Whipped: A Small Town, Grumpy-Sunshine, Spicy Rom-Com to Set Your Pulse Racing

by Sadie Aubry

Whipped cream, whipped up flirtations, and maybe even whipped... well, you'll see. A deliciously fun, steamy romantic comedy about a sassy baker and the broody mechanic whose after-hours secrets flip her world on its head.

Lottie Whitaker’s made a career out of being Hickory Falls’ good girl—pastor’s daughter, bakery darling, queen of the everything’s-fine smile, even when she got jilted mid-bouquet toss. But behind the frosting? She’s tired of sweet. She wants sparks.

Enter Cole gorgeous, grumpy, and allergic to small talk. He owns the garage on the edge of town, keeps to himself, and broods recreationally.

So when a late-night breakdown drops Lottie in his workshop, she’s expecting a busted fan belt and awkward silence. Instead, she stumbles on something very not small-town a secret basement stocked with leather, chains, and more paddles than a canoe club.


She should bolt. Whip up a batch of denial cookies and move on. But let’s be real— this beats the annual pie-eating contest by a mile. So she does the logical blackmail. Just enough to get a peek at what Cole’s really up to.

Suddenly, her once-predictable life is anything but. Her heart’s tangled, her head’s spinning, and Lottie’s falling hard—not just for the man behind the surly reputation, but for a version of herself she never thought she was allowed to be. But is Lottie willing to blow up her good-girl image for a love that feels terrifyingly, deliciously real?

Baking’s never been this hot.

❤️ Spicy🌶🌶🌶🌶
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️ Sassy heroine
❤️ Cinnamon roll hero
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
❤️ Cozy kink
❤️ Small town romance

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2025

About the author

Sadie Aubry is a Kansas City native who swapped Midwest sunsets for life in the charming French town of Annecy, where she shares daily adventures with her husband, two spirited kids, and one very mischievous cat. Surrounded by mountain views, endless wine, and a steady stream of inspiration, this former marketing grad now spins love stories brimming with spice, sass, and happily-ever-afters you can count on.

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of how this book is described with a "cozy kink" because it fifts so well!
This rom-com was such a cute read! It has a bit of Holiday feeling, banter and spice.

The chemistry between the maincharcters were perfect and the story was very adorable.
I thought this book would be cute - and it was, but it was also awesome!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. And a thanks to booksirens for the ARC

[Alex Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this after reading Love Uncovered and wow… Sadie Aubry might officially be one of my new go-to rom-com authors. I might even love Whipped more than her first book. That’s saying something because Love Uncovered was one of my favorite beach reads in ages.

I won’t go too much into the plot (because spoilers 👀), but basically Charlotte “Lottie” Whitaker owns a bakery called The Holland and Honey in the fictional town of Hickory Falls (somewhere in Michigan). She’s been through it—losing her mom when she was little, growing up in the fishbowl of small-town life as the pastor’s daughter, and then getting left at the altar. Basically, she’s been running on “good girl, keep the peace” mode for years. Now, though, she’s starting to feel the walls closing in… and she’s ready to stir things up.

Then there’s Cole Ashford, the new guy in town who runs the tow-truck service and garage. After a late-night breakdown, Lottie ends up at his place and accidentally discovers his side hustle: a BDSM dungeon for out-of-town execs. Though totally thrown at first, she seizes the moment (and a little leverage) to push him into showing her more—and that’s when things really heat up (I don't think that's giving too much away, after all it's in the blurb).

Lottie is a great FMC—funny, stubborn, vulnerable, and just so easy to root for. Cole is the perfect grumpy counterpart, with his own baggage that makes him more than just the broody mechanic. Their dynamic is pure grumpy-sunshine magic. The banter between them is so on point that I caught myself grinning at the page more than once. And it’s not just them—the supporting characters are wonderful too, adding warmth, comedy, and texture to the world of Hickory Falls (special shoutout to Lottie’s ex Adam. Ugh. Every rom-com needs a villain, and he’s the kind you love to hate).

It feels almost impossible to talk about a romance with BDSM elements without bringing up Fifty Shades of Grey (it’s been so long since I read it that I actually had to do a quick refresher). But let me be clear—Whipped is definitely not that. This story isn’t trying to be “Fifty Shades in a small town.” It’s its own fresh, and dare I say (controversial opinion incoming 👀) more interesting take.

For one thing, Lottie isn’t some wide-eyed ingénue being swept off her feet by an untouchable alpha billionaire. Cole’s a blue-collar mechanic, and Lottie holds her own from the start. That’s one of the things that made the story so fun to read. And while I’m no expert on BDSM, it’s clear the way Sadie handles it comes from a place of respect, not as a lazy shock-value plot device. In lesser hands, it could have felt gimmicky, but here it’s an integral part of the characters’ growth and their relationship.

Now let’s talk spice. 🔥 This book absolutely delivers, and then some. There are a few scenes in particular where I had to stop and reread because they were that good. It’s hard to explain, but some of the dungeon moments are adorable AND melt-your-Kindle hot at the same time. Like a mix of steamy and emotional—never just spice for the sake of it, but moments that actually deepen the connection between Lottie and Cole. 🌶️🔥 🥵

I also appreciated that Whipped gives you the laughs and the swoons, but also something a little more underneath. Yes, Lottie gets her man, but just as importantly, she learns to stand up for herself. Watching her shed her swallow-the-feels shell and finally own her voice honestly made the HEA land even harder.

The writing nails it—fun and bouncy when the banter’s flying, but with enough heart to really land the emotional beats. Bottom line: Whipped is laugh-out-loud funny, steamy, sure, but surprisingly heartfelt. If you like small-town rom-coms with spice, check this out.

[Thais · Rating 5 out of 5]

After weeks of reading hard sci-fi I was in the mood for something lighter, nothing better than my comfort read, a cosy romance! I'm a sucker for small town, grumpy sunshine romances and this fits the bill.


I had no idea this would have BDSM on it, I went in kind of blind after only glancing at the blurb (the keywords were calling for me and the cover is just too cute) but oh it was glorious.


I love how the author didn't just throw it in there and make Lottie one of those natural submissives and Cole a douche of a Dom, their chemistry is off the charts and also it shows it doesn't have to be sexual, a very refreshing and somewhat realistic depiction.


I really love it and don't let the word BDSM throw you off. Give it a chance I know you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it.

[Brie K Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lottie is a strong , and very likable main protagonist in my eyes which makes for a relatable read. She struggles between a good girl image and wanting to be more of an elaborate character.

Anyone who likes grumpy vs Sunshine or Friends to Lovers trope will love this book along with typical rom com romance love story with a hint of spice that I happened to enjoy.

the only con I could see is not everyones interests would be suited with this book due to kinks and such but other than that, the book its self was a really good read.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

beneath the surface

The kind of amusement described in this book might not be my cup of tea, but to each what feels good for them. Still I enjoyed the interaction between Cole and Charlotte very much and I´m looking forward to reading more books from this author.

[Amanda Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun! I loved the meet cute between Lottie and Cole. My favorite thing about this book is about how Lottie took a chance and really found herself. The book is sweet, funny, and spicy as well. Bravo!

[Charlotte Brough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bakery owner and small-town girl Lottie is tired of her reputation as Hickory Falls’ resident good girl with a smile as sugary sweet as the baked goods she sells. As the pastor’s daughter, she’s the town’s sweetheart – as well as the local sob story since being jilted at the altar. When she breaks down on the edge of town late at night, she has no idea she’s about to stumble into Hickory Falls’ dirtiest secret…

Cole Ashford has been a mystery since he first moved to town. Tall and brooding, he owns the garage on the edge of town, and as luck would have it, he’s the one to come to Lottie’s rescue when she’s stranded in the snow. When Lottie returns to the garage to fetch her car, her curiosity leads her through a door and down into a secret basement doubling as a BDSM dungeon. After getting Cole to confess he’s a dom, she takes the only logical next step and blackmails him into giving her a taste of just what goes on down there.

The more sessions they have together, the closer they grow, and as they begin to spend time together outside the dungeon, Lottie finds herself falling for Cole, much to the dismay of the town…

This is a fun read with some interesting insights into the world of BDSM and how it doesn’t have to be sexual. While I felt for Cole, I found it harder to connect with Lottie. Although at times, her use of humor is hilarious and on point, her constantly cracking jokes sometimes becomes a little grating, almost as though she’s incapable of taking anything seriously. Even when she has a sort of emotional breakthrough in the dungeon, it barely lasts a page, and then she’s right back to joking around again. I’d have liked to see a little more depth to that, and to explore her emotions in that scene a bit more. The conflict with her ex also ended with him skipping town without a word, and I would have liked to have seen more of a resolution to that, with Lottie getting the last word on a more personal basis. Nonetheless, this is a cozy read with a small-town-at-Christmas backdrop straight out of a Hallmark movie. There are tropes aplenty, and it’ll definitely leave you with the warm and fuzzies– as well as a few new ideas…

[readingisforever1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I went into Whipped: A Small-Town Grumpy Sunshine, Spicy Rom Com to Set Your Pulse Racing by Sadie Asbury with pretty high hopes. The premise sounded like exactly my kind of book: small town, grumpy-sunshine dynamic, a dash of spice. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to that potential.

My three stars are mostly for the premise, the cute cover, and the fact that when the writing works, it’s good. But a big chunk of the book was, frankly, offensive—not because of the kink (I love kink in romance), but because of how kink was treated. For much of the first half, kink is used as a punchline. It’s mocked, not explored, and that tone made it hard for me to get on board with the romance.

Lottie, who’s supposed to be the “sunshine” character, often comes across as surprisingly mean. Right from the start, she treats Cole poorly—even after he literally saves her life in a blizzard. And when she discovers his “sex dungeon,” her reaction goes from shocked to outright cruel. It feels like the story fundamentally misunderstands kink, portraying it as something shameful instead of consensual and safe. That was both disappointing and, at times, uncomfortable to read.

The book also suffers from some editing issues. There are plenty of grammatical and consistency errors—most notably, the town name keeps switching between Hickory Falls and Harmony Hills—which was distracting and made the story feel unpolished.

Overall: This had all the ingredients for a fun, spicy rom-com, but the execution let it down. If you’re looking for kink-positive romances, there are stronger, more respectful options out there.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year!

There is comedy (everywhere), sadness (mostly in backstory), emotions of all sorts, but all presented with an excellent balance and with the depth of each being very well handled.

The thoughts & feelings of Lottie & Cole also provide a good reminder of "village syndrome" (or "small town syndrome" in this case).

There is a absolutely delightful sense of humour throughout, from the advice of a friend ...

> "Want me to have a word? And by 'word' I mean a yule log to the shins."

... to the observations on the wreaths at the craft fair ...

> "Looks like someone hot-glued their spice drawer"

... and the oh-so-natural romantic moments ...

> Cole curled his fingers beneath the hem of her T-shirt, dragging it up
> until the neck opening snagged on her nose, cotton blocking her vision.
> "Oh, very smooth," she mumbled, arms still raised.

As a parting comment, I'm going to have to work to keep a straight face next time I see a jar of pickled cherries (but you'll have to read it yourself to understand that one!).


(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)

[Scott Rhine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The descriptive opening of the pastor’s daughter’s shop reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Then a chance encounter crosses her path with a hot, bad-boy mechanic. Very funny, but adult. As she learns to trust him and give up control, her attraction grows. For once, the guy isn’t a billionaire or a vampire. The Christmas miracle reminded me of the movie To Wong Foo with Love, Julie Newmar.

Only a few spelling errors and typos:
Font shift for the rest of the paragraph and half the next after He didn’t pry
Sugarcoat is a verb. you want sugarcoating.
Maddison should be Madison.
Sure. Pants(period)”
Lotie should be Lottie.
Touche should have an accent symbol over the e.
Porc should be pork.
Alter should be altar.
Spell subspace/sub-space consistently, and grouping the paragraphs would help.
Mitts should be mittens.
Hey(comma) Lottie.

Too many emdashes and ellipses.
Don’t use both vertical spacing and indents for paragraphs.
The double doors wouldn’t be propped open in the cold, especially not during a storm.

[Jeanné Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow pastor's daughter I want to start my review by saying — Lottie Whitaker you kinky little rebel, let's be best friends, please! Reading Lottie and Cole's story was such a joy. I finished it in one day and I could not stop smiling. I even laughed out loud quite a few times. I can absolutely see this being turned into a Hallmark Christmas movie, with a pinch of spice added. Hickory Falls is the picture perfect backdrop for this "Small Town, Grumpy-Sunshine, Spicy Rom-Com" - and the characterisation was so well done. Lottie and Cole were particularly authentic and lovable characters and I just adored how their relationship developed. I thoroughly enjoyed the lighthearted 'fluffiness' of the story, but I think the most commendable element of this story is the underlying and heartwarming message about acceptance. Not only accepting and respecting each other, but also learning to love and respect yourself. This is one of my favourite reads for 2025 so far and I hope Sadie Aubry gets all the praise she deserves!

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically, this could be considered a holiday rom-com because it does take place around Christmas time; however, it isn't important to the plot, so this can still be a year-round book. What this story lacked in romance, it made up for with comedy.

The synopsis is a pretty accurate summary of the plot, but the pacing was a little weird for me. The MCs see each other half a dozen times before they drop the L bomb. The romance portion moved so fast that it didn't feel like there was enough time to build an emotional connection. That being said, the comedy portion was on point. I loved Lottie's sass and all of Cole's exasperated sighs in response. Their banter really carried this book for me. and I genuinely had no idea what was going to come out of Lottie's mouth next.

I would've liked to see the side characters a little more fleshed out since they didn't serve much of a purpose plot-wise. Adam was only used as a tattle, and Hannah didn't really contribute anything, so I'm not sure why she was there.

Thank you to BookSirens and Sadie Aubry for the free eARC.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Sadie Aubry and I quite enjoyed it. Lottie and Cole were a great couple and the storyline was unexpected. Lottie is the preacher’s daughter and has lived her life answering to the expectations of everyone in town. Cole is the newcomer, a guy who keeps to himself until Lottie pushes her way into his life. She’s intrigued by him and, when she discovers his secret (he’s a Dom with a dungeon in the basement where he services clients), she can’t help pushing him into giving her a taste. I have to admit I thought Lottie was a little too quick to jump into trying bdsm, and her jokes were a bit much at times. But that was easy enough to look past. Cole more than made up for it, and I loved how much the guy blushed. “Whipped” turned out to be lots of fun. The writing was engaging, the characters were interesting, and the story kept me reading late into the night. I’d definitely recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emirhan Korkmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked Lottie right away. She's a pastor’s-kid baker who’s done everything “right” until right starts to feel like a costume. Cole’s the classic small town hermit with a careful heart, and their grumpy-sunshine rhythm lands from their first scene together. The banter is crisp, the chemistry unfussy and undeniable, and the Hickory Falls backdrop adds that cozy, twinkle light warmth.

What surprised me most was how respectfully the book handles kink. It’s never a gimmick and it’s about consent, communication, and letting yourself want what you want. Watching Lottie test the edges of her “good girl” persona—and find something truer underneath—gives the romance real lift.

Lottie’s quippy defense mechanism occasionally overstays its welcome, undercutting a few emotional turns I wanted to sit with longer. Still, the overall balance works.

If you’re in the mood for small-town charm with a spicy twist, this delivers and is playful, affirming, and surprisingly heartfelt with a solid HEA.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a nice mix of a rom com, spice, humor, grump/sunshine, small town vibes, good girl rebellion.

Charlotte is the owner of a bakery, the pastor's daughter, a jilted bride, missing her mother, a good girl who wants to break the mold. Cole is the new man in town, he is a mechanic, grumpy, brooding, and harboring a secret/kink. Well, a late visit to his mechanic shop, ends with Charlotte discovering Cole's secret room - picture 50 Shades of Grey- and she sees a way to break from her molded life.

But this is not your typical BDSM book, the author brings humor, a lot of heart and conversations, insights. Their encounters are spicy but is more of an exploration on the lifestyle and themselves.

Be ready to laugh, feel for them (especially when the small town starts the rumor mill), see their insights, and slowly check how their relation progresses.

a must for your TBR list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kiara Sepulveda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶 Rating: 4/5

This was such a cute and spicy book.

I love teasing a little about BDSM. Once you go down that road, you never leave it🙃

Lottie was giving me such a laugh throughout the book. I love how very unfiltered she is. She's practically almost giving Cole a heart attack in the beginning with all her nosiness and physical observations 🤣 And the banter between them is even more entertaining.

I love the idea of being comfortable with the uncomfortable. A lot of people misconstrue things they dont understand or aren't comfortable with, spreading misinformation and lies about something, when in reality its just something different. And you dont have to like it, you can just turn the other way and itll never hurt you (this goes to Ethel) .

All in all, this is a good book. Quick. Straight to the point. Spicy. A little 50 shades but less intense. Cute. Banter. Love it.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whipped is pure rom-com joy—a grumpy-sunshine romance brimming with sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and cozy small-town charm. Lottie, the pastor’s-kid baker testing the edges of her “good girl” persona, and Cole, the guarded hermit with a soft heart, spark from their very first scene. Their dynamic is hilarious, heartfelt, and unexpectedly affirming, with kink handled thoughtfully and consent at the center. While Lottie’s sass sometimes overshadows tender moments, the balance of humor, heat, and heart makes this story a playful, spicy, and surprisingly moving love tale. Hickory Falls shines as the twinkle-lit backdrop to a romance that will leave you grinning, swooning, and fanning yourself all at once.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who's whipping who? - He's a Dom with a secret dungeon. She's a baker determined to shed her good girl image. They weren't ever supposed to engage beyond businesslike civility, but she opened a can of worms when she opened the wrong door.

Lottie takes Cole, a big city Dom, by the horns and convinces him to give her a taste of his whip. She even gets him to reverse their roles, taking her kitchen duties to the next level. As they play together, their feelings grow. But there's a villain waiting to make trouble, and when he reveals Cole's undercover profession, will the small town stand with or against Cole? A delightfully fun read with some heat that features great characters who scandalize a small town with their wicked ways as they pass witty banter between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah Taylor-Loyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely missed the “he whips butt” and the paddle in his hand on the cover. 🙈 I saw the bakery theme and thought, yes, cute! This was a fun and lighthearted romance if you’re curious about bdsm. Still very vanilla even for bdsm, and you’ll see a lot of spanking, “it stings” etc but nothing that unusual. The main character was a bit annoying. The ending was the best part. I also liked the Christmas/winter theme. Overall it was a fun read.

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

[DreadQueen CinnamonRoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me during my read through. It started off super cute and silly, and I honestly didn't think I would love it as much as I did by the end.

Lottie and Cole's journeys are shaped by each other throughout the book, and I love Lottie's story especially.

I do wish we'd gotten to see more of a resolution with a certain character in the story (fellows such as him always get their comeuppance, though)... but overall this book was a fun exploration into baking and BDSM.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this story... love Lottie and Cole... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... she's the good girl ... she bakes... she's the pastor's daughter... she smiles sweetly... and she's tired of it all ... he's the grumpy mechanic that lives on the edge of town... a loner.. and she breaks down right by his place... and discovers what he's been up to !! and decides to blackmail him to find out more !!! so funny !! so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was advertised as a rom -com in a cozy small town.
It honestly delivered , it was warm whitty and the charm of the town left cozy vibes. The characters were polar opposites but their chemistry was on point. I was laughing throughout this read the banter between the characters was hilarious. Highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whipped by Sadie Aubrey is a quintessential rom-com only with a wicked sweet twist thrown in. The chemistry between the main characters is full of sizzling heat. Yet Aubrey balances those smoldering with the FMC’s sharp wit and superb comedic charm. The small town setting leans into the classic tropes of everyone knowing everyone's business. If you’re in the mood for a small town rom-com with a mischievous little twist then Whipped is what you need.

[Julie Juhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whipped: A Small Town, Grumpy-Sunshine, Spicy Rom-Com to Set Your Pulse Racing by Sadie Aubry. Lottie and Cole's story is a funny, spicy romcom. She is sunshine and he is grumpy which made for some giggling while reading their story. This is the first book I have read from Sadie Aubry and I look forward to reading more of her work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun and hilarious story of two of the most unlikely people to end up together, and the journey to their HEA was pure gold. So much hilarious and fun banter, the grumpiest of grumps in the mmc Cole, Lottie, the fmc who is a bit much for some, but the perfect opposite to Cole, and a little bit sassy, a little bit spicy, plus a HEA make this a great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Rom Com!!!
Lottie & Cole were a treat to read about! This is a fun and steamy story that I loved from beginning to end!!! I have to go back and read Love Uncovered! I Highly Recommend!! Steamy Fun! No spoilers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Ricchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lottie and Cole's story is amazing!!! Filled with plenty of cheeky fun, tons of giggles and laughs! Not to mention this was the most informative and unweird foray into BDSM I have ever come across! You will be giggling and squirming page after page! I've even recommended this to all the ladies I know!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters have a complex background but fit well together. Easy and interesting to read with plenty of spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.