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. ( )

Very enjoyable book and entertaining series. Set in small town Sugar Springs, Vermont with lots of small town charm and quirky characters. Chloe Madison comes to town fresh off a bad break up looking for a new start in life. She thinks this is temporary but as she gets to know the town and the people in it something just clicks. Devlin Monroe the overprotective grandson of the woman Chloe is working for doesn't trust Chloe even before he meets her. Learn how these two very different people work out their differences. Highly recommended read. ( )

Daisy gets the award for most hilarious and charming side character! As the grandmother and matriarch of the Monroe clan, Daisy's antics are enjoyable and laugh out loud funny! The family dynamics, craziness, and love blend beautifully in this novel making a wonderful backdrop for the romance.

After finishing culinary school and a bad break up with her controlling boyfriend in NY, Chloe takes a job as a personal chef and driver to Devlin's aging grandmother Daisy. Chloe is looking forward to the break from the city and to figuring out what it is she wants in life. Since her best friend lives in Sugar Creek, she decides to take a refreshing break and catch up on missed time with friends and a new job. Little does she count on the demanding and controlling Devlin Monroe.

Devlin is a family man who is protective over his siblings, grandmother and friends. A hard worker, Devlin has also developed a suspicious and overprotective nature after a bad divorce many years ago. When he hears his grandmother has hired some flighty free spirited girl from NY to care for her, Devlin insists on keeping a close eye on the intruder into his family circle. Little does her expect Chloe to be so charming, sweet, and simply irresistible.

The book is a fun read and enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are well developed and the romance is hot and steamy. This book also beautifully weaves themes of living life in the moment and to the fullest and I enjoyed Chloe's story and struggle.

A great novel for lovers of romance, family stories, and cupcakes! ( )

I suppose that the easiest way to describe Fool For Love by Beth Ciotta is to say that, despite a deep dislike of Devlin (the "hero") through most of the book, I couldn't stop reading it. I read the book in one sitting after work because I couldn't put it down. Chloe was a great character with a love of fun, an adventurous spirit she is rediscovering, and a low tolerance for BS.

When Chloe's at her lowest point, she does what any self-respecting woman would do - she heads for her best friend, who incidentally, reminds me of my best friend with her ability to listen to the venting and then tell it like it is when the need arises.

The surrounding cast of characters is varied and interesting as well. Daisy was a trip - I couldn't wait to see what she would do next! Tasha was the quintessential, power tripping, small town "villain". Devlin's siblings, Rocky and Luke, are characters I can't wait to read and learn more about in the next book of the Cupcake Lovers series.

All in all, a solid read and one that any lover of contemporary romance (or cupcakes!) should definitely read. ( )