ANOTHER BANGER! i love the bluebird basin series! he may be 30 years older than me… but DAMN, i’m in love with cole. a drummer mmc? who’s a softy?! come on!! loved the lovely mira as well, and ESPECIALLY loved them together. i can’t recommend this book, and its series enough!

#netgalley

Why I read it: I read (and loved) Come As You Are, the first book in the Bluebird Basin series. When my friend Kelly told me that book 2 had landed on NetGalley, I immediately pounced. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy; this is my honest review.

Review #insixwords: Another solid Gen X, contemporary romance.

More:

Why are Jess K Hardy’s books sooooo good? Actually, I know: it’s characters who feel real and complex and flawed but who also still find their way to each other.

Cole is an aging rocker who’s now a grandpa. Mira is struggling between caring for her teenage son and her mother (whose memory is beginning to fail her) and keeping her bakery (named Glazed and Confused) afloat.

When faced with her happily married ex and no date to an upcoming wedding, Mira invents a relationship with the stranger who walks into her bakery: Cole. Cole, conveniently, plays along. Fake dating shenanigans ensue.

After the wedding, Cole returns to his home (states away) but he and Mira continue to communicate and fall for each other through text.

What unfolds is a sweet and lovely romance, where Cole helps Mira realize that she doesn’t have to hold everything together herself; it’s okay to ask for help. Being with Mira helps Cole realize how unhappy he is with life, mired in the past, and starts dreaming about what the future could be.

I can’t wait to read whatever Jess K. Hardy writes next.

Recommendation: Lips Like Sugar is a wonderful small town, contemporary romance featuring older main characters. This one has fake dating (real feels) shenanigans as well as real, complex characters who fuck up but find a way to come back together. Read it if you like any of those things! If you liked Come As You Are, you don’t want to miss this one!

I adored Come As You Are and have been really eagerly anticipating the second book in the series, and Lips Like Sugar absolutely satisfied!

I love to read deeply developed characters, and Jess is crushing it on that count. Both Cole and Mira are self-aware and self-reflective, and we see the ways that their thinking are both strength and limitation through their story.

I also really appreciate that they’re just a few years apart in age but having somewhat different generational experiences within their families - Cole has just become a grandparent, while Mira is feeling the squeeze between her teenage son and her aging mother. This piece of their story seemed so authentic and added color to them individually and to their relationship, and I loved how accepting they were toward each other’s roles.

Another detail that really adds to my enjoyment of a book is the integration of music, and real song titles and bands, and this book sent me to Spotify several times to enhance the vibe while I read. Their heart songs? 😭😭😭

The fan service weaving Ashley and Madigan lightly through this book was spot-on - not so much that they took over, just enough to keep loving their relationship, too. And my interest is perfectly piqued for book 3 - though I love love love stories about fully adult characters and the next book sounds like it will center 20-somethings, I will read whatever comes next in this series based on my love for the first two books!

❤️❤️❤️ “Fake date. Real feelings.” ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!

The second book in Hardy’s Bluebird Basin series reminded me so hard why fake dating is one of my favorite tropes. Beside herself when her former boyfriend shows up in her bakery with his new wife, Mira makes up a boyfriend to save face. When Cole walks in moments later to pick up an order for his best friend, he’s more than happy to play along and be her wedding date the next day. Sparks fly, but they’re both left wondering what will happen when he returns home.

What makes Lips Like Sugar different from most fake dating books is the main characters are both in their 50s and dealing with challenges and baggage that are inevitable at this age. Long distance is so much more complicated with all of their other obligations. In addition to running her bakery, Mira is trying to be a good mom to her teenage son while also helping her mother deal with cognitive impairment. Cole has stepped in to help his adult daughter while she’s adjusting to being a single mother.

While the instant connection between Mira and Cole is the stuff of romance novels, the beautiful way they create their backstory resonates. There is truth in the stories they’ve both believed about themselves, even while the real truth comes in letting go and moving forward. Hardy understands that this is such a core part of what it is to be an (older) adult, and she perfectly captures what it is to be part of Gen X.

Lips Like Sugar is standalone, but it will be so much more satisfying when you read Come As You Are first.

I have been eagerly waiting for this book from the minute I read (and fell in love with) Come As You Are, and let's just say there was some excited screeching when I got a copy. Not only are these characters gloriously dimensional, nuanced, and utterly lovable, it's so satisfying seeing "older" main characters getting their spotlight. I might be younger than Mira and Cole but as the parent of teens, it all feels so perfectly relatable. Jess K. Hardy is a hero of an author, bringing these stories to life, giving these characters the happily ever after they deserve.

Book 2 in the Bluebird Basin series

It’s nice to read about characters that are older and in their 50s.

It starts out with a fake date to a wedding and then turns into the real deal. I liked that the FMC Mira is a really strong, independent woman. She is raising her teenage son and looking after her mum who has early dementia by herself, all whilst running a bakery. The chemistry and romance between her and Cole is funny, sweet and genuine.

This was a fun easy read, with a lot of character development which I really liked. The book also deals with aging issues like menopause and dementia, as well as addiction since Cole comes to Bluebird Basin to help look after an addiction recovery group whilst his friend goes on honeymoon.

This can be read as a standalone. I have read the previous book about Madigan and Ashley whose wedding Mira and Cole are attending, however it’s not necessary to enjoy the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jess K Hardy and Victory Editing NetGalley Coop for the ARC

Title: Lips Like Sugar

Author: Jess K Hardy

Rating: 4/5

"Lips Like Sugar" by Jess K Hardy is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that sweeps readers off their feet with its charming characters and sweet storyline.

Mira Harlow finds herself in a whirlwind of chaos as she juggles the responsibilities of running her bakery, parenting her teenage son, and caring for her mother. When she impulsively kisses a handsome stranger and convinces him to be her date to a wedding, little does she know that this decision will lead to unexpected twists and turns in her life.

Cole Sanderson, a former rocker from Seattle, finds himself drawn into Mira's world when she asks him to play the role of her long-distance boyfriend. Despite his initial reluctance, Cole agrees, setting off a chain of events that challenge both his and Mira's perceptions of love and relationships.

What sets "Lips Like Sugar" apart is its endearing characters and genuine chemistry between Mira and Cole. Hardy skillfully develops their relationship, blending humor, passion, and tenderness to create a captivating romance that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Mira's vulnerability and Cole's laid-back charm make them relatable and likable protagonists, while their interactions brim with palpable tension and undeniable attraction.

Hardy's writing is engaging and lighthearted, with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the small town of Red Falls, Montana to life. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of comedic moments and heartfelt scenes that balance out the romance beautifully.

While "Lips Like Sugar" is the second book in the Bluebird Basin Romance series, it can be read as a standalone novel, making it accessible to new readers. However, fans of the series will appreciate the opportunity to revisit familiar characters and settings.

In conclusion, "Lips Like Sugar" is a charming and entertaining read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and a warm feeling in their hearts. Jess K Hardy delivers a delightful romantic comedy that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating her next book.

📣 hot + sweet contemporary with two 50+ leads

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s one of your Monday numbers? Mine are: 6 hours of sleep, 1 game I turned back on to watch the last few minutes of, 2 books I’m currently reading.

The pure excitement of reading a steamy 🔥 & heartwarming romance that features leads that are in their fifties! As someone who is about to bid her 30s hasta la vista, I love seeing older leads having fun & falling in love.

Booksta Loves, Lips Like Sugar by Jess K Hardy has it all:

Aforementioned steam, including a sizzling FaceTime moment

A charmer hero who’s a famous drummer & also marvels over his granddaughter.

A lovely, strong “baker goddess” heroine who’s got a lot on her mind. She is so cool.

References to hot flashes and other references to hot bodies that are also aging.

This book is so heartfelt & delightful—it’s so cute to watch them fall in love—& it also wrestles with tough topics like addiction & parental memory loss.

I definitely, absolutely rec this contemporary if you’re looking for something that will satisfy your sweet tooth *drum roll* (sorry it just came to me).

5 ⭐️. Out 03/28.

Please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess’s white hand holds the ebook in front of a brick wall painted purple, pink, & green]

I'm a big fan of the growing visibility of later-in-life romances. Hardy's characters have real, relatable complications in their lives that get in the way of their big, exuberant love story. The reality of this story is as believable as the messy emotions at the heart of it. That's a tough balance to pull off, but Hardy makes it look effortless here. This is a fast read that is so sweet it almost gave me a sugar high, yes, but there's a lot of substance grounding the happy ending.

This was an okay read. Lots of character development. It moved slow for me though. It is a. Very steamy book. Well written but slow moving.

4/5✨

Huge thank you to Jess K Hardy & NetGalley for allowing me to be an ARC reader!

I read Come As You Are in August and when I heard there was gonna be a second book in the series I was super excited to see who would be next! I really enjoyed my trip back to Bluebird and I just loved Cole and Mira. One thing I really appreciated about the book was how the author did not hide or try to eliminate the hardships that come with growing older. Both the physical and mental struggles were a big player in the book and I really appreciated the realism that was present in the plot.
I also just loved how much Cole cared about Mira and how hard he worked for their relationship. He also was so so good with communication and recognizing when he’s in the wrong which I really loved.
Mira was such a strong woman working hard to make things with her business and family all work. I loved her development through the story and recognizing her faults and working to make them better.

If you’re a fan of romance, spice, insta chemistry, and don’t mind the MCs being older I would definitely recommend checking out this series! I would recommend reading Come As You Are first to understand some of the plot points in this book :)

In a moment of desperation, Mira Harlow lies to her ex and his new wife about having a date for their friend's wedding and she lays a kiss on the first guy who walks into her bakery, who turns out to be former 90's rock star, Cole Sanderson, who plays along like a pro. Their "fake date" pretty quickly leads to real attraction, but has to be limited to texts and phone calls because Mira and Cole live in different states. Lips Like Sugar is the perfect follow-up to Come As You Are. Having main characters in their 40s and 50s continues to feel like such a treat among the youth-obsessed romance genre. Mira's struggle to juggle her business while caring for a teenager and an aging parent feels super relatable, and I loved seeing Cole as a hot hands-on grandpa. Jess K. Hardy is great at funny dialogue while also ripping your heart out with some hard-won life lesson throat punches. And I find myself so invested in her cast of characters, caring about their well-being long after I've turned the last page. I just want to live in Bluebird Basin.

Lips like Sugar brings us back to Bluebird Basin, the Montana ski town we first encountered in Come As You Are. This romance features Mira the town baker and Cole, the drummer buddy of the hero from book one. This was a great romance in the same way the first was, focusing on Gen X-aged characters in their 50s going through the stage of life with children and aging parents but still having a great romance. We got to see the couple and sober recovery group from book 1 again (and I think got an inkling of perhaps book 3?) as a wedding and a chance encounter with Mira's ex makes our hero and heroine collide in a fake dating scheme that Cole is extremely enthusiastic about. I really enjoyed this book!

4 stars!
Heat level: 4🌶️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. This book comes out March 28.

Another fantastic edition to the Bluebird Basin series. One of the things I loved from the first book was learning about the men staying at the lodge, so I was really pleased that whilst they were not as big of a focus in this book, we still got to spend some time with them. Jess is really great at letting us feel the characters emotions, and I particularly loved how emotional Cole was, and that he was unafraid to show it. I absolutely recommend this series, particularly if you want to read about older characters, rather than 20 somethings.

Crossing my fingers and toes for a Kev and Davis story <3

✔️Dual POV (Mira x Cole)
✔️Set in Red Falls, Montana
✔️Contemporary, open-door romance (3/5 🌶️)
✔️Tropes: Fake dating, seasoned romance, Gen X romance, small-town romance

Cole is a drummer for a once-famous 90s band. He visits a small Montana ski town for his best friend’s wedding where he gets roped into being the fake boyfriend of Mira. She’s the town’s baker whose ex is attending the same wedding.

Cole and Mira are fully grown humans with responsibilities, past mistakes, family they adore, and friends who love them. Making space for each other is the only hurdle they have to overcome — but it’s a big one.

I was constantly smiling while reading this book. It’s like a VH-1 “Behind the Music” that showed the happily ever after soooo many of your favorite 90s band members never got. I loved both of these characters. They didn’t have to grow so much as expand their already-full lives enough for each other.

I LOVED that Cole was head-over-heels for Mira instantly. I don’t know if I could have pushed him away as many times as Mira did (for good reasons!). He was written as such an alluring character that I’m 100% sure I would have instantly caved.

Content warnings: Addiction (not by either main character)

ARC copy acquired through Net Galley with approval from Pinkity Publishing.

Prepare to be swept away on a tidal wave of passion and intrigue with "Lips Like Sugar" by Jess K. Hardy. From the very first page, this novel captivates with its magnetic charm and irresistible allure.

Hardy's storytelling prowess is nothing short of exceptional, weaving a narrative that effortlessly entwines the reader in its seductive embrace. Set against the backdrop of a bustling cityscape, the vivid imagery and atmospheric prose bring the world of "Lips Like Sugar" to life in stunning detail.

At the heart of the story lies a romance that sizzles and sparks with undeniable chemistry. The dynamic between the characters crackles with tension, drawing you deeper into their tangled web of desire and longing. Hardy masterfully crafts characters that are both complex and relatable, their struggles and triumphs resonating long after the final page is turned.

But "Lips Like Sugar" is more than just a love story—it's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through the eyes of the protagonist, we are reminded of the strength that lies within us all, waiting to be unleashed in the pursuit of our dreams.

From steamy encounters to tender moments of vulnerability, this book delivers on every level. It's a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

In conclusion, "Lips Like Sugar" is a must-read for anyone in search of a literary escape into a world where passion reigns supreme. Jess K. Hardy has crafted a masterpiece that is as sweet as it is unforgettable, earning its rightful place among the stars.

Mira and Cole have the best meet-cute ever and I fell in love with them from the very first page! What woman wouldn’t fall in love with a sexy drummer with a devilish grin, caring nature and a love for anything sweet? From the moment they met at Mira’s bakery I was caught up in their whirlwind romance, their magical first date, and their desire to always keep in touch.

The best way for me to describe Cole’s emotional state after spending time with Mira was a man who was infatuated, lovesick at the thought of being apart and in simpler terms, he was smitten with her! He savored every moment with Mira at the wedding and while he was driving away the next morning he lamented as to how they could possibly keep in touch! Back home in Seattle, he waited for any type of message from Mira; text, phone call or smoke signal! He felt disconnected without her and realized that Mira completed and energized his lonely life. They genuinely liked each other, felt whole when they were together and looked forward to a future filled with fun, laughter and romantic adventures. “Lips Like Sugar” is a passionate, romantic tale about two special people who were made for each other and the path they followed to a happily ever after. They swerved around the obstacles, dealt with the loneliness and separation, and came out on the other side with their hearts full of love!!

I don’t think I have the words to describe how much I loved this book. I didn’t think anything could match the first book in this series, but this one definitely did. Mira was, in so many ways, a typical Gen X woman trying to make the best of a hard hand—taking care of her mom with dementia, raising her kid on her own, trying to keep her career going and pay the bills. While my life looks somewhat different from hers, I could relate.

I also loved how both Mira and Cole were really doing the hard work of owning their issues and working towards emotional growth. I see so often—in my own life and the lives of my friends—how middle age can spur us to some big realizations about ourselves, and that can be really hard. Seeing characters being open and honest and owning their issues was so refreshing.

Finally, this book was incredibly moving and made me cry repeatedly, but it was also sexy as hell! I don’t know how the author struck this balance, but she did it so well. I can’t wait for the next book!

I am grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book early, because like the first book in Jess K. Hardy's Bluebird Basin series - "Come As You Are" - I loved every bit of her upcoming new release, "Lips Like Sugar."

Mira is a 50-year-old single mom and baker who lives near Madigan and Ashley from book 1, in the beautiful Montana mountains. When she meets Madigan's former bandmate, "f***ing drummer" Cole, sparks fly immediately.

I adore how this sweet love story treats a Gen X couple, normalizing the 50+ world of dating while going through perimenopause, dealing with exes, aging parents, grumpy teens, and even grandbabies. The characters are sexy, passionate, dedicated to both their careers and families, and feel like real people. Having a rock star fall in love with you is still everyone's dream, right?

One thing I appreciate about this book is that we still get to spend a little time with Madigan and Ashley from the first story, even though they are out of town for a good portion of it.
"Lips Like Sugar" deals with issues of addiction, fears of abandonment, and LGBTQ+ life, as some characters in the book identify as bi or pan.

Grab your favorite bakery treat and cozy up with this delectable story. Highly recommended!
(Book release date: March, 2024)

I really enjoyed this book and felt there were so many unique and refreshing aspects to it- so many things that made it original. The characters’ age, obviously, is uncommon in romance novels, so i was grateful to read about Cole and Mira. Additionally, the inclusion of queer characters was notable and important. I felt the author portrayed cognitive impairment with dignity and accuracy.

All that said, I did struggle with getting through it. It was slow sometimes. I looooved the first book in the series, and this one wasn’t quite as enjoyable for me. Also- I felt that the characters’ ages were sooo emphasized in the book that it made it a little harder to relate to than in the first book where the characters are around the same age but it felt more relatable to wider age range of readers.

Overall, it’s a really great book that is both enjoyable and original.