Sugar Rush

Oct 25, 2012 Bookie | The BookChick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: cr, net-galley-review-book, 3-star-read

"Holy mother of all things sweet and sugary..."

My Rating: ★★★

Book Description:
There’s nothing quite like your first bite.

Dulcie Carter has been running her family’s homemade sweet shop, Candy Land Confections, on her own since her mom passed away. But business is slow and rent is high, so Dulcie knows if she wants to keep her mom’s dream alive, she’ll need a miracle. Winning the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition will change everything, if only she can overcome her fears and bring hers...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Aman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sugar Rush is probably the sweetest book I've ever read. Everything from the romance to the dialogues to the setting to the writing was extremely Sweet, I-might-even-get-diabetes kind of sweet, and I loved every moment of it. This book is all about Candies & Cupcakes, Competitions & Food Wars, and throughout the book I felt like I was watching one of the TLC food shows. Yes, I'm a regular viewer, and admirer of those shows, so you can see why this book made me so happy and goofy, and mor...more Sugar Rush is probably the sweetest book I've ever read. Everything from the romance to the dialogues to the setting to the writing was extremely Sweet, I-might-even-get-diabetes kind of sweet, and I loved every moment of it. This book is all about Candies & Cupcakes, Competitions & Food Wars, and throughout the book I felt like I was watching one of the TLC food shows. Yes, I'm a regular viewer, and admirer of those shows, so you can see why this book made me so happy and goofy, and more importantly, it felt very relatable.

Dulcie is a co-owner of Candy Land Confectioneries which was initially opened by her mother. She specialists in handmade candies using her mother very secret, and popular recipes. I liked Dulcie, she was very driven towards her passion for candies, and was a good person overall. Every year there is a Annual Chocolatier competition, and after the mess Dulcie created last time, she is just not confident enough to make her own creation. She always had her mother by her side, but now that she is gone, Dulcie doesn't trust herself to make magical treats, and that is what the book is all about, Dulcie getting enough courage, and confidence in herself. And then there is the love interest Nick, who is the son of the arch enemy of Candy Land, How Sweet Is It. Nick was a sweetheart (I just can't stop saying the word Sweet). I loved the fact that the story was told from both charactes perspective or I wouldn't have liked Nick at first. He came off as a very arrogant or too proud person, but you know that's not true when you're reading this thoughts. Nick and Dulcie are the cutest couple I've read so far, and I loved that both of them were together for the right reasons, and were honest towards each other.

Bottom line, Sugar Rush by Rachel Astor is aptly titled. Reading this story will give you sugar high, and will make you fall in love with the sweetest couple, and root for their happily-ever-after. I loved it so much, and I might even try making some of the recieps mentioned in there, they sound so delicious. This is the best book to read during the holiday season, and if you love candies like I do, then you need to read this book.

A copy was provided by the Publisher for an honest review (Thank You!)

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Oct 19, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sugar Rush is the story of nice guy who dreams of baking cupcakes who runs into the perfect girl who dreams of carrying on her mother’s legacy of candy making….only to have their romance abruptly halted by a long standing family feud and Chocolatier competition.

This title is published under Entangled Publishing’s Bliss line. Bliss stories are “sweet & sassy short romance.” If you need a break from the almost constant barrage of 50 Shades type erotica they have this cute tag line: “at Bliss w...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Lady Allison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, epub, red-hot-books

Dulcie Carter grew up tasting, creating, and surrounded by candy. So it only made sense to keep her mother's legacy and dream alive by taking over Candy Land Confections, her mother's homemade candy store, when she passed away. The only thing is, dreams don't come cheap. Between rent, supplies, and lukewarm patronage, Dulcie has some hard decisions she has to make about the future of the store.

Nick Sugarman (yes, that really is his last name!) is the heir to the throne of How Sweet It Is - Dulc...more Dulcie Carter grew up tasting, creating, and surrounded by candy. So it only made sense to keep her mother's legacy and dream alive by taking over Candy Land Confections, her mother's homemade candy store, when she passed away. The only thing is, dreams don't come cheap. Between rent, supplies, and lukewarm patronage, Dulcie has some hard decisions she has to make about the future of the store.

Nick Sugarman (yes, that really is his last name!) is the heir to the throne of How Sweet It Is - Dulcie's competition. However, as much as Nick enjoys eating candy, he doesn't feel all that inspired to make it. He prefers the complex textures and tastes of the cupcakes (where can I get one of him?!) that he loves to bake all the time. However, he feels set on taking over the family business and is willing to do what it takes to prove to his father he is worthy of the store. No matter how automated and impersonal it has become.

When Dulcie goes out for a jazz concert and drinks with her bestie, Nick catches her eye and they start to chat. It's a crazy cute scene...until they find out just who the other is. Nick ends up baiting her about a contest, the Assembly of Chocolatiers yearly competition, something that Candy Land has always entered and done well in until the year she did it alone. In which she failed miserably. Another is coming up and he can't help but tell her all about how amazing his entry (that he hasn't come up with yet) is bound to be. The gauntlet is thrown! After much thought and trepidation, Dulcie decides that she's willing to do anything to save her mother's shop...including swallow her fear in hopes that she might have a chance at winning the prize money in the Chocolatiers competition.

I loved all the characters in this book, they were so well done. From the crazy but fun Grandma, the supportive but wacky best friend, to the savvy homeless girl out back who ends up saving the day. And Nick! He was adorably endearing - he wasn't some cool hot guy that knew all the right things to say to get into a girls pants. He was the sexy guy who knows it, but doesn't have a clue how to use it. He would say something out loud then curse himself silently for being the opposite of smooth. He was such a good guy! You can't help but hope he gets the girl.

Chemistry-wise there was nothing more than a few kisses, but the plot surrounding the characters and the competition more than make up for it - I got so wrapped up in the story that I hardly noticed.

It was incredibly sweet and I'm glad I read it! When you finish the book you'll have "I want candy" playing in your head, a smile on your face, and a hardcore itch to eat chocolate! Now to go try those recipes she tortured me with at the end...

Grade: B+

This review & others also found on Red Hot Books(less)

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Nov 20, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, contemporary, read-2012, romance

Review posted at Books to Brighten your Mood

Sugar Rush is one of the sweetest and cutest stories I read this year! I mean this book is so sweet that I dreamt of cupcakes the whole time while reading it! Well ,the fact that cupcakes and other various candies were mentioned the whole time didn't help me with my diet, that's for sure :)

But, even if candies weren't mentioned every now and then, still, Sugar Rush would be a super sweet and cute read. Hands down!

First of all, it was refreshing amidst...more
Review posted at Books to Brighten your Mood

Sugar Rush is one of the sweetest and cutest stories I read this year! I mean this book is so sweet that I dreamt of cupcakes the whole time while reading it! Well ,the fact that cupcakes and other various candies were mentioned the whole time didn't help me with my diet, that's for sure :)

But, even if candies weren't mentioned every now and then, still, Sugar Rush would be a super sweet and cute read. Hands down!

First of all, it was refreshing amidst the erotica chaos, were every single romantic title has its protagonists having some sex from the very first chapters, to finally read one that the sex is only implied. I didn't realise how accustomed I had become to sex scenes until I read this book. It kind of reminded me that if the author is up to the task, there's no need for a book to be sexy to be bombarded by sex scenes. And granted, Sugar Rush may not have any descriptions of steamy hot scenes, but still, it's sexy in it's own way. And for that, I loved it all the more.

The other thing I really loved about this one is the fact that plot is surrounded by soooo much chocolate! I'm a chocolate addict myself and this book combined two of my loves in one single package: chocolate and romance. I mean is there any other more perfect setting for a romantic story than that of a candy store? I was a goner before I even started reading this story!

I really loved Dulcie and Nick, the two protagonists, how they interacted and how their romance unfolded. Granted, the actual plot of the book might not be that original but the setting definitely makes up for it! On the other hand, Dulcie's grandmother and Nick's father weren't my most favorite characters of the book, but even so, I think that they added to the whole narration. The character development is pretty good, although I would have loved for Nick to be a little bit more explored. I kind of feel that I don't know him as good as Dulcie and I definitely needed some more background. But even so, Sugar Rush was one of those books that as soon as I started reading it I just couldn't put it down.!

All in all, Sugar Rush is a super sweet and cute read you shouldn't miss the opportunity reading. Even if it is for the creativity of some of the candies described :) You'd be pleasantly surprised, believe me!(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Yazmin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dulcie and Nick are like modern day Romeo and Juliet.

This is a book you can read while relaxing and that will definitely be nice after any stressful/tiring day.

Two quotes from the book that might just get your interest:
“They had just been starting to build a connection, and Dulcie was sure it could lead to something more. But then the families had to come along and ruin everything. No wonder Romeo and Juliet were doomed from the start.”
“A good candy is like a good memory. Take people away, make...more

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Dec 09, 2012 FicTalk Blog rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, reviewed-in-2012

Reviewed by Heather

Dulcie Carter runs her family's bakery, Candy Land Confections, after the death of her mother. They are having a hard time financially and if she can't come up with something to make some money, she might be forced to close the doors. When she decides to enter the annual Chocolatiers competition she hopes to win and fix everything. The only problem is that Nick, the son of the owner of her biggest competition in town, is also entering. Sparks between the two fly, in more ways...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Cristal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Full review found here on my blog

Sugar Rush follows Dulcie Carter who runs Candy Land Confections, her family’s homemade candy store. When her mother passed away, Dulcie was left to run the business on her own. Dulcie leads a very busy life and doesn't have time to date; nor does she want to date just a string of random guys. She wants to be with someone who is worth her time.

While she is out with her friend Lila, Dulcie becomes instantly drawn to one of the band members playing the bass guita...more

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Nov 11, 2012 cupcake rated it 3 of 5 stars

I realize I court disdain when I say that this book is very sweet, but it is. It's sweet. It's also cute and adorable. Yet it will frustrate you because you will want recipes for all of the chocolate you read about - or at least a place where you can buy it.

Dulcie (yep - that's her name) wants to be everything to everyone. She wants to be a good granddaughter to her grandmother, a good daughter to her deceased mother, a good boss to her employees, a good friend, a good citizen (she tries to help...more I realize I court disdain when I say that this book is very sweet, but it is. It's sweet. It's also cute and adorable. Yet it will frustrate you because you will want recipes for all of the chocolate you read about - or at least a place where you can buy it.

Dulcie (yep - that's her name) wants to be everything to everyone. She wants to be a good granddaughter to her grandmother, a good daughter to her deceased mother, a good boss to her employees, a good friend, a good citizen (she tries to help a homeless girl), a good student and a good business owner. In short, she wants to be what other people want her to be, as opposed to knowing what she wants to be for herself.

She is struggling, though. She's trying to complete her Masters degree while operating Candy Land Confections, a chocolatier business that also is struggling. Her competition is How Sweet It Is, which is owned by a man with whom her grandmother is locked in a long standing feud.

But then one day, Dulcie meets Nick Sugarman (yep - that's his name), the heir to How Sweet It Is. Nick isn't all that interested in chocolates; he'd rather create cupcakes, for what it's worth, but he feels some obligation to his father. Like Dulcie, he exists in a world in which no one asks him what he wants to do.

The two decide to compete in an annual chocolatier competition, one that How Sweet it Is would like to win but that Dulcie needs to win. She needs the financial boost that the winning check would bring, not to mention the new customers that would come.

Meanwhile, though, she and Nick like each other, even if her grandmother and his father disapprove.

This book ... I don't even know how to discuss it. It's sweet (there I go again) and adorable, but there isn't much substance to it. Dulcie is not a terrible person, but yet I didn't like her all that much. I mostly wanted to shake her and beg her to tell me what she thinks she needs to be happy. I don't think we ever really got a sense of that. Yes, she wants Candy Land Confections to be successful, but that's more out of duty to her mother than her own desires. She wants romance, but when Nick comes offering it, she initially rebuffs him.

Then there is Nick, who is more likable than Dulcie, but still not a hot hero or anything. He allows his father to push his buttons, and he's only in it because he doesn't want someone else to take over the business. Neither one of these people appear to want what they are working so hard to keep, professionally that is.

In terms of hotness, well, you won't get a whole lot. It's a book about chocolate, so if you're going for hot, the chocolate will melt. GET IT? Plus, it's too sweet to be hot.

This isn't to say that I did not enjoy the book; I did. Just not enough to fall in love with it. Now, I did fall in love with some of the candy described in there. Oh, that I liked quite a bit.

Published on cupcake's book cupboard. @VivaAmaRisata
Thanks to NetGalley for the preview.(less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Ni_kii rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dreamy-men, chicklit, chocolate-references, sweet

Really 3.75 Stars

Reviewed on http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

Dulcie was left a legacy to protect when her mother died of cancer. The chocolate shop she was brought up in was a massive part of her mother’s life and it is now up to Dulcie to keep it thriving. On the one occasion that Dulcie decided to try to branch out from her Mothers recipe book, she was humiliated in front of a panel of her peers. Afraid to take any more risks, she sticks to the same chocolates, watching in despair as...more Really 3.75 Stars

Reviewed on http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....

Dulcie was left a legacy to protect when her mother died of cancer. The chocolate shop she was brought up in was a massive part of her mother’s life and it is now up to Dulcie to keep it thriving. On the one occasion that Dulcie decided to try to branch out from her Mothers recipe book, she was humiliated in front of a panel of her peers. Afraid to take any more risks, she sticks to the same chocolates, watching in despair as her business declines. When the invitation to the next Chocolateers competition arrives in the post, it’s clear she has to come up with something original or risk losing it all forever.

Across town, Nick helps manage his father’s chocolate shop that’s in the same town as Dulcie. He hates his job, seeing the busy kitchens from his childhood memories replaced by giant machines and automation. His true passion is cupcakes, but his Father believes too much in the family business for him to even try to suggest it. When he meets Dulcie, he realises that he may have met the woman for him, but then he finds out whom she really is and that he’ll be going up against her in the Chocolateers. Will he allow the competition to get in the way of an attraction that he hasn’t felt in a while?

With dirty dealings and family feuds, will our rival chocolateers be able to see that work isn’t everything? Or will they allow the competition to keep them apart.

This book is sweet. Not sickly sweet but sweet all the same. There is no sex in this book but the chemistry is still well written by the author. I enjoyed it and I’m quite surprised I did. As long time readers of this blog will attest, I like my smutty books but this one hit the right spot. I recommend it to people who like sweet romances, good-guy heroes and a relationship thwarted by misunderstandings.

Dulcie was an odd character to get to know. I wanted to like her but I wasn’t sure I could. She took everything her mother had said or did completely to heart, nearly driving herself to exhaustion trying to do everything she thought she would have wanted. She tried to juggle a master’s degree whilst running the shop; shockingly it doesn’t work. Meanwhile she is so worried about destroying her mother’s legacy, she won’t try to create anything new. She dreams of new recipes but they stay where they are created; in her head. This, alongside the way she is so quick to believe that Nick is the bad guy throughout the book due to a ridiculous feud, didn’t warm me to her. I never felt I saw the real Dulcie; I just saw a product of her grief and fear. Only the epilogue did I feel I could connect with her as a character. Don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t an annoying and mean character; she was just difficult to connect with.

In contrast, I really enjoyed Nick’s character. He didn’t give a toss about family ties; he just wanted to know Dulcie. He really did make an ass of himself at times because he didn’t think before he spoke, he simply stuck to the same routine he assumed women liked and it didn’t go over well! I loved that he made her things, loved that he tried to relate to her about things that she loved and was happy enough to defy his Father in order to get close to her. He was such a genuinely nice man and it was refreshing to see an uncomplicated man in a Romance!

The side story was very sweet and I particularly enjoyed the whole premise of a culinary competition purely for chocolate J The character of the Grandma was hilarious; a Grandma that was a yoga fanatic with killer legs and a racy history? Just my cup of tea!

This was a sugary sweet treat with a hero that was a truly sexy good guy. Yes, the heroine was a pain in the ass individually, but without her being that much of pain in the ass, Nick wouldn’t have had so many opportunities to be that jaw-droppingly swoon worthy. I recommend this book as a beach read or a real feel good indulgence.
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Oct 12, 2012 Sara HarlequinJunkie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reviewd at HarlequinJunkie .com

I loved it! Sugar Rush has now become one of my re-reads books.

Dulcie and Nick are like modern day Romeo and Juliet. There is a feud between their families that does not allow them to be together, but they don’t know the reason for the feud, which seems to be something bigger than them being competitors. Both their families are against them having any relationship that is not as enemies.

While trying to find the perfect recipe for winning the annual Assembly of Cho...more Reviewd at HarlequinJunkie .com

I loved it! Sugar Rush has now become one of my re-reads books.

Dulcie and Nick are like modern day Romeo and Juliet. There is a feud between their families that does not allow them to be together, but they don’t know the reason for the feud, which seems to be something bigger than them being competitors. Both their families are against them having any relationship that is not as enemies.

While trying to find the perfect recipe for winning the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition they become both friends and enemies. They bring out the best and the worst in each other every time they are together, but have lots of fun while having a nice conversation or while arguing, even if they will deny it.

Trying to start a relationship and keeping and their recipes secret becomes a priority for both. But just how far will they go to win the competition and each other’s hearts? You have to read it to find out. ;)

If you want a fun and comfortable read that will keep you wanting to know more, this is for you. This is a book you can read while relaxing and that will definitely be nice after any stressful/tiring day.

Two quotes from the book:

“They had just been starting to build a connection, and Dulcie was sure it could lead to something more. But then the families had to come along and ruin everything. No wonder Romeo and Juliet were doomed from the start.”

“A good candy is like a good memory. Take people away, make them think of the best times in their lives.”

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Aug 27, 2012 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was utterly adorable. I've probably read at least a thousand romance novels in my life, and this one stood out as unique for several reasons.

#1: Candy. The plot revolves around CANDY. It's sweet and feel good, and even though I got anxious at one point, it never felt angst-ridden... which I like.

#2: Awkward characters. Both of the main characters are adorably awkward around each other. The guy isn't this suave alpha. He's just a guy. The girl isn't some Mary Sue who lets the guy walk...more This book was utterly adorable. I've probably read at least a thousand romance novels in my life, and this one stood out as unique for several reasons.

#1: Candy. The plot revolves around CANDY. It's sweet and feel good, and even though I got anxious at one point, it never felt angst-ridden... which I like.

#2: Awkward characters. Both of the main characters are adorably awkward around each other. The guy isn't this suave alpha. He's just a guy. The girl isn't some Mary Sue who lets the guy walk in and boss her around. They're real people and act like real people attracted to each other. It's refreshing.

#3: Plot other than romance. I'm always disappointed when I read a romance novel that practically has no plot except the characters getting together. I'm not saying this happens all the time in romance, but I found myself more focused on the candy plot and more anxious about the candy plot then about will they/won't they (which is GOOD, because it's a romance novel--of course they will).

#4: No sex. I didn't actually realize this until I finished the book. When it did finally dawn on me, I realized why the book felt so light and adorable and enjoyable for me. Besides the candy, of course. I tend to skim sex scenes in romance novels for the dialogue. I know, shame on me. But the fact that this didn't have any sex was a huge bonus for me. If you like your romance steamy, you should pick this up anyhow, because it's so freaking cute.

#5: Adorable. If you ever watched the tv show Pushing Daisies and loved it for the adorably awkward romance, and the bright colors and pie, then you will love this book. It feels like Pushing Daisies for me. I LOVE Pushing Daisies, so for me to say that means something.

Other than the fact that this book will make you want candy hardcore, I can't really think of anything I didn't like. (And is wanting candy reeeeally a bad thing?) There's also a recipe at the back for one of the candies in the book. That's right. CANDY RECIPE. Now go. Buy. Read. (less)

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Oct 24, 2012 Jaime Arkin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook-format, galley-arc, have-this, romance

Dulcie Carter has been running her family candy shop since her mom passed away. In addition to that, she's been trying to fulfill her mother's dreams for her and getting her MBA, hoping that some of the classes that she hates will turn out to be useful. So the fact that she's busy is an understatement. She barely has time to make herself presentable most mornings before she is out the door so dating is definitely not something she's concerned about.

The candy shop is struggling and she isn't sur...more Dulcie Carter has been running her family candy shop since her mom passed away. In addition to that, she's been trying to fulfill her mother's dreams for her and getting her MBA, hoping that some of the classes that she hates will turn out to be useful. So the fact that she's busy is an understatement. She barely has time to make herself presentable most mornings before she is out the door so dating is definitely not something she's concerned about.

The candy shop is struggling and she isn't sure how much longer she'll be able to keep her mother's dream alive until she's invited to the Assembly of Chocolatiers competition. Her first solo and last solo showing was a major disaster so she's stayed away, but the $50,000 in prize money and notoriety that goes to the winner could really help.

Nick Sugarman... yes.. that's his real name, is the son of Dulcie's stores main competition. Both in the small town where they live and also at the competition. The year Dulcie screwed up was the year they won. When she meets Nick, the connection is instant and despite a secret 'fued' (according to Nick's father and Dulcie's grandmother) they go against family wishes and sneak around.

The big question is what will happen when the competition gets going and will this family feud come between them?

I liked this book. It was another one that was just middle of the road for me. Was it sweet... yes. Was it cute at times... yes. The writing was good, the story was pretty good and fairly original (setting etc).

I didn't really buy the chemistry between Nick and Dulcie to be honest. It seemed like the story kind of skimmed over their getting to know you parts and jumped right into this 'well, we've kissed a few times so we totally know each other'. I just felt like something was missing in the story and instead of being about them and their evolving romance it became more about the store and chocolates and the competition. I wanted more about the characters.

Nick - was a total sweetheart - his passion is cupcakes (how can you not love this guy already) he came across (except for one part) as sweet and insecure and vulnerable. He grew up liking all those chocolates that Dulcie's store created a bit too much, so he was chubby when he was younger. Now, he's a handsome young man with a Harvard degree, stuck with a family business he really doesn't care about.

So... I'm not going to tell you anymore, LOL I've rambled a bit with this.

Definitely give this a read if you're looking for something sweet and tame with a little bit of angst and a tiny bit of romance.

This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:

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Sep 25, 2012 Kayleigh {K-Books} rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sugar Rush Review on K-Books

It's no surprise to anyone how much I love Entangled Publishing books. I read a lot of them and I review a lot of them for Entangled. So when I heard about this new imprint of books coming from Entangled, The Bliss Imprint, I jumped at the chance to review them. Sugar Rush is the first Bliss book I've read and I have to say I am very impressed. I read it in one sitting and I loved every moment of it.

Dulcie is a struggling business owner and student. After her Mom's de...more Sugar Rush Review on K-Books

It's no surprise to anyone how much I love Entangled Publishing books. I read a lot of them and I review a lot of them for Entangled. So when I heard about this new imprint of books coming from Entangled, The Bliss Imprint, I jumped at the chance to review them. Sugar Rush is the first Bliss book I've read and I have to say I am very impressed. I read it in one sitting and I loved every moment of it.

Dulcie is a struggling business owner and student. After her Mom's death Dulcie is left the family Candy store. As much as she loves to make her own candy she struggles to keep her Mom's legacy alive. When she is invited to take part in the Chocolatues competition where the prize money could help the store survive Dulcie is terrified to enter. How can she win and live up to the reputation her mother built when she hasn't been able to make any new candies since her mother passed. But when she is pitted against Nick, the drop-dead-gorgeous guy set to inherit the other big candy store in town Dulcie is determined to beat him. But will Dulcie and Nick be able to be competitive against each other when they are becoming more drawn to each other?

I really loved this book and I have to say Rachel Astor is a genius. This book had my two favourite things in the world in it. Romance and Chocolate. Seriously? What could possibly be better? I am now convinced that this woman is a genius. I swear I must have put on weight reading this book because man it was making me so damn hungry. Every time another candy was mentioned my stomach was rumbling and my mouth was watering. Basically the whole book just made me hungry.

Sugar Rush is just such a cute love story. None of this smutty all-sex-no-story stuff going on that you see a lot now. Thank God. I am a total hopeless romantic at heart and love anything remotely romantic and am always the person sat there going "AWWWWWWW" so it's fair to say I loved every moment of this book. Dulcie was such a great character. I loved her. She was the character that everyone can empathise with. She is so vulnerable at times yet she stays strong to continue her mothers legacy while she is so self-conscious and doesn't believe in herself much. So in everyone's life it's not going to be with a candy store but sometime everyone has had a time when they've doubted themself and with this book you see Dulcie's journey from being afraid to putting aside her fears of failure and just going ahead and doing something about it. I loved that about this book.

Sugar Rush without a doubt left me breathless. I was sucked into this amazing and delicious world of love and candy... seriously what could be better and I just couldn't put it down until I reached the end. Although then I was disappointed I had finished. If you love a good romance novel then this is the book for you. It will leave you all warm and fuzzy inside and it's a great quick read. I loved it.(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 Amy Fournier rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, own

This book should come with a warning label that you will most certainly want a box of delicious chocolates and cupcakes while reading. This was a sweet (pun intended) and touching romance. It is told from alternating POV's so we get to know both Dulcie and Nick very well. I loved getting to be in both of their heads and really feeling each of their emotions. This is a very quick read that will leave you smiling and perhaps on a bit of your own sugar rush.

Dulcie is a super busy person. She is go...more This book should come with a warning label that you will most certainly want a box of delicious chocolates and cupcakes while reading. This was a sweet (pun intended) and touching romance. It is told from alternating POV's so we get to know both Dulcie and Nick very well. I loved getting to be in both of their heads and really feeling each of their emotions. This is a very quick read that will leave you smiling and perhaps on a bit of your own sugar rush.

Dulcie is a super busy person. She is going to college and trying to run her family candy store. The candy store is everything to her, but it's hard to keep afloat with all the bills piling up. She knows her only chance at keeping it is to win the Chocolatiers competition, but the last time she tried to put herself out there with her own creation, she ended up embarrassed and doesn't want to do that again. She needs to work through things and be able to face her fears, and on top of that, the guy she is crushing on happens to work for the rival candy store. What's worse is, he not only works their, but will some day take over it from his father.

Nick has pretty much been handed everything. His dad paid for him to go to Harvard, bought him a fancy car, bought him a condo, and expects him to prove himself to be able to take over the candy store when he retires. Nick doesn't want to fail his father, but when he meets Dulcie and starts to fall for her, is his family business really the most important thing if it means not being able to be with her. He learns a lot about Dulcie and a lot about his father that certainly make for a sticky situation. (Oh, I so did that on purpose too.) What makes Nick a great character is that he makes mistakes, but in the end he really is a good guy who just has a lot of pressure from his father.

This story takes two characters who are pretty much forbidden to be together and wraps them up into such a touching and sweet romance. It's not easy with their family feud, but the struggles that they go through and the mistakes they make, create a very good storyline. It's something you can relate to. Relationships aren't easy especially when your families are against it. I love how it's so easy to misjudge things and it takes outside influences to show them what they are not seeing. The other characters in this book are just as great as Dulcie and Nick at bringing it to life and making it an enjoyable reading experience.(less)

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Nov 06, 2012 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, for-review, net-galley, rainy-day-reads, romance

At First Sight: Dulcie Carter loves candy, and she's working hard to keep her mother's candy shop - Candy Land Confections - above water following her mother's passing. It's not easy though, while she's trying to get her masters (to fullfil her mother's wish that she got a proper education) and trying to compete against How Sweet It Is, her store's biggest rival.

But money is tight and business isn't going as well as one might hope - thanks in part to How Sweet It Is super cheap prices and the b...more At First Sight: Dulcie Carter loves candy, and she's working hard to keep her mother's candy shop - Candy Land Confections - above water following her mother's passing. It's not easy though, while she's trying to get her masters (to fullfil her mother's wish that she got a proper education) and trying to compete against How Sweet It Is, her store's biggest rival.

But money is tight and business isn't going as well as one might hope - thanks in part to How Sweet It Is super cheap prices and the bad economy. There is, however, one thing that might help: The Chocolatiers Association's Taste of the Year Award and the price money it offers.

Not that Dulcie is ready to enter, having lost in an spectacular fashion the first time she tried to enter after her mom's death - even though with her mother's recipes they had always won, before.

Nick Sugarman is trying to prove to his father that he's ready to take over the family business, even if his passion toward candy lies more in the eating of it, than the making, particularly in the automatized way his father runs their store.

Still, he was willing to do almost anything to make sure he got to be the one to succeed his father... until he met a cute girl at a club and he fell head over heels in love.

Second Glance: There are so many things I liked about Sugar Rush, it is a sweet confection of a book. I loved the whole world of candy and candy making and the chocolates that were described made me drool.

I liked Dulcie and her friends, and how she keeps trying to honor her mom's memory. Yet she's still fairly young and it shows sometimes in her decisions and thought process, I liked this because she sounded her age.

I loved Nick, he sounded kind of dreamy but he had a past as a chubby kid and still kept a lot of the defense mechanisms - but he knows and acknowledges this, so he doesn't come off as a jerk - and he makes delicious cupcakes.

And he's one of those guys who understands the concept of "A big gesture" and he's not afraid to go to the distance to right some wrongs. Dulcie often jumped to the wrong conclusion, but most of the time it made sense that she thought what she did given the information she had, so again, it was easy to keep on liking her.

If there was something I wasn't thrilled about was Dulcie's grandmother Evelyn. I often times felt like she was using Dulcie, and left her to do the heavy lifting about the store.

Bottom Line: Sugar Rush is an adorable book, with drool worthy candy descriptions and a sweet romance to match, even if it was fairly PG-13. The story just flew buy and it was fun and fluffy and cute.

Favorite Quote: "He grabbed one of the red velvet cupcakes with stabilized raspberry whipped cream icing, topped with a fondant heart for breakfast. He never officially named his cupcakes, of course—that would be silly—but he’d be lying if he didn’t secretly think of this one as the Queen of Hearts."(less)

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Apr 11, 2013 Teresa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Book was alright - eh-ok.
After the first couple of pages you know the two families of Candy Land Confections and How Sweet It Is are competitors and they hate each other. The main guy, Nick Sugarman, goes against dad's wishes and starts liking the main girl, Dulcie, from Candy Land. Then there is a little misunderstanding at the Chocolate Competition. Both the main characters enter in the competition. Girl thinks guy stole her recipe or purposely sabotage her. finds out it wasn't him but the fa...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-contemporary-romance

A charming story that will appeal to your heart. And your sweet tooth.

Would it be terribly cliche if I said Sugar Rush was a sweet, sweet story? I know, it is. But that is simply the best description for the story of Dulcie and Nick, and the confections that consume their lives.

Dulcie (such an appropriate name!) was a great girl, though she has difficulty realizing how talented and imaginative she is. Since her mother's death, she has dedicated her life to keeping her mother's beloved Candy Lan...more A charming story that will appeal to your heart. And your sweet tooth.

Would it be terribly cliche if I said Sugar Rush was a sweet, sweet story? I know, it is. But that is simply the best description for the story of Dulcie and Nick, and the confections that consume their lives.

Dulcie (such an appropriate name!) was a great girl, though she has difficulty realizing how talented and imaginative she is. Since her mother's death, she has dedicated her life to keeping her mother's beloved Candy Land Confections open. When she meets Nick, Dulcie immediately drawn to him, and he to her...until they realize one another's identity. Though their families and history says they should keep their distance, Dulcie and Nick can't fight that loving feeling.

I will say, I had the teensiest of reservations in starting Sugar Rush. The premise reminded me a bit of You Have Mail. I happen to love that movie, except for one major hitch: the two main characters were business rivals, with the male owning a mega bookstore that was threatening the woman's small indie bookstore. They fall in love, then she finds out he's putting her out of business and ends it. Shortly after, though, all is forgiven and they live happily ever after. At the time, this really didn't bother me. Now, I would flog the man who ruined my livelihood, hottie or not. Sugar Rush, while having the same business rivalry-turn-love story aspect, was not that story. It has a much, much better resolution to the problems that Nick and Dulcie face. Thank goodness or I might have had a minor stroke.

Sugar Rush read like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie. That is a good thing! It was very well-written, with a pace that never lagged. And though I only focused on Nick and Dulcie, all the characters made an impact (especially Dulcie's grandma!) I even found the candy making aspect interesting. This story made me want to curl up in my cozy living room, by the Christmas tree, and enjoy the fun. Sugar Rush was a sweet escape.

It should be noted that I read Sugar Rush approximately four days after I went off most sugar. It was so good that I still loved the story and managed not to harm anyone whilst reading.

(less)

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Oct 04, 2012 Dolce Amore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: loved-it, arc, tour

Written for Confessions From Romaholics

Dulcie Carter has run her family’s shop, Candy Land Confections, since her mother died. She is also studying to get her Master’s degree in Business Administration. Because of the slow business, she needs to win the candy contest The Forty-seventh Annual Taste of the Year Competition. The last time she participated shortly after her mother’s death, her creation did not make it past the preliminary round and their biggest competitor, How Sweet It Is, won that...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

This was such a sweet story! Yes, pun intended ;o)

As far as romance novels go, this was on the "gentle" side, but still had so much feeling. I loved the characters (but I have to admit that Grams bugged me with her selfishness until close to the end). I was rooting for Dulcie the whole time and really, really wanted her to succeed with her own candy creations.

If you're a chocoholic or sugar-addict beware! The candy and chocolate descriptions in this book will make your mouth water. Seriously,...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Jennifer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is an Adult Book… please be aware and don’t read if you are underage without parental permissions. Ok I’ve said my speech & am stepping off the soapbox; let’s get to reviewing!

Source:
Review copy given by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

In a nut shell:
Sweet | Complicated | Quick Read

My Rating:
3 stars

Details:
Ok I know I am in the minority on this book giving only 3 stars, but I liked it… I really did! I love to bake and who doesn’t love candy?! This book has mouthwateri...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Rhianna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Since her mother passed away, running Candy Land Confections, has been difficult for Dulcie Carter. Homemade sweets made from the family's original recipes was her mom's dream. But keeping the business afloat while getting a business degree with sales slow is proving more and more of a challenge on top of the fact Dulcie can't seem to find her inner chocolatiering mojo. When she's invited to compete in the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition the allure...more Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Since her mother passed away, running Candy Land Confections, has been difficult for Dulcie Carter. Homemade sweets made from the family's original recipes was her mom's dream. But keeping the business afloat while getting a business degree with sales slow is proving more and more of a challenge on top of the fact Dulcie can't seem to find her inner chocolatiering mojo. When she's invited to compete in the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition the allure of the prize money is hard to pass up... if only she could tap into her mom' creative spirit and create something utterly original and wowing.

When Dulcie meets Nick, the gorgeous guy with whom she shares instant chemistry, she discovers there's one big problem to top all the others if they were to get involved—he's the son of the big-box candy maker that stands to be her strongest competition! The stakes are high for both, as the win could mean everything to their respective families. Can these dueling chocolatiers keep it professional or can a chance at love be the sweetest thing to come?

I am an absolute sucker for romances where the hero and heroine are put into a situation where they're competing with one another or have enemy families. It just adds a certain drama that makes the HEA ending all the sweeter. But I've never seen it done with such a great contemporary twist on a theme that is delicious on its own. I cannot praise Astor enough for creating Nick. He's a hero among heroes and one of my favorites I've ever read. In contrast Dulcie's lack of confidence makes her very real and I loved how they matched one another and just made a great pairing.

This is the read for fans of competition shows on Food Network like Cupcake Wars. The creative side keeps it interesting during the slower sections where Nick and Dulcie aren't directly interacting. There are some good surprises thrown in when I least expected them and when the story ended I had an embarrassingly huge grin on my face. There's even a recipe you can make in the back of the book! If you're in the mood for a read that will bring a lot of warm fuzzies with it I highly recommend SUGAR RUSH... just be sure and have a snack handy because all the talk about candy and cupcakes and spices and chocolate will have your sweet tooth rampaging. ;)

***Review copy received via publisher.(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Heather (Fic Talk) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Also posted on Fic-talk...

Dulcie Carter runs her family’s bakery, Candy Land Confections, after the death of her mother. They are having a hard time financially and if she can’t come up with something to make some money, she might be forced to close the doors. When she decides to enter the annual Chocolatiers competition she hopes to win and fix everything. The only problem is that Nick, the son of the owner of her biggest competition in town, is also entering. Sparks between the two fly, in mor...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Melissa Maxwell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dulcie is a Chocolatier and is trying to keep her mother's legacy alive. Nick is the son of her company's biggest rival. Dulcie is self conscious of her own creations after a mishap. The love story was great and I enjoyed the secondary characters but it felt like some thing was missing.

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Oct 16, 2012 Heather marked it as to-read

Shelves: 1-review-needed, net-galley

Thanks to the publisher, Entangled Publishing, LLC, and NetGalley for the chance to read this!

Full Review Coming Soon

Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.

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Nov 03, 2012 Robin Norris rated it 4 of 5 stars

A sweet innocent romp with adorably awkward characters who are so easy to identify with. It is a fun read that leaves you with a delicious taste in your mouth when you finish.

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Sep 07, 2012 Ursula Bauer rated it 4 of 5 stars

A fresh twist in sweet (operative word: SWEET) category romance. I thought the candy angle was interesting, and also the style of hero unusual, which made the book stand out from the crowd.

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Oct 24, 2012 Lynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review of this book will be posted on http://www.urbangirlreader.com/. It will posted by Friday, October 26, 2012. Please stop by and check it out.

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Sep 06, 2012 Cindi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this sweet story! It did make me crave candy and cupcakes like crazy. So many great lines. Cute, short, super-sweet read.

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Oct 30, 2012 Ashley (Loves Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

The perfect sweet romance! Review coming soon on Ashley Loves Books.

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