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Spice
“Suzanne’s m/m novel is completely laugh-out-loud funny and the underlying romantic plot is the perfect backdrop for its sparkling characters, Simon and Benji, who are bound to induce a book hangover.... Fresh, fun fiction at its best!” —RT Book Reviews
As writer of the popular sex advice advice column, Simon Beck has an answer to every relationship question his readers can throw at him. When it comes to his own life, the answers are a little more elusive—until computer troubles introduce him to the newest and cutest member of his company’s IT support team. Simon may be charmed by Benji’s sweet and unassuming manner, but will he find the answer to the one relationship question he has never been able to solve: How to know when he’s met Mr. Right?
As writer of the popular sex advice advice column, Simon Beck has an answer to every relationship question his readers can throw at him. When it comes to his own life, the answers are a little more elusive—until computer troubles introduce him to the newest and cutest member of his company’s IT support team. Simon may be charmed by Benji’s sweet and unassuming manner, but will he find the answer to the one relationship question he has never been able to solve: How to know when he’s met Mr. Right?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2015
33 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Lilah Suzanne
12 books85 followersAuthor of LGBT+ contemporary
rom-coms. Bi-furious. Genderqueer. Lambda/Indies/Bi Book Awards finalist.
rom-coms. Bi-furious. Genderqueer. Lambda/Indies/Bi Book Awards finalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 6, 2015
This was a super cute, fun read!
Simon who writes the advice column, Ask Eros...
And Benji the adorkable IT guy....
Drama free.
Angst free.
Plenty of sexy times.
Great banter.
November 13, 2018
Ask Eros: It's not YOU; it's me.
Q: Help! I recently read a book that most of my friends loved. Unfortunately, I found it cheesy and unfocused.
There was no tension to the plot, and I couldn't connect with either MC. I also found the present-tense narration distracting.
Start to finish, this book was one giant, fluffy meet-cute. Yes, there was sweetness and steam and a HEA. But it just didn't work for me.
Should I be honest in my review or pretend to have liked it too?
A: Always be honest. To be on the safe side, soften the blow with a puppy gif. It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone likes puppies.
And if they don't, they're bastards.
~2.5~
Q: Help! I recently read a book that most of my friends loved. Unfortunately, I found it cheesy and unfocused.
There was no tension to the plot, and I couldn't connect with either MC. I also found the present-tense narration distracting.
Start to finish, this book was one giant, fluffy meet-cute. Yes, there was sweetness and steam and a HEA. But it just didn't work for me.
Should I be honest in my review or pretend to have liked it too?
A: Always be honest. To be on the safe side, soften the blow with a puppy gif. It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone likes puppies.
And if they don't, they're bastards.
~2.5~
April 5, 2015
4.5 Stars
Great sweet read about Simon who writes romance advice columns and gives sex advices
and Benji a cute, nerdy guy working in IT department.
So this story really concentrates on the devolpment of Simons and Benjis relationship.
Absolutely no unnecessary drama or angst.
Instead we get funny banter (loved especially the texts) and of course nice steam since Simon was working on a few Spicing Up Your Sex Life articles in the last 50%.
So the only thing that bothered me a tiny bit was that the writing felt a little choppy and jumpy sometimes. It wasnt too bad but still noticeable.
Great sweet read about Simon who writes romance advice columns and gives sex advices
and Benji a cute, nerdy guy working in IT department.
So this story really concentrates on the devolpment of Simons and Benjis relationship.
Absolutely no unnecessary drama or angst.
Instead we get funny banter (loved especially the texts) and of course nice steam since Simon was working on a few Spicing Up Your Sex Life articles in the last 50%.
So the only thing that bothered me a tiny bit was that the writing felt a little choppy and jumpy sometimes. It wasnt too bad but still noticeable.
April 7, 2015
Oi, I don't know what's wrong with me. This book started off great, but after the half way point it took a dive. I love a steamy read but this was almost too much sex. I started skimming them. It was also too low angst for me. :( There was barely any conflict after 40%.
On this one, I think it's me. This is normally right up my alley- not sure why it was a miss. 2 it's not you it's me stars.
April 16, 2015
4.5 *Just Right* Stars
March 12, 2015
4.5/5
I had the good fortune of getting an ARC of Spice, the second novel by Lilah Suzanne from Interlude Press, and I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and humor of the novel. I liken it to a big screen sexy, romantic comedy and a delicious piece of confection.
The protagonist of the novel, Simon Beck, is the writer of a Dear Abby – esque, sex advice Ask Eros column in Ravish, women’s magazine. While Simon is adept at doling out witty advice for his column, he is frustrated with his own love life (or lack thereof) with Andrew, a fellow co-worker at Ravish. Enter Benji McHugh, a ginger-haired, nerdy IT support guy for the magazine, and sparks fly between Simon and Benji. The novel shifts into second gear when Simon begins writing Spice Up Your Sex Life, a special features column for the magazine, based on his and Benji’s intimate adventures.
The plot of Spice is light on angst, and laden with humor and sexy times. The chemistry between Simon and Benji sizzles thanks to Suzanne’s descriptive writing. I found myself easily swept up in their romance. The supporting characters of the novel adds to the humor, especially Simon and Benji’s pets, Walt (the dog) and Peggy (the cat).
In sum, Spice is a delightful read, and the type of novel great for curling up with on a rainy day or a day at the beach.
I had the good fortune of getting an ARC of Spice, the second novel by Lilah Suzanne from Interlude Press, and I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and humor of the novel. I liken it to a big screen sexy, romantic comedy and a delicious piece of confection.
The protagonist of the novel, Simon Beck, is the writer of a Dear Abby – esque, sex advice Ask Eros column in Ravish, women’s magazine. While Simon is adept at doling out witty advice for his column, he is frustrated with his own love life (or lack thereof) with Andrew, a fellow co-worker at Ravish. Enter Benji McHugh, a ginger-haired, nerdy IT support guy for the magazine, and sparks fly between Simon and Benji. The novel shifts into second gear when Simon begins writing Spice Up Your Sex Life, a special features column for the magazine, based on his and Benji’s intimate adventures.
The plot of Spice is light on angst, and laden with humor and sexy times. The chemistry between Simon and Benji sizzles thanks to Suzanne’s descriptive writing. I found myself easily swept up in their romance. The supporting characters of the novel adds to the humor, especially Simon and Benji’s pets, Walt (the dog) and Peggy (the cat).
In sum, Spice is a delightful read, and the type of novel great for curling up with on a rainy day or a day at the beach.
April 3, 2015
A fun, lighthearted read that follows the well-intentioned Simon, who writes a popular sex-and-relationship advice column, but can't seem to navigate his own personal life. He's hung up on a friends-with-benefits situation with a handsome coworker, but starting to develop real feelings for the awesome Benji from IT.
The characters leap right off the page, and every step of the novel is an absolute delight.
The characters leap right off the page, and every step of the novel is an absolute delight.
March 17, 2015
It was with greatest of pleasure that I settled in to read this sweet and endearing novel of two young men learning to love and trust and play.
Spice is not a novel of high intrigue and fast-paced adventure nor a novel of villains and heroes on white steeds, no, Spice is something simpler, something gentler, something so very lovely: Spice is a genuine romance novel. I found such joy in watching the first flutterings of attraction, denial, and flirtation, followed by a charming and heart-warming story of two men falling in love, discovering each other’s hearts and bodies, learning to leave behind old hurts, and realizing that love can be so easy when you let it happen.
The novel is centred around Simon, who wants it all—passion, love, and the joy of knowing he is wanted, needed—and tries so hard to get it that he nearly misses it when it is right in front of him. As a romance and sex columnist, he can so easily see the way through others’ problems but, as is so often the case, he is a little less adept at fixing his own. Enter Benji, the gorgeous IT guy with just enough dorkiness to make him adorable, and whose easy charm slides under Simon’s skin, laying claim to his heart so quickly that it scares Simon, who has all but given up on happily ever after. The progression of their relationship was so natural that at times it felt a bit voyeuristic, or like a sweeter version of HBO’s Looking, and if I have any criticism of the novel it is that what little angst there is is easy dispatched… but really, life has so much angst already, who says my romance novels have to have it too? Besides, more importantly, what Spice did have was Walt, the pit bull. And quite honestly, it never hurts to have a dog as charismatic as Walt, enlivening the quiet moments and infusing the story with a real sense of humour and home.
This was a perfect book to curl up with by the fire on a quiet day off. Sweet, steamy, and endlessly charming.
Spice is not a novel of high intrigue and fast-paced adventure nor a novel of villains and heroes on white steeds, no, Spice is something simpler, something gentler, something so very lovely: Spice is a genuine romance novel. I found such joy in watching the first flutterings of attraction, denial, and flirtation, followed by a charming and heart-warming story of two men falling in love, discovering each other’s hearts and bodies, learning to leave behind old hurts, and realizing that love can be so easy when you let it happen.
The novel is centred around Simon, who wants it all—passion, love, and the joy of knowing he is wanted, needed—and tries so hard to get it that he nearly misses it when it is right in front of him. As a romance and sex columnist, he can so easily see the way through others’ problems but, as is so often the case, he is a little less adept at fixing his own. Enter Benji, the gorgeous IT guy with just enough dorkiness to make him adorable, and whose easy charm slides under Simon’s skin, laying claim to his heart so quickly that it scares Simon, who has all but given up on happily ever after. The progression of their relationship was so natural that at times it felt a bit voyeuristic, or like a sweeter version of HBO’s Looking, and if I have any criticism of the novel it is that what little angst there is is easy dispatched… but really, life has so much angst already, who says my romance novels have to have it too? Besides, more importantly, what Spice did have was Walt, the pit bull. And quite honestly, it never hurts to have a dog as charismatic as Walt, enlivening the quiet moments and infusing the story with a real sense of humour and home.
This was a perfect book to curl up with by the fire on a quiet day off. Sweet, steamy, and endlessly charming.
November 2, 2015
Sweet and drama free!
April 27, 2015
Simon is crushing on a one-night-stand/sometimes-hook-up named Andrew when he meets Benji. Benji immediately feels right, looks right, seems to really like Simon… so of course Simon screws it up and plays it wrong.
But… when Simon’s sweet dog gets sick, Benji is there for support and the two manage to start over – this time on the right foot.
From this point forward the relationship moves fairly quickly and steadily forward, using Simon’s articles on keeping the spice in your love life as a guide to explore each other.
There are some small obstacles and a couple big ones along the way, but in the end the couple has a very, very HEA and we are left with nothing but a smile.
**
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and as we speak I am planning on reading the other book she has listed in GoodReads! I adored this book on so many levels!
First, I love that it is a story about a relationship. Not anything else. Just two boys falling in love and all that that entails.
Second, I absolutely adored both MCs. Benji is perfection. Nerdy, sweet, hot, funny, loyal… Simon is a little awkward, well-intentioned, a little vain, also hot, snarky but not mean, and just insecure enough to be endearing.
Third, there’s a dog and a cat and they try to steal the show!
Fourth, the sex is plentiful but does not overrun the story and is really added to shape and move the relationship forward.
Fifth, the pop references, the snark, and they dialog are all very witty and hilarious.
Sixth, the emotions are sweet, real, imperfect but fantastic.
I had to read this all in one sitting because I was utterly captivated from page one. If you are in the mood for angst – not this book. If you are in the mood for a sweet love story involving real people and tender emotion – this is your book.
(be forewarned it’s written in third person narrative real time and this can be disconcerting at times, but I wasn’t bothered by it a bit.)
5 of 5 hearts
But… when Simon’s sweet dog gets sick, Benji is there for support and the two manage to start over – this time on the right foot.
From this point forward the relationship moves fairly quickly and steadily forward, using Simon’s articles on keeping the spice in your love life as a guide to explore each other.
There are some small obstacles and a couple big ones along the way, but in the end the couple has a very, very HEA and we are left with nothing but a smile.
**
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and as we speak I am planning on reading the other book she has listed in GoodReads! I adored this book on so many levels!
First, I love that it is a story about a relationship. Not anything else. Just two boys falling in love and all that that entails.
Second, I absolutely adored both MCs. Benji is perfection. Nerdy, sweet, hot, funny, loyal… Simon is a little awkward, well-intentioned, a little vain, also hot, snarky but not mean, and just insecure enough to be endearing.
Third, there’s a dog and a cat and they try to steal the show!
Fourth, the sex is plentiful but does not overrun the story and is really added to shape and move the relationship forward.
Fifth, the pop references, the snark, and they dialog are all very witty and hilarious.
Sixth, the emotions are sweet, real, imperfect but fantastic.
I had to read this all in one sitting because I was utterly captivated from page one. If you are in the mood for angst – not this book. If you are in the mood for a sweet love story involving real people and tender emotion – this is your book.
(be forewarned it’s written in third person narrative real time and this can be disconcerting at times, but I wasn’t bothered by it a bit.)
5 of 5 hearts
April 3, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Spice is a cute and fun story all the way around. It has a bit of a different form than some of the traditional romances out there. With this story, the conflict and angst with these guys is fairly resolved halfway through the book. What we get for the rest of the story is Simon and Benji being in love and working on enhancing their relationship. What this consists of is coming up with ideas for Simon’s column. I’ll explain a little further.
In the beginning of the story, Simon writes an advice column. As the story progresses and Simon himself evolves, we can see his ideas and answers evolving as well. Once Simon and Benji are secure in a relationship, Simon begins writing a new column on how to keep the spice in your relationship. This part then consists of the pair making a sex tape (just for themselves), sexting (or trying to), and trying out a whole variety of topics to share with the readers. And, when Benji wants to take their relationship to the next level, although parts leading up to this were not completely clear, his final idea is so heartfelt and appropriate for their relationship. There is great banter between the guys and some pretty substantial heat.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Spice is a cute and fun story all the way around. It has a bit of a different form than some of the traditional romances out there. With this story, the conflict and angst with these guys is fairly resolved halfway through the book. What we get for the rest of the story is Simon and Benji being in love and working on enhancing their relationship. What this consists of is coming up with ideas for Simon’s column. I’ll explain a little further.
In the beginning of the story, Simon writes an advice column. As the story progresses and Simon himself evolves, we can see his ideas and answers evolving as well. Once Simon and Benji are secure in a relationship, Simon begins writing a new column on how to keep the spice in your relationship. This part then consists of the pair making a sex tape (just for themselves), sexting (or trying to), and trying out a whole variety of topics to share with the readers. And, when Benji wants to take their relationship to the next level, although parts leading up to this were not completely clear, his final idea is so heartfelt and appropriate for their relationship. There is great banter between the guys and some pretty substantial heat.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 3, 2015
I received this as a freebie from RT15.
This is a really great story. It starts before the two heroes meet and ends after they're married. Simon is letting himself get treated badly by a guy he's been trying to have a relationship with for months when he meets the straightforward Benji. Benji works at the same magazine and is much less complicated. Initially, Simon has difficulty wrapping his mind around being crazy about someone who actually treats him well.
Both characters are really likable and I love that neither of them have a horrendous backstory. Benji is sweet and loving (while still acting like an adult man) and Simon is funny and prone to overthinking things. Along the way they interact with friends, workmates, and each other’s families just like real people. This book does not put its characters in a bubble or force them to be together because they have no one else.
Spice is written in present tense from Simon’s point of view (although in third person) and I thought that might be a problem, but I got into it right away. Spice was so good that after I finished it I reread the early scenes of Simon and Benji’s relationship, which were slightly different now that I knew more about Benji. I have to confess, I even bookmarked them, which I usually only do when I reread a favorite.
This is a really great story. It starts before the two heroes meet and ends after they're married. Simon is letting himself get treated badly by a guy he's been trying to have a relationship with for months when he meets the straightforward Benji. Benji works at the same magazine and is much less complicated. Initially, Simon has difficulty wrapping his mind around being crazy about someone who actually treats him well.
Both characters are really likable and I love that neither of them have a horrendous backstory. Benji is sweet and loving (while still acting like an adult man) and Simon is funny and prone to overthinking things. Along the way they interact with friends, workmates, and each other’s families just like real people. This book does not put its characters in a bubble or force them to be together because they have no one else.
Spice is written in present tense from Simon’s point of view (although in third person) and I thought that might be a problem, but I got into it right away. Spice was so good that after I finished it I reread the early scenes of Simon and Benji’s relationship, which were slightly different now that I knew more about Benji. I have to confess, I even bookmarked them, which I usually only do when I reread a favorite.
March 25, 2015
I loved this! There was something very comforting and loveable and warm about this book, about the evolution of Benji and Simon's relationship. This is the second book by Suzanne I've had the pleasure of reading. Her writing style is wonderful, it carries the reader easily through the story and is lovely as well.
I particularly loved the Florida section of the book. It was a) great, as someone who has lived in Florida and has little love lost but somehow senses something like home there (well captured!), and b) a great passage that gave us character growth and development.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape into romance, sexy times, adorable pet shenanigans, and low stress.
I particularly loved the Florida section of the book. It was a) great, as someone who has lived in Florida and has little love lost but somehow senses something like home there (well captured!), and b) a great passage that gave us character growth and development.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape into romance, sexy times, adorable pet shenanigans, and low stress.
March 13, 2015
Book Review: Spice by Lilah Suzanne
I've had the pleasure of getting to read an ARC of Spice, the new original novel out soon by lilahsuzanne.
Let's just get this out of the way. I loved it.
I suppose one could consider this a sexy rom/com sort of story, and while initially I made knee-jerk connections to Bridget Jones and Sex & the City, it is so much more than that. It is nuanced and subtle in the same way as say the teevee shows Looking or Please Like Me. Of course referencing tv/movies, I'm also saying that the structure of the book, the stories that are told, would lend themselves nicely to a live action format. (dear interlude press, any screenplay writers on staff?)
The story centers around Simon, a sex/relationship advice columnist, and his relationships with lovers, friends, pets, and his mother. Simon is by no means a sex god (although he does have his moments), he’s just willing to be adventurous in bed (or the shower, or storage closet). And luckily for him, Benji walks into his life and is willing to go on these adventures with him.
Minor sp0ilers follow...
The beach scene in Florida, with Benji hopping around the shore, taking pictures and exploring really stuck with me. It’s definitely something I would be doing, and many of the moments in Spice are real and could happen to nearly anyone.
I only wish there had been a teensy bit more angst for Simon with a certain plot point or two, but because the wonderful Benji is in his life, life is just a whole lot more awesome. So if you’re anti-angst, this is the story for you! :)
And finally, I think for me, falling in love Walt (the lovable pit bull mix) was a surprise. I know there’s bee campaigns to change the image of pit bulls, but this book really does the trick. Walt also acts as catalyst within the story, ‘helping’ Simon and Benji along the way.
There are some lovely moments in the book and I can’t wait to read them all again!
I've had the pleasure of getting to read an ARC of Spice, the new original novel out soon by lilahsuzanne.
Let's just get this out of the way. I loved it.
I suppose one could consider this a sexy rom/com sort of story, and while initially I made knee-jerk connections to Bridget Jones and Sex & the City, it is so much more than that. It is nuanced and subtle in the same way as say the teevee shows Looking or Please Like Me. Of course referencing tv/movies, I'm also saying that the structure of the book, the stories that are told, would lend themselves nicely to a live action format. (dear interlude press, any screenplay writers on staff?)
The story centers around Simon, a sex/relationship advice columnist, and his relationships with lovers, friends, pets, and his mother. Simon is by no means a sex god (although he does have his moments), he’s just willing to be adventurous in bed (or the shower, or storage closet). And luckily for him, Benji walks into his life and is willing to go on these adventures with him.
Minor sp0ilers follow...
The beach scene in Florida, with Benji hopping around the shore, taking pictures and exploring really stuck with me. It’s definitely something I would be doing, and many of the moments in Spice are real and could happen to nearly anyone.
I only wish there had been a teensy bit more angst for Simon with a certain plot point or two, but because the wonderful Benji is in his life, life is just a whole lot more awesome. So if you’re anti-angst, this is the story for you! :)
And finally, I think for me, falling in love Walt (the lovable pit bull mix) was a surprise. I know there’s bee campaigns to change the image of pit bulls, but this book really does the trick. Walt also acts as catalyst within the story, ‘helping’ Simon and Benji along the way.
There are some lovely moments in the book and I can’t wait to read them all again!
June 27, 2015
4.5 stars
I wish I could have given this more, but the writing style was just not for me. I kept getting distracted by how awkward it was and would have to reread what I had just read; and this didn't happen just once, but multiple times.
But other than that I absolutely adored this book! It was a great mix of sweet and sexy. Simon and Benji's immediate connection was so believable and real; it never felt like "insta" anything. Even when the were in that period of being only friends it all felt sincere and I think that's what I loved most about this book.
The fact that these guys felt real and had insecurities and had real relationship worries and arguments, just like everybody else. There were no "perfect" characters that annoyed the shit out of you. There was no over the top plot line, nor was there any random action scene shoot out thrown in. It was just a real couple having a real relationship, and I loved being able to see the after of the happily ever after. And seeing that the after was not chapters of them living a perfect life with no fighting and constant orgasms was really a huge plus for me.
It was an honest relationship that had so much love. They were thinking and talking about buying cat food, scrubbing grout, and other real life things after sex or in the shower together, and even when try were trying to sext (so hilarious!) It was just a really honest representation of living your life with the person you love.
I loved that the chapters opened with parts of the advice column I thought that was a really fun idea. I was obsessed with the text messages! Oh god they were things of beauty and made me laugh so hard.
It was just a really fun and sweet book that will definitely be a reread for me.
I wish I could have given this more, but the writing style was just not for me. I kept getting distracted by how awkward it was and would have to reread what I had just read; and this didn't happen just once, but multiple times.
But other than that I absolutely adored this book! It was a great mix of sweet and sexy. Simon and Benji's immediate connection was so believable and real; it never felt like "insta" anything. Even when the were in that period of being only friends it all felt sincere and I think that's what I loved most about this book.
The fact that these guys felt real and had insecurities and had real relationship worries and arguments, just like everybody else. There were no "perfect" characters that annoyed the shit out of you. There was no over the top plot line, nor was there any random action scene shoot out thrown in. It was just a real couple having a real relationship, and I loved being able to see the after of the happily ever after. And seeing that the after was not chapters of them living a perfect life with no fighting and constant orgasms was really a huge plus for me.
It was an honest relationship that had so much love. They were thinking and talking about buying cat food, scrubbing grout, and other real life things after sex or in the shower together, and even when try were trying to sext (so hilarious!) It was just a really honest representation of living your life with the person you love.
I loved that the chapters opened with parts of the advice column I thought that was a really fun idea. I was obsessed with the text messages! Oh god they were things of beauty and made me laugh so hard.
It was just a really fun and sweet book that will definitely be a reread for me.
April 5, 2015
Back in February, Lilah Suzanne approached me to find out if I would want to be an advanced reader for Spice. My answer was an immediate “YES!” (I had just preordered the book the night before, funnily enough). Unfortunately, the offer came at a time when there was a lot going on in my family (I literally received the offer while my mother was in surgery, and that was only the beginning) and at work, so I didn't get a chance to sit down and read it until yesterday.
Once I finally started, though? I sped through the book in just under four hours, during which time I was asked no less than three times if I was ever planning on leaving my room – to which my response was “Not until I'm done with this book!” I couldn't tear myself away from it.
It's no secret that Spice had its start as a fanfiction story, but, to use an awful metaphor, that story was just a seed from which the novel became a tree. It grew and morphed into something only minimally recognizable as that fic.
I know Simon is the main character in Spice, and I do quite like him as such, but for me, it's Benji who is the selling point. He's cute and hot and silly and nerdy and charming in all the right ways, but he's not perfect. He's a bit insecure and tends to run away when things get hard, but he learns to fight that impulse and try to work it out instead. I would like to place an order for three of him for myself.
(Walt, Simon's dog, is adorable as well, and I'm not quite ready to forgive Suzanne for writing a certain scene involving him, even though it moves the plot forward.)
This book is both sweet and undeniably sexy – a given, considering the shenanigans Benji and Simon get up to in the second half of the story – and you should read it as soon as you get a chance.
Once I finally started, though? I sped through the book in just under four hours, during which time I was asked no less than three times if I was ever planning on leaving my room – to which my response was “Not until I'm done with this book!” I couldn't tear myself away from it.
It's no secret that Spice had its start as a fanfiction story, but, to use an awful metaphor, that story was just a seed from which the novel became a tree. It grew and morphed into something only minimally recognizable as that fic.
I know Simon is the main character in Spice, and I do quite like him as such, but for me, it's Benji who is the selling point. He's cute and hot and silly and nerdy and charming in all the right ways, but he's not perfect. He's a bit insecure and tends to run away when things get hard, but he learns to fight that impulse and try to work it out instead. I would like to place an order for three of him for myself.
(Walt, Simon's dog, is adorable as well, and I'm not quite ready to forgive Suzanne for writing a certain scene involving him, even though it moves the plot forward.)
This book is both sweet and undeniably sexy – a given, considering the shenanigans Benji and Simon get up to in the second half of the story – and you should read it as soon as you get a chance.
November 26, 2018
This is my second (full length) story I read by the author and I really can say I'm hooked by Lilah Suzanne's writing.
I really loved the chemistry between Simon and Benji.
The story is so well balanced I lost myself in it.
The column style at the beginning and the sprinkles of text messages and conversations gave the book a fresh air, and the last advise column was adorably sweet.
The book definitely doesn't lack of humorous and hilarious parts and next to the charming main characters, the adorable dog Simon has, spices (;)) it even up.
I admit I've expected parts of the book differently but the way Lilah Suzanne executed it gave it a nice twist and it definitely set the focus more on Simon and Benji.
I really recommend this book to everybody who loves a sweet, hilarious and heartwarming romcom where the characters learn more about themselves while exploring each other. ;)
5 out of 5 well seasoned, I dare say, spicy stars :D
I really loved the chemistry between Simon and Benji.
The story is so well balanced I lost myself in it.
The column style at the beginning and the sprinkles of text messages and conversations gave the book a fresh air, and the last advise column was adorably sweet.
The book definitely doesn't lack of humorous and hilarious parts and next to the charming main characters, the adorable dog Simon has, spices (;)) it even up.
I admit I've expected parts of the book differently but the way Lilah Suzanne executed it gave it a nice twist and it definitely set the focus more on Simon and Benji.
I really recommend this book to everybody who loves a sweet, hilarious and heartwarming romcom where the characters learn more about themselves while exploring each other. ;)
5 out of 5 well seasoned, I dare say, spicy stars :D
August 10, 2015
When I started this, I thought it felt kind of choppy, but once I got into it (somewhere around the second chapter), there was no turning back.
Simon is a fun narrator; Benji is adorable, sweet, funny as hell, and like the best love interest; and the way the chapters are presented with Simon's reader's questions and answers, his texts and emails explaining parts of the story, and the choppy style of writing that jumps forward in time here and there gave a different flavor to the story than I'm used to. It was impulsive and modern, and fit Simon and Benji's upbeat relationship to a t.
And, I have to say, Benji made this book. He took it from "good" to "I want one!"
I highly recommend this book for a fun, funny, sweet, sometimes sexy, low angst read. So many happy feelings :D
Simon is a fun narrator; Benji is adorable, sweet, funny as hell, and like the best love interest; and the way the chapters are presented with Simon's reader's questions and answers, his texts and emails explaining parts of the story, and the choppy style of writing that jumps forward in time here and there gave a different flavor to the story than I'm used to. It was impulsive and modern, and fit Simon and Benji's upbeat relationship to a t.
And, I have to say, Benji made this book. He took it from "good" to "I want one!"
I highly recommend this book for a fun, funny, sweet, sometimes sexy, low angst read. So many happy feelings :D
December 27, 2021
I'd like a Benji to-go, please.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Lilah Suzanne's style. She's got a terrific voice for Romantic Comedy, and it's on full display in Spice. Her characters are sharply-written and well-voiced, and she doesn't clutter up this directly-written RomCom with flowery prose. I also love that she took the story beyond where most romance fiction ends—into the post HEA netherworld.
I'm looking forward to more comedy from Lilah Suzanne.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Lilah Suzanne's style. She's got a terrific voice for Romantic Comedy, and it's on full display in Spice. Her characters are sharply-written and well-voiced, and she doesn't clutter up this directly-written RomCom with flowery prose. I also love that she took the story beyond where most romance fiction ends—into the post HEA netherworld.
I'm looking forward to more comedy from Lilah Suzanne.
April 5, 2015
This was a super cute and fun romance all the way through. I think my favorite part is the ending, which now that I think about it, is pretty rare. It wrapped up in a way that was completely satisfying without being overly sappy, and I felt like I could imagine these two having so much fun together for the rest of their lives. I really enjoyed this.
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
Spice is my first title from Lilah Suzanne. She has a unique style that not everyone will like. However, I found her approach refreshing, honest and simple. The prose isn't flowery. There is no fluff to pad the word count.
April 8, 2015
Although I normally don't care that much for present tense in writing, I enjoyed this one a lot.
April 15, 2018
This romance was a lot of fun. It charmed me. Benji has a big ole crush on Simon. Benji is a sexy ginger IT nerd and Simon is a hot mess of a love advice columnist
Benji is great and I am not always sure what he sees in Simon but Benji is in it to win it.
Simon takes a long time to parse out taking risks, holding out on to fantasy, and being loved. He does it and we get a romance over a long period of time which I adore.
We get the crush, date, mess up, try again, dating, living together, proposal, marriage. I love it when a writer lets us see all those phases of a couple in one book.
I am super into nerdy characters and I get that joy here too with banter and good friends. Plus, sexy times, a dog, and cat as well other life adventures.
This is a light read which I can see myself rereading.
It does have editing issues in terms of the time jumps or scene changes. It needed markers badly and I am not sure why the publisher didn't make those happen.
If you are looking to smile, and sigh in frustration at Simon's very human foul ups, and smile again, check this one out--it is worth the high price tag.
Benji is great and I am not always sure what he sees in Simon but Benji is in it to win it.
Simon takes a long time to parse out taking risks, holding out on to fantasy, and being loved. He does it and we get a romance over a long period of time which I adore.
We get the crush, date, mess up, try again, dating, living together, proposal, marriage. I love it when a writer lets us see all those phases of a couple in one book.
I am super into nerdy characters and I get that joy here too with banter and good friends. Plus, sexy times, a dog, and cat as well other life adventures.
This is a light read which I can see myself rereading.
It does have editing issues in terms of the time jumps or scene changes. It needed markers badly and I am not sure why the publisher didn't make those happen.
If you are looking to smile, and sigh in frustration at Simon's very human foul ups, and smile again, check this one out--it is worth the high price tag.
Want to read
November 11, 201811/11/18 Currently on sale for 99c via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VCLLD7K/...
April 3, 2019
It's not my favorite, but it was such a fast and easy read during a stressful few days when that was exactly what I needed. I still recommend the author's other book higher -- Jilted is so good!
April 13, 2015
FiveStars
Simon and Benji
This is a wonderful book! It is the very simple story of the beginning of a relationship. It is the story of Simon, an advice columnist at a women’s magazine in New York. It is also the story of Benji, an IT technician at the magazine.
At the start of the story, Simon is slowly extricating himself from an unhealthy relationship. His friends are marrying and settling down and he feels lonely.
Benji is the consumate geek. He references science fiction films, wears character t-shirts and has collections.
This book is so well observed. As the central characters developed, I moved from thinking that I’d known people exactly like them to wondering uncomfortably if Suzanne was actually writing about me and my relationships. The relationship between the two characters was real. It was possibly the third character (though Walt the pit bull might have something to say about that).
This wasn’t an urgent, passionate rush for bed followed by declarations of undying love. Instead, and unfortunately unusually, it records the slow, sometimes awkward getting to know a new lover. It observes the equally awkward and sometimes frustrating meshing of lives and homes that follows. Above all, it manages to capture very accurately the silly moments, the unfailing support offered by true partners, and the playful interludes that make everything else in life worth doing.
So often, romance is serious and passionate involving exaggerated misunderstandings and artificial barriers. This is just real. The story is funny and sweet and almost painfully well observed. I loved it.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
ThreeStar
This book started out great. It was fun and funny, and there was great boy-meets-boy tension. I loved the humor and the Simon's awkward insecurity. I was drawn in right away.
Unfortunately, all of that wrapped up in the first third of the book. The rest was just a lot of sex. I'm not against erotica, but there was absolutely nothing else happening, and this was a fairly lengthy novel. Every time I thought an element of plot twist or tension was being introduced, it was resolved far too easily and typically within a chapter. Even the characters' bedroom play was comparatively vanilla. That's fine, but this story really needed something more in some way.
This would have been cute as a serial, but it really didn't work for me as a full-length novel. I suspect some readers would love the hot sex and not be bothered at all by the lack of plot, but I prefer more of a complete story with some tension in among the fluff.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Amy
Simon and Benji
This is a wonderful book! It is the very simple story of the beginning of a relationship. It is the story of Simon, an advice columnist at a women’s magazine in New York. It is also the story of Benji, an IT technician at the magazine.
At the start of the story, Simon is slowly extricating himself from an unhealthy relationship. His friends are marrying and settling down and he feels lonely.
Benji is the consumate geek. He references science fiction films, wears character t-shirts and has collections.
This book is so well observed. As the central characters developed, I moved from thinking that I’d known people exactly like them to wondering uncomfortably if Suzanne was actually writing about me and my relationships. The relationship between the two characters was real. It was possibly the third character (though Walt the pit bull might have something to say about that).
This wasn’t an urgent, passionate rush for bed followed by declarations of undying love. Instead, and unfortunately unusually, it records the slow, sometimes awkward getting to know a new lover. It observes the equally awkward and sometimes frustrating meshing of lives and homes that follows. Above all, it manages to capture very accurately the silly moments, the unfailing support offered by true partners, and the playful interludes that make everything else in life worth doing.
So often, romance is serious and passionate involving exaggerated misunderstandings and artificial barriers. This is just real. The story is funny and sweet and almost painfully well observed. I loved it.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
ThreeStar
This book started out great. It was fun and funny, and there was great boy-meets-boy tension. I loved the humor and the Simon's awkward insecurity. I was drawn in right away.
Unfortunately, all of that wrapped up in the first third of the book. The rest was just a lot of sex. I'm not against erotica, but there was absolutely nothing else happening, and this was a fairly lengthy novel. Every time I thought an element of plot twist or tension was being introduced, it was resolved far too easily and typically within a chapter. Even the characters' bedroom play was comparatively vanilla. That's fine, but this story really needed something more in some way.
This would have been cute as a serial, but it really didn't work for me as a full-length novel. I suspect some readers would love the hot sex and not be bothered at all by the lack of plot, but I prefer more of a complete story with some tension in among the fluff.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Amy
Read
March 31, 2015I’ve been immensely looking forward to this novel ever since the cover reveal – what can I say, the promise of geekiness gets me every time. Add pets into the mix, and be prepared when I start throwing my money at you. You’re welcome, Interlude Press. (Ironically, I read the first half of this book super fast, because I was nursing my cat who was feeling poorly, and the second half because said cat woke me up at the crack of dawn the next day and I couldn’t go back to sleep. And if you read the novel, you will find out why all this is ironic.)
But back to the point: I really enjoyed several things about this novel. The geeky part was a given, and if Benji isn’t the sweetest guy ever, I don’t know who is, so there’s that. (Also, as most of my friends have boyfriends/partners who work in IT, I strongly believe there’s so much to investigate in that department. But I digress.) It was also a nice touch that even though our protagonist, Simon, writes sex advice for a magazine, he doesn’t seem like some ultimate master of the dirty, but more of a regular but occasionally adventurous person. Well done, dear author! (I think these kinds of protagonists are especially needed in these 50 shaded times.)
The novel, like Simon, is not without its faults, though: I felt that Simon running hot and cold at times was a bit unreasonable, but given the illogical nature of running-hot-and-cold maybe my criticism here is unreasonable as well. The thing with Andrew felt a bit underdeveloped, but all in all, oh well – Spice is certainly a fun read, the guys are sweet, the pets are – naturally – awesome, and Benji’s t-shirts are great. Oh, and also major kudos for moving on from the how-to-get-the-guy theme and rocking the I-got-the-guy-now-what issue, s 10 points to Gryffindor.
But back to the point: I really enjoyed several things about this novel. The geeky part was a given, and if Benji isn’t the sweetest guy ever, I don’t know who is, so there’s that. (Also, as most of my friends have boyfriends/partners who work in IT, I strongly believe there’s so much to investigate in that department. But I digress.) It was also a nice touch that even though our protagonist, Simon, writes sex advice for a magazine, he doesn’t seem like some ultimate master of the dirty, but more of a regular but occasionally adventurous person. Well done, dear author! (I think these kinds of protagonists are especially needed in these 50 shaded times.)
The novel, like Simon, is not without its faults, though: I felt that Simon running hot and cold at times was a bit unreasonable, but given the illogical nature of running-hot-and-cold maybe my criticism here is unreasonable as well. The thing with Andrew felt a bit underdeveloped, but all in all, oh well – Spice is certainly a fun read, the guys are sweet, the pets are – naturally – awesome, and Benji’s t-shirts are great. Oh, and also major kudos for moving on from the how-to-get-the-guy theme and rocking the I-got-the-guy-now-what issue, s 10 points to Gryffindor.
April 14, 2015
this is a super cute read although a bit long at times. the angst was low and the sex was hot (as you can imagine from a sex advice column writer)! this story is extremely unique which made it even better! the character development for these 2 was good and i loved their banter! the chemistry between simon and benji is hot and sweet at the same time. their love for each other is heartwarming. i liked what they eventually did with simon's column but it seemed to go on a bit too long. the 'fast forwards' in the story were handled well and didn't seem rushed.
a couple of my favorite lines that i copied to include:
Benji looks up with a crooked smile, and Simon should really track down whoever is cranking up the thermostat.
“Oh, here she comes. Just pretend to be working, and she’ll leave you alone.”
“Or I could actually work. Which is a thing I do.”
overall a really cute read that i recommend!
a couple of my favorite lines that i copied to include:
Benji looks up with a crooked smile, and Simon should really track down whoever is cranking up the thermostat.
“Oh, here she comes. Just pretend to be working, and she’ll leave you alone.”
“Or I could actually work. Which is a thing I do.”
overall a really cute read that i recommend!
May 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this light-hearted book and it wasn't what I expected just from the blurb. It's been a long time that I've read a book without angst, drama, and heartbreak. There are certainly these elements, but it's more sweet and simple like how daily life has its ups and downs. Also, the MCs don't just fall in love immediately. They're attracted to each other, Simon is a hot stud, and Benji is a cute nerd, but they start out talking and getting to know one another. The excerpts from the Ask Eros advice column are a cute addition to the story, cause it seems Simon is really good at caring about other people, strangers really, but in his own life he sort of doesn't figure it out quite as fast. And Benji, being the nerd, has a crush on Simon, but he can't believe Simon the stud likes Benji the nerd too. The best part has to be cause it's just too cute. A for effort Benji.
September 2, 2015
Spice was a very fun read. It has a lot of romcom elements and could well be turned into a great romcom movie if a part of what makes the tension in the plot is moved a bit (and unfortunately the sex scene would have be tamed down).
In short, this is a humorous and sexy romance that makes for a fun read.
In short, this is a humorous and sexy romance that makes for a fun read.
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