3.25 stars

This second entry to Bachelor Bake-Off series is a sweet love story between a hearing-impaired special-needs teacher and a gorgeous, kind-hearted gym owner set in Marietta, Montana. They happened to live next door to each other; but a fire alarm triggered by failed baking (done by our hopeless-in-cooking hero, of course) was what really brought them together.

The Bachelor Bake-Off theme was more prominent here than in previous book. What I also like was the lighthearted tone the story have. Yes, Stacey had hearing problem and sometimes stuttered when agitated. But her unhappy childhood didn't spill so much into the pages; instead she mostly shown grit and strength.

It also helped that our hunk of gym owner was a patient and thoughtful guy with a good humor. If not for his non-existing kitchen skill, Tyler was too bloody perfect to my liking! The man knew when to step back and reassess his next step! And the progress of their relationship felt so natural, in between baking and boxing lessons, AND the bake-off.

Let me get back to my standpoint that Stacey mostly showed grit and strength. Why I used "mostly" because - having basically too smooth sailing relationship - predictably, she stumbled when faced with first obstacle and just jumped into (her own) conclusion without much thought. The good thing was, her disability somehow helped to remedy the situation.

Which is why I consider this book pretty low on angst and (to me) a bit over the top on gesture. In fact, the last few pages seemed filled with too good and too soon to be true fix-it moments. Wouldn't you love it had real world worked like that.

One last thing that bugging me here - and I know this is me being nit-picky - was that I feel the author could've picked not so similar sounding names for some of the characters. I mean: Stacey, Lacey, Marie, Mary? Minor issue, but they did confuse me a bit.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Bachelor's Bake Off series once again involves the residents of Marietta, Montana. What sets this story apart from the others is the author's topics of disabilities...both for Stacey and her students. The story was heartwarming, focusing not on the disabilities themselves, but overcoming them...adding forgiveness to the mixture brought about some truly tender moments.

I enjoyed the byplay between Stacey and Tyler outside of the bake off...there was a sweetness that came through, with his gentleness towards her and she patiently mentoring him through his baking endeavors. The story was fun, drawing you into the competition, even making winning less important than the relationships between the characters.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

A Spoonful of Sugar is as sweet as can be without ever entering saccharine territory. Kate Hardy has delivered the ultimate feel-good romance, with kind, endearing characters who will have you avidly turning the pages as you root for them to get together.

Stacey is a special needs teacher with a heart of gold. She’s hearing-impaired and having had her self-esteem constantly beaten as a child left its mark on her. Rather than breaking, she’s become a giving person who works tirelessly to help others and make sure that no one is ever made to feel like she was. Tyler, in turn, is a gym owner who carries a few internal scars of his own over a bad breakup. He’s focused on his gym, but when his team enters him in the Bachelor Bake-Off, he knows he’s in trouble. Tyler can’t make a grilled cheese without setting off the fire alarm, never mind cookies, cakes, and pies. When his first attempt at baking (predictably) sets off the fire alarm, it’s his neighbor, Stacey to the rescue. When she agrees to teach him to bake in exchange for boxing lessons from him, it’s the start of a friendship that will fast turn into something more. Tyler and Stacey made me smile more than once as they fell in love. She’s an amazing teacher and a genuinely kind soul, which made her easy to adore. And Tyler…wow. He spots early on that Stacey’s self-esteem isn’t the highest and the way he genuinely compliments her and helps her see how amazing she is just made me melt. As a pair, the two of them were excellent. They had lovely chemistry and were so sweet they warmed my heart.

A Spoonful of Sugar is the second book in the multi-author Bachelor Bake-Off series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, after finishing Tyler and Stacey’s book, I’m definitely intrigued and want to read the rest of the series as soon as possible. As for Stacey and Tyler, they’re a couple I’ll definitely be revisiting when I need a pick-me-up.

Fun, cute read that just made me smile. Loved these characters and the simple sweet story was just what I needed for a relaxing afternoon read.

Tyler Carter doesn't know the first thing about baking. So when his employees sign him up for the town charity bake-off he knows he needs to find help. Luckily help finds him in the form of his very pretty, very sexy neighbor, Stacey Allman. When she comes to his rescue after he sets off his smoke alarm he makes a deal with her. Training at his gym in exchange for baking lessons. And hey, if they have to spend quite a bit of time together, well he's ok with that!

I definitely recommend this one.

what a great sweet story. the fact that it has baking in it is a bonus. I love the way everyone is supported and it was great to see old friends.

A Spoonful of Sugar hits the sweet spot. It celebrates the value of helping others and falling in love, all with a light touch. A hint of drama sets the stage for a little romance, a dash of heart and a tablespoon of laughter that tops off the fun. Love, hope, charity and laughter are the best recipe for a good time. Kate Hardy outdid herself with Stacey and Tyler.

A sweet read !

Tyler can't bake ! He manages to activate the fire alarm when making grilled cheese sandwich, and now thanks to his employees he has to bake in public.
Stacey is Tyler's neighbor, and when Tyler's fire alarm goes off during his attempt to bake, she offers to help him.
And as they start spending time together, they become first friends and soon more. They were both considerate, patient, and genuinely kind people and are perfect for each other.
A spoonful of sugar is a sweet, heartwarming read that you can relax with. There was a touch of drama to round up things but overall a very sweet romance.

This was a sweet romance, but it did drag at times. It's much better written than the first book in the series. I liked how sensitively Stacy' s hearing impairment was dealt with and the inclusion of more diverse characters.

Characters
Tyler Carter is not your average guy. He is thoughtful, caring and social. Stacey Allman,on the other hand, is shy, sweet and always willing to lend a hand. Together, I found that they brought the best in each other and their relationship was a slow build.

Storyline
It is written through the points of view of both the main characters. We get to read about their background stories, a bit of how they came to be in the small town, and their interactions while baking and not. The secondary characters didn't really add much to the story.
Recommendation
Although it is the second book in the Bachelor Bake-Off series, I was not lost in trying to figure out what happened in the previous book. It is in its own way a standalone, at least in my opinion.

Overall, a story well-written and interesting.

When I first heard about this series, mix of romance and baking and Marietta Montana, I mean - hello few of my favorite things! - I decided that no matter how full my reading schedule was, I need to slip these stories in somehow. And I am delighted that A Spoonful of Sugar is worth losing your sleep over!
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story, that were unique and well done. Firstly, when they are practicing baking, they actually do the steps required, and in a clever way, the author imparts information and the science behind the ingredients. Because baking is a science while cooking food is an art. Same thing as they are doing sports: I got the feeling from the story that they were actually exercising and sweating, and I knew what they did to get there and why it had that impact on them.
And then secondly, there's the romance, the attraction, and dating. Yes, there's actual dating, and several meetings before it gets physical, and I liked that. Yes, the attraction was strong, and there were passion and heat, but they had few dates before they took that step.
As characters, Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have both a lot to bring to the story. They have depth, they are solid characters, in their imperfections perfect for each other. I found the support and encouragement they gave to each other uplifting and energizing. The openness between them was refreshing and their willingness to work on their weaknesses and issues admirable.
The whole story was filled with such a positive, joyful energy that left me smiling as I finished the tale. Yes, baking is my go-to stress relief, so that added to the glee for me, as well. Looking forward to reading the next bake-challenge story!
~ Four Spoons!

Who cares if he can bake, Tyler has so many more wonderful qualities! A Spoonful of Sugar by Kate Hardy is a delightful addition to the latest Bachelor Series. This Bachelor Series is very different from the last two previous years. I must say I like the direction it has taken, still raising money for a great cause but not so much of an auction.

While there is some drama with the quiet but likable Stacey and her family, this book is much more lighthearted than the first in the series. I like the switch up in the uniqueness of each book. I also liked that Tyler is an even key sort of guy not a bad boy who needs to straighten himself out. Instead he has a good head on his shoulders and a kind heart to boot. Besides, the characters the story progresses at a relax, smooth pace, much like the characters who build a friendship so that the story is not one of instant love or lust. Like I said at the beginning of this review, who cares if Tyler learns to bake, Stacey sure doesn’t and neither do I. I simply enjoyed getting to know these characters.

I really loved the getting together of Tyler and Stacey. Tyler is this dream guy who just gets her and doesn't make her feel less or insecure. In fact, he's got the perfect solution for her to gain some confidence. Stacey, on the other hand, has had to fight with her insecurities all her life AND overcome them. But then she must coach Tyler for the Bachelor Bake Off and she can't be shy if she wants to help him win. So when Tyler shows interest it's not easy for her to trust what she's feeling or the vibes he's sending her way. But the happy ending is definitely worth the ups and downs.

With the secondary theme of the girl next door, “A Spoonful of Sugar” by Kate Hardy literally opens with a bang! Fitness guru Tyler Carter has the smoke alarm going when he burnt the practice cookies he was trying to bake for Marietta’s Bachelor Bake-Off.

Enter Stacey Allman, Tyler’s neighbor who happens to be a special ed teacher, too. Hearing the alarm and smelling the smoke, she asked if Tyler needs help. And he said yes, on two counts. Tyler does need help with baking. What he did not tell Stacey was also he needs help capturing her heart.

Short, sweet and easy to read, “A Spoonful of Sugar” is a feel good story that makes you believe that goodness still thrive in this world. Marietta is of course a fictional town, yet it is easy to imagine that in this vast world we live in, a place similar to Marietta truly exists.

Tyler and Stacey have their own sets of issues they needed to deal with. On their own and together, they faced their demons and won.

“A Spoonful of Sugar” is Rated T for Teens.

This series, set in Marietta, Montana concerns the participants in the Bachelor Bake-Off which is being organised to help finance ‘Harry’s House’, a house where it is planned children can go, take part in activities, learn key life skills and be helped with their studies. A safe place for them all being created in memory of Harry Monroe, a first responder who was tragically killed whilst endeavouring to help an elderly couple. Each story in the series has one of the bachelor’s participating in the bake-off as the focus.

In this, the second book in the series, the leading male character is Tyler Carter - owner of a local gym who managed to set off the fire alarm at the gym whilst attempting to cook cheese on toast! He’s certainly no baker and has been entered into the competition by some of his employees and clients. When he tries to bake cookies at home he sets off the fire alarm again but this time it is his shy neighbour, Stacey Allman, who comes to his rescue. She’s a keen baker and offers to help him learn to bake and he offers to help her learn to box! Stacey has hearing problems and sometimes stutters, but she’s resilient and certainly not “Dumb!” as her father calls her. Tyler realises she’s not confident but he also realises he wants to get to know her better . . . . and Stacey is equally attracted to him, though she doesn’t believe such a fit male could possibly be attracted to her!

This is a delightful, heartwarming love story where both main characters strive to overcome their difficulties and, working together, find love. It is a sweet romance set in a community working together, a recipe for romance with an added dash of sugar to sweeten it all - I can’t wait to read the other stories in this series!

Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.

A Spoonful of Sugar is the second book in the Bachelor Bake-Off series and is a sweet girl next door story. Both Tyler and Stacey are likeable characters and it's easy to cheer them on as they move from friends to lovers. The setting in Marietta, Montana is one I've become very familiar with over the years, and I always enjoy catching up with characters that have appeared in earlier books, or revisiting favourite haunts. This was an easy to read book, short, sweet and not overly complicated so perfect for unwinding with after a busy day.

Once again you have the perfect setting for characters to become involved with each other and us to want to know all about it.The bake off contest and charity event for one of the good ones that died too soon works really well for this series. This time neighbors... she can bake and he has the gym... perfect.

There are times when I’m looking for a good romance, comfortable surroundings and an interesting couple to get to know and share their journey into love. When that urge overcomes me I always head to Marietta, Montana where I now know the town, love the people and am assured that I’m going to get one heck of a romance to enjoy. A Spoonful of Sugar from the Bachelor Bake-Off series is no exception to that consistent experience.

Tyler may know his way around fitness and the gym but he’s hopeless at the most simple of cooking tasks, let alone making something for the bake-off to help raise funds for Harry’s House… the constant buzzing of his smoke detector / fire alarm would be the very first clue. One one of these occasions, his neighbor, Stacey arrives to help and discovers Tyler’s… cooking problems. Her offer to help him create something edible for the bake-off, that won’t burn down the apartment comes at the perfect time. Tyler would like to get to know his cute neighbor better so the barter of cooking lessons for boxing lessons is a perfectly fun deal. And maybe along the way he can boost her self-confidence and she can show him the perfect solution for them both involves just as much emotion as baking ingredients.

I liked Stacey and Tyler as people and as a couple. They’re both dealing with issues, and maybe learning to trust not only others but themselves as well. Stacey’s situation was presented with respect, understanding and a naturalness that I don’t always find when an author is introducing a person with any type of disability. Her hearing troubles, her life of being spoken down to by someone who should have loved her unconditionally exactly as she is was very realistic and believable. My son is physically disabled, so I do keep a closer eye on characters who are presented with challenges in life and how they are written. Tyler’s acceptance of Stacey exactly as she is, his need to help her not “fix” her was life-like and believable. Of course, we have the spoiled, entitled ex-girlfriend show up to stir a little trouble into the mix.

If you’re in the mood for a good, solid romance with likable and believable characters, then A Spoonful of Sugar should be on your reading list. I’m definitely looking forward to the next story in this series and would not hesitate to recommend this story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is a quick read that does not pack the emotional punch as book 1. Nevertheless, A Spoonful of Sugar would make a great beach read - fun with just a little drama added.

Another great additions to the Bachelor Bake-Off stories. A sweet story between Tyler and Stacey. Stacey has very low self esteem and her neighbor, Tyler needs a few baking lessons. What starts out as a friendship develops into much more.

Loved how their friendship develops throughout the story. Tyler helping Stacey overcome her low self esteem as he gets his cooking lessons. Great character development, I too fell in love with Tyler.

I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the Bachelor Bake-Off. These can be read as stand alone books.

If you're looking for a heartwarming, sweet romance, look no further than A Spoonful of Sugar. Tyler is a sexy gym owner who has been entered into a baking contest by his staff, but unfortunately he doesn't possess any baking skills whatsoever. When he sets off the smoke alarm in his apartment while trying to bake, his sweet neighbor, Stacey, comes over and offers to help him to learn the necessary baking skills for the baking contest. He offers to give her boxing lessons in return for baking lessons, and they strike up a relationship.

I really like A Spoonful of Sugar, it's sweet and down to earth. Both Tyler and Stacey are likable characters and are working through things. Stacey has a really low self esteem thanks to a hearing impairment and an ass of a father who constantly belittles her. Tyler is working through the scars his breakup left on him. But, when they come together, they complement each other and help each other through their problems.

Tyler Carter was definitely not a cook. But when some of his clients and staff at his gym entered him in the Bachelor Bake-Off, he had to learn to bake fast. When he tries on his own, he ends up smoking up his apartment and causing the smoke alarm to go off.

Stacey Allman had been living next to Tyler for about six months, but still didn’t know him very well. The day Tyler set off the smoke alarm and Stacey goes to see if he needs help, Tyler explains his dilemma. Stacey is more than willing to teach him to bake. Spending time together leads them to an unexpected romance that neither one expected. But when Tyler’s ex-girlfriend shows up, Stacey has to wonder if she made the right decision falling for Tyler.

I have really been enjoying the Bachelor Bake-Off series and this one is no exception. I enjoyed it a lot. I liked how the author told Tyler and Stacey’s story and how they took their relationship slow. Their backstory was very interesting too.

A very sweet addition to the Bachelor Bake-off series, A Spoonful of Sugar's bachelor is Tyler Carter. Tyler is a gym owner that is notorious for setting off the smoke alarm any time he attempts to cook anything. He ended up with the firefighters across the street coming to the gym to put out a lunch he attempted to make. So it is really no surprise that his staff and some of the firefighters think it is a great ideal to sponsor Tyler as one of the contestants in the Bachelor Bake Off.
Tyler has put all of his time and energy into his gym since his last relationship ended badly. He would rather not be in the bake-off, but doesn't want to let anyone down. When his first attempt to bake at home brings his cute and sweet neighbor over investigating the smoke alarm, he is more than happy to accept her help with preparing for the bake off.
Stacey Allman is a a teacher of special needs children. She has a hearing impairment and a stutter, and a definite lack of confidence, some courtesy of her father's behavior toward her. When Tyler offers boxing lessons in exchange for baking lessons, she takes a chance and steps out of her box.
I love how Tyler finds ways to show Stacey that no one is perfect at anything, and that she is a beautiful and strong person. I also love how they find a way to connect their professional worlds to look for ways to empower Special Needs children.
They have their challenges, not only with the bake off, but also with his ex's reappearance in his life. These are two interesting characters that are less than perfect, and it makes the story that much better.

Really enjoy this series of the Bachelor Bake-off in Marietta, Montana. This is the 2nd in the series, and I like how the characters have physical issues to overcome. Nice change from the usual of just commitment issues and such. I like the idea that each of the 5 books in this series are by different authors, and haven't read a bad one yet. I also like how the other characters are mentioned and some things are the same, like a theme, in each book too. Ties in nicely. Highly recommend this book, series and this author. If you are looking for a sweet romance this is the book for you.

A Spoonful of Sugar by Kate Hardy is book number two in the Bachelor Bake-Off series. This is Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman's story.

Tyler's employees sign him up for the Bachelor Bake Off contest. He has a major problem. Tyler cannot cook. Stacey is Tyler's neighbor and she ends up volunteering to help teach him how to cook. They end up spending a lot of time together. So, are they just friends or is it more. Then Tyler's ex shows back up. I really enjoyed Tyler and Stacey's characters and how they interacted with each other.

This is a great addition to the Bachelor Bake-Off series. These are sweet and heartwarming stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Tyler can not cook and he is the most healthiest eating person most know in Marietta, but when his staff and clients sign him up to bake he has not choose but to tackle it head on. He convinces his really sweet neighbor to help and he hopes he wont let anyone down since its for a good cause.
Stacey is shy keeps to herself and she also has reasons for it but its just best this way for everyone around. When her neighbor needs her help learning to bake she sets out to help him I mean how hard can it really be right. She quickly realizes this might not all be that easy but she knows she can and will do it, but can she succeed and keep her heart intact?
I love Marietta Montana I love catching up with these fun characters whether you are just joining in on the fun or have read all the books, don't worry you wont be lost and you will be sucked into this wonderful small town. I loved how the author kept the characters relatable and fun. I really enjoyed the storyline it flowed perfectly and kept your attention throughout. I will say there is one adult scene in the book other wise the book was a fun read and clean for the most part. Each character is dealing with something but the author did not make a seem that they were trying to save each other but they truly were just trying to be friends. This book is truly a super fun read and you can't go wrong.

Kate Hardy's A Spoonful of Sugar is the second in the Bachelor Bake-Off series. Tyler is the owner of the local gym. He's been entered into the Bachelor Bake-Off by his employees and clients. While practicing his baking, his cookies set off the smoke detector. Stacey, a special needs teacher, is Tyler's neighbor and comes knocking when the smoke detector is set off.

With Stacey teaching Tyler to bake, we see the start of their friendship. I loved seeing their relationship develop. Tyler and Stacey are a match made in sweetness. A Spoonful of Sugar is a fun, sweet read. I can't wait to read more in the Bachelor Bake-Off series.

A Spoonful of Sugar is another story when a single man must learn who to cook. And in this on is a gym owner Tyler is taught by his shy neighbor Stacy. But they are not just cooking together they help each other by project and finding confident and inner strenght. And of course in the kitchen is getting hotter and not because of the oven but because of their attraction. I thought that the story will be predictable but it does have a twist and a good one. And both Tyler and Stacy surprise me with their action. Sweet read.

Gym owner Tyler has been coaxed into taking part in the Bachelor Bake-Off when his employee's sign him up without his knowledge. Unfortunately, Tyler has absolutely no baking skills and while practicing sets off the smoke detector in his apartment, that has his neighbor Stacey coming over to check out the situation. Stacey and Tyler soon develop a bond while she helps him learn how to bake.

This book is book 2 of the series. The characters are well developed and the author does a good job with the story. Great read. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Tyler Carter is a gym owner who knows nothing about baking. But when the community comes together for a bake-off with a cause, Tyler finds himself signed up for the contest. So, when he sets off the fire alarm while trying to practice for the bake-off and Stacey Allman, a local school teacher comes to his rescue, it is a boon for Tyler. He offers some boxing lessons in exchange, but spending so much time together in a way that neither of them could have prepared for; especially with Tyler’s ex-girlfriend back in his life.

I liked both the characters in this book. Stacey is a shy lady with grit. And Tyler is a caring hunk. Together they make a very nice couple. But what I liked about their relationship the best is that neither of them takes each other at the face value. They get to know each other closely and along the way help each become a stronger and confident individual. The fact that each of them had something to offer in the relationship made it feel real and durable. The way the author has handle the topic of special needs actually calls for a special mention. Kate Hardy has done a great job in handling Stacey’s hearing impairment all the while showing that irrespective of her own special needs, Stacey does her best to help others in need as well.

The plot did not really have a twist to offer other than the one mentioned in the blurb. But it was a pretty special read on its own with Kate Hardy’s beautiful narration.

What a sweet, sweet story. I loved everything about this book but the ending. It was not very romantic and it seemed like an afterthought. These characters were great, they were so relatable and it just felt like they could be friends with everyone. I was hoping he would have done better in the baking competition but it was good to see that he was not perfect at everything and that despite how much he tried he still didn't win the competition but had a great attribute about it. I love that he brought her out of her shell and really found a way for her to get confidence back in herself. They worked great together and just seemed to have a lot of fun together, no matter what they were doing. Just a cute couple and just a fun story.