A new job opportunity brings curvaceous, single mom Hazel Gibson, back to her hometown where she finds her hands full with a little more than just her 12 year old daughter.
When two gorgeous men offer her a six week proposition to be with both of them together, no strings attached, Hazel decides you only live once, and why choose if you don't have to?
But life has a habit of throwing Hazel curve balls, and she finds herself having to make some major life decisions to protect her family. Curve ball #1: When you're already juggling two men, what's one more?
Together this duo makes so much sense. Loved this book and the characters in it. 5/5 ⭐️🌶️
Hazel: Single mom to a preteen, Wynnie, due to a one night stand at 18 with the “Mad Hatter” during a college party 😂
Phoenix: high school auto body teacher, loves Hazels curves. Loves his “little vixen” aka “Angel”. Loves to dominate in the bedroom. Dominate who loves to praise. Also, Loves kids.
Jude: Middle school counselor, soft ball couch, romantic. Loves his “little dove”. Loves reading and exploring his sexuality with his “Little Dove” and best friend.
Mac: college one night stand with Hazel = Wynnie. He’s her “Mad Hatter” and she’s his “Alice”. He’s a temperamental cop who has no idea about his daughter until she’s 12. Meeting Alice again heals the past heartbreak he’s had.
Ya'll, if you love spice and sweet, snuggly, cozy romance, this book is FOR YOU! Hazel is adorable, her daughter, Wynnie, is such a sweetheart, her best friend, Dellah, is so much fun, and the MEN! Hoooooo boy, the men... It's hard to pick a favorite but I feel like I'm a Nix girlie. They are so loving and caring and considerate... These are the type of book men that will ruin real men for us.
If you're looking for a fun book with lots of spice, read this. Take it on the plane, take it to the beach, take it to your parent's house when all they wanna do is watch Jeopardy in the evenings. This book will keep you E-N-T-E-R-T-A-I-N-E-D as long as you need it to.
I'm hooked on this series and I can't wait to read more about Dellah in the next book!
As this authors debut novel, it’s really cute. There is lots this book has going for it. Hazel, our FMC, spends a lot of time growing into herself and really allowing herself an identity outside being a mom. The way Hazel and the first two men in her harem become in a relationship seems very organic and really that whole dynamic between them both dating her plus knowing her daughter but not realizing it was her daughter was well thought out. The dynamics between the three of them (Hazel, Nix and Jude) and then when they add a fourth, was all swoon worthy. The group scenes? So good. Now on the other hand, I don’t know if the relationship with her daughter was realistic. Even if they were super close, I’m not sure she’d spend so much time away from her instead of including her in her new relationship. This was a great read with not a lot of triggers and a lot of good times.
My first Why Choose romance was a smashing hit with Casiddie Williams’ Hazel’s Harem! Hazel, a single mother, stumbles into not ONE but TWO devilishly handsome men in two separate chance encounters. She decides to date them both but soon discovers the two men are best friends! When the men, Jude and Phoenix find out they have been dating the same woman—do they ask her to choose between them?? No, no they don’t! They want her to continue to be with them—together!
When another mysterious man crosses paths with Hazel there’s a deep, almost forgotten, connection. Can Hazel have it all or will she lose all the men in her life??
Oh, gosh! This book was steamy, spicy AND heartwarming.
This was a sweet little treat amidst the swarms of dark and dangerous I've been reading as of late. Casiddie Williams debut novel includes several amazing and sweet male leads, a strong self sufficient female lead, and several fun and relateable side characters.
Jude is by far my favorite character and the one I relate to most as I also came from a similar strict religious background that I'm still trying to break free from honestly. And man is he a smooth talker too. Phoenix is the playboy of the group who is both a sweet talker and dominant personality at the same time. Mac has a rough past but his future looks oh so bright. Then you through Hazel in the mix. Hazel raised her twelve year old daughter alone and then falls head over heels for two men and the father of her daughter when she moves back home.
Casiddie made me feel like I was a part of the story so much so that I immediately sent a message asking if I'd hear more about these characters. The flow, the pace, the plot and the characters all worked together seemlessly to create an amazing story. It does end with a HEA for everybody involved and no cliffhanger. But I definitely wasn't ready to leave the world created yet. I will definitely be following closely to see what comes next from Casiddie. Hopefully this book will be added to my paperback collection soon!
Hazel is a single mom who had a one night stand, didn't get his name. Years later she moves in with her best friend and runs into Phoenix at the gym, and then runs into Jude at store. She's dates them both and finds out they are best friends. They proposition her to date them both together so why choose. Later on, she gets pulled over by her baby daddy. Then he gets thrown into the mix. Anyway I loved the storyline, spice, second chance, and everything else with it.
So I found this book on tik tok and saw it was by an author I didn’t recognize but decided to give it a try and my god is this book so underrated, why it not all over why choose book tok yet ? I have no clue, But it definitely needs to be. There was no third act break up or excessive unnecessary drama which I love. And all the main characters each had a special role in hazels life. Overall such an amazing read!!
This debut novel from Cassiddie Williams has hit the spot, in more ways than one! 😘 I’ve read lots of erotica/romance, and tbh, most of it lacks substance. This novel feels like real people, having real conversations, real relationships, and really, really good sex, lol!
This book is definitely a must-read for Adults only. This book has so many plot twists that keep you wanting more. I couldn't put the book down. I was so sad it ended. Can not wait for the next book.
From start to finish, this book captures the reader’s attention with an intriguing storyline…with just the right amount of spice. Loved it! Looking forward to more by this author!
This was exactly what I needed in a quick why choose read. You have your found family, different MMC attitudes, the sass, the doubt. I loved every minute of it. Support systems mean a lot as a mon to begin with, but to be a single mom you need that “girl friend” to let loose with every once in while. Recommend for a light quick read with some great spice.
I really enjoyed this book! It was quirky, funny and an absolute delight to read. Very steamy spice, easy to read and follow. Relatable characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. A proper feel-good book that I devoured in less than 24 hours.
Second chance romance, accidental pregnancy, single mum, alpha male, cinnamon roll male, ménage a…quatre?
Hazel returns to her hometown with her preteen daughter in tow. She reconnects with her fabulous and supportive bestie and then she starts dating….two seperate gentlemen, until she feels she has to decide between them….or does she?
And when the unsuspecting baby daddy rolls in, what’s one more in the boudoir?
An intriguing tale of romance and discovery and SPICE! But the plot line is not solely based around the spice, there is substance to Hazel’s storyline as well.
I did find the ending and epilogue dragged out a bit more than necessary.
I was gifted this book as an ARC. My review is my own personal opinions and thoughts.
I had high hopes based on all of the high reviews, but the writing style just isn't for me, and I found some of the dialogue and things just cringeworthy. I won't continue with this series.
I was given a copy of Hazel's Harem in exchange for my honest review.
Hazel's Harem is a light hearted Reverse Harem/Why Choose spicy romance. A short bit of information, Hazel was 18 when she got pregnant and left the community to finish her senior year elsewhere. Fourteenish years later, she gets a job back in the community and moves back with her now 13 year old daughter. Hazel keeps bumping into good looking guys and agreeing to dates or sexy times with them. Eventually finding out the two guys are roommates, and later finding out that Hazel's one night stand that resulted in her daughter, is good friends with them too. So after series of events, she gets to keep everyone.
There is a good amount of spice in the books, including MM scenes. It is a pretty easy read, though it kind of reads like a serial/Kindle Vella more than a novel. I feel there were some unnecessary chapters that could have easily been summarized in a small narrative after the dramatics. Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was overall a fun read. It was interesting to see how everyone blended together by the end.
**Overview:** In "Hazel's Harem," the puck stops here—literally! Instead of hockey players, we have a trio of irresistible men who work at the daughter's school. Hazel, the single mom, finds herself caught in a deliciously complicated web of desire. The chemistry between her and the three guys crackles, but can she navigate this unconventional relationship without risking her heart?
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**Vibes:** - **Pucking Around**: The playful vibes from the sports world are replaced with academic intrigue and schoolyard secrets. - **Single Mom Romance**: Hazel's balancing act between motherhood and passion adds depth to the story.
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**Steam Level:** Moderate. While not as scorching as a PA (Pucking around) romance, the tension and longing are palpable.
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**Memorable Quote:** - "Sometimes love doesn't play by the rules—especially when it comes in threes."
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**Final Thoughts:** "Hazel's Harem" is a captivating exploration of unconventional love, where hearts collide in the most unexpected places. If you're ready for a unique twist on the MMFM dynamic, this book is a must-read. 📚❤️
This was a surprise to me. Totally new author and a poly romance that really surprised me! i absolutely adored the book. The author wrote a story that’s cute and adorable but oh so spicy and heart throbbing too. I’m only half way through and I just can’t stop smiling and my heart just aches for them and well what else can a reader want in a book experience! So just wow! Can’t wait to read all her other books and whatever she writes in the future!! Also Phew 😰 this book was🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 and swallowed it right up!
When life shoves you through the looking glass, you might just fall in love with what is on the other side.
This is the first book released by this author, and she did not fail to deliver an amazing book that takes most authors several books to achieve this type of writing.
Hazel's Harem grabbed me from the very first chapter and kept me hooked until the very end. You will fall in love with all of the characters and want their story to never end. I could say so much about the characters but don't want to slip up with a spoiler. So I will leave you with some of the lines that I had to save that wont spoil anything:
"Wake up! Wake up! It’s pancake party time!”
“Moooom! Stop letting strays in the house! Oomph. Aunt Dellah, stop throwing pillows at me. I thought I was your favorite niece?”
Thick thighs save lives!
“B****, I better be your only bestie. Don’t make me go all Xena Warrior Princess on another woman. I don’t like to share my favorite people.”
“Yep, but these are playground rules. I licked it, so it’s mine. Well, you’re both mine. Deal with it.”
“Shoe shopping. I love shoe shopping . My feet don’t care if I ate an extra helping of mashed potatoes for dinner. Clothes, on the other hand, do.”
“Hazel-nut sandwich.”
"I’m going to ask for forgiveness, not permission.”
“F*** the hall pass. You’re all in detention.”
Does she realize the power she has right now?
I can't wait until Dellah's book. She is the best friend we all want to have as our own. This is a must read book that you won't be able to put down once you start it. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy.
Thank you Author Cassidie Williams for giving me this opportunity to ARC review.
So here we go!
You are a 30 year old mom to a preteen and you are returning to your town where you meet not just one…two handsome men who have the hots for you…and they want to share you. Hazel is happily juggling this unconventional relationship and her girlfriend and her teen…when she meets her baby daddy.
Here’s my thoughts - this book is spicy and inclusive. It shows the progress of Hazel adapting to her new life but I felt like this story was too long including the epilogue 😭 Also, I felt like the relationship was evolved around just sex…like it could have had more depth of what the dates do outside the bedroom. Also, I wish there were more mother-daughter dynamic or uhm, it felt too easy? But then I really enjoyed how this story flowed throughout in terms of spice, why choose, the emotional roller coaster. It was a light read for me and I can’t wait for more of Cassidie’s work!
This was suuuuuper cute! I’ve been in the mood for a secret baby book for awhile now and I thought I’ve read them all but to my surprise I found this hidden gem.
Hazel’s Harem is a pretty light and fluffy read. The characters are distinguishable and even though some of the chapters were pretty short, I actually appreciated that. Especially after reading books with chapters that are 30+ minutes long.
My only complaint is that I wish there was more of Mac. I feel like he came in at the end and we don’t get to fully experience him as much as the others. I also don’t like how they all handled the situation with Mac and how Hazel made him the bad guy in the situation, when her actions are the reason he missed out on 12 years of his kids life.
I loved the mm relationship. Jude and Nix are precious together.
This satisfied my mood reading - every book I’ve been grabbing has had zero pregnancy, not even in the epilogue but this gave me that and it’s beyond appreciated.
I do think Hazel should have had more effort with Wynnie, if we’re being honest here. Her daughter was left home alone often, granted in the apartment next to the best friends house but at 12 to be left alone all the time is crazy lol.
Also for the spice, it may seem like it isn’t super spicy from how spread out some of the scenes are but I counted nine total (could be one or two off 🤷🏻♀️) so far that alone will bring the spice up imo. Lots of sharing and dirty talk.🥵
Favorite quotes:
“I want to see the battle trophy on the body that was so strong it created a life.”
“What? It’s sound advice. Don’t be silly; wrap your willy. Love is cleaner with a packaged wiener.”
“Bitch, I better be your only bestie. Don’t make me go all Xena Warrior Princess on another woman.”
“Oh, Angel. I have a feeling you just fucked around, and you’re about to find out.”
Tropes etc: RomCom MMFM Secret Baby Single Mom One Night Stand to HEA Pierced MMC Blue Collar MMC Men In Uniforms Bi-Awakening Best Friends to Lovers (MM) Inexperienced MMC Daughter’s Softball Coaches Spicy Lessons For Him Pregnancy Plus-Size FMC
I was lured in by the high rating (4.48 when writing this) and had high hopes. Unfortunately, I think this author’s writing style just isn’t for me.
Instead of a proper reverse harem, this came across like more of a love triangle where everyone eventually agreed to form one relationship. I honestly felt bad for the guys because it felt like she was deliberately dating around without talking about whether they were exclusive or not. When Jude and Phoenix found out about each other, they had a 5-second whispered conversation right in front of Hazel and apparently agreed to go unconventional? I wasn’t really buying it…and when she kissed Mac, I felt like she betrayed the other two.
Then there was the fact that “consent” was asked for at every single freaking turn. “Can I kiss you?” “Can I touch you?” “Can I ask you if this is OK?” “Let’s have a safe word even though we’re not role playing and we’re asking you how you’re doing every other sentence…”
Also, some of the chapters were distractingly short (like 3 - 4 pages). This really threw off the rhythm of the story for me.
I pushed through this because I really wanted to see how it ended. And while it does have a “feel good” ending, I found the writing to be a little choppy overall, the relationships felt forced (they also almost exclusively called her by her nickname—do people do that in real life?), the dialogue had its moments but didn’t really hold my attention, the smut felt awkward to me, and I didn’t particularly like any of the characters.
Another 3.5 stars that I generously rounded up for because I was feeling cutesy and I really liked the guys. Other than that, it's been a day and I can't really remember why else I thought it deserved to go up instead of down. *shrugs*
I kinda wanted to strangle the FMC and her best friend. For her to be 30, she definitely gave me single mom vibes trying to return to her youth. I was also annoyed with how flighty she got when tough convos needed to happen, but that's probably my personal preference for communicating and no real fault of the character. Lastly, for her daughter to be such a factor in her plans, so far as in that she told the daughter that she'd drop the guys if she wanted her to, she was leaving her alone a lot, and we really didn't get much time to know Wynnie other than fly-by chapters where she was mentioned briefly.
Actually, a lot of the characters felt like they lacked depth. I guess the glue for me was how well the guys navigated their approach to the relationship and how much they wanted the FMC and the dynamic to work. I was really in the mood for fluff and sweet devotion and these guys delivered that in spades. I love how much they chased her and were down to woo her. It was romantic AF.
Note just for me: I don't know that I would read anything from this author again unless I was looking for a quick, easy read. It felt a little juvenile for them to be adults, particularly the FMC. I'm not saying never, but she wouldn't be on my auto-buy list. The drama felt really overdramatic just for the sake of it.
triggers: included but not limited to: s*xual situations, pregnancy, v1olence, dr1nking
tropes: MMFM, sword crossing, bi awakenings, reverse harem, single mom, curvy FMC
summary: Hazel was a single mom before moving back to her hometown. You know how they say it takes a village to raise a child? Well. It seems she's found her village, and then some.
overall: this is a soft, sweet, RH with lots of cute banter. haven't been able to finish a book in nearly 2 weeks and i gobbled this up in 3 hours. it's good for a palette cleanser, nothing high stakes. the writing takes a big getting used to and there are a few errors (no more than 10 that i noticed, if that). the only downside is that if you're sensitive to alcohol consumption, this may not be the book for you. there were points in the book where i was like "do you go weeks on end not spending nights sober?" and there is a pre teen (12) year old daughter of the FMC and the relationship is a bit odd... just seemingly very uninvolved but the story still implies they're super close. all over a decent read!
have you read this book? if so, what were your thoughts?! new to facebook! i'd love to be friends!
Everything was going fine until the baby daddy apparence and then the book was rushed. We barely saw Jude’s and Phoenix’s relationship after that and the way Mac fitted with them and how she came to be with all three of them instead of only two of them was rushed and made no sense. One day they didn’t know he was the dad the next day all 4 of them were in a relationship … like ???
And why the fuck do author keep writing the FMC’s bestfriend like that ? She served no other purpose but to push Hazel to have sex with her men. That’s all. She had no personality besides talking about how hot Hazel’s men were.
I wanted to read the rest (before Mac’s arrival and the author decided to rush to the ending and rush their relationship for no fucking reason) but i probably won’t. It’s rare that the children get a story of their own so I wanted to read Winny’s story… but I don’t think I will.
When Hazel is 18 she has a hot and heavy one-night-stand with a guy she never got his true name from (just a memorable tattoo) and a few weeks later, a positive pregnancy test.
She leaves town, gets her GED, her (hilarious) bff helps support her while she raises her AMAZING now 12-year old daughter who is about to start a new school in another new town. That's when things get interesting.
First off, I wish I had the sort of relationship with my kids that Hazel and her daughter Rowyn (Winnie) do!! *sigh* Seriously. It wasn't easy for Winnie to change schools but she is strong so mature. I think mainly because of Hazel and "aunt" Della (Hazel's bff).
Yes, this book has some steamy scenes but also some very heartfelt ones too. I admit I teared up a few times!! Definitely a good one!
The idea was great but it missed the mark for me. For one, Hazel behaved like a child for almost the entirety of the book. Too childish to find her child’s daughter and hid it for over a decade. Runs out during tough conversations and just overall immature. I think there could have been more development with Mac and her relationship. It felt rushed into the end. The build up with her relationship with Jude seemed super forced and over the top. Also, the use of the term “bet” was incorrect. You bet someone they can do or not do something. But it was used in this book as more of a dare. Just a little weird.