Cute story with an easy to follow story line. The characters were very lovable and you liked them. Definitely a weekend type of book.

There were many individual parts of this book that I liked, but I didn't really enjoy how they fit together. I liked both Kate and Drake individually, they were really likable and I wouldn't mind hanging out with them. However if these two were my friends there is no chance I would try to play matchmaker for them though.

They are set up for a slow burn romance I found myself incredibly underwhelmed with when it finally 'heats' up. While they make for a believable team trying to set up his book event and attending all the (unrelated) events Drake got her to go to, I couldn't really believe the moments that, I guess, were supposed to be romantic and relationship developing. Especially since most of these romantic moments do not get the breathing space to actually make me feel anything, as they are directly followed by some joke or awkward moment, taking me out of the situation entirely.

The general tone of the book is slightly chaotic and over the top. From a series of slap-stick like injuries to his mother who's only memorable character trait is that she want's to see her son married, it feels like a caricature at times. Again, I could probably like this but paired with a very slow burn romance and low-key romantic moments, this story overall feels dissonant.

How Sweet It Is is a quick, sweet romance. This story was interesting because it was from both of their perspectives. I loved that he's a horror writer who writes romances while she's a party planner. The writer integrated both characters' jobs to create a great story. It was wonderful to see Kate and Drake's romance blossom in such a short time. A fun, engaging read with a hint of spookiness.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.

A stellar debut novel. This romantic comedy delivers. The premise is fun, the pacing is on point, and the tension and relationship building creates a satisfying read. Believable chemistry and relatable characters. I really enjoyed this book.

This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book a lot and it was a quick , light hearted and fun Rom-com .

I enjoyed the premise and liked the characterization of Drake & Kate. I would have liked a little more resolution on backstory or epilogue . I thought they made a nice couple and I hadn’t read any storylines with characters like them before . I look forward to more from Dylan as an author!

TW: for one open door scene and some cussing for those who want to skip that part.

This book is one big AWW moment and I absolutely loved it! Kate was an ambitious career-driven woman with fierce determination and Drake was the brooding writer with a heart of gold... Need I say more? While the burn is initially slow, the steam at the end more than makes up for it! Plus I'm a sucker for any book about cupcakes and event planning.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Absolutely loved this book! It's told in Dual POV and one of my favorite parts was getting to see Drake's perspective. I loved watching their romance bloom and was totally onboard with them as a couple by the end of the book.

Dylan Newton's How Sweet It Is plays sweetly on the trope of enemies to lovers. Well, if not enemies than people who really misunderstand each other and get off to not the best start.

Kate Sweet is an event planner wanting to make her mark and gain the prestige in her field that will finally impress her parents. Drake Matthews is a somewhat-reclusive horror writer who doesn't want his book launch to be a mockery. When the two meet, there is chemistry...and a bit of hostility...and a fair bit of miscommunication.

It's fun to see how these two grow as individuals and together throughout the book, and it was a fun setting for a rom-com.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Color me surprised because I started this book with a small percentage of anticipation from the small hype it received on Instagram. With that being said, when starting it already I had a trigger because it is in the third pov, not my cup of tea but the story started evolving and I truly did appreciate it and felt some flutters in my stomach when it came down to Kate and Drake.

These were just MEANT to be on paper. Though this is a considered a romance, I would call it a chick flick type of trope as well. You get a lot of excitement when it comes down to Kate's life evolution, not only when it comes down to her romance but also her independent self and her career. As a new author to me and this being the only book by hers that I have read, and her writing style has caught my eye for sure. Not my usual type of trope and "meet cute" but it was refreshing and loved it!

Kate sweet is an event planner who is famous for her happily-ever-after moments. She wants to expand her business though so when her friend asks her to plan a book launch for bestselling horror writer Drake Matthew she can’t refuse.

Drake is known as the Knight of Nightmares and Kate thinks she knows what she is getting into meeting him at his mansion that is supposedly haunted. Things quickly get out of hand though when they meet and disaster follows.

Drake is tired of his reputation and (unbeknownst to anyone else) is actually is a horror writing slump. Kate may be his ticket out though unless he switches genres altogether?

While Kate makes these elaborate plans for his book launch, Drake convinces her to help with his next novel research. Their attraction is undeniable though despite trying to keep things professional. It doesn’t help that his family is pushing them together at every turn. Will they be able to make things work even after this event?

Things I Loved
🎈The meet-cute was the best that I’ve read in a while and had disaster after disaster happening which was very entertaining.
🎈The laugh-out-loud humor from all the characters! I caught myself several times smiling at the banter and situations.
🎈 Drake = swoon
🎈 The chemistry between Drake and Kate was undeniable
🎈 Drake’s Victorian mansion! Just reading the description made me want to move it!

*Thanks to Forever Publishing and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

“She felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. Somehow she, Kate Sweet, currently had the Knight of Nightmares silent and spellbound. In a tomb.”

What You’ll Find:
✔️Romantic Comedy
✔️Small Town
✔️Opposites Attract
✔️Workplace
✔️Dual POV

Kate is famous for planning HEA moments for her wedding clients. But she’s been somehow roped into planning an event for a bestselling horror writer. And when she meets the gorgeous author and it goes disastrously, her life starts to take a turn she didn’t expect. Drake has found success as the Knight of Nightmares, but he’s ready for something new. Though something new for them both, turns out to be something so much more.

This was such a sweet story. I had such a smile on my face from their first meeting. The MC’s are complete opposites, but their attraction was there from the start. Their story is definitely a slow burn with some tension build up along the way. More character driven I felt. I was actually anticipating it to be a closed door romance, so I was pleasantly surprised when the steam did happen, and it was H.O.T.

The characters are all so likeable. Kate is strong and confident. While Drake is the shy and reserved one. He truly doesn’t know how sweet he is. I felt a little bad for him, having to open his home up to the public. But the setting and all the little details of not only his home, but the town were so charming! There was a little bit of a lull for me in the middle, but otherwise engaging and so unique, I didn’t want to put it down. And I am still picturing scenes from this book in my head! If your looking for a unique romantic comedy, check this one out!

Thank you to Forever Publishing for the eARC via NetGalley for my honest review.

Event planner Kate runs a tight ship. She's always put together and determined to give each of her clients their "awww" moment for their wedding. Kate is the Queen of the Happily Ever After. So when she's contracted to plan a book launch for the King of Gloom and Doom, horror writer Drake Matthews, it's going to be a challenge. Their first meeting is a comedy of errors and Kate's plan is way too over the top for the ultra reserved Drake. But when their interactions start sparking inspiration for Drake's top secret project, he will do anything to keep his muse close.

This debut novel was completely adorable! I loved both the main characters. Kate and Drake are the epitome of opposites attract and I loved how every interaction they had was awkward and riddled with hilarious antics. They both seem to get each other and it was so sweet how they realized how close they fit together. I loved that the book was dual perspectives, so we could get into the minds of both characters.

Drake's character was so vulnerable and endearing! He had the biggest heart, even though he acts rash in the moment. And I loved how he was so nervous around Kate, but wonderful with his fans.

Kate was regimented and put together, so I loved that every time she was around Drake everything always went wrong. For someone that always has to be in control, I loved how each interaction pushed her character further.

I also LOVED Drake's brothers and Kate's best friend Imani. They were perfect compliments to the main characters and I'm hoping one of them gets a book next. And the Wellsville town was awesome. The small town vibe dripped off the pages and I felt like I was in that town.

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for the digital ARC for my honest review!

I cannot believe this is a debut novel! It's so good!! It has everything a romance book lover wants.
Two wholesome main characters. Witty banters. Great story and unique in its own way. Great character development. My heart is all over the places when I got to the ending of the book. Easily top3 romance books for 2021 so far.

I need to read it again and make more notes!!
Definitely will talk more about this book on my podcast when it's published!!

This drew me in instantly... as an avid reader my favorite thing to do is meet my authors. This book hit my happy!
Kate is an event planner and was hired to do a huge book launch for horror writer Drake Matthews (insert my drool here)

While their initial meeting was on shaky ground, Kate and Drake find they actually have more in common and what hides behind the horror writers door is not what Kate expected.

I could not put down this title. The heroine is smart, determined, and incredibly good at what she does. The hero is strong, smart, and giving. It is a romance that will sweep you up and never let go.

This book is, as the name suggests, really sweet. A badass career woman event planner and successful horror writer. I love the opposite natures of their careers and the clash when they come together!

Drake is a horror writer and the Knight of Nightmares and Kate is the Queen of Happily Ever Afters! Such a sweet concept!

The meet cute in this book is outrageous!! It’s so funny and out of control and my favorite part of the book! Just when you think it’s done, the crazy keeps going!

Drake turns out to be less of the gothic guy I originally pictured him as for this opposites attract book, but really he’s just a cinnamon roll.

I felt like the attraction was a bit rushed, but overall, this is a great romcom and debut!

Enjoyed reading this one and will be checking out Dylan’s next book!

This book was gifted to me by the publisher, review is my own.

3.5
This was a quick and feel good romance about two unlikely people coming together. Kate and Drake are basically opposites working together to launch Drakes new horror book. Kate is a wedding event coordinator branching out in her planning. SO many mishaps come up between these two that were laugh out loud. The book is sweet and not too heavy on the steamy side. It also had lots of fun side characters. I also enjoyed that it wasn't too unrealistic. If you are looking for light and fluffy with not much to really think about this is the book for you.

Horror and romance are two of my top genres and this book combined them both wonderfully. I loved hearing about Kate's methods to creating wondering events including the "Awww" moment. I really felt that ultimately her goal was that her clients had a good day. Yes, she wanted to look good and professional but it was equally as important that it was memorable for them. When Drake finally let her plan, she showed the utmost consideration for him as well as his home which was one of the things that endeared her to him.

I also enjoyed the vulnerability that came through Drake as an writer. I'm not sure if the author intended that to be a bit of a glimpse into herself, but it came across very authentic in the worry about rejection especially in trying out something new. It is always scary to put your work out there even if you're already established. And that came across well.

I also really liked the tongue in cheek meta-jokes made thorough out the novel. Again, I'm not certain if they were intentional but either way they were brilliant. This is also a slow burn romance with one of the more believable third act conflicts that I've read in a long time. This was a cute read that I would highly recommend especially for this like myself who find themselves enamored with these two genres.

I received an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I read this in Galley via NetGalley. Weddings planner Kate Sweet is known for the Awwww! moment that she helps bring to each unique event, usually a special gift from the groom to the bride, but wants to branch out her business to be eligible for an industry award. The opportunity to plan a book launch for a popular author falls into her lap, and it turns out to be none other than the Knight of Nightmares, horror author Drake Matthews. He doesn't want his event to turn into a circus, and Kate is working in a genre that's 180-degrees from her usual romance comfort zone. The attraction is immediate, their meet-cute is a bit disastrous, Drake's past intrudes, Kate's family has unreasonable expectations that she will ditch the "party" planning scene and finish a medical degree and join the family practice... plenty of conflicts to overcome. Drake's military background helps to flesh him out (literally - Kate google-stalks her client and finds an photo of Drake in just a swimsuit with abs of steel!) and provides background, motivation, and even a subplot involving some old letters between his grandparents.

Author Dylan Newton writes with wonderful attention to detail: of Kate's outfits, Dylan's writer's imagination, the minutiae of event planning details, and a flyover description of Niagara Falls. Drake's Victorian home, which has been in the family at least 2 generations, is almost a character itself, with a personality of it's own. Drake's career sets up a wonderfully creepy opportunity for the protagonists to be locked into a crypt together, a fun variation on the forced proximity trope. The happy ending is very sweet indeed, and with 2 more single Matthews brothers at the end of the novel, this reader hopes sequels are in the works!

#HowSweetItIs #NetGalley

This book was cute and hilarious.
I love meet cute stories and this was hilarious.
I adored Drake (and his family). That interaction with a fan was so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
Kate was a bit chaotic but the good kind. Drake was not your typical "famous writer" whos an arse which was also a breath of fresh air. I really liked them both as main characters.
The sexy times were tasteful which is always a plus.
This was compared to Beach Read and although I can see why, this went beyond and became a caricature of characters and instead of sweet, it was cheesy. That I didn't like.
This was an adorable rom-com is the perfect for summer time.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.