Title: How Sweet It Is
Author: Dylan Newton
Genre: Romance
Published On: July 13, 2021
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Source: digital (Netgalley)
Pages: 353
Synopsis:
Opposites attract in this charming debut romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Beach Read.
Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream weddings. So how is it that her best friend has roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch?
Drake Matthews is tired of the spotlight, tired of his reputation as the King of Nightmares. He’s really a nice guy! More than anything, the next book he wants to write is a romance based on his grandparents. But to get that chance, this event has to be successful. And the reticent writer will have to work with the adorably bubbly Kate Sweet.
But just as the two are learning to trust each other, secrets come out that could take down the launch, their relationship, and both their careers. Can Kate find a way to save their jobs and their chance at true love?
“Fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, and Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur will adore How Sweet It Is!” –The Nerd Daily
As featured in:
PopSugar: Must-Read July Books
PopSugar: 12 Swoonworthy Romances to Read in One Sitting
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
How Sweet It Is is a perfect example of just how little it takes to persuade me to read a book! All I needed to see was the reference to Beach Read and I was jumping over to Netgalley and requesting this rom-com days after it was published—even though I was in the middle of my no-ARCs summer reading. And while I had fun with this one, comparing it to Beach Read is quite the stretch.
Since I read this one so quickly, I’ll just be listing my pros and cons instead of a longer review. I’ve got to get back to those backlist reads!
“Love is probably the only thing on this planet worth fighting for. Worth losing everything for. You’re a fool if you let pride stand in your way.“
Dylan Newton, How Sweet It Is
Let’s start with what I liked about this debut romance:
First off, it’s set around Halloween, and I’m a fan of seasonal reads. (If only I could have read it in the fall…) If you’re a reader who enjoys seasonally-set books, pencil this one in for October!
It’s always refreshing to come across something different in the romance genre, and I enjoyed watching the male lead realize his feelings before the female. They had great chemistry and while it was super sweet (hence the title), it didn’t venture into sugar overload for me.
The only facet of the book that can really be called similar to Beach Read is the horror-novelist-writing-a-romance angle, and once again, I was a fan. It was fun watching Drake step out of his comfort zone and use his burgeoning feelings for Kate as romantic inspiration for his next book.
“Once again, he’d been the author of his own misfortune.“
Dylan Newton, How Sweet It Is
Now, what I didn’t like:
I was a bit taken out of the story when things suddenly became ultra-steamy. I have no problem with detailed sex scenes (although I do tend to prefer when authors leave a little to the imagination), but it didn’t seem to fit the narrative. One minute I’m reading a sweet rom-com and the next I’m making sure no one is reading over my shoulder.
One of the most glaring problems I’m now noticing in new romance releases is the lack of diversity. While I don’t want authors to add diverse characters just for diversity’s sake, it’s important to include characters that reflect reality.
Lastly—without spoiling anything—the story includes a scene where Drake has a meaningful encounter with a fan of his horror novels. It felt terribly lacking in the delivery, though. After I read it, I couldn’t help thinking that it actually came across as demeaning for the fan, and it left me feeling uncomfortable. It could just be me, though? I would be interested in hearing if other readers had a similar reaction.
So while it wasn’t perfect, I did have fun escaping with this one. It was very well-written and had me dreaming of cooler weather and pumpkin-spiced everything. I look forward to more from the author!
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
Rating:
Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Indiebound | Bookshop | Amazon
About the Author
Dylan Newton
Dylan Newton was born and raised in a small town where the library was her favorite hang-out. After over a decade working in corporate America, Dylan quit to pursue her passion: writing books. The gamble paid off with four published novels, and more to come! When she isn’t writing, Dylan is pursuing her own happily ever after with her high school sweetheart as they split time between Florida and Upstate New York with their two much cooler daughters, and a tone-deaf cockatiel.
A Song For A Book
I had little choice about which song I would highlight for How Sweet It Is. I found myself singing it every time I picked up the book. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye. I also discovered the author shared her playlist for the book on her website!
I needed the shelter of someone’s arms
And there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs
And there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you, baby
I wanna stop and thank you baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you
Have you read How Sweet It Is? Did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
