Topaz Waters has spent her life taking care of people. Between a demanding career as Saadiq Masters's executive assistant, her family's high expectations, and a man who forgets she's a priority, she’s running on empty. When a humiliating discovery becomes the final straw, she escapes to Port Isle.
For the first time in forever...
She doesn't have a clear plan.
She doesn't have set expectations.
She doesn’t count on Saadiq Masters.
Successful, steady, and impossible to ignore, Saadiq sees the exhaustion Topaz tries to hide. Though she insists she’s only on Port Isle to rest and recover, he gently pulls her back to herself—reminding her what laughter sounds like, what care looks like, and what being chosen feels like.
As sunlit days turn into intimate nights, their connection deepens into something neither can ignore. On an island built for escape, they discover the sweetest indulgence isn’t the luxury around them—it’s the possibility of a love that feels effortless and real. But Topaz is wary. Once they return home, will Saadiq revert to the man who expects her to hold his life together, even when hers is falling apart? Or is it possible that the love he so carefully wraps her in during one unforgettable summer stay can be not only an island escape, but an everyday reality?
That's me, in short. I've been writing since elementary school and won my first prize in seventh grade. I am a romantic at heart and love a happy ending! Join me on this writing (and reading) journey--you won't be disappointed!
First of all Damon and Dream what are yall doing here!? IYKYK. I love office romances where the MMC is so honest and upfront with his feelings while the FMC is hesitant for whatever reason and he has to break down her walls. Topaz and Saadiq were the cutest couple.
It was worth the wait because any update on Damien & Dream is worth it. Saadiq was def matching the energy that Topaz is used too. Even though she played at first but it’s understandable. Glad she got her happy ending.
Lemon Drop by Elle Kayson was funny, sexy, and full of delicious tension! Topaz and Saadiq’s chemistry was 🔥, the banter had me laughing out loud, and those love scenes? WHEW! 🥵 That office desk scene deserves its own round of applause! 👏🏽
Saadiq had been wanting his woman for YEARS, and watching him in his feelings had me GONE! 😂 I also loved that Topaz took time to heal and process her ex’s betrayal instead of rushing into love.
The writing was chef’s kiss, the yearning was REAL, and getting surprise appearances from Demon and Dream was the cherry on top! (Demon is STILL crazy! 😭😂)
Elle Kayson understood the assignment with this one! 🍋💋
This was great! The chemistry and heat between Topaz and Saadiq was undeniable. I felt bad for Topaz with the way she found out her raggedy boyfriend was cheating on her and humiliated her smh some men are so trash. That break up was what she needed even though she almost messed things up with Saadiq and her. I really loved how Topaz and Saadiq had the funny banter with one another like best friends and then lovers at the same time. Once Saadiq got the green light, he was all gas no breaks. I loved how Saadiq kept pouring into and reassuring Topaz that he completely wanted her and the romantic relationship with her, even those she was scared and hesitant. I love when a man listens to your likes, wants, and needs and comes through with action behind it all. I want more of Saadiq and Topaz! This is such a sweet story. Also I loved the appearances from the characters from Demon’s Dream. Loved seeing another emotional side Demon and how he of course loves Dream and his family down. Love this!
Why two baby mamas?! With two relatively young kids? It tainted the MMC for me right from the 3% mark (just 10 pages in). Was this a necessary choice? Some things were explained at the end of the book, but still. I couldn’t get into the romance as much with that 🤷🏿♀️ Guess I’m strict lol
Btw, no condom use and not even pulling out is exactly why he has two baby mamas already smh. That annoyed me. Just reckless
I loved the appearances from Demon, Dream, & KiKi.
Drunken Summer Nights: Lemon Drop by elle kayson is a sexy humorous workplace/exotic getaway romance about two people who have spent 5 + years pretending they don’t want each other—until one sucker punch, one office desk, and a whole lot of chemistry finally change the rules.
Topaz (Paz) Waters is Saadiq Masters’ executive assistant, and these 2 have been wanting each other from day one of their 5+ year working relationship. The problem? Topaz has a strict policy against mixing business with pleasure, and Saadiq has been waiting for her to change her mind for a LONG time. 👀
When Topaz catches her man romancing another woman at a restaurant (and Saadiq gives him a well-deserved punch), things take an unexpected turn. Topaz and Saadiq finally give in to the passion that has been burning between them and end up together on Saadiq’s office desk. (That scene was sooooo good!)
But just because they’ve finally crossed that line doesn’t mean Topaz is ready to jump into a relationship.
She needs time to process her ex’s betrayal, heal, and figure out her feelings for Saadiq. She doesn’t want him to be a rebound romance, and she still has reservations about mixing her love life with her work life.
Meanwhile, Saadiq has his butt on his back and is in his feelings because he thinks Topaz regrets what happened between them. And can we talk about this man being in turmoil because he’s been wanting this woman for YEARS?! I was firmly seated and held hostage by the yearning from this man.
Enter Port Isle, where Topaz escapes for some much-needed rest and relaxation, along with the space she needs to sort through her emotions. Of course, Saadiq ends up there for business purposes, and these two get another opportunity to explore what has been brewing between them.
The question is whether what happens in Port Isle can translate to the “real world” where they have to navigate their established working relationship, their feelings, and the possibility of building something lasting together.
This book was SO much fun to read! I laughed out loud multiple times, and I found myself highlighting paragraphs because the writing was outstanding. The dialogue felt realistic, the banter was hilarious, and the love scenes were ON POINT.
The chemistry between Saadiq and Topaz was delicious, especially knowing how long these two had been holding back. I also appreciated that Topaz needed time to work through her feelings rather than immediately jumping into a relationship after being betrayed by her ex.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Also bonus points and gratitude to elle because Damien (Demon) & Dream (from Demon’s Dream) make a few appearances in this book—and Demon is still crazy!
🍋 Workplace romance 🔥 Friends-to-lovers vibes/longstanding mutual pining 💼 Executive assistant/boss ⏳ Years of unspoken desire 💔 Healing after betrayal 🏝️ Vacation setting/forced proximity 💘 Finally giving in to temptation
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lemon Drop is about Topaz Waters, an independent woman who got her own, with plans to run her own business, and a gangster-turned-CEO, Saadiq Masters, who is Topaz's boss. Topaz is Saadiq's executive assistant who basically keeps everything afloat at Saadiq's business and keeps him in check. So when her weekend gets interrupted, she goes into boss mode and pretty much solves all the issues that have "gone wrong" while she was at home trying to relax. Saadiq is super whipped when it comes to Topaz because she's the only woman he allows to check his temperature when he is being an asshole. He loves Topaz but respects the boundaries she has set as both an employee and an employer. But that all changes when Topaz's man screws up and all that; not crossing that employee-employer line goes out the window for Saadiq, and he's ready to have his woman by his side forever. Topaz tries to pretend everything is all right and goes to work on Monday morning, but that's not true. Topaz acts on her feelings for Saadiq, and, let's say, the post-clarity changes their dynamic, which causes Saadiq to tell Topaz to go on a much-needed vacation after everything. While on this needed vacation, Topaz is on guess who decides to randomly be there for "a work situation" that just so happens to be on the same island Topaz is on. Saadiq asks Topaz for a chance to prove he can be the man she needs, and she gives him that chance. But Topaz still has her concerns about it, seeing as he is her boss, and that one ick that bothers her is not being with him for real. Her concerns get addressed by Saadiq, and they start to move forward more with the bond they are building as Topaz and Saadiq, this couple, not boss and employee. (ARC Reviewer)
🍋📚 BOOK REVIEW: Drunken Summer Nights: Lemon Drop by Elle Kayson 📚🍋
Listen! If you know me, then you know Demon’s Dream by Elle Kayson is probably one of my TOP books of all time. So when I saw she had a new book out, you already know I had to pay attention! 😂
But let me tell y’all something else about me that you may not know: I have a fascination with books that have lemons or peaches on the cover! 🍋🍑 I don’t know what it is, but if I see a lemon on a book, chances are I’m buying it. I have a whole bookshelf dedicated to yellow books and books with lemons on them. Don’t judge me; we all have our things! 🤣💛
So, of course, Drunken Summer Nights: Lemon Drop caught my attention immediately. But THEN I saw that Demon and Dream were going to make an appearance? BABYYYY! I needed to know what was going on with my people! 😂
Now, Sadiq and Topaz’s story has that familiar boss-and-employee romance setup, but it’s SO much more than that. I absolutely loved their story! This was a nice, short novella that gave me everything I needed: a new couple to get invested in, new characters to meet, and a chance to catch up with Demon and Dream. Because listen, I will ALWAYS make time for those two!
Elle Kayson, when I tell you that you do it for me EVERY SINGLE TIME! You have yet to make me regret picking up one of your books. I love when an author can pull me into a story, give me characters I want to know more about, and leave me feeling like my reading time was well spent.
And the fact that a lemon brought me here? The universe knew what it was doing! 🍋😂
Lemon Drop is the kind of finale that makes you want to raise your glass, cheer for the characters, and immediately start the series all over again! With Saadiq and Topaz bringing unforgettable chemistry, bold personalities, and all the heart this story needed, it was the PERFECT way to close out the Drunken Summer Nights series!
Topaz is a STRONG woman who stands on business, checks that grumpy man when he needs to be checked, and refuses to sacrifice her wants, desires, and dreams just to have a man. PERIOD! I loved that about her!
Saadiq saw an opportunity and said he was going to TAKE IT! He was all gas, no brakes, and I LOVED that about him. He was the true definition of a man who knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. And when you can stand TOE TO TOE with Cousin Demon? BABYYYY, you know you’re a REAL ONE!
Getting to see Demon, Dream, and Kiana again was such a treat. I loved experiencing these characters all over again, and seeing that more sensitive side of Demon was especially good! Lemon Drop gave EXACTLY what it was supposed to give!
Elle did an amazing job with this one! I’m STILL thinking about these characters, and that’s how you know a book has left its mark on you.
If you’ve been following the Drunken Summer Nights series, this was a beautiful way to close it out. And if you haven’t started it yet, what are you waiting for?!
Grab you a drink, kick up your feet, and enjoy this READ!
Elle Kayson will always leave you yearning for more! Her writing style is sexy, vibrant, and edgy, and her latest book completely delivers. Let’s discuss Saadiq and Topaz, because honey, these two will keep you on your toes! Topaz is a driven queen who thrives on making sure her boss gets everything he needs—and then some. But is catering to his business needs really all she wants to do? On the flip side, Saadiq is a tall, fine brother who doesn't take crap from anyone. He is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it—except when it comes to his fierce executive assistant. The workplace banter between them is absolutely hilarious. While they are technically boss and employee, their underlying bond is so much deeper. A business trip to Port Isle ends up giving them exactly what they didn't know they needed, completely shifting their dynamic.
If you are looking for the perfect blend of spice and romance, you need to pick up a copy of this book immediately. Better yet, dive into the entire Drunken Summer Nights Series because these couples bring the ultimate vibes and delicious cocktail recipes!
Thank you to Elle Kayson for providing an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
When you give your all in everything that you do, to your friendship, relationships and professional life. Something or someone will let you down. For Topaz, she was everything to everybody and everything, leaving nothing for herself.
One thing happens that changes her world, but the one constant in her life that never changed was Saadiq, her very fine boss.
When things move beyond the norm, Topaz has to find the stable ground to steady herself and Saadiq was her balance oddly enough. What starts as a work relationship turns into something that was bound to happen.
All roads lead to this and the ride was well worth the journey.
💭 My Thoughts
I loved that when Topaz didn’t see the endgame or rather the future was what you wanted without regrets, Saadiq held her down like she held him down in every aspect of his life.
I also loved that Saadiq was a man that didn’t take “I’m okay” as final. I loved the way he viewed and cherished Topaz in her totality without too much added pressure.
📌 Would I Recommend It? Yes, with a lemon drip on the side!!
Imagine two people who work together as a well oiled machine along with the other employees. But there is an underlying something between the boss and his executive assistant. Truthfully, working six years together, family and all intertwine between them. But then, the assistant's boyfriend messes up and your protective mode as well as what you've fought for years, yields its head. You both unplanned give into the feelings one day in the office and everything is out of sorts. Topaz's family forces her (and her boss to allow it) to take time off and away to Port Isle with them but guess who has legitimate business there, her boss. When he approaches her he makes it known, they are strictly two single people getting to know the person, not the coworkers, and explore what they could really be. It works out beautifully there and continues when they return home. Nice series finale!
Be still my Demon's Dream loving heart! Getting even a little peek at Demon was a gift, and I will NEVER complain about spending more time in this world.
Lemon Drop was a cute little angsty read, and Saadiq and his Topaz were a great addition to the family. I really enjoyed their dynamic, especially how they communicated and treated each other. For such a short story, Elle Kayson did a great job developing their relationship. Their wants, needs, and desires were clear, and I understood what each of them needed from the other.
What I loved most was Saadiq recognizing his own flaws and actually coming up with creative solutions instead of just saying what Topaz wanted to hear. And Topaz was willing to be open to those possibilities after a little convincing. Okay, maybe more than a little. LOL.
There was just enough angst to give the romance some tension without dragging things out, and I loved seeing these two work toward something that could last beyond their island getaway. I hope to see more of them.
Picking up from Demon’s Dream. This story focuses on our girl Topez (FMC).
Topaz is TIRED of being everything to everybody! 😩 Between work, family, and relationship drama, sis needed a break!
After an unfortunate encounter with her man she is ready to let loss. Little does she knows her boss Saadiq (MMC) is finally ready to reveal his true intentions.
One spicy encounter with Saadiq on his office desk has Topez ready to back peddle. (Sidebar i was so over her 😆, girl stop running from this man)
So she escapes to a tropical island for relaxation, but of course her boss Saadiq ends up being part of that escape. 👀 What starts off as a much-needed vacation turns into something else 👀.
And of course the gang makes a few appearances ( Demon, Dream, Dayana & more). It’s good to encounter them again 💕
Port Isle has become the safe haven to escape to in this series, so it’s not surprising when Topaz retreated here when her world was exhausting her. Working for a demanding boss and realizing her boyfriend is not the man she assumed led to her island trip. What she didn’t expect was her boss Saadiq to be on the same island.
Saadiq saw his opportunity and went for it. As impatient as he was, he paced himself to provide the nurturing and reassurance Topaz truly needed while in Port Isle.
Elle gave us a treat by including the Montanas in the book. While she has stated we will not get another Demon & Dream book, at this point I take them in whoever’s story she places them in. Demon still mean as hell and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
damien and topaz going back and forth was funny as hell. damien really loved his cousin topaz and she loved him back, they joked around like they were big brother and little sister. i really liked the moment of them sitting on the swing and he was comforting her with silence because he knew that’s what she not only wanted but needed. also loved how he called saadiq to make sure he was finally going to do what it takes to get topaz but to also keep her safe like he promised demon.
i understood topaz reluctance about jumping into a relationship with saadiq but she didn’t want to risk her career begin that it’s hard for women in the finance field but will also be harder if people think she was sleeping with her boss to get to the top. but i loved how saadiq reassured her, offered up solutions so nobody would doubt her
I enjoyed Drunken Summer Nights: Lemon Drop so much! Topaz and Saadiq had the kind of banter I love—sassy, playful, and coming from BOTH sides. 😂 Neither one of them was letting the other get the last word, and I was here for it!
And Saadiq calling Topaz “Apple” because she’s round and juicy? Cute! 😂🍎
Demon and Dream make an appearance! IYKYK you’ll appreciate that little connection!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with the sassy banter, mutual attraction, and workplace romance I love. If you’re looking for a summer vacation romance with some spice and two characters who can give as good as they get, add this one to your list! 🍋❤️
Topaz definitely gave boss chic vibes and Saadiq was definitely giving BDE. I enjoyed the banter and laughter between the pair as well as their flirting. This gives forbidden work romance vibes mixed with a friends to lovers simply because the 2 got along so well & had a genuine friendship. Saadiq definitely won me over quickly because he gave such smooth boss but yet falls first type vibes. When I started reading this story it was mainly to check out the side characters as an update on them however as the story began, I was very interested and it held my attention well. 4 stars!
Elle Kayson once again delivers vivid characters and an engaging story. If you’ve enjoyed her previous books, you’ll love this one!
Be sure to read the author’s note so you know what to expect!
I absolutely loved Topaz and Sadiqq! Their undeniable chemistry, hilarious banter, and emotional connection made their romance unforgettable.
With the perfect blend of romance, humor, and drama, the story had great pacing, though I wasn’t ready for it to end. Elle Kayson once again delivers vivid characters and an engaging story. If you’ve enjoyed her previous books, you’ll love this one!
A little something different from Elle Kayson. It's a cute story on the softer side. I loved the dynamics of the relationship of Topaz & Saadiq. Professional and personal obstacles wasn't getting in the way of this talking place. Paz done got her hands on Mr. Corporate but Reformed Hood.🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾 We also get a glimpse of Demon & Dream within the story. A little spinoff action aint never hurt nobody... we've been asking for more of Demon but not the same version we're used to. Or is it? Sssshhhhhhh 🤫 Demon and Saadiq know each other! Small world ain't it...
This was a great read and my request to ask Elle if she feels like it to write more. We know why we love her, but this is just as chill as the other side of the pillow. Literally crossed over with no sweat. Yall are gonna love Topaz and Saadiq. I feel like they definitely need another one. The way she worked the characters together from her previous work… chefs kiss! If topaz doesn’t remind you of yourself, you definitely know someone like her. She was just so relatable, couldn’t put it down.
Elle Kayson don’t miss. This one is another hit for me. The MMC know what he wants and doesn’t play any games about it. He is patient, protective and passionate when it comes to the FMC. Per usual like a lot of us the FMC is guarded and holding on to what feels safe until he makes it undeniable that there is no safer place than in his arms. I loved every page of this book and was so happy for the cameo from big cousins Demon & Dream. He still got that smart ass mouth too.
This was such a cutesy workplace romance! Topaz is Demon’s cousin from Demon’s Dream, so it was nice seeing familiar faces pop up throughout the story. We get cameos from Demon, Dream, and Kiki, along with a few updates on the kids, Dayana, and Smoke. I love when authors connect their stories and give readers little glimpses into what’s happening with characters from previous books!
Saadiq is Topaz’s boss, and the two find themselves falling for each other. Things get even more interesting when they end up vacationing at the same spot in Port Isle.
This was such a sweet story! I love the cameo of Demon & Dream. It was sweet. It’s funny how Demon’s whole family refuses to be loved lol. You dang near gotta beat them into submission to allow you to love them lol. Topaz was funny and a boss and I expected nothing less from her lol. I love how that big man folded every time she looked at him and he knew all her voice tones!!! I love a man that pays attention to you. That ex of her was a lame and shoulda been hit once more lol. Overall really good story.
I really enjoyed revisiting Port Isle. This is a shorter read so things do move quickly. This was a trip Topaz needed.. Topaz is career driven and doesnt want to let anything get in the way of that, even love. I initially thought Sadiqq was gonna be “the bad guy” but he turned out to be my favorite character in the book. Sure he isnt perfect but he means well and willing to show it. I loved the reappearance of Demon and Dream and seeing the growth in their relationship as well.
This was sooo good and relatable. I found myself asking myself several times, what would it take to love a man with a past? Sometimes it may take a change of scenery and A real shot. Saadiq had a past but that didn’t stop the connection that he and Topaz had. The endearments that Saadiq called Topaz were…my type. A great way to end this series. Once again Elle doesn’t disappoint me.
I've been in elle kayson's dark, unhinged world many times. This light vacation romance was a welcome addition.
And DEMON!!! His cameo had me cracking up. Seeing him again four years after Demon's Dream was worth the price of admission alone 😭 . Want more of Demon, go read this!
This book was so good, Demon was funny. Topaz was giving boss chick energy that nonsense energy. That tough persona was a front to protect her from heartbreak but unfortunately it still happened. I loved how Saadiq didn’t play about her and how he genuinely cared for her. This was a good read.
Her and Masters played this game for too long. Glad she went on this getaway trip with her family. I’m glad Saadi took on the job so he can finally get his woman. Speaking of family… Elle you gave us more than a little snippet of Dream and Demon 😂 and I do appreciate it! This was a great read!