Always fresh and funny, I adore Molly Harper's Southern Eclectic series and I was so happy to get a chance to read Gimme Some Sugar! It was the perfect best friends to lovers book with smart, emotionally mature characters who feel lived in, flawed, and real. I can't wait for another one!

Lucy has moved back to her hometown after the death of her husband, Wayne. She just wants to raise her small son in place she knows. She decides to open a bake shop, even if some of Wayne’s family insist it is too soon after his death. They think she should just sit home and mourn. This is not Lucy’s style. Her marriage was a big mistake, but no one actually knows this. Enter Duffy, her best friend from high school. He also is part owner of McCready’s Bait Shop and Funeral Home. (Yes! You read that correctly!). Sparks soon start to fly between these two and then begins all the complications.

Duffy is magnetic! And Lucy is no slouch either. These two take a while to overcome some past issues…they were best friends in high school after all. When they finally decide to give their romance a whirl, it does not go off as smoothly as they had hoped. But don’t worry, that’s just part of the fun!

Molly Harper has the best southern characters. I swear! Everyone of these live in my hometown. She nails the characters, the southern ways and especially the southern charm.

If you need a quick, quirky, fun read, grab this one and go! I loved it!

I received this novel from Gallery Books via Netgalley for a honest review.

I enjoyed Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper. Lucy, newly widowed, returns to her hometown with her young son to start over. Her childhood friend, Duffy, and his zany family, help her open her bakery and get settled in her new home. But life isn’t all sweet-Duffy has a crazy ex-wife, Lana, who wants her cake and others too, and Lucy’s has a mother-in-law, Evie, who is more salty than sweet. In the end, though, as most romances do, things work out alright for Lucy and Duffy. Ms. Harpers writing style reminded me of one of my favorite southern women’s fiction writers, Mary Kay Andrews. It’s downhome sourgern fun and charming. The only issue I had with this book is that it’s the 3rd in a series and while a stand alone story, I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the other characters stories. Her characters were so great I just wanted to know them all fully. Overall, though, great story and great series I look forward to reading more of.

I was provided an advanced e-copy of this book for an honest review. Thank you Gallery books! #netgally #gimmesomesugar

Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper is the 3rd book in the Southern Eclectic series, and another fun read. Lucy Brewer returns to her home town six months after her husband, Wayne, dies. Lucy finds life easier since her husband death, wondering if she ever really loved him. Lucy's best friend Duffy McCready, of McCready's Bait Shop and Funeral Home, is happy to see her again. Lucy and Duffy have feeling for each other, but are afraid to say anything. This book is a wonderful love story, filled with quirky characters and southern charm. I recommend this book, and look forward to reading more of Ms. Harper's books.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Molly Harper is a new to me author. I read this book as a stand alone after it was recommended by a fellow bookstagrammer. It was a cute/cozy story, but not my typical read. I feel like this would be a perfect summer vacation read! Kick off your flip flops, grab an enormous slice of red velvet cake, a huge glass of tea so sweet you’d make the southerners proud and enjoy this book!

I absolutely love Molly Harper. She is the best. And I love her books so much. Her stories crack me up so much that it brighten up my day. She brings deliver Duffy story in Gimme Some Sugar.

We have read about Duffy briefly in the past books. And now we get his story. Duffy is known to be carefree man with no responsible but things are starting to change. His personal and professional will change throughout the book.

Duffy reunited with one of his best friend, Lucy, who he has a major crush. But they never acted upon on it since Lucy was involve with a common friend. Things change when she returns back into town. He finally has the chance if he pulls his elf together. And he can and needs too. I love Duffy to be with Lucy.

Lucy is a sweetheart. She has worked so hard for herself that some people might not see that. She returns back into town sine her former husband pass away. She is moving on which is the right thing to do but not everyone is in agreement especially her former mother-in-law. That women is difficult person. I give Lucy a lot of praise of handling her. I know Lucy is doing the best she is and it is the best.

Lucy and Duffy may reunited their friendship again but it definitely turns something more. Their friendship turns into relationship pretty soon because they have fantastic chemistry with each other. Their relationship will come across some challenges along the way. It may be challenging for them but their love is worth.

Gimme Some Sugar will bring friends to lovers’ story that will brighten your day with their antics. Four stars.

The third book in the Southern Eclectic series sees Lucy move back home to Lake Sackett to start a bakery after her husband dies suddenly. Her childhood love interest, Duffy, is one that we've seen throughout all of the full-length books and novellas in this series so it's nice to see him get his time to shine. This book (as are all others in the series) are such perfect examples of what a southern contemporary romance should be. They make me feel nostalgic for things whether I have experienced them or not. I feel like in this book in particular kids play more of a part and I like that; they seem to be regulated to the background most of the time and it's always interesting to see how different authors portray them. Read these books!

3.5 Stars

This is my first time reading Molly Harper, which also means this is the first book of this series that I’ve read.

This was a pretty typical small-town romance with quick-spreading gossip, awful in-laws and exes and everybody knowing everyone. Overall I enjoyed the vibe of the story.

I really appreciated that Lucy was by no means a pushover and she didn’t take shit from Lana or Evie. I also liked that there wasn’t a lot of back and forth between Lucy and Duffy in regards to their feelings for each other. They were both pretty honest pretty quickly and didn’t waiver from those feelings.

I didn’t really feel like there was a lot of focus on the romance between them though. At times it felt more like we just had to accept their previous feelings and connection at face value, not that we saw it but that we were told about it. Perhaps that’s an issue that stems from me not reading the previous book on the story but I would’ve liked a little more time with Duffy and Lucy as they explored their feelings.

I’m not sure if I enjoyed the story enough to go back and read the other books in the series but I enjoyed it enough that I would for sure read something else from the author in the future.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review.

This is the first book I have read in this series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. I had such a fun time reading this book that I plan to go back and read the prior two novels in this series.

There were so many engaging and friendly characters in this book. There is Lucy and her son, Sam, Duffy and his eccentric grandma, Tootie, and Prince. They all held a place in my heart. Sam's child wonderment was infectious. Tootie kept things interesting and the romance between Lucy and Duffy was sweet but hot at the same time. Not to be missed is Prince. Any dog that can rock pink toenails with a name of Prince Sparkle Cupcake is a winner in my book.

You know you are in for a fun read when the book starts with Lucy holding an eighteen inch penis cake for a bachelorette party. If you are looking for a sweet treat to get your hands on than, pick up a copy of Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper.

Small town romances in general are not my favorite. I don’t necessarily avoid them but I don’t seek them out either. However, when I read the blurb for Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper, I was definitely intrigued. I’m glad I made the decision to read this book because it proved to be a fun and romantic story. I have not read any of the previous books in the series but honestly, that did not hinder my enjoyment in the least. Right now, I’m eager to dive into the first two books in the Southern Eclectic series.

Gimme Some Sugar begins with Lucy Bowman carrying a penis cake. Yep. A penis cake. She immediately runs into one of her good friends growing up, Duffy McCready and he is well, amused. Lucy is back in town after living in Texas with her husband. She is now a widow after the recent death of Wayne and she is ready to make a fresh start for herself and her four-year-old son, Sam. She is opening a bakery and even though there are some things in her hometown that still drive her a bit bonkers, she feels relief to be back in the community she loves.

Duffy is struck-dumb to see Lucy back in town. He has loved her for so long and unfortunately, has watched from afar as she married Wayne and he made his own marriage mistakes. He does not want to lose her friendship again now that she is back but he also can’t help yearning for something more FINALLY. It is not easy, especially when he offers to help get Lucy’s new store in tip top shape. Duffy is a talented woodworker and has the skills to make Gimme Some Sugar a premier bakery in town. And if he spends more time with Lucy, well he won’t complain about that.

Gimme Some Sugar just abounds with small town charm and character. I’m in the midst of a rewatch of Gilmore Girls and I have to admit, some of its characters and town quirks reminds me of Stars Hollow. It is not perfect though but I will say, in terms of fictional small towns, it definitely leans more towards the idealistic small town America feel. I really liked Lucy and how she is determined to get her life together and make something of it rather than just going along for the ride as she fell into while married to Wayne.

Lucy is trying to figure out how guilty she should feel that she doesn’t particularly miss her husband. She never wanted him dead (OBVIOUSLY!) but their marriage was facing several challenges, not the least of which was his cheating. Lucy wants something more for her and Sam. She isn’t one hundred percent sure what that means yet but I enjoyed watching her figure it out along the way.

Duffy is well… he is just sweet. Maybe a beta type hero of sorts. But he is likable and kind and charming. I really enjoyed watching how their friendship from the past deepened and grew as these two got to know each other as adults with layers and mistakes. I really liked the McCready family also. They are quite something! It took me a minute to get everyone straight in terms of the family tree but soon their distinctive personalities took over and well, you definitely won’t forget Grandma Tootie anytime soon.

I know some readers are sensitive to kids in stories. I found Sam to be a sweet presence in the story. Lucy is definitely a mom with the discipline and messes that comes with that but Sam does not dominate the story by any means. He shines where appropriate but of course, has a few not so great moments too. Sam feels like a kid to me. Not an overly precocious one either.

The one big fly in the ointment of this story is Lucy’s mother-in-law, Evie. She is quite the piece of work! I found myself annoyed and frustrated with all her scenes. She is just mean. I know she has her reasons (which we discover) but the way she tries to take over Lucy’s life, questioning all her parenting decisions, and just being overly intrusive, well, suffice it to say she is not a favorite character.

Gimme Some Sugar is charming. It sounds simple but really, it is true. This is a charming story from an author who writes with humor and effervescence. I am eager to go back and read the previous books!

GIMME SOME SUGAR is the third full-length instalment in Molly Harper’s contemporary, adult SOUTHERN ECLECTIC romance series focusing on the men and women of Lake Sackett, Georgia. This is tour boat operator Duffy ‘Duff’ McCready, and widow/baker Lucy Brewer’s story line. GIMME SOME SUGAR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person points of view (Lucy and Duff) GIMME SOME SUGAR follows the second chance romance between childhood best friends, tour boat operator Duffy ‘Duff’ McCready, and widow/baker Lucy Brewer. Years earlier Lucy Brewer fell in love with her best friend Duff McCready but life, and someone else got in the way. Fast forward to present day wherein Lucy, now a widowed, single mother has returned to Lake Sackett, Georgia to open her own bakery shop in spite of the obstacles, including her former in-laws, standing in her way. Duff McCready never stopped loving his childhood best friend but their individual marriages, and his eventual divorce sent our couple in different directions. Lucy Brewer’s return to Lake Sackett came with the possibility of second chances, a second chance that is all but destroyed by the overwhelming pressure Lucy places upon herself to be independent and never to rely on someone, again. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Lucy and Duff, and the potential fall-out as Lucy’s need to remain in control, and interference from her former in-laws, threatens our heroine’s peace of mind.

The relationship between Duff and Lucy is one of second chances; an unrequited love between two people whose lives went in opposite directions despite their life-long friendship, and lack of love for the significant others. Duff is desperate to rekindle his relationship with the woman he has always loved but convincing Lucy to take a chance is tempered by the drama that has become her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters are an eclectic mix of quirky, small town gossips, busybodies, family and friends. The requisite jealousy and rivalry comes from Duff’s ex-wife, as Lucy does battles with her former mother and sister in-law who is are desperate to prevent Lucy from succeeding.

GIMME SOME SUGAR is a story of family, friendship, second chances and love. The premise is fun and frenetic; the characters are energetic, sassy and eccentric; the romance is sweet, spicy and real. GIMME SOME SUGAR is an inviting and delightful look at small-town romance, family and friends.

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I finished Molly Harper’s latest installment in The Southern Eclectic series,
Gimme Some Sugar, yesterday and have been trying to figure out this review ever since. You see, I have loved, adored, been over-the-top about each of the novels in this series until this one. Was it a bad book? By no means. To me, it just felt like it was missing something.

Duffy has been one of my favorite characters from the beginning, although his questionable, albeit slightly understandable, interactions with his ex-wife, Lana, raised eyebrows. But Duffy is such a nice guy that I don’t think he could bear anyone feeling bad, even if that anyone is a selfish, despicable creature like Lana. So I was very happy to read Duffy’s book and had actually been looking forward to it.

Also, Lucy is a nice addition to the cast of characters, but I didn’t come away loving her the way I had Frankie, Margot, or Marianne. I felt sometimes she didn’t take responsibility for her own actions and her stands balanced out her wishy-washiness so that she seemed blander to me. But, again, after creating characters like Margot and Frankie, sometimes you have to have one that is blander because they all can’t be the same.

It’s occurred to me that I started reading Gimme Some Sugar right after a book (review coming up in a few days) that had me rolling on the floor laughing and that might have affected my reading. Some of the jokes here felt a little recycled from previous novels in the series in comparison.

But…………

Gimme Some Sugar is still one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s fun to visit these characters who I’ve grown to have so much affection for. Every book in this series is like a cure for a bad day.

Who will like Gimme Some Sugar? Molly Harper fans, readers of The Southern Eclectic series, readers who enjoy southern fiction with a sense of humor, readers who find the idea of an all-in-one baitshop and mortuary fun, readers who like all of their food deep-fried.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review was originally posted on <a href="http://booksofmyheart.net/2019/04/02/gimme-some-sugar-by-molly-harper/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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A couple of years ago I moved east and south, which is all new territory for me. It's given me a better appreciation of the southern flavor of the <em><strong><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/201946-southern-eclectic" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Southern Eclectic series. </a> </strong></em> <strong>Gimme Some Sugar</strong> is my favorite in this contemporary series.  There is a feisty new female to love - Lucy, a child and we get to learn more about Duffy.  There are also plenty of characters from previous books and the town.

Lucy has had some tough breaks but she's not taking it anymore. Instead of saying, "Bless her heart" she is telling it like it is to those crazies. But she has a child to protect when others only care about themselves.  Plus she is opening a bakery; who doesn't love treats?

Duffy is not exactly what I expected from the other books, but I was happy to know him better. He has some personal growth which is wonderful to see. Overall, the young adults are growing up and making good in their lives.

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Duffy proves that he’s there for the good, the bad, and the four year old child with the stomach bug. He knows that he loves how Lucy has grown as a person. When the conflict does erupt, it features the issues, worries and things we already know about and Duffy and Lucy already know about but with heightened emotions and stress. It feels natural rather than engineered. And after they both realize they’re sorry and messed up, apologies are truly offered and accepted and – glory be – therapy is discussed to help move forward beyond past events. When they decide that yes, they want a future, they don’t rush it and I feel totally okay with that.

I do hope there will be more books in this series because we just have to know how Duffy’s grandparents enjoy their cruise and if the slick Atlanta developers are going to buy that property and what gender Margot and Kyle’s child is and – Lord help us – what Frankie and Eric’s wedding will look like (zombie bride, maybe?). In the meantime, I had a great time with this one. A-

Gimme Some Sugar is a delightfully quirky addition to a delightfully quirky series. Duffy and Lucy get together in this fun second chance romance that is sinfully sweet. I truly love this series and really enjoyed this installment.

This is the third book in Harper’s Southern Eclectic series and you could easily read it as a standalone as each book focuses on a new couple living in the kooky town of Lake Sackett, Georgia. I will say that this is one of my favorite series when I need a good laugh, I absolutely adore the authors brand of humor and find myself cackling with laughter several times while I read one of these books, so if you have the time and inclination to start at the first book, I highly recommended them for pure fun and entertainment.

This time the focus is on Duffy and Lucy so you get to revisit the wacky members of the McCready family that I’ve personally grown to love. There’s people are bat shit crazy in the best way possible, I swear some of the stuff they do and say makes me hysterical. As usual, the developing relationship between Lucy and Duffy felt realistic and sweet but also steamy and sexy at times. Lucy also has an adorable son who stole the show, I mean romance, humor AND a cute kid?! I couldn’t possibly ask for more, but there’s also cake because Lucy is opening a bakery 😍 Cake is always an added bonus in my book.

I’ll continue to follow this series as long as Harper keeps on writing it, in fact I love it so much I’m even planning on going back to read the novellas that were released between books and I never ever do that but I just can’t get enough of this southern charm and spunk this series provides!

Gimme Some Sugar in three words: Saucy, Sexy and Spirited.

Gimme Some Sugar might have one of the best opening lines ever!

“Nice Southern girls did not make money baking penis cakes.”

Move aside other classic openers, this one is perfect!

Gimme Some Sugar, Book 3 in the Southern Eclectic series by Molly Harper, was a sweet story of love and family and community. Harper brought the small town south alive, with all its quirks and dramas. There were the villains and the kind neighbors and the childhood loves. I loved this book and was swept away! I cheered for Lucy as she put her life back together and reacquainted herself with her childhood love. This book had the perfect mix of romance and family. I recommend reading this one with a glass of ice cold sweet tea and a red velvet cupcake!

Thanks to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Molly Harper for the opportunity to read this "sweet" book. I have not read any of the author's Southern Eclectic books but this was a good read by itself.

Lucy moved back to her hometown with her young son, Sam, after the death of her high-school sweetheart and husband, Wayne. Lucy feels like others are judging her because she's not acting as devastated as they think she should be, especially Wayne's mom. But life with Wayne wasn't what she thought it would be and Lucy is finally feeling like she can breathe. She decides to open a bakery in town and soon catches up with her long-time best friend, Duffy. Duffy has been in love with her forever, even through an ill=advised marriage that ended in divorce.
Is it the right time for love?

I enjoyed these characters in this easy read book - which made me hungry reading about all the amazing bakery products Lucy created!

Gimme Some Sugar is good read. Molly Harper is new to me author so I hadn't realized to after I read Gimme Some Sugar that is was part of the Southern Eclectic series but it can be read as a standalone. I honestly don't know what made me pick this one up to read it but I'm glad I did. My first impression before I started reading this was that it was going to be a small town story with stuffy characters and boy was I not expecting how much of a fun read it would be. The characters may live in a small town but they are definitely not stuffy. Lucy a fun character. I loved the fact that when we first met her in the book, she's making a nontraditional cake. She had me laughing from the start. Lucy has a lot of heavy stuff going on in her life. She's back in the town she grew up in after the death of husband, trying to open a bakery, and has a pesty mother in-law to deal with. Her paths cross with Duffy. Duffy was her best friend. He has a lot going on in his life too. He has a crazy ex wife that definitely try to cause issues wherever she is. I like Duffy and Lucy together. They slowly transitioned from friends to more. It's a sweet story.

DNF. I have loved other books that Molly Harper has written but Gimme Some Sugar is an insubstantial read. Worse, it perpetrates southern stereotypes to tell a so-called story. It did not work for me at all and I could not finish it.

While I understand and certainly know Southern Culture and its many charms, I feel it should at least be accurately represented.

It would also help if the humorous scenes/jokes told in Gimme Some Sugar were actually funny.