This one was a joy to read. Between Kate's event-planning (not party planning, mind you) creating fairytale magic, and Drake being pure #bookboyfriend goals, I was fully into this book. This book had lots of "wow" moments, with over-the-top scenes in the best way possible. It showed that what looked like may be an odd match on the outside is a perfect match on the inside.

When Kate Sweet, event planner extraordinaire has a wedding cancelled, her best friend Imani fills the opening in her schedule with planning the best book launch ever for horror writer Drake Matthews, which happens to take place on Halloween. The reclusive writer, of course, lives in an old Victorian atop a hill with a Doberman and ghosts and scary stuff...or at least that's what the public thinks. And Kate, at first. Which is how their first meeting goes a little awry. But it's only uphill from there, right?

As a Halloween and romance lover, this book combined two of my favorite things. I think the introductory voice was a little shaky as the foundation for all the characters was laid, but once we got past the first chapter, Newton really hit her stride! This book was full of romance and cheek and I really loved it. I am truly excited to see what Newton will do in second and third novel (do we get the rest of the Matthews brothers, pretty please??).

Thank you to Forever for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

What do you get when you pair up a workaholic, perfectionist who is the master of her craft; creating the perfect happily-ever-after wedding events with a reclusive horror writer with a secret soft side? The romantic comedy event of the summer!

Kate Sweet has gone as far as she can go in her career crafting perfect wedding events- so when an opportunity comes to her to craft the ultimate Halloween horror book launch for an uber famous writer, she literally jumps at the chance!

Drake Matthews, horror writer extraordinaire is not a fan of the spotlight, so when event planner Ms Sweet jumps into his life and starts to shake up his routine, he gives in to her elaborate plans once she agrees to be his research helper as he secretly starts writing a new book! The spark of inspiration kicks his writing into high gear and continues with a romantic spark infighting between Drake and Kate.

I loved that both Drake and Kate had to step out of their comfort zone to attempt to make this relationship work. Kate hasn’t been able to find a partner willing to concede priority to her business and Drake has been burned in the past also by putting his writing before his relationship. Both of these characters know how to respect each others work and priorities and it was really great to see that on the page and to see them blend their skillsets together to amplify each others business.

This book was funny- I don’t think I laughed as much while reading a romantic comedy in a long lime! This books was such a fun read an d all the hijinks this couple find themselves in are actually funny- where in some books they are more cringe worthy.

This Debut frighteningly good! Not to be missed!

How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton is scheduled to release July 13th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HowSweetItIs #DylanNewton #pinkcowlandreads

This was a very cute contemporary rom-com. Kate is an event planner known as the Queen of Happily Ever Afters. Drake is an author of horror novels, known as the King of Nightmares. When Kate is hired to plan Drake's book launch, she is nervous (especially after their first encounter which is less of a meet-cute and more of a meet-AWKWARD.) However, after spending more and more time with Drake, Kate begins to feel something for the King of Nightmares.

I found this book to be very sweet and fun. Drake's very method approach to writing was a little strange to me (I actually thought this would be the big conflict in the book and then Kate was totally fine with it.) Nevertheless, I thought they had good chemistry and the premise was very fun. I recommend it if you're looking for a sweet, easy read!

Dylan Newton’s How Sweet It Is was so much fun!

Thanks to Forever Publishing for my e-ARC in exchange for this review.

Kate Sweet, an event planner known for her happily ever afters is asked to plan a book launch for the King of Nightmares, horror author Drake Matthews. All her spreadsheets and checklists can’t prepare her for the chaos which ensues. Even though they couldn’t be more opposite, neither Kate nor Drake can deny the attraction zipping between them. At the end of the day, or in their case, the book launch, can they orchestrate their own HEA out of their real life disaster?

This was such a sweet story, perfect for fans of Emliy Henry or Christina Lauren. It’s cute, funny, and lighthearted with just enough substance to keep it from feeling flighty. I loved the author element and that fun little twist--a horror writer secretly writing a romance novel, and the event planner acting as his muse. How Sweet It Is explores what it looks like to break free from other people’s expectations and chase your passion--whatever it is

Such an adorable book and i LOVE that this is a debut book and author. I really enjoyed reading this one and I cannot wait to read Dylan's next!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for providing me with this early access.

This book was an entirely serviceable rom com with two pretty one note characters. Kate Sweet is an event planner known as the Queen of Happily Ever After and Drake Matthews is a horror writer dubbed the Knight of Nightmares. When tasked with creating a book launch for Mr. Matthews, Kate has to step out of her wheelhouse and come up with something that even the grumpy hermit Drake Matthews would enjoy.

I can see where the author tried to give more depth to both Kate and Drake. Kate wants validation and recognition from her doctor parents who have been trying to get her to follow them in medicine. Drake is experiencing writer's block that can only be solved by writing the historical romance brewing in his brain. However, I would have enjoyed the book more if the author chose to focus more on these facets of their personality rather than the wacky hijinks that Kate and Drake seem to find themselves in.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, if a bit vacuous.

Summer is one of my favorite times of year for romance reads, and How Sweet It Is perfectly met that need. How Sweet It Is is a romantic comedy that had me from the first chapters.

We’re introduced to Kate Sweet, an event planner known for her work on weddings for happy couples. When she’s asked by her best friend to plan a book launch party for a horror writer, it’s out of her comfort zone. Drake Matthews, our male lead of the story, is the horror writer whose latest book is getting ready to launch, though he’s struggling with finding the inspiration to sit down and write his next story.

I’m not going to elaborate more on the plot to avoid spoilers, but the sparks fly from there! I really enjoyed the characters in this story. Kate is a heroine that I can relate to, with her love of planning and spreadsheets. Drake is a male lead with depth and a sensitive side hidden beneath the mask he wears to protect himself. Their bantering and the development of their relationship were highlights for me.

I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for more romances from Dylan Newton!

How Sweet It Is is perfect for fans of Well Met, Beach Read, and Spoiler Alert.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Dylan Newton is a new to me author and so I was excited to read How Sweet It Is based on the blurb for the book and I wasn't disappointed.

Kate Sweet is an event planner and a very successful one at that. She loves to make it special for her clients and so she always incorporates "aww" moments that they don't know about ahead of time. This is her signature and is a very successful part of her business. She's approached by her best friend to help out with the book launch of a famous author and while it's not something in her wheelhouse, she's not about to turn it down.

Drake Matthews is a horror author and he's struggling to write his next novel. He knows that he has to get through the book launch and all of the events that go along with it and it is the last thing he wants to deal with. He hates being in the spotlight even though it comes with the territory.

The last thing Drake wants is an interruption, but when Kate shows up to work on the upcoming book launch, his muse begins to wake up. Not only that, but planning this party could be huge for Kate's event planning business. Will the Queen of Happily Ever After's and the Knight of Nightmares not only help one another work-wise, will they also strike a romantic chord together?

This book was very enjoyable and it definitely made me interested to see what Newton has planned for us next. I'd recommend giving this one a try for sure.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review**

How Sweet It Is was a cute and fun romcom, but it also addressed some emotional topics as well. I thought that balance was well done, getting the point across without being overly preachy or in your face. The book features one of the most hilarious (and painful) meet cutes that I've read in a while and I don't think I will look at stilettos the same way ever again.

Being a former event planner, I’ve really enjoyed reading this sweet romance between Kate, the Queen of Happily Ever Afters and Drake, a horror book author, also known as, Knight of Nightmares. This book has so much humor and ‘aww’ moments.

I’ve really enjoyed the small town feel of Drake’s town, the descriptions of his Victorian home, Drake’s family and Kate’s whole personality, especially her creativity. I connect with her, especially when it comes to her planner side with her spreadsheets and to do lists.

There are so many surprise moments that either made me laugh or warmed my heart.

The only thing I didn’t like is the cover, I just don’t think it matches the story very well.

How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton
Contemporary romantic comedy.
Kate loves her spreadsheet details. It keeps her organized and on time for her Events business. Meeting her new client, Drake, has chaos reigning and unexpected results.
Drake has been struggling to write his next horror novel. Kate’s unexpected interruptions in his life wakes up his creativity in writing. Having her in his house wakes up other appetites too.

Captivating. Watching the romance grow was delicious. Heat level low.
I’m now on the hunt for more by this author.

Excerpt:
“Kate.
His mind still whirred with the electric zing of their first encounter. His fingers itched to be on the keyboard, capturing the details while they were still fresh and visceral. He remembered the smooth heat of her upper thighs, the floral scent of her hair, the way her eyes gazed up at him like he was some sort of superhero, when all he’d done was pick her up out of the mucky grass so she wouldn’t break an ankle. He recalled his sense of awe when he’d come around after passing out and found himself on top of her. The feel of her silky auburn hair in his hands, the sprinkle of freckles across her nose, the way she looked up at him, her green eyes wide—all of it had goosed his muse into overdrive. He wanted to start typing. He knew exactly what to do now with his hero when he first meets the woman he’s to marry. He’d write about how they literally ran into each other; the plot device allowing for forced intimacy, bringing his characters together faster…”
Excerpt from How Sweet it is by Dylan Newton

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀 by Dylan Newton was our first #unitedbyromcomsfeature this month and it definitely lived up to its name! Hard to believe it was her debut novel!⁣
⁣
At first, Kate, the queen of HEAs (event planner), and Drake, the Knight of Nightmares (horror author) seem to make an odd pairing but as they continue to work together on his launch event, they seem to fit together perfectly. ⁣
⁣
This book has:⁣
💻 Awkward and hilarious situations⁣
🥂 Swoon-worthy moments ⁣
💻 A sexy, spectacled author⁣
🥂 A slow burn⁣
💻 Excellent side characters⁣
🥂 Amazing chemistry ⁣
⁣
Overall, a sweet and funny romantic comedy that had me smiling throughout! Had some surprise steam at the end and I was here for it! 😉⁣
⁣
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⁣
⁣
Thank you to @readforeverpub for the #gifted eARC! All opinions are my own.

How Sweet It Is begins with Kate Sweet—a wedding event planner known as the “Queen of happily ever afters”— agreeing to plan a book launch for her publicist best friend as the movie adaptation for the book is being produced by Evan Everstone, whom is the main judge for the highly coveted EVPLEX event planning award. The only problem? The book launch is for Drake Matthews; a horror writer known as the “knight of nightmares”. Things get off to a rocky start when Kate accidently maims her new client and Drake vetoes every one of Kate’s “Spooktacular” book launch ideas. Meanwhile, the handsome Drake Matthews has a secret: he has writer’s block and the only thing he can seem to write is historical romance. When Drake realises that Kate may just be the inspiration he needs for his historical romance love interest, the pair form an unexpected truce—Drake will agree to all of Kate’s book launch plans with no argument and Kate will help Drake do “research” for his book. But, between a visit to a crypt, a pumpkin carving contest in Wizard of Oz costumes, and a trip to Niagara Falls, Kate and Drake’s professional relationship quickly starts to turn into something more.

How Sweet It Is is a slow burn “enemies to lovers” contemporary romance novel with sprinkles of humour. It deals with themes like appearance versus reality, expectations versus reality, love and heartbreak, work/life balance, and family. Fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, and Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur will adore How Sweet It Is! The main takeaways were that you must be true to yourself and follow your heart; Kate becomes an event planner instead of going into her family’s medical practice and Drake starts writing historical romance even though it’s not what his horror fans have come to expect. Another inspiring message from the book that I really liked is: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice”.

One thing that I loved about this book were the funny moments that had me laughing out loud. For example, Kate’s terrified reaction to Drake’s pint-sized “attack dog” and Drake’s sketchy-looking tin man costume. The romantic scenes were great, such as Kate and Drake’s helicopter trip over top of Niagara Falls. I also loved the fact that Drake, dubbed the knight of nightmares, turns out to be a big softy. Lastly, without giving anything away, the end of this book was super romantic and very fitting!

To be honest, there wasn’t much that wasn’t enjoyable! Some minor cons were that I didn’t feel that the cover art really matched the plot or feeling of the book, Drake and Kate had a few misunderstandings that really could have been avoided, and we never got to find out if anything romantic happened between Kate’s publicist friend and Drake’s brother…maybe this could be a potential sequel!?

This was my first time reading Dylan Newton’s work and How Sweet It Is exceeded my expectations. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other romance readers!

What an incredible debut.

Yes, there were ridiculous moments where I rolled my eyes - (*cough*the scene where they met*cough*) but it was just so bright and sunny I don't even care. I loved the idea of a famous horror novelist (Drake) just itching to write a romance and taking his inspiration from his beautiful event planner (Kate). I loved the creativity between the two of them and how they just bounced ideas off each other. They just complimented each other so well. And GAHHH Drake had some really great grand gesture moments. 😍 This book is funny, low on the steam and full of happily ever afters and I LOVE it.

This was such a sweet (pun intended) story.

I loved the relationship between Kate and Drake. How it evolved from friends to more. I really enjoyed seeing them both realized that a person can actually support their dreams.

There were some really funny moments that had me giggling out loud.

Definitely recommend.

How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton is a "laugh-out-loud" romantic comedy. Event planner Kate Sweet is the queen of romance and she gets roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch extravaganza for the king of horror. This book is full of ridiculous situations and sweet romance.

This is a really sweet book, and a debut novel. Looking forward to reading what Dylan Newton writes next!

Cute little rom com, interesting characters,

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is perhaps the sweetest book I've read all summer, and I love that it was a debut novel! Dylan Newton I will be grabbing your next book because this one was so well done! I loved the storyline, character development and humor. I literally couldn't put this book down from start to finish, and was sad when it over!
Kate and Drake will have you swooning, laughing, and at times cringing! It's the perfect summer read and will be available July 13...do yourself a favor and grab this one, I promise you'll love it, too!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

P.S. I think the secondary characters could set up a 2nd book in this series for sure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the chance to read an early copy of this book!

This was a cute rom com with plenty of romance and comedy elements--lots of wacky hijinks, but also some cute moments with a bit of steam (one major scene). We got POVs from both protagonists, which was a pleasant surprise as our hero is a sweetheart and I liked getting to know him a bit better that way.

The cover copy gives you a good sense of what to expect, which plays out a lot like you'd expect because that's how rom coms work. And I think BEACH READ is an apt comparison because of similar elements--opposites attract, writing and research, trying new genres--though I had a similar quibble that the book's idea of a romance novel seems more to me like a novel with romantic elements and not really part of the genre.

I didn't find the characters particularly deep, and I especially didn't like how paper thin the antagonists were, but it was a cute way to pass an afternoon, and it's a fun mix of classic rom com setup with some good Halloween vibes.

Rating: 3/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction
Warnings: Cheating (past relationship), family tensions
Read if you liked: To Sir With Love or the Secret Bridesmaid
Steam: 2

Thank you to Forever/Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved the concept of this book; it was really sweet but also fell flat for me in the romance department. Ultimately, this book was just “okay” for me but I know a lot of people enjoyed it so definitely read it if the description interests you!

Things I loved: The meet cute was hysterical. Love all the party planning/organization talk. Drake’s brothers and mom were hysterical. I loved the VIP date Drake planned. The Harvest festival costumes!

Things I didn’t care for: The romance didn’t feel fully fleshed out…I wasn’t super invested because the slow burn didn’t feel very burn like. The conflict was super fast and I wish we could have dove into it a bit more. I didn’t see the light blub moment of what happened and we need to fix it. I didn’t like the continued dialogue of his “nightmare” writing. There was no resolution with Kate’s parents and the issues there.