Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC. I must say what a fantastic book! I absolutely loved the dynamics between Kate and Drake. The author did such a fantastic job painting the picture for this story that I felt I was right there.

Kate and Drake’s chemistry was undeniable. The feelings they had for each other were truly genuine. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun and light read that will keep you invested and rooting for these characters!

@readforeverpub I am forever in your debt for sending me How Sweet It is by Dylan Newton for review. I literally dropped everything, harnessed Cuddles and we read under a tree the day it arrived. Sorry, not sorry, to all the other books that have sat around for years waiting for that opportunity.

How Sweet It Is is about a event planner named Kate who mostly plans weddings. Her whole family are surgeons and she is desperate to prove that her career choice is just as valid. She is hired by her best friend book publicist to plan a last minute book launch for the biggest horror writer, Drake Matthews. She’s never read his books but this might just be the event that proves she can do more than weddings. Major hijinks, disasters, chemistry filled moments and romance continue from there. Such a fun and light read though minor content warnings for mentions of past military service including injuries and mentions of past abuse and suicide within family. Neither are described in much detail and just serve as background for character.

I love a fun romance in the summer, especially when it’s too hot for anything heavy or complicated.

3.5 stars rounded up!

How Sweet It Is is a perfect example of just how little it takes to persuade me to read a book! All I needed to see was the reference to Beach Read and I was jumping over to Netgalley and requesting this rom-com days after it was published—even though I was in the middle of my no-ARCs summer reading. And while I had fun with this one, comparing it to Beach Read is quite the stretch.

Since I read this one so quickly, I’ll just be listing my pros and cons instead of a longer review. I’ve got to get back to those backlist reads!

Let’s start with what I liked about this debut romance:

First off, it’s set around Halloween, and I’m a fan of seasonal reads. (If only I could have read it in the fall…) If you’re a reader who enjoys seasonally-set books, pencil this one in for October!

It’s always refreshing to come across something different in the romance genre, and I enjoyed watching the male lead realize his feelings before the female. They had great chemistry and while it was super sweet (hence the title), it didn’t venture into sugar overload for me.

The only facet of the book that can really be called similar to Beach Read is the horror-novelist-writing-a-romance angle, and once again, I was a fan. It was fun watching Drake step out of his comfort zone and use his burgeoning feelings for Kate as romantic inspiration for his next book.

Now, what I didn’t like:

I was a bit taken out of the story when things suddenly became ultra-steamy. I have no problem with detailed sex scenes (although I do tend to prefer when authors leave a little to the imagination), but it didn’t seem to fit the narrative. One minute I’m reading a sweet rom-com and the next I’m making sure no one is reading over my shoulder.

One of the most glaring problems I’m now noticing in new romance releases is the lack of diversity. While I don’t want authors to add diverse characters just for diversity’s sake, it’s important to include characters that reflect reality.

Lastly—without spoiling anything—the story includes a scene where Drake has a meaningful encounter with a fan of his horror novels. It felt terribly lacking in the delivery, though. After I read it, I couldn’t help thinking that it actually came across as demeaning for the fan, and it left me feeling uncomfortable. It could just be me, though? I would be interested in hearing if other readers had a similar reaction.

So while it wasn’t perfect, I did have fun escaping with this one. It was very well-written and had me dreaming of cooler weather and pumpkin-spiced everything. I look forward to more from the author!

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

It is not often you find one of the best books you ever read, but it makes it so much sweeter when you do! This is definitely one of the best romances I have ever read! I did not think I would find a book to rival The Kiss Quotient, but I was so wrong! Right from the beginning I really liked it, but I quickly really fell in love with it! I thought a lot on why I really fell head over heels for this book, and for me I think it come down to the chemistry between the characters. Like it was funny, amusing, and entertaining to read but it is the chemistry that really sold me.

I quickly really liked both of the main characters. The overly planning event planner I really liked and could relate to. The male character was an author(!), the author of this book really knows how to sell a male character to you. Successful male author with his own problems to deal with. And then this to die for chemistry! I really did not want to put this book down, I really cursed myself for not starting the book where I could just read it in one sitting. I may have stayed up way too long trying to finish the book.

I recommended this book to every romance reader out there and I am so looking forward to more from this author. I will officially for ever read anything by this author and need to get a hold of a physical copy ASAP!

This was such a fun and easy read! A few things I enjoyed the funny moments between Kate and Drake, the chemistry between the two, and the scenic small town where this book took place. A few things I didn't like was how Kate always seemed to be messing up, or unprofessional... It usually doesn't bother me when a woman has setbacks, but this book it always seemed to have her messing up somehow. Also, this might be silly but I wish this book was published in fall closer to the Halloween when this book was set!

This entertaining, romantic read made me laugh out loud several times and definitely tugged on the heartstrings enough to really get me invested in what happened to the characters despite knowing full well that there was going to be a happily ever after.
It's nothing particularly deep or life-altering, but I walked away entertained and with high spirits. It's a quick shot of serotonin with characters that you can relate to and insane situations that could only happen within the happy circumstances of a rom-com.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the great read!

autumnal escape from the summer heat and a true romcom that had me smiling my way from meet cute to HEA in a single afternoon. Like a platter of petit fours, there’s nothing too heavy, just bite sized morsels of sweet and savory delight as the story serves up slapstick silliness, chemistry laced banter, and sentimental small town moments that evoke an idyll of simplicity and connection.

The heroine, Kate Sweet, is an event planner with something to prove. Raised by a family of surgeons who dismiss her career and see medicine as the only worthwhile life path, Kate is desperate for the validation her industry’s most prestigious award would provide. The spectacular weddings that have earned her the moniker “The Queen of Happily Ever Afters” lack the gravitas to secure her the prize, but her best friend’s need for an event planner to step in and take over the book launch of a best selling horror writer could be the break she’s been hoping for.

Author Drake Matthews, the so-called Knight of Nightmares, is not only a world famous writer, but his next release has been optioned by the very producer who’s the most influential judge on the award panel. Unfortunately, Kate’s misconceptions about Drake, animosity between Drake and the producer, and an inconvenient attraction to her client leave Kate off her usual spreadsheet perfect game, toppling her well ordered plans into chaos.

Happily, a little chaos is just what these two need to grow beyond their self-limiting beliefs. Through a series of farcical encounters beginning with a meet disaster that includes both an “attack” shih tzu and accidental maiming by stiletto, an unlikely intimacy develops between them. Beneath her designer clad surface, Kate reveals grit, heart, and a selfless desire to do right by others, while Drake demonstrates that he’s not at all the cold, forbidding persona put forward in the press. Behind the batwing gates of his own Addams family-esque mansion, lives a kind, altruistic romantic for whom the weight of celebrity and confines of genre are beginning to grate.

Though he feels internal pressure to keep writing the horror novels that pay the bills and enable his support of his family and the multiple charities with which they share a personal connection, what he really wants to write is romance. Inspired by his grandparents WWII era love story, he’s been trying in vain to draft their novel, but the feelings he’s developing for Kate prove to be the key to unlocking his words. Although he’s not immediately forthcoming with Kate about her role as his muse, the deception is relatively brief, and thanks to the dual POV, his good intentions are readily apparent as he quickly falls for Kate’s blend of warmth, dedication and tenacity.

Drake and Kate’s burgeoning romance is ushered along by a cast of engaging secondary characters that includes his interfering but insightful mother and his two Marine veteran brothers. Ryker and Zander are equally adept at brotherly ribbing and touching, emotionally intelligent gestures of sibling affection, and the dynamic amongst the three siblings is one of the novel’s strengths.

I was less taken with his grandmother, whose primary contribution is gushing over Kate’s red hair and green eyes in a way I found uncomfortable despite its attribution to Nana’s enthusiasm for their shared Irish heritage. The antagonists also felt a little superficial and the resolution of the external conflict requires a significant suspension of disbelief, but I was eager enough for their comeuppance not to quibble. I was also happy to spend limited page time with Kate’s overbearing and pretentious parents, though I wouldn’t mind seeing more of her plucky, med student sister Kiersten in future books.

Another character I look forward to seeing more of is Kate’s best friend, Imani, whose clear connection to Drake’s brother Ryker I’m happy to hear is the subject of the next book. Based on the backstories we get for them here, their book seems likely to plumb greater depths and to bring the HEA beyond the white, able-bodied confines of a typical Hallmark holiday romance.

Though this story definitely shares some Hallmark romance DNA, I found its higher heat level a welcome surprise. The first ⅔ of the book is tender touches, longing gazes and a few passionate kisses, but the slow burn builds to a pretty steamy open door PiV scene in the final 1/3.

On days when you crave the simplicity of woes that can be resolved in a friendly conversation over chai lattes and pumpkin spice cupcakes, this book is a great fit. Part of its charm is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and if you’re prepared to meet it there, this seasonal romp is a lot of fun.

Things I loved about this adorable book:
1) Drake Matthews' job as an author was SO interesting and fun
2) Their meet cute (SO CUTE)
3) A great setting in a Victorian mansion (mostly)
4) Some hilariously funny predicaments and scenarios our characters found themselves in
5) A broody man male lead who had some grovelling to do at some point
6) Pretty much everything ;)

This is a great contemporary romance involving a horror author and an event planner hired last-minute to put on an amazing book release event for him on Halloween. There are some great fall moments (but I'm still trying to enjoy my summer, here!) and I was beyond delighted to learn that there will be forthcoming books for the other two Matthews brothers! Yay!!!

I was provided a free copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a fun, if not fantastic read. My wife and I read a lot of breezy books like this in our "couples book club" and while it was uplifting, it was terribly predictable. Hopefully Newton's next effort will be just a tad bit more original.

Amazing. Such a cute little rom com and definitely gave me The Hating Game vibes. The cover is adorable, and I really enjoyed how well developed all the main characters were. Wasn't too heavy either which is always nice for a summer read. Will recommend!

From working in weddings and events myself, I just could not WAIT to read this book from Forever publishing and was so thrilled when @talielovesbooks picked it for our loveARCtually July BONUS BOOK. What's not to love about reading an incredible debut with a story that mixes my love of events AND books?!

Kate Sweet and her attention to detail makes her a character after my own heart, and when she takes on an author event to help her best friend, impress her family and industry professionals to work with horror author, Drake Matthews I was clearly invested in the story. Newton's debut effortlessly has you falling for these two in a charming small town way with a bit of a twist -- not often you get a romance written around Halloween theming, and I now need more of it in my life, this was just perfect.

As Drake writes his book, and Kate creates the perfect event, how could they not find their own happily ever after?

I am so excited to get to chat with Dylan for our end of book club chat, because this book was just adorable, the perfect feel good read for romance readers!

3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐💫
How Sweet It Is had the right combination of sweetness, romance, and humour, making for a perfectly charming romcom.
The story had a great start, and flowed at a good pace, but some spots along the line it it did drag a bit. However, pacing aside, I enjoyed Kate and Drake and their growing relationship. Their flirtatious banter was cute and the development of their feelings was believable. I felt the chemistry between them. I was in need of a romance with minimal angst and conflict, and this gave me exactly what I was looking for. The characters faced very few bumps and blips along their journey.
All in all, this was a fun, entertaining read for me.

______
*Complimentary copy for review provided by Forever Romance. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

I absolutely avoided getting actual work done to read this entire book, and I have no regret about it. It's a captivating rom-com that follows Kate, who loves spreadsheets and orders, and Drake, who tends to let chaos reign. As a Halloween fanatic and event planning lover, Kate planning Drake's launch was so interesting to read about. This opposites-attract romance, while low in heat, is an amazing and enchanting story from start to finish. I definitely recommend this one, it may be my favorite romance of the summer!

Looking for a light, summer romance featuring an event planner and horror author falling in love? Then look no further because How Sweet It Is provides all of that plus more. As the title suggests, this book is super sweet, but also super sexy and features a bit of an insta-love trope (but not completely). You've got small town vibes, hot brothers, and content in the publishing industry - which I personally enjoy reading about, it feels very meta.

Kate and Drake's connection and attraction leap off the page as they get to know each other. They have an insanely awkward but hilarious meet cute and their relationship just snowballs from there. They are supportive of each other and go out of their way to help each other, as it they just can't help it. Also, at one point they willingly get locked in a mausoleum for an hour and I can't say I've ever read a romance that included that!

I honestly have no critiques about this book, it flowed wonderfully and I absolutely loved the characters. I hope the author gets to write romances for the other two brothers and I would happily read them. Even though one of the characters is a horror author, this definitely hits more on the light side and would be a great beach read for this summer.

**Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review**

I really enjoyed How Sweet it is! I absolutely loved how chaotic Kate and Drake's first meeting was. I knew from then it would be an enjoyable book to read and I was right. I understood Kate's need to keep people happy. And I also liked Drake's writing style. The 2 POVs weren't as clear as I wanted them to be, but the romance between the main characters was light and fun. Definitely not the spiciest of books, but this is a fun summer or better yet, Halloween read.

I enjoyed this book, but Act 3 really fell through for me. That being said, I did enjoy this book for the unique premise and would recommend this book.

A sweet romcom with a dash of horror. Event planner Kate and horror author Drake’s meet cute was more scary than cute. Scary embarrassing that is and super hilarious! Kate has been hired by Drake‘s Publisher to plan his upcoming book launch and he is wanting nothing to do with it. Kate is determined though she’s got a lot to prove to herself, to her family, and to the event industry. What a fun book! Stilettos, mausoleums, bats, helicopters, waterfalls, and so much more! Kate is a character you’ll want to be friends with and Drake is such a great guy. The Romance developed at a good pace and felt real. Loved the fall vibes even though it is the middle of the summer. I’m thinking this might be the beginning of a series because Drake has to pretty amazing brothers, keeping fingers crossed.

This book in emojis 👠 📚 🪦 🦇 💧 🎃 💀

*** Big thank you to Forever for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Event planner Kate is famous for planning happily ever after's so when she gets roped into helping her best friend plan a horror author's book launch, she knows she's in for a challenge. But planning is her strength so she's determined to do her best. It helps that Drake, the author, is not only a really decent guy but is also not bad on the eye.

Drake, on the other hand, has found his writing going in a new direction since he's met Kate. And with the two growing close, can they manage to keep their working relationship at purely a professional level?

How Sweet does this book sound? With some laugh out loud moments (especially with Kate caught in embarrassing situations!) and really fun characters, this one is a must read for all rom com fan's. I especially loved Drake's family in the book and would love to see stories written for his brothers! I have to admit, I was a bit annoyed at the way Kate handled Drake's manuscript towards the end especially considering she was a "planner" - anyone else who's read this book feel the same way?

What do you get when a wedding planner plans the launch party for a horror novelist? A fun story worth sinking your teeth into! 🧛 But seriously, I enjoyed How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton. While there are no vampires, there is a cute couple with great chemistry and a terrifyingly adorable shih tzu. I loved the way writing and imagination factored into Drake Matthews’ character and how much event planning was a part of Kate Sweet. While there was one steamy scene that I skipped and a few innuendos, I thought this was a great, light-hearted summer read full of both “aw” and “ahh” moments that had me smiling and laughing as I read.

*Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved everything about this debut starting with the hilarious meet cute to the “awww” moments. This book had me smiling from ear to ear and giggling with happiness. I flew through it thanks to some excellent pacing. I loved it so much I immediately preordered a copy while reading an eARC courtesy of @readforeverpub. Thanks @readforeverpub!

When you mix together an even planner who is the queen of romance with a horror writer known as the Knight of Nightmares things are sure to go awry in the funniest and sweetest ways possible. Kate and Drake couldn’t be more opposite in some respects and are forced to work together while Kate plans his book launch event. There were so many scenes that had me laughing out loud from the absurdity and silliness. This is a rom com that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is here to entertain.

This would be a perfect read around Halloween cozied up by a fire with a warm drink.

I cannot wait to see what this author writes next. This is definitely a book I want to shove in everyone’s hands.