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Spice of Love

A Caribbean island welcomes wedding guests with the promise of romance and excitement. Angelina, an aspiring writer and Kai, a handsome doctor spring to action during an inflight medical emergency. Angelina's feelings stir for Kai, her high school crush. But life is complicated, he is moving to Grenada and she is dating a famous novelist. Isn't she?

Gretchen is a single mother with a hot new look and a bold new attitude. She meets widower, Mitchel on the flight to her friend's wedding. But is he ready for romance? And is he the man to show her what it's like to be loved?

This tropical island will wash away what once was for these guests and introduce them to an unexpected spice, but will they like the new flavor of love?

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2019

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Anya Stassiy

7 books39 followers

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5 stars
12 (40%)
4 stars
12 (40%)
3 stars
4 (13%)
2 stars
2 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Sharadha Jayaraman.
123 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2022
Two women in their mid-to-late twenties look to take a break from their semi-messed up personal lives at the destination wedding of their best friend in Grenada and we are introduced to the people who add colour to their world and outlook.

The novel is told in alternating POVs of four main protagonists and reads like a run-of-the-mill plot, it was a breeze to get through in all honesty. I enjoyed reading about Grenada and the sunny locales but that was all that the book had going for itself. The characters were very temperamental and the conflicts added midway seemed pretty convoluted to me. Certain exchanges also felt a tad too over the top, for example:

"'Hey!' Kai nudges me. 'I got your email with the book. I started reading it already. Great first page. I had to force myself to stop, that's why I was late.' Goosebumps erupt on my skin in the warmth of the evening air."


Thank you BooksGoSocial for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cassondra Perea.
675 reviews6 followers
March 31, 2022
I want more! This book needs to be longer or I need a sequel, pronto.

Anya Stassly’s Spice of Love caught me off guard. If I am being honest, the cover and title made me think this would be nothing more than a generic love story that I would soon forget. However, I was shocked to find it was anything but.

I love the concept of setting the story during a small destination wedding in the Caribbean. This forced proximity allowed for the isolated characters to interact with those they might never have otherwise. As a result, chaos ensues!

The three love stories unfolding simultaneously was a nice change. The odds were in the reader’s favor that they would connect with at least one couple. I was lucky enough to enjoy all three!

Another feature I especially enjoyed was the chapters being told from alternating perspectives. The four main characters (Angelina, Kai, Gretchen, and Mitchel) took turns narrating. The idea of having one event being told by four different people advanced the storyline brilliantly. It allowed the reader to gain insight into the characters in a short amount of time. Which makes sense since the story is all happening in a limited timeframe.

My one bone to pick was how the story jumped ahead seven months and then ended abruptly. I felt we could have spent much more time with the characters after the climax. For me, it left something to be desired and many questions about what happens next?

Fingers crossed Stassly will turn this into a series so that I can follow along as the six main characters lives continue to unfold. If not, she is simply mean! Lol

Special thanks to Netgalley.com and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
4 reviews
March 26, 2022
Buy this Book! Read this book! This is my second novel by the amazing Anya Stassiy and definitely not my last! I’m already looking forward to her next novel
Anyway, about this book, it’s great! It’s such an amazing read. It’s fun and warm and loving. Not to give too much away but I felt like I entered this world amongst all these friends and was really able to see everything unfold. I was able to immerse myself into this story so much so that I could feel the soft sand and warm breeze, I could taste flavors of the nutmeg ice cream, and see the crystal clear waters . I loved going on this amazing journey to see the events leading up to a destination wedding and the love that comes alive. Thank you for another amazing novel!
Profile Image for Katie Williams.
75 reviews9 followers
March 30, 2022
I was able to read this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was pretty close to DNF this book but I stuck it out.. Spice of Love has the potential to be a pretty good read but it's not quite at that level yet. I'd recommend adding some actual spice in order for the book to fit its title. I found the characters to be underdeveloped and rather cliche. Plus there's a lot going on in this book and while I liked the multiple perspectives POV, I found the whole thing just kind of boring. It wasn't really keeping my attention. Kind of like a dramatic soap opera I would turn on for background noise. I think each couple's POV should be separated into 3 different books and expanded on.
43 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2019
A few months ago, I read Anya Stassiy’s debut novel “Eyes of Amber” and immediately became a fan. So when she contacted me to ask if I would read and review her latest, I replied with an emphatic, Yes!!

“Spice of Love” is told from multiple perspectives which I always enjoy. Each character’s story is well-developed and interesting. The setting of Grenada was easy to imagine and the perfect accessory on my recent trip to Belize. I highly recommend “Spice of Love” and look forward to reading more of Anya Stassiy in the future!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,738 reviews
March 15, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Anya Stassiy and BooksGoSocial for the copy of Spice of Love. This is my personal review.
A romance story set in a beautiful location is what should be a book that warms my heart. I liked the story but was left feeling like the there should be more in it. It is told in several POV and for me I wanted the story to blend a little better.
It was a pleasant book to read with characters I wanted to like more than I did.
Profile Image for Ana.
67 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2024
I just finished it and I am in love. Perfect summer read with great storylines. I captured perfectly all places and moments while reading it on the beach with the waves crushing. Highly recommend it 🌊💙
65 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2021
I was gifted this book from voracious readers and I loved it, I really enjoyed the story from all the different perspectives and I liked how cleverly everyone's lives were interwoven.
Profile Image for Amanda Hash.
296 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2020
This was an incredibly fascinating, multi-layered love story that was a quick, easy read. Aside from the romantic elements, Stassiy also explored the relationships between friends, family, and even exes. I loved watching the characters' growth and self-reflection.

However, I felt like the multiple POVs prevented me from ever really connecting with any particular character, and while it kept the story moving at a rapid pace, kept me from appreciating the nuances in each relationship. The challenges in those relationships were often resolved in a split second, so every character seemed indecisive and almost interchangeable. Fortunately, they were also all extremely likeable, so that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the novel.

Despite its flaws, I still found Spice of Love to be an amusing read, and would still recommend it for a light, fun romance. There were plenty instances of humor and heart, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,039 reviews24 followers
January 23, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Anya Stassiy. Spice of Love brings three friends together in Grenada for the wedding of one of them. Each of them comes from a different background and have relatable characteristics. Along with the pre-nuptial fun, there are some obstacles set in a beautiful setting. I enjoyed watching the characters grow during the story and how each romantic storyline progressed. The multiple storylines were great to follow along with and weaved together well.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
226 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2019
This was was first read for this author, and I wasn’t disappointed. She delivered a wonderful story about three women who has been friends since they were young girls. Each one has a unique upbringing and they are relatable.
The story brings everyone to Grenada, a island in the Caribbean for the wedding of Brian and Jenna. The plane ride over is interesting and brings people together. You get to meet all the men and women who make this novel so captivating. You will laugh and cry and even be upset, but in the end it will leave you with a smile on your face.
Thank you Anya Stassily for this wonderful book. I recommend it to read.
Profile Image for Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews .
580 reviews41 followers
October 24, 2019
Do you want a good book to curl up with on a chilly fall day? Try “Spice of Love” by Anya Stassiy. I think you will find this a satisfying story. I read this novel cuddled up on my couch with my furbabies, a cozy throw and a warm cup of tea. Perfect!

A large part of this book takes place on the beautiful island of Grenada. Just what you are dreaming of as our weather turns cold because the weather there is hot and sunny. Plus, a wedding is planned and what could be better?

I liked this entertaining book and all of the characters. Although, there were several characters, the author took the time to develop and introduce them. I didn’t have a problem remembering who they are and what they mean to each other. That’s what makes this book easy and fun to read.

So, grab yourself a copy of “Spice of Love”, go to your cozy reading spot and get ready to enjoy an all around fun novel. You’ll be glad you did!
1,058 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2019
Great story. How a group of friends can encounter so many problems. It just goes to show that true love never runs smooth
Profile Image for Victoria Grant.
Author 6 books82 followers
October 22, 2019
Sunshine, sand and surf – what more do you need to fall in love?
This story follows four main characters: Angelina and Kai, both newly single, and Gretchen (a divorced mom) and Mitchel (a recent widower), as they travel to the Caribbean island of Grenada to attend a wedding…but all sorts of issues crop up to confront the couples and cause them to second guess their decisions, both past and present.
This lovely two-romance story, told in first person POV, is full of luscious niceties: the sights, the sounds, the scents of the island are beautifully detailed and pulls you into the story, you’ll think you’re right there with them.
I look forward to Anya’s next novel.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews36 followers
November 1, 2019
Spice of Love is a wonderful story that consists of two romances at a wedding in Grenada. The characters are all well developed with good backstories so you can relate to them. The storyline is well written and the descriptions make you want to visit the beautiful island yourself. There were some twists and issues with the couples' romances which made them even more interesting.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
3,353 reviews20 followers
November 1, 2019
A story with beachy love set in the beautiful location of Grenada, you can't help but love it. It's written around 2 romantic relationships at a wedding. Strong characters that are well developed and the story line is so well written and the description of the island, you'll fell like you're right there. A few twists in the romances just adds more interest to the story.

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

Profile Image for Jamie.
214 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2019
Spice of Love by Anya Stassiy is a wonderfully written story. There are multiple character view points which help bring you into the lives of these well developed characters and plot twists. Ms. Stassiy writes with vivid details to provide you an enjoyable story you can picture.
This is the first book I have read by Author Anya Stassiy but I will definitely not be my last.

I recieved an ARC of this story. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are honest and my own.
11.2k reviews129 followers
November 9, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Anya Stassly; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michaela (Reading in the Heartland).
3,893 reviews101 followers
October 31, 2019
I enjoyed the intertwining of two beachy romances. Here was wonderful backstory and character development. Great depth of plot and unique twists. Truly an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.6k reviews8 followers
November 1, 2019
The book deals with Angelina and Kai, and Gretchen and Mitchel,Jenna and Brian a good story of friends. I have not read this Author before. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie.
786 reviews64 followers
December 9, 2019
Another amazing romance book from one of my new favorite authors! I loved the fabulous characters and the great detail in medical terms that can be understood by those in and out of that field. I loved the Spice in these romantic stories of these couples! Great book!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews