Smoky Darling

Darling Series, Book 1

By: S.J. Tilly

Narrated by: Gomez Pugh, Callie Dalton

Elouise

I fell in love with Beckett when I was 7. He broke my heart when I was 15. When I was 18, I promised myself I’d forget about him. And I did. For a dozen years.

But now he’s back home. Here. In Darling Lake. And I don’t know if I should give in to the temptation swirling between us or run the other way.

Beckett

She had a crush on me when she was a kid. But she was my brother’s best friend’s little sister. I didn’t see her like that. And even if I had, she was too young. Our age difference was too great.

But now I’m back home. And she’s here. And she’s all the way grown up. It wouldn’t have worked back then. But I’ll be damned if I won’t get a taste of her now.

©2022 S.J. Tilly LLC (P)2023 Podium Audio

SJ Tilly, Enough Said!

I am in LOVE with SJ Tilly's books! I usually read REALLY dark books, but this one was spectacular. It was cozy and sweet and a little tiny bit dark, but man... I hope she makes a thousand more books because I CANNOT get enough! (the novella at the end was adorable too)

Good Story

I love that the story began with a game of kickball when Eloise was 7 years old, continuing through her teens when she almost gave herself away. I adored her friendship with Maddie, from giggling little girls to laughing adults. You have to love Eloise from the very first chapter.
Some listeners may also love Beckett from the moment we see him. I did. I was glad to see how he took charge when he saw a scraped and bruised little Eloise sprawled on the pavement. But Beckett remains a bit brutish and punishing throughout the book. I see his pushing her other potential suitors around as over the top. And, no matter how much he loves Eloise and how satisfying it is to see her life long love answered, there is some behavior that goes beyond "take charge" that is not my idea of romantic.
IMHO, just because a woman willingly becomes your lover, that doesn't mean that everything you want to do is okay. So, just because I loved this story, doesn't mean it didn't make me squirm a few times and I haven't decided if I will listen to any more books by this author.
Excellent narrators!

SJ Tilly Never Lets Me Down

I'm not usually a fan of the audiobook version of romance novels but had to get this book because I LOVE SJ Tilly's books. This audiobook kept me fully enthralled for nearly 8 straight hours and I only paused because I was forced to go to bed. I'm now anxiously awaiting the release of the audiobooks for Latte Darling and the Sin series!!!

A really good book

This is my first S J Tilly book and it was very good and it won’t be my last book by this author

It's Fine

I really was looking forward to reading this, bit it fell short for me. The book itself is Okay, pretty predictable. I wish there would have been some chase between these 2, but it there wasn't. Also did not care for the make narrator, he sounded old, not like a hot 38 year old millionaire.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this story but I really did not enjoy the lengthy sex scenes. They are not sexy at all. The romance part is sexy. The flirtation is sexy. But the sex parts are way too long and graphic, completely unnecessary. The narrators were good and the characters were great.

Wonderful Story and Beautifully written.

S.J Tilly has a way with words. This book had me laughing and crying. It was a wonderful read. I can’t wait to read the next installment.

SJ Put Me In That Tent

My Review:
4 ⭐️ 2.8 🌶️

Smoky Darling by S.J. Tilly is an absolute rollercoaster of laughs, heat, and a hint of suspense that had me double-checking my locks. Elouise, the delightfully clumsy teacher who’s had a lifelong crush on Beckett (the broody survivalist who’s now VERY aware of her existence), is a masterclass in cute awkwardness. Watching her stumble through their reunion while he turns up the possessive, smoldering charm? Comedy gold.

Tilly takes the classic “brother’s best friend” trope and throws it in a tent, at a campfire, and into scenes that had me howling with laughter one minute and fanning myself the next. Their banter is fire, the chemistry practically sparks off the page, and Beckett’s protective streak is the kind that would make you swoon while also giving you a healthy fear of his death stare. That camping trip scene? Unforgettable. If you’re into spicy romance with humor that’ll make you snort-laugh, grab this book. The HEA left me happily satiated, and I’ll never look at hot dogs the same way again.

Smoky Darling❤️

Amazing!! I loved her Sleet series and this one was just as great! Funny, spicy with a great plot that keeps you interested. Worth the credit? Absolutely!

great stories... I liked them both

smoky Darling - Beckett & Eloise: TRIGGERS: stalking, kidnapping, assault. I thought this book was going to be a typical second chance romance. I really wouldn't even call it a second chance romance because there isn't a first chance at romance with these two. It's more of an unrequited love of a young girl to a boy, eight years her senior. She fell for him when she was 8 and he saved her from some bullies.. from then on, at each major stage of her life, he seemed to disappoint and break her heart. Now she's an adult and an elementary school teacher. When they meet again as adults it's on a field trip and despite being a long book, it's not a slow burn. The romance is almost immediate but without any real discussion between the two about their interest in each other. That was a bit bothersome. Then it seemed as Beckett wanted to move full steam ahead with the sex but kept a lot of information about his life to himself which caused more tears and confusion for Eloise. While doing his best to earn her love, there's someone doing his best to take Beckett out of the picture. The story is good, just a few things that were annoying. I liked it and it was funny in some places.

second Bite (novella) - Michael & Alice: insta romance between a baker and a competition judge gets hot and heavy on this romance. It's short but sweet. Literally.