This delightful Gen X romance from Jess K. Hardy reprises so many of the elements I loved about Come As You Are. The characters, Mira and Cole, are in their 50's, so they've lived through some shit and survived. The book is funny and sweet and heartwarming and sexy (gotta love a hero who gets a vasectomy after the overturning of Roe). And there's a rich cast of secondary characters, including Ashleigh and Madigan (their wedding is what brings Cole into town).

And yet, I didn't love this one as much as the first book in the series, and I'm honestly not entirely sure why. Part of it, I think, is how much time Mira and Cole spend apart. The book starts with fake dating/real feelings, a trope I'm always here for. But there's a significant chunk of long-distance dating and relationship development via text, and the narrative lost me a bit at that point. Plus, I wasn't 100% sold on the plot device used to bring Cole back into town...and I think maybe I've read too many books/seen too many Hallmark movies about small-town bakery owners. Anyway, it all added up to a book I really liked, but one that perhaps suffered by comparison to its predecessor.

PS: More middle-aged romance characters, please!

"Who ever said we couldn't do ridiculous things anymore just because we're old?"
"Young people."

I really liked this later in life romance. The MMC was swoon worthy and our FMC was very likeable. I liked that they both had some growth as individuals and I enjoyed watching their love develop. Sprinkled with a nice dose of humour, this as a very enjoyable read. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Rating 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Pinkity Publishing for the arc.

I loved this book. It was sweet, real, and very, very hot. The MMC and FMC were in their early to mid 50's, both trying to get through their respective lives of dealing with children, grandchildren, ailing parents, running their own businesses, while hoping (and wishing) to find love.

The story begins with Mira Harlow, a fifty year old single mom, who owns and operates a bake shop in Red Falls, Montana. Mira is mired in trying to keep her business afloat, while taking care of her fourteen year-old son, in addition to taking care of her mother who's experiencing early onset dementia. Mira is baking the wedding cake for Madigan and Ashley (the main couple from the first book in the series), and Cole Sanderson comes to town for said wedding (he's the best friend and former bandmate of Madigan). When Cole comes to Mira's bake shop to pick up some pastries at Madigan's request, Mira asks him to be her date for the wedding. Cole says "yes", and the story takes off from there.

Mira and Cole find instant chemistry with each other, and Cole starts thinking of what it would mean to move to Red Falls from Seattle, where he co-owns a music studio, and where his daughter and granddaughter live with him. But Mira is afraid to get burned, again, and keeps her walls up to avoid getting hurt. Whereas Cole is trying to tamp down his "all in" attitude, because he's been burned for being the first to go "all in" in previous relationships. Mira and Cole navigate their very steamy relationship, while trying to keep their emotions in check. And all amongst families and friends who care.

I loved this story because it's real: familial relationships, menopause, addiction (side characters), dementia, and self-owned businesses, with main characters who are older than the usual romance protagonists. It was very sweet, and I will definitely be reading more Jess K. Hardy books in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this advanced copy to review. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
A sweet wintery sequel to Come As You Are, we return to Bluebird Basin for this delightful story about Mira and Cole.

Mira owns the town bakery, stretched thin between looking after her family and taking care of the business she meets Cole under the meet-cutesiest of meet-cutes! And understandably Cole is smitten!

Cole is a drummer from a super successful 90’s band we learned about in book one with Madigan. He is such a golden retriever of a human being and the chemistry that he shares with Mira is electric from the moment they meet. Their relationship grows from fake dating to a real beautiful romance, and the *real* life drama that follows when trying to make a new relationship work within well established lives, routines and families.

I laughed out loud so much reading this book, the dual POV was necessary to really draw you into the story and understand what is going on in our characters heads. Sometimes with dual POV’s I like one characters side more than the other but Mira and Cole were a delight to read.


I would recommend reading book one first, even though this could kind of stand alone by itself. But by reading the brilliant first book you’ll get to the heart of this town, and the residents that call it home. I cannot wait to read more Bluebird Basin escapades, Jess K Hardy is an author I will definitely be following.

🎸Tropes🍩

Fake dating

Gen X Romance

Open Door ( aka Spice!)
Small town romance.

Super cute book. I was a bit worried about reading about an older couple. My own preference I just tend to not buy I’m glad I dived into this one.

Both MCs have life situations. Main characters are great. FMC Mira is caring for her mom as well as having a teenage son plus has her family business (inspiring) while MMC Cole has a daughter in her 20s and a grandbaby that live with him, he’s also a drummer.

How MC met was cute. Glad he took the bate and played along.

Does have spice in it starting towards the middle. Overall it was a good read. I would recommend it.

Jess K Hardy proves once again that romance is not strictly for the 40 and under crowd with an emotional read that will have you pulling for the characters just as much as you want to scream at them to see what is simply in front of their face.

Lips like sugar was a really cute romance read! I have not had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, but had no issues jumping into this as book #2! I loved that the main character owned a bakery! I love to bake. Also loved the way that the two characters met in her shop! I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels! Thank you NetGalley, Jess K. Hardy and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review!

As a Gen Xer, this book captures exactly what it feels/felt like to fall in love for me and my generation. There are some great contemporary romances out there, don't get me wrong, but so many are written about late 20s/early 30s characters. Even the ones for older millennials don't land the same way. But this book and Jess K Hardy, get it.

Staying up late *talking* (not watching Netflix or playing on phones), sharing what your favorite song means to you and why, accidentally keeping a piece of clothing so you have a reason to see the person again, being (mostly) open and honest and somewhat (to a point) vulnerable worth the other person... all of that resonated SO DAMN MUCH with me. I felt like I was in 1995 (and 2003) all over again with the butterflies at discovering this new person, how they made me feel, and eventually, deep love.

I read romance bc I like how it makes me feel, the hope in love and humanity, watching two people find joy. And I don't have to be them to enjoy the book. It's like watching a movie, still entertaining. But omg this book. THIS BOOK!!! I felt it on a cellular level. I felt that I could be Mira and knew exactly (!!!) how she felt when she was around Cole. I loved it. I loved it so so so much.

Thank you Jess K Hardy for this lovely amazing unique unforgettable book.

I found Jess K Hardy when I read Come As You Are and as soon as I saw Lips Like Sugar I grabbed it like it was my job. I love everything about this series, but I especially love that our couples appear to be older adults. These aren't characters just starting out in life, in their early 20s trying to figure things out; no, these are people in their 40s or older and have *some* things figured out and are still figuring out other things...just like actual people.

In this novel, we have Mira, a single mom + caretake to her mom + owner of a bakery, and Cole, dad to an adult daughter + famous drummer + owner of a music studio. Their meet cute is adorable but it's the relationship that follows that makes this novel impossible to put down. They get to know each other through in person dates and texting and phone calls so that when they go to their friends' wedding, them dating will seem believable. Their chemistry is palpable and the way they interact at the wedding, and other dates, just screams that they should be together in real life.

Both Mira and Cole bring some issues to this potential relationship, which seems natural, considering their age and experiences. Mira has some serious abandonment issues, as does Cole--though they impact them in different ways. And while those issues could definitely ruin things between them, thankfully they have people in their lives that make them see how foolish it would be to let this happen.

I hope there are more books in this series because it's quickly becoming one of my favorites; if you haven't tried it, pick it up today.

Just overall a very wholesome romance, exactly what i was looking for right now. Its easy to read, has loveable characters, the right amount of issues, perfect amount of cuteness and a delicious amount of smut. Storyline is good, its not at all superficial, but still manages to keep the focus mostly on the cute romance.

I also really relate to Mira, the fmc, since she has some abandonment issues and it simply felt good to read about that as well!

Recommend!!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

Oh my goodness I think I've found a new favorite author. Jess K Hardy does it again!

If you're looking for a romance with a hero and heroine in their late 40s/early 50s, small town romance, Gen-X references and incredible side characters/family members, look no further. This is a hot and tender romance. I love seeing older protagonists in romance because it shows you're never too old to find love, to self-actualize and understand yourself better. Mira is the owner of the town bakery who ends up fake dating Cole, Madigan's best friend and former band mate. Mira has a teen son and an aging mother and the weight of owning a small business. Mira has her guard up because she's worried she'll be too much, ask for too much or expect too much from others. She's not prickly, just guarded. Cole is a bisexual grandpa drummer who is truly the biggest softie. There's a lovely section of the book after they fake date at Ashley and Madigan's wedding that they begin a text friendship which turns into calling/facetiming and then they are reunited in person as circumstances bring Cole back to Bluebird from Seattle. The third act breakup makes sense and the grand gesture is a pop culture reference that should make you at least smile.

I want to have romances for all the other characters in this town! More of this world please!

A fantastic follow-up to Come As You Are. Jess K Hardy is SO good at friendship in romance! I really just adore her writing style, she's got a fan for life in me.

It's really cute and clever how the relationships develop and blossom. Our main characters are not only each others love interests, they fully formed individuals who have entire lives separate from each other--that they manage to merge beautifully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC i nexchange for an hoenst review.

I'm just going to go ahead and say it -- this is my favorite Jess K. Hardy book to date! That statement aside, I'm a fan of this author and her stories. Lips Like Sugar did not disappoint. Dare I say it was a revelation. Gen X rep brings me JOY, y'all.

Boy walks into bakery. Girl kisses boy. They fake date. Spectacularity ensues.

I love Mira's devotion to her family and love of the town. Cole has such depth, isn't afraid of showing emotion, and understands the value of doing right by those around him. Together, they have great banter.

Between the Gen X rep, protectiveness, golden retriever MMC, fake dating, and small town vibes, this book delivered. And the will they-won't they is strong in this one!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

Thanks to Victory and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

I cannot express how much I adored Hardys first book in this series, Come As You Are, and it was so great to pick up at Ashley and Madigans wedding with Cole and Mira.

Cole and Mira are so great. I love them together. Cole is such a live wire of open communication and emotion and Mira is just GAME and I love it. This was fun and lovely and just what I wanted.

Mira Harlow, a bakery owner and single mother, is at her wit's end. Her life is in chaos, balancing a 14-year-old son, a demanding business, and caring for her mother. When her ex-boyfriend plans to attend a high-profile wedding, she decides to show she's moved on by asking a stranger, Cole Sanderson, to be her fake date. Cole, a former rock musician, agrees, and the two embark on a weekend filled with unexpected chemistry, humour, and ultimately, the potential for real love.

It is a delightful romcom that brings together two characters at a crossroads in their lives. Mira Harlow, the overworked single mom and bakery owner, is a relatable protagonist whose life is a balancing act. Her stress peaks when she learns her ex-boyfriend will be at a wedding in their small ski town, leading to a wild scheme where she kisses a stranger and asks him to be her date.

Cole Sanderson, the stranger and ex-rock musician, is the perfect counterpart to Mira's chaos. He's seeking a new direction in life, and the fake dating setup provides the spark they both need. Their chemistry is electric from the start, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments.

The narrative is driven by the humorous situations that arise from fake dating, but it doesn't shy away from exploring deeper themes of family, resilience, and personal growth. Mira's dedication to her son and mother is touching, while Cole's journey from rock star to someone seeking stability adds depth to his character.

The relationship between Mira and Cole evolves naturally, with moments of vulnerability and tenderness that build toward a satisfying conclusion. Jess K Hardy skillfully balances humour with heartfelt emotion, creating a story that feels both light-hearted and meaningful. By the end of the wedding weekend, the question becomes whether this fake romance can turn into something real, and the journey to that answer is both entertaining and endearing.

Tropes/Themes:
*Fake dating
*Single mother
*Wedding drama
*Second chances
*Small-town romance
*Humorous misunderstandings

Overall, Lips Like Sugar is a charming and engaging romantic comedy that will leave readers smiling. Jess K Hardy's skilful storytelling and memorable characters make this book a must-read for romance fans.

I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I ended up buying the first book but couldn't wait to read this one. I'll read it after, now that I know how adorable the other characters are.
I'm a few of years younger than the MCs, but I was astonished by how accurate everything was. For example, the teenage son and his moods (100%), worrying about your parents whilst still looking after your kids. Being unsure about whether or not your life has the time to accommodate another person, let alone love them. and the issues with menopause. Just so real, all of it.
Definitely keen to read more in this series.

OMG, I loved Lips Like Sugar so much! Cole and Mira have such a strong and instant chemistry and, according to me, the author did an amazing job at making readers feel it. Their love story is sexy, fun, swoony, spicy, and totally dreamy. And, at the same time, it is realistic and relatable. Basically, It's the story of two people who have to overcome their fears in order to find their way to each other. And I loved every single moment of it!
Plus, let me tell you what a joy it was to go back to Bluebird and meet its residents once again. Seriously, I love these characters so much that I wish this series would go on forever.

Lips Like Sugar is a Gen X romance which is a fresh twist to the fake dating trope that brings this couple together. The first book in this series, “Come as You Are”, is still my favorite and I highly recommend checking it out, but this sequel was still a good read! Mira and Cole’s relationship develops naturally as they navigate long distance, their children, and their personal goals. I think both characters were well written and helped each other grow and realize that even as adults they are allowed to do things for themselves. One of my favorite parts of Jess Hardy’s writing is that she thoughtfully touches on hard topics. The first book talked a lot about addiction and while that was mentioned in this book, I appreciate how she openly portrayed dementia development in Mira’s mother. Overall, I think both books in this series are worth the read!

Fake dating is one of my favourite romance tropes. I just can't help myself! The fact that the main characters were older than the usual romance books that I read was really refreshing and I just loved it. I haven't read the first book in the serires yet, but you can bet I'll be rushing to pick it up now!

I didn’t think Jess Hardy could improve on “Come As You Are”. I was so wrong! This series fills a void in the genre, one GenXers like myself are craving. This book has it all: romance, nostalgia, angst, rare honesty, great supporting characters, chemistry, & a fabulous build.

I received this ARC in exchange for a review, but loved it so much that I’ve since purchased it in all formats.