5/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

This surpassed any and all expectations that I had for it I was hooked from the very beginning. The writing was great and kept my attention the entire time. I swooned out loud because I just couldn't help it. The romance was fun and adorable. I literally can't stand it. I loved the event planner and writer storyline. I think it really made the plot for me. I read this book all in one sitting, I didn't want to put it down. It reminded me of a hallmark book, but it was better and had a lot more steam! I will be looking for more books by Dylan Newton in the future! I highly recommend this.

First of all, Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the ARC of How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton in exchange for an honest review.

How Sweet It Is is an adorable friend to lovers romance with a chaotic meet-cute and an extra-long slow burn. A mysterious writer and a positive event planner run into each other and unexpectedly have a workplace romance.

The story was super cute, and Drake was an ideal boyfriend but the story just got boring for me at points. I am also not a super fan of Halloween-type things so this one was a little weird for me. I loved the relationship Kate and Drake had and the fun things they got to do but the creepy aspect was a turn-off for me.

How Sweet It Is by @authordylannewton 🎉 🎈

How Sweet It Is is about event planner Kate Sweet, who is tasked my her publicist best friend to plan a book launch for Drake Matthews, a well-known horror writer. Little does Kate know, she’s really his muse for a romance novel he’s been itching to write!

The cover is definitely a little misleading, especially when you read some of the scenes about Drake doing research for his book, but so far, it’s a cute story. I like that it’s a book about writing a book! 📖 I also thought Kate’s first meeting with Drake was so darn funny 😆 I may have LOLed a few times.

How Sweet It is is available July 13! Thank you to @readforeverpub for the ARC 😘

#howsweetitis #dylannewtonauthor #readforeverpub #romancebooks #romancereadersofinstagram #unitedbyromcoms #unitedbyromcomsfeature #bookstagram #newrelease #advancedreaderscopy #kindlebooks

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Kate is an event planner known for her “aww” moments at weddings—perfect happily ever after surprises for the bride and groom. But when she has an unexpected cancellation, her publicist friend, Imani decides it’s the perfect chance for Kate to branch out so she can win a prestigious event planning award. The event? A book launch for the elusive horror writer, the Knight of Nightmares, Drake Matthews. Will this be a disaster or will they create something totally unexpected and incredible together?

This one is hilarious and adorable. I could definitely fall for Drake Matthews. And Kate is also a really wonderful character. She’s smart, she knows her shit, and no one is going to stand in her way.

As a small aside, I also grew up in this area and am always tickled when somewhere I recognize is the setting for a book. Anyway, back to the review.

How Sweet It Is has a hilarious, if slightly embarrassing meet cute for the two love birds. They’re not…. that fond of each other but I wouldn’t consider this an enemies to lovers. It is stinking adorable though. I loved the slow burn up to everything. Definitely light on the 🔥 if that’s what you’re looking for. But still a very sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed! Would have loved to see more of Imani as a character though.

4.5/5 Stars

A light, sweet RomCom read. How Sweet It Is, by Dylan Newton, made me laugh out loud. Kate Sweet is at the top of her career. She is one of the most respected event planners and her life is planned the same way. She doesn’t like surprises and doesn’t like losing control of things. When she meets Drake Matthews, her world gets turned upside down. He is famous horror writer and Kate is hired to help plan his book launch. Her best friend, hired her because she knows their is no one better to do it and yet Kate things this might not be her event to plan. The two meet, under the some crazy circumstances and this could derail the whole event. Kate is not a quitter and she makes it her goal, to start fresh, plan the best event and leave with her dignity. This story is so sweet. Kate and Drake need to meet in the middle regarding the event, so that this book launch is amazing. Drake is shy, yet has a sense of humor. Kate is reserved, yet silly. I enjoyed finding out if they could work together? Could they find a middle ground? Could they fall in love? I think you will enjoy this story. It is a quick read, perfect for summer. This was a 4 star read for me. I am thankful to Netgalley & Dylan Newton for my copy for an honest review. I have shared my review on Barnes & Noble and other retail sites.

Started and finished in one setting! Absolutely loved it. Definitely reminds me of Abby Jimenez’s style. Funny, sexy, and a little serious at times. The perfect combo.

The characters were so likable and the slow burn romance gave me butterflies. As someone who works in the event planning industry, this was right up my alley. I had never heard of Dylan Newton until I was approved for this book but I can say it definitely won’t be my last! Looking forward to reading more of her work.

QOTD: I’m guessing if you follow my page, you at least like romance, but do you like horror novels?
My A: Not really. I have nothing against them, I’m just always more interested in if the main characters will live long enough ot fall in love.
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Ugh. I NEEDED this book. I was feeling this close to a slump hitting. I’ve started and promptly DNF a lot of books in my Kindle library this week, trying to clean it up. After a few books I hopped back over to my ARCs and thank goodness. I can’t imagine going another day not reading and loving these two! Drake and Kate have found their way onto my shelf of honor as one of my new favorite love stories. This was my first Dylan Newton novel but I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future! The perfect blend of humor, chemistry, and longing, this book will have you laughing only to flip the page and feel your heart strings tug. The romance is a slow burn without feeling boring and while you do wait until around 70%, the steam is worth the wait! The pace makes it near impossible to put down and I devoured this in one day. I seriously cannot say enough good things about this book! Add it to your TBR list NOW.
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When the Queen of Happily Ever Afters, Kate Sweet, is hired by her best friend to do the impossible task of giving The Knight of Nightmares, horror author Drake Matthews, a launch party to end all launch patties, she thinks it'll be a breeze. Out of her comfort zone? For sure. But taking this job gives her a shot at a prestigious event planning award and will look great in her portfolio. But from the moment Kate and Drake meet, it's choas, and not the good kind. Drake is a stubborn client who challenges all of Kate's plans and Kate is a whirlwind of good attitudes and the ability to fix any problem, which leaves Drake with a new muse and in way over his head.

HOW SWEET IT IS by @authordylannewton is a witty, fun, and heartwarming story about an event planner not being taken seriously by her family and a well known horror author wanting to write romance!

When Kate is enlisted to help her best friend with the “King of Nightmares” book launch, she is a little out of her wheelhouse. Being knows as the Queen of HEA wedding events, planning a horror book launch is the last thing she thought she would be doing. But Kate can do anything she sets her mind to!

A hilarious meet-cute between Kate and Drake turned into a series of unfortunate events one after the other. I was literally laughing out loud at some parts!

This book had so much humor and light to it! Ive never read a book that has come close to this story line and that was super refreshing and exciting.

rating: 3/5/5 (rounded up)

this slow burn romance between a horror novelist and an event planner was just what the title promises - SWEET!

HOW SWEET IT IS has everything: a misunderstood cinnamon roll hero, a meet cute where everything goes wrong, swoonworthy moments, and a supporting cast that makes you want more books in this adorable small town. Any way we can get books on Drake's brothers in the future??

It took me a bit to get into this book at first, and it is a REAL slow burn, but it delivers in the end. Although it was a bit cheesy, I think it worked for this novel overall. I think the author handled the small town aspect perfectly - I would love to visit this town, especially during the holidays! I would recommend for fans of Beach Read and Sweet Home Alabama.

AT A GLANCE…
steam: 🔥🔥/5
genre: contemporary romance

This was darling and sweet like the name implies! I loved it. I completely bought the couple and I love the idea of a horror writer and romantic event planner joining forces and falling in love. It was a fabulous concept and it very, very slightly reminded me of Beach Read in the dichotomy of characters. I was a fan. I am still a fan!

This is a romance not to be missed. If you do not get an opportunity to read it this summer, it would actually be a great fall read as well. It has all the Fall Ambiance and, man, I miss October! If you know me, you know that is my favorite month of the year. I am basic and I make no apologies.

Anyway, if a young Stephen King-like lead falling for his rather adorkable, klutzy event planner sounds right up your ally, this will not let you down! It was romantic, sexy, and such a fun read. I am sad that I finished because I enjoyed being with these characters and in their world. Anyway, it is not perfect, but the romance is absolutely compelling and it is such a fun read overall. I definitely am going to be recommending this one to others.

Thank to Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

What an awesome debut for Dylan Newton. Hands down my favorite rom-com book of the year. This book was totally written for me. :D Okay, maybe not really, but it checks all the boxes for me. I absolutely adored the fact that this book had horror elements in it and it was intertwined in romance with a strong female character. I also found myself laughing out loud which is exactly what I look for in a great rom-com.

Kate Sweet is an event planner for mostly big weddings, but she was asked by her best friend to do a book launch for her client, Drake Matthews, a horror writer. It is definitely not the likely pair. I loved that we really got to see how Kate Sweet reacts to those creepy horror elements in the book.

It is a must read for rom-com fans. Dylan Newton is now on my auto-buy list.

Thank you to Forever Publications and NetGalley for the #gifted arc!

This book is a cute rom-com, and I love the concept of the horror writer who wants to write HRs. However, I think it leans toooo far into the 'clumsy heroine' trope that often pushes rom-com plot to the detriment of the story. Had the FMC been less incompetent and klutzy, I think this would have been a really strong group.

For someone who professes to be a well-organized and put-together event planner, constantly seeking validation for her skills, Kate Sweet does a really, REALLY poor job of showing it. Her few girlboss moments cannot and do not make up for the serious transgressions she makes throughout the book, some that really push the limits of propriety and professionalism. Her last Big Mistake is just such an atrocious 'accident' to occur, and is lowkey a huge violation of confidentiality and trust. I just don't see how someone who is portrayed as competent can make such a dumb mistake that has some really wide-reaching consequences. Yes, I get that it all gets resolved to the HEA at the end, but I just feel like all of the silly accidents Kate gets into--which are designed to make the FMC 'Quirky'--in actuality really take away her agency and talent.

Had the FMC not been made into a total klutz, I would have believed her constant demands to be respected as an event planner, and would have made the whole story a lot stronger. Unfortunately, I just really couldn't get over how she was portrayed. If you enjoy the rom-com klutz trope, then you may enjoy the book. Otherwise, beware--this book builds upon the internalized misogynistic concept that females are 'silly' and 'incapable' and can't really do anything by themselves.

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Thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing this free eARC in exchange for an honest review :)

Okay I loved, loved, loved this book! I cannot explain just how sweet it is (see what I did there?!) A rom-com between an adorable event planner and a misunderstood horror book writer - what a unique coupling! I don't think I've read a more hilarious meet cute moment in a book either. There's also quite a bit steam in this one. I definitely recommend this book to rom-com lovers. I can't believe this is a debut novel - Ill be adding Dylan Newton to my must read authors list. I also really hope she's planning a companion novel between Imani and Zander, I have a feeling that would be another fun couple!

Thank you to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for the digital Arc of this book. All opinions remain my own as always.

A horror novelists meets an event planner who adores Happily Ever Afters and "Ahhh" moments and you get magic.

Dylan Newton's debut novel was a delight. I adored the easy banter between the characters. It was a joy to reach this on my weekend away in the spa town of Baden Baden this past weekend..

This original plot and quick witted book was exactly what I needed for my solo trip. I may have stayed up until 3am one morning to finish it.

Pairs perfectly with a fresh cucumber salad and a HUGE beer in a German beer garden.

Great Job @dylannewton. I can't wait to read more of your work. Thank you @foreverbooks for the advanced readers copy. This book comes out next Tuesday!

This book is exactly what I needed to start this summer! It was fun and lighthearted! I grow attached to the two main characters and was really invested in this sweet romance. The ending was perfect too I just wish it was a bit longer. I can’t wait to read the sequel with Imani and Zander!

5* I LOVED this book! It exceeded my expectations! Great for lovers of Beach Read. Similar vibes to that story, but it still held its own and was definitely a unique story. It'll be a "comfort read" for me for sure. Looking forward to her next novel!

How Sweet It Is was an expected steamy but funny and very sweet story about event planner Kate who is tasked with planning the book launch for the Knight of Nightmares, Drake.

There was humour infused right from the get-go and what I thought would be a Hallmarky novel, turned out to have a lot more steam than I expected (and it was a good surprise!) I definitely loved the built up attraction between Kate and Drake and this book’s elevator scene quite possibly gives The Hating Game’s elevator scene a run for its money!

The constant thoughts about tasks that are needed to be done and all the spreadsheets for the events Kate had were so relatable and I loved that her character wasn’t a pushover, but more of a go-getter.

Also, who can resist the brooding Drake and his glasses? To the book boyfriend list he goes!

Overall, this book was so fun to read.

How Sweet It Is was such a fun and quirky read about a romance between a party planner and a horror writer. The hilarious hijinks that they got into together made me laugh throughout this book and had me rooting for this couple the whole time. I also liked how the main couple were mature and let each other know what they were thinking and had good communication when it came to certain things like why they would react a certain way to small things and understood each other when it came to those feelings. READ THIS BOOK WHEN IT COMES OUT JULY 13TH!

This is the first book I have read by Dylan Newton and I was overall very happy with it.

The beginning with great and the first meet cute was filled with tension and made me excited to keep reading.

The middle got a little slower for me and I did start to get a little bit bored as It seemed like the couple would be a sure thing. The “obstacle” was not introduced until closer to the end of the book.

The last bit of the book picked up again and I found myself reading until 1am in order to finish it!

I was very excited by the steam later on in the book. I feel like a lot of the romance books I have read lately have a single kiss at the end and as a romance reader I like there to be sexual tension and some steam.

I think this would be a very fun book to read in October around Halloween!

This book was so freaking cute and funny!

Drake is a horror story author and Kate is the event planner for his upcoming book launch. Their meet-cute is awkward and hysterical, but you can tell they have instant chemistry! They had some of the funniest and sweetest interactions. I loved that Drake is a horror story writer and how that was interspersed throughout the entire book. The fall and Halloween vibes made me so happy! It also has small town romance vibes which I loved!!