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Salt and Sweet: A Spicy Brother's Best Friend Romance About Finding Yourself, Forbidden Feelings, and Falling Hard

Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26
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At 32, Emmy’s world has just collapsed. Her husband’s betrayal has left her alone for the first time in her adult life – but she’s determined to turn heartbreak into freedom. With a secret sexy bucket list in hand, she sets out to take back control of her body, her choices, and her future.

Enter her brother’s best friend, the man who’s always been off-limits, and the last person she expects to find running an exclusive adult club called Salt. One reckless proposition might just change everything…

Their no-strings agreement was meant to be simple. But every item Emmy crosses off only fuels the fire between them – and strips away Luke’s armour in ways he never saw coming.

Salt and Sweet is a dual-POV, contemporary romance that blends high heat with heart and a touch of humour. It’s about finding your voice, reclaiming your body, and falling for the one person you were never supposed to touch.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 6, 2026

6 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

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Juno Rose North

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Jess.
156 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2025
Arc review out 6th January

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Emmy’s life has fallen apart. Her husband betrayed her, leaving her on her own for the first time as an adult. Determined to rebuild her life and catch up on everything she has missed she creates a secret, sexy bucket list and decides to reclaim her body.

Enter Luke, her older brother’s incredibly hot best friend, oh and did I mention he secretly owns a exclusive ‘adult’ club 🤔

Ahhh ok I LOVED this book! This book is all about female sexual empowerment, reclaiming your own body and really about loving yourself. Emmy goes on such a journey in this book, she is down trodden and self conscious and grows so much throughout the course of this book. Juno has captured her character growth so so well and I feel everyone can see a bit themselves in Emmy.

Now don’t get me started on Luke 😮‍💨 everyone needs a Luke in their lives. He is protective, loyal, hot as hell and man does he make consent sexy. He is the reason Emmy starts to open up, she can 1000% trust him and she is able to discover new things about herself in a safe, happy, sexy environment. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to dabble in a bit of k!nk exploration without anything getting too intense. And Luke’s aftercare is perfection, he literally washes her hair 🥹

But what I loved most about this book is how real the characters are, neither of them are perfect, they each have their own insecurities but learn how to communicate with each other. I honestly couldn’t get enough of this book, I can’t wait until book 2 to learn more about the hilarious wild card that is Sloane.

Thank you so so much for trusting me with your book Juno, this book is going to do amazing things.
Profile Image for Anne.
2 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
I loved this book so much! I could have read it in one sitting if I didn’t have annoying things like a job and kids. I can't wait to read more books from this author.

Things I liked most:
1. Fleshed out, realistic characters with amazing banter and chemistry. Even the side characters felt fully realized and like actual people I could imagine hanging out together.
2. The story has a perfect balance of romance and spice. It’s such a swoon-worthy book, there are so many sweet moments, and at the same time it’s so, so sexy. I also think this is a clever spin on the teacher/student dynamic - one of my personal favorite tropes.
3. The pace of the plot was perfect. My only complaint is I wish it was longer but that’s just me being selfish because I liked it so much. The story moves and there are no slow points (but it doesn’t feel rushed either).
4. The FMC Emmy! I feel like I could be friends with her. She goes on such a journey to her true self and it’s so lovely to witness. Emmy shows us who she is instead of telling us.
5. Hair washing, aftercare, Daddy Dom Luke. Like I said, the perfect mix of sexy and sweet.
23 reviews
December 9, 2025
Once I started reading, I was hooked.
If you're looking for a quick and funny read (I laughed out loud a couple of times, not due to jokes per se but just because the situation gave me the giggles) with all the feels and an amazing 'look at that MMC fall so hard for this FMC'-vibe with lots of spice, give this one a whirl!

Luke is the perfect teacher (helloooo lovely older guy with just the right amount of Dom) and Emmy a very enthusiastic student who just cut herself loose from an atrociously uninteresting (and uninspired) husband. I had quite a few 'noooo, don't do that, just TALK IT OUT'-moments and had to know how it would all blow up and eventually (hurray, that's why we read these books) turn into a HEA.

Also a big shout-out to the side characters. I was a huge fan of Sloane and Chloe and Sloane is getting her own book. I cannot wait!

Well done for a fabulous first book by Juno Rose North.
Profile Image for Caitlin Furniss.
65 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Salt and Sweet was an absolute delight from start to finish. Emmy is a standout FMC, outgoing, confident, and deeply compelling. Watching her reclaim her sense of self after the betrayal of her cheating husband was genuinely satisfying, and it was impossible not to feel proud of her growth and resilience. As for Colin, he is thoroughly detestable and serves his purpose perfectly by driving sweet Emmy into the arms of gorgeous Luke.

The supporting cast adds real depth to the story. Nick, Emmy’s brother, is not super likeable and can come across as mean-spirited, but his past actions ultimately reveal a fundamentally good man, particularly in the way he showed up for Emmy when it truly matters. The dynamic between Emmy, Chloe, and Sloan was a highlight, the banter was sharp, hilarious, and genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. Their scenes together were electric and added so much warmth and personality to the book.

Although this is not my usual genre, the romance and spice were handled exceptionally well. The book explores a range of kinks in a way that feels thoughtful, consensual, and surprisingly refreshing. There were elements I had never encountered before, which made the reading experience feel new and, at times, unexpectedly enlightening rather than gratuitous.

What truly elevates Salt and Sweet is the character development. The emotional growth, relationships, and balance between heat and heart are expertly done. If you enjoy fulfilling, spicy romance with excellent banter, meaningful character arcs, and a willingness to explore beyond the familiar, this book is absolutely worth reading.

Thank you Juno for an ARC of your debut novel, I am a forever fan.
Profile Image for Jodi Warne.
1 review1 follower
December 10, 2025
It's such a joy to watch a woman find herself after a breakup or a life changing situation. Emmy takes charge and embraces the real her whole heartedly, sexy siren, confident and finds a man that sees her for who she truly is. Even better when Luke questions if he is worthy enough for this woman's love he takes a step back and works on himself first to make sure he is everything and more she will ever need.
Their story is one of rediscovery, a healthy relationship with kink and sexuality, swoon worthy moments and above all else the reminder that you re enough and the right person will find you more than enough.
Profile Image for Katie Roberts.
902 reviews6 followers
December 9, 2025
Vibes: 5⭐
Plot: 4.75⭐
Characters: 5⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I had such a good time with this. It is a very quick and easy read, with fun and relatable characters. I love having an fmc in her 30's just starting to explore for the first time. It is a predictable plot, but no less fun for it. The spice is great! I want vengeance for Em against Colin! 

All in all, I read it super fast, and I loved every minute! 
Profile Image for Clarisse.
35 reviews23 followers
December 29, 2025
Salt and Sweet was a 4.5-star delight and a solid showcase of how a spicy romance can be done right. This book checks a lot of beloved romance tropes such as brother’s best friend and age gap, just to name a few, so there’s something here for every spicy romance reader.

One of the biggest standouts for me is how this book celebrates pro-consent, aftercare, and sexual freedom. Desire is communicated clearly, boundaries are respected, and intimacy is portrayed as something safe and empowering. Sexual exploration is celebrated rather than shamed, and the woman’s body is worshipped, not objectified - a refreshing and important distinction that makes the romance feel both passionate and sweet.

The concept of a “f*ck-it list” is equal parts hilarious and brilliant, it added humor and agency to the story. While this is absolutely a spicy romance, I was pleasantly surprised by how much heart it had. Beneath the heat, the story explores grief, betrayal, parental issues, trauma, and the longing for and fear of genuine human connection.

I especially loved the unexpected subplot that the MMC is also carrying deep emotional baggage. What starts as a story centered on the FMC’s explosive life event evolves into a beautifully balanced narrative of two people healing, growing, and choosing each other.

The banter amongst the characters was sharp, relatable, and genuinely funny. It never felt forced.

The friendship and sisterhood in this book deserve special praise. We all need a Chloe and a Sloane in our lives.

On a more personal note, I loved that both the FMC and MMC are in their 30s and 40s. It made the story feel grounded and refreshing, especially in a genre where characters are often in their twenties.

I’m officially sold on the Salt Collection and cannot wait to read more. If you enjoy spicy romances with emotional depth, thoughtful representation of intimacy and laugh-out-loud banter, Salt and Sweet should be added to your TBR. 🌶️💖
8 reviews
December 25, 2025
Juno North knows how to write strong female characters and for a first novel this delivered for me.
I was immediately suckered in by Luke and Josh, if I could merge those two guys I would have my perfect man ha ha
Emmy the FMC starts off by coming out of a marriage of 10yrs, she’s never been with anyone other than her cockwomble ex and wants to explore, this is where the fun begins.
Queue smex club, hot daddy dom owner of smex club and brothers best friend. The way these two learn and grow together is delightful to read. A big theme of the book was consent and trust, the dynamic between the two main characters sparks and built deliciously to some lovely scenes. I loved seeing Emmy grow into her power and Luke being her cheerleader along the way.
Luke has his own internal struggles, which was heartbreaking to learn about, but Emmy drives him to better understand himself.
The support they have for each other was awesome.
I adored this book and can’t wait to read more of the side characters from this book as they delivered in spades. Sloane and Chloe are what every girl needs in their life.
Thank you for letting me ARC read this book Juno, and I know it’s going to be a massive success when it’s set loose in January.
Profile Image for Amelia Gracing.
3 reviews
December 21, 2025
Reviewer of ARC, thank you to the author ❤️

Salt and Sweet is a confident, deliciously bold contemporary romance that blends high heat with genuine heart and a wink of humor. With beloved tropes like brother’s best friend, friends-to-lovers, found family, secret arrangement, he falls first, and a sensual “teach me” dynamic, Juno North delivers a story that feels both indulgent and deeply affirming. The dual POV pulls you into the emotional orbit of two people circling desire, fear, and possibility, making every choice feel intimate and earned.

Thirty two year old Emmy is rebuilding from the wreckage of betrayal, and her journey is a powerful reclaiming of voice, body, and future. Armed with a secret sexual bucket list, she chooses curiosity over containment and agency over shame.
She is surprised to find a teacher in Luke, the ultimate off-limits temptation, her brother’s best friend and the unexpectedly tender heart behind an exclusive adult club called Salt.
Their no-strings arrangement crackles with chemistry, but it’s the emotional unmasking that truly shines.

This book is a celebration of sexual awakening without apology and romance without passivity. Emmy is active in her life and choices, and watching her step into pleasure and power is a joy. Salt and Sweet is spicy, warm, and wonderfully affirming, a story about falling for the one person you were never supposed to touch and discovering that freedom and love can coexist. A thoroughly delightful read that lingers long after the last page.
Profile Image for Jade Cooke.
20 reviews
December 27, 2025
Easy 5/5. Watching Emmy find herself after a breakup was so amazing. She really embraces wanting to know who she is. With the help of Luke, she finds that out. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. The level of sexiness blew my mind. This was such a great debut novel and I can’t wait for what is next!
Profile Image for Heather.
116 reviews
December 22, 2025
A great debut novel from Juno.
Features all the usual tropes but the story is told in a different more relatable way for the reader.

Emmy is a strong FMC who sets out to find herself and what she enjoys sexually after her husband betrays her, the marriage falls apart and she wants a fresh start.

Such an enjoyable reader and I couldn’t put it down, I became invested in Emmys journey and routing for her throughout.

I can wait to read more from Juno.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fabs.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 17, 2025
I was so impressed by Juno Rose North's debut novel! Salt & Sweet has everything I like in a romance: character development, cute tropes (he washes her hair!), non-gratuitous spice, really likeable side characters, and did I mention that he washed her hair?!

The premise of the book allowed me to get locked in really quickly. Emmy catches her awful husband, whom she married very young, cheating and this prompts her to go on a self-discovery (sexual) journey with non other than her brother's best friend Luke who has secretly been running a super exclusive sex club.

Things I loved (no major spoilers):
The London setting - I found it made me immerse in the story even more as I recognised all the places mentioned.
The fact that Emmy works for a charity and Luke reads The Guardian - tiny details but extremely relatable.
The use of condoms - finally a romance novel where the protagonists practice safe sex.
The friendships - I absolutely loved Emmy's relationship with her friends Chloe and Sloane, and also Luke's relationship with Emmy's brother Nick.

I'm looking forward to book 2!
Profile Image for Heather Reads.
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 14, 2025
5 stars for nailing the brief. It's everything you could want in a romance novel: easy, empowering, unputdownable and at times enlightening.

In a genre where authors are often competing to out-spice each other to the detriment of consent and character development, this book is all green flags. Juno literally told E.L.James to hold her marg and watch her deliver on what 50 Shades should have been.

Salt and Sweet packs emotional punch and the spice is gold standard feminist smut. The pacing was slick as one of Lotus's private parties.

Emmy (FMC) was deeply relatable and I thoroughly enjoyed her journey of growth. Luke (MMC) is the stuff of book boyfriend legend, he is shadow daddy in non-magical human form. Although you could argues his powers are pretty magical.

Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you for the ARC Juno, can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Profile Image for Tash Elsley.
10 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2025
I was lucky enough to be granted an ARC of this book, and I genuinely smiled the entire time I was reading it.

The plot is well thought out and beautifully written, peppered with smutty scenes that left me wanting more of this world, and it’s very clearly that Juno’s given us a gentle intro to a truly delightfully filthy world.

The characters feel full bodied and during scenes when they’re all together, you genuinely feel like you’re in the room with them. They also don’t have so many of the irritating attributes that so many characters of this genre fall into. A prime example is our main girl Emmy. She doesn’t tell us that she’s a strong independent girlie, instead she shows us multiple times that she is, and as a reader it’s genuinely refreshing to experience this.

I’d have loved more spice / smut / general naughtiness, however, this book doesn’t disappoint with the smut that we do get!

What I really loved about this book, was the fact that Juno very clearly knows her audience and her genre. It’s also the perfect mixture of wholesome AND smutty, and I’m already excited for the next one.
18 reviews
December 8, 2025
I am honoured to have read this debut from Juno Rose North, it gives you a proverbial kick in the teeth to start with a bang from chapter one. The world is formed to grow further without detracting from Emmy and Luke's story.
It has the fresh air that is realistically aged and relatable characters, who are fully rounded individuals, in particular men who grow and have their own space, and aren't just magically what the FMC needs for her moments.
It is well written and has a beautiful balanced pace that kept me turning the page throughout while dipping into every pot of emotion; tears, to laughter, to desire for violence several times and everything in between.

I would sum this book up as a sweetness & light, unsuspecting & innocent looking cover which hides a darker horse beneath and would be a perfect gateway into darker, spicier and more exploratory reading without putting off those who want a cosy feel good read which it absolutely is as well.
There are so many avenues that could be explored from here I can not wait to see what comes next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
Just read the ARC copy of Salt & Sweet. It was fab, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters Emmy and Luke and felt their emotions. I liked the pacing of the book, it didn't feel rushed. Brilliant first book, can't wait for book 2 and Sloane's story.
Ofcourse there was a spice in it, I would rate it 🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Smut S Sisters.
19 reviews51 followers
Read
December 28, 2025
Salt and Sweet is an enjoyable read not just for the romance story, but also for Juno's great job at educating the reader on a lot of different kinks in a fun and playful manner. While our mmc may have the nickname Daddy Dom, he's really a squishy cinnamon roll on the inside. Emmy does a lot of self-exploration while she journeys through the world she knows is collapsing. Salt and Sweet is Juno's debut spicy romance and will release on Jan 6, 2026! Thank you so much for the gifted ARC!

Read this for:
-contemporary romance
-brother's best friend
-MCs in their 30s
-"no-strings attached"
-spicy bucket list
-a LOT of kink
-dual pov
- 'good girl/boy'
-'eyes on me'
1 review
Read
December 23, 2025
I loved every page, it was the perfect mix for a spicy love story. I loved the pace, and the way it moved without being over detailed and complicated. A sweet love story with the exact amount of spice. Emmy captured my heart and I truly connected with her gang of gal pals. Each character engaging with one another making for a true family feeling. I can’t wait to see more from this author!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren.
54 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 13, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Spoiler-free 🫖 that helps you decide whether this book is a yes, a no, or a “maybe later.”

📌 Quick Info:
Print Length: 284 pages
Publication Date: 6 January 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Spicy Romance
Format Availability: Ebook, Paperback
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Audiobook: Not available at the time of this review
Hardback: Not available at the time of this review
Standalone or Series: Book 1 of The Salt Collection
Debut Book: Yes
Tropes & Tags: Explicit, Brother’s Best Friend, Sexual Awakening, Kink Exploration, He Falls First, Sex Club, HEA

✨ My Thoughts:
One thing I loved straight away? The kink menu at the beginning of the book. You have to read it, I more so loved it for its last few entries 😂🙌🏻.

This book is written in British English, which fits the London setting beautifully. Be prepared for UK phrasing (yes, I had to Google a word or two; scarpered, I’m looking at you), but it adds authenticity and charm to the story and routes of the author (if I am correct here?). It did take me until around the 15% mark to really sink into the book. Once I did though? I found myself genuinely enjoying the journey Juno takes us on. This story leans heavily into self-discovery, empowerment, and healthy relationship dynamics. As someone whose brain is usually marinated in dark romance, I had a few moments of mental recalibration 😉😉 but that’s not a negative.

And Sloane.
We all need a Sloane in our lives!!
They absolutely stole scenes for me, and I am beyond excited to learn Sloane's own book, Spicy Honey, is slated for late 2026.

There was also a particular something I learned in this debut novel that, despite having read a few hundreds of spicy books, somehow no one had ever told me before 😌🤭.

✨ Spice:
Detailed and not fade-to-black.

✨ Overall Vibe:
A discovery journey rooted in self-worth, emotional honesty, and sexual empowerment; for women and men, with only a light sprinkle of drama.

✨ Final Thoughts:
This is a great debut spicy romance, and I’d happily recommend it. I’m excited to continue The Salt Collection and see where Juno Rose North takes these characters next.

✨ Background; if you are interested:
I first discovered Juno Rose North through my TikTok FYP and quickly found myself following her, not just because we clearly have similar taste in books, but because she’s refreshingly open about spice, romance, and reading smart and filthy 😉. When I learned she had a debut novel coming, I jumped at the chance to be a potential ARC reader and I was lucky enough to be selected 💕. This also happens to be my first ever ARC read, so thank you for taking a chance on me.
Profile Image for Emily Harrison.
3 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 17, 2025
What elevates Salt and Sweet beyond trope and tension is Emmy’s journey. This is not just a romance. It’s a woman coming into herself.

Emmy’s story is about permission. Permission to want. To question. To be curious about her body, her desires, and the version of herself she’s always quietly held back. Her growth never feels performative or rushed. It unfolds in small, believable steps. Moments of hesitation. Moments of bravery. Moments where she surprises herself.

What I loved is that her discovery isn’t framed as rebellion. It’s framed as recognition. She isn’t becoming someone else. She’s uncovering parts of herself that have always been there, waiting for space to exist.

And then there’s Sloane.

Sloane is an absolute triumph of a character. She’s confident, knowing, and unapologetic without ever tipping into caricature. She acts as a guide, not a provocateur. A woman who understands that empowerment doesn’t come from shock or excess, but from choice and safety. Through Sloane, the book creates an environment where Emmy’s exploration feels grounded, consensual, and emotionally intelligent.

The sex club setting becomes something far more interesting than a backdrop for spice. It’s a catalyst. A place that allows Emmy to ask questions she’s never been allowed to ask herself. And crucially, it never overshadows her emotional arc. The sensuality serves the story, not the other way around.

Luke’s presence intensifies this journey rather than eclipsing it. His restraint, loyalty, and quiet reverence for Emmy create a dynamic where her discovery is never rushed or taken from her. He doesn’t lead her. He meets her.

If I had to describe this book, I’d say it feels like a grown up, emotionally literate blend of Bridget Jones and a far more refined, self aware take on Fifty Shades. It has the humour, relatability, and interiority of a woman figuring herself out, paired with an exploration of desire that feels thoughtful, intentional, and surprisingly tender.

This is a story about becoming. About learning that wanting more doesn’t mean you were lacking before. About realising that confidence can be learned, curiosity can be honoured, and love can meet you exactly where you are.

I finished this book feeling entertained, emotionally satisfied, and quietly moved.

Emmy’s journey stayed with me.
And that’s the mark of something great in my opinion.
Profile Image for Jessica.
34 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2025
Salt and Sweet surprised me in the best way. What starts as a post-divorce glow-up fantasy quickly settles into something more grounded and emotionally intelligent. Yes, it’s hot. Yes, there’s a sex club. But at its core, this is a story about agency, self-trust, and choice. Emmy isn’t discovering desire so much as finally allowing herself to act on it.

Emmy is in her thirties, newly untethered from a marriage that quietly narrowed her world, and the book treats that moment with refreshing maturity. Her journey isn’t framed as rebellion or reinvention. She doesn’t need to be remade. Instead, she gets to be deliberate. Curious. Present in her own body and decisions. The exploration is intentional, paced, and rooted in consent and emotional safety, which makes the sexual awakening feel grounded rather than performative.

Luke is the ideal counterpart for that journey. Protective without being controlling, dominant without being careless, and emotionally restrained in a way that adds tension rather than distance. His emphasis on consent, communication, and aftercare isn’t aesthetic, it’s character. The dynamic between him and Emmy is charged but never rushed, and the shift from physical connection to emotional intimacy feels earned every step of the way.

What really makes Salt and Sweet work is its balance. The book knows it’s indulgent and sexy, but it never sacrifices character for spectacle. The side characters add warmth and humor without pulling focus, and the pacing keeps the story moving while still letting emotional beats land. This is a confident, affirming romance that understands pleasure and growth aren’t opposing forces.

A strong, assured debut that knows exactly what it wants to be.

I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jessie Lewis.
Author 20 books232 followers
December 10, 2025
Well, this was fun! It’s a whirlwind of a story, whipping us through the MFC’s major life upheaval, via some extremely interesting diversions, into self acceptance in quick time. Whilst it’s a fast turnaround for the MFC, it suits the story, which is very much about ‘chin up and tits out for whatever’s next’ (metaphorically and literally), allowing the sadness to very quickly become mere backstory. Emmy’s husband’s betrayal and the inevitably mundane logistics of divorce are not the focus of this story, and frankly, huzzah to that! In the same vein, North touches on some pretty serious topics without ever making them feel too heavy. Suicidal thoughts, depression, death of family are all alluded to, but the pace doesn’t allow for angst to build, and the plot very much centres on liberation and self worth - wherever and however a girl decides she wants to look for it!

The romance is unapologetically open door, and doesn’t shy from spicy scenes. In fact, the plot is the spice, as it’s the means to Emmy and Luke’s self discovery and is intertwined with their growing relationship--which was a very cute forbidden love, age gap, brother’s best friend scenario.

Emmy and Luke were adorable. His dependability and her loyalty shone through, whilst both of them showed true bravery in learning to love themselves as well as each other. I was rooting for them to get together by the end, which is the hallmark of a successful romance! The strong supporting cast of found family who accept every sneaky little secret this pair let slip makes it a truly feel good story. Salt and Sweet is a great quick read for readers who love a large dash of spice and a whole lot of heart.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
411 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 23, 2025
5 ⭐️

Ooh lordy 🔥🔥🌶🌶

The tone of this is so well done. The seriousness a divorce with the humour from the side characters and one liners. Her friend’s husband is brilliant, every time they would gossip I had this image of him just sticking his head round the corner to join in.

The introduction to the world of spicy clubs is handled very well ( though I do say that as someone who has never read it before). I really liked the emphasis on consent and building a safe space. Plus the spicy scenes are seriously 🔥.

As someone who tends to find romance in the little things I wasn't sure what I was going to rate this because we don't get to see many of those mundane moments (the ones we do are very sweet though). But there's a choice Luke makes towards the end that is so mature and the absolute perfect choice for this romance that made the decision for me.

I knew immediately that I wanted a book on Sloane, she's so entertaining to read. But I'd also quite like one on Jessie, her conversation with Luke towards the end of the book actually got me a little in my feelings.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for The Relatable Reader.
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The author captures you right away with her voice and the realistic aspects of the story and of the characters. You can see where it’s going at first, but this take on some classic tropes and story lines feels fresh. I was pleasantly surprised by the way the story unfolded. You can feel the attraction between the MMC and FMC immediately. There is plenty of spice but the book still builds with tension, angst and longing. The spice is so well written! It’s spicy but doesn’t feel especially dirty or excessive. Even though I anticipated the major climax in the plot, I was completely enthralled. Again, slight variations in this story make it new and not entirely obvious. One very surprising aspect was the resolution which was based on a healthy realistic view of the world and relationships instead of fairytale. This author captures female anxiety and close female friendships so well. I was reliving some of my own stories reading this book. You really invest in the characters and their support of each other. I am very much looking forward to more stories within this universe and from this author.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 19, 2025
This book was super fun and had great spice! It read like an easy reading young adult book, but with spice.

What I loved:
All of the characters except for the ex are likable and I was rooting for them the whole time.
The characters felt real.
Our MFC went through a hard time, and we felt her pain, however we weren't drowning it; I feel like the author did a wonderful job at portraying the real life emotions that go along with heartbreak, but she didn't let us sit there and wallow in it. She used it as a great story telling device, but didn't let it take over the story.
The spice was fun with a good amount of detail.

What I didn't love:
It could have been longer.
There was so much talk of kids in this book (which is personal preference), it made it hard to get into the book, but once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
I am being very nitpicky here- I felt like there were some words and phrases that were repeated in the book several times and I think it would have benefited from the use of synonyms (i.e. vanilla or devour.)
There could always be more spice.

Overall it was a wonderful book and I look forward to her next one.
Profile Image for Laced In Lit.
183 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 14, 2025
ARC Review - thanks so much to the author 🫶
I really enjoyed this spicy checklist romance read! I loved Emmy's new lease of life and her attitude following the betrayal of her husband.
I found parts of the book slightly predictable but still really enjoyed this short read 📚
✨️ Brother’s Best Friend
✨️ Forbidden romance
✨️ Sexual Awakening
✨️ Post-Divorce / Starting Over
✨️ Spicy checklist
✨️ Shmex club owner MMC
Our FMC Emmy’s life falls apart after she catches her husband cheating (his attiude stinks btw!)—but instead of falling apart she decides to take control. YES GIRL 👌🔥
Armed with a sexy bucket list, she’s determined to reclaim her body, her confidence, and her future and finds a new friend along the way. (So excited to hear Sloane has her own book coming out!)
Enter Luke - our MMC and her brother’s best friend—strictly off-limits. He also happens to be the secret owner of an exclusive adult club (can you see where we are going with this...). Luke helps Emmy with a no strings agreement that quickly turns into something much more 🫶
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. It was a warm hug of a book with lovely pace and flow, three-dimensional characters and exactly the right amount of spice.

As a newbie to romance fiction but having read some romantasy in the past, it was a real delight to experience a book like this with an excellent balance of background story and plot alongside perfectly written sexy scenes, expertly worded. Juno manages to make the characters and their lives feel well established and believable but without the story dragging on too much before you get to the good stuff!

The tension was built beautifully and I found the explanations about the world we get to see in the story (everything that happens at Salt!) really great for someone who is less in the know but none of it felt overdone or patronising.

I adored the ending and thought it tied up really beautifully with the start. I want to be friends with them all to be honest so it’s safe to say I can’t wait to see more from these fantastic characters!
1 review
December 22, 2025
I was so pleased to get to be part of the ARC team for this sizzling romance.
I absolutely loved Juno's writing style and completely fell for both the FMC & MMC. Both Emmy & Luke are well-developed characters and really draw you in to witness their growth. Emmy is a beacon of female empowerment, demonstrating her resilience in the face of heartbreak throughout the book. What better way to heal than to create a sexy bucket list and seek the assistance of a willing teacher? I loved seeing Emmy's confidence grow, and so did her teacher/brother's best friend, Luke. There's tension at first due to the aforementioned relationship, but after they take the plunge, there's no going back.
Salt and Sweet explores kinks, provides many a "YAASS" moment when cheering for the main characters, and also has many moments of hilarity!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 30, 2025
I cannot say enough good things about this book…it LITERALLY got me pregnant. Read it, recreated a few scenes with my husband and now have a baby due in September! 🤭 So beware I guess, of the flaming hot sex scenes and the even better MMC. The story is great, the characters are likeable (except Collin, he can go straight to where the sun doesn’t shine). I hope you love it as much as me (maybe not quite as much if a baby isn’t on the books for you in 2026?) and I’m so grateful for the chance to be an ARC for Salt & Sweet. ♥️
2 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 13, 2025
This was a great story. The story is a great slow burn for those that enjoy those and the author really takes the time to develop the MMC. While some of the tropes in this book are usually not my favorite I enjoyed the story and the development of the characters.
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