Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan Pages: 367
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Setting: California
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Also by this author: The Hook Up, The Friend Zone, Idol, Managed, The Hot Shot, Dear Enemy
Goodreads
Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.
Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes.
He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other.
But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again…
In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.
Make It Sweet is just that-sweet! I really appreciated the low angst of the story. Lucian and Emma have baggage from their past that they must confront. However, their romance builds slowly and naturally.
Emma and Lucian are at Rosemont to regroup. Both were formerly famous and are now in a new stage of life. Fans of grumpy heroes will rejoice at Lucian! Also, he bakes. This book had me salivating! Emma and Lucian’s relationship is a slower burn. Initially they avoid each other, then they build a friendship, then there is flirting and double entendre about baked goods. It’s all just so cute!
The side characters are truly delectable! I adore stories with a zany grandmother. We do get a peek at the characters from Dear Enemy, which was nice, but I enjoyed Make It Sweet more! You can jump right in with this book-just get a snack first!
Overall, Make It Sweet is a charming contemporary romance that will warm your heart and make your stomach growl. I felt the book dragged a tad a time, but there is so much to love about the story!
- POV: dual 1st
- Tears: no
- Trope: famous, slow burn
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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Much Ado About You by Samantha Young, Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills, Won’t Miss You by Lillian Monroe…then you will probably like Make It Sweet!
Make it Sweet
I also loved the supporting characters. They really brought a lot to the story. I was super invested in Luc too. His situation was pretty dire, and I wanted him to make good choices. And baking! Holy moly!
I haven’t read a Callihan book in a while! I definitely need to check this one out!
A grumpy hero who bakes? I am so there. 🙂 This one is already on my TBR but now I’m tempted to move it up to the top of the list.