Taste Me Slowly

Hotel Bombshell #4

by Adrian J. Smith

Three seasons under their belts. Two costars hopelessly in love. One video that will shatter their dreams.
Renewed for season four, Angelica and Hope are ready to take on the world of hotels and restaurants one episode at a time. But Angelica can’t shake the feeling that everything she’s built is about to crash down in a fiery pit of doom.

Josef has been quiet. Too quiet.

She and Hope have barely had time to connect.

And the whole team is ready to film, and they have no clue that Angelica is head over heels in love with her costar.
Hope wants the world to know about the love she’s found, but respecting boundaries and controlling her impulses aren’t something she’s adept at. When a video is leaked of her and Angelica, the house built of cards tumbles.

Now they have to face the music.

And the questions.

And accusations.

Just when Angelica and Hope have found a balance, it’s snatched away. Now they have to rebuild a life they were only just getting to know and hold tight in their faith in each other, even when the curve balls keep coming.

This is the final installment in the Hotel Bombshell series featuring Hope and Angelica.

Genres: Contemporary, Lesbian

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

About the author

Adrian J. Smith has been publishing since 2013 but has been writing nearly her entire life. With a focus on women loving women fiction, AJ jumps genres from action-packed police procedurals to the seedier life of vampires and witches to sweet romances with a May-December twist. She loves writing and reading about women in the midst of the ordinariness of life. Two of her novels, For by Grace and Memoir in the Making, received honorable mentions with the Rainbow Awards.

AJ currently lives in Cheyenne, WY, although she moves often and has lived all over the United States. She loves to travel to different countries and places. She currently plays the roles of author, wife, and mother to two rambunctious kids, occasional handy-woman. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ build up vs payoff was the ultimate downfall for me. I’ve rated the entire series so highly, engaged in weekly email updates for short stories, waited on the edge of my seat and it was just still so full of problems without timely resolutions. Ange took her sweet time letting herself love Hope freely. We pretty much know she is going to get there, so why is it only 4 books in with 4 (ish) chapters to go that we get to see it. I was hoping for that kind of growth at 40%, not 90…

Following that, everrrything Josef related was like horrid background noise, he was no doubt a problem, which was expected and I enjoyed the tension his misogynistic character brings to the book but it’s was all so indirect until the very end, and he all but fell on his own sword; dug his own grave, etc etc. other than a harassment suit, how did our MCs take a real stand ?

I enjoyed FloRo and what she brought to the table as like a B-tech Angelica, I don’t know if we’ll ever get to know what happened to Cadence and Lyric (it will be beyond weird if we don’t get a story about that) I don’t want to consider it as something akin to page filler but without a teaser or anything, that’s what it’s looking like. I was actually very glad that Ange handled her family situation the way she did, I think the mainstream route would’ve had her flying home and acquiescing to her brother’s needs. And I really liked pre-teen Eva and her little bits of meddling and huffing were super cute. Really wanted to see her relationship develop with Hope and Ange even more. And shout out to Rex once again, making all the right moves for the women in his circle.

[Angela LoSapio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian J. Smith, I absolutely adore this series and Taste me Slowly was perfection. I immediately became invested in these two. The tension, passion and love were beautifully woven throughout complicated set scenes, family drama and interesting plot twists. I’ve learned so much from Hope and Angelica but their perseverance, strength and determination to love each other is what I’ll keep with me. Everyone deserves love. Despite what others may think or believe. Slow burns are one of my favorites because of the character development and opportunity to connect or relate to a character. A slow burn spread across four books? A literal dream. I’ve submerged myself in this world for so many weeks and Taste Me Slowly was a perfect landing. A must read in my opinion.

[M the avid reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Left me wanting more books in series (3.5 stars)
This is presumably the last book in the Hotel Bombshell series but I still want more after finishing the book.  Taste Me Slowly does provide answers and some level of resolution for beloved mains Angelica and Hope however I still have questions about the more minor plot threads that won't be addressed unless there's another book (or more).  If a fifth book for Ange and Hope's story happens (please may it be so), it could provide the setup for a secondary character like Lyric getting a spinoff romance book of her own as well as giving Ange and Hope more time together to talk and be, away from being on camera for the show they cohost.  They have their steamy moments here but seemingly less time just hanging out together away from the show and having conversations, enjoying a meal etc.  There wasn't much humor in the first part of the book but so much drama and angst in part from Josef's meddling and other shenanigans; Josef's heavy presence in the book is on one level understandable but he robbed me as a reader of scenes where other characters could have had more time and attention, and Josef's story arc took too long to resolve for my taste.  Lyric was more absent than I expected her to be and I missed her and Hope's daughter Eva when they weren't part of some scenes; newer secondary characters got more scenes than they did.  The ending is sweet and romantic but left me with questions and a greater desire for the Ange's and Hope's story to continue.
Overall it's a very entertaining series and highly bingeable. It does have to be read as a series though or you'll be lost.  I've read all the books in the series so far and still for a few instances in Taste Me Slowly I was trying to remember certain details from previous books that were alluded to because the bits of recap in this book didn't jog all the parts of my memory to make the connections, so if you're able to read them in close succession (back to back for the books three and four for sure) I strongly suggest that.  It's a wild and fun world to get lost in so turn off your TV shows for a bit and delve into this (hopefully unfinished) series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are on season four of Hotel Bombshell and I still can’t get enough of this series. The writing, the character development, the tension, and the chemistry are all top tier. This series must be read in order and hopefully you’re a fan of the sloth-burn because Adrian J. Smith really keeps us on edge hoping for our happily ever after. The first installment Culinary Chaos has lots of pining and tension with very little spice. The next three books heavily make up for the lack of spice in book one and you might want to have a fan handy while reading.

In Taste Me Slowly, Angelica and Hope are finding their footing and routine for their relationship on and off set. Four years have passed since the start of the series. Josef is still causing problems! But we do get a resolution which comes with a lot of headaches first. The show format remains the same with the crew visiting failing hotels to revamp and revitalize them. I like that we usually didn’t get to see the results (success/failure) of their efforts at the hotels. While filming is integral to the story the heart of the book is the relationships. We get to see Angelica and Hope expand their careers outside of the show and it was nice to see some personal growth.

This book definitely felt like an end to the Angelica and Hope storyline. It was wrapped up neatly and was beautifully done with an inspiring amount of romance from Angelica. I would love to get more of this series featuring some of the side characters or a spin-off with side characters. As always I look forward to what Adrian J. Smith writes for us next. Thanks to the author for the ARC!

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally addicted to this celebrity romance series and knowing it is the last one only makes me feel sad! This story has all my favorite themes, ice queen, age gap, workplace romance, opposite attract, friends to lovers, and the author did an excellent job of giving us a nearly perfectly imperfect ice queen/TV star/hotel manager Angelica who nearly gave up on finding true love and her girlfriend, the outgoing, stubborn, warmhearted, nurturing celebrity chef and restaurant owner Hope. Together they make the best team both at work and at life! I also love the side characters such as Hope's smart daughter Eva, and her friendly ex husband. This book evoked so many emotions in me, like a rollercoaster ride, happy, sad and at times really worried about their relationship. Overall I enjoyed this sweet, slow burn sapphic romance and simply can't get enough of this exciting and beautiful couple!

[Robin Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series, it is as well written as the previous books in the series. The story continues, Josef is still trying to take Angelica and Hope down. His dirty tricks seem to be getting the best of them. The support of their support staff is tested, and holds firm. There are lawsuits landing, family anxieties and the taping of their show must go on! Lots of stress, yet love continues to grow.
The settings change for each taping at a new hotel that needs to be saved. The characters too are changing at each hotel. Adrain’s writing holds true to the quality I have enjoyed. There is occasional heat between the two women which strengthens the storyline. I am amazed by the quality of the story and the way it is presented. I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and look forward to the next one!

[Amber Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final entry into the series revolving around Angelica and Hope made my heart happy. Though there are a few bumps in the road for them, they do get their HEA. I am hoping the author may write a few more of the post-season stories as she did during the gaps between the novels, so that some of the subplots have a resolution, and we get a little update further down the road in the relationship between the two MCs. I would highly recommend this book, just make sure you start with book 1 in the series, as each of the 4 novels does build upon the previous and they aren't really meant to be standalones.

[SweetPauly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with book 4. Definitely the worst one of the series. I probably skipped through at least half of it. Id say it’s closer to a 2.5 than a 3 in all honesty. It starts off strong and has a happy ending, but everything in between was so unbearable. Hope is a very unlikeable MC. She is a bad mom and I can’t wrap my head around an open relationship, so that dialogue (and unanswered storyline) is quite simply not for me. This book gave me whiplash… the back and forth with these two characters needs to end, and it felt as though the story was dragged out unnecessarily. I really liked the first 3 books, so to end on this low sucks. The 3 stars are for Angel, and Angel only.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth book of the Hotel Bombshell series, Angelica and Hope navigate their relationship through public scrutiny and family drama while filming their successful show. I've been invested in this couple from the start and they continue to grow throughout the series. The characters are fully drawn within a believable, well written story. With all the ups and downs, this is hands down one of the slowest burn romances I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a perfect end to a fantastic series.

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

[Cameo Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In what AJ states is the last book of the series, I say I REALLY want more of Hope and Angelica. I love how these women show up for each other. While Ange still struggles some with talking to Hope about everything she is learning and improving. Eva also brings in her amazing quirks and I just love it all so much. Josef is still an ass and Hope and Angelica go on to show they can conquer what life throws at them together. Love these two women!

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another phenomenal carry on, i loved the main characters their connection was embedded beautifully throughout I'm sad it was the last book because this series is my favourite by far its got everything i want in a story that keeps me coming back for more .Adrian j. Smith take a bow this series is just a sensational emotional rollercoaster a must-read congratulations

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic series and the last book as Hope might say is a chefs kiss. I can't wait til the next book comes out cause come! on Lyric has to have her story told. Plus we will need a more of Angel and Hope.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this series.

I think I've read the majority of the author's published works, and the Hotel Bombshell series is no exception.

And I can't wait for more set in this universe.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the final book in the series, and I'm sad to see it end. However, it did a great job of bringing everything to a satisfying conclusion. I believe a lot of things truly came full circle, and everything was neatly wrapped up. I really liked how everything came together. I appreciated how you showed the relationship between Hope and Angelica, as well as the differences over the past four years, and how everyone's attitudes, priorities, and perspectives had changed. I also liked how much better everyone became in how they viewed things and treated each other. I really enjoyed this book. Overall, most of the loose ends were addressed, though a few things I wish had been settled. But you can't have everything.

I received an arc

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book out of the series for me.

[Jenny Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

a HEA?

So good to catch up with Angelica and Hope again and finally see their HEA come to fruition. Or does it? Maybe Adrian has more to write about their story. Hope so!

[karen fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in this series now and I think we are all invested in what will happen to Hope and Angelica, both in their relationship and on the show. I think I have enjoyed this book most in the series with the new dynamics on set without Josef forcing the conflicts. I don't know how Adrian even manages to think up all the scenarios for the show but she has kept them varied and interesting throughout. I think anyone enjoying this series will absolutely love this book.