What do you think?
Rate this book
Plants and Playtime: Why Choose Novella
I was ready for anything… except being wanted by both of them.
I didn’t plan on flirting with two men at once—especially not the superhero-hot kind.
One moment I’m manning the front desk at Steamy Towers. The next, I’m trying not to drool over the blond hottie with glasses while his devastatingly handsome partner watches me like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
Our awkward meet-cute turns into fights over meatballs, plant shopping, and the creeping realization that I might be in way over my head.
Because men like them don’t want women like me. Not both of them. Not like this.
Except… they do.
Suddenly I’m caught between two men who make me feel wanted in ways I never expected. Every touch dares me to want more. And every moment makes me wonder… could I truly belong with them?
Plants and Playtime is a spicy contemporary MMF romance. It is a standalone story and part of the Steamy Towers series, where the men will fall first and hard.
I didn’t plan on flirting with two men at once—especially not the superhero-hot kind.
One moment I’m manning the front desk at Steamy Towers. The next, I’m trying not to drool over the blond hottie with glasses while his devastatingly handsome partner watches me like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
Our awkward meet-cute turns into fights over meatballs, plant shopping, and the creeping realization that I might be in way over my head.
Because men like them don’t want women like me. Not both of them. Not like this.
Except… they do.
Suddenly I’m caught between two men who make me feel wanted in ways I never expected. Every touch dares me to want more. And every moment makes me wonder… could I truly belong with them?
Plants and Playtime is a spicy contemporary MMF romance. It is a standalone story and part of the Steamy Towers series, where the men will fall first and hard.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2026
About the author
Hazel Rockwood
7 books37 followersHazel Rockwood is a romance author, and all her stories come with HEA (Happily Ever After) or HFN (Happy For Now) guaranteed. She loves writing spicy stories with wide-open doors—and sometimes windows. Occasionally, her characters even do it outdoors. Most of Hazel's books feature more than one love interest, though sometimes she tries to save her sanity by writing just one.
When Hazel isn't writing, she's probably reading. If, for some reason, she’s not doing that, she’s very likely watching Gilmore Girls and eating pizza, snacking on dried mangoes, or munching chocolate.
When Hazel isn't writing, she's probably reading. If, for some reason, she’s not doing that, she’s very likely watching Gilmore Girls and eating pizza, snacking on dried mangoes, or munching chocolate.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 23, 2026
The story was sweet, but the scenes were hot & spicy🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I enjoyed the easy relationship between all three characters, but I wish this had been a novel to allow more character development and details about the relationship(s) that developed.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, quick read or those that enjoy hot sex scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the easy relationship between all three characters, but I wish this had been a novel to allow more character development and details about the relationship(s) that developed.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet, quick read or those that enjoy hot sex scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2026
Fantasies Achieved
This is loaded with heat as Liam Moore and Elijah King expand their partnership to include Carin Bell. I like the dynamics between all of them and how it shifts a little as time goes. It's not long before they are all very comfortable together. 😉🌶
As much as I love the sizzle that's going on, and, boy, do I love it, I think my favorite scene was their first dinner at the Italian restaurant. It's sweet and funny and lets us really see Elijah's personality, who, up to this point, has been giving serious cranky vibes. This is a throuple worth revisiting.
Story: 4.5 stars
This is loaded with heat as Liam Moore and Elijah King expand their partnership to include Carin Bell. I like the dynamics between all of them and how it shifts a little as time goes. It's not long before they are all very comfortable together. 😉🌶
“I bet I’ll be walking bowlegged tomorrow.”
-- Carin Bell
As much as I love the sizzle that's going on, and, boy, do I love it, I think my favorite scene was their first dinner at the Italian restaurant. It's sweet and funny and lets us really see Elijah's personality, who, up to this point, has been giving serious cranky vibes. This is a throuple worth revisiting.
Story: 4.5 stars
February 2, 2026
I will start by saying I received an ARC from the author to review pre-release.
This was the first book I’ve ever arc read for and it did not disappoint. If you are looking to jump into a why choose where the boyfriends are boyfriends too this is the perfect book to start with. The FMC is a bit self conscious but she has the perfect wingwoman in Melissa. This book has meet-cute, spice, and humor. The ONLY thing I would say I would have liked would be if it was in dual narratives, I would have liked to have the guys POV as well. Overall 5 stars and 4 stars for spice to plot ratio.
This was the first book I’ve ever arc read for and it did not disappoint. If you are looking to jump into a why choose where the boyfriends are boyfriends too this is the perfect book to start with. The FMC is a bit self conscious but she has the perfect wingwoman in Melissa. This book has meet-cute, spice, and humor. The ONLY thing I would say I would have liked would be if it was in dual narratives, I would have liked to have the guys POV as well. Overall 5 stars and 4 stars for spice to plot ratio.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first read by the author and I am glad I picked it up! I liked all the main characters and the steamy scenes were H-O-T! 🥵 🔥❤️ And I loved every moment of it. lol I found the pacing and story worked for me and I found myself devouring the book. I loved how the MMCs took care of the FMC and the development of their relationships. Very sweet. 🥰 I also appreciated the humor we see with the characters, I found myself laughing at some of their antics.
Some minor issues for me is that I wish there was a bit more individual character development but I know this is a novella so there's limited word counts but I think they are interesting. I also didn't realize this is a second book, but it's a standalone, so I could read it fine but I didn't understand Melissa and her boys too well. I also wasn't sure how I felt about Teagan sketching them. lol I think I'm a selfish girly and wouldn't want to share my boys. lol I would have liked a little more involvement with the plants and a bit more satisfying ending but I still enjoyed the story.
Overall, this is a fun, steamy, and entertaining novella. Definitely recommend it for a quick and entertaining read.
3.7 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
Some minor issues for me is that I wish there was a bit more individual character development but I know this is a novella so there's limited word counts but I think they are interesting. I also didn't realize this is a second book, but it's a standalone, so I could read it fine but I didn't understand Melissa and her boys too well. I also wasn't sure how I felt about Teagan sketching them. lol I think I'm a selfish girly and wouldn't want to share my boys. lol I would have liked a little more involvement with the plants and a bit more satisfying ending but I still enjoyed the story.
Overall, this is a fun, steamy, and entertaining novella. Definitely recommend it for a quick and entertaining read.
3.7 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have received an ARC of this book from the author.
This is the second book in the Steamy Towers Serie. You meet Carin, friend and colleague of Melissa, the FMC in the first book. One evening on the late shift she meets Liam and Elijah and eventually she finds herself in a relationship with both of them.
I loved the relationship between the FMC and MMC'S. There was banter and the way their relationship evolved was sweet. I loved that the MMC'S where also boyfriends. It made the spicy scenes 🥵!
Would I have loved to find out more about the characters and their background? Yes, but it is a novella and the story works well enough with the information the author has given us.
So if you are looking for a sweet and spicy why choose romance then I would absolutely recommend this book.
3.5⭐️ - 3.5🌶
This is the second book in the Steamy Towers Serie. You meet Carin, friend and colleague of Melissa, the FMC in the first book. One evening on the late shift she meets Liam and Elijah and eventually she finds herself in a relationship with both of them.
I loved the relationship between the FMC and MMC'S. There was banter and the way their relationship evolved was sweet. I loved that the MMC'S where also boyfriends. It made the spicy scenes 🥵!
Would I have loved to find out more about the characters and their background? Yes, but it is a novella and the story works well enough with the information the author has given us.
So if you are looking for a sweet and spicy why choose romance then I would absolutely recommend this book.
3.5⭐️ - 3.5🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love a good Novella add on it's a why choose and it had me hooked! It was everything I wanted it to be, spicy, kinky and it didn't disappoint!
Absolutely love it when it's all strong characters that bounce of each other.
Would highly recommend.
Absolutely love it when it's all strong characters that bounce of each other.
Would highly recommend.
February 21, 2026
All of Carin's dreams come true when she runs into the two hotties from the office while out at the bar. She finds herself opening up to Elijah and Liam both in and out of the bedroom. If you are looking for a sexy menage of a romance where the boyfriends are also boyfriends then this needs to be your next read!
February 23, 2026
ARC First time reading this author and I’m glad I did!! This novella packed a punch, short, sweet and super spicy!! Loved the characters and especially loved the relationship between the MC’s! This book has a little bit of everything for everyone!!
April 5, 2026
ARC read:
Plants and Playtime was a fun, fast paced read by Hazel Rockwood. This is a continuation in her series, but can be read as a standalone.
I found all the characters loveable and interesting. The dynamics between each character was intriguing and fun. Definitely a quick, short spicy read! It’s a why choose novella!
4.5 stars ⭐️
Plants and Playtime was a fun, fast paced read by Hazel Rockwood. This is a continuation in her series, but can be read as a standalone.
I found all the characters loveable and interesting. The dynamics between each character was intriguing and fun. Definitely a quick, short spicy read! It’s a why choose novella!
4.5 stars ⭐️
February 21, 2026
I received this as an ARC, but Plants and Playtime is just what you want if you're looking for a steamy, short read and enjoy why choose where the boyfriends are also boyfriends. There was just enough plot to satisfy and more than enough spice to leave you wanting more.
A little about the plot (no spoilers): One's the boss, the other's the brat, and she's caught in middle. Steamy Towers is home to offices for rent and a front desk that serves them all. Front desk worker Carin is watching the minutes drag by, cursing the clock, waiting for her shift to end for the night when Elijah, so handsome she's at a loss for words, steps up to her desk. He's having printer problems (oh no!). She saves his day by letting him send his documents to hers, but when he comes back down stairs to retrieve them, he isn't alone. His partner (in more ways than one), Liam is with him, and Carin’s already frazzled brain practically short circuits.
They want her. She can't believe it, and she wants them, too. She just hopes she won't let her insecurities get in the way.
Hot take: I know this was a novella, so I knew it would be short and sweet. But I would have loved, love, loved, LOVED dual POV. It would have made this for me. I'm a sucker for everyone’s inner monologue.
Rating: 4 out of 5 ⭐
Spice: 4.5 out of 5 🌶️
Recommendability: 8.5/10
It's definitely for a certain audience, but it's a good little, fun palate cleanser. Especially after something heavy.
Content Warning:
Parental Neglect (Past)
Parental Loss (Past)
Parental No-Contact (Present)
Reference to BDSM
Tropes:
Why Choose (MMF)
Cute Meet-Cute
Bossy/Brat Dynamic
They Fall First
Flirty Banter
A little about the plot (no spoilers): One's the boss, the other's the brat, and she's caught in middle. Steamy Towers is home to offices for rent and a front desk that serves them all. Front desk worker Carin is watching the minutes drag by, cursing the clock, waiting for her shift to end for the night when Elijah, so handsome she's at a loss for words, steps up to her desk. He's having printer problems (oh no!). She saves his day by letting him send his documents to hers, but when he comes back down stairs to retrieve them, he isn't alone. His partner (in more ways than one), Liam is with him, and Carin’s already frazzled brain practically short circuits.
They want her. She can't believe it, and she wants them, too. She just hopes she won't let her insecurities get in the way.
Hot take: I know this was a novella, so I knew it would be short and sweet. But I would have loved, love, loved, LOVED dual POV. It would have made this for me. I'm a sucker for everyone’s inner monologue.
Rating: 4 out of 5 ⭐
Spice: 4.5 out of 5 🌶️
Recommendability: 8.5/10
It's definitely for a certain audience, but it's a good little, fun palate cleanser. Especially after something heavy.
Content Warning:
Parental Neglect (Past)
Parental Loss (Past)
Parental No-Contact (Present)
Reference to BDSM
Tropes:
Why Choose (MMF)
Cute Meet-Cute
Bossy/Brat Dynamic
They Fall First
Flirty Banter
February 26, 2026
Thank you to Hazel Rockwood for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novella was quick, steamy, and exactly what it promises — playful tension wrapped in a why-choose dynamic.
For such a short read, the chemistry is strong and immediate. The dynamic between the characters feels fun and indulgent without over complicating things, which works well for the novella format. It leans into its heat and playful energy while still giving just enough emotional grounding to keep it engaging.
What kept this at four stars for me was simply the length — I wanted more. More time with the characters, more development in certain moments, and a slightly deeper emotional layer to balance the steam.
That said, it’s a fast, satisfying read that delivers on spice and entertainment.
Read this book if you like:
why-choose romance
steamy, quick reads
playful group dynamics
cozy setting with high heat.
This novella was quick, steamy, and exactly what it promises — playful tension wrapped in a why-choose dynamic.
For such a short read, the chemistry is strong and immediate. The dynamic between the characters feels fun and indulgent without over complicating things, which works well for the novella format. It leans into its heat and playful energy while still giving just enough emotional grounding to keep it engaging.
What kept this at four stars for me was simply the length — I wanted more. More time with the characters, more development in certain moments, and a slightly deeper emotional layer to balance the steam.
That said, it’s a fast, satisfying read that delivers on spice and entertainment.
Read this book if you like:
why-choose romance
steamy, quick reads
playful group dynamics
cozy setting with high heat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5
This was a light and entertaining MMF romance that captures the fun of unexpected attraction. The chemistry between Carin, Liam and Elijah is engaging, filled with humorous moments like meatball bargains and plant shopping. And of course there was plenty of spice to keep the story afloat. However, the pacing feels rushed and some emotional depth is lacking, particularly in the resolution. Overall, it’s a fun read with charming characters, but it doesn’t dive as deep as it could.
A huge thank you to Hazel for providing me with a copy of Plants and Playtime. As always, my opinions are my own!
This was a light and entertaining MMF romance that captures the fun of unexpected attraction. The chemistry between Carin, Liam and Elijah is engaging, filled with humorous moments like meatball bargains and plant shopping. And of course there was plenty of spice to keep the story afloat. However, the pacing feels rushed and some emotional depth is lacking, particularly in the resolution. Overall, it’s a fun read with charming characters, but it doesn’t dive as deep as it could.
A huge thank you to Hazel for providing me with a copy of Plants and Playtime. As always, my opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy
I really liked this book. It was a little slow at the start, but once it got going I couldn’t put it down. A perfect book for a few scintillating hours without stress but with enough naughty surprises to keep you wanting more …
I must applaud the novel approach to the throuple setup, making one MMC dom and the other MMC sub made for a quirky setting. Also, introducing BDSM in a playful way without getting too serious about it, worked fine for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I must applaud the novel approach to the throuple setup, making one MMC dom and the other MMC sub made for a quirky setting. Also, introducing BDSM in a playful way without getting too serious about it, worked fine for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 23, 2026
'Plants and Playtime is a spicy contemporary MMF romance. It is a standalone story and part of the Steamy Towers series, where the men will fall first and hard.'
The characters were very appealing and complex and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very appealing and complex and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This a short why choose spicy book. Carin is a receptionist at Steamy Towers and meets Liam first then meets Elijah. After a night out with her friend Melissa she realizes her fantasy with the guys isnt just on her part. Liam and Elijah definitely want Carin just as much as she wants them. Open door spicy...MMF....great HEA.
February 22, 2026
Loved the speed of the book! Every now and then, you need something that kinda just gets right into it! 🌶️ Loved the characters and their descriptions; could picture them in my mind. Great writing and I’d highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of why choose!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2026
Not so much about the plants but loads about playtime. It has little story, lots of sex, I'm plenty of spanking fun.
It's an easy read, novella style. It tries for cute with the boys constantly calling Carin
precious and wildcat but it's pretentious and jarring unless you like that sort of thing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's an easy read, novella style. It tries for cute with the boys constantly calling Carin
precious and wildcat but it's pretentious and jarring unless you like that sort of thing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2026
At Steamy Towers, it’s just another painfully slow shift for front desk attendant Carin... until Elijah steps up to her desk. She plays hero, saves his documents, and fully expects that to be the highlight of her night. Then he comes back. With Liam. The chemistry? Immediate. The tension? Off the charts. They want her. She wants them. All in all; this was a short & sweet steamy meet-cute MMF.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A super fun and very spicy palate cleanser, this book had me drooling from start to finish. Unserious, why-choose that takes you along for a wild ride that tickles more than just your heart.
Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader; I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking to something light and smutty.
Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader; I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking to something light and smutty.
Review of advance copy
So NOT the poison ivy reference I was expecting, but really in all the best ways. Could not have been happier with the execution. Seriously, just sit back, relax, and enjoy. You'll be glad you did!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Easy to read sexy novella, the characters are interesting, with cute quirks and it makes this book very enjoyable.
Perfect for a cosy moment under a warm blanket ;).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Perfect for a cosy moment under a warm blanket ;).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2026
This was a short story with a lot of spice. It was quite fast paced and there wasn't a lot of plot or character development, but it was an entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2026
Thank you to Hazel for the ARC!
I loved this! I was immediately taken with the characters. The spice was intense 🌶🌶🌶🌶 but the sweetness had my heart like 😍😭 I love a book that can mix the sweetness in with the spicy times as well as Hazel does.
I loved this! I was immediately taken with the characters. The spice was intense 🌶🌶🌶🌶 but the sweetness had my heart like 😍😭 I love a book that can mix the sweetness in with the spicy times as well as Hazel does.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an exceptionally steamy sequel to the first in the series! What a great time! Definitely recommend!
Disclaimer: I received and ARC from the author, but my opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received and ARC from the author, but my opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews