YOU MUST BE JOKING THIS WAS SO GOOD!

RATING 4.2 Stars & rounding up. Tara and Casey <3 Respectfully this was so spicy in the BEST way. I mean how could you not if it is a FREAKING BAKER and a classy sex shop owner?? The best part?? They are right next door to each other.

This book was a freaking blast and wide open door spice. While the majority was light-hearted fun, I also enjoyed how both of them navigated their complicated relationships with their family.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, Aurora Rey, and Jamie Clevenger for this ARC! On my way to literally buy the paperback bc I ate this book up.

""I'm glad we're in agreement. Now, help me get this gingerbread boudoir finished so we can go work on my cupcake orgy."
"It's not an orgy. You have to stop saying that." Casey shook her head, but the smile didn't leave her face."

First and foremost, thanks to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, Aurora Rey, and Jamie Clevenger for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Casey Stevens is escaping her complicated past by opening a classy sex shop in a small town in Colorado. Her main issue? The very attractive owner of the cupcake shop next-door doesn't seem to like the idea.

I wouldn't necessarily call it a rivals to lovers, considering Tara pretty quickly apologized and came around to the idea of Casey's shop.... and Casey. Regardless, their banter was hilarious and their chemistry was beautiful. There were scenes where I felt the dialogue was teetering on the line between realistic and mechanical, which made certain scenes a little too unserious. I would've liked to see a bit of a deeper connection between the characters.

The pace stagnated a bit at times, to a point that when Pavia got brought up again I had genuinely forgotten about her. I felt like it was a bit too much spice but it's also a spicy Christmas romance so it's not like that wasn't to be expected. But they kind of substituted lot of very necessary talking and processing by, y'know, getting busy. Tara immediately changing her mind when she said she just wanted to talk was kind of annoying, we never really see them fix their issues, just get back in bed. Desperately need both of them to get some therapy.

Regardless, I found the setting of the town charming, the characters sweet and endearing, and the romance cozy and Hallmark-movie-esque. I think the sapphics also deserve silly Hallmark romcoms that'll make you giggle and kick your feet. I'd also love to see more of Shawn, if the authors are interested in continuing to write within that setting—she was my favorite.

I really wanted to like this book. I'm a sucker for a festive romance, and when you make it queer then I am all in. But sadly it really missed the mark for me.

The premise is great. Tara is back home, helping to run the family bakery, and trying to rebuild her life when things didn't work out in New York. Having come out of a bad relationship, she's not really looking for love. But then along comes Casey, new to the small town Tara calls home, having fled from California following a disastrous divorce.

The attraction is immediate, but both hold off for the first half of the book, because of a rocky start and then because of hesitations on both sides. And then just when things seem to be looking up for them, as they tumble into bed with each other, Casey's past comes back to haunt her and Tara does not take it well.

And this is where things really fell apart for me. Without giving too many spoilers, Casey is called back to California for an intervention with her ex who is rapidly spiralling and threatening her parents' business. None of which is Casey's fault. But it is hugely triggering, and in the stress of it all she doesn't tell Tara everything, she just says it's a "family emergency". Which, to me, is fair enough, given they have only known each other a few months and had literally just started dating a couple of days previously.

But Tara gets so upset by this that she essentially ends everything with Casey. Her reasoning is that Casey should have trusted her, if they were going to ever be in a relationship. Yet there is never any concern from Tara about what Casey must have been through. And it is explained as being part of her own trauma, and I get that, trauma makes us act in ways that aren't reasonable. But everyone backs up the idea that Casey should put in the effort to win Tara back, as if it is all her fault.

I'm not against exploring trauma in stories, in fact I welcome it. But it was not handled well in this at all. None of it is properly resolved. One character's trauma is held above the other's, even though hers wasn't even the one which was explored in detail within the story. Yet we're expected to act as if this was the start of a relationship that is going strong a year later, which doesn't feel believable at all.

All in all this isn't the fun and festive story it is promoted as. And that's why I've only given it 2 stars.

Aurora and Jaime didn't disappoint with this one. I mean what could possible go wrong with baking and a sex shop. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute with these characters. Well done!!

Thank You Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

This was a really good read! I enjoyed everything about this book from the plot to the amazing characters. This story was well written and very engaging. The main characters were fun to get to know and root for and the secondary characters were written to help move the story along. There's some angst and drama, but just enough to make this story interesting. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what's next from this author.

Baking and a s@x shop its the recipe for christmas success. I really loved how much whimsy was in this book as well as the sapphic side. The holidays in my opinion need to be full of joy and i really liked how even though our MCs weren't always too happy with their family situations they fell for each other.

Aurora Rey and Jaime Clevenger wrote another fabulous book together. I enjoy both their writing styles.
The MCs were well developed and full of chemistry. The wit and banter were a lot of fun to read.
The secondary characters were well developed and added to the storyline. They were a great support when needed.
The ansgt was well done. The make-up scene was done spectacularly.
This duo is phenomenal together and alone, and I look forward to the next book that comes out soon.

Casey Stevens’ becomes a social pariah when her cheating social media star wife and her divorce. Her friend Kit invites Casey to escape for a while to Rocky Springs - Kit’s quaint and cute (and very small) hometown. Casey is enamored by the small town and decides to follow a long time dream - to open her very own sex shop - The Sweet Spot. And it’s not your ordinary sex shop - but something classy and educational.

Tara McCoy and her sister Shawn run Coy Cupcakes. Tara had returned to Rocky Springs a couple of years earlier after becoming disillusioned by the New York baking scene. She knows a thing or two about starting over, pursuing your dreams and is determined to turn her family bakery into a destination for locals and tourists alike. Tara isn’t exactly keen when The Sweet Spot opens right next door to the bakery. But Casey is sweet and charming and hot!

Frosted by the Girl Next Door is a bit of a forced proximity, sapphic holiday romance. If you like it sweet and a little spicy, with a dash of holiday drama, you’ll love Frosted by the Girl Next Door!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Tara McCoy is busy trying to update her family's cupcake shop. She does NOT need a adult toy store opening across the way.

Casey came to Rocky Springs to escape her past, but on impulse decided to open a shop. With, yes, sex toys but classy. She did not expect the town to be up in arms over it...

Casey vs the 'family values' types drives the drama, while her feud with Tara gives romantic tension. The writing is good, as expected from these two writers, and I liked both the heroines and supporting cast.

Then the Ex turns up....

Mild gripe: foer once could the heroines actually get back at the villain, instead of 'saving' them? Just saying... The ex, in this case....

Small spoiler: Casey trying to do the Twelve Days of Christmas with the resources of a small town is hilarious.

3.5 stars out of 5

Casey is running away from a bad Hollywood breakup and lands in Rock Springs in Colorado. She also decides to open a sex shop next to Tara's family's cupcake shop. They of course get closer, but, there are definitely bumps in the road. Big ones and little ones.

I wish I'd liked this more. The beginning had such tension and I really didn't like Casey, even by the end I liked her more, but, still not as much as I think I was supposed to. And then there was Shawn. It was probably because Shawn was a secondary character, but, Shawn drove me crazy too (not in a good way) in this book.

This is your typical cute Christmas romance. A classic take on the city girl moves to the small town, but this time it's to open a sex shop. She receives a lot of pushback from the community but ultimately finds acceptance.

Despite the summary, Casey and Tara never really feel like enemies. They are attracted to one another from the beginning and after a slight hiccup they strike up a friendship. Their dynamic is easy and the way they interact is very comfortable.

When it comes to the drama of the story, I wasn't the biggest fan. I thought Casey's lack of communication was silly and she should have just told Tara what was happening. But obviously her character had hangups about being vulnerable, so in that way it makes sense she didn't say anything. However, it still made it frustrating to read at times. Despite this, it was still a pretty sweet story and there wasn't a whole lot of angst or challenges that weren't easily overcome, this book is cozy. Overall, 3.9/5 stars rounded up.

Frosted by the Girl Next Door starts off like a typical holiday romance. Woman, Casey Stevens, decides to move to a small town and open a shop to escape drama in the big city. She meets the small town, next door baker, Tara McCoy, and romance ensues.
The fun twist in this story is that Casey is opening an upscale sex toy shop. So Casey and Tara have to deal with some small-minded people, Casey’s drama from LA following her to Colorado, and their own personal baggage.

This was a cute, high spice story. I thought the main characters had a good dynamic and I could feel their attraction. The side characters were funny and helped provide good perspective for the main characters.

The lack of communication between the characters that caused issues felt a bit forced and unrealistic, but not so much that it made me dislike the story.

Overall, a lot of spice and a lot of heart. A solid choice for a quick holiday read.

Thank you NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, Aurora Rey, and Jamie Clevenger for the ARC.

I was very interested in the concept of the book when I first found out about it, but I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as did! The characters we developed very well. The rocky start to the main characters relationship, I felt added to the dynamic they had. There were some difficulties and challenges throughout the book that kept you really invested in the outcomes. There were some light hearted and sweet moments I really enjoyed, with that being said when the author said their was a little bit of sweetness and a whole lot of spice, that was no joke! Their was definitely some spicy scenes throughout the book. Overall this is definitely a book that should be picked up immediately and read instantly!

This book is so cute. It could have been a bit longer to really flesh out the relationship but overall I loved it. The main characters are cute, the angst wasn’t too intense, and the ending was satisfying.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Casey needs distance to figure out what she wants in life after a messy divorce in which she never should’ve married Pavia in the first place and her Hollywood parents. She arrives at Rocky Springs at quaint town where she believes she can make a fresh start with the help of her friend Kit she decided to open up a sex shop some town people are not as accepting. Tara didn’t want to return home being in NY was great but admit she missed home she decided to to turn her family business with her sister Shawn into success she has plans to make bigger then her hometown. Casey and Tara meet they somewhat hit it off but then Tara assume something and they kind of get into it but eventually they find common ground and start to spend time together. Love the characters romance was good I like Casey trying to win Tara back after having miscommunication even though Tara blew it out of portion in my opinion but overall enjoy the read.

Thank you to the authors and NetGalley for this arc! If I am being honest, I was completely pulled in by the adorable cover of this book. When I read the synopsis, it was an immediate request on NetGalley.
If you’re wanting a holiday read with a Hallmark setting and LGBTQ+ representation, look no further.
This was a fun, spicy read for me, but something with the chemistry/connection of the MCs was just missing for me. It felt like it was missing a little depth…angst…something that just kept you from putting it down, but maybe the author was just going for a cozier vibe. Overall, it was a fun read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for this amusing book

casey wants to open up a sex shop in rocky springs...she finds this little town just what she needs to escape her lifestyle back home and the horrendous circumstances she had found herself in.... she had found the ideal location

she wasnt expecting the backlash from some of the townies..... least of all from her neighbour tara another business owner, she thought they could be friends.....

but as the shop opened and it people started to take an interest though she would always have her doubters who would hound her for whatever reason they needed to feel big about themselves casey shop was starting to do well....

casey just hoped that things with tara would go the same way.... so when tara offered to help casey decorate her window for the competition what could casey really say

but storm clouds are on the horizon for casey as her past catches her up....

i have to say i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book...so many inuendoes and funny scenes but its the whole christmassy feel that pulls you in... well plus the spicy scenes really

The combination of bakery / cakery owner meets sex shop owner was definitely a different dynamic but in the end I enjoyed the relationship!

i absolutely loved frosted by the girl next door! aurora rey and jaime clevenger have created the perfect holiday romance that’s cozy, charming, and absolutely swoon-worthy—a must-read for anyone who adores small-town holiday romances.

the story introduces us to casey stevens, who’s landed in the picturesque town of rocky springs, looking to start fresh after a messy public breakup. she’s hoping to open a classy, trans-positive, sex-positive shop to reinvent herself, but her new neighbor, tara mccoy, isn’t exactly thrilled about it. tara’s all about keeping her family bakery as the go-to spot in town, and she’s wary of what a “seedy” shop next door might mean—even if the new owner is drop-dead gorgeous.

this book checks every box for a feel-good holiday rom-com! casey and tara have the best kind of “opposites attract” chemistry. their initial clash quickly transforms into witty banter and an attraction that had me hooked from the start. the authors capture the holiday magic so beautifully: holiday town traditions, snowy streets, festive baking scenes—all of it feels like stepping into the ultimate holiday town. with every page, the festive spirit is almost tangible as casey and tara’s reluctant partnership turns into something so much deeper.

not only do we get a fantastic romance with plenty of spice and sweetness, but frosted by the girl next door also brings in all those classic hallmark rom-com elements that make the story irresistible. there’s a perfect “meet cute" (it’s so simple yet so adorable i’m still thinking about it after finishing the book), just the right amount of rivalry with witty banter, supportive friends and family who add heart and humor, and holiday traditions that make the setting so warm and inviting.

by the end, i was completely rooting for these two and smiling ear-to-ear. this book has all the heart, humor, and holiday cheer you could want, and it’s ideal for curling up with on a chilly night. frosted by the girl next door is everything i adore about holiday romances—a story full of warmth, love, laughter, and the spirit of the season. if you’re a fan of small-town rom-coms with holiday magic and a dash of heat (one of the main characters is a sex shop owner, so expect the heat to be 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️), don’t miss this one!

thank you, @netgalley and @boldstrokesbooks, for the e-arc. 🩷

Girl meets girl. Girl opens sex positive sex shop in small town. Local baker has feelings about it.

if those 3 sentences appeal to you, you will love this holiday small town book! Frosted by the girl next door is about Kit, said local introverted baker who meets Casey and the adventure starts from there.

Casey is wanting to change of pace so naturally opening a sex shop in a small town seems like the perfect idea. Casey quickly realizes this Gilmore girls-esque community isn’t going to be as progressive as her hometown of LA & has to navigate keeping the locals happy while also impressing the baker who makes the most amazing cupcakes around.

This was such a cute holiday book that will suck you in on the adventure!

Thank you NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books for the ARC!