This book simply wasn't for me. First things first: I don't care for anyone assigning pronouns to their genitals, so that took me out of the numerous, repetitive sex scenes. The narrative is disjointed, with several chunks of exposition throughout. Despite this being told in dual-first-person POV, there wasn't a great deal of deep POV, so neither of the characters were especially meaningful to me. There were moments of deeply regressive language, which also leads me to my opinion of this cast of characters being some of the most immature I've ever read. And yes, I know that this is a new-adult romance.

Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley.

Torrid Little Passion
by Rachael Brownell

2 Stars

Slow to build tension in the story. Torrid little passion is a generalised sex story, that is very predicable.

The characters are not terribly developed, particularly Mya. The story line lacks cohesion, and reads like there are parts missing.


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This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.

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You don't want to miss Brady and Mya's story. Their story is definitely my favourite out of the series. Getting to know these two have been amazing. Their story is really heartfelt and gave me all the feels. I couldn't help but loved the two of them. I mean, they did frustrate me a bit especially when they couldn't see what was right in front of them. As much as I can't wait for the next book of the series, this definitely captured my attention. I don't think I'll forget it.

So I have a confession to make, I am 100% addicted to this series and I have loved every couple we have met so far. Though I cannot wait for Max's story, I was really excited to read Brady's in this book.

In previous books Brady was the guy who was everyone's friend but also there was a mystery behind him as he disappeared here and there and his friends were not sure where he went to and what he was doing.

Mya was a new character in this series that we didn't really get to know until this book and I really enjoyed meeting her. She has a very painful past and not so much in romance but rather in her journey of life. She is one strong woman and I loved and adored her so much.

I loved that they both had some pretty big and serious issues and that they were there for each other and neither is perfect. This was a really awesome friends to lovers, or friends with benefits romance but also one where the characters are not perfect and I thought the author dealt with their issues in a really caring way and I loved that she made them so real.

I received a complimentary early release copy of this e-book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is book six in the Lake State University series that follows Brody and Mya who have been friends for a couple of years, and who have also been attracted to each other the entire time, but each is afraid to let the other know for fear of ruining their friendship. One night they give in to their attraction, but they both have reasons that they feel they aren’t good for the other and won’t commit to an actual relationship, and so begins the slippery slope of their “friends with benefits” relationship. Brody and Mya eventually find themselves in an actual relationship, but lack of communication and secrets has them struggling to maintain it.

I didn’t realize this was a series, and I’m not a fan of starting in the middle of a series. While it’s stated that each book can be read as a stand-alone, I don’t recommend it. I haven’t read the previous stories and there was a lot going on in this book. While this was primarily Brody’s and Mya’s story, there were quite a few other characters from the previous books whose stories were mentioned, and it made it a little confusing. There is also the groundwork being laid for future storylines. I found it very distracting and it made it hard for me to concentrate on Brody and Mya. It appears that Brody is quite the secret keeper and shows up in the other books.

I thought Brody was okay, but I wasn’t a fan of Mya. This is my first book for this author, so her style of writing isn’t familiar to me. There was a lot of repetition so at times I thought I might have reread a section. The overall story line was good, but I think I would have enjoyed much more if I’d read the other books first. At some point I’ll get to them and then reread this story to see if there is a different outcome. This particular book and characters may not have completely wowed me, but I’m definitely intrigued my Max’s story, as well as Cleo’s, which is why I’m giving the three stars.

So, if you’ve read the previous books, I’m sure this will be a great read for you. If you haven’t, I recommend starting with book one.

I greatly enjoyed this book however it was just too short! I need more! Now I am left restlessly waiting for the next book in the series.

This book followed the friends to lovers trope which is one my favourites. It was simultaneously sweet and passionate as you watch Mya and Brady’s relationship grow as they go beyond the boundaries of the friend zone. Their chemistry was undeniable as was their deep connection and feelings for each other. Their relationship was both wholesome and intense, and I loved watching their journey.

I appreciate the discussion of the more complex issues they faced within their relationship such as an inclusion of mental health issues like social anxiety. This is something that is so important in bringing awareness to issues like these and normalising these issues. The way in which the issue of mental health was tackled was beautiful as the author handled it with care, compassion and empathy. I throughly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it!

I have really been enjoying books but this author. She has good pacing and great character depth and development.

Mya and Brady’s story is one of friends to lovers. It begins with love at first sight, but they endeavour to stay good friends. Yet very quickly in the book, they throw caution to the wind and take their relationship further, hence facing the challenges that come with intimacy.
Whilst this was the first book that I have read in the series, Lake State University, it is a standalone book. This was a relationship that was passionate and intense, as they struggled with several complex issues. Both characters were supportive of the other, and gradually revealed their past hurts and experiences, making for an interesting read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow! Loved this book! It was such a quick and easy read too. Mya & Brady’s relationship is so sweet and passionate. I loved watching their relationship grow. Also, I always appreciate when mental health is mentioned. This was well written and I couldn’t put it down. This is the first book in this series that I have read. I cannot wait to go back and read the other ones. If you like the collage romance trope, this is for you!

Look for this book July 14, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachael Brownell, and the publisher for this arc!

Quick Summary: Unexpectedly tender

My Review: Torrid Little Passion by Rachael Brownell was surprisingly touching and unexpectedly tender. This friends to lovers story was so familiar, in a sense. It presented the classic tale of love at first sight, while at the same time it revealed that friend zone safety cover that happens when one goes off to college and meets " the one."

Too scared to mess up a good friendship or to move beyond established boundaries, neither B nor M shoots their shot...until they do. Once they choose to step out and embrace the more that they've both longed for, it's like fireworks. Although they experience some serious challenges and lose their way a bit, they ultimately find their way back to each other.

Best Tender Moments:
1) When B shared his private struggle with M and she comforted him (Not only did she lovingly tend to him, but she also revealed her true heart for him.)

2) When M told B her secret (I loved how he spoke about her being perfect. There was so much in his passionate declaration. It was all about beauty, satisfaction, and completion. In that instance, the unsaid was just as important as the said.)

Best Kiss Scene: The first one outside their special place (That was intense! It was like they both realized that what they had was worth exploring in a real way. It wasn't so much about the kiss; it was more so about the connection. They were both on level. They clicked.)

Best Mystery Couple: C and... ?( What?!?! Who could his mystery lady - that special someone - be? I narrowed it down to two possibilities. Hmm. I see what you did there, Ms. Brownell. Good job hooking the reader. I was so caught up with the brief mentions concerning C that I forgot all about M and his stealthy partner play.)

My Final Say: This was a quick NA read that showed the ups, downs, twists, and turns that come with college life, forever loves, friendships, and personal struggles. Although TLP was my first Lake State University book, it certainly won't be my last.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author/publisher and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.