I enjoy discovering debut authors, especially ones who blow my socks off right out of the gate as Dylan Newton has done with How Sweet It Is. After turning the final page of this delightful rom-com, I immediately emailed the following message to the publisher:

“Picture me bowing at your feet in gratitude for putting HOW SWEET IT IS on my radar. I thought I’d read a few pages yesterday (even though I have so many books waiting in the queue) to get a feel for the author’s voice. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This book was all the sunshine I needed yesterday."

There are so many specific details I'd love to share with you that made this book one of my favorite rom-coms this year but I'm going to be purposely vague because you all deserve to discover the humor, chemistry, sweetness, vulnerability, depth of emotion, (did I mention humor?), and romance for yourselves as you become immersed in the non-stop fun and feel-good pleasure of this book. It all begins with a first encounter that skips right over "meet cute," heads straight for "meet hilarious" and sets the tone for the entire book. There are fan fanatics, nosy neighbors, brothers I want more of, devious former lovers, and a couple that seems all wrong on paper that just might be perfectly right in real life. There are also drool-worthy cupcakes, a questionable "attack" dog, and an airborne romantic gesture that I sincerely hope the author based on a real-life experience because, wow, my heart absolutely melted. I adored both Kate and Drake and pulled so hard for their happy ending through all of the ups, downs, and misadventures of their journey.

I enthusiastically encourage everyone wanting to bring a bright ray of sunshine (and a touch of autumn) into your life to pick up a copy of Dylan Newton's How Sweet It Is. It's my laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy, feel-good romantic comedy of the summer. If you love it as much as I did, you'll be happy to know Newton will be writing a book for each of Drake's brothers too. I can't wait.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

Opposites attract with this super cute novel about an event planner and a horror novel writer. Queen of Happily Ever Afters, aka Kate Sweet, is after the biggest award of event planning of the year. But, her next event? Creating a book launch for the Knight of Nightmares, aka Drake Matthews, who hates romance and everything about it. But despite all the bickering and arguments, sparks are flying, and pretty soon Kate is the inspiration to Drake's novel: which plot twist, instead of horror, is a ROMANCE NOVEL that he has been trying to write for a while. Meanwhile, spending time with Drake makes Kate realize that there is more to life than just her career. She learns that after years of helping others have their happily-ever-afters, it is time for her to find her own :) SUPER CUTE READ, I love that it takes place in autumn around halloween time (one of my most favourite times of the year) LOVED IT!

How SWEET it is to find a book that encapsulates some of my favorite things: Halloween, romance, small town vibes, and a hot author 😎

But actually, this gem of a story was exactly what the title says- sweet and swoon worthy. Kate Sweet is an event planner and the Queen of happily ever afters. When a wedding she’s been planning falls through, time opens up in her crazy schedule.. That is until her best friend contacts her for help planning an upcoming book launch for the “Knight of Nightmares”, Drake Matthews.

Kate sets out to plan a spook-tacular book launch for Drake and keep things strictly business, but it turns out that might be harder than she originally planned.

This book gave me all the warm and cozy vibes! It is definitely a slow burn, but I ended up really appreciating how the relationships built overtime. This one is best paired with a bowl of your favorite Halloween candy and is out TODAY! You don’t want to miss it!

You know when you pick up a book and haven’t read much about it and it blows your mind a bit? That’s this one for me. I requested the eARC on a whim and when I got it didn’t think much of it to be honest. But then I started reading it. And then I finished it within a couple of hours and then reread parts of the book a couple more times. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I laughed, I had to set the book down a couple of times because of too much giddiness, and I was so sad that it was over! Seriously, this book utterly shocked me of how much I loved it. I also have a new book boyfriend in Drake.

Loved:

If I’m being completely honest, I feel like this is best done via bullet points because there are so many great things that I am head over heels for in this book.

-Kate was amazing. TBH I feel like Kate and I are the same person. But she’s kickass with her lists and making people’s events! Such a great lead. She never felt ridiculous or boxed into any certain typecast. She was fully formed with her own strengths and weaknesses that matched so well to Drake’s. Kate will definitely be a favorite female lead of mine!

-Drake is my new book boyfriend, no I’m not sharing. He is so freaking sweet and adorable. He’s so unsure of everything and has this big public identity and is nothing like it. You’ll have to read this book and then also fall in love with him.

-I LOVE a book with some good communication between leads and it was there. Thank you! So good and refreshing. They talked through their issues and honestly the big issue at the end was dealt with in adult ways and we all learned! Woo! that made it so great.

-Book inside books are my favorite! I’m a sucker for writers in books with the story being told along the main one. It adds some depth and really shows the writer’s writing skills if they can make me sad that I didn’t get to read their character’s book. FYI I was sad.

-Niagara Falls scenes were perfect. I mean come on, the build up, the steam! Absolutely great!

-Drake’s whole family is so wholesome and I cannot wait for his brother’s stories (I will be preordering all of them and I feel like you should too). His mom is so sweet.

-I really enjoyed the plot as well. Clearly laid out and enough hijinks and twists along the way. The crypt! The festival!

-Also, that ending. Perfect.

Meh:

I have like 2 complaints. One is that I wish the conflict between Kate and her parents had more resolve than what there was. This conflict they had seemed like a much larger part of the story for it to be pushed to a few sentences without any major solving of either party’s side. My other “complaint” that is not a complaint is that I wish there had been a little more steam. For the build up of their relationship, it just didn’t feel like quite enough, you know?

Long Story Short

Do I recommend this book? HELL YES! It’s the perfect book to pick up when you’re annoyed with the world or have just finished a darker novel. Honestly this book pairs perfectly with fall. I know I’m going to want to read it again when the leaves turn brown and I can get some kind of pumpkin baked good and a fall drink. How Sweet It Is is adorable and I’ll probably be recommending it to everyone who wants a great romance book with just enough hijinks to make it unputdownable. So please, let this be your moment to pick up this book.

First I would like to thank the author and publisher for giving me an arc of this wonderful story in exchange for my honest review.

This was the most adorable read ever. The author created a picturesque love story between the Queen of Happily Evers After and the Knight of Nightmares. Our two protagonists Kate Sweet and Drake Matthews have an explosive first meet that goes from crazy to crazier and that hooked me in. The interactions between them and the switching perspectives provided the perfect romance. I loved how organic the relationship felt and how they kept ending up in cute but chaotic situations. I will definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun romance because Kate and Drake’s love story was definitely sweet.

DNF

This book had so much potential to be an amazing, hilarious romance but ultimately it was a let down.

I really enjoyed the first 35% of it, I really felt the character’s passion for their respective jobs as well as their budding crushes. But those crushes didn’t go anywhere for so long that I lost the spark between them. I didn’t feel any chemistry anymore and for that I had to make the decision to not continue on.

If you think you’ll enjoy this, I implore you to check it out for yourself! This just wasn’t the book for me.

I absolutely loved How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton. I grabbed this book based on the adorable cover alone and was so pleased to enjoy the writing just as much! If you like modern romantic comedies, I think you'll enjoy this book. While meeting all of my rom-com expectations, I felt like Dylan had a new take on things and I appreciated how the book unfolded. I often enjoy audiobooks more than text because it helps me better visualize but I read this on my kindle and could picture the entire thing - great writing tends to weave a pretty picture. I will definitely be back for more from Dylan Newton.

OMG! this is such a charming and cute story! Drake is a horror author, and Kate is an event owner/planner whose family wants her to join the family of doctors. The two met when Kate’s best friend hired her for Drake’s book launch event. I was LOL when they met, especially when she jumped on him like a koala, lol. This story is definitely on the opposite attract trope, isn't that one of the best attractions ever? Both Drake and Kate are lovable, exciting, and delightful characters. The love story is fantastic with very steamy parts. I am so hooked!

Thoughts

The Queen of Happily Ever After collides with The Knight of Nightmares in this fun romcom! Kate and Drake could not be more opposite! She makes wedding dreams a reality and his writing is the stuff of nightmares. When Drake's publicist and Kate's best friend, Imani, asks Kate to help with Drake's new book launch she has no idea what she's getting into.

I loved this book! It had everything I love in a romance! It comes off as an opposites attract book, but Kate and Drake quickly find out that they are not that opposite. You always know how these stories are going to end, but it's not about the destination it's about the journey.

I had so many laugh out loud moments while reading, and I'll admit that I got a little impatient waiting for them to finally give into their feelings. I flew through this one in less than 12 hours. It was so good, and I highly recommend it.

Book Rating: 5/5

I very much enjoy reading debut novels, watching authors find their feet can be really exciting, and seeing them discover their own individual tone and writing style is always a treat. This book is no exception.

First of all, I very much enjoyed the cover. I felt it set the book up well And suited the tone of the story.

Kate and Drake both felt like very real characters that you might meet in the world, which really drew me in and made me invested in their story. I enjoyed Kate's loud and outgoing personality and I found that she was a good complement to Drake's awkward and sweet nature. I think my favorite thing about this book was how truly descriptive and rich it was. I often find myself disliking books that are heavily expositional, but I didn't find that to be the case here. It was just the right balance of show and tell for me. I enjoyed the light tone. And I found myself enjoying this suspension of disbelief that comes with any romantic comedy.

Another thing that often comes up in my reviews is whether or not the side characters felt fully realized, as this can often be a gripe of mine. I specifically enjoyed Drakes brothers, and I feel as though the author may have been setting up them to have their own companion novels, which I think would be really great, and I would very much enjoy reading. I liked the creativity in the characters professions because I felt that they played well off one another and really made for an interesting dynamic, nothing felt cheesy or forced.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for the ARC!

Thank you for letting me read this advanced copy! I really enjoyed the plot for this book and think it was such a cute rom-com. The characters were well developed and their slow burn romance was perfect. I also love the fall setting as it really helped with the premise of the book. Loved it!

My event planner former self loved this book!

The story follows Kate Sweet, an event planner (they're events, not parties!) who has been tasked by BFF Imani to plan an event for thriller writer Drake Matthews. After a not so cute meet cute that involves barking dogs and cut sleeves, Kate knows that it'll be hard to get an event worthy of an award. But, Kate and Drake strike a deal to help each other and fall in love along the way and there's waterfalls and cupcakes and gravesites.

This book was a really cute story! I think it was a fun "opposites attract" read where I resonated with Kate's Type A/headstrong personality that comes with being an event planner. Its very slow burn but is also very emotional. I loved the writing in this and the characters, and am excited to see what comes next!

I easily just marked Dylan Newton’s debut rom-com as a five star read!! This story was entertaining from start to finish. I lost count of the number of times it made me laugh out loud and I’m fairly certain Drake and Kate will remain in my favorite leads list for quite some time.

This story kicks off with one of the best, completely embarrassing and silliest meet cutes ever. It was hysterical to watch unfold and it didn’t stop there. Every time Kate and Drake met up they seemed to find themselves in really awkward situations that were equally unique and fun to read about. We go from a harmful shoe wound, to being locked in a mausoleum, to indecent exposure while sporting a Tin Man costume …. that your mother picked out for you. Those moments were non-stop laughs that made you wish for a movie adaptation because they were just so ridiculously fun.

I loved the leads. Kate’s personality was absolutely charming and nerdy, grumpy Drake gave me some serious Mr. Darcy vibes as times. Both had amazing chemistry together and it was wonderful watching them develop feelings, yet struggle to keep their relationship professional. It was a slow burn romance with the perfect amount of steam right at the end. Their own personal struggles brought some seriousness to the storyline. They dealt with family members not supporting your career choice, the negative effects of fame on relationships and trust issues. I also loved that Drake is a well known author who faces writer’s block and longs to branch out of his known genre.

Newton is a must watch author and I hope this quickly becomes a series. Those Matthews brothers are a sexy riot and definitely need their own stories!!!

Thank you NetGalley, author Dylan Newton, and Forever publishing for giving me a free arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
TW: mentions of suicide and domestic violence/physical abuse, military related injury resulting in amputation, blood/stitches
What do a party planner and a famous horror writer have in common? Read this delightful romantic comedy to find out!
While this book was a romantic comedy, it also balances the comedy with some emotional issues as well.
Kate is a career driven party planner. She has a desire to win the much coveted event award that will allow her to achieve greater success. Drake is a famous horror writer, known as the "Knight of Nightmares," suffering from writer's block. Both are so focused on their careers that when fate steps in, they will meet the person who will help them achieve the success that are looking for.
I loved their meet cute! It was so over-the-top that it had me laughing out loud and definitely make me look twice at Stilettos! From their first meeting, I was rooting for Kate and Drake to get a HEA! Both were so well developed and showed amazing growth as both a couple and individuals. The secondary characters also were interesting and added to the story rather than just in the story as fillers. The writing and the pacing kept the story moving well that it held my interest until the very end. The author did a wonderful job balancing the romance, comedy, and the emotional events that took place throughout the story. This book definitely had my emotions all over the place, ranging from laughing one moment to wanting to offer a hug to the characters in the next. The only minor issue I had with this story was the insta-love troupe within this story. I am not the biggest fan of insta-love, but that is no way a reflection of the author's writing or development of the relationship between Drake and Kate. The ending was so sweet and well satisfactory! This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. I would recommend this book for those who are looking for a fun, romantic comedy with an unusual couple. I look forward to reading future new releases by this author!

Just as the title predicts, this book is sweet. I loved the two main characters, their meet-cute was just perfect. Everything happening here, I could picture happening like a movie in my head. Detailed descriptions, chaotic energy, relatable characters, and finishing up with that lovely Aww moment.

Pretty low on the drama in general, and more focused on those sweet, and sometimes weird moments between Kate and Drake. I mean, visiting a mausoleum is a unique way to try and charm someone, I guess.

I definitely recommend you read this. It made me smile from start to finish.

I genuinely enjoyed this cute romance. I'm not sure if there was anything that blew me away about it, but it was quite enjoyable and I loved that the male MC was a horror writer. There were some very unique and creative tid bits and insights into the writing process sprinkled throughout the story that it gave the book such an authentic feel. I will absolutely continue reading the rest of this series. I think the author does a fantastic job with writing the atmosphere and the ambiance of the setting. I loved the descriptions of the victorian house Drake lives in. It sounds to die for and I want to live in it! I wish the book's pacing had been better. It felt so rushed at the end and the beginning was so slow. I had wanted the romance to have been more developed throughout the story instead of beginning in the back half of the book. I think because of this the chemistry between the two characters fell flat for me. I did enjoy reading this book and it will be the perfect read for Fall. It made me wish Summer was over already and I"m being immersed in the Fall foliage, Halloween, crisp weather, and all things pumpkin spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

This story certainly was sweet, but also a little spicy, and it included plenty of humor, too. There are so many moments that I would love to see on screen (hint hint, Hallmark 😘). I loved the plotline about "aww" moments and Drake's relationship with his family, especially. Overall, I felt like the story was missing a bit of depth, but I still recommend it for romance readers!

For a debut? Very solid. This light, cute romance was not a perfect fit for me, but I can definitely see the potential in the writing and look forward to future books from the author. It's low angst and sweet, a slow burn romance with just a touch of steam. Pairing a horror novelist with an organized event planner makes the right combination for a playful, laidback opposites attract romance. I liked both characters, I liked them together, and once I got used to the slower pacing, this romance was pretty enjoyable.

The story follows Kate, an event planner who specializes in weddings and sweeter parties. She loves her career and will defend it to anyone who calls her "just" a party planner. So when an event cancels at the last minute and she finds herself available to plan a book launch on short notice, Kate doesn't know what's in store for her. Turns out, the book launch is for horror novelist, Drake, and the style couldn't be further from what Kate is used to. And once she meets the mysterious writer, he's nothing like Kate expected either. As these two opposites work on the event, they discover that they've got more in common than either one anticipated, and their feelings grow along the way.

There was never a time when I even considered a 5-star rating for this, but I did enjoy it overall. The story is light, a little bit funny, and super easygoing. I liked the rom com vibe and I loved the focus on the romance. It's definitely slower paced than I'm used to and there were things that I didn't love, but it was solid overall. I wouldn't hesitate to check out the author's next book, and it was a decent way to spend the day. Did I love it? No. This sits somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, but I think there are a lot of readers out there who will love it. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sweet romance.

Event planner Kate is hired to create a unique book launch for horror author Drake, known as the Knight of Nightmares. Buying into the hype about him, she suggests an extravaganza that scares off the reclusive writer. Realizing her mistake, she changes course and wins him over. But when business turns personal, things get complicated.

This is a light-hearted, well-written rom com with heart, heat, and characters I adored. If you like physical humor in your romance, chances are, you'll love this book.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is an adorable romantic comedy book that literally had me laughing out loud a few times! Kate is a very relatable character and you find yourself cheering for her throughout the book. I wasn’t sure about Drake and how their stories would become entangled, but I enjoyed how it all played out! This was a new author for me and a book I hadn’t heard much about, but I’m glad I took the time to read it! I was very entertained!