This rom com lives up to its name with a sweet, fun, and funny story that reminded me of my favorite movies.

Drake is a horror author known as the Knight of Nightmares and Kate is an event planner with the nickname the Queen of Happily Ever Afters. When she is brought on to plan his Halloween book launch there is an unexpected connection between them. The build up of their relationship is a bit of a slow burn, but the story doesn't drag at all.

I was hooked from their awkward and funny meet cute all the way through to the HEA. Drake and Kate were interesting, realistic characters and their family and friends added a lot of humor and entertaining moments. I am hoping there will be books for Drake's brothers, too!

I really wanted to like this book but it was just too over the top for my tastes. The escalating series of calamities befalling Kate, and the heightened, almost surrealistic feel to it all took me out of the story too often. I have definitely read and enjoyed other stories that had those same characteristics, so this is more of a case of reading the wrong book at the wrong time. I would definitely give this author another try in the future, but this one was a pass for me.

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

I wanted to like this romance more than I did. I guess it all seemed a bit too insta-lovey and predictable. I liked the idea of the cutesy event planner (whose name is even Sweet) meeting the horror fiction writer, but things just seemed too contrived at times and then easily resolved.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

As the title quite literally states, this was a really sweet rom-com and a fun summer read! Kate, a wedding and event planner and "Queen of Happily Ever Afters" is tasked with planning a book launch for horror writer Drake, otherwise known as the "Knight of Nightmares". We get the feels of a small New York hometown, quirky family members and lots of laughs as Kate branches out of her comfort zone to deliver an event unlike anything she's ever managed. I enjoyed that the book delved into potential relationship hurdles like dedication to respective, time-consuming careers and hesitations about new romance because of past hurts. Overall, this was a light and easy read and I really enjoyed both main characters.

This is a super *sweet* and easy to read romance. There's something about the idea that a man who writes horror novels is a hopelessly romantic family man. I love the opposites attract scenario between the event planner, Kate Sweet, and the author, Drake Matthews.

I think the highlights of this story involved some funny meet-cute type moments and the lead up to the main characters getting to know each other. The pacing became a little bit uneven for me towards the middle and some sections felt long and overly descriptive. Throughout those sections I became a little bit less connected to the characters and less invested in their relationship. It was still a lovely summery read.

Highly recommend to people who love chick-lit type romance! And how can you not adore the cover?

Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever for the e-ARC! All opinions expressed are my own!

I really liked this book. I thought the "meet cute" was very original as were the characters' occupations. Both of the main characters were mature and not clingy or cloying. The relationship progressed naturally. I do think Kate could have made Drake grovel just a wee bit more and I think Kate could have communicated better with her family but overall I enjoyed this reading experience. I hope there are books coming for Drake's brothers and/or Imani as I would like to read more about this group.
After finishing this book, I did recommend it to my sister who is an Assistant Library Director and I told her she should purchase it for the library collection.

How Sweet It Is is s great debut book by Dylan Newton about two very opposite people, event and wedding planner Kate Sweet and horror writer Drake Matthews having to work together on Drake’s book launch. Kate is the queen of happily ever after and Drake, who is misjudge by his profession, is very guarded having been burned in the past by those who get close to him.

I loved Drake and his evolution throughout the book. For someone who was afraid to be vulnerable for fear of rejection, I liked how as him and Kate grew closer he was slowly letting his walls down for her. I also liked that Kate was a character who wouldn’t back down from what she wanted even when so many curveballs were thrown her way. The side characters you meet along the way are great, and I can definitely see spin off potential with Drake’s brothers. I did feel at times the story got a little slow and I felt the ending was a little too rushed, I greedily wanted it drawn out a drop more.

Kate Sweet is known for planning the most elaborate happily-ever-after moments for her client's weddings. She prides herself on coming up with the best ideas to make someone's special day as perfect and romantic as can be, so when her best friend calls begging for her to step in and plan a book launch, Kate expects it to be a cakewalk. When she realizes it's for the release of the Knight of Nightmares, Drake Matthew's latest horror novel, Kate quickly finds herself out of her element. Despite Drake's macabre reputation, he's really a nice guy and prefers to fly under the radar, but agrees to Kate's elaborate plans on one condition: she has to help him research his next book, which unbeknownst to anyone is opposite from the slasher books he typically writes. The more time the pair spend together, the more they can't deny the spark of attraction igniting, but Kate and Drake have to face the fact that sometimes real life isn't a fairy tale and they both have to put in the work if they want a happy ending.

This was pretty cute. The premise was fun and Kate and Drake were nice together. I liked how bubbly and determined Kate was and how Drake was the opposite of what everyone thinks a horror writer should be. He was a bit stoic at times, but he was just this shy, vulnerable guy. I loved how he lived in this Gothic Victorian mansion which was so Stephen King-ish on the outside but very Downton Abbey on the inside, and he had the tiniest cutest dog. I loved getting to see into his writing process and how he was developing a story based on his grandparent's romance. I thought that was so sweet, especially how he was finding inspiration from his interactions with Kate. The two of them were adorable, but I was hoping for a little more. Their relationship was so slow-burn that at times I found myself just waiting for something to happen. I also think that because it kept saying how Kate was known for these big "Aw" over-the-top romantic moments, I was expecting the story to have one as well and it just didn't. I still enjoyed this, I just think it was average.

I read Beach Read right before this one, so it was a bit "deja vu-y" for me! Really cute book set primarily in southwestern New York featuring a horror writer who is way sweeter than you'd think he'd be and an event planner whose primarily known as the Queen of Happily Ever Afters. When they're thrown together to plan a book launch for spotlight-phobic Drake's new release it's a battle of misperceptions. It was a joy to watch Drake and Kate get to know each other, watch each other work and plan an event that will be successful yet not make Drake feel exploited. Kate, who's on the go all the time and can be based almost anywhere, learns the appeal of this community and the home that Drake's family has had there for several generations. Recommend for fans of slow burn romance, small town settings, and characters who support each other in their ambitions.

This was such a cute book. I loved Kate and Drake, they were both such likable characters. I loved Kate’s drive and how her career was so important to her, and I loved that Drake was a horror author with a romantic side. The meet cute in this book is so awkward, and I loved it. This book had a lot of predictable rom-com elements, mixed in with some cute unexpected moments. This was a fast fun read that I didn’t want to end. And I so hope there are two more books coming out soon for the other Matthew’s brothers!! I received an ARC on netgalley, and this is my honest review.

I can’t adequately put into words how much I loved this book, but Netgalley provided me an ARC to do just that, so I’ll try my best.

What happens when a sweet, hyper-organized event planner puts together a Halloween book launch for a horror writer known as the Knight of Nightmares? You get a book that’s the perfect blend sweetness and humor with a little spookiness and a lot of swoon.

Event planner Kate seemed to have chaos constantly following her throughout the book, and I found myself laughing out loud several times. I even caught myself saying an, “Oh, Kate” out loud. And the hero, Drake Matthews, had such a warm and protective quality to him, he was like a warm cup of cocoa personified.

This book had me dreaming of sweater weather and pumpkin spice lattes, and the scene descriptions were so beautifully written, I could almost feel the chill in the Fall air as I read Dylan Newton’s words.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you smile, do yourself a favor and read this one. I’m already looking forward to a second read when it gets closer to Fall.

Thanks again to Netgalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A laugh out loud romantic comedy that really made my heart happy. The title says it all, how sweet it is! I was giddy reading this story and I would definitely read it again in a heartbeat. It is very well written in my opinion. And I would recommend this to anyone who wants a feel good love story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided to me through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

Dylan Newton’s “How Sweet It Is” creates a slow burn rom-com of wedding event planner Kate Sweet, who likes to give her clients that ‘Aww’ Factor and horror fiction writer Drake Matthews (aka the “Knight of Nightmares”) in a fantastically adorable meet cute that has you wanting to keep turning the pages to see how it will end. Kate and Drake’s meet cute had me laughing out loud, and looking forward to seeing what other shenanigans they would get into. The romance between the two of them seemed to sort of come out of nowhere, as Kate was just working with Drake as his book launch event planner, and then all of the sudden you’ve got people hooking up with little to no courting or really any development to their relationship. Overall, it was an enjoyable book and would recommend it to my romance book loving friends.

Thanks to NetGalley for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
How Sweet it is is an adorably “sweet” rom-com that tells the love story of Kate, an extraordinary wedding and event planner, and Drake, the Knight of Nightmares, horror writer. Kate is hired to curate the book launch party for Drakes upcoming book release. This is her chance to win a fancy award that she’s coveted for a long time, and on she things will be a real boost to the next level for her career. One meet cute, hilarious townspeople, and a huge misunderstanding later, read to find out if Kate and Drake have what it takes to write their own HEA.

Kate Sweet, known for her happily ever afters, is a successful event planner who doesn't let a detail pass by. Her mile long spreadsheets prove it. 'While she is famous for her over the top weddings, her best friend has asked her to plan another type of event, the upcoming release of Drake Matthews's new horror novel. Known as the "Knight of Nightmares", Drake is nothing like she expected. While things get off to a shaky start, Drake wins her over, and she reconsiders the lifestyle she has worked so hard to achieve.

How Sweet it Is is LONG for a romance meet-cute novel. There are tons of details which is rather apt, considering Kate's position. They are two very different people who are forced together into a situation neither of them are comfortable with. This is Kate stepping out of her finely tuned niche of weddings and Drake giving up his privacy for the launch party. There is your typical misunderstanding that happens later on in the book. Some of the humor in the book feels contrived and forced, such as when they are locked into a crypt for an hour so Drake can write a part of his new novel. Or the uncomfortable first scene, where everything goes wrong until it becomes a little silly that so many things can happen in a matter of an hour.

While the book takes a long time to get going, it really takes off around the 70% mark, when they leave to attend a writer's conference. There are some definite standout characters; Patty, Drake's mom who wants to set them up and Drake's two brothers, who are hilarious in their ribbing of him.

How Sweet It Is has a refreshingly different setting and background than many of the other books I've read recently — Kate Sweet, an event planner, is planning a book launch for a famous horror author, when they (of course) start to fall for each other. At time it got a bit slow, but I really enjoyed the book and event planning angle! Definitely a nice and light rom com read for the summer!

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book will be available July 21, 2021.

Do you like romance stories where the couple starts off with a tragically hilarious meet cute? How about when opposites attract? Are you into event planning? Or organization and spreadsheets? Ok, maybe not the last one. If you like any of those things – then you’ll love this story.

This story was so adorable. Kate Sweet is a small business owner of an event-planning company that plans events like flawless weddings with a special “A ha!” moment for the Bride and when her best friend (a publicist working with a famous horror writer) puts her up to be the event planner for a major book launch – she’s all for it and leveraging it to get a major award in her industry. That writer whose book launch she’s planning is Drake Matthews, who is most commonly known by a moniker of Knight of Nightmares and he’s really not looking forward to the sideshow. He’s a private guy and fighting writing block, and secretly writing a non-horror book. *Gasp* He’s also secretly lovely and does some great things to support his brothers and hometown.

I loved the chemistry between these characters. The sweetness of Drake Matthews. The mom who cares enough about his happiness to try and set him up, and get some business for her bakery. I enjoyed the camaraderie between Drake and his brothers, even though they aren’t a huge part of the story and I hope we see them again in later books.

All in all, this was a sweet story (see what I did there?) and I absolutely recommend this story if you’re looking for a romance story.

Thanks to NetGalley who provided this e-Arc in return for my honest review.
#HowSweetItIs #NetGalley #DylanNewton #GoodreadsReadingChallenge2021 #PopSugarReadingChallenge2021 #Bookstagram #Romancebookstagram

When Kate Sweet, event planner and wedding guru extraordinaire, accepts the challenge of planning a book launch for the Knight of Nightmares (modeled just a smidge on Stephen King), she's trying to prove that her event planning prowess and "AWW" moments extend beyond the bounds of holy matrimony. But if first impressions are any indication, this book launch might be her roughest event yet.

When Drake Matthews walks outside to see what's causing such a stir outside his house, he definitely does not expect to be physically assaulted, let alone by a gorgeous woman. And not so much 'physically assaulted' as used as a human shield from his apparently terrifying shih tzu. Injurious meet-cute aside, Drake has a soft side many don't get to see. Can he trust Kate with his secrets and his heart?

Talk about a beautiful bookish romance! I loved everything about this... I loved the bookish pick up lines and flirting. I adored Drake's family. And Kate, well, she's just the coolest and I want to know her in real life! I get major "Wedding Planner" vibes, except substitute gory horror novel writer for the hunky doctor. I can't wait for this to be released in July!

Thank you to Dylan Newton, Forever Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

<i>Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.</i>

How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton is a cute character-driven rom-com with a bit of heat. It almost reads like a Hallmark movie, only steamier.

Kate Sweet, an event planner best known for creating "aww"-inspiring moments, agrees to plan a spooktacular Halloween book launch for a bestselling horror writer as a favor to her best friend. The book launch is the perfect shot for Kate to get the coveted EVPLEX award and show her family of surgeons that her career as an event planner is worthwhile. But Kate didn't count on falling for the Knight of Nightmares himself Drake Matthews. Facing severe writer's block, Drake is shocked that his disastrous meet-fail with Kate inspires him to begin writing again and even consider opening his heart back up to love.

Dylan Newton does a great job building the charming small town of Wellsville, NY for readers to escape to while reading her rom-com debut. The various settings, especially the Victorian mansion Drake lives in, come alive with her descriptive writing. I appreciate that Dylan Newton took her time building out backstories for both main characters as well as the secondary characters.

I do feel like the pacing was a bit off. Quite a few scenes felt like they dragged on for too long while others felt a bit rushed (particularly the grovel at the end). I also think the uneven split between Kate's and Drake's POVs might've contributed to the bumpy pacing of the novel.

While I don't feel like Dylan Newton's writing is a match for my reading tastes, I do think she'll gain lots of fans with this opposites attract rom-com.

this books was a fun/cute read. The MC plans a book launch for a horror author. It sounds fun already right? but it gets better and funny. I do think it was silly at times and slow but overall its an easy/fun read.

Thank you @netgalley and @readforeverpub for this ARC