There’s something deeply comforting about a warm cup of golden milk—it’s more than just a drink. It feels like you’re dong something good for yourself. A moment of calm in a busy day!

I started drinking golden milk when I was looking for natural ways to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and wind down in the evenings.

Without a gallbladder, I’ve had to be mindful of digestion, and I quickly realized Golden Milk is an Anti-Inflammatory & Gut-Friendly Beverage.

The star ingredient, turmeric, is rich in curcumin, a powerful compound known to support joint health, digestion, and even hormonal balance—which is key during perimenopause. But to activate it you need black pepper.

The best part? You can make it dairy-free without losing any benefits!

While some recipes call for whole milk because of its natural fats, which help absorb curcumin, coconut milk is an excellent alternative.

The healthy fats in coconut milk also aid absorption, making it just as effective while being gentler on digestion, plus you can add coconut oil for a bit of fat too just like I do.

Best Time to Drink Golden Milk

☀️ Morning Boost – Helps with digestion and inflammation to start your day right.

🌙 Nighttime Relaxation – The warm spices make it a perfect sleep-supporting drink.

Why Drink Golden Milk?

✔ Supports digestion – Perfect for those without a gallbladder, as it can help soothe bloating and inflammation.

✔ Anti-inflammatory – Great for joint pain, muscle recovery, and overall wellness.

✔ Helps with relaxation & sleep – The warm spices and creamy texture make it an ideal evening wind-down drink.

✔ Boosts immunity – Thanks to turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.

✔ Hormone-balancing – A natural way to support your body through perimenopause.

Make this tasty and calming Golden Milk, grab your favorite book, and love your life!

Similar Recipes:

• Caramel Milk — A Balkan Remedy for a Sore Throat

• Tasty Homemade Hot Cocoa

Yield: 1 SERVING

Golden Milk

Prep Time: 1 minute

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes

Easy and Tasty Golden Milk Recipe

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk (or whole milk, or almond milk)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder (or 1-inch fresh turmeric, grated)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ginger powder (or ½ tsp freshly grated ginger)
• 1 pinch black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)
• ½ tsp coconut oil or ghee (optional, helps with absorption)
• 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup, for sweetness (or any other sweetener)

Instructions

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, but don’t let it boil.
2. Whisk in turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, stirring until well combined.
3. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. If using, add coconut oil or ghee for extra creaminess and nutrient absorption.
5. Remove from heat, sweeten with honey, maple syrup or whatever you wish to use, and serve warm.

Nutrition Information

Yield

1

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 658Total Fat 63gSaturated Fat 53gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 33mgSodium 33mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 1gSugar 18gProtein 5g

Wild Love, Wild Eyes & Wild Side

— Book 4 is coming later this year, so we are going to add Bash & Gwen’s story in September.

I’ve never reviewed an entire series in one post before, but there’s a first time for everything!

I absolutely loved this series and flew through the first two books in a week—actually, I devoured Wild Eyes (over 400 pages) in a single day. Madness, I know!

I think Wild Side was my favorite because the story was just that good. And the build-up until they finally got together? Oof! It was perfection.

The audiobooks were fantastic, with the narrators bringing the story to life in the best way. I highly recommend listening to all three. Plus, as of right now, they’re available on Kindle Unlimited!

When I think of romance with open-door scenes done right, this series immediately comes to mind. No frustrating miscommunications, no unnecessary drama, well, maybe a bit of drama, haha. This was just pure chemistry, heartfelt moments, and extra-spicy, no-sugar-coating romance. It also touches on some heavier topics with sincerity, adding depth to the story.

I don’t know what Elsie Silver put in this book, but it was MAGICAL. Now, buckle up, buttercup, because this one is going to be a long one. Let’s dive into each book!

Wild Love

Publication Date: April 9, 2024

Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, sexual harassment, grief & loss, death of a father from ALS (mentioned)

Vibes & Tropes:

✔️ single dad

✔️ small town

✔️ childhood frenemies to lovers

✔️ best friend’s little sister

✔️ billionaire MMC

✔️ music, producer

✔️ office romance/assistant-boss

✔️ Dual POV

My Thoughts:

I adored this book. It was such a fun read, packed with all the emotions. Cora, the side character, was so well-written that she almost felt like a lead. She was definitely 13 going on 30. I loved her so much!

And the chemistry between the main couple? Absolute perfection. Ford Grant is the only man who can tame the beautifully chaotic Rosie, and their dynamic is EVERYTHING.

Her older brother’s best friend. His best friend’s little sister. They’ve been each other’s longest-running crush, turning every bit of banter into pure fireworks.

I laughed, I swooned, and I loved every second of their romance. And let’s talk about those open-door scenes—O.M.G. Elsie Silver did not hold back.

This story had everything I wanted in a romance, and I’d recommend it 10/10!

Wild Eyes

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, bullying, emotional & financial parental abuse, dieting (mentioned), anxiety & panic attacks (on-page), alcohol consumption, death by overdose (off-page)

Vibes & Tropes:

✔️ single (divorced) dad

✔️ small town

✔️ slow burn

✔️ celebrity/singer (and he’s a fan!)

✔️ “Who Hurt You?”

✔️ cinnamon roll MMC

✔️ horse trainer

✔️ friends to lovers

✔️ Dual POV

My Thoughts:

This book was a hot mess in the best way, and I devoured every second of it. Skylar Stone, a star since childhood, a celebrity, was completely clueless about real life, and while it was frustrating at times, it also made sense—many child stars who grow up in a bubble struggle with basic independence. But as the story progressed, I loved seeing her grow and adjust to reality.

One of my favorite elements? The original songs are in the book. I even slowed down the audiobook speed just to soak in the lyrics. Absolutely beautiful!!!

And West’s kids? Adorable. Some might say they were “too wise” for their age, but honestly, if you’ve been around kids, you know how shockingly smart they can be. They reminded me so much of my own kids when they were little, constantly leaving me speechless with their cleverness.

Now, about those open-door scenes… Elsie Silver did not hold back in this one either… I see the pattern, haha. The spice level was off the charts.

Beyond that, I really appreciated the anxiety/panic attack representation—it was thoughtfully handled and felt very real. 

The ending tied everything together beautifully, and I loved seeing Skylar and Weston get the happiness they deserved. West is such a joker, but behind that exterior is a lonely cowboy, so Sky was his perfect match to fill that void.

Bonus: West is actually the older brother of Rosie, the main female character from Wild Love!

If you’re looking for small-town romance with swoon-worthy characters, real emotions, and next-level steam, The Rose Hill Series is a must-read.

Final Verdict: 10/10. Highly recommend!

Wild Side

Publication Date: March 4, 2025

Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, overdose (off-page), parental abandonment.

Vibes & Tropes:

✔️ marriage of convenience

✔️ sports romance/pro wrestling

✔️ slow burn romance

✔️ guardian/caretaker of a child

✔️ touch her and die vibes

✔️ She is a chef/restaurant owner 

✔️ Forced proximity

✔️ found family

✔️ small town

✔️ no third-act break up

My Thoughts:

I am obsessed with this book. It was EVERYTHING AND MORE.

Elsie Silver once again crafted unforgettable characters and weaved stories that linger in your heart long after the final page.

I absolutely LOVED watching Tabitha and Rhys’ relationship unfold. Both start off incredibly guarded—especially Rhys—filled with questions, doubts, and so much mistrust. But the way they slowly break down their walls, open up, and step into their true selves was beautifully done. Their journey felt raw, real, and completely captivating.

Oh, and MILO!!! The sweetest little boy who will 100% melt your heart. I wanted to reach through the pages just to give him the biggest bear hug. Silver even managed to make a kitty, Cleocatra, just as endearing!

One of my favorite parts of Wild Side was how the Rose Hill crew embraced Rhys as one of their own. The found family dynamic was absolute PERFECTION!

I have so many tabs in it, and that almost never happens. I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is, without a doubt, my favorite —even though I’ve loved them all.

She delves into a profound and emotionally resonant exploration of grief, presenting it with utmost care and authenticity. We all process grief differently and on our own terms, so this was well done. 

While this is a romance that evokes swoon-worthy moments and laugh-out-loud antics, it also touched my heart and made me shed tears.

At its core, Wild Side is about not letting the weight of your past define your future. That’s it. You’re going to love this one—with a sprinkle of five-pepper spice (especially after the halfway mark!).

If you enjoyed this series, please let me know in the comments.

Who was your favorite couple?

About the Author

Elsie Silver is a popular Canadian romance author who currently lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, son, and three dogs. Silver has an amazing collection of book series, such as the Chestnut Springs Series, Gold Rush Ranch, and of course, the Rose Hill

Author’s Website Instagram: @authorelsiesilver

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.

Pub Day: January 14, 2025

Genres: Sports Romance, General Fiction

Trigger Warnings: Toxic friendship/relationship, violence, bl00d, emotional abus€, b*llying, d€ath, injury/injury details, sexism, body shaming, gaslighting, etc.

My Thoughts:

The intensity! The drama! The ruthless world of competitive ice skating!

This book is a whirlwind of ambition, obsession, and scandal, and once I started, I could not stop. Layne Fargo crafts such a vivid story that it’s hard to believe it’s fiction. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, you’ll love the mix of first-person storytelling blended with documentary-style interviews—it makes everything feel real.

I listened to the audiobook, and let me tell you—it was phenomenal. The full-cast performance makes every rivalry, sacrifice, and gut-wrenching moment hit even harder. And yet… I hated every single character. Every. Single. One. But somehow, that made it even more addictive. I just had to know how it all unraveled.

Katarina and Heath’s relationship is a collision of love and ambition—childhood friends turned ice-dancing partners turned… something far more complicated. So complicated—for no reason!

Kat’s obsession with Olympic gold consumes her, while Heath, with his past and relentless drive, is right there beside her. Their journey, spanning decades, is filled with heartbreak, passion, betrayal, and redemption. I had to shake my head more than a few times.

I really wish we got Heath’s perspective—it would’ve added so much depth. By the end, I felt like I didn’t really know him. And speaking of the ending… it felt like a slap in the face. I had so many questions, which is why this wasn’t a 5-star read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either—even though I couldn’t stop listening.

It was like watching a slow-motion car crash. Miscommunication was a dealbreaker for me! I also couldn’t connect with the side characters—or Bella, for that matter. And Heath and Bella’s relationship? It made zero sense to me. But hey, life is messy and often irrational, which is probably why it all felt so real. And let’s be honest—this sport is brutal.

If you’re craving ice-skating drama, skip the fiction and watch “I, Tonya” instead—the biographical film about Tonya Harding starring Margot Robbie. Now if you love all the drama and ice skating, that’s a story worth watching.

Read if you’re into:

🏆 The Olympics & ice skating

⛸️ Friends-to-lovers

💕 Second chances

🎤 Documentary-style storytelling

🔥 All the drama & angst

🎧 Full-cast audiobooks

❤️‍🔥 Toxic relationships

📖 Retellings (Wuthering Heights)

😍 Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes

Layne Fargo absolutely nailed the tension and drama—if that’s your thing, add this to your list!

Songs:

— For the intense, obsessive, and dramatic vibe of The Favorites, here are rock and metal songs that capture its energy with some pop-ish exception:

• “Going Under” – Evanescence
• “The Beautiful People” – Marilyn Manson
• “My Curse” – Killswitch Engage
• “Love Bites (So Do I)” – Halestorm
• “Black Honey” – Thrice
• “Hurricane” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” – The Offspring
• “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish
• “The Kill” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “Take Me to Church” – Hozier (but the extreme rock cover by Starset)

Description: 

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

About the Author:

Layne Fargo has a background in theater, women’s studies, and library science, so it’s only fitting that she now writes deliciously dramatic, unapologetically feminist stories for a living. She’s the author of the novels The Favorites, They Never Learn, and Temper, as well as co-author of the bestselling Young Rich Widows series, and her work has been translated into over a dozen languages. Layne lives in Chicago with her partner, their pets, and an ever-expanding collection of books Author’s Website Instagram: @LayneFargo

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.