Book Review: Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice by Cynthia Timoti
AHHHHHH!!! I just finished Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice, and I am seriously head over heels for this debut romantic comedy! Cynthia Timoti has crafted a gem that surprised me in all the best ways—so much so that I couldn’t help but devour it in one sitting! With its delightful blend of humor, heart, and a sprinkle of steamy tension, this book captured my attention from the first page.
The story revolves around Ellie, a young woman looking to shake off the chains of her overbearing family and confront her newfound reality of managing Type 1 diabetes. What initially drew me to the book was Ellie’s courageous journey to pursue her dream of opening a sugar-free bakery, a goal that feels both daunting and inspiring. The setting—moving across the country to create a new life—immediately transported me into her world, filled with relatable struggles and ambitions.
Enter Alec Mackenzie, Ellie’s childhood crush and her brother’s best friend, who needs her help with a little fake dating arrangement. The dynamics between Ellie and Alec are electric! Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry had me laughing out loud and rooting for them every step of the way. I’m an absolute sucker for the “it’s always been you” trope, and Timoti nailed it beautifully. I loved how their initial antagonism morphed into something sweeter, a testament to great character development.
The pacing felt just right, balancing heartfelt moments with the laugh-out-loud interactions that come along with misunderstandings in a fake relationship. I particularly appreciated the depth of the writing; it was both engaging and accessible, making me feel as though I were part of Ellie’s world. Timoti’s ability to weave humor with poignant moments—especially around Ellie’s diabetes management—demonstrated a careful attention to detail that resonated deeply with me as a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes. I appreciated how Alec’s journey to understand and support Ellie enriched his character and made him even more lovable.
The secondary characters were also a delightful surprise! Each had unique traits that added layers to the story and pushed the narrative forward. I found myself particularly drawn to Kim and her storyline, which left me yearning for more. I can only hope that Timoti considers a follow-up that explores her journey as well!
For fans of authors like Abby Jimenez, Mia Sosa, or Ali Hazelwood, Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice is a treasure you won’t want to miss. The multicultural twist and heartfelt narrative make it a perfect fit for anyone seeking a charming rom-com with genuine depth.
Reflecting on my reading experience, I felt rejuvenated by Ellie’s resilience and inspired by the way she faced her challenges head-on. This book reminded me that life’s sweetest moments often come with a sprinkle of hardship, making the victories even more satisfying.
So, if you’re ready for a laugh, a few tears, and a whole lot of heart, definitely add this one to your TBR! A huge thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing the ARC—it’s a book I’ll be recommending for a long time to come!
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