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Vanilla Without You
Thandi Elowen, the self-made billionaire behind a groundbreaking scent-based memory tech company, is on the cusp of taking her company public. Known for helping others heal through memory restoration, Thandi quietly battles the weight of one memory she cannot access—a pivotal moment from her childhood that changed everything.
When a threat from her past reemerges, the trauma she’s long tried to forget rises with terrifying force. As public scrutiny mounts and the pressure to protect her company intensifies, Thandi must confront a danger that feels all too familiar.
Enter Ronan Thorne—a disaffected playboy-turned-strategist with an uncanny gift for reinvention. Brought in to help Thandi position her company for success, Ronan is the last man Thandi expects to depend on. But as the stakes climb and danger draws closer, Thandi realizes he may be hiding secrets of his own.
As sparks ignite between them, their connection deepens in ways neither anticipated. But the closer they get, the more dangerous the path becomes. To stop what’s coming, Thandi will need more than memory. She’ll need to risk her company, her heart—and maybe even her future.
When a threat from her past reemerges, the trauma she’s long tried to forget rises with terrifying force. As public scrutiny mounts and the pressure to protect her company intensifies, Thandi must confront a danger that feels all too familiar.
Enter Ronan Thorne—a disaffected playboy-turned-strategist with an uncanny gift for reinvention. Brought in to help Thandi position her company for success, Ronan is the last man Thandi expects to depend on. But as the stakes climb and danger draws closer, Thandi realizes he may be hiding secrets of his own.
As sparks ignite between them, their connection deepens in ways neither anticipated. But the closer they get, the more dangerous the path becomes. To stop what’s coming, Thandi will need more than memory. She’ll need to risk her company, her heart—and maybe even her future.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Devin Em
7 books13 followersDevin Em writes diverse romances with smart, strong heroines and powerful, emotionally evolved heroes who will do anything for the women they love. Generous spice and HEA guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 30, 2026
Tropes: Billionaires, Love/Attraction at First Glance, He Falls First, Business Relationship. Childhood Trauma, Mental Health Issues, Suspense
Devin Em creates comprehensive (one could say sweeping) romances; her stories are multilayered with rich narratives and complex characters. If you haven’t read her prior books, Echoes of Light and Beneath the Façade, please do; they have a more serious tone but are just as entertaining as her latest novel, Vanilla Without You. Ms. Em points out that this story ends on a cliffhanger and the second half of the story is expected around Valentine’s Day!
Brillant Thandi Elowen still grapples with a childhood trauma which shapes her very existence. This traumatic event caused her to lose important memories. Rather than allow her life altering condition to impede her desire to benefit others, Thandie utilizes her pain to help her fellow sufferers with memory loss. Ms. Bevin gives her readers an intriguing premise and the science behind Thandi’s work is cutting edge, how scent can have an impact on memories. Trent, a very interesting secondary character, places Thandi in contact with Ronan Throne as Thandi seeks to make her company public. In his own way, Ronan is just as damaged as Thandi; unfortunately, he engages in meaningless romantic interludes to cover the pain of losing his mother and his toxic relationship[ with his controlling and cruel father. From his first informal meeting with Thandi, Ronan is strongly drawn to her, and these feelings do not diminish as he comes to know her, both professionally and personally. However, Ronan’s life is mired in danger and riddled with secrets; how will the unspoken things affect his relationship with Thandi? Will their bond hold under the weight of truth and intent?
Conclusion:
I love Ms. Devin’s evocative prose and facility to intrigue her readers! Her physical descriptions of her two main characters are vivid and alluring even as we come to appreciate their appealing personalities and love languages. As the story unfolds, readers are poised to witness the unwelcome consequences of Ronan’s reticence about his background. The fallout is devastating and we look forward hopefully for a sweet resolution and possible reconnection. Final words, this story is another “must read” by a gifted and detailed author. Again, the second half of the story should be available in mid-February, I can’t wait!
Favorite Lines:
The plastic beads make a fun clicking sound whenever Tess turns her head. She looks pretty, so I know I look pretty too.
Every iteration of Immerscent’s scent-tech has been better, more effective, more revolutionary.
Booked through our website, claiming an interest in addressing childhood trauma.”
“Water is the easy part,” she says. “But thirst is not what’s making you miserable.”
There’s laughter, a low-key reverence, and so much care in the space around Thandi that I can’t look away.
Something inside me twists at his easy tenderness.
Thorne is easily six and a half feet of solid muscle. So much taller than me that I have to take a step back so that I don’t crane my neck looking at him.
“I had a … difficult experience as a child that caused me to lose my memory.”
Like at the youth center, I’m realizing Thandi leaves a little bit of sunshine wherever she goes.
My entire body is cradled across his lap, like I’m something fragile. Or precious.
Somehow, Ronan has taken the first evening we shared, refined it, compressed it, and capped it in a bottle.
I’m dazed, heady on the chaos, the warmth, the laughter. Leaning back in my chair, I take it all in with wonder.
A sense of belonging. A place where I’m welcome beyond a mother’s unconditional love.
He smiles. “She’s still that way. Still fighting for her place. Always giving more of herself than she probably should.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/vanill...
Devin Em creates comprehensive (one could say sweeping) romances; her stories are multilayered with rich narratives and complex characters. If you haven’t read her prior books, Echoes of Light and Beneath the Façade, please do; they have a more serious tone but are just as entertaining as her latest novel, Vanilla Without You. Ms. Em points out that this story ends on a cliffhanger and the second half of the story is expected around Valentine’s Day!
Brillant Thandi Elowen still grapples with a childhood trauma which shapes her very existence. This traumatic event caused her to lose important memories. Rather than allow her life altering condition to impede her desire to benefit others, Thandie utilizes her pain to help her fellow sufferers with memory loss. Ms. Bevin gives her readers an intriguing premise and the science behind Thandi’s work is cutting edge, how scent can have an impact on memories. Trent, a very interesting secondary character, places Thandi in contact with Ronan Throne as Thandi seeks to make her company public. In his own way, Ronan is just as damaged as Thandi; unfortunately, he engages in meaningless romantic interludes to cover the pain of losing his mother and his toxic relationship[ with his controlling and cruel father. From his first informal meeting with Thandi, Ronan is strongly drawn to her, and these feelings do not diminish as he comes to know her, both professionally and personally. However, Ronan’s life is mired in danger and riddled with secrets; how will the unspoken things affect his relationship with Thandi? Will their bond hold under the weight of truth and intent?
Conclusion:
I love Ms. Devin’s evocative prose and facility to intrigue her readers! Her physical descriptions of her two main characters are vivid and alluring even as we come to appreciate their appealing personalities and love languages. As the story unfolds, readers are poised to witness the unwelcome consequences of Ronan’s reticence about his background. The fallout is devastating and we look forward hopefully for a sweet resolution and possible reconnection. Final words, this story is another “must read” by a gifted and detailed author. Again, the second half of the story should be available in mid-February, I can’t wait!
Favorite Lines:
The plastic beads make a fun clicking sound whenever Tess turns her head. She looks pretty, so I know I look pretty too.
Every iteration of Immerscent’s scent-tech has been better, more effective, more revolutionary.
Booked through our website, claiming an interest in addressing childhood trauma.”
“Water is the easy part,” she says. “But thirst is not what’s making you miserable.”
There’s laughter, a low-key reverence, and so much care in the space around Thandi that I can’t look away.
Something inside me twists at his easy tenderness.
Thorne is easily six and a half feet of solid muscle. So much taller than me that I have to take a step back so that I don’t crane my neck looking at him.
“I had a … difficult experience as a child that caused me to lose my memory.”
Like at the youth center, I’m realizing Thandi leaves a little bit of sunshine wherever she goes.
My entire body is cradled across his lap, like I’m something fragile. Or precious.
Somehow, Ronan has taken the first evening we shared, refined it, compressed it, and capped it in a bottle.
I’m dazed, heady on the chaos, the warmth, the laughter. Leaning back in my chair, I take it all in with wonder.
A sense of belonging. A place where I’m welcome beyond a mother’s unconditional love.
He smiles. “She’s still that way. Still fighting for her place. Always giving more of herself than she probably should.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/vanill...
January 20, 2026
Vanilla Without You is a layered romance that blends science, emotion, and a satisfying love story. It’s thoughtful without being heavy, and powerful in the way it explores trauma, healing, and found family.
The Story
Thandi Elowen is a billionaire leading a company focused on helping people recover memories and heal from trauma using scent. At the same time, she’s dealing with a childhood trauma that stole her own memories. When Ronan Thorne enters her world, what begins as a professional alliance becomes something far more intimate and transformative. But Ronan's secrets and a hidden danger threaten everything they've built.
💗 What I loved
🧠 Unique Premise:
The science-forward concept—memory restoration through scent—is fresh and surprisingly believable. It grounds the romance in something original and gives the story real narrative weight.
🌸 A Sweetheart FMC:
Thandi is resilient, warm, and deeply human. Even while navigating childhood trauma and enormous responsibility, she never loses her softness or empathy. She’s a heroine you root for instinctively.
🔥 He Falls First (and Hard):
Ronan doesn’t just fall first—he commits. He’s attentive, protective, and laser-focused on Thandi’s needs. Watching him show up for her, again and again, is deeply swoon-worthy.
📈 Character Growth:
Ronan isn’t perfect, and that’s part of what makes his arc so satisfying. His evolution is shaped by the remarkable women in his life, and it feels earned. The side characters shine too—especially his best friend, Fia, who constantly pushes him to show up in ways he never imagined.
🤍 Friends & Found Family:
This is a romance, but friendship and family are just as essential to the story. Thandi’s dad, Winston, is amazing, bringing warmth and levity to a novel that doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.
🌿 Trauma & Healing:
This is my third Devin Em book, and trauma and healing remain central themes. Thandi’s past is handled with care, and elegance.
📚 Final Thoughts
Compared to the author’s other work, Vanilla Without You feels like a faster, more immersive read—and I flew through it. The emotional payoff is strong, the romance feels earned, and the world is rich enough that I’m already eager for the sequel.
✨ Recommendation:
Perfect for readers who love Ali Hazelwood’s smart, STEM-inflected romances with a dash of Alyssa Cole’s emotional depth and multicultural focus.
The Story
Thandi Elowen is a billionaire leading a company focused on helping people recover memories and heal from trauma using scent. At the same time, she’s dealing with a childhood trauma that stole her own memories. When Ronan Thorne enters her world, what begins as a professional alliance becomes something far more intimate and transformative. But Ronan's secrets and a hidden danger threaten everything they've built.
💗 What I loved
🧠 Unique Premise:
The science-forward concept—memory restoration through scent—is fresh and surprisingly believable. It grounds the romance in something original and gives the story real narrative weight.
🌸 A Sweetheart FMC:
Thandi is resilient, warm, and deeply human. Even while navigating childhood trauma and enormous responsibility, she never loses her softness or empathy. She’s a heroine you root for instinctively.
🔥 He Falls First (and Hard):
Ronan doesn’t just fall first—he commits. He’s attentive, protective, and laser-focused on Thandi’s needs. Watching him show up for her, again and again, is deeply swoon-worthy.
📈 Character Growth:
Ronan isn’t perfect, and that’s part of what makes his arc so satisfying. His evolution is shaped by the remarkable women in his life, and it feels earned. The side characters shine too—especially his best friend, Fia, who constantly pushes him to show up in ways he never imagined.
🤍 Friends & Found Family:
This is a romance, but friendship and family are just as essential to the story. Thandi’s dad, Winston, is amazing, bringing warmth and levity to a novel that doesn’t shy away from heavy themes.
🌿 Trauma & Healing:
This is my third Devin Em book, and trauma and healing remain central themes. Thandi’s past is handled with care, and elegance.
📚 Final Thoughts
Compared to the author’s other work, Vanilla Without You feels like a faster, more immersive read—and I flew through it. The emotional payoff is strong, the romance feels earned, and the world is rich enough that I’m already eager for the sequel.
✨ Recommendation:
Perfect for readers who love Ali Hazelwood’s smart, STEM-inflected romances with a dash of Alyssa Cole’s emotional depth and multicultural focus.
March 24, 2026
What a refreshing and interesting new author in the romance genre! What I loved is how carefully and deeply Devin Em has researched her subjects - not just the characters and what makes them tick, but the science that forms the backbone of the story. (This is not a book that treats work or careers as ancillary; Em is methodical and precise as she tracks not just the company our main female character is building, but what would sustain an attraction between her and the male main character).
She doesn’t stop there, though. There is a full and fully developed roster of characters that help tell a larger story about what’s at stake here. Child welfare, corporate greed, casual racism, even big tech (Bear with me - I think the evil corporate product is a stand-in for untested, unregulated and sloppy social media and AI) all somehow fit together seamlessly.
Can’t wait for the second book - Em better have a happy ending in store not just for our romantic leads but our other characters!
She doesn’t stop there, though. There is a full and fully developed roster of characters that help tell a larger story about what’s at stake here. Child welfare, corporate greed, casual racism, even big tech (Bear with me - I think the evil corporate product is a stand-in for untested, unregulated and sloppy social media and AI) all somehow fit together seamlessly.
Can’t wait for the second book - Em better have a happy ending in store not just for our romantic leads but our other characters!
February 2, 2026
A Good Must Read
Vanilla Without You is truly a book that you just have to read. From the description to the last page. You are taken on a journey of truth and the pursuit for purpose.
The chemistry between Ronan and Thandi is like watching 80’s prime time television. You know the feels are hot and deep…
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and it’s definitely not the last. Matter of fact. I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to part 2.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily had received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
Vanilla Without You is truly a book that you just have to read. From the description to the last page. You are taken on a journey of truth and the pursuit for purpose.
The chemistry between Ronan and Thandi is like watching 80’s prime time television. You know the feels are hot and deep…
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and it’s definitely not the last. Matter of fact. I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to part 2.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily had received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
March 30, 2026
Devin Em returns with her signature style — subverting traditional romantic tropes, centering women of color, and deploying meticulous characterization to lend her characters both depth and purpose — and I couldn’t get enough! This time she sets the scene in book one and ties it all together in book two, blending tech fiction and true crime to deliver Thandi and Ronan’s surprisingly sweet story. For me, though, my favorite stars of VWY (and what lend it serious heart!) are the supporting cast of the youth center, who hooked me from the very first chapters. More of Fia in future installments, please!!
February 1, 2026
Thandi and Ronan both have trauma which is shaping their lives. There are secrets unfolding and they are caught up in their attraction to each other. But how will it end? HEA? There is more to come.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews