Reviews

Cream and Punishment by Susannah Nix

readingwithstrangers62's review against another edition

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4.0

“Being surrounded by books always makes me feel better. It’s like being wrapped in a soft blanket covered with words.”

Lucy and Tanner previously dated but when Tanner said “I love you” after only dating 6 weeks, Lucy freaked out and bolted. Now they are forced to work together at King’s Creamery in the marketing department which obviously causes some tension between the two.

Tanner is such a caring and sweet person who truly jumps in heart first, making it easy to dislike Lucy before learning her reasons for her freak out. As they decide to try being friends we learn about Lucy’s home life and more about what makes Tanner tick. They may have grown up with different privileges/lives but they actually had a lot in common when it came to their relationships with their living parent.

They were a great couple who supported each other constantly when it came to dealing with their family and careers. I was so happy that they got their happy ending.

I also love Josie and Nate’s so biking relationship and look forward to their respective books !


Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

maerobles's review against another edition

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4.0

This is the first book I read from both Susannah Nix and the King Family series. I haven't heard a lot from her and I think this book has was a great way to be introduced to her and her books. Cream and Punishment is a light and fluffy read that discusses true to life issues like infidelities, divorce, and chronic illness. I love how Susannah tackled all of these in her book.

It started out slow and I didn't think it would take me this long to read it because I'm so used to slow burn romances. What intrigued me about this book is that it is a second chance romance, I haven't read that many second chance romance and quite honestly, I didn't like it before. But this gives me a whole new perspective about the trope and I think I'm going to start reading more books about it.

If you're a new reader, learning the English language through books, or if you're just looking to expand your vocabulary, this would be a perfect book for you. It has a lot of uncommonly used words and they would add to your vocabulary knowledge. You have to ready your dictionary because it was quite a lot. and I've never used most of those words before but it was really easy enough to understand based on the context

It was quite confusing at first because of the dysfunctional family they have but you get used to it. I love every character's back story and eventually, their character development and how they handled every issue that they have. It's safe to say that I'm going to expect more of Susannah Nix's works, it has been amazing to discover little gems like this.

rcoffey22's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

akelf4you's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

bagelpapi's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was remarkably good. Tanner and Lucy were the most beautiful couple. I really appreciate a romance novel that’s real; these two had very clear issues and instead of being juvenile about it, they had many conversations and worked on it. The way toxic familial relationships were depicted in this book was incredible. How it can be so clear that someone is abusing you and you’re aware of it, but you don’t stop the cycle. This book showed how easy it is to stay in that cycle and the damage it does to not only your own psyche but the relationships you have with other people. Really and truly such a good book, but as we know, I am a sucker for second chance romances soooooo

jolou's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

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4.0

I LOVE the King family - this series is pure delight and I especially enjoyed Tanner and Lucy's second chance at love story! This book had me laughing and crying as the characters work through their vulnerabilities in the most relatable and caring of ways.

Perfect for anyone who loves:
-bookish characters with the most amazing Pride & Prejudice references!
-swoony leads who aren't afraid to help their partners with the messier parts of life
-workplace romances
-slow burn, second chance romances
-lots of family baggage and supportive siblings
-steamy open door scenes

Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for my advance review copy. I devoured this in one day and can't wait for the next story featuring Ryan!

Favorite quote:
"Because I'm pretty sure you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, only apparently I was too broken to realize it until I'd lost you."

⚠️CW: emotionally toxic/abusive parents

nicolecurlsuptoread's review against another edition

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4.0

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [4/5]
Spice

dragonstar1974's review against another edition

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4.0

Terrificly written, well-paced second chance tale with mounds of angst, scintillating sexy sweet poetry laced love scenes (Oh my heart!), and a cute kitty to cuddle!

While this story wasn't my first flavor of choice, in the end you can't help but cheer for Tanner and Lucy. If only one could lock them in a walk-in freezer to snuggle and talk! Hearts and minds would melt together so much faster and sweeter. Also be warned the level of toxicity and manipulation from both sets of the parents in this book was a lot despite the author's warning. It was hard to read even knowing it would be a major theme. But something tells me there's a secret recipe brewing Mr. King's actions that we just don't know yet.

I can't wait to see what Ms. Nix has planned for the rest of this series!

Thanks to the author for the early sneak peek of this story!

jen286's review against another edition

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4.0

Tanner and Lucy are everything! I loved them both so so much! Lucy is so kind and sweet and caring and just wonderful. And Tanner is just as amazing. I loved the both of them and wanted them to work things out and live happily ever after right from the start. You can see they both still care, but it is also tough.

Tanner and Lucy dated briefly in the past until they broke up. Tanner still cares about her so much, but is trying to be respectful of her choice. It is not her fault she didn't care about him like he cares about her. Oh, I adored Tanner. He is one of the most wonderful human beings. The kindness and how caring he is, how he supports Lucy even when he is hurting, was wonderful to read. I loved how he doesn't resent her, he is hurt yes, but he is still such a great person. He doesn't lash out, he doesn't wish her harm, he would be there for her no matter what. Because he is just a truly wonderful person.

And Lucy? Oh, I loved her as well. She is wonderful. Yes, she has some things to figure out, some things to realize before she can be in a relationship, but it is no wonder. I felt for her I really did, but I wanted all the best things for her as well. She deserves to be happy.

The two of them together gave me all the feels! I loved the pacing of this book, though some things that happened towards the end I would have loved to see a bit sooner so I could see more of what happened after, but gah! It was such a great read. And that epilogue? My heart! Tanner and Lucy forever! And now I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!