This took a little while for me to get into because the internal monologue seems to jump all over the place in terms of memories and current events. However, once I got used to this, I really loved the romance and the realism of being an older daughter and struggling to navigate in an adult world.

Sweet Heat was my most anticipated read of 2025, so I am so grateful to receive an ARC. Bolu has knocked it out of the park yet again. I devoured this book and am now at a complete loss about what to read next. I already can’t wait to read Kiki and Malakai’s story again. Bolu describes perfectly the struggle for creatives when they leave college and older daughter syndrome. All the different types of love, whether it is love you’re unsure about, first love, the love of your girls is described so beautifully throughout this book. I already know I am going to need a playlist to go with this book.

The spice in this book is off the charts. 5 scotch peppers!

Loved it. Already can’t wait to see what Bolu cooks up next.