the series so now I MUST have the next book, and I pray my theories are correct. Also, I was happy to be back on the farm and its found family. It is always a joy to return to these characters.
Here are some tropes!
🔍 romantic suspense with spice
🕰️ age gap
📂 workplace romance
🎄 Christmas setting
🫂 found family
🩶 morally gray golden retriever MMC
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
November 26, 2025
So if you just judge a book by its cover you might think you’re going to go into That Boy expecting a cute little holiday romance. WRONG! I ended up absolutely glued to my Kindle because Briar Black said “actually, let’s make it festive and unhinged.” The way this book leans into the moody side of winter—the loneliness, the longing, the weirdly cozy gloom—felt so real, and Matt and Sofia navigating all that together just hit me in the best way. Matt’s whole “dark world above and darker world below” situation? I was not prepared. And yet he’s like this vulnerable menace who understands Sofia’s Gloamas energy better than anyone. Their chemistry and banter had me laughing, and the whole vibe felt like the perfect bridge into holiday reading without falling into the usual holiday-romance mold.
I haven’t read the earlier Cheshire Set books yet, but this still hooked me instantly and now I’m absolutely circling back because if the others have this mix of mystery, spice, and small-town winter moodiness, I’m in trouble. It’s twisty and cozy in a little bit darker way, and it kept me flipping pages with that delicious “just one more chapter” feeling. Truly such a fun, original take on a Christmas romance, and I already can’t wait for the next one.
I haven’t read the earlier Cheshire Set books yet, but this still hooked me instantly and now I’m absolutely circling back because if the others have this mix of mystery, spice, and small-town winter moodiness, I’m in trouble. It’s twisty and cozy in a little bit darker way, and it kept me flipping pages with that delicious “just one more chapter” feeling. Truly such a fun, original take on a Christmas romance, and I already can’t wait for the next one.
November 21, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ A cozy, mysterious Christmas romance ✨
-Forbidden Love
-Secret Identity
-Slow Burn > High Heat
-He Falls First
-Small Town Romance
-Dark Romantic Suspense
-Christmas Romance
-Dark Cottagecore
This story was suspenseful, cozy, had me laughing at the banter, swooning for the romance- and overall enjoyable.
This story was very unique, and left many things unanswered (in preparation for the next book I would assume).
There are lots of un answered questions- while reading I found myself slightly confused at times, but this could be because I haven’t read the first 2 books? I’m not sure- but at times it felt all over the place, and a lot going on but then nothing going on at the same time..
Our MC’s inner monologue’s I found very entertaining, and loved all the supporting characters.
Overall a cozy, romantic mystery that will keep you guessing - and wanting the next book!
-Forbidden Love
-Secret Identity
-Slow Burn > High Heat
-He Falls First
-Small Town Romance
-Dark Romantic Suspense
-Christmas Romance
-Dark Cottagecore
This story was suspenseful, cozy, had me laughing at the banter, swooning for the romance- and overall enjoyable.
This story was very unique, and left many things unanswered (in preparation for the next book I would assume).
There are lots of un answered questions- while reading I found myself slightly confused at times, but this could be because I haven’t read the first 2 books? I’m not sure- but at times it felt all over the place, and a lot going on but then nothing going on at the same time..
Our MC’s inner monologue’s I found very entertaining, and loved all the supporting characters.
Overall a cozy, romantic mystery that will keep you guessing - and wanting the next book!
November 14, 2025
Loved this spicy, mysterious holiday romance! It’s a really dynamic story, between the wild, dark storyline Briar Black brings in some comic relief, intertwines the hard feelings many people get leading into the holidays & dealing with loss/hardships.
The Boy was the perfect transition into a holiday reading season for me, with a lot going on in the plot but sprinkling in the holidays! It was a really original story and combined a great blend of spicy romance, twisted mystery plot & small town moody winter vibes.
I really liked these characters- Matt & Sofia are the perfect blend of character romance, with a lot more to the story 👀 While this is the third in an inter-connected series I hadn’t read yet, I really enjoyed the book! I definitely would like to go back to the beginning of the series and make my way back through the stories before for some extra context 🥰
The Boy was the perfect transition into a holiday reading season for me, with a lot going on in the plot but sprinkling in the holidays! It was a really original story and combined a great blend of spicy romance, twisted mystery plot & small town moody winter vibes.
I really liked these characters- Matt & Sofia are the perfect blend of character romance, with a lot more to the story 👀 While this is the third in an inter-connected series I hadn’t read yet, I really enjoyed the book! I definitely would like to go back to the beginning of the series and make my way back through the stories before for some extra context 🥰
October 26, 2025
I’m so in love with Matty it’s not even funny. This book wrecked me in the best possible way. Dual POV with a delicious slow burn start as we get to know Matt and Sofia and understand their world. And damn, Matt’s world is dark. I was NOT expecting that side of it to be so twisty. I don’t want to spoil anything but the push-pull between Matt’s life above ground and underground, and watching him trying to juggle while falling hard for Sofia and struggling to be open and honest and the man she deserves.
SIR.
I ordered a hunky morally grey ball of sweet vulnerability and violence.
And he delivered.
Sofia is equally capable and vulnerable, struggling with feelings she clearly can’t resist but also feels are wrong due to their working relationship and his age (don’t worry, zero ick there! It’s delicious.) I think most of us can relate to that hard fall for someone completely inappropriate yet utterly irresistible.
It’s a slow burn start but when it heats up it’s 🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🌶️🌶️
It’s also a very original take on a Christmas Romance, that really captures the feeling a lot of people get in the run up to Christmas. When everything is festive and magical and you really want to feel all THAT but instead you’re kind of contemplative and cataloguing all the things missing in life. Sofia’s absolute defiance in the face of her Seasonal Affective Disorder is so wonderful. She just kind of leans into the gloomy and makes it her own thing. And the fact Matt just GETS it completely? SWOON.
These two are so different on the surface but as you’re reading from both POVs you can see they’re actually just two little peas in a pod. They’re so perfect for each other.
This whole novel is just such a vibe, I loved it and can’t wait for the next book. It is a little bit of a cliff hanger ending, but the next book (That Man) is out in June so not too long a wait!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, opinions are my own.
SIR.
I ordered a hunky morally grey ball of sweet vulnerability and violence.
And he delivered.
Sofia is equally capable and vulnerable, struggling with feelings she clearly can’t resist but also feels are wrong due to their working relationship and his age (don’t worry, zero ick there! It’s delicious.) I think most of us can relate to that hard fall for someone completely inappropriate yet utterly irresistible.
It’s a slow burn start but when it heats up it’s 🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🔥🔥🌶️🌶️
It’s also a very original take on a Christmas Romance, that really captures the feeling a lot of people get in the run up to Christmas. When everything is festive and magical and you really want to feel all THAT but instead you’re kind of contemplative and cataloguing all the things missing in life. Sofia’s absolute defiance in the face of her Seasonal Affective Disorder is so wonderful. She just kind of leans into the gloomy and makes it her own thing. And the fact Matt just GETS it completely? SWOON.
These two are so different on the surface but as you’re reading from both POVs you can see they’re actually just two little peas in a pod. They’re so perfect for each other.
This whole novel is just such a vibe, I loved it and can’t wait for the next book. It is a little bit of a cliff hanger ending, but the next book (That Man) is out in June so not too long a wait!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! The mix of cozy Christmas vibes with that little thread of darkness kept me hooked the whole way through. Sofia and Matt have such addictive chemistry, and seeing both of their POVs made the tension even better. It’s got mystery, secrets, and a moody winter setting that pulls you right in. A super fun, slightly dark holiday romance I couldn’t put down.
November 7, 2025
This is a spicy, suspense filled holiday romance. I wasn't expecting it to be so mysterious but I absolutely loved it and the mystery/suspense kept me hooked. I love Matt so much- he just an all around good time.
November 17, 2025
"I let go. Let myself feel it. Let her have me. All of me. And all I wanted was all of her. Safe. What? Yes. Safe. That was the feeling. She made me feel safe. I've never felt safe in my life."
If you are looking for a fresh take on age gap and workplace romance, look no further! It's not often we get to read about the FMC being older or the one in the position of power, but Sofia and Matt are perfect. Briar does such an amazing job at drawing you in and making you experience all of the emotions that the characters are feeling. From Sofia being cognizant of the power imbalance and her internal struggle while fighting her attraction to Matt, to Matt's personal demons and struggles. Everything was so relatable and just made you want to read more and not stop.
I just loved the atmosphere and the family that they all made. The closeness and nosiness made the sneaking around seem like high school and made me chuckle multiple times.
There were also multiple times where my heart hurt...for Sofia, for Matt, for Victoria, for Hugh.
If you love some mystery, found family, secret identities, workplace romances, he falls first...and hard....this is definitely a read for you! The need to find out everything Matt is hiding hooks you from the beginning and makes it super hard to put down.
If you are looking for a fresh take on age gap and workplace romance, look no further! It's not often we get to read about the FMC being older or the one in the position of power, but Sofia and Matt are perfect. Briar does such an amazing job at drawing you in and making you experience all of the emotions that the characters are feeling. From Sofia being cognizant of the power imbalance and her internal struggle while fighting her attraction to Matt, to Matt's personal demons and struggles. Everything was so relatable and just made you want to read more and not stop.
I just loved the atmosphere and the family that they all made. The closeness and nosiness made the sneaking around seem like high school and made me chuckle multiple times.
There were also multiple times where my heart hurt...for Sofia, for Matt, for Victoria, for Hugh.
If you love some mystery, found family, secret identities, workplace romances, he falls first...and hard....this is definitely a read for you! The need to find out everything Matt is hiding hooks you from the beginning and makes it super hard to put down.
November 23, 2025
This is the third book of the interconnected series of standalones The Cheshire set. Perfect for the holiday season, this romantic suspense is set at Christmas and will give you tons of banter filled dialogues, found family vibes and mystery 👀
Sofia is a dedicated farm manager working hard to build up a tea farm in the countryside of Delaware Grange. Meanwhile, Matt works in the fields as an assistant gamekeeper, but what no one knows that Matt has a hidden agenda that could jeopardise everything…. Sofia is struggling at the farm, with the deadline so close to Christmas… and that’s when Matt steps in to help.
As they work together, something begins to blossom between them. The plot is layered and intriguing with lots of mystery to keep you hooked! Sofia struggles with her desire for Matt because of the age gap, but it’s adorable to read how she can’t control her attraction… especially when he so obviously reciprocates them. I love a boy-obsessed! Matt also hesitates to continue with his shady side business, as he starts to feel like family at the farm. Found family trope together with holiday romance always gives me all the feels!❤️
Sofia is a dedicated farm manager working hard to build up a tea farm in the countryside of Delaware Grange. Meanwhile, Matt works in the fields as an assistant gamekeeper, but what no one knows that Matt has a hidden agenda that could jeopardise everything…. Sofia is struggling at the farm, with the deadline so close to Christmas… and that’s when Matt steps in to help.
As they work together, something begins to blossom between them. The plot is layered and intriguing with lots of mystery to keep you hooked! Sofia struggles with her desire for Matt because of the age gap, but it’s adorable to read how she can’t control her attraction… especially when he so obviously reciprocates them. I love a boy-obsessed! Matt also hesitates to continue with his shady side business, as he starts to feel like family at the farm. Found family trope together with holiday romance always gives me all the feels!❤️
November 6, 2025
A twisted Christmas romantic suspense you didn't know you needed.
The most unexpected Christmas romance that gave me the most fun original small town vibe with a fantastic mystery all tied up with a spicy delicious bow. It's twisted, full of suspense that kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat.
Matt and Sofia had some of the best banter making me laugh out loud and steaming hot spice that had me fanning myself.
Tropes:
Secret identity
Forbidden
Workplace
Slow-burn
Morally gray
He falls first
Spicy
Small town
Dual POV
Check TW
This is part of The Cheshire Set and can be read as a standalone through its recommendation to read in order. I personally haven't read the books in order and though spoilers from previous books were a given I was able to follow the story and characters without trouble. I love the town and its characters so much. If anything I'm eager to go back and read the previous books in the series now.
Thank you NetGalley and Briar Black for the opportunity to read this eARC.
The most unexpected Christmas romance that gave me the most fun original small town vibe with a fantastic mystery all tied up with a spicy delicious bow. It's twisted, full of suspense that kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat.
Matt and Sofia had some of the best banter making me laugh out loud and steaming hot spice that had me fanning myself.
Tropes:
Secret identity
Forbidden
Workplace
Slow-burn
Morally gray
He falls first
Spicy
Small town
Dual POV
Check TW
This is part of The Cheshire Set and can be read as a standalone through its recommendation to read in order. I personally haven't read the books in order and though spoilers from previous books were a given I was able to follow the story and characters without trouble. I love the town and its characters so much. If anything I'm eager to go back and read the previous books in the series now.
Thank you NetGalley and Briar Black for the opportunity to read this eARC.
November 18, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That Boy is in the latest title of Briar Black’s The Cheshire Set, and follows Matt and Sofia.
While That Boy is the start of Matty & Sofia’s story, it is worth noting that the author highly recommends you read Nightshade prior to That Boy to avoid potential spoilers for the other stories. It is also worth noting as a reader that this was the first title that I picked up, and I enjoyed it regardless.
There’s something about that boy, something that Sofia can neither put her finger on or keep her mind off of, despite her reservations about their differences both in age and otherwise.
Matty’s been keeping secrets, the very least of which being the mystery shrouded life he lived before finding his way to Delaware Grange— and more than that, is he’s GOOD at it, the secrets and the lies that accompany them.
They had each prepared for any number of scenarios to unfold during the winter ahead, but neither of them planned for the other.
Read this if you love:
Multi-POV
reverse age-gap
Secret identity
Workplace romance
Secret romance
Forbidden romance
Slow burn to scorching heat
He falls first
Secrets and lies
Hand necklace
Morally gray MMC
Jealous FMC
“My girl”
Cliffy ending
As stated earlier in this review, I have not read the previous titles in The Cheshire Set and still thoroughly enjoyed this, but knowing that they are interconnected, I will be going back at some point to read the others if only to gain some more perspective and knowledge about Delaware Grange and its inhabitants.
These two have had quite the journey already, and if that ending is anything to go by, we’ve only seen the very tip of that iceberg, and things are about to get exceedingly chilly in That Man.
Thank you so much to Briar Black & R&R Book Tours for the gifted digital ARC!
That Boy is in the latest title of Briar Black’s The Cheshire Set, and follows Matt and Sofia.
While That Boy is the start of Matty & Sofia’s story, it is worth noting that the author highly recommends you read Nightshade prior to That Boy to avoid potential spoilers for the other stories. It is also worth noting as a reader that this was the first title that I picked up, and I enjoyed it regardless.
There’s something about that boy, something that Sofia can neither put her finger on or keep her mind off of, despite her reservations about their differences both in age and otherwise.
Matty’s been keeping secrets, the very least of which being the mystery shrouded life he lived before finding his way to Delaware Grange— and more than that, is he’s GOOD at it, the secrets and the lies that accompany them.
They had each prepared for any number of scenarios to unfold during the winter ahead, but neither of them planned for the other.
Read this if you love:
Multi-POV
reverse age-gap
Secret identity
Workplace romance
Secret romance
Forbidden romance
Slow burn to scorching heat
He falls first
Secrets and lies
Hand necklace
Morally gray MMC
Jealous FMC
“My girl”
Cliffy ending
As stated earlier in this review, I have not read the previous titles in The Cheshire Set and still thoroughly enjoyed this, but knowing that they are interconnected, I will be going back at some point to read the others if only to gain some more perspective and knowledge about Delaware Grange and its inhabitants.
These two have had quite the journey already, and if that ending is anything to go by, we’ve only seen the very tip of that iceberg, and things are about to get exceedingly chilly in That Man.
Thank you so much to Briar Black & R&R Book Tours for the gifted digital ARC!
November 18, 2025
I LOVED this twisty romantic suspense with holiday vibes! I was so interested in getting more of Sofia and Matt after reading Nightshade and this over delivered in the best way!
On the surface Matt is just a simple guy fumbling his way through his work as a gamekeeper on the same property as Sofia’s tea farm. But underground his world is dark and there's a lot going on. I loved getting the dual POV to get both sides of their stories. It really built up the tension - of the plot and the sizzling slow burn between Sofia and Matt!
The Christmas theme is a little more subtle in this one and touches on that feeling that some get leading up to Christmas where everything is festive and you want to feel that magic but it's just out of reach.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense/ mystery with lots of heat and spice!🔥 I can't wait for the next book, That Man!!😍
On the surface Matt is just a simple guy fumbling his way through his work as a gamekeeper on the same property as Sofia’s tea farm. But underground his world is dark and there's a lot going on. I loved getting the dual POV to get both sides of their stories. It really built up the tension - of the plot and the sizzling slow burn between Sofia and Matt!
The Christmas theme is a little more subtle in this one and touches on that feeling that some get leading up to Christmas where everything is festive and you want to feel that magic but it's just out of reach.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense/ mystery with lots of heat and spice!🔥 I can't wait for the next book, That Man!!😍
November 21, 2025
That Boy by Briar Black is book number 3 in the Chesire Set by the author. The book is releasing today on Kindle and you need to check it out! This story centers around Matt and Sofia. I love a book with dual POV, we get to hear from Matt and Amy at the same time, which makes the story much more interesting. Matt wants Sofia in the worst possible way and she is not willing to fall for him yet. He is 21 year old and a gamekeeper at Sofia's tea farm. He is super intelligent and really cute, but he is dark and has his secrets. I love how dark he is and how much that affects Matt and Sofia's relationship. I love a slow burn romance and then a spicy conclusion! I mean this was a great romance and just in time for Christmas! It was a great read and you need to read the entire series, but you can read each as a standalone:)
November 21, 2025
This book hooked me from the very first chapter and didn’t let go. It’s sharp, emotional, and a little bit addictive in all the best ways.
The characters feel real and messy, the kind you want to shake and hug at the same time. The author captures tension, chemistry, and angst so well that every interaction feels loaded, and I found myself flying through the pages just to see how it would all play out.
I loved the balance of drama, vulnerability, and heat. There are plenty of intense moments, but also softer, quieter scenes that make you really care about the people at the heart of the story.
By the end, I was fully invested and wishing I had more time with them.
If you love emotional, slightly gritty romance with strong character dynamics and lots of feeling, That Boy is absolutely worth the read.
The characters feel real and messy, the kind you want to shake and hug at the same time. The author captures tension, chemistry, and angst so well that every interaction feels loaded, and I found myself flying through the pages just to see how it would all play out.
I loved the balance of drama, vulnerability, and heat. There are plenty of intense moments, but also softer, quieter scenes that make you really care about the people at the heart of the story.
By the end, I was fully invested and wishing I had more time with them.
If you love emotional, slightly gritty romance with strong character dynamics and lots of feeling, That Boy is absolutely worth the read.
November 8, 2025
Ohhh this one totally pulled me in from the start. it’s got that moody, wintery vibe that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and just sink into the story. There’s this quiet tension running underneath everything, and once Matt shows up, it’s game over. The slow burn? Painfully good. The chemistry? Off the charts. It’s that perfect mix of forbidden and inevitable that keeps you glued to the page.
What really got me, though, was how emotional it felt. There’s heat, yeah, but there’s also loneliness, hope, and that ache of wanting something you’re not sure you can have. The whole atmosphere just wraps around you cold outside, chaos inside, and somehow it all fits. By the end, I was torn between swooning and screaming because wow, the emotions hit hard.
What really got me, though, was how emotional it felt. There’s heat, yeah, but there’s also loneliness, hope, and that ache of wanting something you’re not sure you can have. The whole atmosphere just wraps around you cold outside, chaos inside, and somehow it all fits. By the end, I was torn between swooning and screaming because wow, the emotions hit hard.
November 17, 2025
“I’ll burn the whole world for you, Sofia. But only if you’ll dance with me in the flames. Only if you want it.”
I enjoyed the story and characters. I'm glad it turned out to be dual pov book because that made it so much better, we got understanding of Matt and Sophia's characters more deeply. It was sweet, bit dark, holiday romance with cozy vibes. It was spicy, sweet, mysterious with suspense.
In the beggining it was difficult to go through but eventually everything clicked. I loved the tension between them and that slow burn was sizzling. The chemistry was on fire. I also loved the emotional scenes,. It was emotional rollercoaster ride and overwhelming by the end.
I loved the book and I'll definitely recommend it for winters as cozy romance read.
I enjoyed the story and characters. I'm glad it turned out to be dual pov book because that made it so much better, we got understanding of Matt and Sophia's characters more deeply. It was sweet, bit dark, holiday romance with cozy vibes. It was spicy, sweet, mysterious with suspense.
In the beggining it was difficult to go through but eventually everything clicked. I loved the tension between them and that slow burn was sizzling. The chemistry was on fire. I also loved the emotional scenes,. It was emotional rollercoaster ride and overwhelming by the end.
I loved the book and I'll definitely recommend it for winters as cozy romance read.
November 21, 2025
This book definitely surprised me more than I thought it would! I definitely thought it was gonna be a cute holiday romance, but it is definitely much more than that. It is a holiday romance with dark suspense and spice! If that tickles your fancy this book is definitely for you!
Sophia our FMC is trying to learn how to trust and doesn’t fully know if she wants to let Matt in. Matt is a morally grey MMC who is so protective over Sophia. And when I say, the slow burn was definitely burning. I am not underestimating.
i’m not very big on holiday themed books, but I will say this book definitely earned the 4 stars for me.
Sophia our FMC is trying to learn how to trust and doesn’t fully know if she wants to let Matt in. Matt is a morally grey MMC who is so protective over Sophia. And when I say, the slow burn was definitely burning. I am not underestimating.
i’m not very big on holiday themed books, but I will say this book definitely earned the 4 stars for me.
November 21, 2025
Well, I didn’t see that coming!
I expected this to be your typical cozy winter romance, but there was a darker side to the story as well.
Facebook shows that Christmas isn’t just a magical wonderful time, but that people actually do struggle and it does bring to light some of those issues.
If you’re looking for a spicy holiday romance with a new take, I would definitely recommend picking up this book.
This book had me reading till late at night as I just needed more.
This book is part of an interconnected series which the author does recommend reading nightshade prior to this book to avoid potential spoilers. So I am now intrigued to go back and read her other books in this series.
I expected this to be your typical cozy winter romance, but there was a darker side to the story as well.
Facebook shows that Christmas isn’t just a magical wonderful time, but that people actually do struggle and it does bring to light some of those issues.
If you’re looking for a spicy holiday romance with a new take, I would definitely recommend picking up this book.
This book had me reading till late at night as I just needed more.
This book is part of an interconnected series which the author does recommend reading nightshade prior to this book to avoid potential spoilers. So I am now intrigued to go back and read her other books in this series.
November 21, 2025
Review:
That Boy turned out to be the perfect blend of holiday vibes, simmering tension, and unexpected mystery. I went in thinking it would be a cute Christmas romance, but it quickly shifted into a twisty, darker story that kept me turning the pages. I liked the dual POV, it helped me understand the thoughts and struggles of both Sofia and Matt. Their chemistry and banter had me smiling and swooning. If you enjoy romance with darker undertones, mystery, heat, and a holiday plot that keeps you guessing, this is such a fun pick. Check trigger warnings! It ends on a cliffhanger! 👀
Thank you to @briarblackbooks & @rrbooktours for the gifted copy of the book! All thoughts are my own.
That Boy turned out to be the perfect blend of holiday vibes, simmering tension, and unexpected mystery. I went in thinking it would be a cute Christmas romance, but it quickly shifted into a twisty, darker story that kept me turning the pages. I liked the dual POV, it helped me understand the thoughts and struggles of both Sofia and Matt. Their chemistry and banter had me smiling and swooning. If you enjoy romance with darker undertones, mystery, heat, and a holiday plot that keeps you guessing, this is such a fun pick. Check trigger warnings! It ends on a cliffhanger! 👀
Thank you to @briarblackbooks & @rrbooktours for the gifted copy of the book! All thoughts are my own.
November 3, 2025
NETGALLEY ARC Review
This book was chef's kiss! I could not put it down when i started reading it. This was the first Briar Black book that i have read and now i have to go back and read the rest of the series because if they are anything like this book then i am going to eat them up so fast. The Smut and plot were absolutely perfect! I will defiantly be rereading this book after i pick up the rest of the series! Plus it was my first book that i read for the holiday time and this will be a tough one to beat!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book!
This book was chef's kiss! I could not put it down when i started reading it. This was the first Briar Black book that i have read and now i have to go back and read the rest of the series because if they are anything like this book then i am going to eat them up so fast. The Smut and plot were absolutely perfect! I will defiantly be rereading this book after i pick up the rest of the series! Plus it was my first book that i read for the holiday time and this will be a tough one to beat!
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book!
November 17, 2025
This is the perfect transition book to get you into the holiday spirit. It’s not like every other Christmas themed book though. Oh no, it is filled with dark twists, suspenseful mystery, and complex relationships.
I loved the exploration into the loneliness and glumness that comes with the holiday season. Sofia and Matt get through “Gloamas” together and their relationship is SPICY
That Boy is technically a standalone but there are 2 books before this that have a bit of a back story. I love interconnected standalones so this was right up my alley!
This does end on a cliffhanger
I loved the exploration into the loneliness and glumness that comes with the holiday season. Sofia and Matt get through “Gloamas” together and their relationship is SPICY
That Boy is technically a standalone but there are 2 books before this that have a bit of a back story. I love interconnected standalones so this was right up my alley!
This does end on a cliffhanger
November 1, 2025
☆ℕ𝕖𝕥𝕘𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨☆
Briar Black has done it again! That Boy is messy, addictive and I could not put it down. The pacing had me inhaling chapters like caffeine and the emotional moments really hit home. I loved the chaos, the spice, and the way it balanced that heart-squeeze tenderness underneath all the smirk and snark.
Basically: I had a great time, lost a few brain cells to swooning, and would absolutely do it again.
Briar Black has done it again! That Boy is messy, addictive and I could not put it down. The pacing had me inhaling chapters like caffeine and the emotional moments really hit home. I loved the chaos, the spice, and the way it balanced that heart-squeeze tenderness underneath all the smirk and snark.
Basically: I had a great time, lost a few brain cells to swooning, and would absolutely do it again.
November 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was a cosy festive read mixed with a darker romance novel, which made for an interesting read. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great mix of characters plus plenty of spicy scenes. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
November 27, 2025
You need to pick this one up! Though I will say it’s a little emotional knowing what happens. That Boy is a prequel to Nightshade (book 2) you meet Matt and Sofia in that book. That Boy is their love story. And ugh it’ll have you on the edge of your seat. We love Briar Black books!
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November 16, 2025I really tried to get into this book, but just couldn’t. I don’t know if it was the dialogue, writing style, or characters, but I just wasn’t able to connect with any part of it. DNF at 21%
November 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the mystery behind this book! It really had you thinking and guessing until the very end. I can’t wait for book 4! The last 100 pages were so good I couldn’t put it down!
I really enjoyed the mystery behind this book! It really had you thinking and guessing until the very end. I can’t wait for book 4! The last 100 pages were so good I couldn’t put it down!
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