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Lust & Love #3

Salt & Sunshine

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Cassandra Stone is in a rut. It’s been a year since she got kicked out of her dream school in Paris. Twelve months since she returned to her dead-end job and the life she tried so hard to escape. One day since she found out her boyfriend was cheating on her.

In a desperate attempt to cheer her up, her best friend signs them up for a drawing class. What she doesn’t mention is that the model is nude. Or that he happens to be her childhood best friend, Jace Maddox.

Except he’s not little Jace anymore. It’s been a few years since they last spoke, and he’s all grown up, muscular, and mouth-wateringly gorgeous. Oh, and apparently he’s a billionaire set out to save the world

Now she just has to hope he doesn’t hold a grudge for the way they left things. That, and pray these newfound feelings don’t ruin their friendship for good.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

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About the author

Mindy Paige

5 books91 followers
Mindy Paige was born and raised in Florida. She started writing at a young age and never stopped. After getting her degree in botany, she decided to pursue her dream of being an author. Her debut romance novel (Time & Tide) was written while finishing her senior year of college.

If not writing or reading, Mindy can usually be found playing with her dogs, tending to her plants, watching reality TV with her boyfriend, or painting.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Savannah.
41 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
SALT & SUNSHINE - ARC REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

omg yall, I am a sucker for a childhood friends to lovers romance!! especially when it’s a second chance/reconnecting trope!! I absolutely adored this quick, 160 page read. I almost wish there had been additional flashbacks showing their relationship as children!!

as this is the third in it’s series, I will be running to read the first two to catch up!! I absolutely would recommend this to anyone! there is some spice too🤫🙈 it is out now on KU!!
Profile Image for Su-Ann.
52 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2023
I think this may have risen to the top of my favorite Mindy Paige books!! Jace Maddox sets a new bar. I’m in my friends-to-lovers era and this one is a new favorite.

I loved Cass’s reunion with Jace at a nude drawing session! Just when she was feeling like the world was conspiring, her best friend from years back returns - handsome and rich as ever - but who never stopped pining for her.

I loved seeing Cass rise up to a place of confidence and Jace was such a good MMC to bring that back for her. Also, the spice scenes in Mindy’s books are always 🤌🏻 but this one may have set the record for most memorable that will live rent-free in my mind. Nothing was off limits for Jace Maddox. I don’t know if I can look at a gear shift the same way again…

This was by far, my favorite of Mindy’s books 🫶🏻 It had all the feel-good vibes of a friends-to-lovers, second chance, and just enough spice to make you blush 😉
Profile Image for Kathleen Huguenin.
100 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2023
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Tropes:
🥀Dangerous Attraction
❤️childhood romance
😈Morally Grey
💵billionaire

ARC: SPICY !!! ❤️‍🔥🌶️🥵. Jace and Cass are childhood friends. The story follows them four years later after they rekindled their friendship. During this time they figure out who they are and grow together.

Scene that lives rent free: CHAZ. Red wine at dinner

Favorite quote : “I’ll be here this time. If you can’t do it yourself, I’ll hold you until your whole. You do not have to do it alone anymore. I am here now, sunshine. I am here.”

#bookstram #instabooks #surf #smut #amazon #love #lovelife #kindle #booktok ##booklover #readmorebooks #bookaddict #bookworms #amazonkindle #love #truelove #diabetes #bibilophile
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,748 reviews95 followers
December 1, 2023
Quickie review: I have absolutely loved this series and to see Jace and Cass all grown up, put an instant smile on my face. Especially remembering what a knucklehead Jace was back in book 1. But I can definitely confirm that he is a knucklehead no longer. In fact, he is quite the specimen now. A delicious, delectable specimen. And he has come back to claim Cass as his. Forever. Zero angst and lots of steamy, spicy goodness. This book is a quick read but a fabulous one nonetheless. Every bit deserving of 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Chantel.
54 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


Cassandra (Cass) has hit a rough spot in her life already at 22. After an accident ruins her love for art and the water, Cass is miserable with her life. Until her best friends plans a night out, and her life completely changes.

Jace, ex best friend of Cass, and now the man who’s going to save the planet. How will he act when he sees Cass again? Will he have bitter words, or the sweetest apology on his lips?

I loved how Mindy was able to create a love story with plenty of spice, while also growing the characters, especially Cass. For a shorter book than her others, it certainly still packs plenty of feelings.
Profile Image for Ashley Deandrea.
215 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2024
"You absolute public toilet seat of a man."

Rounded to 4.5!

This is by far my favorite book of the entire series! I loved all of the characters, from Kacey being such a hilarious, great friend from start to finish to the cute art teacher who really helps put things into perspective for Cass.

I love a good friends to lovers, especially when the book is quick into the spice because that makes it easier for me to read.

This book teaches you that even when you're forced to change your life you shouldn't give up unless you absolutely have to but even so you should always try. That's what I loved about Jace, he made Cass try to do the things she didn't think she could anymore because she was scared. He didn't push her too hard which is so important but he also didn't let her give up.
Profile Image for tiffany.
97 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2023
SALT & SUNSHINE (Lust & Love Book 3) by Mindy Paige features
-Jace maddox Mmc
-Cassandra stone Fmc

🤍Friends to Lovers
❤️Billionaire MMC
🖤Tortured artist
🖤Growing through trauma
🌶️🌶️Spice

Aaaaaahm! Where do I begin with this one! I mean the perfection of how well this story was written; the undeniable chemistry between the characters; the perfect timing of them finding each other again after being separated for like 4 years; their relationship immediately taking off from them being just friends to being lovers; EXCELLENT LOVERS

Am not exactly a fan of Friends to Lovers trope somehow but the minute i read the excerp for this one I knew I needed to read it!

Cassandra Stone the FMC is in a rut. She’s always wanted to be an artist but due to a surfing accident that left her hand almost unable to function again she’s kicked out of her dream school. And then one day since she finds out her boyfriend cheated on her.

Thanks to the douche, her best friend signs them up to a nude drawing class to which in her surprise the model is none other than Jace Maddox.

Standing in all his glory better looking than she remembers him ; more muscular and absolutely breathtaking from back when they’d broken their friendship after she’d taken the offer to go study in Paris, Oh and he’s a billionaire now.

But she’s single now; and he’s single, will they give themselves a chance to mingle and be more present with and for each other.

Well you’re going to have to read this beauty to know how it all ends. Thank you at wordsmith Publication for sending me this arc and Mindy Paige for writing such a beautiful story!

SALT & SUNSHINE (Lust & Love Book 3) by Mindy Paige released on the 28th of this month so be on the lookout if you wanna have a read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
236 reviews15 followers
December 1, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Mindy's books are like a fine wine..just keep getting better and better! Salt and Sunshine is definitely my favorite in the Lust & Love series! If you haven't read the first two I highly recommend it!

In Salt and Sunshine we meet Cassandra who has just found out her boyfriend cheated on her and in an effort to cheer her up her best friend Kasey decides to take her to an art class..totally harmless right?! Except the thing they are going to draw is Cass's best friend Jace and he's nude!? They haven't spoken in years so you can imagine the surprise!

Turns out Jace grew up and now he's a billionaire! Cass also saw him as a best friend but now she is seeing him in a new light. When they explore their feelings it turns out he feels the same way. Sparks absolutely flew between the two of them and it was HOT. (car scene..iykyk)

I adored the story line for this and absolutely loved the banter between Cass & Jace. I was laughing so hard as well as the comments from Kasey! She needs her own book! I also appreciated that Jace helped Cass explore her dreams and was there for her every step of the way!

This is the perfect friends to lovers story with spice that will leave you blushing! The tropes in this book made it an easy 5 stars for me! I can't wait to see what Mindy has in store for the future!

Read if you like:
🎨 Friends to lovers
🎨 One Bed
🎨 Growing through trauma
🎨 Billionaire MMC
🎨 Untouched FMC
Profile Image for Megan.
349 reviews
November 29, 2023
[4.5/5] Cassandra Stone has been kicked out of her dream school, landed back at her dead end job, and just found out her boyfriend is cheating on her. In an attempt to raise her spirits, her friend takes her out. To a nude drawing class. Where the model is none other than her childhood best friend Jace Maddox. Though this isn’t the same Jace she left behind when she ran to Paris. This Jace has grown up and worked his way into quite a bit of money, what hasn’t changed though are his feelings for her.

While the first two books in this series had an instalove/instalust feel, Cass and Jace have most of their lifetime of shared history together and I loved the intensity of their connection going into this rekindling of their relationship. Jace is such a supportive partner for Cass and does a fantastic job balancing when to step in and when to stand back and let her shine on her own. I really enjoyed seeing her character grow and go after her dream even when it looked different than she’d imagined. Cass has a great support system and it felt so good to see all the people in her life cheering for her - including her brother Ethan from Time & Tide!

You’ll Find —
Friends to Lovers
Black Cat x Cinnamon Roll
Scarred Heroine
Billionaire MMC
Cheating Ex

Thankful for the opportunity to read a gifted digital copy!
Profile Image for Vish_ Reads.
10 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2023
Salt and Sunshine by Mindy Paige 🏖️️
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5)
Pub. date: 28th Nov 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

A comforting read with abundant romance. I just finished reading this in three sittings.

🎨 Cassandra Stone, a girl who battles her past incidents while searching for meaning in art, gets a chance to reunite with Jace Maddox, now a billionaire thanks to his ingenious tech device.
They used to be best friends but parted ways with a tragic farewell. It turns out this was all a plan of Cass's best friend, Kasey, which surprisingly works out well.

Cass and Jace's love story is incredibly romantic💞 and I couldn't stop reading until the last word. It's a lovely and cute story that's easy to read and super comfortable. I'm really obsessed with the character of Jace and the way he loves Cass. Cass, on the other hand, is a cute girl who finds the color of her life through Jace's shelter.

The author has done successful work in her writing, making the characters feel close to the heart. The plot flowed uninterrupted, though I expected more plot twists. But isn't that what makes it a comfy read, right?

Overall, I enjoyed this contemporary romance, and many thanks to the author for bringing out such a lovely story.

This is my first time reading in this series and by this author. I'm going to try the books before this one as well 🥰

Thank you @wordsmithpublicity and @mindypaige for giving me this opportunity. I'm so glad to be in your support team🩵
Profile Image for Jackie Uhrmacher.
Author 1 book48 followers
December 9, 2023
Salt and Sunshine was a hilarious friends-to-lovers story about second chances, both romantic and otherwise.

I love that once Jace and Cassie found each other again, they stayed together. They'd grown up together and had been best friends, but one decision cost them their friendship. Jace supports her at every turn and even gets her to pursue her dreams even though they lead her away from him.

The banter was also off the charts. Cassie and Jace ribbed each other relentlessly, and I found myself clutching my stomach in tears on several occasions. The way they loved each other was beautiful and super spicy. Be prepared to never look at a gear shift the same way again.

There were a few issues, though, that caused me to give Salt and Sunshine 3.5 stars rather than 4. There was absolutely no transition from friends who apparently never showed feelings for each other to soul mates. Jace immediately started talking dirty to her, and it just didn't track. He was also everywhere all of a sudden even though they'd lived in the same area for several years with no explanation. It felt a bit rushed and thrown together when a few sentences could have explained it.

I still enjoyed Salt and Sunshine and look forward to reading more books by Mindy Paige!

Thank you, Wordsmith Publicity, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erica Brink.
125 reviews13 followers
November 28, 2023
This was a cute story about second chances and never giving up on yourself. There are also messages about body positivity, never giving up, not settling, and never giving into fear.

Jace and Cass grew up together and were best friends for years. They had a falling out and Cass moved to Paris while Jace stayed behind. The story picks up 4 years later when Cass discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her so she dumps him (very publicly and he deserved every second of her wrath.) Her best friend Kasey decides to cheer her up and takes her to a nude drawing class where you guess it, Jace, just happens to be the nude model. They pick up right where they left off 4 years, but this time instead of friends, they become more than that.

This book had a lot of potential to be a 4 or 5 star read, but it missed the mark for me. I found myself confused on the timeline and wanted more. It was only a 160 page book, but I felt like a lot of necessary details were left out. I think if it had been longer and had more detail to the story and timeline it would have been better.

I liked the plot and storyline overall, but just felt it was missing some necessary details in order to develop the story.
Profile Image for Soph.
27 reviews
December 7, 2023
Salt & Sunshine is the third book in the Lust & Love series, but can be read as a standalone book.

Cassandra Stone is stuck in a rut after an accident ruins her career plans and she catches her boyfriend cheating on her. Her best friend signs them both up to a nude drawing class in an attempt to cheer her up, where it turns out the life model is none other than Jace, the childhood best friend that Cass hasn’t spoken to in four years.

This was such a lovely, quick read! The chemistry between Jace and Cass is obvious right from the start. Jace knows exactly what he wants, and he wastes no time in showing Cass what she means to him. It’s clear that he would move heaven and earth to see her happy, and watching Cass’ confidence grow was heartwarming!

I absolutely loved Jace, but then again who doesn’t love a man with a kind heart and a filthy mouth?! I will say that if you’re not a fan of spice, then this definitely isn’t for you as there’s plenty of it!

I would recommend this book to any fan of spicy friends to lovers books where he’s obsessed with her! You won’t be disappointed!

*I received an advance reader copy for free (thank you Mindy Paige and Wordsmith Publicity), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Profile Image for Rachelle LeBlanc.
294 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2023
Summary:

Cassandra was studying art in Paris when a surfing accident left her unable to use her right hand properly. When the school kicks her out, she goes home to work at the coffee shop she used to work at. Cass’s best friend Kasey finds a profile on a dating app for Cass’s boyfriend. As a way to cheer Cass up, Kasey takes her to an art class with a nude model.

Jace fills in as a nude model for an art class when the original model can’t make it. He did expect his childhood best friend and only woman he has loved Cass to be in the class. He uses it as a chance to be part of her life again.


My thoughts:

Salt & Sunshine was a nice quick read. This is childhood best friends who had a fight and lost touch but reconnect and fall in love.

I liked how even though Cass couldn’t do things the same she didn’t give up on her dream of being an artist. She may have needed a push but she had the right people around her to make it happen.

There were times I didn’t like Jace’s character. He came cross in some scenes as controlling by forcing Cass out of her comfort zone. I think it could have been done in a better way.

I do look forward to reading more from Mindy Paige.

Thank you Mindy Paige for the complimentary copy of Salt & Sunshine.
Profile Image for Kathryn Kirchner.
110 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2023
⭐️: 4.5
🌶️/🔥: 4

Salt & Sunshine is a quick Friends to Lovers romance spiced up with a second chance twist. Cass is the sweet virgin and Jace, well, he's a billionaire. Don't ask me why, but I'm a sucker for the virgin trope, and this book delivers on that front.

Now, let's talk Jace. What's not to love? His bossy yet supportive vibe, the way he nudges Cass out of her comfort zone, and his dominant side in the bedroom—total package. The chemistry between these two is off the charts.

What sets this book apart is the refreshing absence of unnecessary drama. No long, dragged-out angst or back-and-forth. It was a smooth ride, and I loved that. The friends-to-lovers reunion feels so genuine, like they never missed a beat. Their souls just clicked back into place, and it's heartwarming to see them give in to that comfort.

And, oh boy, the spice! The intimate scenes are hot, hot, hot. If you're into that, you're in for a treat.😏 🔥

Salt & Sunshine is a fun, steamy read that ticks all the right boxes for a satisfying romance. 🔥📚

I highly recommend this book! 💖


***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shelby Slaboda.
71 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2023
This spicy🌶️🥵🔥, quick read was intriguing and captivating all throughout! Jace and Cassandra come back into each other’s lives after years apart and a falling out. I like the subtle hints that Jace was there, but Cass didn’t know who he was…ex. the bar scene and the nude painting scene. Once Cass realized it was him, it was all over from there, she was smitten in ways her ex never made her feel. Not to mention the ex got what he deserved 🍷🍝 (IYKYK)
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh and pull at their heartstrings. The confidence that Cass gains during her relationship with Jace is untouched. I also loved the sass that she always gave Jace. Cass is finally happy and no matter what Jace has accomplished in their time apart, he is willing to forget it all and do whatever makes Cass happy. Mindy Paige’s writing and weaving the web of their relationship in the past and the future was remarkable. Also, can’t forget to mention the spice and the mouth on Jace ❤️‍🔥 was just enough to make a girl blush.
November 28, 2023
Cute single POV romance

This is a single POV romance, and although I am not normally a fan of single POV, I thought this story was very well written from the FMCs POV and you were able to still get a feel for how the MMC felts and perceived everything going on.

Cassandra Stone had a bright future - an upcoming artist that had a promising career a head of her and a best friend that supported her in everything she did. But 4 years ago she left that best friend after some harsh words for art school. Before she finished art school, she was in an accident which abruptly ended her art career dreams. Just when she thought things could not get worse, she found her current boyfriend in a dating app and ended up catfishing him to catch him in the act. Now she has hit rock bottom, but when a handsome stranger shows up in her life that might just be her previous best friend, will he flip her whole world on its head? Will one “date” to reconnect turn into more? And will he encourage her to overcome her fears?

-Kayla/Hot.Bookmance
Profile Image for Ashley.
107 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2023
This friends to lovers… was so wholesome…and dirty talking Jace who is loving and supportive is the perfect book boyfriend.

Cassandra and Jace are childhood best friends, until one day they are torn apart by emotionally said words and Cassandra goes off to art school. When a tragic accident happens and she is forced to leave and go back home, she tries to find her place in life and is just plain ready to give up when she finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her. When her best friend takes her to an art class, the subject of the art class happens to be her childhood best friend who is all grown up.

Cassandra and Jace reconnect and you can tell the love they have for each other is true and genuine. The way that Jace supports her and will push her to achieve her dreams is literally the best, he lets her know her worth and that she can achieve her dreams even if they are not exactly how she pictured it.

This is a must read to add to your TBR! So you should run…not walk to do so
30 reviews
November 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
‘Salt and Sunshine ‘prepare to be swept away by a scorching tale of long-lost love and undeniable chemistry. This captivating romance novel follows the journey of two best friends who find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other after four years apart.
As they spend time together, their shared history resurfaces, and the chemistry between them becomes explosive, leaving them both breathless and yearning for more.

Amidst the backdrop of their rekindled friendship, a steamy car scene unfolds(🥵🥵🥵) igniting a passion that has been smoldering beneath the surface for years. In the confined space of the car, their desires intertwine, and the boundaries of their friendship blur, leading them down a path they never anticipated.

“Salt and Sunshine “ is a captivating tale that explores the power of love, friendship, and the undeniable pull of destiny. Prepare to be swept away by the sizzling passion and emotional rollercoaster and the pursuit of a love that was always meant to be.
Profile Image for thebeespot72.
817 reviews65 followers
December 3, 2023
After finding out her boyfriend was cheating on her, Cass' best friend, Kasey, tries to get her mind off things by joining an art drawing class and leaving out a few minor details. One is that it's a nude drawing class. Everyone just about has a friend like Kasey; if you don't, maybe you are a "Kasey"—insert bombastic side-eye.

When Cass discovers the nude model is her best friend, Jace, since childhood, she's checking him out, not as an artist would. Jace is grown, wealthy, fine, and still has feelings for her.

I love the friends-to-love trope. It's one of my favorites, and when it's the MMC doing the pining, it's even better. Author Mindy Paige has this way of incorporating humor in writing, making readers feel that second-hand embarrassment. There were quite a few scenes like that, and Jace does some creative schmexy things to Cass.

Readers should note "Salt and Sunshine" is a single POV story and the third book in the Lust and Love series. It can be read as a standalone.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
1,118 reviews13 followers
November 25, 2023
- Friends to enemies to lovers
- Second chance
- Billionaire romance

I have been a fan of this author's work since her first book. She has a way with words that just makes me smile. Her FMCs are sassy and have quick witted insults when needed. Her MMCs are growly and possessive.

This book is the third in the Lust & Love series and features Cass, who is Ethan's (from Time & Tide) sister. She was studying art until she was involved in a life changing event... Jace is her former best friend. They had a falling out when she went to art school and haven't spoken in four years.

After Cass ends things with her unfaithful boyfriend, her current best friend Kasey tries to cheer her up by enrolling them in an art class - where Jace is the very nude model!

Jace is just so yummy. He very much knows what he wants - Cass - and goes for it!

"There's nothing ordinary about you, sunshine. A special woman deserves special adjectives, in my humble opinion."
Profile Image for Elizabeth Keeter.
69 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2023
Salt and Sunshine by Mindy Paige takes us on the journey of Cassandra Stone, a former artist, who is stuck in a rut in her life. With a boyfriend who cheated on her and her career dreams up in flames, Cassandra is at a crossroads in her life. Enter Jace Maddox, a recent millionaire, and Cassandra’s former best friend. When their paths converge once again, it reignites a connection that transcends time and circumstance.

Mindy Paige's storytelling prowess shines through as she intricately weaves together the lives of Cassandra and Jace. The aftermath of Cassandra's accident, which derailed her artistic career, is depicted with sensitivity, painting a vivid picture of her struggles and resilience. Jace re-emmerges in Cassandra’s life to help her and guide her to a better place. The couple wasted no time in realizing what they had all along was a strong bond and love for each other. Jace picks up the pieces of her life and puts her back together again making her feel whole and loved. He also makes her face her fears from the past and challenges her to do things she never thought she could do. With the re-emergence of Jace, Cassandra is able to feel whole again.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book as the chemistry between Cassandra and Jace crackles with intensity, tugging at the heartstrings as they navigate their shared past and uncertain futures. I cannot give a review without mentioning the mouth on Jace. He had a dirty mind and mouth and the amount of smut in this book was just right. I gave this book 5 stars because Paige aptly captures their emotional journey, infusing the narrative with moments of tenderness, passion, and heartfelt revelations. "Salt and Sunshine" is more than a love story; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of love and perseverance. Mindy Paige's eloquent prose and heartfelt storytelling create an immersive experience, leaving readers spellbound and emotionally invested in the characters' quest for redemption, healing, and a second chance at love.
Profile Image for Sidney Alexander.
176 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2023
🩵 BOOK REVIEW 🩵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was my first book by this author and I will say she’s going on the list of books I must have in the future! This was so good!

So we meet our FMC, Cass, when she catches her bf cheating on her. But who knew that tragedy would be a blessing.

Her bff forces her out to a painting class (which she didn’t want to do…..) keeping her head down and just trying to get through the class she comes face to face with her past.

Walks in Jace….. he regrets the past and is back to rectify it.

Jace ends up pushing her and opening her eyes to things she’s been missing and not living for.

I absolutely loved them together!

If you haven’t gotten your copy, you need to!
Can’t wait to read more from Mindy!

✨ AVAILABLE ON KU ✨

#Saltandsunshine #ContemporaryRomance #Friendstolovers #BillionaireMMC #UntouchedFMC #Reversegrumpyxsunshine #kindleunlimited #MindyPaige #wordsmithpublicity
Profile Image for Kari.
112 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2023
This is my first Mindy Paige book and I am amazed! This book was a super cute light read, I picked it up and just could no stop!

4.5/⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The story between Cass and Jace is a sweet second change/ reconnecting romance, between two childhood friends. Though they drifted an apart for a few years life brings them back together, and oh god! how did it they meet again! Cass life isn't the same after her artist career had came to an "end". Jace shows up and things get HOT! Yet he is possessive, protective, caring, encouraging, and HOT with no limits! Did I mention damn HOT! I will never see or think of a gear shift the same! 🥵 Would have loved to know what ran through his mind in some scenes, with his dirty mouth! 🙈

This story makes me want to go back to summer specially with hot how it was! Totally going back into reading the others in this series and the upcoming ones! 🖤


(This is an ARC review has my very most honest opinion, Hope you enjoyed it 😊)
Profile Image for Spooky Peach.
58 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2023
Salt & Sunshine is the story of Cassandra Stone, a former art student struggling with her life plan after being kicked out of art school in Paris. Led by her ridiculous (yet supportive) best friend, Cass is tricked into joining a drawing class where she gets the surprise of her life when the nude model ends up being none other than her childhood best friend...and he has grown UP (if ya know what I mean 😉)

As they reconnect, Cass finds her heart being healed in ways she never thought possible. Being with Jace gives her the courage to move forward, out of her stagnant life working at a terrible job, and back on the path of following her dreams.

I loved how supportive Jace was. Being back in Cass' life gave both of them a sense of peace while also absolutely igniting the scorching chemistry that wasn't there before. I love a good best friends to lovers story and this did not disappoint! Jace's dirty talk was also top tier!
Profile Image for Hayley Giroux.
138 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

☀️ Friends to Lovers
☀️ Billionaire MMC
☀️ Inexperienced FMC
☀️ Second Chance-ish

Childhood best friends with an emotional reconnection, and years of pent up feelings…? Yes, please!!! Jace & Cassandra quickly became my favourite L&L couple!

I loved their deep connection and longterm history, and I absolutely adored that Jace is Cassandra’s biggest fan. The way he helped and encouraged her to rediscover herself following her injury warmed my whole heart! I also really enjoyed Cass as the FMC, her sass and spunk was so much fun. All in all, their love and chemistry made their story a joy to read.

Not to be forgotten, Mindy Paige does not disappoint on the spice! Jace’s dirty mouth was perfection, and the amount of heat in this book will definitely have you all warm and tingly.

Thank you so much to Mindy Paige & Wordsmith Publicity for the chance to read & review this ARC.
Profile Image for kimmypins.
60 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2023
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Tropes - Friends to Lovers

Salt and Sunshine is a spicy friends to lovers novella. The story moves very fast and is a quick fun read. The MMC and FMC were best friends who had a falling out. They are reunited when the FMC Cassandra attends an art class where the MMC, Jace is posing nude. Jace gives major cinnamon roll vibes and he falls first, hard. Cassandra doesn’t even recognize him at first, but she falls fast and hard as well. Jace helps Cassandra work through some physical and mental health issues that have been holding her back from achieving a fulfilling life. For the past year, she has been merely surviving and the fact that her boyfriend cheats on her is a blessing in disguise. While the story was pretty short, I did enjoy both the spice and the plot.

#friendstolovers #bookstagram #booktok #romancebookstagram #spicybooks #bookrecs
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,325 reviews29 followers
November 28, 2023
Ahhh! We met Jace & Cass in book 1, Ethan & Amelia's story. I read that one for the first time ages ago, before it was the awesome published story, so I've been hoping for Jace & Cassandra's HEA foreverrrr. 🤣

Anyway, youre welcome for that lil background tidbit.

Cass & Kasey kick off this story with a lot of hilarious hijinks that had me laughing the good laughs. And when Cass meets up with Jace after their falling out, the chemistry ignites right away! Whoosh! 🔥 He is de-ter-mined & I love it!! And then their banter! So good!

I love that Jace uses that banter to help Cass rediscover her talent, her strength, and herself.

This was a quick read full of second chances, healing, & lots of 🔥🔥🔥. Like, again, whoosh!! Have a fan handy if you read the spicy bits. 😉 And overall, be ready to swoon over Jace's abs, dominance, & sweet heart. Save the turtles!!

😍😍😍
136 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2023
This was so cute! It was a super fast paced easy read with tons of spice!

I thought the characters were super cute and I loved seeing how much they grew in such a short amount of time. I wish we had more from them though. I thought they were awesome and had such a cool backstory but we didn’t get to see a ton of it. That would have brought this up to a 5/5 for me!

It’s super spicy for how short it is, if you love spice you will be pleasantly surprised at how much there is for sure. I loved the scenes and they felt really realistic and well throughout.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and fun story that I was able to read in a single day!

ARC review. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. A huge thank you to the author for providing the copy to me!
Profile Image for Jacqueline Diaz.
379 reviews
November 28, 2023
Cassandra returns home from a failed attenpt at art school she finds her boyfriend was cheating on her. Her friends sign her up for an art class and the nude model is none other than her childhood best friend, Jace Maddox.

Cassandra and Jace left their friendship in limbo. It was too bad they never addressed the issue and let all those years go by. The misunderstanding that was left finally gets addressed and these two get to see each other with different eyes. Jace is doing everything in his power to get the girl and it was amazing. He was a great MMC to bring her back to life. The spice between these two was too hot 🥵 that a car couldn’t stop them 😉. I loved all of it this is definitely top of my 2023 reading list. Mindy has gold with this series.
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