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Bowenites #1
Steeped in Secrets
Reading spicy books at work and getting caught by your boss’s – very attractive – ex-husband?
This happens to Zoey, who works at a quaint teashop in the small town of Bowen. She hasn’t dated anyone since her divorce. She’s grown to like her independence and, well, there’s nothing a toy or two can't fix. But things are about to get a whole lot spicier when she finds herself at the mercy of Richie, her boss’s ex-husband. Will she put her morals aside and let desire take the lead?
'Steeped in Secrets' is the first book in the series 'Bowenites' by author Ruby Dumalo. This series is generously sprinkled with spice, humor, hot men, and authentic heroines.
This happens to Zoey, who works at a quaint teashop in the small town of Bowen. She hasn’t dated anyone since her divorce. She’s grown to like her independence and, well, there’s nothing a toy or two can't fix. But things are about to get a whole lot spicier when she finds herself at the mercy of Richie, her boss’s ex-husband. Will she put her morals aside and let desire take the lead?
'Steeped in Secrets' is the first book in the series 'Bowenites' by author Ruby Dumalo. This series is generously sprinkled with spice, humor, hot men, and authentic heroines.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Dumalo
5 books11 followersRuby Dumalo (1993) is an amalgam of all the cool girls the author wants to be and gets to live through via books. No matter if she writes about a small town or a fantasy realm, her stories are always female-centered. With a generous sprinkle of spice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 13, 2025
*Currently reading, will come back for a review*
Only started this to say that this book went to the wrong crowd for reviews!
Since the mention of *Priest* I was HOOKED and knew this was a book I needed a physical copy of, and when I realized the MMC ALSO READS SMUT?? I was done.
I'm sure the girlies in the smutty club will approve.
*Will be back after I finish it*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review of Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo.
An unapologetically spicy, small-town romance that brews desire, defiance, and a dash of chaos, served hot.
I picked up Steeped in Secrets as an arc expecting cozy teashop vibes and maybe a flirtation or two. What I got was a full-bodied, emotionally charged romance that steeped me in longing, laughter, and a surprising amount of spice.
Zoey, our thirty-something fmc, is not your typical rom-com lead. She’s messy, magnetic, and fiercely independent, navigating post-divorce life with sass and self-awareness. Her job at a quaint Bowen teashop sets the stage, but the real drama brews when Richie, her boss’s ex-husband walks in and flips her world upside down. Their chemistry? Instant. Their dynamic? Deliciously complicated. Dumalo doesn’t shy away from the spice, but what makes it work is the emotional undercurrent: Zoey’s desire isn’t just physical, it’s tangled with vulnerability, defiance, and the aching need to be seen.
What I loved most was how Dumalo plays with tone. One moment you’re giggling over Zoey’s inner monologue (she’s got a wicked sense of humor), and the next you’re clutching your Kindle because the tension between her and Richie is unbearable in the best way. The writing is punchy, fast-paced, and unfiltered, like gossip over wine with your most unhinged friend. And while the plot occasionally veers into chaotic territory, it never loses its heart.
There’s a scene involving a spicy book, a workplace faux pas, and Richie’s unexpected arrival that had me wheezing. Dumalo knows how to weaponize awkwardness and turn it into foreplay. But beneath the steam and sass, there’s a story about reclaiming desire, rewriting your own narrative, and daring to want more,even when it’s messy.
If you’re looking for a perfectly polished romance, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you crave something raw, funny, and SPICY, with a fmc who owns her flaws and a love interest who’s equal parts temptation and trouble, Steeped in Secrets is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to text your best friend at 2 a.m. and scream, “YOU NEED TO READ THIS.”
I’m already impatient for Book 2. Dumalo’s voice is fresh, fearless, and exactly what the genre needs. More Bowenites, please. And more Zoey.
Only started this to say that this book went to the wrong crowd for reviews!
Since the mention of *Priest* I was HOOKED and knew this was a book I needed a physical copy of, and when I realized the MMC ALSO READS SMUT?? I was done.
I'm sure the girlies in the smutty club will approve.
*Will be back after I finish it*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review of Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo.
An unapologetically spicy, small-town romance that brews desire, defiance, and a dash of chaos, served hot.
I picked up Steeped in Secrets as an arc expecting cozy teashop vibes and maybe a flirtation or two. What I got was a full-bodied, emotionally charged romance that steeped me in longing, laughter, and a surprising amount of spice.
Zoey, our thirty-something fmc, is not your typical rom-com lead. She’s messy, magnetic, and fiercely independent, navigating post-divorce life with sass and self-awareness. Her job at a quaint Bowen teashop sets the stage, but the real drama brews when Richie, her boss’s ex-husband walks in and flips her world upside down. Their chemistry? Instant. Their dynamic? Deliciously complicated. Dumalo doesn’t shy away from the spice, but what makes it work is the emotional undercurrent: Zoey’s desire isn’t just physical, it’s tangled with vulnerability, defiance, and the aching need to be seen.
What I loved most was how Dumalo plays with tone. One moment you’re giggling over Zoey’s inner monologue (she’s got a wicked sense of humor), and the next you’re clutching your Kindle because the tension between her and Richie is unbearable in the best way. The writing is punchy, fast-paced, and unfiltered, like gossip over wine with your most unhinged friend. And while the plot occasionally veers into chaotic territory, it never loses its heart.
There’s a scene involving a spicy book, a workplace faux pas, and Richie’s unexpected arrival that had me wheezing. Dumalo knows how to weaponize awkwardness and turn it into foreplay. But beneath the steam and sass, there’s a story about reclaiming desire, rewriting your own narrative, and daring to want more,even when it’s messy.
If you’re looking for a perfectly polished romance, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you crave something raw, funny, and SPICY, with a fmc who owns her flaws and a love interest who’s equal parts temptation and trouble, Steeped in Secrets is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to text your best friend at 2 a.m. and scream, “YOU NEED TO READ THIS.”
I’m already impatient for Book 2. Dumalo’s voice is fresh, fearless, and exactly what the genre needs. More Bowenites, please. And more Zoey.
September 27, 2025
This book was such a fun, spicy read! The chemistry between the characters was intense, and the steamy scenes were written really well—but what really stood out to me was the funny undertone throughout. If you like your romance hot with a side of humor, this one’s a must-read!
September 17, 2025
Thank you to netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
1⭐ Unfortunately, I had some significant problems with this book. Simply put, reading it was very difficult. The writing style could be best described as “tell not show”, as it was just a big collection of statements and vague descriptors. I found myself asking “wait, is this AI?” multiple times.
Because of the bad writing, the characters do not make any sense, and so their relationships don’t either. There is no real understanding of their personalities or why they do what they do, so there is no real chemistry. For example, before telling us anything at all about Richie, besides that he is her boss’s ex-husband, she is saying things like:
okay...I have SO many questions- first of all, why? Why is he a heartbreaker and a red flag? How are you sure of it? What has he done to make you feel this way? If you don’t know him at all, then just…why? (also this is a direct quote, I did not make any typos typing that.)
I was asking myself “why???” every single paragraph, and it just lent to me skimming and not really caring about the characters or story at all. But I want to acknowledge that this is this author’s first book, and writing is hard. I haven’t even tried it, so I’m glad other people are strong enough to put art out into the world for public consumption. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this book, it just really wasn’t for me.
1⭐ Unfortunately, I had some significant problems with this book. Simply put, reading it was very difficult. The writing style could be best described as “tell not show”, as it was just a big collection of statements and vague descriptors. I found myself asking “wait, is this AI?” multiple times.
Because of the bad writing, the characters do not make any sense, and so their relationships don’t either. There is no real understanding of their personalities or why they do what they do, so there is no real chemistry. For example, before telling us anything at all about Richie, besides that he is her boss’s ex-husband, she is saying things like:
“He’s forbidden fruit and he’s a heartbreaker, I’m sure of it. He’s a walking red flag and I don’t need that kind of energy in my life. Not again. He has to stay away from me, which is hard, knowing he’s inside at the dining table I’m about to take place at. I should run away and call in sick. Yes, that’s the wise thing to do.”
okay...I have SO many questions- first of all, why? Why is he a heartbreaker and a red flag? How are you sure of it? What has he done to make you feel this way? If you don’t know him at all, then just…why? (also this is a direct quote, I did not make any typos typing that.)
I was asking myself “why???” every single paragraph, and it just lent to me skimming and not really caring about the characters or story at all. But I want to acknowledge that this is this author’s first book, and writing is hard. I haven’t even tried it, so I’m glad other people are strong enough to put art out into the world for public consumption. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this book, it just really wasn’t for me.
September 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#justiceforcass
#justiceforcass
September 4, 2025
This book had me chuckling more times than I can count, but I wasn’t ready for how spicy it would get. The heat level definitely caught me off guard!
What I really loved was Zoey’s journey. After leaving a marriage where she felt overlooked, she finally starts to embrace her independence. Her relationship with Richie is passionate and eye-opening, giving her experiences she never had with her ex. Even though she takes on a more submissive role with him, the story highlights something much deeper, how important it is to recognize your own self-worth and how that shapes every relationship.
Steeped in Secrets is a funny, steamy small-town romance that blends humor with real emotional growth. Zoey’s story is about more than romance, it’s about self-discovery, empowerment, and learning to step into a new chapter of life
What I really loved was Zoey’s journey. After leaving a marriage where she felt overlooked, she finally starts to embrace her independence. Her relationship with Richie is passionate and eye-opening, giving her experiences she never had with her ex. Even though she takes on a more submissive role with him, the story highlights something much deeper, how important it is to recognize your own self-worth and how that shapes every relationship.
Steeped in Secrets is a funny, steamy small-town romance that blends humor with real emotional growth. Zoey’s story is about more than romance, it’s about self-discovery, empowerment, and learning to step into a new chapter of life
September 24, 2025
Very Hard Read.
This book was very hard for me to read, be invested in, and frankly extremely difficult to finish. The structure of the book is poorly organized. The chapters are basically one massive paragraph, occasionally broken into two or three massive paragraphs if it’s a longer chapter. There is no clear separation between spoken dialogue and the inner dialogue. Furthermore, when it’s not labeled who is speaking it is very hard to discern who said what due to the layout structure.
The plot of the story is also hard to follow. The writing is choppy, inconsistent, and lacking depth for a majority of the book. Sometimes it feels as the story is heavy on the FMC trying to build a life after divorce and others is about her simply wanting to find sexual pleasure. There isn’t any fluidity to the story.
Specific details that are lacking or inconsistent:
•We don’t learn the FMCs name until chapter three!
•No description of what the FMC looks like. In chapter 21 she complains about someone else being white and privileged. Does that means she is black? She talks about her curls but lots of ethnicities have curls so that’s not helpful.
•Other than the MMC being described as having dark curly hair, being tall, and looking like a god we don’t know anything else.
•Boss/best friend is described as a blonde but again no descriptions to build imagery around.
•Chapter 22 she says her hangover is awful and she’s already slept for over 24hrs. But then in the same paragraph is talking to Maggie about the details of how she spent that New Year’s Eve last night and got up early. So which is it, the next day or over 24hrs?
•Chapter 29. Starts with saying her hands and feet are tied on the bed. He’s spanking her with a gag in her mouth. Says he removes the gag and starts to fuck her mouth. Then once he’s done it says she is wiping her mouth. How can you do that if your hands are tied?
•When they get to their weekend away it states she is placed on a leather chair where he starts to go down on her. Then once she finishes it says she collapses to her knees. So seated or standing?
The lack of attention to details around the BDSM aspects, honestly, was quite alarming. There are no trigger warnings at all and there absolutely should be.
My final thoughts in this book leaving me feeling very overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated.
I’ve never written anything and published it, so I admire the vulnerability and courage that it takes to do such a thing. While this book was not something I can recommend, I do acknowledge that others may love this. I believe better advertisement of this book from the cover to the blurb with appropriate trigger warnings would help deliver this to a targeted audience.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
This book was very hard for me to read, be invested in, and frankly extremely difficult to finish. The structure of the book is poorly organized. The chapters are basically one massive paragraph, occasionally broken into two or three massive paragraphs if it’s a longer chapter. There is no clear separation between spoken dialogue and the inner dialogue. Furthermore, when it’s not labeled who is speaking it is very hard to discern who said what due to the layout structure.
The plot of the story is also hard to follow. The writing is choppy, inconsistent, and lacking depth for a majority of the book. Sometimes it feels as the story is heavy on the FMC trying to build a life after divorce and others is about her simply wanting to find sexual pleasure. There isn’t any fluidity to the story.
Specific details that are lacking or inconsistent:
•We don’t learn the FMCs name until chapter three!
•No description of what the FMC looks like. In chapter 21 she complains about someone else being white and privileged. Does that means she is black? She talks about her curls but lots of ethnicities have curls so that’s not helpful.
•Other than the MMC being described as having dark curly hair, being tall, and looking like a god we don’t know anything else.
•Boss/best friend is described as a blonde but again no descriptions to build imagery around.
•Chapter 22 she says her hangover is awful and she’s already slept for over 24hrs. But then in the same paragraph is talking to Maggie about the details of how she spent that New Year’s Eve last night and got up early. So which is it, the next day or over 24hrs?
•Chapter 29. Starts with saying her hands and feet are tied on the bed. He’s spanking her with a gag in her mouth. Says he removes the gag and starts to fuck her mouth. Then once he’s done it says she is wiping her mouth. How can you do that if your hands are tied?
•When they get to their weekend away it states she is placed on a leather chair where he starts to go down on her. Then once she finishes it says she collapses to her knees. So seated or standing?
The lack of attention to details around the BDSM aspects, honestly, was quite alarming. There are no trigger warnings at all and there absolutely should be.
My final thoughts in this book leaving me feeling very overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated.
I’ve never written anything and published it, so I admire the vulnerability and courage that it takes to do such a thing. While this book was not something I can recommend, I do acknowledge that others may love this. I believe better advertisement of this book from the cover to the blurb with appropriate trigger warnings would help deliver this to a targeted audience.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2025
Steeped in Secrets is the first installment in Ruby Dumalo’s Bowenites series, which promises a mix of spice, humor, and down-to-earth heroines. The story follows Zoey, a small-town divorcée who works at a cozy teashop in Bowen. Comfortable in her independence, she hasn’t dated in years—finding other ways to satisfy herself. But things heat up when she’s caught reading something a little too steamy at work… by none other than Richie, her boss’s very attractive ex-husband. What begins as an awkward encounter soon turns into a question of whether Zoey will give in to temptation and let desire lead the way.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I made it past the halfway mark but couldn’t bring myself to finish. Beyond the spice—which often felt fortuitous and didn’t always make much sense—there wasn’t really much going on. Every chapter felt like a repetition of the one before, and without stronger plot or character development, I struggled to stay engaged. The setup had potential, but I never felt invested in Zoey and Richie’s story.
While I can see how fans of small-town romance and heavy steam might enjoy Dumalo’s style, I personally found it too repetitive and lacking in substance. For me, Steeped in Secrets turned out to be a cup of tea I couldn’t quite finish.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I made it past the halfway mark but couldn’t bring myself to finish. Beyond the spice—which often felt fortuitous and didn’t always make much sense—there wasn’t really much going on. Every chapter felt like a repetition of the one before, and without stronger plot or character development, I struggled to stay engaged. The setup had potential, but I never felt invested in Zoey and Richie’s story.
While I can see how fans of small-town romance and heavy steam might enjoy Dumalo’s style, I personally found it too repetitive and lacking in substance. For me, Steeped in Secrets turned out to be a cup of tea I couldn’t quite finish.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!
September 25, 2025
I hate to write a review like this but the book was a struggle to read and I had to force myself to finish it.
The chapters were written in a frustrating way and it was difficult to see who was speaking at times. There needed to be a lot more spacing to help the flow.
The story itself was not what I expected from the cover or synopsis and was quite a surprise. However, not a great one. I was almost in board at the beginning but by 17% in, I was annoyed.
I didn’t care for the characters at all. Zoey frustrated me to no end and I always found myself asking ‘why?!’ Almost every chapter had me asking myself that.
I also could not stand Ritchie. There was not one point in this story I liked him as a character.
Also, throwing in Cass was unexpected (somewhat welcome) but also somewhat frustrating (but welcome in finally helping Zoey see sense).
Again, I hate to write this and I wish I wasn’t. But this is an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
The chapters were written in a frustrating way and it was difficult to see who was speaking at times. There needed to be a lot more spacing to help the flow.
The story itself was not what I expected from the cover or synopsis and was quite a surprise. However, not a great one. I was almost in board at the beginning but by 17% in, I was annoyed.
I didn’t care for the characters at all. Zoey frustrated me to no end and I always found myself asking ‘why?!’ Almost every chapter had me asking myself that.
I also could not stand Ritchie. There was not one point in this story I liked him as a character.
Also, throwing in Cass was unexpected (somewhat welcome) but also somewhat frustrating (but welcome in finally helping Zoey see sense).
Again, I hate to write this and I wish I wasn’t. But this is an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
October 8, 2025
I’m conflicted on this one. I liked the characters. I liked the premise. The writing was a little ugh, redundant and repetitive. Some has the character coming off as a bitter Betty. How many times can we bash the mc’s parents in this short a book? Not saying she was wrong but if her parents were mentioned it was a bash.
The spice level was HIGHHHHHH but there’s a warning before the book even starts. I didn’t like how the author left the ending but knowing there’s a book 2 coming soon helped overlook that.
3.5 stars
The spice level was HIGHHHHHH but there’s a warning before the book even starts. I didn’t like how the author left the ending but knowing there’s a book 2 coming soon helped overlook that.
3.5 stars
September 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️���️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is definitely a more spice than plot kind of read.
It was a spicy read with darker spice due to the MMC and how he treated the FMC.
I did feel like it was kind of choppy in places, it would skip a few weeks of her life which I guess I kind of get since the MMC wasn’t around which was a shame.
For me it was hard to read during some bits, the infertility aspect and Zoey’s feelings towards herself especially near the end.
It was well written and has a good bit of humour throughout which was nice.
I loved Talithal and her friends, I wish we had more of them in the book as they were honestly the best bit of the storyline for me personally.
I wish the she got the ending she deserved but I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out and see how the story unfolds.
Thank you to Netgallery and the Publisher for this ARC
This is definitely a more spice than plot kind of read.
It was a spicy read with darker spice due to the MMC and how he treated the FMC.
I did feel like it was kind of choppy in places, it would skip a few weeks of her life which I guess I kind of get since the MMC wasn’t around which was a shame.
For me it was hard to read during some bits, the infertility aspect and Zoey’s feelings towards herself especially near the end.
It was well written and has a good bit of humour throughout which was nice.
I loved Talithal and her friends, I wish we had more of them in the book as they were honestly the best bit of the storyline for me personally.
I wish the she got the ending she deserved but I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out and see how the story unfolds.
Thank you to Netgallery and the Publisher for this ARC
September 5, 2025
This is a prime example of don't judge a book by its cutesy cover. I spent most of the book with my stomach all twisted up with the hopes that by the end I would be left with a shiny HEA moment, but that wasn't the case. This definitely took me for a ride that I wasn't prepared for. As this was an ARC, I didn't get a trigger warning and boy did I need one. I'm quite familiar with the dark romance genre, but nothing about the cover prepared me for the journey I was about to go on. I think the town and shop are amazing and a place that I would like to return to. I thought I would relate to the FMC due to my own infertility issues, but I honestly think I feel worse after her deep self destructive journey. There was loads of spice, but most of it left me with negative feelings. At times the degradation felt like it tilted a little too much towards the CNC side of things, which would have been a little easier to swallow if any sort of safe word had been discussed prior to the scenes. Overall there just felt like there were some pretty unhealthy behaviors being exhibited without the proper BDSM steps being demonstrated (aftercare included.) I hope in future books there will be more exploration of the FMC's desire for degradation but within a safer environment. As a reader, I would have not read this book had I read the trigger warnings and known what I would be encountering. With proper warning, I'm sure readers will find this town and these characters captivating and enjoy the journey the author takes them on. While I deeply desire to know if the FMC makes the choice to be with who I envision her with, I don't know that I will continue with the series for my own mental health. Spice 5/5
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
If you're a smut reader, trust me when I say you will truly love this!
The following book has concepts of
* forbidden love
* small town charm
* Gilmore girls POV but hotter
* smut level x1000
I enjoyed reading this book as it's not something I would typically read and something different. You'll be guaranteed shocking moments and mouth openers between the pages and moments captured in this storyline.
The following book has concepts of
* forbidden love
* small town charm
* Gilmore girls POV but hotter
* smut level x1000
I enjoyed reading this book as it's not something I would typically read and something different. You'll be guaranteed shocking moments and mouth openers between the pages and moments captured in this storyline.
September 9, 2025
i thought the plot was pretty interesting, but it was nothing like i expected. the pacing was pretty weird and the writing wasn’t my favorite, but the ending made up for it. #justiceforcass
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC read!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC read!
September 3, 2025
This was spicy!! 🌶️😍
Much more spicier than I have thought!
I really loved the writing style!! It had such an great undertone to it!
The main character was so cool! And the quirky side characters made the whole vibe in this small town spicy romance great! Definitely a good choice for a quick spicy read with a great FMC.
Only the MMC was a bit of a weirdo for me personally😂 that’s because I cringed in a lot of the scenes 👀
Thank you so much NetGalley for the Arc!
Much more spicier than I have thought!
I really loved the writing style!! It had such an great undertone to it!
The main character was so cool! And the quirky side characters made the whole vibe in this small town spicy romance great! Definitely a good choice for a quick spicy read with a great FMC.
Only the MMC was a bit of a weirdo for me personally😂 that’s because I cringed in a lot of the scenes 👀
Thank you so much NetGalley for the Arc!
October 1, 2025
Steeped in Secrets was a quick and engaging read that kept me hooked, even when I was rolling my eyes at some of the characters.
I really loved Talitha — she was definitely the highlight for me. Zoey, on the other hand, was harder to connect with. She talks about having strong morals, but I couldn’t get past the fact that she slept with her friend’s ex-husband. It just didn’t sit right. On top of that, she kept trying to label her relationship with Richie before there was much of one, which felt rushed and unrealistic.
Richie himself wasn’t a favourite. The whole Dom/edgy side of him came across more cringe than sexy, though I’ll admit the Cass and Richie scene was 🔥 and one of the standouts.
The ending frustrated me at first because it felt so abrupt — like the book cut off too soon. But since there’s going to be a sequel, it makes more sense and I’m curious to see how the story continues.
Overall, this was an easy read with good pacing, and even when I didn’t love the characters, I still wanted to keep going. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see where it goes.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
I really loved Talitha — she was definitely the highlight for me. Zoey, on the other hand, was harder to connect with. She talks about having strong morals, but I couldn’t get past the fact that she slept with her friend’s ex-husband. It just didn’t sit right. On top of that, she kept trying to label her relationship with Richie before there was much of one, which felt rushed and unrealistic.
Richie himself wasn’t a favourite. The whole Dom/edgy side of him came across more cringe than sexy, though I’ll admit the Cass and Richie scene was 🔥 and one of the standouts.
The ending frustrated me at first because it felt so abrupt — like the book cut off too soon. But since there’s going to be a sequel, it makes more sense and I’m curious to see how the story continues.
Overall, this was an easy read with good pacing, and even when I didn’t love the characters, I still wanted to keep going. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see where it goes.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!
September 15, 2025
Such a fun small town romance! Definitely falls into the smut category which I absolutely love. The writing style is witty and lighthearted and I found myself laughing out loud several times. I can’t wait for the next book because I’ll be reading that one for sure. 🌶️4/5
September 29, 2025
Thank you Ruby Dumalo ,Victory Editing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All information below is based off my own opinion of the book! I also like to keep my reviews short and simple as someone who looks at the short reviews before reading books. 💕⭐️
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Favorite characters: Cas of course
Review: This book was nastyyyyy….. I fear I loved every minute of this book and ate it up! I never knew what was coming next. Definitely for advanced smut readers not for the weak of heart. I definitely agree with some other reviewers that this went out to the some of the wrong crowd! I will definitely read the next book on spice level this is a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. So spicy! I will definitely read the next book in the series. This is a quick read with only 198 pages
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Favorite characters: Cas of course
Review: This book was nastyyyyy….. I fear I loved every minute of this book and ate it up! I never knew what was coming next. Definitely for advanced smut readers not for the weak of heart. I definitely agree with some other reviewers that this went out to the some of the wrong crowd! I will definitely read the next book on spice level this is a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. So spicy! I will definitely read the next book in the series. This is a quick read with only 198 pages
September 20, 2025
Recommend this book. Easy to read with a lot of humor.
September 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I went into Steeped in Secrets expecting a spicy small-town romance with plenty of tension, and in many regards it delivered. There are things I really enjoyed about the book, and things that held me back from loving it more.
What Worked
- Great chemistry & heat. The dynamic between Zoey and Richie is electric from the start. When Zoe gets caught reading spicy books at work by her boss’s ex-husband, the setup already promises trouble, and quite a lot of the steamy scenes follow through. For readers who like a romance with prominent lust/chemistry, this definitely satisfies.
- Entertaining humour. There’s a playful undertone throughout that lightens the tension and makes the characters likeable. Zoey’s internal monologue, her resistance to diving back into romance after her divorce, moments of awkwardness — these give the story some charm.
-Small-town setting is done well. The teashop, Bowen, the ex-husband boss situation – these are well drawn and evocative. It’s the kind of place that feels cozy but with emotional complications, which fits the mood of the story nicely.
What Didn’t Fully Carry Me
- Pacing issues. At times the plot drags. Some of the build-up feels like it stretches longer than necessary, especially in the middle, before the tension picks back up again. I found myself waiting a bit impatiently for things to move forward.
- Supporting characters insufficiently developed. A few of the secondary characters (friends, family) felt more like plot devices than real people. It would have helped if more of them had stronger backstories or more impact on Zoey’s decisions beyond simply reacting to her.
- Moral complexity under-utilised. The premise—Zoey’s divorce, her independence, the tension with her boss and ex-husband—is promising in terms of emotional depth. Yet sometimes the emotional stakes don’t quite match up to how high I felt they could’ve been raised. Moments that could have been more conflicted or poignant fall back into more conventional romance tropes.
Overall, Steeped in Secrets is a satisfying romance read for fans of spicy small-town setups. It won’t be groundbreaking, but it has enough heat, humour, and charm to entertain. If you’re in the mood for something steamy but not too intense emotionally, this is a good pick. But if you want depth, complexity, and truly immersive character arcs, this might leave you wanting a bit more.
I went into Steeped in Secrets expecting a spicy small-town romance with plenty of tension, and in many regards it delivered. There are things I really enjoyed about the book, and things that held me back from loving it more.
What Worked
- Great chemistry & heat. The dynamic between Zoey and Richie is electric from the start. When Zoe gets caught reading spicy books at work by her boss’s ex-husband, the setup already promises trouble, and quite a lot of the steamy scenes follow through. For readers who like a romance with prominent lust/chemistry, this definitely satisfies.
- Entertaining humour. There’s a playful undertone throughout that lightens the tension and makes the characters likeable. Zoey’s internal monologue, her resistance to diving back into romance after her divorce, moments of awkwardness — these give the story some charm.
-Small-town setting is done well. The teashop, Bowen, the ex-husband boss situation – these are well drawn and evocative. It’s the kind of place that feels cozy but with emotional complications, which fits the mood of the story nicely.
What Didn’t Fully Carry Me
- Pacing issues. At times the plot drags. Some of the build-up feels like it stretches longer than necessary, especially in the middle, before the tension picks back up again. I found myself waiting a bit impatiently for things to move forward.
- Supporting characters insufficiently developed. A few of the secondary characters (friends, family) felt more like plot devices than real people. It would have helped if more of them had stronger backstories or more impact on Zoey’s decisions beyond simply reacting to her.
- Moral complexity under-utilised. The premise—Zoey’s divorce, her independence, the tension with her boss and ex-husband—is promising in terms of emotional depth. Yet sometimes the emotional stakes don’t quite match up to how high I felt they could’ve been raised. Moments that could have been more conflicted or poignant fall back into more conventional romance tropes.
Overall, Steeped in Secrets is a satisfying romance read for fans of spicy small-town setups. It won’t be groundbreaking, but it has enough heat, humour, and charm to entertain. If you’re in the mood for something steamy but not too intense emotionally, this is a good pick. But if you want depth, complexity, and truly immersive character arcs, this might leave you wanting a bit more.
September 30, 2025
First off, a huge thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for letting me dive into this spicy little gem! 🫖✨
If you thought a quaint small-town teashop meant cozy vibes, think again. Enter Zoey: a freshly divorced, fiercely independent, hilariously chaotic woman who’s juggling life, sass, and a little too much curiosity. Then there’s Richie—her boss’s ex-husband—who walks in and turns her world upside down. The tension? Instant. The chemistry? Absolutely explosive. And the taboo sneaking around? Let’s just say it had me blushing, giggling, and clutching my Kindle like I’d just witnessed a scandal. 🙈🔥
Dumalo’s writing blends humor, spice, and real emotion in a way that had me laughing one moment and fanning myself the next. Zoey’s inner monologue is pure gold—sarcastic, messy, and endlessly relatable. And the scenarios… from workplace faux pas to forbidden flirtations, I found myself grinning like a mischievous teen who knows all the secrets.
Can we talk about Talitha, Zoey’s aunt? 😍 She’s everything I aspire to be—fun, bold, and utterly unapologetic. I’m convinced that when I’m her age, I want her life and energy. She’s the kind of character that makes you wish you had your own Talitha in real life to sprinkle chaos and fun wherever she goes.
That said, while the book delivered on humor, heat, and chaos, I would have loved a deeper dive into Zoey and Richie’s inner worlds. The banter and steamy encounters were irresistible, but I wanted to feel even more of their emotional beats and motivations. Still, the story kept me engaged, laughing, and turning pages like a fiend, even if I skimmed a little toward the end.
The spice is absolutely 5/5 stars 🔥, and the book overall gets 3/5 stars from me—fun, entertaining, and seriously naughty. If you love small-town romances, messy but lovable characters, and a little forbidden fun, this is a must-read.
In short: Steeped in Secrets is chaotic, naughty, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of heart. It’s a wild ride through desire, independence, and a little bit of mischief. You’ll be rooting for Zoey, cringing at the awkward moments, and secretly wishing you had an aunt like Talitha.
Thank you again to Victory Editing and NetGalley for letting me enjoy this spicy, messy, and utterly entertaining read! All opinions are my own.
If you thought a quaint small-town teashop meant cozy vibes, think again. Enter Zoey: a freshly divorced, fiercely independent, hilariously chaotic woman who’s juggling life, sass, and a little too much curiosity. Then there’s Richie—her boss’s ex-husband—who walks in and turns her world upside down. The tension? Instant. The chemistry? Absolutely explosive. And the taboo sneaking around? Let’s just say it had me blushing, giggling, and clutching my Kindle like I’d just witnessed a scandal. 🙈🔥
Dumalo’s writing blends humor, spice, and real emotion in a way that had me laughing one moment and fanning myself the next. Zoey’s inner monologue is pure gold—sarcastic, messy, and endlessly relatable. And the scenarios… from workplace faux pas to forbidden flirtations, I found myself grinning like a mischievous teen who knows all the secrets.
Can we talk about Talitha, Zoey’s aunt? 😍 She’s everything I aspire to be—fun, bold, and utterly unapologetic. I’m convinced that when I’m her age, I want her life and energy. She’s the kind of character that makes you wish you had your own Talitha in real life to sprinkle chaos and fun wherever she goes.
That said, while the book delivered on humor, heat, and chaos, I would have loved a deeper dive into Zoey and Richie’s inner worlds. The banter and steamy encounters were irresistible, but I wanted to feel even more of their emotional beats and motivations. Still, the story kept me engaged, laughing, and turning pages like a fiend, even if I skimmed a little toward the end.
The spice is absolutely 5/5 stars 🔥, and the book overall gets 3/5 stars from me—fun, entertaining, and seriously naughty. If you love small-town romances, messy but lovable characters, and a little forbidden fun, this is a must-read.
In short: Steeped in Secrets is chaotic, naughty, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of heart. It’s a wild ride through desire, independence, and a little bit of mischief. You’ll be rooting for Zoey, cringing at the awkward moments, and secretly wishing you had an aunt like Talitha.
Thank you again to Victory Editing and NetGalley for letting me enjoy this spicy, messy, and utterly entertaining read! All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2025
Zoey works in a teashop and she is close friends with the owner, Maggie and her daughter Keke. So close, they eat dinner together every week and occasionally Maggie’s ex-husband joins them for dinner. She has a small, quiet life.
This is a very cozy set up. The cover of the book is very cozy. This book is not cozy. The “forbidden” romance between Zoey and Ritchie felt very weird, especially as it veered into things like chaining Zoey to the couch. Maybe chain collars are cozy for some, but I was definitely surprised. I was under the impression that Dumalo was using BDSM concepts without understanding or describing the safety aspects. I felt like Ali Hazelwood’s Deep End did a better job showing d/s stuff and the communication that is important between the people participating.
Lastly, I have to mention that the writing in this book is not a strength. There is a lot of description but not in a good way and the sentences are quite simple in their structure. This is the opening of the book:
“Two years ago, my life turned upside down. I moved from the big city to a small town in the Northeast of the United States. It’s called Bowen and it’s where I have resided since. And thus, I gained a whole family; Maggie, the owner of the teashop, and her six-year-old daughter Keke. We have dinner every Friday night. Sometimes Maggie’s ex-husband Richie is there. Other times it’s the three of us. Which I prefer. It feels safer that way, even though I do understand that Keke needs to see her father. And he isn’t terrible to look at. Most men aren’t. It’s usually the opening-of-the-mouth part that makes them annoying. The same goes for Richie.”
The writing feels so choppy and disjointed–many of the sentences could have been combined, such as, “Other times it’s the three of us. Which I prefer.” It totally could have been, “Other times it’s the three of us, which I prefer.” I suppose this could be a stylistic preference however I’m unaccustomed to reading books with this writing style/voice.
Overall the book had promise, but failed to live up to its cozy appearances.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a very cozy set up. The cover of the book is very cozy. This book is not cozy. The “forbidden” romance between Zoey and Ritchie felt very weird, especially as it veered into things like chaining Zoey to the couch. Maybe chain collars are cozy for some, but I was definitely surprised. I was under the impression that Dumalo was using BDSM concepts without understanding or describing the safety aspects. I felt like Ali Hazelwood’s Deep End did a better job showing d/s stuff and the communication that is important between the people participating.
Lastly, I have to mention that the writing in this book is not a strength. There is a lot of description but not in a good way and the sentences are quite simple in their structure. This is the opening of the book:
“Two years ago, my life turned upside down. I moved from the big city to a small town in the Northeast of the United States. It’s called Bowen and it’s where I have resided since. And thus, I gained a whole family; Maggie, the owner of the teashop, and her six-year-old daughter Keke. We have dinner every Friday night. Sometimes Maggie’s ex-husband Richie is there. Other times it’s the three of us. Which I prefer. It feels safer that way, even though I do understand that Keke needs to see her father. And he isn’t terrible to look at. Most men aren’t. It’s usually the opening-of-the-mouth part that makes them annoying. The same goes for Richie.”
The writing feels so choppy and disjointed–many of the sentences could have been combined, such as, “Other times it’s the three of us. Which I prefer.” It totally could have been, “Other times it’s the three of us, which I prefer.” I suppose this could be a stylistic preference however I’m unaccustomed to reading books with this writing style/voice.
Overall the book had promise, but failed to live up to its cozy appearances.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 8, 2025
I’d seen a mix of reviews for Steeped in Secrets before I picked it up, but I still wanted to give it a fair shot. The concept intrigued me, and I always love discovering new indie authors. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t land for me. Right from the start, I noticed there wasn’t a list of trigger warnings—and there definitely should have been. Several scenes caught me off guard in ways that I think could have been avoided with a simple note for readers upfront.
Beyond that, the formatting made this book a tough one to stay engaged with. Nearly the entire story is written in long, unbroken paragraphs, and dialogue isn’t formatted traditionally. That made it difficult to track who was speaking or when conversations shifted. It pulled me out of the story repeatedly, which was disappointing because I wanted to focus on the characters and the world Ruby Dumalo was trying to build.
Speaking of characters, I struggled with the romantic dynamics. There are two love interests—Richie and Cass—and while both are distinct, I found myself rooting for Cass far more than the actual main love interest. Richie felt one-note to me, while Cass had the kind of warmth and intrigue that made me wish he had more page time. Their differences were clear, but the connection between the FMC and Richie never quite felt believable.
And while I don’t mind spice when it serves a story, the intimate scenes here often felt like they existed purely for the sake of being smut rather than adding depth or emotion. They broke the flow instead of enhancing the characters’ relationships, which left me detached instead of invested.
That said, I do think there’s potential here. The bones of the story are interesting, and with clearer formatting, stronger character development, and attention to content warnings, it could become something really enjoyable. As it stands, though, this one just wasn’t for me.
Beyond that, the formatting made this book a tough one to stay engaged with. Nearly the entire story is written in long, unbroken paragraphs, and dialogue isn’t formatted traditionally. That made it difficult to track who was speaking or when conversations shifted. It pulled me out of the story repeatedly, which was disappointing because I wanted to focus on the characters and the world Ruby Dumalo was trying to build.
Speaking of characters, I struggled with the romantic dynamics. There are two love interests—Richie and Cass—and while both are distinct, I found myself rooting for Cass far more than the actual main love interest. Richie felt one-note to me, while Cass had the kind of warmth and intrigue that made me wish he had more page time. Their differences were clear, but the connection between the FMC and Richie never quite felt believable.
And while I don’t mind spice when it serves a story, the intimate scenes here often felt like they existed purely for the sake of being smut rather than adding depth or emotion. They broke the flow instead of enhancing the characters’ relationships, which left me detached instead of invested.
That said, I do think there’s potential here. The bones of the story are interesting, and with clearer formatting, stronger character development, and attention to content warnings, it could become something really enjoyable. As it stands, though, this one just wasn’t for me.
October 2, 2025
✨ Spicy Contemporary Romance
☕ A teashop and a whole lot of messy drama
Thank you to Ruby Dumalo and NetGalley for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Zoey is happily single, working at a cosy teashop in the small town of Bowen, when an awkward encounter with her boss’s very attractive ex-husband sets off a chain of events she never saw coming. What starts as tension quickly spirals into something far spicier than she bargained for… but at what cost?
💭 My thoughts:
I’ll be honest - I really struggled with this one. The cute, cosy cover definitely doesn’t match the heavy and messy content inside. I DNF’d around 40% because I couldn’t connect with the characters at all.
🔹 Zoey, the FMC, frustrated me endlessly. Her choices didn’t make sense, she was a bad friend, and I couldn’t root for her.
🔹 Richie, the MMC, came across as creepy rather than swoony.
🔹 The pacing dragged, despite the book being short, and the writing style (long paragraphs, little spacing) made it harder to follow.
🔹 The story touches on some serious themes (fertility struggles, miscarriage, dubious consent, unsafe BDSM), but without any trigger warnings - which was jarring.
This could have been a good story about healing and moving forward, but it lacked the depth and care needed to make it work. Instead, it felt surface-level and rushed, with characters making questionable choices and dynamics that didn’t sit right with me.
Sadly, not one I’d recommend, and I don’t think it needed a sequel.
October 3, 2025
Book Review: Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo
⭐️⭐️ (2 out of 5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4 out of 5 chili peppers)
Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo has an intriguing premise and a plot that, on paper, could have been quite entertaining. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing style left a lot to be desired, and the ARC I received had almost no formatting - no paragraphs, no breaks, just huge walls of text - which made reading a challenge.
The main characters’ relationship was another sticking point. I found little chemistry between them, and the male main character simply wasn’t appealing. Apart from frequent mentions of his looks, there was little reason given for why anyone (including the heroine) would be drawn to him. Their interactions lacked depth, which made the romance less engaging, even though the story delivered some spicy moments.
Plot-wise, much of the tension felt forced. So many conflicts could have been resolved (or avoided entirely) if the protagonist had simply had an honest, adult conversation with her friend (who also happens to be the MMC’s ex). This kind of communication mishap is always frustrating, especially when it’s used as a primary source of drama.
If this hadn't been an ARC, I probably would have set it aside. While the book had some spicy scenes (earning it four chili peppers), the lack of strong character work and the frustrating plot devices made it a miss for me.
⭐️⭐️ (2 out of 5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4 out of 5 chili peppers)
Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo has an intriguing premise and a plot that, on paper, could have been quite entertaining. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing style left a lot to be desired, and the ARC I received had almost no formatting - no paragraphs, no breaks, just huge walls of text - which made reading a challenge.
The main characters’ relationship was another sticking point. I found little chemistry between them, and the male main character simply wasn’t appealing. Apart from frequent mentions of his looks, there was little reason given for why anyone (including the heroine) would be drawn to him. Their interactions lacked depth, which made the romance less engaging, even though the story delivered some spicy moments.
Plot-wise, much of the tension felt forced. So many conflicts could have been resolved (or avoided entirely) if the protagonist had simply had an honest, adult conversation with her friend (who also happens to be the MMC’s ex). This kind of communication mishap is always frustrating, especially when it’s used as a primary source of drama.
If this hadn't been an ARC, I probably would have set it aside. While the book had some spicy scenes (earning it four chili peppers), the lack of strong character work and the frustrating plot devices made it a miss for me.
January 2, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
First off thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This book had a lot of potential, but ultimately fell flat for me. While the premise sounded promising (small-town divorcée navigating life and love after reading steamy books at work) this story struggled to hold my attention.
The characters, especially Zoey, didn’t seem to grow much throughout the book, and the chemistry with Richie felt rushed. The plot was predictable and repetitive, with scenes that felt recycled, especially after the halfway mark. Despite the set-up offering something intriguing, I never felt fully invested in Zoey and Richie's journey. The writing didn’t help either. The pacing was slow and lacked depth, leaving me wishing for more character development and plot twists. The narrative felt like it jumped from one moment to the next with little emotional connection. The relationship dynamics between Zoey and Richie didn’t feel fleshed out, making it hard to feel invested in their romance. I honestly felt like it was AI by how poorly the chapters were organized and written. Super weird.
On the positive side, Dumalo does capture the small-town vibe well and the steamy moments were fun, but it wasn’t enough to save the overall reading experience for me. For fans of light, easy-going romance with some spice, it might work, but for someone looking for more substance or character depth it left me disappointed.
First off thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! This book had a lot of potential, but ultimately fell flat for me. While the premise sounded promising (small-town divorcée navigating life and love after reading steamy books at work) this story struggled to hold my attention.
The characters, especially Zoey, didn’t seem to grow much throughout the book, and the chemistry with Richie felt rushed. The plot was predictable and repetitive, with scenes that felt recycled, especially after the halfway mark. Despite the set-up offering something intriguing, I never felt fully invested in Zoey and Richie's journey. The writing didn’t help either. The pacing was slow and lacked depth, leaving me wishing for more character development and plot twists. The narrative felt like it jumped from one moment to the next with little emotional connection. The relationship dynamics between Zoey and Richie didn’t feel fleshed out, making it hard to feel invested in their romance. I honestly felt like it was AI by how poorly the chapters were organized and written. Super weird.
On the positive side, Dumalo does capture the small-town vibe well and the steamy moments were fun, but it wasn’t enough to save the overall reading experience for me. For fans of light, easy-going romance with some spice, it might work, but for someone looking for more substance or character depth it left me disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read in exchange for an honest review!
First, I would like to say this book came with no trigger warnings and it dealt with some pretty intense issues. Such as fertility issues and miscarriage not mentioned some pretty dubious consent in a few scenes. As well as sexual acts that may be triggering for some people.
With that said there were some problems with this book. This book has the bones of something that could be a good story of moving on and healing but lacks depth on all levels. The characters felt very surface level. We never really get a full explanation of what happened leading up to the FMC divorcing her husband, starting in a new place etc. we only get bits and pieces. She keeps talking how is weary of all men but why don’t know exactly why.
We never really go to in depth of why her friend’s ex-husband is the way he is. It just feels like bits and pieces of characters that just lead to increasingly violent sexual situations.
Because of the bad writing, the characters do not make any sense, and so their relationships don't either. There is no real understanding of their personalities or why they do what they do, so there is no real chemistry. For example, before telling us anything at all about Richie, besides that he is her boss's ex-husband,
I this book wasn’t for me. I need a bit more storyline.
First, I would like to say this book came with no trigger warnings and it dealt with some pretty intense issues. Such as fertility issues and miscarriage not mentioned some pretty dubious consent in a few scenes. As well as sexual acts that may be triggering for some people.
With that said there were some problems with this book. This book has the bones of something that could be a good story of moving on and healing but lacks depth on all levels. The characters felt very surface level. We never really get a full explanation of what happened leading up to the FMC divorcing her husband, starting in a new place etc. we only get bits and pieces. She keeps talking how is weary of all men but why don’t know exactly why.
We never really go to in depth of why her friend’s ex-husband is the way he is. It just feels like bits and pieces of characters that just lead to increasingly violent sexual situations.
Because of the bad writing, the characters do not make any sense, and so their relationships don't either. There is no real understanding of their personalities or why they do what they do, so there is no real chemistry. For example, before telling us anything at all about Richie, besides that he is her boss's ex-husband,
I this book wasn’t for me. I need a bit more storyline.
December 1, 2025
📚Steeped in Secrets
✍🏻Ruby Dunako
Blurb:
Reading spicy books at work and getting caught by your boss’s – very attractive – ex-husband?
This happens to Zoey, who works at a quaint teashop in the small town of Bowen. She hasn’t dated anyone since her divorce. She’s grown to like her independence and, well, there’s nothing a toy or two can't fix. But things are about to get a whole lot spicier when she finds herself at the mercy of Richie, her boss’s ex-husband. Will she put her morals aside and let desire take the lead?
'Steeped in Secrets' is the first book in the series 'Bowenites' by author Ruby Dumalo. This series is generously sprinkled with spice, humor, hot men, and authentic heroines.
My Thoughts"
A journey of self discovery after divorce - finding a place to land, true friends, found family - and for some, some erotic BDSM revelations, yep with her best friend's ex! No real spoiler since he caught her reading some spicy books and things naturally blossomed from there. Very heavy on the spice and our main character is rather low on self esteem and somewhat clueless, but that could apply to anyone.
Thanks NetGalley, and Author Ruby Dumalo for the advanced copy of "Steeped in Secrets" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RubyDumalo
#SteepedinSecrets
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
✍🏻Ruby Dunako
Blurb:
Reading spicy books at work and getting caught by your boss’s – very attractive – ex-husband?
This happens to Zoey, who works at a quaint teashop in the small town of Bowen. She hasn’t dated anyone since her divorce. She’s grown to like her independence and, well, there’s nothing a toy or two can't fix. But things are about to get a whole lot spicier when she finds herself at the mercy of Richie, her boss’s ex-husband. Will she put her morals aside and let desire take the lead?
'Steeped in Secrets' is the first book in the series 'Bowenites' by author Ruby Dumalo. This series is generously sprinkled with spice, humor, hot men, and authentic heroines.
My Thoughts"
A journey of self discovery after divorce - finding a place to land, true friends, found family - and for some, some erotic BDSM revelations, yep with her best friend's ex! No real spoiler since he caught her reading some spicy books and things naturally blossomed from there. Very heavy on the spice and our main character is rather low on self esteem and somewhat clueless, but that could apply to anyone.
Thanks NetGalley, and Author Ruby Dumalo for the advanced copy of "Steeped in Secrets" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RubyDumalo
#SteepedinSecrets
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
October 7, 2025
I will lead by saying I felt a little confused when reading this, as it read more like a beta read, or a book that hadn't went through a full editing process. Although that wasn't stated in the description, take with a grain of salt in case that is the issue.
I received this e-ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own. I tried to approach this read from a different perspective, as by the first page in, it was clear that this was not going to be a well-written, well-edited book. I tried to think of it more as a stream-of-consciousness erotica novel, but even given that grace, I think I am doing erotica a disservice. So much of erotica is really well written, and this really needs a very deep edit.
Specifically, there is not grammatical or basic structural edits. All chapters in this e-ARC are run-on typing (no separations for paragraphs, quotes between characters, etc) so it made for a very difficult reading experience. I couldn't decide if that's what made it feel so disjointed, or if the overall writing would have felt that way if the structure had been edited. We'll never know, as this is how I received it.
The characters were difficult to like or feel connected to, and overall, it was just a book I can't recommend without significant overhaul.
I received this e-ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own. I tried to approach this read from a different perspective, as by the first page in, it was clear that this was not going to be a well-written, well-edited book. I tried to think of it more as a stream-of-consciousness erotica novel, but even given that grace, I think I am doing erotica a disservice. So much of erotica is really well written, and this really needs a very deep edit.
Specifically, there is not grammatical or basic structural edits. All chapters in this e-ARC are run-on typing (no separations for paragraphs, quotes between characters, etc) so it made for a very difficult reading experience. I couldn't decide if that's what made it feel so disjointed, or if the overall writing would have felt that way if the structure had been edited. We'll never know, as this is how I received it.
The characters were difficult to like or feel connected to, and overall, it was just a book I can't recommend without significant overhaul.
October 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So this one was fun but also kind of all over the place for me. Steeped in Secrets definitely has the spice and humor as described on the blurb, and I liked the cozy small town teashop setting a lot. Zoey is a likable FMC, the kind of woman you can root for even when she’s making questionable choices. I appreciated that she’s comfortable with her independence and sexuality. It made her feel more real.
That said, the story moved a little too fast for my taste. The chemistry between Zoey and Richie was hot, but I didn’t always buy into the emotional connection. Some scenes felt more about the heat than about building their relationship, which made it hard to stay fully invested.
Still, it’s a quick, steamy read with a lighthearted tone and a bit of sass. If you’re in the mood for something flirty and fun without taking it too seriously, this one is definitely the book for you. I’ll probably check out the next book in the series just to see where the Bowen crew goes from here.
3.5 Stars!
#SteepedinSecrets, #RubyDumalo, #NetGalley, #SteamyBooks, #ARCReader
So this one was fun but also kind of all over the place for me. Steeped in Secrets definitely has the spice and humor as described on the blurb, and I liked the cozy small town teashop setting a lot. Zoey is a likable FMC, the kind of woman you can root for even when she’s making questionable choices. I appreciated that she’s comfortable with her independence and sexuality. It made her feel more real.
That said, the story moved a little too fast for my taste. The chemistry between Zoey and Richie was hot, but I didn’t always buy into the emotional connection. Some scenes felt more about the heat than about building their relationship, which made it hard to stay fully invested.
Still, it’s a quick, steamy read with a lighthearted tone and a bit of sass. If you’re in the mood for something flirty and fun without taking it too seriously, this one is definitely the book for you. I’ll probably check out the next book in the series just to see where the Bowen crew goes from here.
3.5 Stars!
#SteepedinSecrets, #RubyDumalo, #NetGalley, #SteamyBooks, #ARCReader
September 21, 2025
💭 What happens when attraction clouds judgment and self-discovery takes the scenic route?
🍵 Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo
⭐️⭐️ (2)
🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book follows Zoey, who works at a quaint tea shop in the small town of Bowen. One day, her boss’s ex-husband, Richie, catches her reading a smut book. After her own divorce, Zoey swore off relationships, but somehow she can’t shake her attraction to Richie—even though she knows she probably should.
I struggled with this one. Zoey’s inner thoughts often felt cringey to me, and I had a hard time connecting with her headspace. What frustrated me most was how she kept returning to Richie, even though she knew he wasn’t treating her right. The big, heavy paragraphs also made the pacing hard to get through, which didn’t help.
That said, I did appreciate the thread of self-reflection and self-empowerment running through the story. I just wish we’d seen Zoey’s growth and transformation earlier, with more time to really explore her breaking free from her old patterns.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
🍵 Steeped in Secrets by Ruby Dumalo
⭐️⭐️ (2)
🌶🌶🌶🌶
This book follows Zoey, who works at a quaint tea shop in the small town of Bowen. One day, her boss’s ex-husband, Richie, catches her reading a smut book. After her own divorce, Zoey swore off relationships, but somehow she can’t shake her attraction to Richie—even though she knows she probably should.
I struggled with this one. Zoey’s inner thoughts often felt cringey to me, and I had a hard time connecting with her headspace. What frustrated me most was how she kept returning to Richie, even though she knew he wasn’t treating her right. The big, heavy paragraphs also made the pacing hard to get through, which didn’t help.
That said, I did appreciate the thread of self-reflection and self-empowerment running through the story. I just wish we’d seen Zoey’s growth and transformation earlier, with more time to really explore her breaking free from her old patterns.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
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