Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley. This review will not contain spoilers.

Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice by Cynthia Timoti is a contemporary romance that serves up sweetness, swoon, and just a pinch of spice. It follows Ellie, who finally breaks free from her demanding family and moves halfway across the country to chase her baking dream — only to find her brother’s best friend (and her old crush turned enemy) Alec waiting.

This book is easy to read and definitely charming in a lot of ways. It’s well-written, funny at times, and I genuinely enjoyed the effortless flow of her prose. There’s a real lightness to her writing style that makes you breeze through chapters without even realizing it. Plus, Timoti’s humor is on point, with plenty of witty exchanges and playful banter to keep things lively.

The highlight for me? Alec. He’s the kind of romance hero you can’t help but root for. Sweet, steady, and incredibly patient — a total green flag from start to finish. I mean, who doesn’t love a man who’s genuinely kind, competent, and just a little bit vulnerable? Alec’s care for Ellie is evident throughout, from finding contractors for her bakery to offering her a place to stay and shuttling her around town without complaint. It’s all very swoony, and if you’re into the whole ‘brother’s best friend with a secret crush’ trope, you’re in for a treat.

Speaking of tropes, fake dating fans — this one’s for you. The fake dating element is handled well, especially since it’s not the sole focus of their relationship but rather a catalyst that helps them confront their own feelings. It’s always fun to watch two characters pretending not to care while absolutely pining for each other, and Timoti nails that dynamic.

There’s also something lovely about how Ellie builds meaningful friendships with other women throughout the book. It’s refreshing to see female friendships that feel genuine and supportive rather than superficial or forced. The bakery scenes, too, are delightful. Honestly, who doesn’t dream of opening a bakery in a quaint little town? The way Timoti describes Ellie’s passion for baking is vivid and infectious. And bonus points for the authentic and thoughtful representation of Ellie’s type 1 diabetes. It’s not just a footnote — it’s woven into her daily life in a way that feels both realistic and compassionate.

So, why didn’t I love it? Well, I read a lot of romance. Like… a lot. And that means my expectations are pretty high. While this book has its charms, it also falls into some of the common pitfalls of contemporary romance.

For one, the romance felt a little too close to insta love for my taste. Ellie is attracted to Alec from the first moment she sees him, which is fair considering she had a teenage crush on him. But Alec’s feelings for her are so obvious and intense right from the start, and we don’t get much background on why exactly he’s been pining for her all these years. It’s sweet, sure, but also left me wishing their connection had been built up a little more slowly. Some gradual tension or deeper exploration of their shared past would’ve made their dynamic feel richer.

Another issue is that the obstacles keeping Ellie and Alec apart feel somewhat flimsy. Contemporary romance doesn’t have the built-in drama of historical or fantasy settings — no wars, social hierarchies, or epic quests to contend with. Instead, you need believable, character-driven conflicts. Here, the reasons keeping them apart felt more like plot devices than true emotional barriers. Ellie’s prickliness toward Alec often felt exaggerated to create conflict rather than something organic and genuine.

And then there’s Ellie herself. I get that she’s been through a lot, breaking free from her family’s expectations and starting over in a new place. But her constant rudeness toward Alec, even when he’s just trying to help, made it hard to root for her at times. Banter can be fun, but when it’s mostly one-sided hostility, it just feels exhausting. I would’ve loved to see more warmth or vulnerability from Ellie earlier on to balance out her stubbornness.

The pacing also felt a little rushed. Friendships form in an instant, conflicts are resolved almost too easily, and there’s a lack of breathing room for the story to truly develop. And while I appreciate a book that doesn’t drag, sometimes it felt like I was being whisked from one plot point to the next without enough time to really feel the emotional impact.

Still, I have to give credit where it’s due. Timoti’s writing is fun and engaging, and she does a great job capturing the cozy appeal of small-town life. The moments of humor and swoon are definitely there, and Alec’s charm alone makes the book worth picking up. Plus, that representation of type 1 diabetes is a big win for inclusivity in romance — it’s handled thoughtfully and never feels like an afterthought.

Would I recommend Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice? Absolutely. If you love fake dating, a swoony green-flag hero, and some lighthearted small-town charm, this book will definitely hit the spot. It’s not perfect, but it’s still a fun, breezy read that’s perfect for passing a rainy afternoon. And who knows? It might just be exactly what you’re looking for.

Salty, Spiced, and a Little Bit Nice comes out on May 6, 2025, and you can preorder it at your favorite online bookstore.