Reviews

How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton

adurish's review

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3.0

Kate and Drake end up getting married at Niagara Falls. Evan Eversteen and Rachel get arrested.

cobaltbookshelf's review

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3.0

Initially picked this book up because the cover is adorable but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters as well as the overall plot, even though is low key insta.
As like the title the book is also sweet and if you’re looking for an charming read with some feels, check out How Sweet It Is.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

bookishjen_10's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.75

reeyabeegale's review

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4.0

This is more of a 3.5 and I always round-down my ratings. However, for this one, I've decided to round-up instead.

The beginning was pretty strong, but I wasn't feeling the budding romance until I passed the 50% of the book. Up until that point, Kate read one-dimensional, which I didn't appreciate. I'm happy that starting in the festival, things started looking up and the I was getting into the romance between Drake and Kate more.

The conflict was okay, it was something I didn't immediately guess. Even the surprise gift towards the last chapter, I was unable to guess -- I completely forgot about it until it was explained.

One thing that really made me round up my rating was one of his fan encounters. It was so unexpected and my experience reading that part was surprising. I was quietly eating my dinner, reading and then BAM -- I was bawling my eyes out. I had to stop for a few minutes to collect myself. Probably it hit too close at home, especially after going through something similar just a few nights ago. It was beautiful and I think every author deserves that kind of validation at least once in the entire duration of their career.

This book reignited my love for events planning. The book isn't too special, but I will still recommend it for people who are looking for a quick read.

mariyavalentin's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Small-town

kelstay27's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

enticingtitles's review

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5.0

When Kate Sweet, event planner and wedding guru extraordinaire, accepts the challenge of planning a book launch for the Knight of Nightmares (modeled just a smidge on Stephen King), she's trying to prove that her event planning prowess and "AWW" moments extend beyond the bounds of holy matrimony. But if first impressions are any indication, this book launch might be her roughest event yet.

When Drake Matthews walks outside to see what's causing such a stir outside his house, he definitely does not expect to be physically assaulted, let alone by a gorgeous woman. And not so much 'physically assaulted' as used as a human shield from his apparently terrifying shih tzu. Injurious meet-cute aside, Drake has a soft side many don't get to see. Can he trust Kate with his secrets and his heart?

Talk about a beautiful bookish romance! I loved everything about this... I loved the bookish pick up lines and flirting. I adored Drake's family. And Kate, well, she's just the coolest and I want to know her in real life! I get major "Wedding Planner" vibes, except substitute gory horror novel writer for the hunky doctor. I can't wait for this to be released in July!

Thank you to Dylan Newton, Forever Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

becbec624's review

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4.0

This is a great fall read! This is the perfect read for anyone looking for a good hallmark-y storyline with a forced proximity trope.
My only issue with this book was the plot felt a bit flat and the romance didn't develop fully for me. I was missing some details and alone time between the two main characters. I thought the characters were charming and the plot was interesting, I just wished there was more to make the story feel complete.

laura_cs's review

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5.0

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Anyone can plan a party. That's why Kate Sweet specializes in events. She carefully crafts extravagant weddings, meant to wow and make dreams come true. When her best friend, who works for a book publisher, is in desperate need of someone to plan the book launch for famous horror novelist, Drake Matthews, Kate is initially hesitant. After all, she's a happily-ever-after kind of planner, and a scaredy cat when it comes to horror books and films. But she accepts the job--especially as it could lead to her winning a prestigious award. That is, she was well onto the path to that award until there is an... incident.

Drake Matthews has a secret: the Knight of Nightmares is writing a romance novel. Not even his brothers and mom know, even though he's based the story off of family history. What's not a secret? That he's not thrilled about the idea of a big fancy book launch. He's not exactly a people person, and hates that the world sees him as some sort of vampire, a living embodiment of his horror novels. But that also leads to another secret: he can't stand the sight of his own blood. How are these secrets connected, you might ask? In the form of an event planner with a lethal pair of stilettoes.

When these two very different personalities collide, they're both in for a major plot twist in their lives.

A brilliant, hilarious, and heart-felt romantic comedy debut from Newton, "How Sweet It Is" is an absolute delight for a cozy fall read. You'll fall in love with Drake's hometown of Wellsville, Drake's Victorian house, Kate and Drake's banter and the shenanigans they get up to, and a whole lot of cupcake flavors you wish were real. Just an incredibly gorgeous and fun storytelling masterpiece!

hannah_reads_2020's review against another edition

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4.0

A fun and sweet forced proximity romance.

This is just what I look for in a romance novel, a slow relationship build and the conflict is solved like adults rather than being so far over the top it seems childish. There is mild steam, always a plus ( I would have liked more, but that's just me). All-in-all a great summer beach read. There is enough character backstory hooks to keep you intrigued, but they don't over run the story.

The duel aspect of following both Kate and Drake and the way their lives became intertwined was well done. The side characters did feel a little one dimensional but that just me being picky.