Beth Ciotta

I really thought the story was interesting however,the romance within it felt disconnected. There was no emotional build up but instead that too fast cliched love. I felt the details in the demographics, story, characters were very, very well described but then the romance aspect seemed shallow and no emotional build up, no descriptive connections that the reader could feel as they read. Usually when a book starts out so quick with that cliched love I stop reading the book, I just hate that as it is so unbelievable, however, the story was good and I liked the characters so I kept reading and I am glad I did. I like how the author writes, I just wished the details would be balanced and tweaked as I mentioned above and more emotional build up etc..… (mehr)

Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice
5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by Beth Ciotta but it will definitely be the first of many. From the very first page I just fell in love with the story and the characters.

Chloe is in Sugar Creek to get over an ex and get her life back on track. While she’s a tad flighty and artistic - her huge heart and wonderful personality made me love her instantly and want the best for her.

And then there was Devlin. I’m pretty sure Ms Ciotta went right into my brain and pulled out everything I love about a leading man. He’s grumpy, gorgeous, thinks his way is the best way and is just so intrigued - and infuriated - by the way Chloe breezes into his world and knocks his socks off. And Devlin is also one of my favourite names for book boyfriends. Perfection all round.

As I said, Devlin and Chloe infuriate and spark up against each other from the very second they meet. There’s a lot of sexual tension and you’ll likely get that delicious jump in your tummy each time their passion runs away with them. There’s some sexy times thrown in for good measures. I do enjoy the sexy times.

I also have to give a special mention for Daisy the naughty grandma. She was absolutely the coolest and I loved it her and her craziness and meddling.

Alongside the main love story between Dev and Chloe, we also get a bit of background into Rocky’s love life and some of her history with Dev’s best friend, Jayce. This is a teaser for the next book in the series, The Trouble with Love.

At the end of the book you also get a few cupcake recipes which is a nice bonus. I love my cupcakes almost as much as the sexy times. While a few ‘recipes’ are bake a boxed cake mix and add a pre-bought frosting, I suppose that’s not the main reason for the book so I shouldn’t complain and this won’t affect my rating of the book - just the cupcakes themselves!

I genuinely adored every moment of this story. I fell hard for Chloe and Devlin and their delightful romance. But I also fell in love with Daisy, Rocky, Monica, Luke, Sam and the whole Cupcake Lovers crew. And don’t forget Sugar Creek. I want to move to this (fictional, dammit) Vermont town and live there with the whole colourful, messy bunch. And I cannot wait to get my greedy little paws on the rest of the Cupcake Lovers series and visit with everyone in Sugar Creek all over again. 5 well-deserved stars.… (mehr)