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magencorrie's review
4.0
4.5 stars!
My Thoughts
*Mature 18+*
First off, I must state that this book was not what I thought it would be. It turned into a very gritty, intense and emotional read; I was not expecting the dark edge that developed. However, I really enjoyed the dark intensity of the book. It made it a more enthralling read.
I adore Carmen Jenner! She is a great book blogger friend and an all-around awesome person, so to finally have read her book, was pretty amazing! She really gave me a book I could get lost in, and characters that I really enjoyed. Welcome to Sugartown was an enjoyable read!
The dark intensity of the book really did take me by surprise (though I was warned about it beforehand), I wasn’t expecting the turns that this book took. Nonetheless, it was gripping in its story building, and the way that Carmen told her story. So I will warn future lovers of this book, beware, this book will make you emotional unstable at points. And if you don’t like intense, gritty, and dark reads, I would be careful picking this one up.
I really did enjoy the characters. It has the perfect mix of that sexy bad boy, and sweet yet tough heroine. Anna is a really strong chick, and I enjoyed that about her. She did want she wanted and be damned what others said. Ana goes through quite a lot when sexy bad boy Elijah enters her world. And, oh gosh, my heart really went out for her, but what is so amazing about this character is her inner strength. That came shining through in the book and when Ana was faced with some very emotional, hard situations.
Elijah, as stated before, is one sexy, tattooed bad boy. And well, he really is a bad boy. I adore bad boys, so of course I did adore this character. He brought in the perfect challenge for the story line, and for Ana. Elijah has quite the demons in his past, but he is trying to start anew. That leads him to Sugartown, and to a pretty blonde that changes his world. Elijah also goes through a lot in this book, and I loved seeing him overcome the challenges he faced. Though he didn’t always make the right choices, and at one point I wanted to beat him with a brick, he did turn around. He really came through for Ana when she needed him.
The book is filled with some very entertaining and enjoyable characters. I really liked Ana’s best friend, she added that sassy spunk to the book. And of course I can’t forget Ana’s little brother! He was absolutely adorable! Carmen did a great job in adding a great cast of characters in her book.
The romance was definitely steamy! It had a very intense factor and the sexy scenes were well-written. I found the love and the developing romance -though a bit fast paced-to be nice. Ana and Elijah’s love really does get tested, and though it was a lot of drama and angst. It was a fun and emotional to read.
The only thing I thought was that the pacing was a bit fast at the beginning, and that some things escalated too fast too soon. However, once I really got into the book, it got a lot better and before long I was swept away with the story.
Welcome to Sugartown is an emotional, dark, edgy, sexy, and gritty read. It had a good balance between sweet and dark. Elijah was intense and raw, and Ana was a girl with a very strong will. The book also held a bit of Sons of Anarchy feel to it, I liked that vibe. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of dark, sexy romances. With intense characters and a very emotional story line.
My Thoughts
*Mature 18+*
First off, I must state that this book was not what I thought it would be. It turned into a very gritty, intense and emotional read; I was not expecting the dark edge that developed. However, I really enjoyed the dark intensity of the book. It made it a more enthralling read.
I adore Carmen Jenner! She is a great book blogger friend and an all-around awesome person, so to finally have read her book, was pretty amazing! She really gave me a book I could get lost in, and characters that I really enjoyed. Welcome to Sugartown was an enjoyable read!
The dark intensity of the book really did take me by surprise (though I was warned about it beforehand), I wasn’t expecting the turns that this book took. Nonetheless, it was gripping in its story building, and the way that Carmen told her story. So I will warn future lovers of this book, beware, this book will make you emotional unstable at points. And if you don’t like intense, gritty, and dark reads, I would be careful picking this one up.
I really did enjoy the characters. It has the perfect mix of that sexy bad boy, and sweet yet tough heroine. Anna is a really strong chick, and I enjoyed that about her. She did want she wanted and be damned what others said. Ana goes through quite a lot when sexy bad boy Elijah enters her world. And, oh gosh, my heart really went out for her, but what is so amazing about this character is her inner strength. That came shining through in the book and when Ana was faced with some very emotional, hard situations.
Elijah, as stated before, is one sexy, tattooed bad boy. And well, he really is a bad boy. I adore bad boys, so of course I did adore this character. He brought in the perfect challenge for the story line, and for Ana. Elijah has quite the demons in his past, but he is trying to start anew. That leads him to Sugartown, and to a pretty blonde that changes his world. Elijah also goes through a lot in this book, and I loved seeing him overcome the challenges he faced. Though he didn’t always make the right choices, and at one point I wanted to beat him with a brick, he did turn around. He really came through for Ana when she needed him.
The book is filled with some very entertaining and enjoyable characters. I really liked Ana’s best friend, she added that sassy spunk to the book. And of course I can’t forget Ana’s little brother! He was absolutely adorable! Carmen did a great job in adding a great cast of characters in her book.
The romance was definitely steamy! It had a very intense factor and the sexy scenes were well-written. I found the love and the developing romance -though a bit fast paced-to be nice. Ana and Elijah’s love really does get tested, and though it was a lot of drama and angst. It was a fun and emotional to read.
The only thing I thought was that the pacing was a bit fast at the beginning, and that some things escalated too fast too soon. However, once I really got into the book, it got a lot better and before long I was swept away with the story.
Welcome to Sugartown is an emotional, dark, edgy, sexy, and gritty read. It had a good balance between sweet and dark. Elijah was intense and raw, and Ana was a girl with a very strong will. The book also held a bit of Sons of Anarchy feel to it, I liked that vibe. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of dark, sexy romances. With intense characters and a very emotional story line.
meegzreads's review
4.0
*4 Stars*
This was a rollercoaster of a ride. I didn't mind the two main characters although they had a very complication relationship rife with secrets and barriers and then just a whole bunch of trouble. There was some graphic scenes in this one which may not be for everyone. There was a whole lot of push and pull between Ana and Elijah and I felt that things weren't really resolved properly at the end - we could do with a bit more on that. I liked the secondary characters and look forward to reading more about them in the future.
This was a rollercoaster of a ride. I didn't mind the two main characters although they had a very complication relationship rife with secrets and barriers and then just a whole bunch of trouble. There was some graphic scenes in this one which may not be for everyone. There was a whole lot of push and pull between Ana and Elijah and I felt that things weren't really resolved properly at the end - we could do with a bit more on that. I liked the secondary characters and look forward to reading more about them in the future.
sandeeisreading's review
2.0
Welcome to Sugartown started out pretty good for me, but suddenly took a bad turn around the middle. This book lost me. All the appeal it has at the beginning evaporated in nothingness.
I have to agree with the other reviewers, it wasn't what you'd expected it to be. I'm just not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
Now where do I start?
I have to agree with the other reviewers, it wasn't what you'd expected it to be. I'm just not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
Now where do I start?
Ana wanted to get out of Sugartown. She wanted more out of her life than making pies. She wanted some excitement.
Enter the devil on a bike.
Elijah has the word "BAD NEWS" written over him. He was extremely attactive though, especially with all that tatooes. Totally badass.
Is Elijah the excitement that Ana was waiting for?
Or was he a heartbreak waiting to happen?
Sounds good right? Yeah. That's what I thought too. I was hoping for a light-hearted book with a sweet, naive girl and a broken guy with a past. Although, I didn't expect it to be THAT dark.
So I want to start with Ana.
Errr.. Where should I start with Ana? I have no clue.
There was nothing special about her. Aside from the fact that I found her name cute. Ana Belle. Yep. That's her name. First and last name. Hehe.
She has her moments though. There were times that I wanted to slap her a high five because I really loved how she talked back to Elijah. But majority of the time, she's just plain and ordinary. Like any other naive, sweet MC whose just waiting for the right guy who'd give her the fuck of her life. Yep. She was that type of character.
I really liked her on the first few chapters, after that she became totally generic. Just like the rest of the female leads I lost care for.
Also, Ana's a bit stupid. When someone takes revenge for you, you are not supposed to be angry. I get that what he did was way over the top but still... WHHHHYYYY? I don't get it.Despite all his secrecy and the fact that I haven't really had anything else to compare it to, I think I'm in love with him. Each day I feel myself alling a little more, and I don't really know what that means for either of us. Sure, he's here with me now. And yes, he seems contented living in Sugartown and working with my dad, but for how long?
Also why? Oh why do you have to fall for someone youbarelydon't really know. I've already shared the same sentiment on one other book I've read. On that book, she marries the guy, and boy was it messy. I understand that you don't have much experience when it comes to relationships, since you have an overprotective dad, but love is attraction or lust. Love is built through experience, through bond, when you get to spend more time together, and not just some measly get meetup with the guy every now and then. You don't fall in love at the first few days you meet a guy. You get attracted but love? I don't fucking think so.
So we have Elijah.
My oh my! You are indeed very popular with the female readers. I, however, am not impressed.
You are BAD ASS! Not badass, but bad ass. I was actually starting to warm up to you, but then you have to ruin that because of your little shenanigan. You do not ever do that to someone you love. Or do you really even love her?
No. I don't fucking think so! You never do that. Fuck someone and fuck her too? No. No. Just no. It is not romantic in any way. I can't see it. I think I've gone blind.
And you are so full of yourself aren't you? Arrogance could work sometimes but once you exceeded a certain line, you come out as a douchebag and not like a cool confident dude who knows what he has.
Also, I just noticed, he couldn't stop talking about the massive thing between his legs. I'm assuming he have some sort of disorder that cause it to always be hard. Hmmm. You need to get that check Elijah. Could be a deadly disease.
I liked Elijah on the first few chapters. He was funny, hot, tatooed and knows how to use his mouth... uhhh in talking was what I meant. I kind of adored him even more because of how nice he was to Sam (Ana's cutest baby brother!!). That was his highest point for me unfortunately. Other than that, I don't see any other thing.
I get that he has a past, but he wasn't trying to make it better. Sometimes, the only way to fix yourself is to accept what happened in the past. You don't need to keep that bullshit all in. If people care enough for you, they'll accept you whatever stupid stuff you've done in the past.
This would have to be the first time a hot, tattooed guy with a smart-mouth hasn't swooned me over.
Final Ramblings
I had a real big problem with the unexpected twist. I usually like surprising twists, but this has gone too far. I would have wanted a sweet but also fiery story about a small town girl and a bad biker boy. What I wouldn't have given to have that story instead. I would have really enjoyed this.
This book had dealt with real hard stuff towards the ending which I would have loved if it started that way. But the thing is, it was decieving. It started like a typical romance novel, then ended differently. It wasn't consistent.
I'll have to say that I love Sam and his lisp. It's really cute! I wanted to pinch him the cheeks and give him tons of kisses!!! *mwwaah* Best kid brother ever!
And there's Holly. I liked her. She had more personality than Ana if you ask me. And I like that she is having her own story, but I doubt I'll be reading it.
I've read tons of raving reviews about this book. I think it's just very unfortunate, that I don't seem to see this book the way they do. I'm on the minority on this book which sucks so please don't hate me.
What else am I gonna say?
The twist towards the end. It was bad. It was very bad. The sad thing was, it didn't affect me all that much. I wasn't feeling bad for Elijah, I don't feel any sympathy for what Ana was going through. I wasn't emotionally stirred by this book.
*sigh*
Where are all the good old books that has a simple plot but would make you love them anyways?? Where are all those swoon-worthy guys and loveable girls?? Where are all the books that will make you feel? A lot. WHERREE?
Recommend me some if you know of any.
Til next time!! :)
ameserole's review
4.0
Elijah and Ana took their sweet time to finally get together. Does this mean Holly and Jack get together in the next book? If not, I will riot.
justlily's review
1.0
My review is as follows.
*clears throat*
This author used the words "spank bank" and was entirely serious.
End review.
Edit: Also a big screw you out to the author who has a completely meaningless "warning" at the bottom of this, warning for romance and awkwardness when there should be a warning for rape. You are really something else for using a warning as a joke when you should be using it to warn for the completely unnecessary violation of women in your book. Congratulations on being a horrible person and a subpar writer on top.
*clears throat*
This author used the words "spank bank" and was entirely serious.
End review.
Edit: Also a big screw you out to the author who has a completely meaningless "warning" at the bottom of this, warning for romance and awkwardness when there should be a warning for rape. You are really something else for using a warning as a joke when you should be using it to warn for the completely unnecessary violation of women in your book. Congratulations on being a horrible person and a subpar writer on top.
kate_and_books's review against another edition
3.0
Good book, solid read and very funny at the beginning.
Ana Belle works in a Pie Shop and is fed up of small town life that is until Elijah Cade rolls into town. Elijah has a lot of secrets that he wants to keep but in the end he can't.
Now I know that a lot of peeps have given this book 4 stars and might I add this is just my personal opinion but he was up to my standard and I can't really pinpoint why.
The story is good and what with happening to Ana, the author was very tasteful. Elijah is hot and well he is very protective.
Ana Belle works in a Pie Shop and is fed up of small town life that is until Elijah Cade rolls into town. Elijah has a lot of secrets that he wants to keep but in the end he can't.
Now I know that a lot of peeps have given this book 4 stars and might I add this is just my personal opinion but he was up to my standard and I can't really pinpoint why.
The story is good and what with happening to Ana, the author was very tasteful. Elijah is hot and well he is very protective.
aoibhrua's review
4.0
Also posted on http://aoibhreads.blogspot.ie/2014/07/review-welcome-to-sugartown-by-carmen.html
Rating: ★★★★☆
(semi-spoiler free review)
Summary:
19 year-old Ana Belle spends her time running her family pie shop in the heart of Sugartown, a small town where everyone knows everything. She has a reputation despite being a "good girl" and just keeping her head down and working. Her days are spent working and with her best friend, Holly. Both dream of the day they can escape the boring town but know the reality is far away and unreachable.
Then in rides Elijah Cade. This tattooed biker hunk wanders into Ana's pie shop and wants her immediately. Ana feigns disinterest but wants him just as badly. Working for her dad, Elijah harbours a dark past and Ana's father attempts to keep them apart.
Following numerous events/incidents throughout the book, Ana and Elijah's relationship is put to the test and they have to battle through their want for each other and whether they are actually more harmful together or apart...
My Thoughts:
This book is the definition for a roller-coaster story. The start is fun and light as they flirt back and forth and there's humour etc... But then it drops dramatically down a deep hole and emerges into dark and dangerous territory as Cade's past is brought to the present.
I loved the connection between Ana and Elijah from the start and Holly interfering added so much humour to the overall story. Holly was probably my favourite character in the story as I think everything she did/said I agreed with or believed was necessary and realistic. Some things Ana/Elijah did/said just annoyed me or disappointed me in a way.
The reason this book isn't 5 stars is for the following:
Ana; sometimes I just wanted to shake her for being so stubborn with Cade. I know he broke her heart etc and for the majority of the time, I think her actions were justified but there were just some occasions were I was like "OH JUST GIVE IN TO HIM! YOU CAN SEE HE CARES!" and it felt like she was over-playing the victim a tad too much.
Elijah; 99% of the time he was a perfect dreamy sexy bad-ass. BUT...there were a few times were he acted or said something that I felt really didn't fit his character who claimed to love Ana so much. Now, I'm well aware a man has needs etc but considering how much trouble he went to to prove his love for Ana and showed us how much he cared, I just can't understand why he'd go and have sex with Ana's number one enemy in the bathroom when Ana just needed time to come to terms with the fact he had kept his past a secret.
At this point if I were Ana I would never have forgiven him as how could he do that if he really cared?
That was my main issue with this book and why I'm giving it 4 stars. It were those teeny moments where the characters seemed to waver slightly off the path the author had built for them and left me questioning "who were they really?"
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romance novel but with a LOT of drama. It was quite unlike any other I've read before and I read it in less than 2 days!
Rating: ★★★★☆
(semi-spoiler free review)
Summary:
19 year-old Ana Belle spends her time running her family pie shop in the heart of Sugartown, a small town where everyone knows everything. She has a reputation despite being a "good girl" and just keeping her head down and working. Her days are spent working and with her best friend, Holly. Both dream of the day they can escape the boring town but know the reality is far away and unreachable.
Then in rides Elijah Cade. This tattooed biker hunk wanders into Ana's pie shop and wants her immediately. Ana feigns disinterest but wants him just as badly. Working for her dad, Elijah harbours a dark past and Ana's father attempts to keep them apart.
Following numerous events/incidents throughout the book, Ana and Elijah's relationship is put to the test and they have to battle through their want for each other and whether they are actually more harmful together or apart...
My Thoughts:
This book is the definition for a roller-coaster story. The start is fun and light as they flirt back and forth and there's humour etc... But then it drops dramatically down a deep hole and emerges into dark and dangerous territory as Cade's past is brought to the present.
I loved the connection between Ana and Elijah from the start and Holly interfering added so much humour to the overall story. Holly was probably my favourite character in the story as I think everything she did/said I agreed with or believed was necessary and realistic. Some things Ana/Elijah did/said just annoyed me or disappointed me in a way.
The reason this book isn't 5 stars is for the following:
Ana; sometimes I just wanted to shake her for being so stubborn with Cade. I know he broke her heart etc and for the majority of the time, I think her actions were justified but there were just some occasions were I was like "OH JUST GIVE IN TO HIM! YOU CAN SEE HE CARES!" and it felt like she was over-playing the victim a tad too much.
Elijah; 99% of the time he was a perfect dreamy sexy bad-ass. BUT...there were a few times were he acted or said something that I felt really didn't fit his character who claimed to love Ana so much. Now, I'm well aware a man has needs etc but considering how much trouble he went to to prove his love for Ana and showed us how much he cared, I just can't understand why he'd go and have sex with Ana's number one enemy in the bathroom when Ana just needed time to come to terms with the fact he had kept his past a secret.
At this point if I were Ana I would never have forgiven him as how could he do that if he really cared?
That was my main issue with this book and why I'm giving it 4 stars. It were those teeny moments where the characters seemed to waver slightly off the path the author had built for them and left me questioning "who were they really?"
Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves a good romance novel but with a LOT of drama. It was quite unlike any other I've read before and I read it in less than 2 days!
laurenm2111's review
5.0
TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH CARMEN JENNER!! This was her debut novel, and you wouldnt have guessed it!!
It was fantastic! Loved Elijah - he was tough, loyal, aplha AND sweet. There is many sweet moments with Elijah - to make you fall for him. Then there is a moment and I was like WTF?? But that just made me love him more!! I want Elijah, Carmen.....please make that happen!!
I really enjoyed the conversations between the characters - especially the secondary characters Holly and Jackson.
There was a huge hype surrounding this release - which I totally particpated in, but this story more than made up for it!! Definate must read book of 2013.
So now that Ms. Jenner has us so enthralled with Sugartown - we are now panting for more! Bring us more Carmen!!
It was fantastic! Loved Elijah - he was tough, loyal, aplha AND sweet. There is many sweet moments with Elijah - to make you fall for him. Then there is a moment and I was like WTF?? But that just made me love him more!! I want Elijah, Carmen.....please make that happen!!
I really enjoyed the conversations between the characters - especially the secondary characters Holly and Jackson.
There was a huge hype surrounding this release - which I totally particpated in, but this story more than made up for it!! Definate must read book of 2013.
So now that Ms. Jenner has us so enthralled with Sugartown - we are now panting for more! Bring us more Carmen!!
jetenold's review
4.0
read this one in the anthology Born to Ride - A Clubhouse Collection. This was probably one of my favorites in the anthology and i immediately bought the next one. i loved the fact that they struggled and didn't just immediately get together. really good.
jen286's review
2.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookend
Welcome to Sugartown was not my favorite read. It was meh in the beginning and turned into an annoying read by the end. It just was not for me.
**Some spoilers ahead**
Ana is tired of her life in Sugartown. She dreams of getting out one day. She has a horrible ex who spread false gossip about her (that she is easy and gives it up for everyone), a dad who somehow believes that, a step-mother she hates (who is not much older than her) and a bff who is only there for comedic relief. As I have said before in other "comedy" reviews that is a hard one for me. Usually it is not my sense of humor and that was the case with the first half of this book. It just...can the bff not have an actual personality? Can she not be a character instead of just there to make jokes? I didn't like that much.
Then we have Elijah who just moved to town and is working with Ana's dad. They have some "fun" conversations, back and forth, and it was just meh for me. I mean I didn't actually see the connection between the two of them. It was just an instant he/she is soooo hot!! I want to get with them!! and that was the basis of their so called relationship. It was just...meh.
So Elijah has a bad past. He has secrets that he can't share with Ana, and Ana doesn't want to let him in. She is a bit afraid of getting hurt like she did with her horrible ex. So it takes a little bit, but she starts to cave. Then Elijah's past catches up to him and there are some bad things that happen and then Ana got super annoying to me. After bad things happened she was just like I cannot be with Elijah!! He LIED to me!!! How could he?!?! So she refused to see him. It was just...she would be all mopey, poor me, yet he never really lied and what about the bad stuff that happened? Why are you not upset because of that? It was just odd as she should have been more concerned about what actually happened as I could understand her not wanting to be with him because of that. So she was just kind of super annoying for the rest of the story.
Oh and there is a really not cool scene where Elijah basically rapes Ana. No means no, but he doesn't stop when she asks him to. And afterwards when she says she didn't want it he tells her something like I would have stopped if I thought you meant it. Our hero...not cool. Not cool at all. So this is like in the middle of the story so at this point I am not a fan of either of them. And it just kept getting worse.
Ana decides that it will be a super great idea to go drinking and hang out with her dirtbag ex. I mean why wouldn't you? He sounds super! And super bad stuff happens, and Elijah avenges her in a really not cool way, he does get locked up, but Ana is all I want to be with him, but I can't, but he is so hot, but I can't, but can I? Oh poor me. Poor poor me. Ugh. Not cool. Not good at all. Of course we get out happily ever after and by that point I was kind of like whatever. Maybe you two should be together - then no one else has to be. See not my book.
Welcome to Sugartown was not my favorite read. It was meh in the beginning and turned into an annoying read by the end. It just was not for me.
**Some spoilers ahead**
Ana is tired of her life in Sugartown. She dreams of getting out one day. She has a horrible ex who spread false gossip about her (that she is easy and gives it up for everyone), a dad who somehow believes that, a step-mother she hates (who is not much older than her) and a bff who is only there for comedic relief. As I have said before in other "comedy" reviews that is a hard one for me. Usually it is not my sense of humor and that was the case with the first half of this book. It just...can the bff not have an actual personality? Can she not be a character instead of just there to make jokes? I didn't like that much.
Then we have Elijah who just moved to town and is working with Ana's dad. They have some "fun" conversations, back and forth, and it was just meh for me. I mean I didn't actually see the connection between the two of them. It was just an instant he/she is soooo hot!! I want to get with them!! and that was the basis of their so called relationship. It was just...meh.
So Elijah has a bad past. He has secrets that he can't share with Ana, and Ana doesn't want to let him in. She is a bit afraid of getting hurt like she did with her horrible ex. So it takes a little bit, but she starts to cave. Then Elijah's past catches up to him and there are some bad things that happen and then Ana got super annoying to me. After bad things happened she was just like I cannot be with Elijah!! He LIED to me!!! How could he?!?! So she refused to see him. It was just...she would be all mopey, poor me, yet he never really lied and what about the bad stuff that happened? Why are you not upset because of that? It was just odd as she should have been more concerned about what actually happened as I could understand her not wanting to be with him because of that. So she was just kind of super annoying for the rest of the story.
Oh and there is a really not cool scene where Elijah basically rapes Ana. No means no, but he doesn't stop when she asks him to. And afterwards when she says she didn't want it he tells her something like I would have stopped if I thought you meant it. Our hero...not cool. Not cool at all. So this is like in the middle of the story so at this point I am not a fan of either of them. And it just kept getting worse.
Ana decides that it will be a super great idea to go drinking and hang out with her dirtbag ex. I mean why wouldn't you? He sounds super! And super bad stuff happens, and Elijah avenges her in a really not cool way, he does get locked up, but Ana is all I want to be with him, but I can't, but he is so hot, but I can't, but can I? Oh poor me. Poor poor me. Ugh. Not cool. Not good at all. Of course we get out happily ever after and by that point I was kind of like whatever. Maybe you two should be together - then no one else has to be. See not my book.