Something Like Sugar

Pine Forest Something #2

by Elsie Bea

I'm the good girl. The quiet one.

I teach your toddlers to plié on Saturday and read Shakespeare with my father on Sunday, so never in a million years did I think I'd be here.

Putting up a Flinger profile. The place for one night stands and evening trysts.

But after today, it's clear the man I love will never see me how I want. And with Dad slipping away at each beep of his monitors, for once in my life...ballet might not be enough.

Dance can't love you back.

I know it's risky. I know it's taboo.

But if my best friend's brother won't open his eyes to see me, maybe someone else will.

So here I go, posting an ad to lose my virginity.

What could go wrong? Only everything.

-

​Something Like Sugar is a small town, secret dating, best friend's brother romance with a little stalking and a lot of happily ever after! Don't miss Book 1 in the Pine Forest Something Series, Something Like Sunflowers.

Genres: Romance

324 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

Elsie Bea is a contemporary romance author from Richmond, Virginia. She lives 'out in the sticks' with her incorrigible husband, two crazy kids, and gaggle of dogs, ducks and chickens. When she isn't writing inappropriately steamy romcoms, you can find her dancing and singing in her kitchen or spending time with family.

Reviews

[Lysten_and_read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sugar, spice and a ballerina who's more than just nice. Something Like Sugar gives us two POV's being Dustin and Shay. One works as a barista and the other is a ballerina. Can you guess who does what? This book was so good I sat down and practically inhaled it in one day. There's a girl who tastes like sugar, who is ready to step into something new as she set up a Flinger profile looking to get her cherry popped. Then there a guy who loves said girl from a distance and will do anything to protect her, even if he can't have her. If this doesn't have you interested, then I don't know what will. I loved the chemistry between these two characters and there are so many of my favorite tropes with this book.

Tropes:
- Best friends brother
- Secret Dating
- Stalking
- Virgin MFC
- She is fucking mine

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!!

[Between_the_lines_89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow and steady wins the race—that’s the exact vibe this book gave me. Watching Dustin and Shana’s journey was so rewarding; their character growth was huge, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they each came into their own. The smut? Absolutely wild. Dustin is definitely a freak, and I loved how perfectly he matched Shana’s energy. Beyond the spice, this story gives you all the feels, helps you navigate themes of grief, and most importantly, reminds us that we’re all perfect in our own way. An amazing read from start to finish!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to get this ARC, I loved every bit of this story. Had everything you need from best friends brother, past and present parts in the time line, loss and forgiveness and of course spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Can’t wait to read Lemon’s story next!

[Alexandra Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect going into Something Like Sugar but I have to admit that this book made me SO happy. Like, ridiculously happy. After a slew of novels that felt like slop after the other, this novel was genuinely one that lit up my days.

There’s something so inherently sweet about Dustin and Shana’s love story that you can’t help but root for them from the very beginning, and when things got real VERY fast, you were there for the ride. I loved how natural their relationship felt - how it eased from friendship to lovers to something way more because of their past history - and of course the spice was SPICING. I’m pretty sure this was one of the spiciest arcs I’ve read so far.

What’s even better is that this is a quick read. It’s not something that overdoes the love story or throws in drama just for the sake of it. The twist at the end was something I was NOT expecting, but so worth the 200+ pages to get there.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Elsie Bae and her team for an ARC of Something Like Sugar.

I read this book in a day - could not put it down. This story follows Shay and her best friend’s older brother, Dustin. This story had several twist and turns I did not see coming especially the main plot twist.
I loved the romance - Shay and Dustin were so cute and had some good yearning in the beginning of the book. I also loved that there wasn’t a third act breakup and instead the plot twist comes during the third act. This book was spicier than I expected too!

If you’re looking for a sweet best friend’s brother romance with spice and a crazy plot twist, I’d recommend this one. There are some triggers that the author has so make sure to check before reading. 5⭐️

[Christina’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC of her book for my honest review!

✨Tropes✨
- Small Town
- Second Chances
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Virgin MFC
- Moody MMC
- Past Trauma
- Family Drama
- Stalking

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️.5
Learning is fun! 🍒

MMC - Dustin🥤
"Shana Holiday, you light my entire world. You're the moon in an eclipse. When you stand in my path, you are the only thing I see. Always."

MFC - Shana 🩰
"Aren't you listening? I don't care if you ink up my waters, Dustin. I'll swim in the darkness for the rest of my life it means we're together."

Overall Thoughts:
Lots of parts were good, easy world building, lovable characters, and hilarious inner monologues! But the book was okay, I feel like it could have been a really good dark romance if it dived more into the stalker vibes. But the stalking part felt weird because she already knows who it is? I didn’t feel like it should have been put in the story if it wasn’t more in depth. Just my own thoughts! I liked the chapters that peered into their past as teens. It’s beautiful they finally find each other and get through their own insecurities! But I ended up not finishing 65% of the way through it but the parts I read I did like, just wasn’t for me. So still give it a shot if it’s your vibe for sure!

[Katelynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was selected as an ARC reviewer and sent an advanced copy for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I really wanted to like this book. I grew up dancing and wanted to connect with the ballet aspect of the story. I did appreciate the few dance sessions and funny dance mom. I liked how the studio was a setting to grow Dustin and Shana’s relationship. I liked Dustin’s protectiveness. I also loved Lemon and Jeremy; I wish that we got more details about them.

I feel that the book may be a little unfinished. We were introduced to Shana’s best friend Devyn who was a very minor character but written to have this big secret/issue. I never found out what it was. I couldn’t connect with Shana because she used her grief as a crutch. For Shana to be so “sheltered” and innocent, what she does during the spicy moments makes that claim questionable. I couldn’t really follow some of the moments either because the positioning didn’t make sense. It was off.

At a few points in the book, i was lost between the chapters. It was written in character perspectives and I felt that sciences didn’t completely finish between characters before we were jumped into a new moment.

I was not a fan of the written stalker climax. I felt it was rushed. I still have so many questions. I did not like that I had to wait until I was almost finished the book to receive a bit of clarity. I couldn’t get with her term “goosepimples” either. It’s goosebumps. I feel so bad for not liking this book. I was happy to see the element of remorse and that the characters took a chance at love.

[Ashley Mulle · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review: Something Like Sugar by J. Penner ✨

This book was exactly the kind of swoony, addictive romance I’ve been craving. 💜
From the first page, I was hooked—there’s just something about a protective MMC with a sharp edge that makes my reader heart beat faster. The chemistry was electric, the banter delicious, and those emotional punches? They landed.

I especially loved how the story balanced sweetness with just the right amount of angst. Every chapter gave me a new favorite line to highlight (and swoon over). By the end, I didn’t just want more—I needed it.

If you love protective heroes, love notes, nicknames, and that “touch her and d!e” energy, you’re in for a treat with this one. 💕

[donutqueenie · Rating 1 out of 5]

“If I’m the moon, you’re the stars.”

Twenty-eight year old virgin ballerina Shay creates a dating profile to lose it after her childhood crush Dustin rejects her again. Dustin has a shady (but noble) past and feels like he isn’t good enough for Shay. (TW below)

DNF at 51%.

This book wasn’t for me. I liked the characters and their dynamic. I liked the plot and where I think it was headed. I loved the side characters Jeremy and Lemon. I love the book cover. But it was too heavy for me. Check trigger warnings! This list is not exhaustive: mention of past grap€, vi0lence, verbal/emotional abus€, and PTSD.

The flashbacks of past grape€ would have been fine for me alone.
The spice lessons would have been fine for me alone (except that one part where I bet she totally got a UTI 😳😖).
The abusive father would have been fine for me alone. (He was scary so great writing!)
But all three elements together page after page was very intense.

I think this book needs more editing. Lots of details about characters’ history were alluded to but not mentioned (or at least weren’t yet where I stopped). There were also several points where I was confused because details mentioned in one sentence were then contradicted several sentences later.

“She stole my heart a long time ago.”

🩰Best friend’s brother
🍦Childhood crush
🩰“Teach me” exchange
🍦Love letters
🩰Secrets and stalking
🍦Dance teacher FMC
🩰Entrepreneur MMC

Thank you to the author for the ARC. Release date 9/12/25.

“I’m tired of saving every first for someone who sees me last.” 🔥

This is book 2 in this series and I’m curious about the other characters’ stories so I might add them to my TBR. Hopefully they aren’t as heavy.
🌻Book 1 Something Like Sunflowers
🌟Book 3 Something Like Starlight (releasing later)

[Michaela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review* Elsie Bea did it again in her second book in the Pine Forest series! I devoured this book and loved every second of it — from the hot romance to the more emotional aspects. One thing I really enjoyed in the book was the redemption arcs that some of the characters experienced. No spoilers here, but if you want a story with romance, humor, and plenty of heart, you’ll find it in Something like Sugar.

[Kendy Cotten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something Like Sugar by Elsie Bea is an emotional, spicy, and addictive romance that blends sweetness with just the right amount of intensity.

Shay isn’t just a ballerina, she’s also running her own dance studio while carrying the heavy weight of caring for her terminally ill father and navigating past traumas. Enter Dustin, her best friend’s brother and the barista who’s quietly been obsessed with her since their teenage years. His devotion runs deep, borderline stalkerish at times but it only makes their slow burn connection even more magnetic.

Told in dual POV, we get Shay’s vulnerability and strength alongside Dustin’s simmering obsession and protective charm. Their relationship builds with tension, longing, and delicious spice until it finally ignites and wow, does it deliver.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thanks to author Elsie Bea for the ARC! 💕

Tropes you’ll love:
✔️ Best friend’s brother
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ Long-time crush / teenage connection
✔️ Quiet obsession / protective hero
✔️ Small-town setting
✔️ Sweet & spicy balance
✔️ Emotional family subplot
✔️ Dance studio + barista life

#SomethingLikeSugar #ElsieBea #ARCReview #SpicyRomance #BestFriendsBrother #ObsessiveHero #DualPOV #RomanceReaders #DanceStudioRomance #BaristaRomance #SlowBurnRomance #PlotTwistEnding

[Hadassah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. Something like Sugar has just the right amount of spice and feel-good romance. It's also an inspiring story because it teaches women that it's ok to be shy at times, but it's also ok to come out of their shells and be more independent and strong women as well and it teaches us that we're never alone.

[Danielle Fortmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Something Like Sugar is such a warm, heartfelt read. Elsie Bea has a way of weaving together small-town charm, layered characters, and a story that feels both sweet and real. I loved how the characters’ journeys weren’t rushed — their growth felt genuine, and the emotional beats landed beautifully. The chemistry between the leads was engaging without being over the top, and the supporting cast added so much depth to the world.

It’s a story about connection, healing, and finding joy in unexpected places, and it left me smiling (and occasionally tearing up). overall this is a book I’ll definitely be recommending to friends who love heartfelt romance.

[RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review!
A virgin main female character and a lip ring on a male main character …. Say less! The story line is top notch . It keeps you hooked and wanting to keep turning the page to see what happens next! This is part of a series so definitely read both books as they are both awesome. Did I mention the SPICE🥵

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Something Like Sugar by Elsie Bea
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC!

Shana, a ballet dancer caring for her ailing father, is tired of being a virgin. She always thought she’d have her first time with Dustin—her best friend’s older brother and the man she’s loved since her teens.

Dustin is obsessed with Shana. From his shop across the street, he watches her dance, believing that’s as close as he’ll ever get. After serving time for an incident in his youth that left another man in a coma (totally justified), he’s never forgiven himself or trusted his temper again.

When Shana signs up for a hookup app, Dustin can’t stand by any longer. He’s determined to protect her and give her everything she wants… even him. But Dustin isn’t the only one watching Shana, and her other admirer is far more dangerous.

I was not prepared for the dark turn this story took near the end! One minute I was reading an angsty small-town romance, and the next—full romantic suspense mode. I actually loved that subversion of expectations; it added depth and stakes.

My favorite part? The pining. Dustin is absolutely down bad for Shana, and I felt it every time we got his POV. I love a good, self-aware simp.

Unfortunately, I found Shana’s characterization inconsistent to the point of being distracting. She’s described as an extreme introvert who communicates best through dance—but she’s also the same woman who boldly confronts Dustin about his feelings and runs an award-winning business, something that usually requires quite a bit of social confidence. Those two versions of her didn’t always align for me.

For fans of: 💀 Romantic suspense | 👀 Stalker romance | ❤️‍🔥 Best friend’s brother | 🤫 Secret dating | 🏡 Small town | 💞 Pining

#SomethingLikeSugar #ElsieBea #ARCReview #RomanticSuspense #BestFriendsBrother #SmallTownRomance #Pining #Bookstagram #RomanceBookstagram #RomanceReads #BookReview #RomanticDrama #ReadersOfInstagram #RomanceReaders

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Like Sugar (Pine Forest #2) by Elsie Bea
Pub Date: 9/12/25

Let’s start by saying I usually shy away from books with “innocent” FMCs, but this one was a revelation. Shana may be inexperienced, but she’s not a damsel in distress. She’s a bit of a loner, burdened by grief and loss, but also a determined businesswoman whose growth throughout the story had me cheering for her.

Dustin, her best friend’s brother, also goes through his own transformation. He starts out weighed down by insecurities and trauma, but grows into exactly the man Shana needs. Their dynamic is swoony, heartfelt, and sprinkled with the perfect amount of spice (yes, with some filthy-mouthed banter too 👀).

This story surprised me with its turns, gave me plenty of emotional moments, and delivered some unforgettable lines:
“Shana Holiday, you light my entire world. You’re the moon in an eclipse. When you stand in my path, you are the only thing I see. Always.”
“Every kiss, every dream, every wish on a shooting star or four-leaf clover…has been for you, Dustin Campbell.”

There’s cherry-popping, waltzing lessons, even an octopus inking (yes, really 😂)—but at the heart of it all is a love story about growth, obsession, healing, love and hope.

If you love small town romance, obsessive MMCs, slow-burn spice, character growth, and a dash of stalking, this is absolutely a must-read.

Thank you to Elsie Bea for the ARC—and for being such a genuinely nice human! 💜 All opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 rounded to 5)

[mkm_bookloverarchivistreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This makes my five plus star reads of the year. I’ve read this author since the debut of Something like sunflowers. Something like Sugar continues in the Elsie Bea interconnected stand alone series Pine forest something. This book follows her debut which was the story of Devyn and Hunter. Now not only Dustin’s best friend but brother in law Hunter get to watch Dustin make a huge fool of himself. He’s in love with FMC Sauna (Shay) and unwilling or unable to admit it. Dustin is stuck on the things he’s done wrong rather than focusing on what he’s done right. It plays into his belief on where he stands with Shay. How it all intertwines is a part of the overall plot. Sauna is Devyn's best friend. Unlike Dustin, Shay knows what she wants and fears she’ll never get her chance. “…Do you know what happens when you let the love of your life pass you by? Because I do." The plot for Shay and Dustin’s story is more serious than Devyn and Hunter’s. There are comical moments but deeper topics which lead to triggers warning for this work. I love the fact that sauna and Dustin aren’t a simple love story. The character driven narratives of Shay and Dustin are exceptional and breathtakingly crafted by author Elsie Bea. Life and love isn’t simple, Dustin and Shay are good representations of this simple fact. Pick it up today. I highly recommend Elsie’s Bea’s Something like sugar. If you’ve not read something like sunflowers, pick it up as well!
May still reach my five plus category read yet but is a definite re read for me loved Dustin and Shay’s story with all it complexity.

[Nan · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC review

When I saw the synopsis of this book I was super drawn to it. As someone with a performance background I was excited by the dance element of it. And while I don’t necessarily gravitate toward inexperienced FMCs, I thought the idea of her childhood crush being the one to show her the ropes was cute. I enjoyed dual POV and the flashback chapters as it gave us a look into the characters past.

If you love:
- Best friend’s brother
- Red herring/3rd act twist
- Second chance romance

Unfortunately the book kind of fell flat for me for a few different reasons. There is a big emphasis on the FMCs virginity (like mentioning of her intact hymen and everything) but then she is so forward in their sexual encounters. For example, in the first chapter her friends are talking about sexual encounters and the FMC literally buries her face in her hood because it makes her so uncomfortable. However a little later in the book the FMC seems to be very open and forward in her sexuality. And while I don’t judge either of those things, it just didn’t feel like it was even the same character.

Overall this book just felt kind of unfinished. It was a bit slow to read and kind of jumped all over the place. There were storylines and characters that were talked about but then just never followed up on. By the 60% point I was ready to DNF, but I decided to see it through to the end. There’s potential in this book, but it just felt pretty rough.

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

[𝙻𝚒𝚜𝚊 𝙻𝚢𝚗𝚗 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book of this series and I loved this one just as much! Dustin and Shana are honestly everything and their story was everything I expected and so much more. The twist at the end had my jaw on the floor and had me hooked! I loved seeing Dustin and Shana expect themselves and believe in themselves as well as each other and finally find their happiness after centuries of denying (iykyk) I loved this so much and I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series they do not disappoint 🥰 thank you for trusting me with an arc of this and for having me be apart of the Bea Hive it has been so much fun 🤍

If you love:
🎀 small town romance
🎀 protective MMC
🎀 ballerina x barista
🎀 best friends brother
🎀 who fell first?
🎀 childhood crush
🎀 surprise pregnancy

Genre/type: Small Town Romance
Pages: 292
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or stand alone: book 2 in the Pine Forest Something series
Tropes or themes: childhood crush, dancer x barista, best friends brother, sisters best friend, who fell first?, teach me exchange, obsession MMC, small town romance, secret crush, light stalker vibes, emotional support hoodie, all her firsts, surprise pregnancy
Check triggers: stalker, death of a parent, abduction, anxiety, self doubt, sick parent, violence (not between fmc & mmc), explicit sexual content

Lisa.lynn.escobar
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | Fable

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review
🍬 Something Like Sugar by Elise Bea
📅 Releasing September 12th!

I applied to be an ARC reader for this upcoming release because it’s packed with tropes I cannot resist:

🍬virgin FMC,
🍬 “teach me” moments (seriously some of the BEST I’ve ever read 🌶️🥵🔥)
🍬 forbidden love + best friend’s brother.

The story starts strong, slowed down a little in the middle (cue me yelling, “just get together already!” 😂) — but hey, that’s the beauty of a slow burn. It quickly picked back up with some suspense and wrapped in a swoony, satisfying HEA… complete with a little surprise at the end. 💕

Both characters are navigating complicated pasts, and watching them overcome those obstacles made their love story all the sweeter.

This was my first Elise Bea read, but definitely not my last. If you love spicy forbidden romances with heart, make sure Something Like Sugar is on your TBR and snag it on release day, September 12th!

#Bookstagram #UpcomingRelease #ForbiddenRomance #BestFriendsBrother #TeachMeTrope #RomanceBooks #SpicyReads #RomanceBookstagram #SomethingLikeSugar #RomanceReaders

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Elsie Bea for letting me be apart of her ARC team.


This book is the second in an interconnected series. There were some plot points ,mainly with the character of Devyn, that did not make sense to me. Make sure you have read "Something like Sunflowers" before you read this one.

I thought the storyline was different. I haven't read a romance where the FMC was a virgin looking to get some. I always love a broody MMC. I got a little annoyed by the MMC a few times, but that is just me.
There is a few plot points that took a dark turn and kept me in the story. Overall, this book is okay. If you liked the first one, you will probably like this one.




*Something Like Sugar is a small town, secret dating, best friend's brother romance with a little stalking and a lot of happily ever after. Something Like Sugar is a standalone novel in an interconnected series.

Tropes:
Small town romance
Best friend’s brother
Barista x ballerina
Childhood crush
Virgin heroine
“Teach me” exchange
Secrets & stalkers
Broody MMC

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Elsie for this ARC! I really liked it!

It definitely had a twist I didn’t even see coming! If you love a childhood crush, friends to lovers, best friend’s brother, even some stalking, you’ll love this book!

My first book by Elsie so I didn’t know what to expect but by the end of it and reading the epilogue, I’m excited for Lemon’s book to come out!

Their relationship grew throughout the book, you get flashbacks to how their relationship was when they were younger and why they didn’t become a thing back then. Then you see how everything changes and they can’t get their hands off each other. I loved the spicy scenes especially the waffle cone nickname, if that gives you any ideas…

I also love Shana’s best friends, how they supported Shana especially Lemon with Shana’s sick dad. It also took so much for Shana to hide her relationship with Dustin from his sister who’s Shana’s best friend!

Can’t wait to read the next book!

[BookwormGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Reading 📖 4 stars ⭐️ Small Town 😍 Best friends brother 🧑 Bad boy 👦 spice level 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ Thank you Elsie Bea for giving me the opportunity to arc this.

Shana and Dustin have had a crush on each other since they were kids. Shana is best friends with Dustin’s sister Devyn. They spent a lot of time with one another as kids. Passing looks at each other, but not acting on it. He’s been there for all of Shana’s 1st. Becoming a woman, helping her out. Dustin protects his own. Thinks he’s not good enough for Shana. But somehow it got creepy. He’s always watching Shana, he called himself the “watcher”. Aka stalker. 😁 He’s a bit crazy. Hiding in the bushes, watching her. And she likes it. I had the ick feeling but the farther I get into I’m like ok, I’m kinda here for this lol I like the possessiveness. mmmm this could be 🔥🔥🔥🔥 She’s his forever and always. ❤️

[Annie Reads The World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Elsie Bea for giving me an ARC of this book!

i was so curious to read Shana and Dustin's story after Something Like Sunflowers. I really loved that book and I was so excited to keep reading stories set in that world.

I love books that involve dancers/dance teachers and Shana was everything I hoped she would be. I loved that despite her innocence she still knew what she wanted and went after it.

Dustin was down bad and I loved every second of it. I was a bit skeptical of the stalking aspect at first, but I think it actually worked great here!

I read this book in a single day when I really needed something to take my minf off things and cheer me up and this did such a wonderful job of that.

I can't wait to read Lemon's story, she's been my favorite character since book one and it also looks like her story will involve some of my favorite tropes!

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsie does it again! This book was so good. I loved everything - from the way that Dustin is so attentive to Shana, Shana’s shy but sweet personality, and the connection they had together. From the beginning, Dustin was extremely protective of Shana even in the small things. He always had her back no matter what. He was the best of both worlds - sweet outside the bedroom and filthy when they were alone.

Shana’s shy but sweet personality fit so well with Dustin’s personality. Dustin helped her come out of her shell and really transform into who she was. Watching her gain confidence with Dustin alongside her was beautiful. I really enjoyed both of them together because they complemented each other well! Where Dustin was confident and strong, Shana was supportive and down to earth. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one!

[Marwas.bookss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something like Sugar Review

Rate: 5/5
Spice: 4/5

I really enjoyed this best friend's brothers romance with all the sugar, spice, and twits and turns that i for sure did not see coming!

You honestly can't help but fall in love with these two from the very beginning! I will never say no to a friends to lovers with spice and i mean SPICE!

Dustin definitely brings the spice in this relationship! He's one of my favourite characters, not only is he a barista but he's been obsessed with Shay since they were teenagers and I love how protective he is of her!

I feel like his energy matches Shay's perfectly! I love that Shay teaches ballet teacher to toddlers! She's so cute and she may seem "innocent" but She's definitely surprised me at times in the book!

If you haven't read the first book it's okay! this series can be read as a standalone but 100% recommend you read book 1 to understand the references!

[Cynthia Zepeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ probably closer to 2.75

I found this book a bit slow-paced, but it had its moments. The main characters, Shay and Dustin, have been in love since their teenage years. However, Dustin is Shay’s best friend’s brother, which makes their relationship feel forbidden. Dustin also has some anger issues and seems to think Shay deserves better, yet he can’t help but spy on her, which felt a bit creepy at times. A lot of creeping going on! There was a twist that I didn’t see coming, which definitely added some intrigue. Does have spice! In the end, though, it wraps up with a happy ending.

Overall, it was an okay read with a few highlights.

Thank you BookFunnel for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity. All thoughts are my own.

[Olivia Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He brings out the beauty in life, even the droopy, dark parts of it."

A best friend’s brother romance with all the spice, mystery and a side of thriller vibes attached? OKURRRT THEN. Could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book 1 for back story/so you will even better appreciate cameos and references!

Shana is an innocent, shy dancer and Dustin is the boy/man she has had a connection with for basically forever. Love how the author weaves a story that is anything but predictable. I had to close my jaw as it hit the floor several times with the twists!

I am LOVING the side characters and already cannot wait for Lemon’s story! Gonna be a spicy one and I am loving the enemies to lovers vibes I picked up 🔥🤸👏🏻

[Kristan Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something like Sugar follows our very innocent main character Shay who is still a virgin at 28. She spent all of her life focused solely on dance and her best friend’s brother. Dustin Campbell never feels good enough for anyone especially Shay. The way the story unfolds is beautiful and spicy. Both characters help heal each other in ways so unexpected. I love how Shay stood up to Dustin’s father when he needed it most. Shay went through some scary battles in this novel. I loved the banter back and forth between the characters. Just enough spice and redemption. Lemon was by far my favorite character. Can’t wait for Lemons story to be told! Definitely a great read.
Looking forward to reading more works by Elsie Bea.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Received as an Early Advanced Reader Copy

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Shana is a shy, innocent ballerina who fell a long time ago for Dustin.
Dustin is the broody hero who thinks he doesn’t deserve her love.

Shana and Dustin have such a good story! I related to Shana a bit in some aspects as I’m also a bit awkward and shy around people I don’t know. Also the fact neither of us like coffee is kinda nice 😂 So far I think this is my favorite book in the Pine Forest Something Series. This book does have a few TW such as stalkers and alluding to SA.
I will say this book was a lot spicier than I thought it would be (so not complaining) but it suits Shana and Dustin’s dynamic perfectly, in my opinion.

Thank you so much for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book. I can’t wait for it to come out!