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Rule Breakers Duet #1
A Taste of Vanilla
Halston Smith is one week out from catching her fiancé cheating and is handling it with iced lattes and banana desserts from her bakery, late nights at her friend’s bar, and the firm belief that she is fine.
She is not fine.
One reckless night at the neighboring bar leads her to Warren King—huge, quiet, tattooed, controlled, and dangerously attentive. No names matter. No promises. No feelings.
Until the next morning, when Halston watches Warren walk into her bakery only to find out he’s her best friend’s older brother.
One she cannot touch again.
Except Warren is a master baker, and Halston’s chaotic little bakery needs help. Between late-night prep, events, and an ex determined to make her doubt herself, Warren becomes impossible to ignore, and his kind of organization is exactly what she needs.
But Warren King does not stay in one place.
And Halston refuses to be left behind ever again.
She is not fine.
One reckless night at the neighboring bar leads her to Warren King—huge, quiet, tattooed, controlled, and dangerously attentive. No names matter. No promises. No feelings.
Until the next morning, when Halston watches Warren walk into her bakery only to find out he’s her best friend’s older brother.
One she cannot touch again.
Except Warren is a master baker, and Halston’s chaotic little bakery needs help. Between late-night prep, events, and an ex determined to make her doubt herself, Warren becomes impossible to ignore, and his kind of organization is exactly what she needs.
But Warren King does not stay in one place.
And Halston refuses to be left behind ever again.
- GenresWorkplace
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Anna Noel
9 books125 followersAnna Noel writes emotionally messy, deliciously spicy romances for readers who want to laugh, cry, swoon, and fall completely head over heels in love.
Her books are filled with slow-burn tension, fierce found families, complicated, strong women, and guarded heroes who often fall first and harder. You can expect banter, acts of service, hard-earned vulnerability and chemistry that makes the slow burn worthwhile.
Anna writes for readers who love books about finding the person who sees every messy, difficult part of you, and chooses to stay.
Anna currently lives in Upstate New York with her husband, two cats, and one dog, but dreams of raising kids in in Maryland, where her family comes from, or her home state, Delaware and enjoying baseball games as a family.
On any given day, Anna can be found with a homemade iced latte in hand, writing about messy people falling in love.
Her books are filled with slow-burn tension, fierce found families, complicated, strong women, and guarded heroes who often fall first and harder. You can expect banter, acts of service, hard-earned vulnerability and chemistry that makes the slow burn worthwhile.
Anna writes for readers who love books about finding the person who sees every messy, difficult part of you, and chooses to stay.
Anna currently lives in Upstate New York with her husband, two cats, and one dog, but dreams of raising kids in in Maryland, where her family comes from, or her home state, Delaware and enjoying baseball games as a family.
On any given day, Anna can be found with a homemade iced latte in hand, writing about messy people falling in love.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 4, 2026
5🌟, 1.5🌶️
This was the definition of a comfort read.
It had all the charm of a classic rom-com with the perfect balance of humor, heart, and chemistry, and I couldn’t stop smiling while I was reading. After Halston’s life is turned upside down by her cheating fiancé, an unexpected one night stand leads her to Warren, and I was hooked from the start.
Halston was such a standout heroine. She was chaotic, funny, and unapologetically herself, while Warren was the steady, protective balance she never knew she needed. Their grumpy and sunshine dynamic was effortless, the banter was genuinely funny, and every scene at the bakery made me love them even more. I also appreciated the thoughtful endometriosis representation and the wonderful friendships that gave the story so much heart.
This was the kind of romance that reminds you the right people will love every part of who you are. Cozy, funny, swoony, and impossible to put down, it left me with the biggest smile and already excited for the next book.
I couldn’t have asked for a more satisfying romance.
~~~~
Huge thank you to the lovely author, Anna Noel, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was the definition of a comfort read.
It had all the charm of a classic rom-com with the perfect balance of humor, heart, and chemistry, and I couldn’t stop smiling while I was reading. After Halston’s life is turned upside down by her cheating fiancé, an unexpected one night stand leads her to Warren, and I was hooked from the start.
Halston was such a standout heroine. She was chaotic, funny, and unapologetically herself, while Warren was the steady, protective balance she never knew she needed. Their grumpy and sunshine dynamic was effortless, the banter was genuinely funny, and every scene at the bakery made me love them even more. I also appreciated the thoughtful endometriosis representation and the wonderful friendships that gave the story so much heart.
This was the kind of romance that reminds you the right people will love every part of who you are. Cozy, funny, swoony, and impossible to put down, it left me with the biggest smile and already excited for the next book.
I couldn’t have asked for a more satisfying romance.
~~~~
Huge thank you to the lovely author, Anna Noel, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
August 4, 2026
The story is good! Gave 3 stars because there are an INSANE amount of typos. I could understand what was meant to be said but there is just no reason the typo count should be in the hundreds.
Again, the story/plot was really good. Just needs some better editing.
Again, the story/plot was really good. Just needs some better editing.
August 1, 2026
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Anna for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Best Friend’s Sibling
-Age Gap
-One Night Stand
-Workplace Romance
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Endo Rep
-Hurt/ Comfort
This is book one of the Rule Breaker Series! You get to follow Halston and Warren! Halston finds her fiancé cheating and is not fine, but one night of forgetting everything and letting go won’t hurt. What do you do when the guy you thought you would never see again is actually your best friend’s older brother that you never met. Working side by side to help her bakery is one thing but Warren doesn’t stay in one place and can she deal with another heart break.
Ohhhhhhh I completely DEVOURED this book! One loved the storyline, such a great plot. Two Halston just became one of my favorite FMCs of all time her personality was entertaining, she is someone I would love to be friends with because even with her chaos madness, she feels like a genuine good time. The tension between our main characters and all their baking sexual innuendos were top tier. Honestly I am saying this with my full chest here lol this would make a great rom-com movie, it had all the aspects for one and I would so watch in a heart beat.
Taste of Vanilla is the perfect reminder to remember you are never too much for the right people, if you are “too much” for someone they aren’t your people.
Side notes:
-Pick Your Poison by Knox
-I need an Oliver book
-I also need a Marley book
-Glitter secrets
-Mrs. Alvarez🙌
Fav Quote:
•”Okay, well my personal life is more like a raccoon falling down an elevator shaft.”
•”Past Halston made choices current Halston cannot support”
•”I’m a cupcake with the correct amount of frosting”
Make sure you get your copy of this book🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Anna for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Best Friend’s Sibling
-Age Gap
-One Night Stand
-Workplace Romance
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Endo Rep
-Hurt/ Comfort
This is book one of the Rule Breaker Series! You get to follow Halston and Warren! Halston finds her fiancé cheating and is not fine, but one night of forgetting everything and letting go won’t hurt. What do you do when the guy you thought you would never see again is actually your best friend’s older brother that you never met. Working side by side to help her bakery is one thing but Warren doesn’t stay in one place and can she deal with another heart break.
Ohhhhhhh I completely DEVOURED this book! One loved the storyline, such a great plot. Two Halston just became one of my favorite FMCs of all time her personality was entertaining, she is someone I would love to be friends with because even with her chaos madness, she feels like a genuine good time. The tension between our main characters and all their baking sexual innuendos were top tier. Honestly I am saying this with my full chest here lol this would make a great rom-com movie, it had all the aspects for one and I would so watch in a heart beat.
Taste of Vanilla is the perfect reminder to remember you are never too much for the right people, if you are “too much” for someone they aren’t your people.
Side notes:
-Pick Your Poison by Knox
-I need an Oliver book
-I also need a Marley book
-Glitter secrets
-Mrs. Alvarez🙌
Fav Quote:
•”Okay, well my personal life is more like a raccoon falling down an elevator shaft.”
•”Past Halston made choices current Halston cannot support”
•”I’m a cupcake with the correct amount of frosting”
Make sure you get your copy of this book🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
August 5, 2026
I both laughed and cried as I read this book. Halston and Warren are the two emotionally bruised and battered main characters. They are certainly not looking for love or relationship, when they indulge in a steamy one night stand. Yet, the universe has decided they were a match. There is a host of loveable and quirky friends, family and colleagues who offer their support and advice. Their story is a tad messy, angsty and bumpy, but it is also riveting.
Halston and Warren didn’t know that they would see each other again after their very passionate one night stand, or that it would happen so soon and in front of the person they both loved. It turns out that he is her best friend’s brother. Yes, Halston’s sexy, tattooed lover was Marley’s long absent brother Warren, the brother she asked to come home in order to help her best friend with her bakery. Not only does his baby sister know what happened between them, she now knows intimate details. Awkward, horrifying and humiliating all describe that moment. Needless to say further intimate hook ups are strictly forbidden at Marley’s edict.
That proves to be an impossible to follow when Warren and Halston are working together to keep her bakery afloat. Her cheating ex fiancé and his family have launched a smear campaign designed to ruin Halston’s reputation and her business. As they work long hours together in very close proximity, Halston and Warren remember everything from their night together and their fiery chemistry is impossible to hide or to control. The ovens aren’t the only source of heat in the bakery. Their work styles may clash and they disagree often, but they both love their craft. As the smear campaign intensifies, Halston does not shy away from the challenge, nor do her friends and colleagues who step up to support her.
After practically rising his younger sister, Warren has never stayed in one place for long. He has shied away from connections and relationships, partly because of his parents and partly because of his own experience with rejection. He is surprised at the deep connection he feels with Halston, the need to protect her and to stand by her side. She truly sees him as he is, even the broken bits, and doesn’t try to change him. Even after her last disastrous relationship, Halston still believes in love. She makes him want to stay, but he is afraid to do so. Then an incident seems to make staying impossible unless he can win back Halston’s trust. Thankfully, she has a forgiving heart.
I give this book two thumbs up and five stars. Enjoy!
Halston and Warren didn’t know that they would see each other again after their very passionate one night stand, or that it would happen so soon and in front of the person they both loved. It turns out that he is her best friend’s brother. Yes, Halston’s sexy, tattooed lover was Marley’s long absent brother Warren, the brother she asked to come home in order to help her best friend with her bakery. Not only does his baby sister know what happened between them, she now knows intimate details. Awkward, horrifying and humiliating all describe that moment. Needless to say further intimate hook ups are strictly forbidden at Marley’s edict.
That proves to be an impossible to follow when Warren and Halston are working together to keep her bakery afloat. Her cheating ex fiancé and his family have launched a smear campaign designed to ruin Halston’s reputation and her business. As they work long hours together in very close proximity, Halston and Warren remember everything from their night together and their fiery chemistry is impossible to hide or to control. The ovens aren’t the only source of heat in the bakery. Their work styles may clash and they disagree often, but they both love their craft. As the smear campaign intensifies, Halston does not shy away from the challenge, nor do her friends and colleagues who step up to support her.
After practically rising his younger sister, Warren has never stayed in one place for long. He has shied away from connections and relationships, partly because of his parents and partly because of his own experience with rejection. He is surprised at the deep connection he feels with Halston, the need to protect her and to stand by her side. She truly sees him as he is, even the broken bits, and doesn’t try to change him. Even after her last disastrous relationship, Halston still believes in love. She makes him want to stay, but he is afraid to do so. Then an incident seems to make staying impossible unless he can win back Halston’s trust. Thankfully, she has a forgiving heart.
I give this book two thumbs up and five stars. Enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was adorable!
After finding her fiancée cheating, Halston needs to figure out her life. Her best friends help as much as they can in the first week, but knowing that she needs more, her girl best friend calls in her older brother. However, before knowing this, Halston unknowingly has a one-night stand with him and tells her best friend all the details. Now she's banned from being with him again but needs Warren's help to get her bakery back on track while she semi-spirals. Things seem to be going well, and small glances turn into more. So what happens when Warren tries to make Halston's life easier when her ex and ex's family make it more difficult, and she spirals again?
Warren and Halston get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two! I wonder how long it took for Halston to ask Warren to stay and work at her bakery when he decided to stay, or if she let him look for other work first before offering a job. I would have loved to have seen Warren tell his sister he was staying too, just to see how she reacted, as she seemed to love her brother and wanted him around. I loved how simple the revenge was, and all they did was show the bakery had sustenance and not all flash like the new reviews were claiming. And that Halston's creations could speak for themselves, not that she needed her marketing to do it for her.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After finding her fiancée cheating, Halston needs to figure out her life. Her best friends help as much as they can in the first week, but knowing that she needs more, her girl best friend calls in her older brother. However, before knowing this, Halston unknowingly has a one-night stand with him and tells her best friend all the details. Now she's banned from being with him again but needs Warren's help to get her bakery back on track while she semi-spirals. Things seem to be going well, and small glances turn into more. So what happens when Warren tries to make Halston's life easier when her ex and ex's family make it more difficult, and she spirals again?
Warren and Halston get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
These two! I wonder how long it took for Halston to ask Warren to stay and work at her bakery when he decided to stay, or if she let him look for other work first before offering a job. I would have loved to have seen Warren tell his sister he was staying too, just to see how she reacted, as she seemed to love her brother and wanted him around. I loved how simple the revenge was, and all they did was show the bakery had sustenance and not all flash like the new reviews were claiming. And that Halston's creations could speak for themselves, not that she needed her marketing to do it for her.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beta/Arc Review
A Taste Of Vanilla by Anna Noel
Available August 4
5 ⭐
First off I would like to thank Anna for the opportunity to read & review this book
Halston Smith & Warren King
"She built a life out of sugar, stubbornness, and all the softness no one could take from her."
Y'all rom-coms are so back! This book is the perfect balance of rom-com vibes from the early 2000's. I absolutely adore Halstons wild chaotic sunshine vibes. I love that she embraces life in such spontaneous ways and isn't afraid to be her self it's inspiring. Warren my dude. I love how organized and detailed & in control he is. I love how determined and grounded he is and how confident he is in himself. I absolutely adore watching Warren bring structure and balance to Halston's life, While Halston brings chaos and color to Warren's life.
5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all I absolutely loved being back in the Baltimore world with a little hint of our favorite Baltimore Corbas. I absolutely love the risk Anna took with doing a more rom-com vibe, it has more humor and banter and chemistry through our while still having the emotions and character depth and enthusiasm and growth. Also I need book two ASAP please 🫶🏼.
A Taste Of Vanilla by Anna Noel
Available August 4
5 ⭐
First off I would like to thank Anna for the opportunity to read & review this book
Halston Smith & Warren King
"She built a life out of sugar, stubbornness, and all the softness no one could take from her."
Y'all rom-coms are so back! This book is the perfect balance of rom-com vibes from the early 2000's. I absolutely adore Halstons wild chaotic sunshine vibes. I love that she embraces life in such spontaneous ways and isn't afraid to be her self it's inspiring. Warren my dude. I love how organized and detailed & in control he is. I love how determined and grounded he is and how confident he is in himself. I absolutely adore watching Warren bring structure and balance to Halston's life, While Halston brings chaos and color to Warren's life.
5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all I absolutely loved being back in the Baltimore world with a little hint of our favorite Baltimore Corbas. I absolutely love the risk Anna took with doing a more rom-com vibe, it has more humor and banter and chemistry through our while still having the emotions and character depth and enthusiasm and growth. Also I need book two ASAP please 🫶🏼.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, I enjoyed this book so much that I ended up fangirling in the author’s DMs because I didn’t have anyone else to talk to about it, and it was maybe one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I loved everything about this book: the comedy, the characters, the storytelling, the atmosphere, THE SPICY PART (seriously, one of those spicy scenes that leaves you… parched, you know what I mean). I found the plot incredibly entertaining; it’s one of those books you start and never get bored for a single moment. Warren is a classic “grumpy but not really grumpy” guy, with brilliant surprises (ahem, piercings……) and exquisite tattoos, plus that uniquely quirky way of interacting with and treating people which is exactly what makes Halston fall for him. She’s quirky, explosive, kind, cheerful, super mischievous, and loves making plans only to change everything at the last minute, hahaha. She’s been through so much that I’m sending her a virtual hug; I really empathized with her, and I’m left with the best, improved version of her. The MVP of the book: OLIVER, Halston and Marley’s best friend. I thought he was SO funny, and honestly, I’m excited to see more of him.
Thank you so much, Anna, for this ARC and for giving me the chance to read it!
I loved everything about this book: the comedy, the characters, the storytelling, the atmosphere, THE SPICY PART (seriously, one of those spicy scenes that leaves you… parched, you know what I mean). I found the plot incredibly entertaining; it’s one of those books you start and never get bored for a single moment. Warren is a classic “grumpy but not really grumpy” guy, with brilliant surprises (ahem, piercings……) and exquisite tattoos, plus that uniquely quirky way of interacting with and treating people which is exactly what makes Halston fall for him. She’s quirky, explosive, kind, cheerful, super mischievous, and loves making plans only to change everything at the last minute, hahaha. She’s been through so much that I’m sending her a virtual hug; I really empathized with her, and I’m left with the best, improved version of her. The MVP of the book: OLIVER, Halston and Marley’s best friend. I thought he was SO funny, and honestly, I’m excited to see more of him.
Thank you so much, Anna, for this ARC and for giving me the chance to read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW!
I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book I have read by Anna and I will be going back and reading her whole repertoire.
This book had so many elements I love. Found family, rom com vibes, powerful women and a tall tattooed man with a hidden piercing🍆
The main characters Halston and Warren are the epitome of grumpy/sunshine. Halston has had a lifetime of being told she is ‘too much’ but Warren comes in and over time shows her that he loves every part of her, even the messy bits. He fuels her crazy but helps to keep her bakery (her pride & joy) in tip top shape. The storyline follows Halston reclaim her power over her cheating ex-husband and his spiteful family. It is a beautiful reminder of how important found family are in helping you reclaim your strength.
I also loved the chronic illness representation (Endometriosis) and as someone with chronic illnesses felt really comforted by the way Halston’s story was told and it felt really accurate.
Thank you Anna for highlighting strong, powerful women and the struggles we go through. I cannot wait for more on these characters and you have a new number one fan!
I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book I have read by Anna and I will be going back and reading her whole repertoire.
This book had so many elements I love. Found family, rom com vibes, powerful women and a tall tattooed man with a hidden piercing🍆
The main characters Halston and Warren are the epitome of grumpy/sunshine. Halston has had a lifetime of being told she is ‘too much’ but Warren comes in and over time shows her that he loves every part of her, even the messy bits. He fuels her crazy but helps to keep her bakery (her pride & joy) in tip top shape. The storyline follows Halston reclaim her power over her cheating ex-husband and his spiteful family. It is a beautiful reminder of how important found family are in helping you reclaim your strength.
I also loved the chronic illness representation (Endometriosis) and as someone with chronic illnesses felt really comforted by the way Halston’s story was told and it felt really accurate.
Thank you Anna for highlighting strong, powerful women and the struggles we go through. I cannot wait for more on these characters and you have a new number one fan!
August 5, 2026
BIG shoutout for the endo-representation! I can personally relate and I love that it's expressed as a part of a heroine's struggles in life. This was a first of this author's but I'll certainly be reading more!
This book had me staying up WAYYYYYYYYY past my bedtime to finish. Halston was fun and had me smiling from the very start. She was relatable, a little over the top (in a good way!), and 100% herself at all times. Her one night stand with Warren catapults them into this story that I am OBSESSED with!
Warren is the perfect balance to chaos. He has this unique way about him that absorbs what others tossed aside and he turns it into love and support. Talk about SWOON! He doesn't try to change her and that was such a key element after what she went through with her ex and his family.
As these two begin working together in the bakery, we get to see their stories intertwine to create a new one that neither were expecting. The banter, humor, and interactions were top-notch. It felt real, made me laugh, and pulled on my heart in exactly the way I love a romance novel to pull!
This book had me staying up WAYYYYYYYYY past my bedtime to finish. Halston was fun and had me smiling from the very start. She was relatable, a little over the top (in a good way!), and 100% herself at all times. Her one night stand with Warren catapults them into this story that I am OBSESSED with!
Warren is the perfect balance to chaos. He has this unique way about him that absorbs what others tossed aside and he turns it into love and support. Talk about SWOON! He doesn't try to change her and that was such a key element after what she went through with her ex and his family.
As these two begin working together in the bakery, we get to see their stories intertwine to create a new one that neither were expecting. The banter, humor, and interactions were top-notch. It felt real, made me laugh, and pulled on my heart in exactly the way I love a romance novel to pull!
August 2, 2026
A Taste of Vanilla was everything I want in a rom-com. It had me laughing out loud, smiling from beginning to end, and completely invested in Halston and Warren's story.
Halston and Warren quickly became two of my favorite characters, but I also loved the friendship between Halston, Marley, and Oliver. Their support and banter added so much heart to the story, while the bakery setting made me crave something sweet.
The humor landed perfectly, the romance was full of charm, and Warren completely won me over.
Warren. Tattoos. Enough said. 😍
More than anything, this story was a beautiful reminder that the right people will love you exactly as you are.
If you love best friend's sibling, age gap, one night stand, workplace romance, grumpy x sunshine, hurt/comfort, and endometriosis representation, definitely add A Taste of Vanilla to your TBR.
Thank you to Anna Noel for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all opinions are my own.
Halston and Warren quickly became two of my favorite characters, but I also loved the friendship between Halston, Marley, and Oliver. Their support and banter added so much heart to the story, while the bakery setting made me crave something sweet.
The humor landed perfectly, the romance was full of charm, and Warren completely won me over.
Warren. Tattoos. Enough said. 😍
More than anything, this story was a beautiful reminder that the right people will love you exactly as you are.
If you love best friend's sibling, age gap, one night stand, workplace romance, grumpy x sunshine, hurt/comfort, and endometriosis representation, definitely add A Taste of Vanilla to your TBR.
Thank you to Anna Noel for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a super cute rom-com. I love a good rom-com. This is my first book by Anna Noel. I really enjoyed her writing style. She writes really good banter in her dialogue. This book is about Halston. She was cheated on by her fiancée and her whole world is starting to spin. She has a one night stand with her friend’s brother. Only to find out that Warren is to help with Halston’s bakery. The two are grump/sunshine perfection. He is very Type A and she likes to create whimsical foods. He is an experienced baker that helps her re-do the bakery. She loves big and he always has one foot out the door. He cares for her when she is in pain. It was such a good time. I can’t wait to go back to her catalog and read more of her books. Special shout out to all the yummy recipes in between chapters. It was such a personal touch. I can’t wait to try a few. Thank you to the author for the review copy in exchange for a voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
I requested this ARC and was so stoked to receive it, lived experience endometriosis representation will ALWAYS earn an automatic read for me. This was worth risking the ask.
A list to make Warren proud of “Things to be found in this book”:
-a backstory of OW drama
-tight knit found family
-latte recipes that will make you buy instant espresso (and make four lattes in the two days since you started the book)
-Dungeons and Dragons
-Supportive caretaking… like… BDSM caretaking
-revenge without emotional overhead. Think back to the time when someone wronged you and you wanted to WIN the argument, Halston takes the high road and still gets the win
Halston and Warren have running away as something in common. With a temporary third act breakup that was resolved quickly enough for my forgiveness, they get their HEA with well established rules moving forward.
This is a cute, accidental one night stand turned situation by morning, story where humor is high and has a driving plot.
A list to make Warren proud of “Things to be found in this book”:
-a backstory of OW drama
-tight knit found family
-latte recipes that will make you buy instant espresso (and make four lattes in the two days since you started the book)
-Dungeons and Dragons
-Supportive caretaking… like… BDSM caretaking
-revenge without emotional overhead. Think back to the time when someone wronged you and you wanted to WIN the argument, Halston takes the high road and still gets the win
Halston and Warren have running away as something in common. With a temporary third act breakup that was resolved quickly enough for my forgiveness, they get their HEA with well established rules moving forward.
This is a cute, accidental one night stand turned situation by morning, story where humor is high and has a driving plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2026
I was drawn to this book because I’m a born and bred Baltimorean and it’s set in Baltimore. So, it was pretty neat reading about some familiar places.
The FMC is Halston, a bakery owner with endometriosis. She has 2 BFFs, Oliver (a Baltimore bar owner).. and Marley. They’ve been friends a long time and look out for each other, as friends do.
Halston is engaged but finds out her fiancé is cheating. And her bakery seems to be stuck in a rut.
Enter Warren, a professional baker and Marley’s older brother, who’s come to try to help with Halston’s bakery.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s tattooed and hot :)
What ensues is a page-turning, steamy, emotional and fun story about the dynamics of friendships and relationships.
If you like the quick back and forth dialogue banter like in the Gilmore Girls, this one is for you!
All of the characters were likable for me, except Oliver. In all honesty, I didn’t care for him and he got on my nerves 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, a clever and thought-provoking book!
The FMC is Halston, a bakery owner with endometriosis. She has 2 BFFs, Oliver (a Baltimore bar owner).. and Marley. They’ve been friends a long time and look out for each other, as friends do.
Halston is engaged but finds out her fiancé is cheating. And her bakery seems to be stuck in a rut.
Enter Warren, a professional baker and Marley’s older brother, who’s come to try to help with Halston’s bakery.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s tattooed and hot :)
What ensues is a page-turning, steamy, emotional and fun story about the dynamics of friendships and relationships.
If you like the quick back and forth dialogue banter like in the Gilmore Girls, this one is for you!
All of the characters were likable for me, except Oliver. In all honesty, I didn’t care for him and he got on my nerves 🤷🏼♀️
Overall, a clever and thought-provoking book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Anna Noel, for the ARC of A Taste of Vanilla–release date: August 4th, 2026
Warren and Halston’s story will have you laughing and tearing up and also angry…all within the first 100 pages. I went into this one only knowing a few tropes, and I actually liked sort of not knowing which way the story was going to go. I would suggest for new readers to do the same, but if you need a few incentives to check it out, see below:
*Bakery setting and bakery *fun*
*Amazing chances at so much laughter
*In the midst of the laughter, a sock-you-in-the-gut thoughtful and reflective comment
*”Alive”
*OLVIER!!
*The epilogue!!!
*More laughter!
*Spicy times
*And did I mention laughter aligned with amazing friendship?
Warren and Halston’s story will have you laughing and tearing up and also angry…all within the first 100 pages. I went into this one only knowing a few tropes, and I actually liked sort of not knowing which way the story was going to go. I would suggest for new readers to do the same, but if you need a few incentives to check it out, see below:
*Bakery setting and bakery *fun*
*Amazing chances at so much laughter
*In the midst of the laughter, a sock-you-in-the-gut thoughtful and reflective comment
*”Alive”
*OLVIER!!
*The epilogue!!!
*More laughter!
*Spicy times
*And did I mention laughter aligned with amazing friendship?
August 2, 2026
I don’t think I can explain just how much I fucking loved this story, it’s setting, and its characters.
First things first, the humor felt like it was catered to me. It was nerdy, it was sarcastic, it was sexy, it was perfect.
Halston, Oliver, Marley, Warren, Dev, Lisa, even the Vipers and Mrs Alvarez; these characters were so awesome. The friendship and family vibes they brought wrapped the whole story up so well.
Even made me kinda emotional over a car, like WTAF.
Negl, I kinda wanted a friends to lovers for book 2 because that dynamic was so interesting to me and I love them, but the tease poopoo’d that so oh wells. I’m still VERY ready for more on Oliver because everything about him was A+
So damn good. Hot, funny, pastry porn, and love. All the stars.
First things first, the humor felt like it was catered to me. It was nerdy, it was sarcastic, it was sexy, it was perfect.
Halston, Oliver, Marley, Warren, Dev, Lisa, even the Vipers and Mrs Alvarez; these characters were so awesome. The friendship and family vibes they brought wrapped the whole story up so well.
Even made me kinda emotional over a car, like WTAF.
Negl, I kinda wanted a friends to lovers for book 2 because that dynamic was so interesting to me and I love them, but the tease poopoo’d that so oh wells. I’m still VERY ready for more on Oliver because everything about him was A+
So damn good. Hot, funny, pastry porn, and love. All the stars.
August 4, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It had me laughing out loud, kicking my feet, and completely hooked. The FMC's chaos was so relatable that I connected with her right away. The tension was perfectly paced, the spice delivered, and the unexpected MMC completely won me over.
And don't even get me started on the side characters. I loved them just as much as the main couple. They brought so much heart to the story and made it even more enjoyable.
I honestly can't believe I've never come across this indie author before because I'll definitely be diving into more of her books. This book had the perfect mix of humor, heart, tension, spice, and relatable chaos, and I'm already impatiently waiting for more from these characters.
And don't even get me started on the side characters. I loved them just as much as the main couple. They brought so much heart to the story and made it even more enjoyable.
I honestly can't believe I've never come across this indie author before because I'll definitely be diving into more of her books. This book had the perfect mix of humor, heart, tension, spice, and relatable chaos, and I'm already impatiently waiting for more from these characters.
August 5, 2026
This book had me laughing the whole way through. I love the endo rep as a family member of women who have had it. I can't gush enough about how much I love this book. What can't you accomplish when you have your friends behind you?
Sleeping with a stranger who turned out to be her besties (Marley) brother was never in the cards when Halston was fresh out of calling off her engagement to her fiancee who cheated on her. She owns a bakery that's next door to her best friend Oliver's bar. Her ex fiancee's father was a food critic and had reviewed her resturant when it was still new and her business took off after that. He comes back to cause trouble in the way of writing horrible reviews in the local paper after she broke off the engagement. There's chaos, laughs and love along the way.
Sleeping with a stranger who turned out to be her besties (Marley) brother was never in the cards when Halston was fresh out of calling off her engagement to her fiancee who cheated on her. She owns a bakery that's next door to her best friend Oliver's bar. Her ex fiancee's father was a food critic and had reviewed her resturant when it was still new and her business took off after that. He comes back to cause trouble in the way of writing horrible reviews in the local paper after she broke off the engagement. There's chaos, laughs and love along the way.
August 4, 2026
A Taste of Vanilla is a fun book. The characters are friends that know each other well. The banter between the characters is funny and quite entertaining. Halston and Warren flirt over baking. It's cute and hilarious. The reading is light, despite a few sad parts. It doesn't take much to make me sad though. There are lots of moments to laugh. A Taste of Vanilla is very enjoyable. Looking forward to Oliver's story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my second ARC from Anna and it hopefully won’t be my last.
This book is full of heart and soul and happiness. I don’t know how else to describe it. But just thinking about it makes me smile.
There’s parts that will make you cry and so many that will have you grinning ear to ear and kicking your feet.
Anna’s writing has grown between books, and I can’t wait to see what else comes from her
Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This book is full of heart and soul and happiness. I don’t know how else to describe it. But just thinking about it makes me smile.
There’s parts that will make you cry and so many that will have you grinning ear to ear and kicking your feet.
Anna’s writing has grown between books, and I can’t wait to see what else comes from her
Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 4, 2026
A Taste of Vanilla was such a sweet surprise! 🤍🍦
This book had the perfect blend of romance, emotion, and spice. I loved watching the relationship unfold, and the chemistry between the characters kept me turning pages. The found family moments and emotional growth added so much heart, making this story feel just as comforting as it was swoony.
While I would have loved a little more depth in a few areas, it was still an incredibly enjoyable read that left me smiling by the final page.
This book had the perfect blend of romance, emotion, and spice. I loved watching the relationship unfold, and the chemistry between the characters kept me turning pages. The found family moments and emotional growth added so much heart, making this story feel just as comforting as it was swoony.
While I would have loved a little more depth in a few areas, it was still an incredibly enjoyable read that left me smiling by the final page.
August 5, 2026
ARC reader here and here is my why I gave it 3 stars...
I love this storyline, the detail on the characters.
BUT typos and names were my issue. I honestly had to take a day break from it after I believe chapter 4 because we don't know his name but yet it kept appearing.
It definitely was a fun read. Gave me something different from my new "normal" which I loved and that made me enjoy this even more!
I love this storyline, the detail on the characters.
BUT typos and names were my issue. I honestly had to take a day break from it after I believe chapter 4 because we don't know his name but yet it kept appearing.
It definitely was a fun read. Gave me something different from my new "normal" which I loved and that made me enjoy this even more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book and can not wait for the next one. It was such a sweet, funny, and emotional story. I loved all of the humor and the fact that Halston wouldn't give up, no matter what.
August 4, 2026
This is the first book in the rule breakers duet and I loved it so much. I loved the characters, I’m excited for what is next to come.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 5, 2026
I liked the story! There are a lot of typos.
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