Smoky Darling by S.J. Tilly Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 362
Format: eBook
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S.J. Tilly is a Minnesota author, so I love showing support for our Midwestern writers—especially when the book is such a quick, enjoyable read with plenty of fun, spicy scenes! This was my first book by this author, and I can’t wait to dive into more.
The story begins in the past, with a young Elouise realizing she has a crush on her brother’s best friend’s older brother, Beckett. Beckett saw her as a cute kid and always looked out for her in a way that never felt creepy. I was a little worried it might veer into ‘big brother’ territory, but the author handled this young crush sensitively.
Years later, they reconnect at a campground where they’re both volunteering. Though they’re drawn to each other, they’re not quite ready to fully enter each other’s lives yet, and the back-and-forth creates some nice tension. This part of the story was a bit slower-paced but ultimately essential to their journey.
When their time finally came, I loved how everything fell into place. Beckett’s point of view was especially fun, showing off some surprisingly sexy layers that really added to the story. Lou’s perspective highlighted her humor and quirky charm, and the chemistry and slow build-up between them was so palpable!
I enjoyed seeing their story progress and the tension heat up! The obstacles they faced, especially around miscommunication, heightened the intensity of their connection. While this classic trope briefly pulls them apart, their reunion is explosive. The story flew by, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a steamy romance with a solid storyline.