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Small Town Romance #1
A Taste of Her Own Medicine
“He looks like he could plow my north field without a horse.”
Sonja Watts needs to re-enter the workforce after divorcing her husband of thirteen years. Taking the advice of her sister Birdie and her best friend Estelle, she signs up for a six-week course for entrepreneurs; hoping that she will learn everything she needs to know to build a business to support herself and her kids.
On the first night of class, Sonja is able to ignore the fact that most of the students were younger than her by ten years or more. It was what she expected. But when the instructor walks in, she debates packing up her new twelve hundred dollar laptop and walking out.
Sonja couldn’t remember the last time she looked at a man with little more interest than she give a sturdy dining room table. She was just disinterested.
But wow, did Atlas James grab her interest.
Atlas hasn’t been interested in dating since he moved back home from California. Adjusting to new found success in the town where everyone sees him as that big, geeky guy who cut grass for pocket change when they were in high school has been awkward. Aside from a couple of one night stands, he hasn’t really wanted to pursue a relationship with anyone until sweet, shy Sonja signs up for his class.
Compact, curvy, and juicy in all the right places, being in the same room Sonja Watts ignites all of those giddy feelings he felt when he had his first crush. He wants to know her and he’s pretty sure she wants to know him—despite the age difference that she seems to be so fixated on.
With her future riding on the success of her new business, Sonja has no time for distraction. Will she be able to keep her eyes on her own paper or will they remain glued to Atlas’s biceps and thick thighs?
Sonja Watts needs to re-enter the workforce after divorcing her husband of thirteen years. Taking the advice of her sister Birdie and her best friend Estelle, she signs up for a six-week course for entrepreneurs; hoping that she will learn everything she needs to know to build a business to support herself and her kids.
On the first night of class, Sonja is able to ignore the fact that most of the students were younger than her by ten years or more. It was what she expected. But when the instructor walks in, she debates packing up her new twelve hundred dollar laptop and walking out.
Sonja couldn’t remember the last time she looked at a man with little more interest than she give a sturdy dining room table. She was just disinterested.
But wow, did Atlas James grab her interest.
Atlas hasn’t been interested in dating since he moved back home from California. Adjusting to new found success in the town where everyone sees him as that big, geeky guy who cut grass for pocket change when they were in high school has been awkward. Aside from a couple of one night stands, he hasn’t really wanted to pursue a relationship with anyone until sweet, shy Sonja signs up for his class.
Compact, curvy, and juicy in all the right places, being in the same room Sonja Watts ignites all of those giddy feelings he felt when he had his first crush. He wants to know her and he’s pretty sure she wants to know him—despite the age difference that she seems to be so fixated on.
With her future riding on the success of her new business, Sonja has no time for distraction. Will she be able to keep her eyes on her own paper or will they remain glued to Atlas’s biceps and thick thighs?
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
214 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read
About the author
Tasha L. Harrison
30 books435 followers#Author of dirty talking, nasty, where-do-you-want-me-to-put-it, cinnamon roll heroes | creator of #20kin5Days | host of #Wordmakers Community
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@tashalharrison on Twitter and Instagram.
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@tashalharrison on Twitter and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
April 6, 2020
This book is simply terrific. One of the things I admire most in a writer (maybe this isn't fair, but it's how I feel) is when they can make me LOVE a trope that I am lukewarm about. in this case, I am not really into younger man/older woman, but this is so well done, so deftly handled, and so beautifully portrayed. Unf. So good!
This book really gets that elusive mix right: focus on the romance but still has interesting secondary characters; super sexy but also emotional; a richly layered conflict that services the romance plot without overwhelming it.
Also: bonus points for one of my favorite things in romance, a wise grandmother character who gives guidance, help, support AND A LOVE POTION! to her granddaughter.
This book really gets that elusive mix right: focus on the romance but still has interesting secondary characters; super sexy but also emotional; a richly layered conflict that services the romance plot without overwhelming it.
Also: bonus points for one of my favorite things in romance, a wise grandmother character who gives guidance, help, support AND A LOVE POTION! to her granddaughter.
August 24, 2021
SERIES: Small Town Romance #1
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: age gap, older woman younger man, single parent
CLIFFHANGER: no
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
SONGS: everyday
whatta man
"This man was tall and built like he could plow my north field without a horse, with shoulders that he could probably throw a woman-sized stack of potatoes over. And by woman-sized, I meant me. I would like to be that woman-sized sack of potatoes."
Sonja, a 40-year-old divorced mother of two teens, is trying to open a new business. At the work seminar, her new instructor is 31-year-old Atlas.
"I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, like, ogle you. It’s just that your shoulders are so broad and strong that I —” I shook my head, mortified that I’d almost told him that I imagined my knees over those broad shoulders."
Sparks fly as both of them are interested in each other.
Dirty talk of this man is off the charts hot!!!
“Do we have that in common, too?” A nervous smile twitched at the corners of his lips. “Are you asking me if I would like it if you slipped your fingers in my ass?” The visual that created in my mind made my sex clench so hard that I drew a startled breath. “Yes…that’s what I’m asking.” Atlas nuzzled his nose against mine and brushed his lips against mine. “Yes, we have that in common.” “Noted.”
Sonja has to work through some issues with her divorce still being fresh and starting a new business. Then there is a relationship with a younger man and her questioning it. That is my main reason this wasn't a five-star read. I think that conflict towards the end was out of character for her.
I loved Sonja's relationship with her family, especially her sisters and mother. Definitely looking forwards to reading their stories. I liked the holistic medicine part of the story as I can relate to that. It is a story of strong family ties and women's power, which is always plus in my reading.
"There are no coincidences. People come into your life for a reason, Soni. Some for a reason and some for a season, and you’d do good to recognize it."
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: age gap, older woman younger man, single parent
CLIFFHANGER: no
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
HOTTIE METER: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
SONGS: everyday
whatta man
"This man was tall and built like he could plow my north field without a horse, with shoulders that he could probably throw a woman-sized stack of potatoes over. And by woman-sized, I meant me. I would like to be that woman-sized sack of potatoes."
Sonja, a 40-year-old divorced mother of two teens, is trying to open a new business. At the work seminar, her new instructor is 31-year-old Atlas.
"I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, like, ogle you. It’s just that your shoulders are so broad and strong that I —” I shook my head, mortified that I’d almost told him that I imagined my knees over those broad shoulders."
Sparks fly as both of them are interested in each other.
Dirty talk of this man is off the charts hot!!!
“Do we have that in common, too?” A nervous smile twitched at the corners of his lips. “Are you asking me if I would like it if you slipped your fingers in my ass?” The visual that created in my mind made my sex clench so hard that I drew a startled breath. “Yes…that’s what I’m asking.” Atlas nuzzled his nose against mine and brushed his lips against mine. “Yes, we have that in common.” “Noted.”
Sonja has to work through some issues with her divorce still being fresh and starting a new business. Then there is a relationship with a younger man and her questioning it. That is my main reason this wasn't a five-star read. I think that conflict towards the end was out of character for her.
I loved Sonja's relationship with her family, especially her sisters and mother. Definitely looking forwards to reading their stories. I liked the holistic medicine part of the story as I can relate to that. It is a story of strong family ties and women's power, which is always plus in my reading.
"There are no coincidences. People come into your life for a reason, Soni. Some for a reason and some for a season, and you’d do good to recognize it."
January 9, 2020
WOW 🤩
So y’all know I don’t read a lot of m/f but I decided that 2020 will be the year I branch off and read some variety and also supporting marginalized authors. I was interested by the blurb of the book and the older woman/younger man was calling my name.
What a delight this book turned out to be and I enjoyed it immensely. It’s playful, sexy, and heartwarming at the same damn time and I just 🥰🥰 Did I mention it was SEXAY? I don’t think I’ve found an m/f book this sexy in quite a number of years and I am LIVING. Atlas is sexy, Soni is sexy with hints vulnerability and I just love them together.
By no means was this a perfect read because I didn’t like how some things went down and there were a few small grammar mistakes but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. Tasha L Harrison is def an author I’ll be checking out more from.
Y’all this was...
Also can I get a hell yeah for black love...like we just exist and fall in love and live like any other person out there.
So y’all know I don’t read a lot of m/f but I decided that 2020 will be the year I branch off and read some variety and also supporting marginalized authors. I was interested by the blurb of the book and the older woman/younger man was calling my name.
What a delight this book turned out to be and I enjoyed it immensely. It’s playful, sexy, and heartwarming at the same damn time and I just 🥰🥰 Did I mention it was SEXAY? I don’t think I’ve found an m/f book this sexy in quite a number of years and I am LIVING. Atlas is sexy, Soni is sexy with hints vulnerability and I just love them together.
By no means was this a perfect read because I didn’t like how some things went down and there were a few small grammar mistakes but it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. Tasha L Harrison is def an author I’ll be checking out more from.
Y’all this was...
Also can I get a hell yeah for black love...like we just exist and fall in love and live like any other person out there.
July 25, 2020
Oh Sonja and Atlas. I really liked A Taste of her Own Medicine. First and foremost, it is older heroine and younger male which Ive realized this is only my like..2nd time reading this trope AND it is this whole Instructor/Student situation with the instructor being the younger male, Atlas.
The only 'downfall' for me with this book, is a small one..Sonja is recently divorced. Her now ex husband asked for a divorce so she gave him one. Sonja signs up and attends this course for those wanting to kick off a business and this is where she meets Atlas. "There are no coincidences. People come into your life for a reason, Soni. Some for a reason and some for a season and you'd do good to recognize it." So we meet Sonja in this in between phase. She's newly divorced and determined to make a life for her and her kids without the help of Eric, her ex. As tends to happen when you're making plans BAM..your person comes into your life. Now, the downfall..Sonja doubts herself, a lot! She's older than Atlas by like 10 years and she just doesn't think, understand, see..why'd he be interested in her. I got it the first couple of times, but Atlas was clearly crazy about Sonja, her kids love her, she comes from an amazing family..I wanted her to snap out of it a little bit earlier than she did. Small thing.
Back to everything I loved. I love that this book takes place in a small town. I love that this book takes place in a small South Carolina town and the Gullah history the author wove into the story. I loved that Sonja comes from a long line of conjure women. This is the first romance I've read in a long time that I felt was atmospheric; the descriptions of the herbs and gardens..the author really transports you to Sonja's part of this small town. I loved Nadia and Winston. I was bracing myself for the bratty teenagers but they weren't that at all! It's like the author didn't insult their intelligence; kids are smart, and they peep what is going on. I loved how they had their Mom's back. I was nervous about the reveal that Sonja and Atlas were a thing, with the kids but I really like how that was handled. I loved Sonja's drive and determination to build her business and that her business was rooted in a very deep passion and respect for something that is generational for her.
I am really looking forward to more from this author.
The only 'downfall' for me with this book, is a small one..Sonja is recently divorced. Her now ex husband asked for a divorce so she gave him one. Sonja signs up and attends this course for those wanting to kick off a business and this is where she meets Atlas. "There are no coincidences. People come into your life for a reason, Soni. Some for a reason and some for a season and you'd do good to recognize it." So we meet Sonja in this in between phase. She's newly divorced and determined to make a life for her and her kids without the help of Eric, her ex. As tends to happen when you're making plans BAM..your person comes into your life. Now, the downfall..Sonja doubts herself, a lot! She's older than Atlas by like 10 years and she just doesn't think, understand, see..why'd he be interested in her. I got it the first couple of times, but Atlas was clearly crazy about Sonja, her kids love her, she comes from an amazing family..I wanted her to snap out of it a little bit earlier than she did. Small thing.
Back to everything I loved. I love that this book takes place in a small town. I love that this book takes place in a small South Carolina town and the Gullah history the author wove into the story. I loved that Sonja comes from a long line of conjure women. This is the first romance I've read in a long time that I felt was atmospheric; the descriptions of the herbs and gardens..the author really transports you to Sonja's part of this small town. I loved Nadia and Winston. I was bracing myself for the bratty teenagers but they weren't that at all! It's like the author didn't insult their intelligence; kids are smart, and they peep what is going on. I loved how they had their Mom's back. I was nervous about the reveal that Sonja and Atlas were a thing, with the kids but I really like how that was handled. I loved Sonja's drive and determination to build her business and that her business was rooted in a very deep passion and respect for something that is generational for her.
I am really looking forward to more from this author.
April 10, 2022
This was everything I needed right now. A wonderful age gap romance with an older woman and a younger guy, both mature adults with some baggage. Sonja (40) has two teenage kids, and currently is trying to find her own path after divorce and (re)build her self-esteem. She’s planning to start her own business, selling lotions and potions she’d make herself. I liked that this idea was rooted in a very deep passion and respect for something that ran in her family for generations, and I enjoyed learning a bit about the Gullah culture. It was also amazing to follow her whole family, the strong bonds they had, and most importantly, the sisterhood in this book was beautiful. Atlas, the hero (31), was so supportive, he was the most patient and sexually giving hero I’ve read about in a long time.
Overall, it was a story with a heart. I loved Sonja's drive and determination, and let me say, the smut in the book was superb. However, the book really needed a proofreading. The mistakes got worse as it went on and became sometimes distracting.
Overall, it was a story with a heart. I loved Sonja's drive and determination, and let me say, the smut in the book was superb. However, the book really needed a proofreading. The mistakes got worse as it went on and became sometimes distracting.
April 24, 2023
I’m not really a fan of the younger man/older woman trope but I loved this. This was emotional, fun, heartwarming and a whole lot of sexy.
February 11, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars - New favorite
Format: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Rep: Black love, Black author
Triggers: Divorce (heroine)
TL;DR Synopsis:
♡ Small town contemporary romance with a sprinkle of magic
♡ Swoony, cinnamon roll, big boy, confident-but-hesitant, entrepreneur hero
♡ Divorced, single mom (high school aged kids), entrepreneur heroine
♡ Heroine takes an entrepreneurship class to kickstart her online apothecary and the hero is the instructor
♡ Heroine loves gardening
♡ Amazing family (heroine)
I cannot properly put into words how much I loved this book and how it took me by surprise. It kills me that I may not have ever read this book if I wasn’t randomly scrolling through Scribd and it popped up under my “You Might Like This…” recommendations. Covers are so important because as soon as I saw this cover mixed in with the rest of those recs, I was immediately drawn to it. In fact, halfway through reading this book, I immediately bought the physical copy because I just knew that I had to have it. I’m desperately in love with the hero and the heroine’s relationship with her family. I love the generational magic that was passed down and how the mother and all the sisters each have their own gifts. The heroine in this novel, like her mom, has a knack for gardening and making “lotions and potions” using ingredients from her garden.
Format: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Rep: Black love, Black author
Triggers: Divorce (heroine)
TL;DR Synopsis:
♡ Small town contemporary romance with a sprinkle of magic
♡ Swoony, cinnamon roll, big boy, confident-but-hesitant, entrepreneur hero
♡ Divorced, single mom (high school aged kids), entrepreneur heroine
♡ Heroine takes an entrepreneurship class to kickstart her online apothecary and the hero is the instructor
♡ Heroine loves gardening
♡ Amazing family (heroine)
I cannot properly put into words how much I loved this book and how it took me by surprise. It kills me that I may not have ever read this book if I wasn’t randomly scrolling through Scribd and it popped up under my “You Might Like This…” recommendations. Covers are so important because as soon as I saw this cover mixed in with the rest of those recs, I was immediately drawn to it. In fact, halfway through reading this book, I immediately bought the physical copy because I just knew that I had to have it. I’m desperately in love with the hero and the heroine’s relationship with her family. I love the generational magic that was passed down and how the mother and all the sisters each have their own gifts. The heroine in this novel, like her mom, has a knack for gardening and making “lotions and potions” using ingredients from her garden.
January 29, 2024
4.5 stars ✨
This book had everything that made me swoon. The setting in my hometown area of Charleston SC. The age gap with the heroine being 40 making the hero 30 ish. He was her teacher in her business class and honed in on her from page 1. This book was spicy hot and had interesting “playtime” antics. I loved everything about these sisters, and this story.
This book had everything that made me swoon. The setting in my hometown area of Charleston SC. The age gap with the heroine being 40 making the hero 30 ish. He was her teacher in her business class and honed in on her from page 1. This book was spicy hot and had interesting “playtime” antics. I loved everything about these sisters, and this story.
January 17, 2022
The journey for Atlas & Sonja was really more complex than it had to be thanks in part to Sonja’s indecisiveness and insecurities….Needless to say she finally got over them to get to her HEA….She didn’t realize the amount of support she really had and more importantly where that support came from.
March 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason it’s not a five star is that I found her constant insecurities led to what I thought was a really pointless third act break up. Everything else was absolutely delightful.
December 11, 2019
I thought this was the sweetest read ever. I love younger man/older woman. I was waiting for the kids to meet him and they didn't disappoint ♥️ first read from this author, definitely not my last
January 23, 2022
A steamy and heartwarming small-town romance between an older woman and a younger man. Sonja is feeling down after her separation from her husband and Atlas is here to show her just how desirable she is. I loved all the secondary characters and found Sonja's Gullah roots to be very interesting.
I also highly recommend the audiobook for this one available on Scribd. The narrators, Phoneix McCay and Winston James, did an amazing job at voicing these two personalities.
December 29, 2019
Sonja, recently divorced, is looking to launch her own natural apothecary business. She's been raising her children and running her household for years, not to mention running her now ex-husband's real estate office with no paycheck, but wants to make sure she's doing the best she can before hitting the green light. So, she enrolls into a new entreprenuer class that comes highly recommended by her community of friends and fellow small business owners. What Sonja isn't expecting to come with the class is the sexy af instructor Atlas.
Instant attraction between these two is tested by both their age gap (about ten years) and Sonja's desire to guard her heart and her life. But Atlas is persistent and watching these two work for their HEA was a day well spent.
Absolutely delicious and chock full of characters full of depth and emotion, I can't wait to come back to this world. Sonja's mother and sisters were especially lovely, as well as reading about their traditional family practices.
Also I have this great image of huge Atlas, with his big thighs and broad shoulders, tootsing along on his bicycle in this town I sure as heck would like to visit.
Instant attraction between these two is tested by both their age gap (about ten years) and Sonja's desire to guard her heart and her life. But Atlas is persistent and watching these two work for their HEA was a day well spent.
Absolutely delicious and chock full of characters full of depth and emotion, I can't wait to come back to this world. Sonja's mother and sisters were especially lovely, as well as reading about their traditional family practices.
Also I have this great image of huge Atlas, with his big thighs and broad shoulders, tootsing along on his bicycle in this town I sure as heck would like to visit.
January 8, 2020
Filthy, hot, and delicious -- all the sex scenes are A+, Atlas has quite the dirty mouth, AND there's ass play for both.
First time reading Harrison but it definitely won't be my last! I highly recommend picking this one up, thank me later.
I will say this: I noted a lot of errors that interrupted my reading flow. Another good editorial/proofreading pass would have been appreciated.
First time reading Harrison but it definitely won't be my last! I highly recommend picking this one up, thank me later.
I will say this: I noted a lot of errors that interrupted my reading flow. Another good editorial/proofreading pass would have been appreciated.
May 9, 2022
I picked up A Taste of Her Own Medicine based on a fellow blogger’s recommendation. The first thing to grab my attention was the gorgeous cover, followed by the synopsis. The glowing review cemented my decision to pick it up. Wow! Tasha Harrison won me over me with this beautiful, sexy, age gap romance.
SUMMARY
Newly divorced Sonja Watts desires to start her own business, but lacks the knowledge required to do so. To gain said knowledge and on the insistence of her best friend, she enrolls in a entrepreneurship course. Despite being wracked with nerves, she is eager to learn the skills needed to build her business and expects to gain a lot from the course. However, she did not foresee her intense attraction to the handsome course instructor, Atlas James.
Told from the POVs of both Sonja and Atlas, the reader is treated to a bird's-eye view of the happenings in their lives. It was interesting watching both characters as they attempt to navigate the challenges and complexities of their journey towards their goals. For Sonja, it was proving she could survive her divorce, build her business while juggling a relationship with a younger man. For Atlas, it was proving to Sonja that she deserves love and he was the perfect man for the job.
I enjoyed getting to know both characters. In Sonja, the reader sees the challenges of navigating life after divorce. She needs to take care of her children while trying to fulfill personal goals and reinvent herself. Her herbal business will provide the jump-start. However, for a Forty-year-old who spent thirteen years married to a man who robbed her of her confidence, the prospect seems daunting. Self -doubt followed her on the journey to self-actualization. It took her time to ditch self -doubt, but when she did, all she dreamed of achieving came to fruition. She had a strong support system in her sisters, her children, and in Atlas.
Atlas is a dream and the perfect ego booster for Sonja. He did all he could to show her how much he cared and how attracted he was to her. This is one area where her self-doubt raised its head. His age and looks had her questioning his intentions. After all, why would a man so young and so fine be interested in someone like her?
Now these two shared a lot of steamy moments. Some were more intense than the other, but all had the potential to set your reading device on fire. The romance, despite not being of the slow burn variety, was well developed and authentic.
A few other things worth mentioning include how much I love the small town vibes, the friendships and the familial bonds. I thought the author did a good job in showcasing these elements.
Phoenix McKay and Winston James narrated this beautiful story. It’s my first time listening to them both and I would do so again in a heartbeat. They both did a wonderful job of bringing the characters and the scenes to life.
Tasha Harrison made me a fan of her steamy romance, and engaging writing style is engaging. I look forward to further exploring more of her work.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
SUMMARY
Newly divorced Sonja Watts desires to start her own business, but lacks the knowledge required to do so. To gain said knowledge and on the insistence of her best friend, she enrolls in a entrepreneurship course. Despite being wracked with nerves, she is eager to learn the skills needed to build her business and expects to gain a lot from the course. However, she did not foresee her intense attraction to the handsome course instructor, Atlas James.
Told from the POVs of both Sonja and Atlas, the reader is treated to a bird's-eye view of the happenings in their lives. It was interesting watching both characters as they attempt to navigate the challenges and complexities of their journey towards their goals. For Sonja, it was proving she could survive her divorce, build her business while juggling a relationship with a younger man. For Atlas, it was proving to Sonja that she deserves love and he was the perfect man for the job.
I enjoyed getting to know both characters. In Sonja, the reader sees the challenges of navigating life after divorce. She needs to take care of her children while trying to fulfill personal goals and reinvent herself. Her herbal business will provide the jump-start. However, for a Forty-year-old who spent thirteen years married to a man who robbed her of her confidence, the prospect seems daunting. Self -doubt followed her on the journey to self-actualization. It took her time to ditch self -doubt, but when she did, all she dreamed of achieving came to fruition. She had a strong support system in her sisters, her children, and in Atlas.
Atlas is a dream and the perfect ego booster for Sonja. He did all he could to show her how much he cared and how attracted he was to her. This is one area where her self-doubt raised its head. His age and looks had her questioning his intentions. After all, why would a man so young and so fine be interested in someone like her?
Now these two shared a lot of steamy moments. Some were more intense than the other, but all had the potential to set your reading device on fire. The romance, despite not being of the slow burn variety, was well developed and authentic.
A few other things worth mentioning include how much I love the small town vibes, the friendships and the familial bonds. I thought the author did a good job in showcasing these elements.
Phoenix McKay and Winston James narrated this beautiful story. It’s my first time listening to them both and I would do so again in a heartbeat. They both did a wonderful job of bringing the characters and the scenes to life.
Tasha Harrison made me a fan of her steamy romance, and engaging writing style is engaging. I look forward to further exploring more of her work.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
June 6, 2020
4.5* This was the good stuff, on so many fronts. The small town vibes and strong family bonds were warm and comforting; the chemistry between Sonja and Atlas was off the charts; the intimacy was powerfully hot. It was a delight from end to end and I’m looking forward to continuing the series with Birdie’s book.
December 17, 2019
This is the first book I've read from Harrison and I'm now a instant-fan!
Sonja and Atlas were a wonderful couple, both with complex characterization and endearing stories. Sonja's journey from beginning to end was so uplifting (securing her own business, being an inspiration to her children, finding hey own love after heartbreak). Atlas is now one of my go to book boyfriends 😍😍
I loved the way Harrison handled her secondary characters like Sonja's family to Atlas's friend Kairo (and her cute side-romance). Even the setting made me so happy! This feels like a town I want to visit.
Aaaaaand it goes without saying that the steam factor is hella high. "Sweating in a sauna"HIGH! The sexual chemistry between these two is fantastic.
Is there such thing as "Steamy/Cozy" romance? Because this is it!
Sonja and Atlas were a wonderful couple, both with complex characterization and endearing stories. Sonja's journey from beginning to end was so uplifting (securing her own business, being an inspiration to her children, finding hey own love after heartbreak). Atlas is now one of my go to book boyfriends 😍😍
I loved the way Harrison handled her secondary characters like Sonja's family to Atlas's friend Kairo (and her cute side-romance). Even the setting made me so happy! This feels like a town I want to visit.
Aaaaaand it goes without saying that the steam factor is hella high. "Sweating in a sauna"HIGH! The sexual chemistry between these two is fantastic.
Is there such thing as "Steamy/Cozy" romance? Because this is it!
October 26, 2021
Last month, I finally finished A Taste of Her Own Medicine by Tasha L. Harrison. I think I first heard about this book on the @shelflovepodcast, and I know a couple of my friends had raved about it. It’s about a Black single mom with teenage kids taking business classes and mutually crushing on the instructor, Atlas, a younger Black man. I’d started reading the ebook forever ago, but I’m a very slow ebook reader, so I was super excited to find out there was an audiobook on Scribd. Which is excellent, by the way.
Sonja Watts wants to use the Gullah herbalist knowledge she’s learned from her mother to start her own business, Potions and Lotions. She has a clear idea of what she wants her business to be, and has a fair number of good product ideas, but learns a lot of valuable things in Atlas’ classes. Sonja lacks confidence; her recent divorce made her feel a bit unstable, her ex-husband has spent years subtly denigrating her herbalism and her beliefs, and she finds herself lacking compared to her more “successful” friends. Being recognized as one of the best students helps her regain her confidence. And Atlas’ interest doesn’t hurt either.
Atlas is trying to overcome his past image as a former geek who became a player. He’s ready to make some roots in his old hometown, after traveling the world. He’s repairing his relationship with his best friend and business partner (they have some baggage), and, after meeting Sonja, he realizes he’s ready for a serious relationship. Things get pretty steamy once they decide to act on their mutual attraction.
Sonja’s ex does some typical abusive and controlling assholery; he talks down about her business to their teenagers, tries to keep tabs on her thru them, trash talks her to mutual friends, and even instigates a fist fight with Atlas. I loved how sensible her kids were thru all of this—they were realistically drawn teens who were emotionally aware and communicated. They didn’t let their dad use them or put them in the middle.
I loved learning more about the Gullah tradition and Sonja was a wonderful positive depiction of a modern witch, and a middle aged heroine learning to see herself as more than a mom. She and Atlas had more than chemistry going for them too—they had mutual respect and were good at talking things out.
My only issue was I think they all forgave her ex too quickly (he does eventually apologize).
Highly recommended
CW: divorce, gaslighting, verbal abuse, fist fight, cattiness, age gap romance, past relationship drama, explicit sex (discussion of condom use—I was frustrated that conversation wasn’t a little bit longer because they decided not too without really addressing whether either of them had been screened recently), herbalism, magic.
Sonja Watts wants to use the Gullah herbalist knowledge she’s learned from her mother to start her own business, Potions and Lotions. She has a clear idea of what she wants her business to be, and has a fair number of good product ideas, but learns a lot of valuable things in Atlas’ classes. Sonja lacks confidence; her recent divorce made her feel a bit unstable, her ex-husband has spent years subtly denigrating her herbalism and her beliefs, and she finds herself lacking compared to her more “successful” friends. Being recognized as one of the best students helps her regain her confidence. And Atlas’ interest doesn’t hurt either.
Atlas is trying to overcome his past image as a former geek who became a player. He’s ready to make some roots in his old hometown, after traveling the world. He’s repairing his relationship with his best friend and business partner (they have some baggage), and, after meeting Sonja, he realizes he’s ready for a serious relationship. Things get pretty steamy once they decide to act on their mutual attraction.
Sonja’s ex does some typical abusive and controlling assholery; he talks down about her business to their teenagers, tries to keep tabs on her thru them, trash talks her to mutual friends, and even instigates a fist fight with Atlas. I loved how sensible her kids were thru all of this—they were realistically drawn teens who were emotionally aware and communicated. They didn’t let their dad use them or put them in the middle.
I loved learning more about the Gullah tradition and Sonja was a wonderful positive depiction of a modern witch, and a middle aged heroine learning to see herself as more than a mom. She and Atlas had more than chemistry going for them too—they had mutual respect and were good at talking things out.
My only issue was I think they all forgave her ex too quickly (he does eventually apologize).
Highly recommended
CW: divorce, gaslighting, verbal abuse, fist fight, cattiness, age gap romance, past relationship drama, explicit sex (discussion of condom use—I was frustrated that conversation wasn’t a little bit longer because they decided not too without really addressing whether either of them had been screened recently), herbalism, magic.
August 16, 2020
MA'AM.
Whew, I really, really liked this whole story!!! It's definitely more of a 3.5 stars (I still have to think about if I want to round up or down)
I, for some reason, have a weak spot for older woman/younger man dynamics and I was, once again, not disappointed. ESPECIALLY because Atlas was so unapologetic and forward and open about his attraction and love for Sonja and I love me a vulnerable male love interest!!! (and the butt scene? as Mina would say "men pegging rights").
And the whole variety of side characters??? THE SISTERS??? YES
Now, for the couple of things that I felt were lacking:
-Atlas was at times way too perfect and the few peeks we have at him being a real person with flaws, they were brushed over so quickly while I would have loved if they had been explored more because the would have just made him more real!
-This is just a personal problem that I had but certain topics have to be discussed in a relationship, like kids, even more so if one of the people involved already has them. I just wished we got more of them speaking about a wider range of relationship "problematics" instead of just focusing on Sonja's reluctance to be with Atlas.
Whew, I really, really liked this whole story!!! It's definitely more of a 3.5 stars (I still have to think about if I want to round up or down)
I, for some reason, have a weak spot for older woman/younger man dynamics and I was, once again, not disappointed. ESPECIALLY because Atlas was so unapologetic and forward and open about his attraction and love for Sonja and I love me a vulnerable male love interest!!! (and the butt scene? as Mina would say "men pegging rights").
And the whole variety of side characters??? THE SISTERS??? YES
Now, for the couple of things that I felt were lacking:
-Atlas was at times way too perfect and the few peeks we have at him being a real person with flaws, they were brushed over so quickly while I would have loved if they had been explored more because the would have just made him more real!
-This is just a personal problem that I had but certain topics have to be discussed in a relationship, like kids, even more so if one of the people involved already has them. I just wished we got more of them speaking about a wider range of relationship "problematics" instead of just focusing on Sonja's reluctance to be with Atlas.
May 28, 2021
Well... this was really fucking amazing!
First things first, and the reason I completely adored this book: the characters. Sonja and Atlas felt so real and that is totally merit of the author because she wrote in every detail; she shows us (because she doesn’t tell, we see it through the characters actions and interactions) all about their likes, dislikes, dreams, fears, insecurities, about their families, their jobs, their past, their future, their habits, their personalities.
I didn’t personally find anything of me within either of the main characters or found that I could relate to their situation, but that is in no way negative, it’s actually worth applauding how the book made me come to love and comprehend both of these characters who are so far away from my lived experience.
And as I came to appreciate Sonja and Atlas individually, I absolutely came to adore them as a couple and swoon for something like what they have.
First things first, and the reason I completely adored this book: the characters. Sonja and Atlas felt so real and that is totally merit of the author because she wrote in every detail; she shows us (because she doesn’t tell, we see it through the characters actions and interactions) all about their likes, dislikes, dreams, fears, insecurities, about their families, their jobs, their past, their future, their habits, their personalities.
I didn’t personally find anything of me within either of the main characters or found that I could relate to their situation, but that is in no way negative, it’s actually worth applauding how the book made me come to love and comprehend both of these characters who are so far away from my lived experience.
And as I came to appreciate Sonja and Atlas individually, I absolutely came to adore them as a couple and swoon for something like what they have.
December 17, 2019
Cute idea, appealing characters. Leaned a bit too hard on insta-lust but I can forgive that.
What I can't get past is the lack of editing; this almost reads like a first draft in places, with discontinuity and incorrect homophones everywhere. It's enough to pull you right out of the story, which is too bad. This could be a letter grade higher if somebody took a good run at it with a red pencil.
What I can't get past is the lack of editing; this almost reads like a first draft in places, with discontinuity and incorrect homophones everywhere. It's enough to pull you right out of the story, which is too bad. This could be a letter grade higher if somebody took a good run at it with a red pencil.
September 5, 2021
No notes! Chef's kiss!
August 14, 2023
a really cute, sexy and interesting story, i can’t wait to read more about the other sisters!!
October 3, 2020
THIS BOOK OMGGG!! It is my first by Tasha and I am full of joy, so happy I found her! Thank you for your words Tasha!
I love everything about this book, except maybe the ex husband coulda done without his basura self. I'm leaving this book with such a love for Sonja, her sisters, her mama and their love for who they are and their family legacies. The sisterhood in this book was beautiful, they just held each other in such important ways. Tasha writes these rich stories for each person that really make you feel their energy; like I don't even know how to explain it but I could feel the energy of Sonja coming back into herself after all the shit she went through. Whew. Loved the romance obviously, we need Winston Duke playing Atlas in a movie or a series today!
I love everything about this book, except maybe the ex husband coulda done without his basura self. I'm leaving this book with such a love for Sonja, her sisters, her mama and their love for who they are and their family legacies. The sisterhood in this book was beautiful, they just held each other in such important ways. Tasha writes these rich stories for each person that really make you feel their energy; like I don't even know how to explain it but I could feel the energy of Sonja coming back into herself after all the shit she went through. Whew. Loved the romance obviously, we need Winston Duke playing Atlas in a movie or a series today!
June 14, 2021
TW: Divorce
This was so cute and steamy! Atlas and his big shoulders and thick thighs!! And how he became friends with her kids! He didn’t try to pretend they didn’t exist or only want to hang out when they weren’t around!! swoon!! I also want to order that come to me oil from Sonja’s shop!
Hoe-Athon Prompts: Forbidden Pleasures, School’s Out/Dicks Out, Read a Romance by Tasha L. Harrison
Hoe-Athon Scavenger Hunt Prompts: Finger Fucking Good, Bang the Patriarchy, All Choked Up, South in Your Mouth, Rub One Out
This was so cute and steamy! Atlas and his big shoulders and thick thighs!! And how he became friends with her kids! He didn’t try to pretend they didn’t exist or only want to hang out when they weren’t around!! swoon!! I also want to order that come to me oil from Sonja’s shop!
Hoe-Athon Prompts: Forbidden Pleasures, School’s Out/Dicks Out, Read a Romance by Tasha L. Harrison
Hoe-Athon Scavenger Hunt Prompts: Finger Fucking Good, Bang the Patriarchy, All Choked Up, South in Your Mouth, Rub One Out
December 17, 2019
Y’all. OKAY.
Where to begin with this book? This book pulled me apart and then put me back together again, only to drop my ass and break me before making me beg for more. I mean that in all the best ways.
Tasha L. Harrison has written an achingly beautiful and utterly lush small-town romance that was sweet and familiar in the kind of way that had me smiling long after I was forced to stop my binge read. You better believe I powered through this book like it was my damn job. I haven’t been this excited by a book in a very long while, so let’s dive into this bad boy shall we?
A Taste of Her Own Medicine is an older woman/younger man steamy as hell romance with two major players in a cast of richly developed characters: Sonja “Soni” Watts is a 40-year-old recently divorced mother of two teens. She’s a woman on the upward move after her husband filed for divorce and changed the comfortable world Sonja had grown accustomed to. Sonja has it on her mind to open an apothecary of sorts, the skill of herbalism and Gullah culture running deep in her veins from her family. Naturally, Soni wants to share this with the world but is scared of what that means. I get it. Change is scary, it’s almost debilitating when also navigating life after a divorce.
Sonja takes her cute self to the Entrepreneur Academy for a six-week business class and that is where we meet the most delicious hero I ever set my figurative eyes on Atlas James. *inserts fanning self* This beautiful man is the stuff dreams are made of. From the start, he’s captivated by Sonja and makes no bones about it. She’s the only woman he sees when she walks into a room, hers is the only smile worth taking to heart, her dreams the only ones he’s tryna make happen. Understandably, Sonja is taken aback by Atlas’s interest. He’s 10 years younger than her and has shoulders in step with his namesake. The boy is thicc and thriving, okay? But never in all of that does Atlas waver in his feelings or attitude towards her. He pursues her in a genuine and natural way that just flows between the two of them. No pressure, no bullshit, no bait and switch.
Atlas James is a man that knows what he’s about and it’s Soni. I have to say that was so beautiful to watch unfold on the page. The steadfast desire from Atlas hit right with the journey Soni was on in finding herself and her way to a life she wanted for herself and her children. Through conflicts with family, friends, and business decisions, Soni became more herself with each and every interaction she had with Atlas, the most patient and sexually giving hero that was ever written for anyone’s pleasure ever.
There are plenty of erotic and creative scenes involving such places as a Subaru (I need one of those cars), a greenhouse, a lounge chair in a garden that is forever in my heart of hearts, but all of that was given heart by the small-town world Tasha L. Harrison crafted around Soni and Atlas. I’m talking serious world-building, I could see the streets and felt like I knew the people and understood their reasons and personalities. This was my first book by Harrison, but you best believe she’s a one-click all day, every day, for me now.
Look, do yourself a favor. Buy this book and devour it like I did. You’ll be so glad you did. I pinky swear it.
Where to begin with this book? This book pulled me apart and then put me back together again, only to drop my ass and break me before making me beg for more. I mean that in all the best ways.
Tasha L. Harrison has written an achingly beautiful and utterly lush small-town romance that was sweet and familiar in the kind of way that had me smiling long after I was forced to stop my binge read. You better believe I powered through this book like it was my damn job. I haven’t been this excited by a book in a very long while, so let’s dive into this bad boy shall we?
A Taste of Her Own Medicine is an older woman/younger man steamy as hell romance with two major players in a cast of richly developed characters: Sonja “Soni” Watts is a 40-year-old recently divorced mother of two teens. She’s a woman on the upward move after her husband filed for divorce and changed the comfortable world Sonja had grown accustomed to. Sonja has it on her mind to open an apothecary of sorts, the skill of herbalism and Gullah culture running deep in her veins from her family. Naturally, Soni wants to share this with the world but is scared of what that means. I get it. Change is scary, it’s almost debilitating when also navigating life after a divorce.
Sonja takes her cute self to the Entrepreneur Academy for a six-week business class and that is where we meet the most delicious hero I ever set my figurative eyes on Atlas James. *inserts fanning self* This beautiful man is the stuff dreams are made of. From the start, he’s captivated by Sonja and makes no bones about it. She’s the only woman he sees when she walks into a room, hers is the only smile worth taking to heart, her dreams the only ones he’s tryna make happen. Understandably, Sonja is taken aback by Atlas’s interest. He’s 10 years younger than her and has shoulders in step with his namesake. The boy is thicc and thriving, okay? But never in all of that does Atlas waver in his feelings or attitude towards her. He pursues her in a genuine and natural way that just flows between the two of them. No pressure, no bullshit, no bait and switch.
Atlas James is a man that knows what he’s about and it’s Soni. I have to say that was so beautiful to watch unfold on the page. The steadfast desire from Atlas hit right with the journey Soni was on in finding herself and her way to a life she wanted for herself and her children. Through conflicts with family, friends, and business decisions, Soni became more herself with each and every interaction she had with Atlas, the most patient and sexually giving hero that was ever written for anyone’s pleasure ever.
There are plenty of erotic and creative scenes involving such places as a Subaru (I need one of those cars), a greenhouse, a lounge chair in a garden that is forever in my heart of hearts, but all of that was given heart by the small-town world Tasha L. Harrison crafted around Soni and Atlas. I’m talking serious world-building, I could see the streets and felt like I knew the people and understood their reasons and personalities. This was my first book by Harrison, but you best believe she’s a one-click all day, every day, for me now.
Look, do yourself a favor. Buy this book and devour it like I did. You’ll be so glad you did. I pinky swear it.
January 7, 2023
3.5✨
not gonna lie... the smut got me to bump it up an entire star. but, listen, the rest of it? so disappointed.
to start off, the main character, Sonja's whining about how old and undeserving she was about attracting such a beautiful stunning man like the main love interest, Atlas. i'm just as insecure, but do i wanna read about it for almost 400 kindle pages? No. don't get me wrong, there were moments where i saw the potential in this story, especially when it came to Sonja's independence after going through a run-dry marriage and divorce, Sonja's kids and their relationship with their father after the divorce and then her relationship with her family and their traditions and the way they supported each other. i LOVED those parts. but, that doesn't take away from the fact that those same moments were never carried out. and the part that rankles the most? the fact that her ex-husband's obvious emotional and mental abuse was never fully addressed, nor confronted. there was the moment with sonja's son speaking up for his mom, but the fact that sonja never defended herself or was given the eureka moment where she realized, "damn, my marriage really fucked my perception of relationships and myself, fuck that dude." hated that shit.
next up, was the development of the relationship between sonja and atlas. insta-love to the max. the middle of their relationship, when they were finally acknowledging each other's attraction and their need to test it, and the relationship itself? chef's kiss. but the steps to get there and then the tumbling away because of the stupid ass reason she had to ask take a break from their relationship? goddamn stupid as shit and annoying. hated everything about it and it made me cringe like hell. couldn't stand it.
more than anything, a lot of potential and not enough carry through
not gonna lie... the smut got me to bump it up an entire star. but, listen, the rest of it? so disappointed.
to start off, the main character, Sonja's whining about how old and undeserving she was about attracting such a beautiful stunning man like the main love interest, Atlas. i'm just as insecure, but do i wanna read about it for almost 400 kindle pages? No. don't get me wrong, there were moments where i saw the potential in this story, especially when it came to Sonja's independence after going through a run-dry marriage and divorce, Sonja's kids and their relationship with their father after the divorce and then her relationship with her family and their traditions and the way they supported each other. i LOVED those parts. but, that doesn't take away from the fact that those same moments were never carried out. and the part that rankles the most? the fact that her ex-husband's obvious emotional and mental abuse was never fully addressed, nor confronted. there was the moment with sonja's son speaking up for his mom, but the fact that sonja never defended herself or was given the eureka moment where she realized, "damn, my marriage really fucked my perception of relationships and myself, fuck that dude." hated that shit.
next up, was the development of the relationship between sonja and atlas. insta-love to the max. the middle of their relationship, when they were finally acknowledging each other's attraction and their need to test it, and the relationship itself? chef's kiss. but the steps to get there and then the tumbling away because of the stupid ass reason she had to ask take a break from their relationship? goddamn stupid as shit and annoying. hated everything about it and it made me cringe like hell. couldn't stand it.
more than anything, a lot of potential and not enough carry through
July 28, 2020
Is forty too late to chase your dreams? Sonya hopes it’s not!
After her marriage goes up in flames, Soni dabbles with the idea of starting her own modern apothecary business. But the smoking hot instructor of her entrepreneurship class is messing with Soni’s carefully laid-out plans.
Atlas isn’t intimidated by their age-gap and has to carefully coax Soni out of her shell. Believing that a man ten years her junior could possibly be interested in her is hard for Soni, but his encouragement and unwavering support awakens something in her.
Getting in touch with her Gullah roots and seeking out her mother for guidance opens up so many possibilities for Soni. Getting in touch with her spirituality and exploring the healing traditions of Hoodoo is just what she needs to thrive. I loved this couple and can’t wait for the next Malone sister book!
After her marriage goes up in flames, Soni dabbles with the idea of starting her own modern apothecary business. But the smoking hot instructor of her entrepreneurship class is messing with Soni’s carefully laid-out plans.
Atlas isn’t intimidated by their age-gap and has to carefully coax Soni out of her shell. Believing that a man ten years her junior could possibly be interested in her is hard for Soni, but his encouragement and unwavering support awakens something in her.
Getting in touch with her Gullah roots and seeking out her mother for guidance opens up so many possibilities for Soni. Getting in touch with her spirituality and exploring the healing traditions of Hoodoo is just what she needs to thrive. I loved this couple and can’t wait for the next Malone sister book!
June 5, 2020
A Taste of her Own Medicine was my first Tasha L. Harrison book but it won't be my last. I loved the world the author has crafted, full of family and good friends and two very relatable protagonists. Sonja and Atlas are at two different stages of life. Sonja is 40, a mom of two teens, and is trying to reinvent her life and career after her divorce. Atlas is younger, an entrepreneur...and her business teacher. The conflict here is low-stakes and believable, and the love scenes are off the charts hot. Sonja is dealing with the aftermath of her breakup and still carries baggage, while Atlas would like nothing more than for her to see herself as he sees her. Can people who are headed in different directions find true love? This author delivers a great HEA.
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