Hot Tea & Bird Calls

Kissing At Work #2

by Evie Marque

A staged romance, tea breaks, and a summer full of surprises.

Celene Vale didn’t plan to leave her curated Manhattan life for her family’s tacky old summer house. Renovations, a new façade—tangible fixes, even if she’s not handy. Once it’s sold, it’ll be out of her hair, and she can move on to what actually serves her. If only her family could be updated along with it.

Skye Florentine isn’t a stranger to letting her head drift into the clouds. Nature and managing a local art shop usually keep her grounded, but she’s restless for more. A chance encounter throws Celene into her world, and suddenly, even her daydreams can’t compete.

Can fake dating bring peace? Or will the boundaries blur beyond repair? Either way, neither of them is walking away unchanged.

Hot Tea & Bird Calls is a cozy third-person dual-POV contemporary lesbian romance with slow-building heat, teasing banter, summer vibes, and a touch of woo. Book #2 of the Kissing at Work series, but can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Queer, Lesbian, Contemporary

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

A lesbian romance writer with so many fictional women on the brain, only books can contain them.

If you want to read sapphic swooning, steam, and banter-y flirting follow me!

IG: @eviewritesbooks

Reviews

[Diane Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars!
............

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has just captured my heart. This is the second book in the Kissing at Work series, but it can totally be read as a stand alone. Evie Marque has created the small town vibe, a surprise second chance, the character growth, and some of the best intimate scenes I’ve read this year. This is going to be one of my top 5 reads of the year. Watching Celene and Skye each navigate their coming together was just ethereal and maybe a bit magical. the communication in and out of the bedroom was just top notch.

In my opinion this is the perfect combination of literary fiction and romance genre fiction. Evie is an incredibly deliberate writer and the character arcs she has created are just stunning. This book is a long haul, and that is intentional in the building of the small town atmosphere, the relationship, and the character growth. The writing is intelligent and sophisticated, while at the same time delivering on the dreamy romance.

Both Skye and Celene are introverts and navigating spaces where introversion is regarded as being cold and unfeeling or as being lost in the clouds. Celene is the only member of her family not in a relationship and they takes advantage of her, while at the same time viewing her with disdain. Celene is successful and strong but has never felt that a partner nor family has ever truly understood or appreciated her. Skye is a daydreamer and nature lover. She deeply loves her family but is a bit lost in finding her place in the world. Skye is wonderfully dorky and incredibly awkward and so amazingly sweet and sincere. The vibe and the communication between Skye and Celene is sublime. They both bring out the best in each other, but not in a cheesy way. It’s true growth between the two of them as a couple and individually.

As someone who took the awfulness of a certain traditionally published book as a personal affront (the name of that book rhymes with Clean on, Glanona Friley), this book is one of the ones that renews my faith in women loving women authors who create fantastic romances that make the world a little bit better.

[Veda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won’t lie, I was more happy I got my mojo kinda back. It took me 11 days to finish this book, usually takes me like 2 days. But the book review, it was a good book. Just like book 1, it’s a four star solid story, solid romance, solid spice. But I won’t lie, I don’t really like fake dating, and IMO this book wasn’t really a fake dating. It was more like the talking stage, but they didn’t wanna admit they were talking. Idk lol, but I mean, would recommend. Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC. Was an enjoyable book.

[Samiksha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, just like the last one I read by the author. The writing style is amazing and keeps you hooked from start to finish, and the plot is definitely a solid 10/10. With this book, Evie Marque has easily become one of my favorite authors.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything i love. Slowburn, soft love, and no third act break up!!

[Gia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Evie Marques' writing. And I feel so lucky to have had Celene and Skye be the story I read first. Being the eldest daughter myself, my bias is clear based on the book's opening line: Eldest daughters deserved compensation for keeping the world afloat. 👏🏾👏🏾

And truer words have never been spoken. The book drops readers in the middle of Celene's sister's wedding celebration weekend. Where she's helping the wedding planner rather than being a guest.

She isn't married and doesn't have any children. And Celene's professional and analytical so of course she's the person expected to step in and handle all the problems and challenges that her family and extended family face.

And I felt like I could personally feel the weight of their demands and expectations have increased her stress and unapproachable demeanor. Sent off to restore an old family vacation home likely to be gifted to anyone but her, fate has Celene cross paths with an old childhood friend on the side of the road.

Nature bound and free spirited Skye, like her namesake, is enamored by nature and animals. She helps her recently widowed grandmother with her sculpture business and keeps her company. But she's lost herself along the way. Celene coming back into her life is both amazing and terrifying because she's the girl Skye never forgot.

The slow love burn between Celene and Skye was funny, quirky, emotional and sweet. And really relatable. I've shoulder the burdens of the eldest daughter and lost myself in caring for family before. It's easy to be indifferent when there's a million things on your to-do list. And I can also be socially awkward and extremely introverted like Skye's character.

Living and helping her grandmother, Luce, Skye lives like she's stuck in time; trapped in an in-between of adolescence and adulthood. And since the death of her husband, her grandmother is set in her ways and while she loves, Luce prefers the routine of her home and work life. Unfortunately, this has Skye,scared to upset or disappoint her. And she hides big parts of herself from her grandmother and even her friends.

Skye and Celene together was like watching cracked marble pieces reuniting and the closer they got the stronger their pieces became. Even with the "fake dating" it always felt like they were their truest selves together. I loved how Skye drew confidence from Celene and how Celene found support and validation in Skye.

Having relationships in your 30s isn't easy and preventing family drama from affecting them makes it even harder. So consistent communication in fictional partnerships will always be top tier for me and these two had that from the beginning.

I would recommend Hot Tea & Bird Calls to readers that enjoy cute, silly and lovely endearing flirting with a dash of family drama. There's an easy, effortless way that Skye and Celene fall into each other's orbit that will have you smiling reading this book. You will definitely enjoy it.

[sapphicliteratureirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This author actually gave me my first ever ARC last November, so I was especially excited to dive into their second sapphic romance - the next book in the series (though it can be read as a stand-alone).

This sweet and sexy contemporary sapphic romance blends humour, heart, and heat (once the slow burn catches fire). Told through the dual perspectives of Celene and Skye, it follows their summer romance under the sun ☀️🌄

A chance meeting brings two childhood friends back together as women in their thirties. They’re opposites in many ways - the classic ice queen vs. the free spirit - yet share the same sense of being misunderstood. Celene, still carrying the scars of her broken engagement (covered in the first novel), has built her life around work and control. But beneath the icy exterior is warmth waiting to be revealed. Skye, meanwhile, is easygoing, nature-loving, and described by one character as a “Pennsylvanian forest nymph, weaving her spells on you.” 💫

With small-town, countryside vibes, a touch of forced proximity, and a fake-dating scheme, sparks naturally fly. Their banter is witty and fun, their chemistry undeniable.

At over 450 pages, this is a detailed and immersive narrative - a lot of depth and exploration in the story-telling. That space allows for developed characters, subplots, and relationships to shine. The romance balances wholesome cuteness (ice-cream dates, thoughtful gifts, summer strolls) with plenty of spice 🔥🌶! From tender, direct communication (“go slow”) to unflinchingly hot moments (“how do you want me? On my back or my stomach?”), the intimacy feels both steamy and genuine. Past the 60% mark, the story picks up a hot momentum.

✨ If you enjoy a well-developed romance with strong side characters, playful banter, a fake-dating twist, sexy spice, and a satisfying HEA, this is the novel for you. ❤️

[Britni MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

Watch out, avid trial watcher and definitely earned my JD from lawtube university - willing to argue with anyone that Evie Marque is the Queen of a new defined second chance romance. I said this about WS&HH and I will say it again now. Was there a romance before that’s being rekindled? No there was/is not. Do we have two souls separated by time, miles, memories both simultaneously misplaced and permanently etched in, missing pieces and a reunion we can feel down to our toes (even if one slinks down in the passenger side of her best friend’s ride)? Add my second favorite trope, fake dating?? YES. YES. YESSSS.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out this book was going to be about Celene, maybe I shouldn’t have been - regardless, such a great choice to continue this series with. I will always be a little bit in love with Quinn, but someone get over here and hold Ms. Celene Vale’s tea so she can show me how much more she actually deserved. Better yet, let’s sit and watch Skye show us everything Celene deserves instead.

I felt very connected to Celene…oldest sister left to handle things, black sheep of the family, introvert more comfortable by herself and with her books than surrounded by the outside noise and chaos, especially the chaos known as family. Misunderstood and under appreciated but utterly passionate and beautiful. Skye, with her head in the clouds and a huge golden heart on her sleeve, always leaving room for an insect or critter to share in her serenity. It was truly a marvel for me to experience these two show up for each other in the ways each of them needed, regular check ins, emotional maturity, patience and growth - flying heels over head in love.

Celene and Skye, beautiful twin flames. Magnetized as kids, magnetized as adults - the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich. There is some undeniably refreshing finding peace in someone else’s presence, especially as an introvert. I can’t really explain the level of comfortable I felt while one read and the other daydreamed.

Hurry over and pre-order this one, I did and I already can’t wait to re-read on release. Also, get out of here with the cover art?! Gorgeous! Don’t forget to check out Kissing at Work 1: Wolf Shirt & High Heels for Quinn and Ramona’s story!

All the thanks to the author for this early read. Can’t wait for this one to come out so that everyone can get lost foraging.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Wolf Shirt & High Heels and thus I looked forward to reading this book. This book started off great with this sentence “Eldest daughters deserved compensation for keeping the world afloat” so I went into the book with a very positive mindset, but I struggled with the writing in this book, I never really got to a point that I enjoyed the read. It could be me, I really hope so, since the actual story is interesting even if in my mind way too wordy and with too many characters involved so I got very confused.

Just like in the author’s previous book this one also starts off with a wedding where the MC Celene is helping when her younger sister Elise is getting married. The main take of that wedding is that Celene’s ex-fiancée Quinn and her new girlfriend are showing up. I loved to get another glimpse of them as a couple but of course a bit disturbing for Celene to see Quinn again, a Quinn so completely different from when they were together. The other thing coming out of this wedding is that Celene decides to take on the challenge to fix the Vales’ summer house in the Poconos.

Back in Poconos Celene meets nature girl Skye that really has her head in the clouds. They know each other from childhood and somehow, they end up fake dating and then the whole thing is evolving from that to a real relationship, and they may be the perfect match for each other, at least they have chemistry that is for sure clear.

I received a free ARC from the author, and I leave an honest review voluntarily.

[Nat E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book. This one bored me. I enjoy the author’s writing style and look forward to future books.

[Angel Beckford · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, it’s slow decline in entertainment factor as the book progressed. The characters themselves are pretty good. Skye is quite interesting and the setting in the town of Yielding I enjoyed as well as how they originally met. The “fake dating” and later, the stress of damaging Luce’s art; both storylines which im sure were mean to create some drama/ evoke emotions out of me that it just didn’t. So, from there, I just gradually stopped feeling like it was a page turning read. Especially in comparison to Quinn and Ramona who have really been living rent free in my mind the whole 2 weeks I was reading this one.

A shame really because I really did enjoy the writing style for book one but I don’t think there was as much opportunity for wit with these two.

[Dan Lasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ll be honest, when i first started hot tea & bird calls, i wasn’t sure if i was going to feel the chemistry between celene and skye. they’re just so, so, different. celene is the classic high-powered consultant: sharp, controlled, thriving in the corporate world, but carrying all the invisible weight that comes with being the eldest daughter in a family that expects too much. and then there’s skye, the free spirit — the kind of person who wears long sleeves to protect her critter friends and who forages for blueberries like it’s the most natural thing in the world. on paper, the contrast is massive. i caught myself wondering how evie marque was going to pull that off. but somehow, she did. and by the time i settled into their rhythm, the two of them together felt so unbelievably sweet and grounded that i couldn’t imagine it any other way.

one of the things that struck me the most was how carefully celene’s eldest daughter experience was written. i don’t think i’ve ever read a sapphic romance that captured that blend of responsibility, exhaustion, and constant misunderstanding so clearly. being the eldest child, especially an introverted one, comes with this quiet pressure to hold everything together while no one really sees you. and marque doesn’t make it melodramatic; the family drama isn’t explosive or high stakes but it’s just enough to add weight to celene’s story, to show us the cracks in her armor and why she moves through the world the way she does. honestly, that layer of the book might be my favorite part.

and then there’s the fake dating trope. except.. i don’t think i’d even call it fake dating here. maybe i’m projecting, but nothing about celene and skye ever felt fake. from the beginning, their interactions carried a kind of honesty that didn’t match the usual play-acting vibe of fake dating stories. the label doesn’t quite fit because their connection always felt real. messy and tentative at first, sure, but never false.

and then there’s the fake dating trope. except.. i don’t think i’d even call it fake dating here. maybe i’m projecting, but nothing about celene and skye ever felt fake. from the beginning, their interactions carried a kind of honesty that didn’t match the usual play-acting vibe of fake dating stories. the label doesn’t quite fit because their connection always felt real. messy and tentative at first, sure, but never false.

i also loved how much the setting mattered. the renovation of the summer house mirrored celene’s own internal renovation. peeling back old layers, repairing what had been neglected, deciding what to keep and what to finally let go of. the atmosphere is cozy without being too precious: cups of tea cooling on the counter, the sounds of birds outside, the sense of a home slowly coming back to life as its owner does the same.

but what truly won me over was the communication between celene and skye. for two people who could not be more different, they talked to each other in a way that made me swoon. it wasn’t always easy but it was honest. they understand the depth of how well they know each other, and they make choices with that in mind. they treated understanding as responsibility, not just romance, and that gave their relationship a kind of sturdiness that made me believe in them completely.

hot tea & bird calls is the definition of cozy for me. evie marque, you and your book are magnificent. thank you. 🩷

[JeanQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliance in Repose

So, in full transparency this will be a lengthy review, but there is a reason for that. When I happened upon the first book by this author, it was purely by accident. I was blown away by it, so much so that I ended up emailing her to tell her my thoughts and as a result was remiss in actually penning a review. Therefore, I will have to do a two in one as a result. First, I know that it says that this book can be read as a stand alone, and technically that is true. I however recommend reading the first book so that you truly get a sense of Celene and what ultimately haunts and fuels her. Evie Marque writes with the kind of wounded passion that stays with the reader well after the last chapter is read. There is a complex depth to her writing that stirs passion and elicits pain. Somewhere I suspect that she has lived and has repurposed her experience to make art which often results in a masterpiece. Hot Tea is very different from Wolf Shirt, though they share similarities. Ms. Marque is adept at character development, writing the story arc so intricately that the characters breathe, take on human form and become real to the reader. She writes with a courage often rare in this genre. I suspect most writers would fear to dredge the soul in the way she embarks upon. Her characters are flawed, greatly so in some cases and she fearlessly dives into that darkness, that flawed humanity that can be uncomfortable to stare a in the face. With doing so, she does not sacrifice sensuality or the raw sexuality we associate with the genre. She in fact excels here, igniting the kind of passion between characters that we dream of in our real lives. With all of that said, my deepest admiration lies in the diversity of characters she presents to us who are reflective of the world most of us inhabit. Here in Hot Tea, she centers the humanity of the characters, but does not shy away from their cultural backgrounds and the complexities therein. She weaves it together, a tapestry tied to things like sibling rivalry, introversion, marriage, sex and so many other complicated facets of life. She writes quirky well, harnessing the trauma many face coloring outside of the lines and makes heroes of these women. It would be easy I assume for Ms. Marque to write the trope, sell the sex, and move forward. I suspect she is not someone who opts for easy though and I write this review in the hopes that she will be rewarded not only for her obvious talent, but her unabashed bravery to write like the world is on fire,; all the while knocking down walls and blazing a new trail in WLW fiction. I for one will be waiting like I did on pins and needles for her next book, glad that I have the two already to keep me company when there is little to appease or satiate my thirst for great writing.

[En · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Tea and Bird Calls is a small town, slow-building romance between an austere consultant and an artist whose head is always in the clouds. I have not read Wolf Shirt & High Heels, but I can safely say that HT&BC is enjoyable as a standalone.

IMHO, the best way to start a scene is to throw me into the thick of action. HTBC does just that, throwing us right smack into the chaos of a wedding. Between running a wedding and running into her ex-fiancé, by the end of chapter 1, I can totally relate to how drained Celene felt. A fun start.

Celene is the eldest daughter in a loud, chaotic family. As an assertive individual who can't seem to fit in, she has devised ways to protect her peace. Though it ends up distancing those around her. A wise guy once told me; "Everyone's winging it in life, even our parents. The sooner you accept that fact, the easier you'll be on yourself." Celene's situation wrung up memories of that wise guy.

Skye is a free-spirited individual struggling to find her place in the world, while dealing with the grief of losing a loved one.

I liked that our pair of introverted misfits is in their late 30s - although they have come to accept the world around them, it was satisfying to watch them grow both individually and as a couple.

HT&BC is a long read, allowing the couple's relationship to build up slowly through the pages. Side characters were also given enough space to leave an impression - for example, I hated Celene's sister Elise initially, but came to accept her take on things towards the end.

This book packs a lot within its pages - there's reconnection between childhood friends, enjoyable banter, secrets, pining, snuggles, smooches, spice, and spades of family drama. The exploration of being a misfit within the family unit and community was commendable, too. Though there were parts of the book where the pace could have been faster, and I couldn't really wrap my head around the premise for the fake dating, either.

Overall, Hot Tea & Bird Calls is a delightful read that got me spending hours scouring for fruit tea infusion recipes. And while I have reservations about Quinn, I look forward to reading Wolf Shirt & High Heels soon.

If you like a steamy, slow build romance between two very different introverts who deserve to be seen, pick up this book.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC!

[Nim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a hot second to remember who Celene was. (It’s been awhile since I read the first book and hundreds of books in between, but now I remember.) You would think she’s stuck up and no nonsense, in a way yes, but she knows what she wants. Meeting Skye was fantastic. Head in the clouds character always fun in my book, artistic and animal lover.

Celene puts up with too much crap with her family. Oldest sibling left to handle things. My god, I wanted to slap them. Being single doesn’t mean being the one they go to for whatever reason needing something done. Being a consultant, yes take the reins and get shit done. But from family, I am going to want you to deal with your own shit thank you.

Skye, Nature Girl, needs the routine but she does get stretched thin and restless. Hell, I’d get lost in thought and not pay attention too. Screw people telling me to stay on task, let me do what I need to do to get things done. Hide your art until the right person comes along to help you be you, perfect.

I love that these two were friends in childhood and then lost touch, only for a meet cute in a way. I love how they both remember those days fondly, even if it wasn’t exactly how each other thought. Celene and Skye are what each other needs. The faking dating to real deal feelings. Finding your peace with just the presence of someone is one amazing thing. Just make sure you go together like peanut butter and jelly.

An amazing read of finding yourself, loving who you are, and finding that someone who brings you peace.

If you haven’t read Wolf Shirt & High Heels, read it to learn about Quinn and Ramona.

Thanks for the ARC read! I loved it!

[Charlie Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully romantic. Big fan of the ice queen and fake (but not) dating tropes, this book (the second in a connected, stand alone) was resplendent in connection, longing, lust, reconnection and romantic joy!

Celene (remember her of the abandoned fiancé of Quinn?!) is still lost after her ex finds connection with someone else. As much as she hates to miss it, they seem more suited than she and Quinn ever were. Needing some space, Celene drives to her dilapidated family summer home in small town, Yielding. Where she stumbles on someone she recognises. Enter Skye, an animal conversationalist, artist, stuck living with her grieving grandmother.

The two of them reconnect and concoct a fake dating scheme to get their respective families off their backs… I’ll leave it there. These two are so bloody marvellous. Ice vs the slow burn of a steady warming heat. They are both incredibly well developed.

This book was so lush in its texture, its imagery, its overall fucking cuteness without being twee. I loved every word. Every subtle connection established and grown by these two women was sublime. It felt so real and yet dreamy. And the spice, hold my glass because I was not READY to read this on the train… in public! 🙃🤣


A fan of Wolf Shirt and High Heels, I was awaiting this sequel with near desperation. It did not disappoint. I cherished this one, taking my time, allowing the words to seep in, marinate and percolate.

Everyone, read it! You’ll love it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Evie Marque’s books! I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about Celine before starting this one because of my loyalty to Quinn, but she turned out to be such a fantastic character. She’s fiery, confident, and commands a room, yet she also has a beautiful sensitivity that allows her to reconnect with Skye.

Skye and Celene are childhood friends who lost touch when Celene stopped visiting Yielding. When Celine returns (reluctantly) for a house renovation project, an adorable meet-cute moment brings them back together. The story unfolds with great character development, giving readers time to really connect with both women. I found myself invested in their life stories.

At over 700 pages, this “novella” feels like a full experience; you read many insights, memories, and meaningful interactions. Skye is absolutely dreamy, and I loved seeing how she and Celine rebuilt their bond. It’s a slow burn, but with plenty of spicy scenes.

If you haven’t read the first book, Wolf Shirt & High Heels, you definitely should, though you can also read this one as a stand-alone.

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another year, another amazing book by Evie Marque !!

I really like this book so i don't know what to say if not IT'S AMAZING, GO BUY IT!

This is the story of two introverts (you can imagine how juicy the slow burn is) who reconnect after years, we're talking more than two decades, of not seeing each other. Now if you want the blurb go read it, I'm gonna pass to the good part, the tropes. In this book you'll find:
- Childhood best friends to strangers to lovers
- Fake dating
- Small town
- Ice queen
- Attraction at first sight
- x2 pov
- Slow burn
- Opposites attract
- All queer friend group
- Lesbian x Lesbian
- No third act breakup
- Unique nicknames
- Flirting via text
- Phone sex
- Femme x Femme
plus the MCs are in thier mid thirties and are both Bipoc and vegetarian !! And don't get me started on the amazing flirting, top notch physical touches and cheff kiss chemistry 🤤( they really do fit together like peanut butter and jelly - sorry an inside joke, you'll have to read the book to get it)

Overall it's a:
4.5 ⭐- the only downside for me was the use of "tongue thrusting" for the kissing scenes (it's a me thing i don't really like descriptions like these)
3.5🔥- the scenes are few but only the first one lasted 3 chapters 🥵

CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE

TW:alcohol use - unhealthy family dynamics - mention of loss of a loved one - light homophobia

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celene is stuck helping out at her sister's wedding, and runs into her ex Quinn who seems totally happy and paired up. Restless, she decides to take off.

Skye Florentine meets Celene when Skye loses her car keys and needs rescuing. Its only after Celene leaves that Skye realizes this is the woman she knew back when they were kids.

Celene is in town to oversee fixing up the family summer home. Not on her own, she intends to hire contractors. She visits the mosaic sculpture store Skye runs for her grandma, and sees picture of projects Skye has done, and wants to buy one.

(Skye comes across as ADHD, tho it isn't actually stated.)

After they're seen together and gossip starts flying, Skye suggests they fake date. Celene is OK with that, as she's drawn to Skye and wants to see where it goes.

I hate to say, but like her last book this really drags. Its not badly written, exactly, but it doesn't leap off the page.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as Evie Marque announced this book I knew I needed to read it. Her first book was stunning, and it was one book that made writing a review difficult.

Words are hard… this is a romance, but it brought me to tears. I know, I cry a lot, even in romances, but this one snuck up on me. I was late to work because I couldn’t stop reading!

The characters are so real and they’ve experienced some real hurt, like all of us do. Their emotional connection is what makes this book so stunning! Is there spice? YES! Are there shenanigans? YES? But, the emotional connection is what kept me hooked. It gave me butterflies; it made me say “awww”, and it made me fan myself. It has it all!

[April Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5- I usually hate dual point of view in romance novels, but it worked here because the internal perspectives were different enough to warrant it. The “meet cute” was weird, which I can get behind. Decent spiciness. This is basically my catnip when you have banter as the drumbeat for an unconventional pairing.

My only complaint is that the grandma seemed a little over-the-top insensitive when it came to what was obviously coded-ADHD in one of the mains. Was no one in the universe wondering about patterns with missing keys?

[Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature girl and protector

I love long romance book. It's my favorite thing to immerse myself in two people in love.
This book is all about safety, art, nature, daydreaming and so much peace. Celene and Skye are so relatable. I'm mean I'm a reader, I love alone time, silence, daydreaming. It's seems like a love letter to us.

It's really is a lovely story like the first book in Kissing At Work. I'm definitely following the author now! Hope to read more of your beautiful stories! Totally recommend!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this authors first book and loved it! I did enjoy this new book but it started a bit slow for me. Later as the book got into the relationship dynamics of Skye and Celene I understood that the background information that made it a bit sluggish (for me)in the beginning was important to the story. What I love about this author is the variety of cultural experiences and viewpoints that are interwoven into her books. An enjoyable read with plenty of spice!

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the style and humor of Marque’s first book I knew she had become one of my instant “pre-order” authors. And this book cemented that status. Sweet, funny, sexy and soft. It was a tender journey bearing witness to Skye dismantling Celene’s walls and Celene helping Skye to find the courage to allow the world to see her talent.
Fictional or not my introverted self wanted to immediately move to Yielding and LIVE.

[Shannon Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homerun!

Just like Hank Aaron, Evie knocked her follow-up novel out of the ball park! This story while connected to Wolf Shirt, could be read independently, but why miss out on another masterful sapphic love story. These books are not only sweet but make you want to reflect inward. Hot Tea's teasing banter between the two MC's is clever and refreshing and will endeer them to you!

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very nice read. the FMCs are easy to like and i like how the author explains their past and how you can experience a taste of their very opposite family dinamics. also the spice is really great (I am now quite curious about the book series that skye reads 🫣)

[Rebecca MacAlister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

I like the way the author gave subtle hits to remind us of the characters' ethnicity. … … … …

[Olayode Oyebanke · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was really interesting to read. Full five stars.