Member Reviews
As a writer, I love reading books about other writers. I love reading romance and thrillers... So everything about this summary spoke to me.
It would be so fun to be an event planner, minus dealing with people of course... Dreaming up the fun and putting it into action. But somehow Kate is hooked into going from her usual weddings to crafting up a book launch. What she doesn't expect is meeting Drake and planning a horror book launch. It's certainly a far cry from fairytale wedding planning.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable and it of course throws a wrench into each's life plans... but what is life without a few twists along the way? Will then end up re-writing the ending to their own stories or continue on their separate paths? I'm sure you already know the answer, but you'll have to read to see how everything plays out!
It’s sweet! Honestly just extremely sweet and great for reading when you are feeling down or just want something easy on vacation! Ultimately I don’t know that I’ll remember this book in December when I go through my goodreads for holiday gifts
This was a cute story. Kate seems like a fun, ambitious person and Drake seems like a good guy, too. Together, though, they were kinda boring. The story started off strong, with parts that were very funny (how they meet) and sweet (meeting his mom), but then it just slowed down to planning the party and slowly getting together. I enjoyed reading this but probably wouldn't read it again.
𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗦 finds Kate Sweet, an event planner who specializes in creating the perfect happily ever after moments for her wedding clients, coordinating a book launch for Drake Matthews, a horror author known as the Knight of Nightmares, which will take place on Halloween. The two have one of the best meet-cutes I've read in a while, they go on a fabulous and sexy trip to Niagara Falls, and there's a book within the book that will totally suck you in. I loved that they immediately acknowledge their attraction (at least to themselves) and that Kate and Drake both have backstories that make their reluctance to act on that attraction understandable. It's such fun to read about two characters who bring out the best in each other - it's impossible not to root for them. And aside from the adorable couple, Newton gives us fantastic secondary characters in Kate's bestie, Imani, and Drake's brothers, Ryker and Zander (I hope we're getting sequels about all of them!).
Don't miss this sweet and steamy debut romcom by Dylan Newton. (Side note: She also writes paranormal romances so if that's your thing, check 'em out too.) I'm excited to read whatever she puts out next. Hopefully it will involve Ryker and Zander or Imani... oh, I already mentioned that, didn't I?
PS - I'd read the hell out of Drake's romance novel. Just saying.
Thanks to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for a copy to review.
I thought this book was really cute and sweet, a very pleasant lighthearted read! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an adorable romcom vibe in their next read!
If you are looking for an adorable summer read, this may be the one for you.
True Rating: 3.5 stars
This one came in strong with an adorable awkward meet cute between an event planner and a horror writer.
Throughout the story, it got a little more predictable as to how the plot would go, and the characters never developed or grew for me. Yes, we see little changes. I felt like this needed a little more time with them interacting and opening up more to one another, so that there romance was a bit more believable for me.
It was an easy breezy read. A nice beach read.
What happens when a romance-loving wedding planner is tasked with launching a horror-writer's book? Sparks, adorable conversation, heart and plenty of secret ambition to unearth! Kate has a reputation for creating over-the-top in all the best way romantic weddings, and one party is just like another, right? At least that’s how her best friend Imani sees it and convinces Kate to help with the launch of the Knight of Nightmares next book. From outlandish and quite frankly over the top ideas for the ‘splashy’ moments at the party, the meeting with Drake doesn’t quite go as planned: perhaps the sparks between Kate and Drake were to blame?
Drake is tired of the same-old and has been working on a secret project: but he’s stalled, and people just seem to want more horror from him. Fortunately for him, Kate’s take on the launch the second time around is less Dracula with moments that Drake influenced, but he’s still unsure.
So, let’s start with the challenges: dual points of view all presented in third person kept us a bit removed from the emotional components: even as we could imagine Kate’s slimy ex or Drake’s last bad relationship. And it was a bit slow to start without us getting a ton to ‘engage’ with in terms of character development or to find one to root for- but Kate’s no-nonsense approach to getting her clients what they want, and Drake’s sudden reawakening of his muse and the insets from their interactions are adorably placed and have you, despite the slow pace, wanting to continue. And be thankful that you did – for the story shows two people who, on paper, are obviously meant for one another and the ‘chick-flick’ levels of ‘drama’ kept the situations believable, even as the slow growing romance took form. You can’t help but root for the two characters here – even as I wanted to see more growth from them both. But, the smiles, the conversation and the moments of laughter felt plausible and organic, and it was easy to see them together. Certainly, this is an author I’ll be watching out for from now on.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aVJ /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>
I found this book incredibly charming and fun. The leads had great, playful chemistry and really listened to and understood one another. I believed in their HEA and was rooting for them. It was also really fresh! The scene in the crypt cracked me up and was totally new. I loved the physical comedy and banter.
I absolutely loved How Sweet It Is. It was sweet, funny and I couldn’t put it down. I LOVED Kate and Drake. They had such a wonderful chemistry between them and were also really interesting characters on their own. They might be one of my favorite romance couples ever!
It definitely has some Beach Read vibes so, if you liked that, you’ll like this. I loved the side characters and, while it doesn’t say book 1, this would be the perfect intro for a series.
I would definitely add this to your summer TBR!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this.
I think what I enjoyed most about this book is, how fun and light-hearted it is. Both of the main characters have their heads on straight and there isn't any major drama that happens. I did feel like it was a bit strange that she left what she did in the café, seems a bit unlike Kate to do something like that. I liked their meet cute though, and Sasha was adorable. I also enjoyed the banter between the brothers and Drake, and additionally his Mum.
3.75 stars
DNF at 35%. Love the premise of an event planner and a horror writer romance but the execution wasn’t working for me. Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the free ebook.
Have you ever read a book that gives you nostalgia for your first genre faves? Your gateway book, if you will.
That's exactly how I felt reading How Sweet It Is. When I started heavily reading contemporary romance in the early aughts, I became hooked on a couple authors. I can't pinpoint if it's simply the writing style, the character development, or the story itself, but Dylan Newton managed to to create a story that's new and fresh, but also cozy and familiar.
I found myself laughing out loud at the almost slapstick first meeting, Drake fighting his king of nightmares title, and enjoying the slow, but obvious burn.
That being said, I know this book isn't for everyone. I think it will be very hit or miss with readers. But, if you used to love Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, and Susan Donovan, back when romances were only available as mass market paperbacks, I think this will be like slipping into that comfy t-shirt you just can't get rid of.
Super cute. The banter & chemistry was good, it started a little slow but I quickly warmed up to the characters. I wanted more steam/romance but overall this was a great story.
How Sweet It Is is an opposites attract troupe, takes place in New York, and also takes place in the fall around Halloween time. Overall, this was a cute romance novel! This is definitely a book that I can see turning into an adorable romcom movie! I loved the idea of the Queen of Happily Ever Afters (Kate - a wedding planner) and Knight of Nightmares (Drake - a horror writer) getting together. I was originally reading the book, but I ended up purchasing the audiobook. In the audiobook, I loved that there were two audiobook narrators and especially loved the male narrator’s voice. Definitely recommend reading this one if you love reading romance!
How Sweet It Is 🤡💕
Thank you so much to @readforeverpub for a finished copy of How Sweet It Is! #partner
This hysterical, thrilling, and heart warming romance was just such a perfect read on a sunny afternoon!
I flew thru this book in less that 24 hours so that I was able to catch the chat with @lovearctually and the author and I still ended up missing it do to traffic on my commute home 🙈
This enemies-to-lovers romcom was filled with life lessons, feel good moments, and all the fall Halloween fun you could possibly want!
It had me wishing for crisp air and a cup of hot apple cider while simultaneously wanted to go to any massive event Kate Sweet throws!
Now I’m dyinggg to go to an over the top wedding!
I loved the banter in this book and the family dynamic between the male MC and his mother!
Thank you again @readforeverpub for the gifted copy!
I've read way too many books of this type and structure to like this one that seemes so cheap and amateurishly written.
The type and vibe of the jokes and characters was familiar, the plotline was boring and the writing was slow.
I didn't like Kate and her quirkyness or dorkyness amd I didn't like Drake's dark macho mood. I didn't like the instant attraction that the writer wanted to puch, and overall, I was bored as hell.
I had never read anything by this author before, but that cover caught me since I saw it, and after all, what the propaganda offers is together what we get here, so I am pleasantly surprised with this laugh out loud rom-com.
I think both characters were easy to like, and so was the romance, even if a little bit insta love (or lust) for my taste. They had good chemistry, with some really hilarious moments, and some more sweet and cute. One of my favorite parts was watching the male character who was definitely not into romance, trying to learn how to create those moments for Kate.
Was I hooked by that book? Yes. How sweet it is, indeed. Grab a glass of wine for this one, friends. And just sit back and enjoy.
Kate Sweet, the Queen of Happy Ever Afters, gets roped in by her best friend, Imani, to organize the book launch for the Knight of Nightmares, Drake Matthews. After a major false start, some misconceptions, and an interfering family, the two finally get on the same page for Drake's book launch. Drake was definitely taken by surprise by the heel-wearing, enterprising Kate. And Kate was swept off her feet, in more ways than one.
Drake isn't a smooth talker with the right words always at the ready. He writes a good story but gets tongue-tied in Kate's presence. That was super sweet and endearing. Kate is a go-getter. She makes a plan and then runs with it. The two seem completely unsuited, but they do work well together. I enjoyed all their interactions and how they stood up for each other. I also enjoyed the witty and humorous writing style.
Their first meeting was crazy and way over the top. A bit too much drama, to be honest. But after the cringe-y start, what we have is a very sweet, romantic love story. With the ubiquitous misunderstanding thrown in, of course.
This is for you if you love good old-fashioned love stories. They meet, fight the attraction very hard, fall in love, break up over a misunderstanding, and after some serious groveling, they finally make it. I love them, they work for a reason.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to @readforeverpub for the e-arc of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it while sitting poolside on vacation ☀️
Kate Sweet is the owner of Sweet events. Known for her “Aww moments” she has become a very successful wedding and events planner. Looking to expand her business, she jumps on the chance to plan a book launch for her best friends client.
Drake Matthews is known as the Knight of Nightmares. He’s a horror writer with a cult following. His newest book is launching on Halloween and Kate Sweet is about to tackle her greatest challenge yet.
From the moment these two meet, Kate is off of her game. Drake is absolutely nothing like she expected. This one is a slow burn for sure but very cute. I really liked the setting - Upstate NY is the perfect atmosphere for a fall/spooky book launch. (I also may just be a little bias because I live here 😊🍂) Small town vibes, grumpy main with a sweet side and event planning shenanigans make for a very cute read.
About the book:
Kate Sweet is the best in the biz when it comes to wedding planning. She knows exactly how to create the perfect aww moment for all of her clients, so they leave their special day feeling, well, special. But she needs more variety in event planning experience under her belt to nab a coveted award in the space. Enter Drake Matthews, a reclusive, if *incredibly* attractive horror author. She's tasked with coming up with a tasteful launch party for his latest book, and if she plays her cards right, she's a shoo-in for the award. Kate is a professional, and no event is too grand for her when she's got her spreadsheets. Except, Drake is a welcome distraction, and it's getting hard to keep their relationship strictly business. Could the king of horror be just right for the romance queen?
TL;DR:
- 4 stars
- Content warnings: mentions of suicide and domestic violence and physical abuse, military injury resulting in amputation, blood/stitches
- A SWEET autumn romance between two supposed opposites with hearts of gold. Would recommend this for anyone looking to dig into a seasonal read that goes by quick and leaves you smiling!
Loved:
- I really enjoyed Kate and Drake. They just worked. Their romance was believable because they were just both so hot for each other, honestly. It was cute. It was refreshing. No tip-toeing or pretending! I like when there isn't too much pride for the characters to be honest about their attractions. I've seen some people say there wasn't chemistry - maybe not to everyone? To me it was written like they were into each other, so idk!
- Loved that Drake was an author, there were some cute meta elements woven in about the profession that felt like a wink from Dylan Newton.
- Such an adorable upstate NY town! I LOVE HALLOWEEN! So this was just a little hug in a book.
- Loved Drake's family and how tight knit they were, how supportive of each other they were (generational military family).
Less into:
- Kate's family was kind of awful, especially when juxtaposed with Drake's. It made her seem more alone than I wish she was for a lot of the book and that kinda made me sad. They cleaned up their act a ton which was nice but that was neatly done in the last few chapters so it felt a bit rushed.
- The side characters on Kate's end felt a bit lifeless but I hope they get their own books! I liked them! (Her BFF especially!)
- The conflict was low key kind of painful. It was definitely born out of serious insecurity, but the characters did say some things to each other that I don't personally know I'd have been able to handle in a relationship. It obviously worked out splendidly but just a thought I had.
Overall very cute, very autumn, so vivid and well written! Worth a try for anyone who loves a seasonal romance. Very quick read!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.