Review: Hello Tease

Hello Tease by Kelsie Hoss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What is happiness worth? How much would you be willing to gamble to get it? What if it risked your entire support network? What if it risked your children's happiness?

Hello Tease is the seventh book in the Hello Series, which now includes the previously titled Confessions Series. At first glance, the focus on a plus-sized single mom and her attractive potential date might seem reminiscent of Hello Billionaire, which had a similar premise. However, this book stands out in its own unique way.

Larkin Cappes is a woman in her mid-thirties with two kids, a messy divorce and self-esteem issues. Knox Madigan is a six-foot-tall imposing police officer with a messy past and a neighbour he just can't ignore. Set in the charming town of Cottonwood Falls, the story benefits from the wonderful world-building of the last four books. Familiar characters from previous instalments reappear, adding depth and continuity, yet Hello Tease can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.

There’s so much to love about this book, from the perfect level of angst to the natural and loving way Kelsie Hoss writes her spicy scenes, adding to the relationship and avoiding the abruptness often found in romance novels. The characters face real-life issues that resonate on a profound level, and their dynamic personalities keep you engaged throughout. This whole package is lovingly tied in the ribbon of subtle humour that runs throughout all of Hoss’ books.

While the above elements make Hello Tease a fantastic romance novel they are not what makes this book shine. The Hello series books all feature very clean-cut, deeply respectful male protagonists, the kind that country songs are written about or the ones that your parents insist existed back in ‘their day’. Hello Tease manages to take it one step further. Knox is so incredibly supportive and affirmative of Larkin making the book feel almost like a self-esteem boost for plus-sized women or single mothers, and it is beautiful.

This isn’t an insta-love story, nor is it a slow burn. It's about carefully weighing options and striving to do what’s right for both yourself and your family. The book explores the delicate balance between self-sacrifice and happiness and the risks we take along the way. It’s about second chances, being there for those you love, and even dealing with an obnoxious ex with compassion, mindfulness, and hope for the future.

Thank you to Kelsie Hoss for an eArc copy to review. All opinions are my own.


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