Probably my least favourite D. Rose book so far, I still liked it, but I didn't connect with the characters as well as I did in her other books.
This was basically coworkers with benefits to lovers, and the steam was really good, but that's mostly it. I think it was too short for me to properly get attached to anyone.
Since it's a novella a lot of things were kind of glossed over, like Raj's previous relationship with a married woman, that I thought should've been explored more, but it's okay.
Also, this is my 100th book of the year woohoo!!!!
This was my first book from this author. I really enjoyed this quick read....This was suppose to be a one night stand between colleagues that worked for the same company in different cities...and each would visit the other's city....they started regularly hooking up. However, Raj had something else in mind.....he began developing feeling for Tessa....Tessa had some left over bad feelings from a previous bad relationship....and Raj showed her that all men were not the same....This was a really good story and I look forward to more audiobooks from D. Rose!
Tessa doesn’t do relationships. Her friends- with- benefits relationship with Raj is the perfect arrangement. Until it isn’t. Raj wants more and Tessa isn’t down with that idea. I’ve been looking for more office romances( preferably nasty)so imagine my excitement when I found this gem. It's so refreshing to see our male lead catch feelings outside of the bedroom and ask for relationship privileges. Raj is definitely a rule breaker. I liked him though. Despite his hoe tendencies, he wanted more with Tessa. He evolves into an honest potential partner and was upfront about his past. He dealt with so much pushback from Tessa yet he remained consistent in pursuing her. Tessa , however is a ball of mess. A controlling relationship and a overly dependent mother is the reason why she doesn't prefer entanglements. She vowed to never let another man drain her. This was a fast paced read that was filled with many conflicts and decent storytelling for such a short book. There were parts this story that seemed a bit unrealistic and unnecessary. However overall, I was thoroughly satisfied with what I read . I lived for the steamy moments between Raj and Tessa and I cheered for them as a couple once Tessa got out her own way.
This story is about Raj and Tessa. Tessa was looking for a one time hook up with Raj, but it starts to turn into more after they continue this FWB relationship. Tessa’s past relationship hold her back from giving in to the feelings that she knows she has for Raj. But Raj is determine to break her down and show her that he’s worth letting her guard down for.
I like the romance stories where one person has to fight to get to the love. It’s gives me that angsty storyline that I like to see play out once they realize the love is real.
OMG... this office fling became more than they bargained for. I truly appreciated their transparency and authentic connection. Warmth is a great way to describe their intimacy and building of their relationship. A quick read for a NTMA! Goin in for more! 🎊🎉
Cute story about an office fling becoming something more with a minor drama moment. Was glad to see Tessa and Raj quickly move past it. “Warmth” was a great title to describe this couple and their chemistry - I didn’t get blazing hot but more comforting like warmth.
I like this novella..I just wish the female main character express more feelings for the male main character. I can see her not saying she loved him when he said it originally however, I guess I was expecting her to say it towards the end.
Sexy short! Loved Raj, and the patience he had with Tessa while she worked through her baggage. He was also dealing with issues, but pushed them to the back burner; as committing to her was more important. Good read.
LOL! Tesa thought she was gonna hit it and quit it 😂😂😂😂 I love when that plan fails...I love it more when the man is fighting to stay around. This was a cute romance, I enjoyed watching Raj break Tesa down 😂😂😂😂
I really loved the story and loved how Raj and Tessa formed a relationship. Tessa knew what she wanted and went for it. The past always haunts you if you let it. They both had somethings in their past that kept them from giving their all. But they both were great at communicating and telling how they feel.
My only issue was I felt like the ending ended weird but overall great story
I did not enjoy Warmth at all. Mainly because, the narrator was horrible. Picking a first time narrator for you first audiobook is NOT a wise decision. Sandra Haynes did a horrible job with the characters. Her tone was extremely monotonous and boring. She didn't bring any life into the characters. It's really disheartening when a bad narrator ruins a book. Especially, when the storyline is good. I'm pretty sure had I read this book instead of listening to it, I would've liked more.
Workplace romances are always a bit messy. The way to get around that? Don’t make it a romance. That’s Tessa’s plan when she decides to finally act on her attraction to her colleague, Raj. They’re based in different cities, so it should be a no-brainer for them to hook up once to satisfy her curiosity. That’s rarely how things work out, though, and Warmth follows their attempts to manage their attraction.
Tessa is career driven, and while that trait is partly what brings her around Raj, it’s also part of what marks her as so fiercely independent. Her desire for independence comes at the cost of relationships, both romantic and with family. Raj is just as driven, but seems to have more perspective on what he wants next beyond work. Both have scars from previous relationships, so it was important getting to see how both approached healing and making a decision about whether they could be a thing.
Warmth is more erotica than romance, and clocking in at around 64 pages, it’s fairly fast paced. Sometimes less is more, and that’s why I’ve come to enjoy novellas. Here, the author packs in a lot of plot — failed relationships, affairs, family tension, workplace jealousy … and that’s not everything. It’s tied together in a way that doesn’t feel overly rushed, but where a longer book may been more detailed, Warmth sticks to the nuts and bolts. In some areas I would have appreciated more depth,
Overall, I enjoyed Warmth. While short, it’s a largely satisfying, entertaining read that’s worth checking out.
This is very low angst and not much of a plot. It’s a novella and I think I just wanted more from it overall. Especially because it had angst potential! So many threads could have been more developed: Raj’s relationship with his mom and sister, what (if anything) Tessa did to heal from an emotionally abusive relationship, what the long-term plan is when he lives in Chicago and she’s in DC, and so on. I did like that Raj was pretty much in to Tessa from day 1 and had to spend months trying to convince her to give him a chance. But I didn’t completely get her reticence when it was clear he was different from her ex. On the other hand, he knowingly dated a married woman for a while and while this isn’t addressed with in depth, I could see why Tessa might have concerns about him, except this isn’t really explored. Also, and this is minor, but whenever Raj comes, it’s described as his “seeds.” Not seed, which I’ve seen in historical romance, but seeds, plural. This was…not a sexy visual and it took me out of the story every time.
Character notes: Raj is 37. Tessa is 29.
CW: hero’s mom hospitalized for complications due to diabetes (off-page), hero donates his kidney to his mother (addressed on-page in a paragraph or two), hero’s best friend died in a car accident 3 years ago, heroine’s ex was controlling and verbally and emotionally abusive, heroine’s other ex cheated on her, hero was knowingly in a relationship with a married woman for a year and a half, hero’s ex got an abortion due to not knowing whether he or her husband was the father
Music: Stay With Me by Sam Smith ft. Mary J. Blige
Audiobook: Sandra Haynes: This was our first audiobook by Sandra Haynes and she did not come to play. She did such a good job with distinguishing characters from each other. It was so easy to tell who she was being and when. Sandra brought all the emotions that were needed for the scenes. Even though this was our first time listening to her it won’t be our last. The audiobook is a must.
Tessa: If, “I’m here for a good time,” was a person it would be Tessa. Homegirl made her intentions known and had no cares about it.
Raj: If, “it’s time to renegotiate,” was a person it would be Raj. My man knew what he wanted and what he had to do to get it.
D. Rose did not come to play with Warmth. In such a short story you fell in love with these characters. We can’t even begin to explain how in such a short period this book went so in depth with the characters and plot, but it did lol. There was drama. There was ugly hatin girl behavior. And some sexy romance. All of this was wrapped up in the perfect package of 1 hour and 36 minutes that did not disappoint. This was one of the sister’s first story by D. Rose and after reading this one we know it won’t be her last. This was a good read for sure.
4/5⭐️3.5/5🌶 - This book was warmth! It was short and sweet and in 69 pages I was hooked on these two.
- Tessa Mae is another corporate baddie who enjoys her independence and job. Her first priority or even her second wasn't to be a wife and mom her focus was always on work and excelling in her career. She tried the love thing once and it failed terribly and she's been guarded since. Then she sees Raj across the room.... He also is in the corporate world and he's been through some things. He was super supportive and just loved on Tessa the best way he knew how.
- Now no one is perfect and Raj definitely did some questionable things that made me twist my face up. However he learned so much from his mistakes and thats why I loved his character. Reading about how independent Tessa was really made me proud like its ok to want the career of your dreams no matter what family says. However being with Raj opened her mind to so many things she thought shed never get and just ughhh I really enjoyed this one.
Workplace romances in real life are a no fly zone however in between the pages I am here for it. In this lunchtime read we met Tessa and Raj two upwardly mobile professionals that are drawn to each after what should have been a one night stand. It is a short one so I don’t want to give it away but I enjoy Tessa and understood the “why”to her and I enjoy that Raj could cook and eat… ok 😉😆5 stars ✨ I also enjoy the audiobook of this release. Even tho the narrator started using a southern accent for Raj as the reading progressed. 🤷🏾♀️
Tessa and Raj where coworkers that would see each other at yearly meetings, but one meeting, they really got to know each other. So for months they would see each other, until Raj wanted more and Tessa was not sure. Showing Tessa what they could be, Raj past came to light and Tessa wasn't sure if she do it and walked away. This was a quick read, but Raj can definitely be my man. Tessa and Raj were great together, they gave each other what the other one wanted and needed. I wanted more of them and glad they got their HEA!!!!
I LOVE when I read books and the intimate scenes makes my nookie clinch like when Raj told Tessa “Good, now feed me that p***y.” 🔥🔥 I like how Raj and Tessa were attracted to each other and the boldly explored that attraction. What was supposed to be a one night stand hookup turned into a real relationship and love. I wish the epilogue was more in the tune of them getting married, moving in together, and having a baby.
Tessa and Raj agreed it will just be one time. But that one time turned into many more times. Tessa don't want to give her heart away due her last relationship sucked.
Tessa heard things about Raj and an ex-colleague that wasn't good. So Tessa took that as she'll keep it simple sex and nothing more. But Raj insisted on wanting more while she tried her best to change the conversation.
They grow on each other beyond just sex. Enjoyed...
I was worries about Raj at first. He proved me wrong though
At first, I was looking real side eye at Raj. Instead, it was Tessa who became an issue with opening up and embracing what was going on between them. I was happy that they both opened up to one another. Monica and Sherita were definitely messy boots with that interaction at the coffee shop. This was a good story
I loved that the roadblocks that the characters experienced were due to past relationships...and they were able to get past them with good old fashioned communication, and move on from there. Raj was able to get Tessa out of her own head, and allow her to see that one bad experience shouldn't define her life.
This is a good book about a woman with commitment issues- and for good reason. However, Tessa was willing to give love a try with Raj. Their story made me feel the 'warmth'.
The performance by the narrator was okay, the male parts were not that great, but did not take away from the storyline. I would recommend this audiobook, and I look forward to more from this author.
Whether you like it or not, someone will catch them feelings. I sorta avoid office dilliannces and after hearing what Tessa's colleague says, I was a bit weary but I dove in. The story is actually so sweet and it grows so well you feel the love these two have for each other and want to shove Tessa head fast in it so she doesn't let him slip through her fingers. I loved it.
I loved Tessa and Raj. He was a breath of fresh air compared to her ex Lenton. He showed her that she could trust and love again after Lenton. She showed him that she could take care of him and be there for him after he underwent the kidney surgery to provide the kidney for his mom. They were there and supportive of one another.
Realistically 3.5 stars because I feel like the constant sex/spicy scenes took away from the essence of the book and what could’ve really been done with it. The writing was good, everything made sense, but it felt like every page I turned was a sex scene. I think I know more about Raj’s penis than I do his brain.
Looking forward to reading more of her full length novels.
Tess and Raj story was pretty good. I liked how Raj developed feelings first and wanted more from their arrangement. I liked how patient Raj was with Tess. I'm glad they made it official and their families really liked each of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
My first read by this author. Definitely won’t be my last. I loved how patient Raj was. He knew what he wanted from Tessa and stayed the course even though she wanted to stick to their original agreement. This was a short and sweet read. I enjoyed every bit of it!!!!
This storyline showed how even after getting hurt you can find that special one that only the perfect fit for you. By letting your guard you just might find your blessings
Such a quick read that was truly amazing. I want more of Tessa and Raj they fit perfectly together. I also would love to know about Tika and Tia’s love story seems like a very good read in the making. Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and can’t wait to read more