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Read Me Slow
She writes fantasies. He turns fear into sound. Neither expected desire to be this loud.
Maya Brooks writes romance for a living but she keeps her own life strictly business. At forty-five, she’s single, and has no intention of mixing pleasure with work… until her narrators bail weeks before her hottest book’s release.
Enter Theo Ward. Horror podcaster. Her little brother’s best friend. And thirty-years-old.
He’s back in town and all grown up, with a voice that could ruin lives. When Theo offers to record a chapter “just as a favor,” Maya agrees with every intention of staying in control. But the moment they hit record, the chemistry in the booth becomes combustible.
As their secret sessions spiral into something much more physical, a viral audio clip turns Theo into the internet’s new obsession. Suddenly, he’s not just Maya’s narrator, he’s Scare Daddy, and the world wants more of him. But when fame comes with hungry eyes and loose lips—reputations crack, trust fractures, and Maya’s carefully built boundaries come crashing down.
Now she must protect her pride, or fight for the man who makes her feel truly heard?
A high-heat contemporary romance about intimacy, vulnerability, and what it really means to be seen—Read Me Slow is for anyone who’s ever been undone by a voice they couldn’t forget.
Maya Brooks writes romance for a living but she keeps her own life strictly business. At forty-five, she’s single, and has no intention of mixing pleasure with work… until her narrators bail weeks before her hottest book’s release.
Enter Theo Ward. Horror podcaster. Her little brother’s best friend. And thirty-years-old.
He’s back in town and all grown up, with a voice that could ruin lives. When Theo offers to record a chapter “just as a favor,” Maya agrees with every intention of staying in control. But the moment they hit record, the chemistry in the booth becomes combustible.
As their secret sessions spiral into something much more physical, a viral audio clip turns Theo into the internet’s new obsession. Suddenly, he’s not just Maya’s narrator, he’s Scare Daddy, and the world wants more of him. But when fame comes with hungry eyes and loose lips—reputations crack, trust fractures, and Maya’s carefully built boundaries come crashing down.
Now she must protect her pride, or fight for the man who makes her feel truly heard?
A high-heat contemporary romance about intimacy, vulnerability, and what it really means to be seen—Read Me Slow is for anyone who’s ever been undone by a voice they couldn’t forget.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
4 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Charish Reid
11 books458 followersWhen Charish Reid isn’t writing romance, she’s watching 1970’s disaster films, reading romance, and hastily preparing lectures for tomorrow’s class. She is a traveling chatterbox with ADHD who enjoys talking to new people in new places. In Bangkok, Charish saw a Thai royal princess in a shopping mall. In Helsinki, she karaoked Alanis Morissette. And in Galway, she found inspiration for her first novel. Charish currently lives in Sweden with her husband and teaches Rhetoric.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 30, 2026
This is my first read by Charish Reid and I was prompted to check it out by the enthusiastic reviews of two GR friends. Definitely a solid recommendation win. It’s an easy read, but feels deeper because it’s like you’re sitting right next to the characters and breathing with them in their scenes, they popped so hard off the page. I also loved Theo (H) and felt like the author nailed just the right balance of capable and vulnerable. Maya (h) actually felt slightly less mature to me, despite the age gap, however she was absorbed with her career and goals whereas Theo felt more attentive to the people around him, which appeals to me more and I think affected my perceptions of them. This was an engaging story.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced, however the h has been celibate for 5 years following the ending of her last serious relationship. A couple of vague references to the H’s past dating life. The h’s ex shows up on page but not in a way to cause drama between the main characters, he’s more used as a device to get them to talk more.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Reverse age gap (she’s 15 years older)
☆ Brother’s best friend (brother is protective of them both)
☆ MMC basically an adopted son of FMC’s parents
☆ He crushed on her for years
☆ Interracial romance
☆ Intimacy is at its core
☆ FMC is a romance author
☆ MMC is a horror podcaster
☆ She’s a lil messy and he’s very mature
☆ MMC is asked to be the male narrator for FMC’s new audiobook
☆ THE TENSION
☆ THE CHEMISTRY
☆ Reading spicy scenes in front of each other
☆ “Everything but” at first
☆ Relatable, real-feeling characters
☆ Fun side characters
☆ HFN ending
Theo has been present in Maya’s family since he and her brother were in middle school. Maya helped them move into their college dorm and Theo’s had a casual crush on her for years, though he hasn’t spent much time around her. Now he’s back in their hometown, spending time with her brother and her parents. Meanwhile, Maya’s hyper-focused on a new book release and just had her narrators cancel. Her assistant suggests a podcaster might be able to step up to help and reaches out before Maya realizes that the podcaster is actually Theo. Thus kicks off a working relationship between them developing into moments of shared intimacy and deep attraction (physical and mental).
As I said earlier, I was drawn more to Theo as a character. He felt more open and communicative of his thoughts and wants. Maya’s more wary because of a past toxic ex and her career focus. I’m also a big family person and Maya getting so lost in work that she’d forget to pay attention to family bugged me a little. I still enjoyed her and liked her a lot with Theo. The tension was like a live wire between them from the start. When they began acting on it, the spice between them was very hot, but the progression lost a bit of the magic, kind of like how the real work begins when you’re figuring out how a relationship actually functions. It is a spicy book between the scenes they’re reading and then what brews between them. Their dates were adorable and Theo introducing Maya to his interests was precious.
I do want to say that the writing style didn’t wholly work for me. I know it’s a me thing that my brain harps on writing. Theo calls Maya “darling” a couple times and “my dear” once before shifting to a different pet name I think and I disliked these both greatly. There were also a couple of minor typos at the time I read it that had me re-reading in a couple places, as well as just a couple of ways the story flowed feeling odd to me. I don’t want to search it out, but I thought the timeline wasn’t synced up right too. The writing’s well done overall, I was just taken out of the moment at times and that affected how I was feeling the characters.
The side characters of their families and friends were lovely and even though the brother does present as a slight obstacle, he’s not as bad as some brother’s best friend situations turn into. It’s more of a protective stance for both of them and he does actually talk it out. The bond between him and Theo was wonderful, as was the bond that Theo had with Maya’s parents. I also adored how they announced they were dating to their collective parents, it was great.
There is a tiny internal conflict that arises over announcing Theo as the narrator. He ends up defending romance in his usual horror space in a turn that continued to lend authenticity to these voices. This read was so genuine and the negative talk about romance in a couple places by judgmental men added to the realness of the story. The incident is a small bump and no third act breakup occurs. It’s a moment that highlights how tunnel visioned Maya can be though. I would classify the ending as HFN rather than HEA, I love you’s are exchanged and the epilogue is sweet. It just lacked some of that settled closure feel for my tastes. It’s still a happy couple bonding and growing their relationship so will satisfy many others.
Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced, however the h has been celibate for 5 years following the ending of her last serious relationship. A couple of vague references to the H’s past dating life. The h’s ex shows up on page but not in a way to cause drama between the main characters, he’s more used as a device to get them to talk more.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Reverse age gap (she’s 15 years older)
☆ Brother’s best friend (brother is protective of them both)
☆ MMC basically an adopted son of FMC’s parents
☆ He crushed on her for years
☆ Interracial romance
☆ Intimacy is at its core
☆ FMC is a romance author
☆ MMC is a horror podcaster
☆ She’s a lil messy and he’s very mature
☆ MMC is asked to be the male narrator for FMC’s new audiobook
☆ THE TENSION
☆ THE CHEMISTRY
☆ Reading spicy scenes in front of each other
☆ “Everything but” at first
☆ Relatable, real-feeling characters
☆ Fun side characters
☆ HFN ending
Theo has been present in Maya’s family since he and her brother were in middle school. Maya helped them move into their college dorm and Theo’s had a casual crush on her for years, though he hasn’t spent much time around her. Now he’s back in their hometown, spending time with her brother and her parents. Meanwhile, Maya’s hyper-focused on a new book release and just had her narrators cancel. Her assistant suggests a podcaster might be able to step up to help and reaches out before Maya realizes that the podcaster is actually Theo. Thus kicks off a working relationship between them developing into moments of shared intimacy and deep attraction (physical and mental).
As I said earlier, I was drawn more to Theo as a character. He felt more open and communicative of his thoughts and wants. Maya’s more wary because of a past toxic ex and her career focus. I’m also a big family person and Maya getting so lost in work that she’d forget to pay attention to family bugged me a little. I still enjoyed her and liked her a lot with Theo. The tension was like a live wire between them from the start. When they began acting on it, the spice between them was very hot, but the progression lost a bit of the magic, kind of like how the real work begins when you’re figuring out how a relationship actually functions. It is a spicy book between the scenes they’re reading and then what brews between them. Their dates were adorable and Theo introducing Maya to his interests was precious.
I do want to say that the writing style didn’t wholly work for me. I know it’s a me thing that my brain harps on writing. Theo calls Maya “darling” a couple times and “my dear” once before shifting to a different pet name I think and I disliked these both greatly. There were also a couple of minor typos at the time I read it that had me re-reading in a couple places, as well as just a couple of ways the story flowed feeling odd to me. I don’t want to search it out, but I thought the timeline wasn’t synced up right too. The writing’s well done overall, I was just taken out of the moment at times and that affected how I was feeling the characters.
The side characters of their families and friends were lovely and even though the brother does present as a slight obstacle, he’s not as bad as some brother’s best friend situations turn into. It’s more of a protective stance for both of them and he does actually talk it out. The bond between him and Theo was wonderful, as was the bond that Theo had with Maya’s parents. I also adored how they announced they were dating to their collective parents, it was great.
There is a tiny internal conflict that arises over announcing Theo as the narrator. He ends up defending romance in his usual horror space in a turn that continued to lend authenticity to these voices. This read was so genuine and the negative talk about romance in a couple places by judgmental men added to the realness of the story. The incident is a small bump and no third act breakup occurs. It’s a moment that highlights how tunnel visioned Maya can be though. I would classify the ending as HFN rather than HEA, I love you’s are exchanged and the epilogue is sweet. It just lacked some of that settled closure feel for my tastes. It’s still a happy couple bonding and growing their relationship so will satisfy many others.
January 6, 2026
5 stars
Premise: Maya is a romance author who needs a narrator stat, after her usual audiobook narrators bail on her. Enter Theo, her younger brother’s best friend, who is a horror podcaster and has always had a crush on Maya.
This was so good!!! I went in expecting a fun and spicy read, and it WAS hot 🥵, but there was also much heart.
I loved Maya. It’s rare for the FMC to be in her 40s, and something about Maya felt very real. She took no shit, was very focussed on her career, but still had vulnerabilities to softer her character. And even though Theo was younger, he had a maturity about him that was super attractive. He was 100% book boyfriend material, but in a way that didn’t feel too wish fulfilment. Their HEA was seriously heartwarming, I was basically melting into a puddle by the end. 😍
And, of course, the chemistry between these two was crackling. 🔥🔥🔥 I kind of felt like I listened to an audiobook, it was done so well.
Premise: Maya is a romance author who needs a narrator stat, after her usual audiobook narrators bail on her. Enter Theo, her younger brother’s best friend, who is a horror podcaster and has always had a crush on Maya.
This was so good!!! I went in expecting a fun and spicy read, and it WAS hot 🥵, but there was also much heart.
I loved Maya. It’s rare for the FMC to be in her 40s, and something about Maya felt very real. She took no shit, was very focussed on her career, but still had vulnerabilities to softer her character. And even though Theo was younger, he had a maturity about him that was super attractive. He was 100% book boyfriend material, but in a way that didn’t feel too wish fulfilment. Their HEA was seriously heartwarming, I was basically melting into a puddle by the end. 😍
And, of course, the chemistry between these two was crackling. 🔥🔥🔥 I kind of felt like I listened to an audiobook, it was done so well.
November 15, 2025
what a filthy delight. Romance author Maya Brooks reluctantly allows her assistant to find an alternative audiobook narrator when the duo who used to read her books are unavailable for her next release. To her absolute chagrin, the very sexy horror podcaster her assistance hires turns out to be her little brother's best friend. Her fifteen years younger little brother's best friend.
Teddy has grown up in all the best ways, and has the perfect narration style for her book. Determined to make the new partnership work, Maya discovers not only does she apparently get hot for Teddy's reading, but for him all around.
SO MUCH FUN. Tight, focused, sexy as heck. I loved it so much.
Teddy is a dreamboat too; I still wouldn't listen to his spooky stories (i'm a baby) but I'd be sorely tempted.
I cannot wait for this one to get the actual audiobook treatment, but for now it is SO worth reading with your eyes.
Teddy has grown up in all the best ways, and has the perfect narration style for her book. Determined to make the new partnership work, Maya discovers not only does she apparently get hot for Teddy's reading, but for him all around.
SO MUCH FUN. Tight, focused, sexy as heck. I loved it so much.
Teddy is a dreamboat too; I still wouldn't listen to his spooky stories (i'm a baby) but I'd be sorely tempted.
I cannot wait for this one to get the actual audiobook treatment, but for now it is SO worth reading with your eyes.
January 17, 2026
The tension in this book was exquisite torture. The pacing felt fast, but still unhurried. The relationship developed naturally and felt supported by real characters in their group.
✔️ Dual POVs (Theo x Maya)
✔️ Set in Chicago
✔️ Open-door contemporary romance (4/5 🌶️)
💔 Why they can’t be together: He’s her brother’s best friend
✔️ Tropes: Workplace romance; friends to lovers; age gap
✔️ Dual POVs (Theo x Maya)
✔️ Set in Chicago
✔️ Open-door contemporary romance (4/5 🌶️)
💔 Why they can’t be together: He’s her brother’s best friend
✔️ Tropes: Workplace romance; friends to lovers; age gap
February 17, 2026
No notes. Pretty much perfection.
Theo is 30. Maya is 45. And they actually act like grown adults. No third act break up, just conflict with rational conversation.
100% recommend if you're looking for a high heat, sweet romance with well written adults.
Theo is 30. Maya is 45. And they actually act like grown adults. No third act break up, just conflict with rational conversation.
100% recommend if you're looking for a high heat, sweet romance with well written adults.
November 6, 2025
3.5⭐️ no drama, no stress, just steamy feel-good romance 🩷
December 27, 2025
This was so good, soft and lovely and sweet, with a romance writer FMC falling for her younger brother’s best friend. He falls first and falls harder, having pined for her for years and it’s sexy and hot and no angst.
November 15, 2025
I had a great time reading Read Me Slow by Charish Reid, it had all the heat and fluff I needed.
I always love an age gap where the heroine is older. Here Theo’s also her younger brother’s best friend and they have to record a spicy audiobook together. He has a horror podcast and he’s quite successful too but has never been a narrator for a full lenght romance novel. I wish Scare Daddy was real and I could look him up on tiktok and the fact that he’s writing and performing a horror podcast makes this particularly delicious to read during this time of the year. I like how much of the story is from Theo’s POV, it was perfectly balanced - almost like it’s made to be an audiobook that I would love to listen to. In that sense it reminds me of Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan, which also had the MCs recording a romance audiobook.
The tension in this was delicious and I ate it up with a spoon. The push and pull while recording was a treat, so much romantic and sexual tension between those two. This was so good I had to stop reading sometimes just to bask in how good that chapter was, metaphorically clutching the book to my chest and smiling. Aside from how beautiful he is and from his sexy voice, Theo is also very intentional in the way he pursues Maya, he lets her know from the get go that what’s brewing between them is not casual, he plans dates, he’s just there for her.
I appreciate the burned out academic that finds comfort in romance books rep, as the heroine Maya dropped out her PhD and started writing romance novel and gets fairly successful as an indie author and in the process she breaks up with her long term booksnob PhD candidate boyfriend, to which I only have to say: so long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, goodbye! I dropped out of my PhD in literature like the heroine but for different reasons and like her I started again to love and enjoy literature when I started reading romance. That was almost 4 years ago but I’m very proud of the (many many) books I’ve read and the community I’ve found.
Thank you thank you to the author for this ARC and for this story. The opinions are entirely my own. Go get this book!
I always love an age gap where the heroine is older. Here Theo’s also her younger brother’s best friend and they have to record a spicy audiobook together. He has a horror podcast and he’s quite successful too but has never been a narrator for a full lenght romance novel. I wish Scare Daddy was real and I could look him up on tiktok and the fact that he’s writing and performing a horror podcast makes this particularly delicious to read during this time of the year. I like how much of the story is from Theo’s POV, it was perfectly balanced - almost like it’s made to be an audiobook that I would love to listen to. In that sense it reminds me of Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan, which also had the MCs recording a romance audiobook.
The tension in this was delicious and I ate it up with a spoon. The push and pull while recording was a treat, so much romantic and sexual tension between those two. This was so good I had to stop reading sometimes just to bask in how good that chapter was, metaphorically clutching the book to my chest and smiling. Aside from how beautiful he is and from his sexy voice, Theo is also very intentional in the way he pursues Maya, he lets her know from the get go that what’s brewing between them is not casual, he plans dates, he’s just there for her.
I appreciate the burned out academic that finds comfort in romance books rep, as the heroine Maya dropped out her PhD and started writing romance novel and gets fairly successful as an indie author and in the process she breaks up with her long term booksnob PhD candidate boyfriend, to which I only have to say: so long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, goodbye! I dropped out of my PhD in literature like the heroine but for different reasons and like her I started again to love and enjoy literature when I started reading romance. That was almost 4 years ago but I’m very proud of the (many many) books I’ve read and the community I’ve found.
Thank you thank you to the author for this ARC and for this story. The opinions are entirely my own. Go get this book!
October 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Oops. I did it again.
I pre-ordered Read Me Slow and then, as much as I tried resisting, signed up to read an ARC.
Charish Reid is an auto-buy author for me, so I have no regrets!
Read Me Slow introduces us to Maya and her younger brother's best friend Theo. Maya is a successful, driven romance indie author still reeling from a terrible relationship where her ex didn't take her writing career seriously. Theo is a recovering burned out tech guy who now runs a successful horror story-based podcast. Through some crossed wires, Maya, in desperate need of a narrator for the audiobook of her new release, reaches out to Theo to narrate it with her. The rest is high-heat history.
Reid embodies what I love the most about the romance genre with Read Me Slow. She took the age-gap, brother's best friend, and second chance tropes and put her own unique spin on them. I was left engaged, entertained, and gobbling this book up.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book!
Oops. I did it again.
I pre-ordered Read Me Slow and then, as much as I tried resisting, signed up to read an ARC.
Charish Reid is an auto-buy author for me, so I have no regrets!
Read Me Slow introduces us to Maya and her younger brother's best friend Theo. Maya is a successful, driven romance indie author still reeling from a terrible relationship where her ex didn't take her writing career seriously. Theo is a recovering burned out tech guy who now runs a successful horror story-based podcast. Through some crossed wires, Maya, in desperate need of a narrator for the audiobook of her new release, reaches out to Theo to narrate it with her. The rest is high-heat history.
Reid embodies what I love the most about the romance genre with Read Me Slow. She took the age-gap, brother's best friend, and second chance tropes and put her own unique spin on them. I was left engaged, entertained, and gobbling this book up.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book!
March 24, 2026
This romance was sexy and swoony. Did I have to suspend my disbelief? Yes I did. Was it worth it since I had a delightful time? Indeed.
This would be a great audiobook 😍.
This would be a great audiobook 😍.
October 13, 2025
This one’s for the audio lovers.
Charish Reid delivers yet again with another sweet and (super) spicy treat. I’m a sucker for the “he’s wanted her for years” trope, so I loved how Theo pined for Maya, but I also appreciated how their chemistry developed and grew along the way.
I had a couple of minor issues with the pacing, but overall this is a fun and worthwhile read. I always recommend Charish’s work.
*Thanks to the author for gifting me this eARC*
Charish Reid delivers yet again with another sweet and (super) spicy treat. I’m a sucker for the “he’s wanted her for years” trope, so I loved how Theo pined for Maya, but I also appreciated how their chemistry developed and grew along the way.
I had a couple of minor issues with the pacing, but overall this is a fun and worthwhile read. I always recommend Charish’s work.
*Thanks to the author for gifting me this eARC*
October 28, 2025
I’m going to read everything Charish Reid writes, and I’m going to like it because I like the way she writes. Read Me Slow is a lovely steamy short novel about a romance writer who needs a narrator and her younger brother’s best friend, a horror podcaster, who steps in to help.
Maya is doing well as a self publishing romance author. When her usual narrators announce that they are splitting up and won’t be recording her soon to be released book, Maya is in a jam. Her assistant reaches out to a horror podcaster, known to his fans as The Voice, who happens to be Theo, Maya’s brother’s longtime best friend. Theo is very happy to help out, especially since Maya will be narrating as well. Theo has been in love with Maya for years. My only complaint about Read Me Slow is that we don’t get to see Theo fall in love with Maya.
I do love a well done third act breakup, but I also love it when an author knows she doesn’t need one. It takes Theo a good chunk of the 255 pages he’s given to convince Maya that he’s relationship material. The tension between what they want and their concerns about how a relationship would impact their lives and shared circle makes a third act breakup unnecessary. The drama is in the way they work through her reticence to be in a relationship at all, their worry about her brother/his best friend’s reaction, and the complications that arise. I love a romance that lets the characters work through the kinds of anxieties and problems that occur in new relationships.
Read Me Slow explores the similarities between the romance and horror genres, uplifting both while acknowledging that romance is looked down on because it’s primarily written and read by women. It’s also, as intended, a soft break from the persistent horrors of reality. And it might unlock a new interest.
Maya is doing well as a self publishing romance author. When her usual narrators announce that they are splitting up and won’t be recording her soon to be released book, Maya is in a jam. Her assistant reaches out to a horror podcaster, known to his fans as The Voice, who happens to be Theo, Maya’s brother’s longtime best friend. Theo is very happy to help out, especially since Maya will be narrating as well. Theo has been in love with Maya for years. My only complaint about Read Me Slow is that we don’t get to see Theo fall in love with Maya.
I do love a well done third act breakup, but I also love it when an author knows she doesn’t need one. It takes Theo a good chunk of the 255 pages he’s given to convince Maya that he’s relationship material. The tension between what they want and their concerns about how a relationship would impact their lives and shared circle makes a third act breakup unnecessary. The drama is in the way they work through her reticence to be in a relationship at all, their worry about her brother/his best friend’s reaction, and the complications that arise. I love a romance that lets the characters work through the kinds of anxieties and problems that occur in new relationships.
Read Me Slow explores the similarities between the romance and horror genres, uplifting both while acknowledging that romance is looked down on because it’s primarily written and read by women. It’s also, as intended, a soft break from the persistent horrors of reality. And it might unlock a new interest.
October 6, 2025
"Consider me stretched, hydrated and respectfully feral"
I went into this not knowing what to expect based on the description and ended up devouring this book in 2 days. Maya is a romance author on a deadline. Her normal audiobook narrators ended up backing out last minute and now she needs to find a new narrator ASAP. Her best friend Simone ends up suggesting popular horror podcaster Theo Ward to be the voice of her book character Paul and Maya can voice Yvette. Maya and Theo actually have a little bit of history so Maya didn't think he would agree but Theo ends up being very interested because he gets to be in a room with Maya again.
Being someone who doesn't read contemporary often, let alone an age gap, I wholeheartedly admit I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Theo was incredibly caring and kind, patient and sexy. Maya was so nervous about the whole narration thing but he always made her feel comfortable and was a good coach on the vocal training. Maya couldn't help but fall for him. They both navigated their feelings well while having fun. I loved how Theo introduced Maya to the horror genre and Theo was a defender of romance. The chemistry between these two was delicious and there is one particular sound booth scene I'll remember for a while.
I loved all the side characters as well. They felt like the village you would want to have in your corner and every conversation was straight forward and mature. There is no angst and very little conflict but the story overall is fresh and different. I had the opportunity to receive an ARC for this and it was a great decision. Highly recommend if you're looking for your next great contemporary read.
I went into this not knowing what to expect based on the description and ended up devouring this book in 2 days. Maya is a romance author on a deadline. Her normal audiobook narrators ended up backing out last minute and now she needs to find a new narrator ASAP. Her best friend Simone ends up suggesting popular horror podcaster Theo Ward to be the voice of her book character Paul and Maya can voice Yvette. Maya and Theo actually have a little bit of history so Maya didn't think he would agree but Theo ends up being very interested because he gets to be in a room with Maya again.
Being someone who doesn't read contemporary often, let alone an age gap, I wholeheartedly admit I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Theo was incredibly caring and kind, patient and sexy. Maya was so nervous about the whole narration thing but he always made her feel comfortable and was a good coach on the vocal training. Maya couldn't help but fall for him. They both navigated their feelings well while having fun. I loved how Theo introduced Maya to the horror genre and Theo was a defender of romance. The chemistry between these two was delicious and there is one particular sound booth scene I'll remember for a while.
I loved all the side characters as well. They felt like the village you would want to have in your corner and every conversation was straight forward and mature. There is no angst and very little conflict but the story overall is fresh and different. I had the opportunity to receive an ARC for this and it was a great decision. Highly recommend if you're looking for your next great contemporary read.
October 28, 2025
Phenomenal storytelling and character creation as always. The characters and their dialogue feel so real. The book is a quick, easy, sexy read and the relationship developed well.
I will say that for me personally, the age gap was too much given the background created. I'm cool will a 45 year old and a 30 year old getting together. Anybody who knows me knows I love a noona romance. But coupling such a large age gap with her knowing him as a kid pushes things a little into the squick zone. Reid balances it well though, with the facts that:
1. the characters recognize the potential for yikes and
2. they haven't really seen each other in a solid decade and
3. they didn't actually spend much time together when he was a kid and she was an adult.
It all kind of tread the line in a way that let me enjoy the story of them as fully consenting adults without dwelling too much on the uncomfortable moments when they popped up. That might not be a problem for you, or it might be an issue you can't look past. Make wise choices for yourself.
But if you love a sexy romp spiced up with a little bit of spooky storytelling, I really recommend giving this a read.
Thank you to Charish Reid for giving me the opportunity to check out this ARC before the publishing date.
I will say that for me personally, the age gap was too much given the background created. I'm cool will a 45 year old and a 30 year old getting together. Anybody who knows me knows I love a noona romance. But coupling such a large age gap with her knowing him as a kid pushes things a little into the squick zone. Reid balances it well though, with the facts that:
1. the characters recognize the potential for yikes and
2. they haven't really seen each other in a solid decade and
3. they didn't actually spend much time together when he was a kid and she was an adult.
It all kind of tread the line in a way that let me enjoy the story of them as fully consenting adults without dwelling too much on the uncomfortable moments when they popped up. That might not be a problem for you, or it might be an issue you can't look past. Make wise choices for yourself.
But if you love a sexy romp spiced up with a little bit of spooky storytelling, I really recommend giving this a read.
Thank you to Charish Reid for giving me the opportunity to check out this ARC before the publishing date.
January 7, 2026
I enjoyed this book. (Possible spoilers ahead)
It was a romance with just the right amount of tension. There’s no smex until 85% but the tension and slow burn was worth the wait. I won’t say this book is groundbreaking, but it’s definitely an interesting read. Very low drama.
“Professionally? We’re fine. Personally? I think we both need to repent”
The h in this book is 45. She’s an Indie author. The narrators she always used quit, so she needed a new male voice. Her assistant had this idea to use a podcaster who did horror stories.
H is 30 and he’s a horror story podcaster. He’s also BFFs with h’s brother. He’s always had a crush on h. They have not seen each other in a long time. He agrees to be her voice.
WooBoy 🔥🔥 the tension starts when they have to read the smex parts of the book.
Naturally, since h is 15 years older, she has some doubts about entering a relationship with H.
I really liked how h’s brother found out about their relationship and he didn’t go all psycho over his sister’s smex life. I mean…he was weirded out by it, but he didn’t start punching H over it. They actually talked like adults.
Both MCs were likable and both acted their ages. There was no miscommunication
It was a romance with just the right amount of tension. There’s no smex until 85% but the tension and slow burn was worth the wait. I won’t say this book is groundbreaking, but it’s definitely an interesting read. Very low drama.
“Professionally? We’re fine. Personally? I think we both need to repent”
The h in this book is 45. She’s an Indie author. The narrators she always used quit, so she needed a new male voice. Her assistant had this idea to use a podcaster who did horror stories.
H is 30 and he’s a horror story podcaster. He’s also BFFs with h’s brother. He’s always had a crush on h. They have not seen each other in a long time. He agrees to be her voice.
WooBoy 🔥🔥 the tension starts when they have to read the smex parts of the book.
Naturally, since h is 15 years older, she has some doubts about entering a relationship with H.
I really liked how h’s brother found out about their relationship and he didn’t go all psycho over his sister’s smex life. I mean…he was weirded out by it, but he didn’t start punching H over it. They actually talked like adults.
Both MCs were likable and both acted their ages. There was no miscommunication
November 15, 2025
WHEW THIS IS A HOT ONE.
Look, when I pick up a Charish Reid, I know it's going to be spicy, and Read Me Slow did not disappoint.
Maya and Theo are scorchinggggg hot working on an audio book together. She's his best friend's much older sister and Theo's been crushing on her since he was a teen. Honestly, Theo was written so maturely (love it) that the age gap didn't feel like anything other than a number.
Balancing her career in romance and his in horror was great. I loved that they both worked in two creative fields that are historically "looked down on" and the ramifications of teaming up.
And I have to throw in...as someone who lived in Chicago for 11 years, I was living for all the references! I've been on that ghost tour twice! I know those restaurants! Made me want to revisit my days living there <3
Can't wait for another Charish Reid! Always an auto buy :)
Look, when I pick up a Charish Reid, I know it's going to be spicy, and Read Me Slow did not disappoint.
Maya and Theo are scorchinggggg hot working on an audio book together. She's his best friend's much older sister and Theo's been crushing on her since he was a teen. Honestly, Theo was written so maturely (love it) that the age gap didn't feel like anything other than a number.
Balancing her career in romance and his in horror was great. I loved that they both worked in two creative fields that are historically "looked down on" and the ramifications of teaming up.
And I have to throw in...as someone who lived in Chicago for 11 years, I was living for all the references! I've been on that ghost tour twice! I know those restaurants! Made me want to revisit my days living there <3
Can't wait for another Charish Reid! Always an auto buy :)
January 25, 2026
Oh my goddd adding this to my very tiny reread list… this was PERFECT and I was giddy and squirming the whole time. The characters are lovable, the story is super fun, the angst is perfectly toned down enough that it stays exciting and engaging without stressing me out, the sexual tension was probably the most palpable I’ve ever read in a book before, and overall every single aspect of this entire book was fantastic. Even the length was exactly what I needed for me to be caught unable to put down the book but also not completely throw everything off by doing so. 😅
Definitely filled with a lot of steam, but Teddy is such a precious angel that the way the book also burst at the seams with tenderness and love made it all come together as a definitely-5-star book.
I cannot wait to read it again but in the meantime, excited to explore a new author!!
Definitely filled with a lot of steam, but Teddy is such a precious angel that the way the book also burst at the seams with tenderness and love made it all come together as a definitely-5-star book.
I cannot wait to read it again but in the meantime, excited to explore a new author!!
January 29, 2026
So cozy!
This is the story of Maya Brooks and Theo Ward, two people that quite accidentally fell in love.
Listen, this story was EVERYTHING. It was cozy. It was funny. It was longing in every word. Let us all find our version of Theo because WHEW. It was giving Jon B in the 90s vibes.
And Maya! 😮💨😮💨😮💨 She is fierce and strong but also melty and soft for Theo. Except when it was mentioned, I forgot she is 15 years older than Theo. Their shared history closed the gap.
Low angst, high heat, great and powerful writing. 10/10, highly recommend.
This is the story of Maya Brooks and Theo Ward, two people that quite accidentally fell in love.
Listen, this story was EVERYTHING. It was cozy. It was funny. It was longing in every word. Let us all find our version of Theo because WHEW. It was giving Jon B in the 90s vibes.
And Maya! 😮💨😮💨😮💨 She is fierce and strong but also melty and soft for Theo. Except when it was mentioned, I forgot she is 15 years older than Theo. Their shared history closed the gap.
Low angst, high heat, great and powerful writing. 10/10, highly recommend.
October 11, 2025
4.5
Excellent, with lovely characters to root for! Takes the well-known themes of brother's best friend, May-September, workplace romance, and supports them richly and even poignantly. Sexy and steamy. And a peek inside podcast and indie romance author worlds. Maya and Theo reach a satisfying conclusion together. Will be recommending to my Romance book clubs! Author provided me an e-arc for review.
Excellent, with lovely characters to root for! Takes the well-known themes of brother's best friend, May-September, workplace romance, and supports them richly and even poignantly. Sexy and steamy. And a peek inside podcast and indie romance author worlds. Maya and Theo reach a satisfying conclusion together. Will be recommending to my Romance book clubs! Author provided me an e-arc for review.
December 4, 2025
This was incredibly sweet, and gave us so much yearning between two adults with sense in their heads, but who are also so down bad for each other.
He's her younger brother's best-friend.
She's writes high-heat romance.
He's a horror podcaster / narrator.
His voice melts her panties.
She hires him to duet narrate her upcoming release.
They can't keep their hands to themselves.
This was a smoking hot love letter to Romance! I loved it and very much recommend.
He's her younger brother's best-friend.
She's writes high-heat romance.
He's a horror podcaster / narrator.
His voice melts her panties.
She hires him to duet narrate her upcoming release.
They can't keep their hands to themselves.
This was a smoking hot love letter to Romance! I loved it and very much recommend.
January 22, 2026
Oh my days… this was hot AF!! I’m a huge fan of Charish’s. She knows how to write funny, compelling characters with a lot of heart and spicy scenes to make your heart rate go up. This books was so joyful, and the chemistry between Theo and Maya was scorching! I don’t typically listen to audio books because my attention wanders, but oh, man this book may just make me a convert. If you’re looking for a spicy, low angst romance with a dirty talking hero, make sure to check this one out!
Read
January 18, 2026My limit was sky
words take me far
nt horror or terror dream
inside me power cant stop
read me slwly
futur wait at door
seam my road words exited
sound of words take me to star
yr love take me to another galxy
near the flower dream
read me slowle
birds with many color cover my sky
am i open book
nothing betwen line
exit of love
search crossword that we creat
read me slowle
words take me far
nt horror or terror dream
inside me power cant stop
read me slwly
futur wait at door
seam my road words exited
sound of words take me to star
yr love take me to another galxy
near the flower dream
read me slowle
birds with many color cover my sky
am i open book
nothing betwen line
exit of love
search crossword that we creat
read me slowle
October 10, 2025
With loveable, fully developed characters and chemistry that SIZZLES, Charish Reid has done it again!
Theo is officially a new book boyfriend of mine! And Maya is a beautiful, relatable romance author who will do anything to get her book done.
Theo is officially a new book boyfriend of mine! And Maya is a beautiful, relatable romance author who will do anything to get her book done.
December 22, 2025
Dug it
This was a smooth read for me. Being able to relate to a lot of it probably helped. Plenty of funny moments, plenty of heat. I admit I wasn't always the biggest Maya fan but she grew on me. Enjoyed it. :)
This was a smooth read for me. Being able to relate to a lot of it probably helped. Plenty of funny moments, plenty of heat. I admit I wasn't always the biggest Maya fan but she grew on me. Enjoyed it. :)
January 6, 2026
New to me author and I gotta say I was impressed. Loved this story!
This had lots of stuff you don’t see everyday in romance like a 45 year old FMC Maya a romance author who is left in the lurch by her audio narrators right before her newest book release.
In comes Theo an upcoming horror podcast creator and narrator with the voice to save her project.
The kicker is she knows him already. Grew up with him actually sorta because Theo is her much younger brothers best friend. 15 years younger. She helped Theo and her brother move into their college dorms years ago.
Well anyways he’s always had a crush on her that manifests in real admiration and respect and he’s gonna shoot his shot because they are going to record her hot ass book together!
Honestly it’s pretty fking sexy and really interesting what creative people get up to when they agree to do “everything but”
This was so good! A great read with amazing chemistry, on point banter and really fun writing. Also everyone acts like normal age appropriate adults which I appreciate. Highly recommend and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
This had lots of stuff you don’t see everyday in romance like a 45 year old FMC Maya a romance author who is left in the lurch by her audio narrators right before her newest book release.
In comes Theo an upcoming horror podcast creator and narrator with the voice to save her project.
The kicker is she knows him already. Grew up with him actually sorta because Theo is her much younger brothers best friend. 15 years younger. She helped Theo and her brother move into their college dorms years ago.
Well anyways he’s always had a crush on her that manifests in real admiration and respect and he’s gonna shoot his shot because they are going to record her hot ass book together!
Honestly it’s pretty fking sexy and really interesting what creative people get up to when they agree to do “everything but”
This was so good! A great read with amazing chemistry, on point banter and really fun writing. Also everyone acts like normal age appropriate adults which I appreciate. Highly recommend and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
February 17, 2026
Found this on Jessica Pryde’s Book Riot list 16 of the Best New Romances by Black Authors. So so good. No notes. Gonna read the rest of Charish Reid’s books for sure. Annnnd, gonna check out the rest of that list.
October 5, 2025
This book is everything. I will post a longer review closer to release date but listen?!! I loved this!
November 23, 2025
Conflict free and no complaints
February 16, 2026
What a great, quick read. Plot was concise and spicy. Getting this in audio format would be extra meta.
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