[ARC REVIEW] “Honeyed” (The Ashton Family) By: Carrie Aarons

The second book in the Ashton Family series is here! It’s Alana and Warren’s time in the spotlight — the book is available now!

What is “Honeyed” by Carrie Aarons about?

Growing up in a house full of brothers, it’s not a surprise that Alana Ashton is the princess of Hope Crest.

Being the only female of the small town’s founding family means that while she usually gets her way, she has to work doubly hard to earn and keep respect. Veering from her expected path to follow crazy dreams, like opening her own shop, not only isn’t in the cards, it’s also not taken seriously. So when her best friend, the ex-high school quarterback with a smile of gold and a traumatic past, proposes marriage out of the blue after years of Alana not-so-secretly pining after him, the answer isn’t an automatic no.

Marrying him, and the fortune they’ll both inherit if she specifically says I do, could be just the thing to set her vision in motion. But can she keep their decades-long relationship strictly business, or will those long unrequited feelings fool her into thinking this union will be for life?

Warren Teal is the orphan no one wanted but everyone speculated about.

After his father tragically took his mother from him, Warren’s story has been broadcast in the media for years. Cue the Ashtons, who took him under their wings the first time Alana brought him home in middle school. Years later, Hope Crest’s royal family offered him a job at their renowned restaurant, and Warren thought he’d found the quiet, under-the-radar life he’d always been searching for.

Until the day he received a letter leaving him a fortune. There was just one catch; he must marry to receive it. And not just anyone, but the gorgeous, stubborn woman he’d always loved in secret but never felt worthy of. Knowing he could return the favor and grant her wildest dreams, he popped the question.

But when his past comes for the future they’re building, she gets caught in the crossfires of the danger and darkness meant for him. Divorce, and breaking his own heart, seem like the only options to keep her safe.

Even if doing so means he may never get to confess that their fake marriage is the realest love he’s ever experienced.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Review:

The second book in Carrie Aarons’ small town romance series is here! “Honeyed” is the second installment of the Ashton Family series — and although you technically don’t have to read the books in order, I’d highly recommend doing so!

This one is a childhood best friends to lovers romance, as well as a marriage of convenience — with suspense! We first met these characters in the first book, “Bittersweet,” which made me all the more excited for these two to finally get their chance at love! Alana has always wanted her best friend, Warren, to love her back. So when he needs her help and proposes a marriage of convenience, well, that’s a step in the right direction…sort of? But things are never as easy as they seem, so you know there has to be a twist!

Without giving too much away, I’d say this is a must read for small town romance fans, especially those who like reading romance that has a deeper, more suspenseful plot. Carrie’s book never disappoint, and this was no exception! I’m excited to read the next book in the series.

As with all new adult/adult romance books I review on here, I recommend this book for readers who are 18+ — but don’t let me tell you what to do! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book is available now.

What is “Honeyed” by Carrie Aarons about?

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Review:

Check out my interview with Carrie about “The Tenth Girl,” and read my other reviews of her young and new adult books:

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