3.75⭐

Sweeter Than Honey returns readers to Joy Avery's eccentric small-town Honey Hill.

As sheriff Canten Barnes and Baker Rylee Harris get a second shot at love. But both have lost loved ones before and value the friendship they have. So their path is a rocky one especially when circumstances dictate they fake a romance.

And with a town full of larger than life characters and errant animals and lots of laughs this was a charming read. That although a little formulaic did have me engaged. But honestly it was just a few chapters too long. Which is why I couldn't quite give it four stars.

Small town. He’s the sheriff. She’s owns the bakery. Pining. His best friends sister.
All the ingredients got a good story, right?

Rylee & Canten
Are pining for each other but they are both stuck in the past with self inflicted guilt. They friends and have known each other forever. Rylee’s mom try’s to set her up on a blind date so she tells her mom she’s seeing someone. Who? The sheriff. Ekk. Her mom is so happy. Pause, mom it’s a secret and you can’t tell any one. Ok, ok. There, problem solved until her parents show up a month early so Rylee asks Canten to be her fake boyfriend. He agrees with out hesitation.

How to pretend to be together in front of her parents but keep everyone else in the small town from finding out? How to fake a break up once her parents leave? How to keep their friendship normal? Whew, they have a lot to figure out. One thing they don’t have to figure out or fake is the attraction and chemistry.

Little Zachary is my favorite character in this.book. This book is apart of a series. You can read as a standalone. I have not read the first book and it was not a disconnect.
I recommend this book. The characters are well developed. The story flows from the first book of the series but you aren’t missing out if you haven’t read it. The story if full of pining, jealousy and protection. Rylee and Canten are both stuck in the past they don’t realize that their future is together. They both feel like they don’t deserve to move on and be happy but neither had shared that with the other. They both have feelings beyond friendship and neither had shared it with the other. This makes the story of a little anticipation and trepidation add the small town town and you have a great story.

Some fake dating type of books sometimes dont peak my interest like other romance novels. This book however kept my interest throughout the entire book- which was great! I didnt quite understand why they needed to have a fake relationship versus a real one- as it's kind of evident that they already had feelings somewhat for each other- but it's always fun to read the story and see how the fake relationships typically turn into a real one- and once it does it makes me go YES FINALLY! So i appreciated that about this book.

Special thanks to Montlake for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
**my review will go up on my blog closer to publication date**

This was my first book by Joy Avery and the cover and synopsis are what prompted me to want to pick it up. There was a lot about this small-town romance between the sheriff and the baker that I really enjoyed, but certain aspects made it a little difficult for me to really get into. While I definitely had fun with all of the characters and our main couple, I'm bummed that I didn't enjoy this one more; although I do feel like I'm in the minority with this feeling. Sweeter Than Honey had:
- Brother's BFF/BFF's little sister
- Friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Small-town setting complete with meddling parents and gossiping elderly

A huge part of what made this such an entertaining read was the small-town setting, the townsfolk and the friendships Rylee and Canten have with everyone. I especially loved that these other relationships weren't pushed to the side and just mentioned in brief in place of the "new" albeit fake relationship established between Rylee and Canten. Rylee's bestie and town mayor Lunden and her son Zachary were great additions to the story. Zach in particular absolutely stole the show for me. This kid and all the things his elusive friend Johnathan would say had me in absolute fits—kids really do say the darndest things?! It was hilarious! 😂

Rylee and Canten were pretty much an inevitable couple. They were kind-hearted and genuine characters and it wasn't hard to see why they were so well-loved in the community. They both had great relationships with their parents/families and I always love to see those strong familial relationships in romances; though I do wish that we got to see more of the friendship between Canten and his supposed BFF and Rylee's brother, Sebastian, especially since I have a feeling that his story is next! Rylee and Canten have a very natural and easy connection that stemmed from their close friendship and their interactions and banter were pretty cute. The way that they supported and boosted one another was really sweet and warmed my heart! The reasons for the fake dating were a little flimsy and if I'm being honest, I thought of them as actually dating because they acted like a real couple the whole way through. I have to say that I felt that there was a lot more "tell" than "show" when it came to their chemistry, especially since the story begins with us being told repeatedly that they are attracted to each other but I personally never saw or felt that romantic spark. That's not to say that I didn't like them together cos I did think they were good together but I never became fully invested because of that lack of spark!

I also found the pacing in the latter half especially slow and I feel it dragged down the momentum of the story. The 'back and forth' reasons for why they wouldn't admit their feelings for each other became a little tiresome as well. They both were married before and those marriages ended tragically and sadly, but I feel like there was never any real tension there. They also have a strong foundation of friendship from the beginning but in their fake relationship they've struck up a "friends with bennies" deal too and so the original reasons for why they wouldn't date seemed all but irrelevant and again, a bit of a weak excuse. I wished that more focus had been given to them working through these hangups, instead of just saying "we'll not let the past hold us back" and then having them continue to go back and forth without ever really addressing or discussing these issues further. It would've made for a stronger story overall!

That said, Sweeter Than Honey *was* sweet, pretty cute cheesy at times and had a satisfying HEA that made me smile! I'm glad that I gave this a read and that I've discovered a new romance author I wouldn't mind reading more from in the future.

Fake relationship in a small town? Sign me up. This was absolutely perfect with a hot baker and the single sheriff who embark on fake dating. The spice was most certainly there and their chemistry was perfect. I think this is my second Joy Avery book from Netgalley so I am def a fan of hers now.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

A sweet small time second chance romance, nice characters and family interaction. A quick read and I would recommend this author.

Storyteller extraordinaire, Joy Avery, has caused me to fall in love with her fictitious town of Honey Hill, North Carolina. The second story of this series features Rylee Harris, “Honey Hill’s baker extraordinaire “, and Sheriff Canten Barnes, “Honey Hill’s Top Cop”. This story gives the reader a wonderful take on the “fake relationship” trope.

This story is funny, heart-tugging, and engaging. From the opening page, you just know that there is not going to be a dull moment. The storyline is tight and well-written with intriguing sub plots that come through at just the right time. Rylee and Canten each has to come to grips with their past. It’s not going to be easy, but love triumphs !

The denizens of Honey Hill, great minor characters, lend their unsolicited support, and advice to the main characters. We also get to be present for the marriage of the town’s mayor, Lunden, and the love of her life, Quade (SOMETHING SO SWEET). The adorable Zachary is also present in this story.

I highly recommend SWEETER THAN HONEY for your reading pleasure. It’s a captivating and engaging story that will resonate with your romantic spirit!

A well written story with likable characters and a plot that flows really easily.
I was able to finish this one quickly and would read more by this author in the future.

When I think of romance/ women'sfiction, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO CRY IN THE CORNER A LITTLE LONGER.

This book was perfect. This is my first book by Joy Avery and I will be rushing to go read everything else she writes. I didn't realize this was book 2 in the Honey Hill series so I'm excited to read about Quade and Luden and I can't wait to read about Sebastian and Happi. My emotions were every where the entire time I was reading this. I laughed, I cried, I got annoyed they wouldn't just admit their feelings mostly but I loved every second of it. I am invested in their story and the side characters. Speaking of side characters, Zachary is the best kid on the planet. The entire thing was just so sweet and loving and also steamy. Rylee and Canten are just my fave couple right now.

Receiver Sweeter Than Honey from NetGalley VIA Joy Avery for an honest review.

Welcome back to Honey Hills, North Carolina where Joy Avery once again gives us an engaging story of friends to lovers. Rylee Harris the unique town baker and Canter Barnes the no-nonsense sheriff have been friends for years, each with something from their past that makes them afraid. Enjoyed catching up on the lives of Lunden and Quade. Secondary characters were always on point keeping you laughing and turning the pages.

#Netgalley #MamaToni'sBookNook #Cillasbookmaniace #Sheriff #Horse #Friends

Although this was my first introduction to the Honey Hill series, (I was unaware that there was a 1st Honey Hill book), I feel like this book falls short of its potential. The main characters Rylee and Canten have relative dimension, two people recovering from the trauma of being widow and widower. Both carry the burdens of their losses and end up together through a trope-y “fake relationship”.

Ms. Avery employs great care in developing this nuanced town of Honey Hill, however, it seems like some of the conversations and characters are just noise in the background. I didn’t have an issue sympathizing with the characters, but some of the dialogue felt excessive or unnecessary.

The second book in the Honey Hill Series is the love story of the best friends from the first book. Sheriff Canten Barnes and Bakery Owner Rylee Harris. Rylee has had a thing for Canten for years but let fear made her not reveal those feelings, Canten felt the same way but Rylee was his best friend little sister, until they decided to pertain to be a couple and then the romance was on.

I absolutely enjoy a fake dating romance book!

This book is set in the fictional town of Honey Hills. It tells the story of Rylee a baker and the Sheriff that end up unwillingly dating. If you love yummy baked goods ,a hot sheriff ,a good fake dating romance in a small town then this book is for you . It's cheesy and definitely yummy . I received a complimentary copy from Montlake and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The title certainly is fitting for this lovely little romance. This book is set in the fictional small town of Honey Hills, where hijinks, hilarity, and GOSSIP often ensue. The book starts off on a comedic note and by the time the main characters Rylee and Canten embark on the fake relationship that serves as the main plot device for the story, you’ll already be halfway in love with them and the whole town. If you like funny, sweet, medium burn but still sexy black romance books this book is for you.

This was such a good read, I’m going to go back to read the first book in this series.

Successful baker Rylee Harris moved to Honey Hill, North Carolina after the death of her soldier husband. Sheriff Canten Barnes was born and raised in the quaint small town, moved away, then returned in the aftermath of his own heartache. Friendship lays the foundation for this funny, poignant, and utterly charming romance about grief, regrets, and second chances, where a 21st-century Mayberry from “The Andy Griffith Show” meets “Girlfriends" and “Insecure" in an irresistible mashup of throw-way-back hijinks that evoke old school sweetness at the heart of this love story.

A cute slow burning romance. Rylee and Canten fake their relationship and as things progress their feelings for each other come out. You like both Rylee and Canten and cheer them on through their denials and refusals to speak on. There is the obvious happy ending but it’s a nice tale of small town America to get you thee.

In this, we follow Lunden, Honey hill’s bakery owner, and Canten, the town’s sheriff.
This was a very low angst friends to lovers/fake dating/ friends with benefit romances. Canten and Rylee are also neighbours so there is that sort of close proximity trope. The characters were lovely and I enjoyed reading about them. I didn’t connect with them as much as I’d have loved to. Some of their decisions irked me a little, but that didn’t put me off the story completely. There were some cute moments between the couple including a caretaking scene in this that absolutely warmed my heart.
I also loved seeing the previous couple in this and the teasers for future couples has me very excited to continue on in the series.

They story of Rylee and Canten. Both have been hurt by losing their partners, but that doesn't stop the whole town trying to fix them up with people. They decide to fix this by having a fake romance, but soon it starts to feel real. Are they both ready for a real relationship?

A great read, looking forward to more books from this author.

Sweeter than Honey is a really sweet second chance at love for both our heroes, Rylee and Canten start the tale in similar places, still grieving over the loss of their spouses. They also, however, are harboring a secret crush on one another. When Rylee accidentally blurts out that she’s secretly dating the small town sheriff Canten to her mom it’s the start of a fake relationship that quickly starts feeling all too real for both of them. With regular shenanigans from the other Honey Hill residents to keep the pair on their toes (including our hero getting run over by a kids power wheel jeep) the story is light hearted and fun. The romance between Rylee and Canten is somehow both sweet and red hot once they give into the physical desire simmering between them.

If you’re a fan of small town romance with a side of laughter and passion, this is a fun, light hearted read.