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Make It Sweet
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a charming, emotional romance about redefining dreams and discovering unlikely love along the way.
Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.
Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes.
He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other.
But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again…
In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.
Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.
Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes.
He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other.
But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again…
In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
About the author
Kristen Callihan
26 books13.7k followersKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,801 reviews
March 12, 2021
As soon as I see the upcoming work of brilliant romance author Kristen Callihan who can write humorous, tempting sports romance novels ( “Game on series” are my favorites and but she can also write amazing contemporary series about musical industry- I highly recommend her VIP series as well) , I wanted to read it ASAP!
I was soooo excited!
Her new work is still good. Even though I was expecting hot, smoking, sizzling, sexy, angsty romance but this book’s genre was more like sweet, soft, entertaining rom-com. There are still some personal heavy burdens characters carry over shoulders. The emotional, heartwarming parts are still there but I couldn’t find so delicious, pant melting chemistry between the characters. It was still intriguing with lovely plot , easy to read and enjoy your time! It was just a little different and lighter than her previous works.
Let’s check the plot line together: Emma is young, promising actress who plays at “ Dark Castle”, highly praised TV series. She is also lucky to have a handsome, loving boyfriend but fairy tal-ish beautiful life suddenly changes.
The screenwriters of her show lose their minds and turned her into mad queen and her character gets killed by her brother/ lover. And three eyed raven gets the crown! Oh, my bad, that’s another disastrous screenplay f*ck up!
Poor Emma is the only victim of the show! The vengeful writers killed her character and she cannot tell to anyone that she’s jobless till the last episode she played will air six months later.
She needs her boyfriend support but she finds out the bastard decided to support sexually to another woman. Busted!
Our broken hearted heroine leaves the town to spend her time at a gorgeous old villa of grandmothers’ friends. She’s going to pull herself together, enjoying scenery, reading books. Till she meets with deliciously handyman next door.
Okay, let’s tell the truth, handyman next door has a name: Lucian. Only calling his name gives you sexy vibes, doesn’t it? He’s successful hokey player who is forced to be retired after his sports injury. He hides in his grandmother’s villa, licks his wounds and improves his culinary skills. Yes my friends, our hero cooks hell of dishes. The plot cannot get so much better!
Then he bumps into Emma who thinks he’s driver- handyman- pool cleaner whatsoever! Too many awkward, absurd misunderstandings and hero’s rude manners later, they start to form a friendship and of course friends to lovers theme start to play out as a cue of their starting summer fling.
As I said before this book didn’t rock my world or affected me like the author’s previous works I mentioned before. But I still have really wonderful time during my read. So I still recommend this book to the romcom and author’s fans.
I’m giving 3.5 and rounding up 4 great British baking show stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this review copy in exchange my honest opinions.
I was soooo excited!
Her new work is still good. Even though I was expecting hot, smoking, sizzling, sexy, angsty romance but this book’s genre was more like sweet, soft, entertaining rom-com. There are still some personal heavy burdens characters carry over shoulders. The emotional, heartwarming parts are still there but I couldn’t find so delicious, pant melting chemistry between the characters. It was still intriguing with lovely plot , easy to read and enjoy your time! It was just a little different and lighter than her previous works.
Let’s check the plot line together: Emma is young, promising actress who plays at “ Dark Castle”, highly praised TV series. She is also lucky to have a handsome, loving boyfriend but fairy tal-ish beautiful life suddenly changes.
The screenwriters of her show lose their minds and turned her into mad queen and her character gets killed by her brother/ lover. And three eyed raven gets the crown! Oh, my bad, that’s another disastrous screenplay f*ck up!
Poor Emma is the only victim of the show! The vengeful writers killed her character and she cannot tell to anyone that she’s jobless till the last episode she played will air six months later.
She needs her boyfriend support but she finds out the bastard decided to support sexually to another woman. Busted!
Our broken hearted heroine leaves the town to spend her time at a gorgeous old villa of grandmothers’ friends. She’s going to pull herself together, enjoying scenery, reading books. Till she meets with deliciously handyman next door.
Okay, let’s tell the truth, handyman next door has a name: Lucian. Only calling his name gives you sexy vibes, doesn’t it? He’s successful hokey player who is forced to be retired after his sports injury. He hides in his grandmother’s villa, licks his wounds and improves his culinary skills. Yes my friends, our hero cooks hell of dishes. The plot cannot get so much better!
Then he bumps into Emma who thinks he’s driver- handyman- pool cleaner whatsoever! Too many awkward, absurd misunderstandings and hero’s rude manners later, they start to form a friendship and of course friends to lovers theme start to play out as a cue of their starting summer fling.
As I said before this book didn’t rock my world or affected me like the author’s previous works I mentioned before. But I still have really wonderful time during my read. So I still recommend this book to the romcom and author’s fans.
I’m giving 3.5 and rounding up 4 great British baking show stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this review copy in exchange my honest opinions.
February 25, 2021
KC sure does make reading sweet.
this story is adorable. i adore the characters, adore the storyline, adore the growth. everything about this makes the reader want more.
and you know, ive never been a fan of stories where someone only finds life worth living because of an other person. i think people need to have other goals and dreams that do not revolve around someone else. and KC shows this perfectly - that sometimes it does take another person to give you a new perspective on whats important, but there are many things in life worth living for, not just a single person.
so i really appreciate the healthy relationship emma and luc have in this book.
overall, another super sweet story by KC.
↠ 4 stars
this story is adorable. i adore the characters, adore the storyline, adore the growth. everything about this makes the reader want more.
and you know, ive never been a fan of stories where someone only finds life worth living because of an other person. i think people need to have other goals and dreams that do not revolve around someone else. and KC shows this perfectly - that sometimes it does take another person to give you a new perspective on whats important, but there are many things in life worth living for, not just a single person.
so i really appreciate the healthy relationship emma and luc have in this book.
overall, another super sweet story by KC.
↠ 4 stars
March 16, 2021
4.5 stars
I am such a huge Kristen Callihan fan, so when I heard she was writing a romance with a hero who BAKES, I knew I needed it in my life. (I always need more heroes who bake and cook.) So what do you get when you put one grumpy ex-hockey player with a hidden talent for baking and one actress whose character has been killed off from a successful Game of Thrones-like show? You get fireworks, banter, and one deliciously swoony romance.
Emma has just been let go from her acting role as Princess Anya and is floundering. She decides to take a break from the acting world and stay at Rosemont. She comes across gorgeous, broody, reclusive Lucian, whose grandmother owns the estate. Despite Lucian trying to stay away from Emma, who is a temptation he knows he can’t resist, there’s only so much space in this estate and they come across each other again and again (with some meddling from Lucian’s grandmother Amalie), and sparks fly.
I absolutely adored Lucian and Emma. Their romance is not the easiest or the smoothest, but from the moment that they meet, there’s chemistry and an intense longing to know each other better. Lucian is struggling with his retired hockey life. Hockey is his greatest passion, but now that he’s lost it after too many concussions, he feels broken. Emma is the one bright light in his life and even though he knows her time at Rosemont is temporary, he can’t help but woo her through his delicious pastries. I was dying at all the baked goods Lucian makes for Emma – I’m a Great British Bake-Off fan and I was drooling over all the food descriptions!
If you’re looking for a foodie romance that will sweep you off your feet, Make It Sweet is it. Kristen Callihan is known for her sports romances, and even though this hero is retired, fans of her Game On series will definitely enjoy this book. If you enjoyed Dear Enemy, there’s some nice cameos of that couple in Make It Sweet. Overall, I just had such a fun time reading this romance and would love some more foodie romances from Kristen Callihan!
•••
I'm crying, where do I find a man like Lucian who will love me and treasure me and bake for me like he does Emma? If you love foodie romance and/or the Great British Bake-Off, Make It Sweet will be pastry heaven for you. The romance is fun and full of banter, even with our grumpy ex-hockey player of a hero. Emma and Lucian were fantastic together and I enjoyed their story so much! 4-4.5 stars.
•••
A NEW BOOK FROM KRISTEN CALLIHAN. And the hero BAKES!
I am such a huge Kristen Callihan fan, so when I heard she was writing a romance with a hero who BAKES, I knew I needed it in my life. (I always need more heroes who bake and cook.) So what do you get when you put one grumpy ex-hockey player with a hidden talent for baking and one actress whose character has been killed off from a successful Game of Thrones-like show? You get fireworks, banter, and one deliciously swoony romance.
Emma has just been let go from her acting role as Princess Anya and is floundering. She decides to take a break from the acting world and stay at Rosemont. She comes across gorgeous, broody, reclusive Lucian, whose grandmother owns the estate. Despite Lucian trying to stay away from Emma, who is a temptation he knows he can’t resist, there’s only so much space in this estate and they come across each other again and again (with some meddling from Lucian’s grandmother Amalie), and sparks fly.
I absolutely adored Lucian and Emma. Their romance is not the easiest or the smoothest, but from the moment that they meet, there’s chemistry and an intense longing to know each other better. Lucian is struggling with his retired hockey life. Hockey is his greatest passion, but now that he’s lost it after too many concussions, he feels broken. Emma is the one bright light in his life and even though he knows her time at Rosemont is temporary, he can’t help but woo her through his delicious pastries. I was dying at all the baked goods Lucian makes for Emma – I’m a Great British Bake-Off fan and I was drooling over all the food descriptions!
If you’re looking for a foodie romance that will sweep you off your feet, Make It Sweet is it. Kristen Callihan is known for her sports romances, and even though this hero is retired, fans of her Game On series will definitely enjoy this book. If you enjoyed Dear Enemy, there’s some nice cameos of that couple in Make It Sweet. Overall, I just had such a fun time reading this romance and would love some more foodie romances from Kristen Callihan!
•••
I'm crying, where do I find a man like Lucian who will love me and treasure me and bake for me like he does Emma? If you love foodie romance and/or the Great British Bake-Off, Make It Sweet will be pastry heaven for you. The romance is fun and full of banter, even with our grumpy ex-hockey player of a hero. Emma and Lucian were fantastic together and I enjoyed their story so much! 4-4.5 stars.
•••
A NEW BOOK FROM KRISTEN CALLIHAN. And the hero BAKES!
March 2, 2021
Kristen Callihan’s books sometimes work for me and sometimes don’t. Unfortunately, this one was pure torture for me. I now wonder why I insisted on finishing it... momentary lapse in judgement, maybe...
Here is why I didn't like this book:
First of all, it is SLOW… like "making you sleepy" slow... And nothing much happens in the book. It is all about the hero's whining about his lost career. It is really annoying.
There are too many inner monologues and not enough dialogues, which makes it even more boring..
However, the reason why I didn't like the book is mainly because I HATED the hero, Lucian.
Lucian was an ice hockey player. He is now retired due to a concussion syndrome and it is too risky for him to play again. He believes that being an ice hockey player defined him and all along the book, he acts as a sulking child who whines about his dream life being taken from him.
He has another passion: baking pastry. He bakes for the people who stay at his grandmother’s mansion. However, he cannot accept it as a new life goal that could replace ice hockey. He misses ice hockey and being on the ice and that's why, he can never be happy without it. He is never really happy until the last few pages. It is both depressing and infuriating to watch him not enjoy his life anymore because he can't be on the ice.
When he meets the heroine Emma, who is a famous actress, he is attracted to her but he doesn’t want a relationship so he pushes her away. He pushes, pushes and pushes her away until he can’t.
When they start getting intimate, I thought he was going to be a little bit more likable but nope, he starts to freak out by his own strong feelings and goes back to being an ass again and pushes her away.
Then he misses her and begs her to give him another chance. She does. She is such an angel but she is too good for her own good. And for a while, they are kinda happy but then again Lucian thinks he is not a whole without ice hockey and he once again leaves her to go try playing ice hockey although it is a life threatening job for him now.
Until the last few pages, he doesn’t come to his senses and realize what he has lost and what else he will lose if he tries to chase this dream and this life. All along this infuriating process, Emma is as patient as a saint. I would have kicked his sorry ass out of my life already.
And in the end, when he comes and says that his life is Emma and he will try to be a chéf, I am sorry but I didn’t believe him. I can never trust such a man who pushed away such a wonderful woman so many times. The book has a “happy end” but I am not buying it with this sorry excuse of a human being. He will break her heart many more times, I am sure. I would be happier if she had found someone else.
*********************************************
The book is full of pastry and sweets. I mean it is really full of them. Everyday he bakes an interesting pastry and feeds her with it. One, two, three would be all right but no… maybe more than 20 or 30 times, you read what he has baked and how it tastes.
I didn’t understand how she stayed as thin as she was with all of that pastry she ate.
And to be honest, I felt sick reading about sweets all the time. Why did the book focus on sweets so much???
*********************************************
There are side characters that are there to contribute to the story but other than Sal, I didn’t feel the others did any contribution. They remained as flat characters for me.
*********************************************
I don’t want to sound like a prude but I didn’t like that Emma was the star of a TV series where she had lots and lots of sex scenes in which she appeared nude and once Lucian and his team mates watched her and fantasized about her. Even before he saw her naked in his bed, he knew how her tits looked like etc.
And there is this time when he thinks of a scene from that TV series and remembers how the hero f*cked her from behind while her tits were bouncing on the TV screen and now he wants to touch them and kiss them.
Why was this information there? It certainly wasn't hot or sexy.
*********************************************
There is a stupid scene with Emma’s ex. I thought it was written to make Lucian jealous when he sees her with him but that scene is so meaningless that I still don’t know why it was written the way it was written.
There is another scene – this time with his ex and that scene makes more sense even though it still isn’t good enough.
*********************************************
Safety:
No cheating, no OW/OM drama
*********************************************
Writing:
Dual point of view.
320 pages.
Slow and dragging.
Boring, annoying and infuriating.
*********************************************
Recommendation:
Nope, I wouldn't recommend this book at all, sorry.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
Here is why I didn't like this book:
First of all, it is SLOW… like "making you sleepy" slow... And nothing much happens in the book. It is all about the hero's whining about his lost career. It is really annoying.
There are too many inner monologues and not enough dialogues, which makes it even more boring..
However, the reason why I didn't like the book is mainly because I HATED the hero, Lucian.
Lucian was an ice hockey player. He is now retired due to a concussion syndrome and it is too risky for him to play again. He believes that being an ice hockey player defined him and all along the book, he acts as a sulking child who whines about his dream life being taken from him.
He has another passion: baking pastry. He bakes for the people who stay at his grandmother’s mansion. However, he cannot accept it as a new life goal that could replace ice hockey. He misses ice hockey and being on the ice and that's why, he can never be happy without it. He is never really happy until the last few pages. It is both depressing and infuriating to watch him not enjoy his life anymore because he can't be on the ice.
When he meets the heroine Emma, who is a famous actress, he is attracted to her but he doesn’t want a relationship so he pushes her away. He pushes, pushes and pushes her away until he can’t.
When they start getting intimate, I thought he was going to be a little bit more likable but nope, he starts to freak out by his own strong feelings and goes back to being an ass again and pushes her away.
Then he misses her and begs her to give him another chance. She does. She is such an angel but she is too good for her own good. And for a while, they are kinda happy but then again Lucian thinks he is not a whole without ice hockey and he once again leaves her to go try playing ice hockey although it is a life threatening job for him now.
Until the last few pages, he doesn’t come to his senses and realize what he has lost and what else he will lose if he tries to chase this dream and this life. All along this infuriating process, Emma is as patient as a saint. I would have kicked his sorry ass out of my life already.
And in the end, when he comes and says that his life is Emma and he will try to be a chéf, I am sorry but I didn’t believe him. I can never trust such a man who pushed away such a wonderful woman so many times. The book has a “happy end” but I am not buying it with this sorry excuse of a human being. He will break her heart many more times, I am sure. I would be happier if she had found someone else.
*********************************************
The book is full of pastry and sweets. I mean it is really full of them. Everyday he bakes an interesting pastry and feeds her with it. One, two, three would be all right but no… maybe more than 20 or 30 times, you read what he has baked and how it tastes.
I didn’t understand how she stayed as thin as she was with all of that pastry she ate.
And to be honest, I felt sick reading about sweets all the time. Why did the book focus on sweets so much???
*********************************************
There are side characters that are there to contribute to the story but other than Sal, I didn’t feel the others did any contribution. They remained as flat characters for me.
*********************************************
I don’t want to sound like a prude but I didn’t like that Emma was the star of a TV series where she had lots and lots of sex scenes in which she appeared nude and once Lucian and his team mates watched her and fantasized about her. Even before he saw her naked in his bed, he knew how her tits looked like etc.
And there is this time when he thinks of a scene from that TV series and remembers how the hero f*cked her from behind while her tits were bouncing on the TV screen and now he wants to touch them and kiss them.
Why was this information there? It certainly wasn't hot or sexy.
*********************************************
There is a stupid scene with Emma’s ex. I thought it was written to make Lucian jealous when he sees her with him but that scene is so meaningless that I still don’t know why it was written the way it was written.
There is another scene – this time with his ex and that scene makes more sense even though it still isn’t good enough.
*********************************************
Safety:
No cheating, no OW/OM drama
*********************************************
Writing:
Dual point of view.
320 pages.
Slow and dragging.
Boring, annoying and infuriating.
*********************************************
Recommendation:
Nope, I wouldn't recommend this book at all, sorry.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
April 19, 2021
⭐⭐⭐.5
I'm a sucker for anything Kristen Callihan, and although this book was sweet (no pun intended), it was predictable, a little cheesy and quite generic.
- Queue we all know what happens next..
The first half of this book was a solid 4 stars, which I read with a smile on my face even though the instant attraction is a bit over the top (we get it, they're both pretty damn attractive), but the final half was closer to 3 for me and it took me twice as long to finish it compared to the first part. I just lost interest as it felt very repetitive, and although there were a lot of interesting aspects to the story, it felt like very little was done with it .
I do appreciate the older characters (27/28 years) actually behaving like adults for the most parts (I think it's a sign that I'm getting old), and I like that the conflict wasn't solved like it is in most romance books .
It was an ok feelgood book, but there are other Kristen Callihan books I'd recommend before this (The Hook Up, Idol).
This was what happened when liking someone mixed with attraction.
I'm a sucker for anything Kristen Callihan, and although this book was sweet (no pun intended), it was predictable, a little cheesy and quite generic.
After getting the axe from one of the most popular tv series(read: Game of Thrones)and finding her boyfriend cheating in her own room, life for Emma isn't good. Wanting to escape the public eye when her last season on the show airs, she runs away to Rosemont, a gorgeos estate in California promising rest and relaxation. Little does she know she's not the only one hiding away here. Ex-hockey player, now handyman and brilliant cook, Lucian thinks he lost everything the night his lights went out on the hockey rink. Fearing another hit might end his life, he hangs up his skates and moves to Rosemont unsure of what to do with his life. Charming, but secretive and gruff, Emma can't help but feel attracted to the man. Although trying to avoid each other, they only grow closer, and realise Rosemont might just be the best place to redefine dreams.
- Queue we all know what happens next..
The first half of this book was a solid 4 stars, which I read with a smile on my face even though the instant attraction is a bit over the top (we get it, they're both pretty damn attractive), but the final half was closer to 3 for me and it took me twice as long to finish it compared to the first part. I just lost interest as it felt very repetitive, and although there were a lot of interesting aspects to the story, it felt like very little was done with it .
I do appreciate the older characters (27/28 years) actually behaving like adults for the most parts (I think it's a sign that I'm getting old), and I like that the conflict wasn't solved like it is in most romance books .
It was an ok feelgood book, but there are other Kristen Callihan books I'd recommend before this (The Hook Up, Idol).
November 9, 2020
This was sweet at times, a little bit cheesy at others. It was just okay. A simply written story about a former hockey player and an actress who have just been axed from her major role. They both chose a lovely isolated place to lick their wounds. Then they start getting close. It was such a sweet simple story nothing special about it, but not bad either. It also have a meddling grandmother who likes to play matchmaker and I freakin love those!!
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy.
September 24, 2022
"I loved you, Em. Almost from the beginning. But I didn't love me"
Well damn. But also damn.
Make It Sweet is a story about two well-known individuals whose careers are in jeopardy and how they overcome it, in which the loss of a treasured career had left Lucian shattered, while the loss of a prized role has left Emma devastated and worried about her future. But they do, however, work together to overcome their fears and support one another. And doing so let them discover each other and themselves between jokes, countless conversations and tender moments of delighting in each other's company and eventually love.
Emma is sassy, mischievous yet very sweet and understanding. If I have to pick the most favourable character, it would be her. I especially love how she always come to understand and tolerate Lucian on one of his mood swings, at the same time knows when to stand up for herself.
Meanwhile Lucian? Simply put: sometimes stupid. His redeemable character would be that he is a good bake and his pastries always sound so heavenly. Put the food bribery aside, he can be such an annoying prick for all his dumb slip. Like, I understand it's a slip but I still think it's dumb. He can tone down the hurt he inflicted on Emma and tried to think for once before saying anything insensitive. For that, he is probably not my favourite book boyfriend of all time. [congrats, Lucien].
If you haven't read many romance novels, you might enjoy this one. But I've been reading romance for a long run to the point I've become accustomed to it. Which also made me more likely to seek out something thrilling and different, and this book does not fall into the category. I found the entire narrative to be flat and non-distinctive.
There was a point where I wished they would get it over and be done with it, but the author purposefully prolongs it by coming up with a new conflict. And I am bored, to say the least. Not to say the whole reason Emma went to Rosemount was to take a break and find herself (in which they also mentioned it as a vacation). However, whatever she did was far from it because you can see she went hiking once (thanks to Lucian) and then nada. She either stays at her guesthouse, flirts with Lucian or eats his food, there is no in-between... And how would you find yourself that way or even call that a "vacation" then? It's probably because I have lots of expectations on what the vacation is supposed to be; with adventures filling and affair but it was nothing like that.
The good thing is that I definitely enjoyed reading the part when Lucian realized what his heart yearns for and come back to Emma (Also, listening to Olivia Rodrigo's Happier at the time made me a bit emotional in return). As much as their relationship is built on mutualism, I felt like it's always a double-edged sword for Emma, so if one person deserves to be happy, it's her. On thata account, this part specifically was rather satisfactory.
Nonetheless, the epilogue was indeed unwarranted because who ends a book with a smut scene when we have so much of it already in the book lol. Even though it does leave readers with the directions of the characters and their endings, I believe it can be written in a better way than what was offered.
It was not that bad as I did enjoy some scenes in the book, as well as the dynamic between the characters, but it also does not leave me with any good deep impression. This book is pretty forgettable.
[2.5/5]
September 24, 2021
2.5 stars
I think I'm just not make out for cute contemporary romances any more. If there isn't angst, I'm bored. And this book made me so bored! I did like how they met at an estate where they're both at a point in their lives where they have no idea what to do next. He can't play hockey because of concussions and she's cut from a show she loved (she's an actress). So they meet. And they hang out. He bakes. And that's it. It was cute the first few times that the hero made baked goods for the heroine, especially when she didn't even know it was him, but that can only be entertaining and cute for so long. Sure they had good chemistry, but then the hero made a really frustrating decision at the end and didn't think about anyone but himself. After his experience with a family member and spending time at this estate, it was frustrating how he would try to do something that would hurt not only him but the ones he loves too. I listened to this one on audio and it dragged by and I just wanted to be done because I wasn't engaged with either one of the characters. The audiobook was 11 hours long and not a whole lot actually happened in that time...
I think I'm just not make out for cute contemporary romances any more. If there isn't angst, I'm bored. And this book made me so bored! I did like how they met at an estate where they're both at a point in their lives where they have no idea what to do next. He can't play hockey because of concussions and she's cut from a show she loved (she's an actress). So they meet. And they hang out. He bakes. And that's it. It was cute the first few times that the hero made baked goods for the heroine, especially when she didn't even know it was him, but that can only be entertaining and cute for so long. Sure they had good chemistry, but then the hero made a really frustrating decision at the end and didn't think about anyone but himself. After his experience with a family member and spending time at this estate, it was frustrating how he would try to do something that would hurt not only him but the ones he loves too. I listened to this one on audio and it dragged by and I just wanted to be done because I wasn't engaged with either one of the characters. The audiobook was 11 hours long and not a whole lot actually happened in that time...
March 7, 2021
3.5 stars
Make it Sweet was just that. A sweet friends to lovers romance. I liked this book, but it didn't hit my love buttons like I expected it to. I think a large part of that is me and not the book, I just read one of the best friends to lovers romances ever so this one didn't quite measure up to that.
Lucian is a recently retired professional hockey player and Emma is a famous actress who ends up at his grandmother's estate after getting killed off on a super huge show (think GoT). They both need the time to recharge and find a new direction and end up becoming friends, then more during that. There was a conflict towards the end I wasn't crazy about, but aside from that this was an enjoyable listen. I especially liked some of the side characters.
Make it Sweet was just that. A sweet friends to lovers romance. I liked this book, but it didn't hit my love buttons like I expected it to. I think a large part of that is me and not the book, I just read one of the best friends to lovers romances ever so this one didn't quite measure up to that.
Lucian is a recently retired professional hockey player and Emma is a famous actress who ends up at his grandmother's estate after getting killed off on a super huge show (think GoT). They both need the time to recharge and find a new direction and end up becoming friends, then more during that. There was a conflict towards the end I wasn't crazy about, but aside from that this was an enjoyable listen. I especially liked some of the side characters.
Audio book source:
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Ava Erikson and Jacob Morgan
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance (Sports/Actress)
Length: 11 hours
Shelved as 'dnf-i-skipped-the-whole-book'
May 19, 2021narrator: she didn't.
_____________________________
I feel so picky right now 😩, but I'm not enjoying this book, so I'll try to read it again in a few weeks.
April 3, 2021
DNF @ 55%
this book put me to sleep at 6 pm 🙃
this book put me to sleep at 6 pm 🙃
April 20, 2023
4.5⭐️
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, grump/sunshine, actress, hockey player, steamage
Gah, make it sweet indeed! Emma and Lucian are super cute together! Lucian is a former hockey player and just a big ole teddy bear at heart. I felt myself just smiling and feeling all warm and gooey inside while reading for most of the book. Of course it’s a typical romance of meeting, wanting, shouldn’t want so push away, but eventually realizing that was a dumb move and cue happily ever after.
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Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, grump/sunshine, actress, hockey player, steamage
Gah, make it sweet indeed! Emma and Lucian are super cute together! Lucian is a former hockey player and just a big ole teddy bear at heart. I felt myself just smiling and feeling all warm and gooey inside while reading for most of the book. Of course it’s a typical romance of meeting, wanting, shouldn’t want so push away, but eventually realizing that was a dumb move and cue happily ever after.
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
February 21, 2021
Witty banter and sizzling chemistry between a grumpy but loveable hero and an equally adorable heroine had me devouring this in one sitting. Make It Sweet is the perfect slow burn romantic treat we all need right now. I loved it!
November 30, 2021
I was excited to pick this up since Kristen Callihan is one of my favorite authors of all time, and while this seemed to have a solid start, it faltered and dipped a lot for me in the first half. The conversation was full of double entendres, and the dialogue felt too cheesy. In the latter half, the book progressed relatively well. The conversational tone shifted to lively and something halfway meaningful rather than filler entertainment and felt authentic to the story. It had a few bumps there as well, but I'll chalk that up to my high expectations XD
February 22, 2021
Ooooohhhh, you guys? Kristen Callihan delivered the good stuff with Make it Sweet. The tender, sensual, deeply layered, decadently emotional good stuff.
I adored Emma and Lucian's story. Their chemistry sparked in a way that caught my heart's attention immediately, and I was effortlessly charmed by their banter which was the perfect balance of smart, flirty, and affectionate. The connection they had felt so organic to me - their relationship was a slow, scintillating burn going from antagonistic, wary strangers, to reluctant friends, to lovers, in a way that swept me up, captured my heart, and kept me on the hook as they found their way toward love.
I loved how Emma and Lucian's hearts were drawn to each other. I loved how their internal goodness shined so brightly through their brokenness, even as they couldn't feel it within themselves. I loved how they brought each other to life, how they lit each other up, and how completely positive and healthy their relationship was. Even when they couldn't get out of their own way. Even when they had to make their own mistakes. Even when it hurt. There was always an undercurrent of love in every interaction between them - even the angry ones - and man, but that just made the story feel so much more powerful to me.
And, can we talk about the role of food in this story? Holy moly. It was a romance in and of itself. The descriptions and passion behind the way the food was prepared and delivered, the role Ms. Callihan gave it was that of a love language and it was so perfectly executed. I felt it. I craved it. And I loved the way it weaved itself into the storyline, adding another layer of depth in the most satisfying way.
In the end, Make it Sweet was a powerful sort of love story. It had so much more depth than I was expecting and it hit me a little differently - in the best way. I loved every single second I spent with these amazing characters. This was a practically perfect reading experience -- brimming with romance and swoony sentiments. Sizzling with heat and infused with just enough emotional complexity that I felt like I knew these characters. They became my friends. I cheered for them and ached for them and let my heart fill to bursting for their happily ever after. It was just good stuff and I'm a little sad that it's over. Hoping that there is so much more where this came from. An effortless and enthusiastic five stars - definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
*****
Sigh. Kristen Callihan is why I read romance. This story hit me right in the feels. Emma and Lucian were absolutely delicious in Make It Sweet. This romance was swoony, sexy and emotional and one I was addicted to the minute I started.
Make it Sweet is a follow up to Callihan's Dear Enemy and is a standalone. What I loved more than anything in this story is the perfect combination of swoons, sass and sizzle between Lucian and Emma. He was a wou dedicated growls alpha which basically speaks to my soul. I loved their banter and their connection and could not devour them fast enough.
Overall I lived this story. It was a beautiful story about two people trying to find themselves and their new normal in life. Another 5 star piece of amazingness from Callihan. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
I adored Emma and Lucian's story. Their chemistry sparked in a way that caught my heart's attention immediately, and I was effortlessly charmed by their banter which was the perfect balance of smart, flirty, and affectionate. The connection they had felt so organic to me - their relationship was a slow, scintillating burn going from antagonistic, wary strangers, to reluctant friends, to lovers, in a way that swept me up, captured my heart, and kept me on the hook as they found their way toward love.
I loved how Emma and Lucian's hearts were drawn to each other. I loved how their internal goodness shined so brightly through their brokenness, even as they couldn't feel it within themselves. I loved how they brought each other to life, how they lit each other up, and how completely positive and healthy their relationship was. Even when they couldn't get out of their own way. Even when they had to make their own mistakes. Even when it hurt. There was always an undercurrent of love in every interaction between them - even the angry ones - and man, but that just made the story feel so much more powerful to me.
And, can we talk about the role of food in this story? Holy moly. It was a romance in and of itself. The descriptions and passion behind the way the food was prepared and delivered, the role Ms. Callihan gave it was that of a love language and it was so perfectly executed. I felt it. I craved it. And I loved the way it weaved itself into the storyline, adding another layer of depth in the most satisfying way.
In the end, Make it Sweet was a powerful sort of love story. It had so much more depth than I was expecting and it hit me a little differently - in the best way. I loved every single second I spent with these amazing characters. This was a practically perfect reading experience -- brimming with romance and swoony sentiments. Sizzling with heat and infused with just enough emotional complexity that I felt like I knew these characters. They became my friends. I cheered for them and ached for them and let my heart fill to bursting for their happily ever after. It was just good stuff and I'm a little sad that it's over. Hoping that there is so much more where this came from. An effortless and enthusiastic five stars - definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
*****
Sigh. Kristen Callihan is why I read romance. This story hit me right in the feels. Emma and Lucian were absolutely delicious in Make It Sweet. This romance was swoony, sexy and emotional and one I was addicted to the minute I started.
Make it Sweet is a follow up to Callihan's Dear Enemy and is a standalone. What I loved more than anything in this story is the perfect combination of swoons, sass and sizzle between Lucian and Emma. He was a wou dedicated growls alpha which basically speaks to my soul. I loved their banter and their connection and could not devour them fast enough.
Overall I lived this story. It was a beautiful story about two people trying to find themselves and their new normal in life. Another 5 star piece of amazingness from Callihan. Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
March 17, 2021
I was a bit disappointed with Make It Sweet. After all, Miss Callihan is my favorite author.
I think what fails from this book is the character especially Lucien. He is suppose to be this mysterious, broody hero. I can not help myself thinking Lucien is a hero who feels sorry for himself through out the book. So that fails me.
The chemistry should be more steamy sadly I found the insta lust is bit too much. The good thing about this book is actually Lucien capability to bake. That got me drooling.
Overall still decent book. Expecting much more from Miss Callihan.
3 stars
I think what fails from this book is the character especially Lucien. He is suppose to be this mysterious, broody hero. I can not help myself thinking Lucien is a hero who feels sorry for himself through out the book. So that fails me.
The chemistry should be more steamy sadly I found the insta lust is bit too much. The good thing about this book is actually Lucien capability to bake. That got me drooling.
Overall still decent book. Expecting much more from Miss Callihan.
3 stars
March 6, 2023
10/10 recommend listening to this audiobook - so good
he’s an ex hockey player hiding out at his grandmother’s estate and she’s an actress about to get axed from her tv show who heads to the estate for some relaxation.
forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, little bit of hockey, and he’s a secret baker. so sweet and cute.
he’s an ex hockey player hiding out at his grandmother’s estate and she’s an actress about to get axed from her tv show who heads to the estate for some relaxation.
forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, little bit of hockey, and he’s a secret baker. so sweet and cute.
May 13, 2022
Oh wow this book had me from the first line and did not let me go. Not only were the main characters very interesting but I got emotional during many senes.
Lucian had an amazing backstory and his struggles to accept his future was amazing to see because it was so realistic. Having your dream taken away from you is horrifying and I think that Kristen did a greta job in portraying the thoughts ppl have afterwards.
His baking scenes were cute and I loved how he wasn't the stereotypical hockey player but had a soft side to him, that I rarely see in books.
Emma was also an interesting city girl moving to the middle of nowhere. Her feelings for Lucian were cute and the built up to their first kiss as well as the connection were amazing.
The tension kept building until they finally gave in and I loved it.
Amalia was also an interesting side character that influenced so much and I loved it.
Lucian had an amazing backstory and his struggles to accept his future was amazing to see because it was so realistic. Having your dream taken away from you is horrifying and I think that Kristen did a greta job in portraying the thoughts ppl have afterwards.
His baking scenes were cute and I loved how he wasn't the stereotypical hockey player but had a soft side to him, that I rarely see in books.
Emma was also an interesting city girl moving to the middle of nowhere. Her feelings for Lucian were cute and the built up to their first kiss as well as the connection were amazing.
The tension kept building until they finally gave in and I loved it.
Amalia was also an interesting side character that influenced so much and I loved it.
February 23, 2021
4 'Let's fly, honeybee' Stars!
ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kristen Callihan’s newest novel is, as its title promises, like eating a delicious and very sweet treat. With what can be considered a spin-off of Dear Enemy, she comes back with the story of two lost souls finding a beautiful connection when not expected. And I am happy to say, I really enjoyed how this romance developed: a slow burn chemistry, with plenty of food porn, with two complex main characters dealing with life changes, secondary characters acting as matchmakers and a whole array of emotions. Get ready to fall in love with grumpy Lucian and sweet Emma!
Make It Sweet is Kristen Callihan’s next standalone release with Montlake and, even though it features characters from her last release with this publisher, it can totally be read as a standalone. It tells the story of Lucian Osmond, a star hockey player (now chef, kind of) who has been forced to retire early and he is now suffering the consequences, and Emma Maron, a very talented actress who has been left behind on the show she was in and she needs a break from her reality. Enter Rosemont, a magical place where these two met while “recovering/resting” and unexpected sparks fly between the grumpy chef and the sweet heroine.
Nothing in my life was certain right now, not my career, not my living arrangements, and cerainly not my love life. But when Lucian and I were together, I felt wholly myself, not the "everything is perfect; keep moving along" front I projected to the world.
I have to say, I was a bit scared to start Make It Sweet because, while I enjoyed Dear Enemy, it wasn’t one of my favorites written by Kristen. Also, I saw some reviews with mixed feelings about the book and that sometimes worries me. However, in my case, this sweet slow burn romance was literally the treat I needed. It was delightful in almost every way and I loved how the whole love story developed. Lucian and Emma were perfect together, both with deep complexities and vulnerabilities, together they literally fly. Their connection was beautifully developed, it was adorable to see them slowly falling in love and that climaxed with a burning chemistry. That with the amazing secondary characters and a very emotional ending, gave us the sugary treat Kristen promised.
She had slid into my life at one of the worst possible times, and yet now that she was here, the thought of letting her go was unimaginable.
Therefore, I am rating Make It Sweet with 4 STARS because Lucian and Emma’s love story melted my insides with its sweetness. Seeing this vulnerable and grumpy hero falling in love (and making delicious baked goods) with his honeybee was absolutely delightful. I have to say I enjoyed this one even more than Dear Enemy because I am a sucker for a love story with two hurt people who find their safe haven together. And that’s exactly what I got with Lucian and Emma and their stay in Rosemont. What a treat!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kristen Callihan’s newest novel is, as its title promises, like eating a delicious and very sweet treat. With what can be considered a spin-off of Dear Enemy, she comes back with the story of two lost souls finding a beautiful connection when not expected. And I am happy to say, I really enjoyed how this romance developed: a slow burn chemistry, with plenty of food porn, with two complex main characters dealing with life changes, secondary characters acting as matchmakers and a whole array of emotions. Get ready to fall in love with grumpy Lucian and sweet Emma!
Make It Sweet is Kristen Callihan’s next standalone release with Montlake and, even though it features characters from her last release with this publisher, it can totally be read as a standalone. It tells the story of Lucian Osmond, a star hockey player (now chef, kind of) who has been forced to retire early and he is now suffering the consequences, and Emma Maron, a very talented actress who has been left behind on the show she was in and she needs a break from her reality. Enter Rosemont, a magical place where these two met while “recovering/resting” and unexpected sparks fly between the grumpy chef and the sweet heroine.
Nothing in my life was certain right now, not my career, not my living arrangements, and cerainly not my love life. But when Lucian and I were together, I felt wholly myself, not the "everything is perfect; keep moving along" front I projected to the world.
I have to say, I was a bit scared to start Make It Sweet because, while I enjoyed Dear Enemy, it wasn’t one of my favorites written by Kristen. Also, I saw some reviews with mixed feelings about the book and that sometimes worries me. However, in my case, this sweet slow burn romance was literally the treat I needed. It was delightful in almost every way and I loved how the whole love story developed. Lucian and Emma were perfect together, both with deep complexities and vulnerabilities, together they literally fly. Their connection was beautifully developed, it was adorable to see them slowly falling in love and that climaxed with a burning chemistry. That with the amazing secondary characters and a very emotional ending, gave us the sugary treat Kristen promised.
She had slid into my life at one of the worst possible times, and yet now that she was here, the thought of letting her go was unimaginable.
Therefore, I am rating Make It Sweet with 4 STARS because Lucian and Emma’s love story melted my insides with its sweetness. Seeing this vulnerable and grumpy hero falling in love (and making delicious baked goods) with his honeybee was absolutely delightful. I have to say I enjoyed this one even more than Dear Enemy because I am a sucker for a love story with two hurt people who find their safe haven together. And that’s exactly what I got with Lucian and Emma and their stay in Rosemont. What a treat!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
March 1, 2021
I was left completely satisfied...
Honestly, I struggle with reading these days. For some reason, audios are my jam and I find myself easily sucked into listening to audiobooks instead of reading. Make it Sweet was an exception, though. I hated that life was getting in the way of reading time and I was desperate for just *5 minutes more*.
I was enthralled with cranky Lucian with the hot bod and amazing baking skills. I was envious of the very beautiful Emma who also happened to be a nice person in spite of her fame and fortune. The additional characters were lovable and I enjoyed it when they made an appearance. This story just made me happy ... most of the time.
I get a kick out of having my emotions played with and Lucian really loved playing with my emotions. I could relate to his issues after suffering head trauma and I know that like him, I was not an easy person to love. I loved that Kristen Callihan did not make this into a story where he just moved on after having his world ripped apart. Again, I could relate to it. Once you start feeling mostly normal, you're desperate to just be the old 'you'. Unfortunately, it's hard to go back to the old you when the new you see things differently. Luc's adjustment was hard to watch but I loved that he acknowledged the hurt he caused when pushing his loved ones away.
Emma's characters were lovable but she too was licking her wounds and trying to find her happy place again. Luckily, she knew what she wanted and didn't mind waiting for the right opportunity to get it. I loved the way she treats Luc and never doubted that she would always look out for him.
Seriously, the storyline in this one took me on an emotional rollercoaster, but I loved the highs and lows. I felt like I was getting back to a story that just works for me. Kristen Callihan's stories always leave me satisfied.
I loved Make it Sweet and I'm kind of hoping that we get a story for Brommy (I think that was his name). Fingers crossed, maybe my wish will be granted.
Honestly, I struggle with reading these days. For some reason, audios are my jam and I find myself easily sucked into listening to audiobooks instead of reading. Make it Sweet was an exception, though. I hated that life was getting in the way of reading time and I was desperate for just *5 minutes more*.
I was enthralled with cranky Lucian with the hot bod and amazing baking skills. I was envious of the very beautiful Emma who also happened to be a nice person in spite of her fame and fortune. The additional characters were lovable and I enjoyed it when they made an appearance. This story just made me happy ... most of the time.
I get a kick out of having my emotions played with and Lucian really loved playing with my emotions. I could relate to his issues after suffering head trauma and I know that like him, I was not an easy person to love. I loved that Kristen Callihan did not make this into a story where he just moved on after having his world ripped apart. Again, I could relate to it. Once you start feeling mostly normal, you're desperate to just be the old 'you'. Unfortunately, it's hard to go back to the old you when the new you see things differently. Luc's adjustment was hard to watch but I loved that he acknowledged the hurt he caused when pushing his loved ones away.
Emma's characters were lovable but she too was licking her wounds and trying to find her happy place again. Luckily, she knew what she wanted and didn't mind waiting for the right opportunity to get it. I loved the way she treats Luc and never doubted that she would always look out for him.
Seriously, the storyline in this one took me on an emotional rollercoaster, but I loved the highs and lows. I felt like I was getting back to a story that just works for me. Kristen Callihan's stories always leave me satisfied.
I loved Make it Sweet and I'm kind of hoping that we get a story for Brommy (I think that was his name). Fingers crossed, maybe my wish will be granted.
October 14, 2021
Leider konnte das Buch meine hohen Erwartungen nach „Dear Enemy“ nicht erfüllen. Handlungstechnisch war es alles sehr rund und auch die Charaktere haben mir grundsätzlich gefallen, trotzdem wurde ich von der Geschichte nicht ganz eingenommen. Etwas hat mir einfach gefehlt: vor allem die emotionale Verbundenheit mit der Geschichte und der Drang, weiterlesen zu wollen. Besonders der Ton, die Formulierungsweise hat einige Male nicht meinen Geschmack getroffen. Trotz allem ein lesenswertes NA-Buch, das sicher viele Fans findet🥰!
March 6, 2021
TITLE: MAKE IT SWEET
AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan
SERIES: Standalone (connected to Dear Enemy )
RELEASE DATE: February 23, 2020
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
THEMES & TROPES: Hockey meets Hollywood
RATING: 4 Stars
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
It's been a minute since I read a Kristen Callihan book and I have to say I really miss her writing. If you've read and loved other books by this author you won't hesitate to pick MAKE IT SWEET up, no matter what any reviewer says. But since I'm one of those I'll force my opinion on you anyway.
The location where we spend most of our time in this story is an estate called Rosemont. The description of the place was so on point I could really see it before my eyes. This is where Emma, an A-list actress who was just kicked off a huge show (that felt a little like Game of Thrones but that could be me), goes to lick her wounds. This is also where Lucian, a former star hockey player has been staying for almost a year. He retired due to major head trauma and struggles to find a footing in this new reality. He is also a wizard in the kitchen and especially pastries and cakes are his passion which he loves to spoil his family and later Emma with.
From the first, she made me smile, threw sunshine and air into my dark, closed-up world.
I love me some moody and gruff hero with a heart made of marshmallow so Lucian was right down my alley. I thought he could have felt a little less sorry about himself and his situation but I also could relate that it was hard for him to find a new direction. There were chances and possibilities yet all he could see was the loss of hockey playing. I still loved him because...marshmallow heart. This charismatic man wooed Emma the only way he knew to and it didn't take long for Lucian to find his way through her belly to her heart.
With hockey out of my life, the kitchen had become my refuge, the one area that still felt familiar and pure. Here, I was in total control. Here, I was still king.
Emma was a lovely heroine who had so much in common with Lucian. She too felt the loss of her job and the consequences deeply. Her compassionate, intuitive nature, her understanding for Lucian's struggle. She was selfless but had a little spunk and a lot of sweetness about her that you couldn't help but love. Waiting and watching with her until Lucian found himself again and realize his worth hurt so good.
“Emma. Sweetheart. I don’t want you to see me weak.”
“Well, that’s good. Because all I see is strength.”
The best side cast is the one that engages in the story and shines like the main characters which is the case here. I LOVED Lucian's meddling grandmother Amalie and adored Sal, a family friend and quirky confidante of both Amalie and Lucian's. These made this story so multi-dimensional and took it to above average.
I felt this story was a little bit too sweet at times, I still loved it though. If you've read this author's works before you know that she's a master at writing about emotional pain. While MAKE IT SWEET was on the lighter side it did have some angsty parts that kept me reading on. And the slow-burn...damn, sizzling and hot! Kristen Callihan always rewards the reader with the best of HEAs after she put you through the wringer. After a long hiatus she is back and promised VIP #4 to be released early summer. I can't wait!
March 9, 2021
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Montlake)
Lucian Osmond was a star hockey player. Hockey defined him and was his passion. Then his life changes in the blink of an eye and he feels lost without a sense of direction. Wanting to be close to family he heads to his grandmothers estate in California to pick up the broken pieces of his life. He’s enjoying his solitude when a famous actress invades his privacy.
Emma Maron is an actress living in LA. She’s worked hard to get where she is and then her life is suddenly turned upside down when she breaks up with her boyfriend, her dream role is gone, and her career is up in the air. She feels alone, and is not sure what direction to take next. She needs time to think about her future, and is offered the perfect getaway to relax and heal. Her grandma has a friend with a home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s known as a haven for those who needed it.
As Emma unwinds at Rosemont she finds peace. She also encounters an insanely beautiful man who is remote, closed off, and a bit grumpy. He’s also going through a tough time, and he intrigued her. She wanted to know him, and as their attraction grows she starts to smile again. He makes her feel alive and becomes a temptation too hard to resist. She’s never felt this connected to someone, and he left her feeling breathless with one look. Could they have something real, or will she end up with a broken heart?
Make it Sweet by Kristen Callihan is an emotional, friends to lovers, slow burn romance about unexpected love, and undeniable connections. Two people who have lost their way share intense chemistry, and are captivated by one another. I really loved this story, and this sexy beautiful man. Lucian was full of surprises and stole my heart! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3ctvLNp
(ARC provided by Montlake)
Lucian Osmond was a star hockey player. Hockey defined him and was his passion. Then his life changes in the blink of an eye and he feels lost without a sense of direction. Wanting to be close to family he heads to his grandmothers estate in California to pick up the broken pieces of his life. He’s enjoying his solitude when a famous actress invades his privacy.
Emma Maron is an actress living in LA. She’s worked hard to get where she is and then her life is suddenly turned upside down when she breaks up with her boyfriend, her dream role is gone, and her career is up in the air. She feels alone, and is not sure what direction to take next. She needs time to think about her future, and is offered the perfect getaway to relax and heal. Her grandma has a friend with a home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s known as a haven for those who needed it.
As Emma unwinds at Rosemont she finds peace. She also encounters an insanely beautiful man who is remote, closed off, and a bit grumpy. He’s also going through a tough time, and he intrigued her. She wanted to know him, and as their attraction grows she starts to smile again. He makes her feel alive and becomes a temptation too hard to resist. She’s never felt this connected to someone, and he left her feeling breathless with one look. Could they have something real, or will she end up with a broken heart?
Make it Sweet by Kristen Callihan is an emotional, friends to lovers, slow burn romance about unexpected love, and undeniable connections. Two people who have lost their way share intense chemistry, and are captivated by one another. I really loved this story, and this sexy beautiful man. Lucian was full of surprises and stole my heart! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3ctvLNp
January 14, 2021
Make it Sweet is just that. A sweet friends to lovers romance. It was very exciting that some of the characters from Dear Enemy made appearances.
Sadly Make it Sweet didn’t work for me. Emma and Luc’s romance lacked depth and I wasn’t invested or interested in them. Maybe it’s because it revolved around the same topics and it got repetitive fast.
The side characters in particular Luc’s grandmother and her assistant Sal were great additions but not enough to keep me interested.
Luc enjoys cooking and sadly it took to much focus away from what I really needed. More character and story development.
I’m a huge fan of this author so of course I’m disappointed that Make It Sweet wasn’t the book for me. Still I’m very excited about what’s to come from this author.
**ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Sadly Make it Sweet didn’t work for me. Emma and Luc’s romance lacked depth and I wasn’t invested or interested in them. Maybe it’s because it revolved around the same topics and it got repetitive fast.
The side characters in particular Luc’s grandmother and her assistant Sal were great additions but not enough to keep me interested.
Luc enjoys cooking and sadly it took to much focus away from what I really needed. More character and story development.
I’m a huge fan of this author so of course I’m disappointed that Make It Sweet wasn’t the book for me. Still I’m very excited about what’s to come from this author.
**ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 10, 2022
now i want a fluffy flaky pastry filled with some kind of cream that sounded really delicious!😤
April 9, 2021
I'm a shell of my former self. You see, I knew I was going to like this; the synopsis gave me so much stuff that I knew I was definitely going to be enjoying this story. But I never picked it up until now. And you know? I fucking loved this book. From the very beginning, the writing, the story, the setting, the characters-- everything MADE SENSE. Everything fit together perfectly. The tone of the story was just perfection and I knew I was going to fly through this story.
Two superstars find themselves in a safe haven. We have Emma, a very famous actress who has been portraying a beautiful princess in a very Game-of-Thrones fantasy TV show. After she reads the latest script, she finds out she has been chopped, and when she goes to her place so her boyfriend consoles her, she finds him having sex with another person. That's why she's arriving in California, trying to rebuild herself at a precious enormous estate. There is where she finds our grumpy fluff, Lucian.
I really want more "I hate everyone but YOU" heroes in romance. Lucian is one because he's so grumpy and does a lot of "hmm" as responses. We love to see it. But as soon as he meets Emma, you can see his walls, his crunchy outside, just slowly fall down. Emma is that ball of sunshine he cannot help but just gravitate towards. They're so perfect together and you see their attraction so clearly, it's so believable! There's a slow burn that really culminates at the halfway mark but it still feels like a slow burn because Callihan really wrote this connection SO WELL.
Loved that this book talked about Post-concussion Syndrome, we don't see it a lot in sports romances. A lot of sports are very dangerous, to your mind and to your body. Definitely contact sports are going to affect you in some way. Lucian is a former hockey player who suffers from PCS and Kristen Callihan does a very good job of showing us how an athlete lives through that.
What more can I say about this book? The hero bakes, he's very soft for the heroine, there is a lot of cute nicknames, a very wild skinny-dipping pool scene, so many descriptions of delicious desserts (please have baked goods near you when reading this book!), and very good writing.
If you loved Love at First by Kate Clayborn, I think you would enjoy this book as well.
Two superstars find themselves in a safe haven. We have Emma, a very famous actress who has been portraying a beautiful princess in a very Game-of-Thrones fantasy TV show. After she reads the latest script, she finds out she has been chopped, and when she goes to her place so her boyfriend consoles her, she finds him having sex with another person. That's why she's arriving in California, trying to rebuild herself at a precious enormous estate. There is where she finds our grumpy fluff, Lucian.
I really want more "I hate everyone but YOU" heroes in romance. Lucian is one because he's so grumpy and does a lot of "hmm" as responses. We love to see it. But as soon as he meets Emma, you can see his walls, his crunchy outside, just slowly fall down. Emma is that ball of sunshine he cannot help but just gravitate towards. They're so perfect together and you see their attraction so clearly, it's so believable! There's a slow burn that really culminates at the halfway mark but it still feels like a slow burn because Callihan really wrote this connection SO WELL.
Loved that this book talked about Post-concussion Syndrome, we don't see it a lot in sports romances. A lot of sports are very dangerous, to your mind and to your body. Definitely contact sports are going to affect you in some way. Lucian is a former hockey player who suffers from PCS and Kristen Callihan does a very good job of showing us how an athlete lives through that.
What more can I say about this book? The hero bakes, he's very soft for the heroine, there is a lot of cute nicknames, a very wild skinny-dipping pool scene, so many descriptions of delicious desserts (please have baked goods near you when reading this book!), and very good writing.
If you loved Love at First by Kate Clayborn, I think you would enjoy this book as well.
May 11, 2021
To be honest, I was holding off reading this because of a total disaster of Outmatched. I wasn't sure what to expect and I haven't properly read the blurb - and damn, I was quite pleasantly surprised!
Callihan makes great imperfect characters, who fuck up and then suck it up and find their ways. It wasn't very different here.
Maybe it was a bit long, maybe not super exciting and kinda predictable... but I liked the characters, Emma and Lucian were wonderful in their shared imperfection, and I believed the story.
Callihan makes great imperfect characters, who fuck up and then suck it up and find their ways. It wasn't very different here.
Maybe it was a bit long, maybe not super exciting and kinda predictable... but I liked the characters, Emma and Lucian were wonderful in their shared imperfection, and I believed the story.
October 5, 2021
"Sweet Enemy" war eine wunderschöne Geschichte, mit einer tollen Atmosphäre und zwei Charakteren, bei denen ich schon von Anfang an das Knistern gespürt habe. Tatsächlich passt der englische Titel "Make It Sweet" aber doch viel besser zu Emma und Lucian als "Sweet Enemy".
Kristen Callihan hat wieder mal eine fabelhafte New Adult Geschichte geschafft, die zwar für mich nicht ganz an den Vorgänger "Dear Enemy" rankommt, weil Delilah und Macon tatsächlich noch ein bisschen toller waren, aber diese Dilogie (hoffe sehr auf weitere Bände) ist so ziemlich das Beste, was die Autorin bisher zu bieten hatte. Prickelnd, romantisch und witzig - was will man mehr?
Kristen Callihan hat wieder mal eine fabelhafte New Adult Geschichte geschafft, die zwar für mich nicht ganz an den Vorgänger "Dear Enemy" rankommt, weil Delilah und Macon tatsächlich noch ein bisschen toller waren, aber diese Dilogie (hoffe sehr auf weitere Bände) ist so ziemlich das Beste, was die Autorin bisher zu bieten hatte. Prickelnd, romantisch und witzig - was will man mehr?
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
September 22, 2021dnf at 42%
this shit was boring af.
this shit was boring af.
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