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Sugar Springs #1
Sugar Springs
Lee Ann London once had big plans…scholarship, college, love. Then she found herself raising her deceased sister’s twin girls when their father disappeared. Now, with her beautiful girls, a community that depends on her, and her photography studio finally taking off, Lee Ann may not have the life she’d imagined, but it’s definitely where she wants it. Until Cody, her bad-boy ex, returns to Sugar Springs…
Cody’s childhood put a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. Bouncing around the foster care system, he was always the one to leave before anyone left him first. Then he found a place he wanted to stick. Lee Ann was the best thing that ever happened to him. Only, he hurt her. Bad. He’s back now, and determined to earn her forgiveness…and maybe win back her love while he’s at it.
Cody’s childhood put a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. Bouncing around the foster care system, he was always the one to leave before anyone left him first. Then he found a place he wanted to stick. Lee Ann was the best thing that ever happened to him. Only, he hurt her. Bad. He’s back now, and determined to earn her forgiveness…and maybe win back her love while he’s at it.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2012
821 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
About the author
Kim Law
31 books836 followersKim Law is an award-winning bestselling author of contemporary romance. Kim writes epic love stories with heart, heat, and happily ever afters. Her novels are set mostly in small towns and contain a fun mix of drama, family & friends, and laughter. 😊 Her most recent release is Caught off Guard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
February 26, 2015
Cody = selfish, two-timing, asshole
Leanne = idiotic doormat
There's no way I would ever forgive any of Cody's indiscretions, not screwing her sister or any of the other shit. Leanne didn't even think on it. She immediately forgives him. Sorry dude, don't think so.
Leanne = idiotic doormat
There's no way I would ever forgive any of Cody's indiscretions, not screwing her sister or any of the other shit. Leanne didn't even think on it. She immediately forgives him. Sorry dude, don't think so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 11, 2017I'm conflicted on how to rate this one
Hoping Joanie’s story will be better.
Hoping Joanie’s story will be better.
January 22, 2016
He cheats with her stepsister and another heroine raising his children!
August 24, 2014
DNF at 33%. I am sorry but your excuse is that you were "seduced" by your girlfriend's sister and you did not use protection because you assumed she was slutty and therefore would take care of it herself? Dude, please.
December 31, 2013
I'm very conflicted how to rate this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed it immensely and read it in one great gulp in a single day. On the other, whenever I get to feeling too glowy about it, I can't help dwelling on some of the flaws.
Law does a good job evoking the best in small-town living. The characters are sharply drawn and lovable in all their twists and quirks (and it's characters that drive small town flavor). Law does well with the characterization that is key to letting this work.
But that's also part of the problem. My worst moments with the book are when the characters undermined themselves or acted uncharacteristically poorly. An example is relatively early when Lee Ann lied to Cody for really no reason whatsoever. There was no reason for it, she knows he'll eventually find out the truth, and yet she maintains her deception until he does. It's just stupid and uncharacteristically immature for a woman who is kind and caring and essentially moral in the best, non-cloying ways. I very nearly stopped reading at that point (and I'm very glad I didn't).
And I'm sorry, but I have a really hard time forgiving Cody.
It's a good 3.5 stars overall. If I could edit the story in my head (as I am prone to do), I could make this come out a 4. Since I just can't (the problems are too big and central to the story), I'm going to drop it to 3.
A note about Steamy: Only one real explicit scene, though there's some playing around and brief mentions as well. All together, it's on the low end of my steam scale and just about right for the story being told.
Law does a good job evoking the best in small-town living. The characters are sharply drawn and lovable in all their twists and quirks (and it's characters that drive small town flavor). Law does well with the characterization that is key to letting this work.
But that's also part of the problem. My worst moments with the book are when the characters undermined themselves or acted uncharacteristically poorly. An example is relatively early when Lee Ann lied to Cody for really no reason whatsoever. There was no reason for it, she knows he'll eventually find out the truth, and yet she maintains her deception until he does. It's just stupid and uncharacteristically immature for a woman who is kind and caring and essentially moral in the best, non-cloying ways. I very nearly stopped reading at that point (and I'm very glad I didn't).
And I'm sorry, but I have a really hard time forgiving Cody.
It's a good 3.5 stars overall. If I could edit the story in my head (as I am prone to do), I could make this come out a 4. Since I just can't (the problems are too big and central to the story), I'm going to drop it to 3.
A note about Steamy: Only one real explicit scene, though there's some playing around and brief mentions as well. All together, it's on the low end of my steam scale and just about right for the story being told.
July 25, 2015
Wow. Sugar Springs seems to me to be more of a viper pit than a town. Everyone gossips – about everyone. And there seems to be a contest going on between Mrs. G, the town’s biggest gossip, and Lee Ann London’s mother, Reba, for who can ‘scoop the most poop’ if you get my meaning. Heck, Reba even gossips about her own daughter – the daughter, by the way, who took in the twin babies of her nasty, self-centered half-sister when Lee Ann herself was just out of high school. The sister, by the way, who banged Lee Ann’s boyfriend, Cody Dalton, on the living room couch, knowing that Lee Ann was due home any minute and would walk in on the scene. And when said banging produced the baby girls, Candy and Kendra, and nasty sister Stephanie died five days after the birth, Lee Ann took them to raise as her own. Working two jobs, as a waitress in the local café in the mornings and as a studio photographer the rest of the time, Lee Ann has done a marvelous job raising strong, capable, sweet natured girls for thirteen years with minimal help from her flighty mother. They own their own home, the girls are happy and healthy, and everything is good.
Until Cody Dalton comes back into town. He is only staying for six weeks, filling in for the local vet who is going on maternity leave. Cody was the local bad boy who went out with a bang, smashing windows, hooking up his foster father’s truck to the statue in the town square and dragging it behind the truck till the bumper fell off, and stealing said truck to run off into the sunset the same day he did the nasty deed with Stephanie. And now, he is back – and Lee Ann has to decide whether it is safe to let him see the girls. He told Stephanie the day the girls were born that she could just toss them into foster care, so why would Lee Ann even consider placing ‘her’ girls anywhere within the vicinity of a man who could be so cold and callous? And yet, she does.
I wanted to like this book, I really did – but in the end? It was just too sugary sweet, an overdose of precious with a side of smarmy. It doesn’t ring true, or believable. It is just flippin’ irritating. And that hurts, because Kim Law's Montana Cherries was amazing. What a letdown.
Maybe it is simply that I have had a bad run of books lately, but “Doormat” seems to be in fashion. Cody betrays not only Lee Ann in the end, but also betrays his own daughters, never mind that he has sworn that he will ‘do his best to be a good father’. And the betrayal is nasty, planned, and unforgivable. And yet, Lee Ann, and even the girls, simply roll over and take it, and it is all sunshine and lollipops and hugs and kisses within two pages.
Bah. Humbug. The whole thing is just over-the-top, though I am sure other reviewers will find it, “Just so Adorable, Bless your heart!”
Until Cody Dalton comes back into town. He is only staying for six weeks, filling in for the local vet who is going on maternity leave. Cody was the local bad boy who went out with a bang, smashing windows, hooking up his foster father’s truck to the statue in the town square and dragging it behind the truck till the bumper fell off, and stealing said truck to run off into the sunset the same day he did the nasty deed with Stephanie. And now, he is back – and Lee Ann has to decide whether it is safe to let him see the girls. He told Stephanie the day the girls were born that she could just toss them into foster care, so why would Lee Ann even consider placing ‘her’ girls anywhere within the vicinity of a man who could be so cold and callous? And yet, she does.
I wanted to like this book, I really did – but in the end? It was just too sugary sweet, an overdose of precious with a side of smarmy. It doesn’t ring true, or believable. It is just flippin’ irritating. And that hurts, because Kim Law's Montana Cherries was amazing. What a letdown.
Maybe it is simply that I have had a bad run of books lately, but “Doormat” seems to be in fashion. Cody betrays not only Lee Ann in the end, but also betrays his own daughters, never mind that he has sworn that he will ‘do his best to be a good father’. And the betrayal is nasty, planned, and unforgivable. And yet, Lee Ann, and even the girls, simply roll over and take it, and it is all sunshine and lollipops and hugs and kisses within two pages.
Bah. Humbug. The whole thing is just over-the-top, though I am sure other reviewers will find it, “Just so Adorable, Bless your heart!”
May 26, 2013
Review also posted at
Ms. Law was brilliant with writing heartfelt scenes that had me in tears. This story is of love, betrayals and second chances. Ultimately, it tugged at all my heartstrings in the late hours of the night.” ~Under the Covers Book Blog
It’s not a surprise that Sugar Springs is a 2013 RITA finalist in Contemporary Single Title Romance. It’s well deserved as this book is such an amazing read. Ms. Law was brilliant with writing heartfelt scenes that had me in tears. This story is of love, betrayals and second chances. Ultimately, it tugged at all my heartstrings in the late hours of the night.
Lee Ann London had her heart broken by her high school love, Cody Dalton and betrayed by her half sister, Stephanie. Unfortunately, she found out in the worst kind of way… catching them in the act. As cruelty goes, Cody left town and later, Stephanie delivers twin girls before she passed away from Cancer. Lee Ann has been raising the twins as her own since they were born; the good person that she was. She has had it rough but managed well with the help of her mother and friends from this small town.
On the other hand, we have Cody, who left town shortly after the drama with Stephanie and Lee Ann. He’s had it rough too, but he’s made something of himself and became a veterinarian. Turns out that there is more to the story of what Lee Ann believed. Now that Cody is back in town to cover for a local Vet, well, let just say he will open up several cans of worms during his visit.
Most of us have regrets in high school, and most of them you just cannot take back. With Lee Ann and Cody, well, what happened between them was definitely life altering. I love that they got their second chance at love, and they had a chance to right their wrongs. I am in awe at Lee Ann’s survival from the heartache and hardship with her girls. It really takes quite a woman to bear what she did all these years. Cody, is your typical jock who thinks only with his “other” brain, and I really hated him for that. What a crock of shit that he was seduced into doing it with Stephanie, an unforgivable mistake. My heart just broke for Lee Ann. But, I guess, in Cody’s defense, he has come back to Sugar Springs a different man. He is still broken from his childhood past, but overall he had become a very responsible and commendable man. If I were Lee Ann, can I forgive him? Probably not. But it’s not my story, and in their case, it was meant to be. I do admit their love reunion was quiet romantic.
As I said, this novel tugged at my heartstrings among other things. Ms. Law, not only brought on good drama, she had included good humor and definitely a few steamy scenes. The secondary characters were funny and engaging. I devoured this book and I cannot wait to do the same with Sweet Nothings which is book Two. It’s projected release date is September 24, 2013.
*Review provided by Montlake in exchange for my honest review
Ms. Law was brilliant with writing heartfelt scenes that had me in tears. This story is of love, betrayals and second chances. Ultimately, it tugged at all my heartstrings in the late hours of the night.” ~Under the Covers Book Blog
It’s not a surprise that Sugar Springs is a 2013 RITA finalist in Contemporary Single Title Romance. It’s well deserved as this book is such an amazing read. Ms. Law was brilliant with writing heartfelt scenes that had me in tears. This story is of love, betrayals and second chances. Ultimately, it tugged at all my heartstrings in the late hours of the night.
Lee Ann London had her heart broken by her high school love, Cody Dalton and betrayed by her half sister, Stephanie. Unfortunately, she found out in the worst kind of way… catching them in the act. As cruelty goes, Cody left town and later, Stephanie delivers twin girls before she passed away from Cancer. Lee Ann has been raising the twins as her own since they were born; the good person that she was. She has had it rough but managed well with the help of her mother and friends from this small town.
On the other hand, we have Cody, who left town shortly after the drama with Stephanie and Lee Ann. He’s had it rough too, but he’s made something of himself and became a veterinarian. Turns out that there is more to the story of what Lee Ann believed. Now that Cody is back in town to cover for a local Vet, well, let just say he will open up several cans of worms during his visit.
Most of us have regrets in high school, and most of them you just cannot take back. With Lee Ann and Cody, well, what happened between them was definitely life altering. I love that they got their second chance at love, and they had a chance to right their wrongs. I am in awe at Lee Ann’s survival from the heartache and hardship with her girls. It really takes quite a woman to bear what she did all these years. Cody, is your typical jock who thinks only with his “other” brain, and I really hated him for that. What a crock of shit that he was seduced into doing it with Stephanie, an unforgivable mistake. My heart just broke for Lee Ann. But, I guess, in Cody’s defense, he has come back to Sugar Springs a different man. He is still broken from his childhood past, but overall he had become a very responsible and commendable man. If I were Lee Ann, can I forgive him? Probably not. But it’s not my story, and in their case, it was meant to be. I do admit their love reunion was quiet romantic.
As I said, this novel tugged at my heartstrings among other things. Ms. Law, not only brought on good drama, she had included good humor and definitely a few steamy scenes. The secondary characters were funny and engaging. I devoured this book and I cannot wait to do the same with Sweet Nothings which is book Two. It’s projected release date is September 24, 2013.
*Review provided by Montlake in exchange for my honest review
March 29, 2017
A fairly archetypal contemporary romance. If you read romance you'll have seen these characters a dozen times. You'll have seen this story a dozen times.
But for what it is, cute small town romance, it's enjoyable. Worth the effort for fans of CR.
But for what it is, cute small town romance, it's enjoyable. Worth the effort for fans of CR.
September 16, 2015
Eh...
Probably going to give spoilers. Normally I would be so into a book like this but this one just did not do it for me. Overall it was well written but I abhor stories with cheating, cheating with a sister is even worse. I commend the heroine for taking care of her dead sister's children. I loved the twins. But I am just not into the fact that the love of the main characters life slept with her sister and then ran out of town without a word and then took 14 years to return. When I read these stories I want the leading man to be a genuinely good man. I wanted to like Cody but if he slept with my sister I wouldn't take him back no matter how hot he is. I could maybe get over it if he had just kissed the sister or something but no, actual intercourse, resulting in children. I also found Cody to be a bit overbearing. I feel like he made Lee Ann look weak. He didn't listen to anything she said and just wanted things to go his way. I want to read about a strong leading lady who holds the man she loves accountable and doesn't let him railroad her. I also feel like Cody took a cheap shot during a major confrontation saying she was controlling, yet he never voiced those concerns prior to her calling him out. Well written story but I just wasn't into it. I will probably try to read another of this series and hope it is better than this one. I'm probably biased. Just really hate cheating storylines. I understand making a mistake or walking away because you're afraid of love or whatever. Cheating just crosses a line for me and I wasn't able to get over it. I believe that in real life and in stories there are other ways to exit a relationship. I actually prefer leaving without a word (or leaving with a scrappy excuse) over cheating.
Probably going to give spoilers. Normally I would be so into a book like this but this one just did not do it for me. Overall it was well written but I abhor stories with cheating, cheating with a sister is even worse. I commend the heroine for taking care of her dead sister's children. I loved the twins. But I am just not into the fact that the love of the main characters life slept with her sister and then ran out of town without a word and then took 14 years to return. When I read these stories I want the leading man to be a genuinely good man. I wanted to like Cody but if he slept with my sister I wouldn't take him back no matter how hot he is. I could maybe get over it if he had just kissed the sister or something but no, actual intercourse, resulting in children. I also found Cody to be a bit overbearing. I feel like he made Lee Ann look weak. He didn't listen to anything she said and just wanted things to go his way. I want to read about a strong leading lady who holds the man she loves accountable and doesn't let him railroad her. I also feel like Cody took a cheap shot during a major confrontation saying she was controlling, yet he never voiced those concerns prior to her calling him out. Well written story but I just wasn't into it. I will probably try to read another of this series and hope it is better than this one. I'm probably biased. Just really hate cheating storylines. I understand making a mistake or walking away because you're afraid of love or whatever. Cheating just crosses a line for me and I wasn't able to get over it. I believe that in real life and in stories there are other ways to exit a relationship. I actually prefer leaving without a word (or leaving with a scrappy excuse) over cheating.
January 24, 2025
A bust for me. The blurb sounded right up my alley, but it was so boring I had a hard time keeping my eyes open to finish it. All the angsty parts we could have gotten have already happened, and we're only given bits and pieces with what happened with the half sister as the h Lee reminisces about her past with Cody. This story is about another self sabotaging hero that doesn't think he deserves the herione. After finding out about where he came from as he's a foster kid, he proceeds to sleep with his girlfriend's bitchy sister. Make it make sense. He leaves. Sister ends up preggers. Lies about informing H Cody, h is left to raise the kids because sis dies 5 days later. All this while they're still in highschool. Evil sis is 5 years older I believe. 13 years pass, don't worry h isn't celibate. Neither is the H, but he's not a manwhore. We have forgiveness and HEA. Plus, author setting up next books in the series, as Cody has two long lost brothers. One being his twin. Now my review probably sounds like this book would be an engaging read, but imagine it being told with zero gusto.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2016
Herói muito fraco e irresponsável. Não engoli as desculpas dele!
July 5, 2015
Cute small town romance, but the heroin forgives the hero too soon and too many times.
July 21, 2023
Please see other reviews for full spoiler synopsis...then please further extrapolate via my assessment! 😉
Holds up upon re read...the stellar writing and beloved characters overcome any annoying cliches or a too extended period of separation(14yrs), during which he was no manhoe and she dated! His horizons expand and multiply,he shares the painful secrets and inner turmoil that resulted in the day that destroyed their future while learning to dance the grovel,they grow and family unit forms upon successful resolution through all past and current issues.And finally,finally they Consummate (hopefully evil,ow and sister Stephanie is turning over in her grave)and a bit later a marriage proposal The proposal occurs after a final battle with his demons that resulted in a Faux pas involving the arrival of his twin and an appearance of cheating .So,although this small town second chance love has the appeal ,uplift and feels of Mayberry RFD,It is never too cheesy,overdone or boring!
Holds up upon re read...the stellar writing and beloved characters overcome any annoying cliches or a too extended period of separation(14yrs), during which he was no manhoe and she dated! His horizons expand and multiply,he shares the painful secrets and inner turmoil that resulted in the day that destroyed their future while learning to dance the grovel,they grow and family unit forms upon successful resolution through all past and current issues.And finally,finally they Consummate (hopefully evil,ow and sister Stephanie is turning over in her grave)and a bit later a marriage proposal The proposal occurs after a final battle with his demons that resulted in a Faux pas involving the arrival of his twin and an appearance of cheating .So,although this small town second chance love has the appeal ,uplift and feels of Mayberry RFD,It is never too cheesy,overdone or boring!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2018
I am listening 2 these books on Audible, on book #2 now, these characters are amazing!! Love this series and these amazing characters!! Natalie Ross is such a great narrator ... i will be checking out more from her ...such a great listen. love her voice and love adding it to my daily life. Audible books are genius! Must read or listen if you prefer. ( :
July 7, 2016
This one had all the elements I normally like, however it fell flat - just didn't deliver the depth or angst. 2 just ok stars.
January 1, 2018
Review also posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
I love stories that bring two characters back together after having a downfall a long time ago and they have to find away to get over that downfall and find out the truth on why it happened. The characters were meant to be with each other from the very beginning and fate has brought them back together.
Lee Ann London (*I just love her name*) had to give up her future plans right after high school. Actually...right after the moment she saw her boyfriend half naked in her house and Lee Ann's sister naked as well with each other. Lee Ann knew that her boyfriend was a bad boy, but she never thought he would break her heart especially with her sister who had it out for her since the minute their Dad walked out on them. Now Lee Ann is raising her sister's twin girls because they found out after the girls were born that her sister had cancer. The real kicker is Lee Ann knows who the father is the girls and she never expected for him to show back in town almost 13 years being gone. Now Lee Ann must either ignore the man who broke her heart, or tell him the truth. She just wanted to live her life and never see his face again, but of course fate likes to change everything. Now she's hoping the girls and her world do not change for the worst.
Cody, who was known as the bad boy in Sugar Springs and when he broke the heart of the one girl who he loved back in high school, he ran from Sugar Springs and his girlfriend's broken heart. He had just a difficult childhood as it was. His real reason of hooking up with Lee Ann's sister was for a stupid reason because he had found out something about his past and he did not know how to deal with it. Now he is back in Sugar Springs taking over the Veterinarian job due to Keri about to have her baby and needed someone else to handle it for 6 weeks. Cody wants to make it up with Lee Ann and tell her the truth on why and what happened. He is about to find out the truth about the girls in Lee Ann's life and he either will go in shock or be ecstatic. Either way, the past is about to be back full force and now they're will be even further problems for Cody and Lee Ann...he's just hoping to not break her heart again and make it through the next 6 weeks.
Kim Law writes a heart-breaking, sweet contemporary romance where two lovers will come back together after such heartache and make it work out for the best. They will have to deal with more problems a long the way, but of course those problems will make them stronger. Fate has a way to make dreams come true, but at their own pace and when they want it fall in place.
Lee Ann was such a determined character to make the most of what happened in the past to not dictate her present and future. She gave up her dreams due to raising twin girls, but she thought the girls were an amazing gift to maybe get over the fact that her sister hated her. She loved her sister's girls and was happy to raise them. She could not give over the fact of Cody hurting her and I could understand her reluctance of talking to him when she heard he was in town.
Mind you, Sugar Springs is a small town and gossip is every where and whenever Lee Ann did meet up with Cody, sparks were supposedly flying per the gossip queens in town.
Cody was really hurt for what he did to Lee Ann and I could understand why he was determined to talk to Lee Ann when he first got into town. I could tell his feelings were still there and how much he pained him that he hurt her in the past and wanted to make up for it. When his past came about in the book, I definitely understood him more and why he did the things he did.
I liked the fact that he kept driving Lee Ann to conquer her goals now after he found out the truth. He wanted her to conquer everything she was supposed to do.
Then there was the problem that came at the end of the book, that made Cody even stronger as a character in my eyes. He changed for the better.
I loved the fact that the twin girls, Kendra and Candy, were there to stick up for their Mom, Lee Ann and of course teach Cody a few things about teenage girls. They definitely made the story entertaining at times. =)
I really enjoyed reading "Sugar Springs" because it had its sad moments, but of course Kim Law made sure to put in the happy moments for the characters. She made everything flow very well and made me fall in love with her fictional characters the minute they were introduced. I love the different points of views of Cody and Lee Ann. She threw in some steamy moments between the characters as well and those moments turned into even more steamier moments. Let's just say Lee Ann is a little vixen, especially when Cody was cooking for her. LOL
I definitely look forward to reading Kim Law's next book. =)
If you are a contemporary romance addict like I am, you definitely should try out this story that rekindles an old romance that should of been forever from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love stories that bring two characters back together after having a downfall a long time ago and they have to find away to get over that downfall and find out the truth on why it happened. The characters were meant to be with each other from the very beginning and fate has brought them back together.
Lee Ann London (*I just love her name*) had to give up her future plans right after high school. Actually...right after the moment she saw her boyfriend half naked in her house and Lee Ann's sister naked as well with each other. Lee Ann knew that her boyfriend was a bad boy, but she never thought he would break her heart especially with her sister who had it out for her since the minute their Dad walked out on them. Now Lee Ann is raising her sister's twin girls because they found out after the girls were born that her sister had cancer. The real kicker is Lee Ann knows who the father is the girls and she never expected for him to show back in town almost 13 years being gone. Now Lee Ann must either ignore the man who broke her heart, or tell him the truth. She just wanted to live her life and never see his face again, but of course fate likes to change everything. Now she's hoping the girls and her world do not change for the worst.
Cody, who was known as the bad boy in Sugar Springs and when he broke the heart of the one girl who he loved back in high school, he ran from Sugar Springs and his girlfriend's broken heart. He had just a difficult childhood as it was. His real reason of hooking up with Lee Ann's sister was for a stupid reason because he had found out something about his past and he did not know how to deal with it. Now he is back in Sugar Springs taking over the Veterinarian job due to Keri about to have her baby and needed someone else to handle it for 6 weeks. Cody wants to make it up with Lee Ann and tell her the truth on why and what happened. He is about to find out the truth about the girls in Lee Ann's life and he either will go in shock or be ecstatic. Either way, the past is about to be back full force and now they're will be even further problems for Cody and Lee Ann...he's just hoping to not break her heart again and make it through the next 6 weeks.
Kim Law writes a heart-breaking, sweet contemporary romance where two lovers will come back together after such heartache and make it work out for the best. They will have to deal with more problems a long the way, but of course those problems will make them stronger. Fate has a way to make dreams come true, but at their own pace and when they want it fall in place.
Lee Ann was such a determined character to make the most of what happened in the past to not dictate her present and future. She gave up her dreams due to raising twin girls, but she thought the girls were an amazing gift to maybe get over the fact that her sister hated her. She loved her sister's girls and was happy to raise them. She could not give over the fact of Cody hurting her and I could understand her reluctance of talking to him when she heard he was in town.
Mind you, Sugar Springs is a small town and gossip is every where and whenever Lee Ann did meet up with Cody, sparks were supposedly flying per the gossip queens in town.
Cody was really hurt for what he did to Lee Ann and I could understand why he was determined to talk to Lee Ann when he first got into town. I could tell his feelings were still there and how much he pained him that he hurt her in the past and wanted to make up for it. When his past came about in the book, I definitely understood him more and why he did the things he did.
I liked the fact that he kept driving Lee Ann to conquer her goals now after he found out the truth. He wanted her to conquer everything she was supposed to do.
Then there was the problem that came at the end of the book, that made Cody even stronger as a character in my eyes. He changed for the better.
I loved the fact that the twin girls, Kendra and Candy, were there to stick up for their Mom, Lee Ann and of course teach Cody a few things about teenage girls. They definitely made the story entertaining at times. =)
I really enjoyed reading "Sugar Springs" because it had its sad moments, but of course Kim Law made sure to put in the happy moments for the characters. She made everything flow very well and made me fall in love with her fictional characters the minute they were introduced. I love the different points of views of Cody and Lee Ann. She threw in some steamy moments between the characters as well and those moments turned into even more steamier moments. Let's just say Lee Ann is a little vixen, especially when Cody was cooking for her. LOL
I definitely look forward to reading Kim Law's next book. =)
If you are a contemporary romance addict like I am, you definitely should try out this story that rekindles an old romance that should of been forever from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2013
The synopsis for this book isn’t great, kind of makes it sound like a different storyline altogether.
What it doesn’t tell you is that the father of the twins was her high school sweetheart who she walked in on after he did the deed with her sister.
Okay, the story isn’t as cut and dry as that and to be honest I had a hard time getting over that myself so that fact that Lee Ann could, good for her. Regardless of the reasons id have a hard time forgiving that.
To be honest I almost gave up on this when I was 46% into it…because well the story felt slow, I wasn’t particularly falling for any of the characters. The reason I didn’t was well because my systems at work were down all morning so I thought I would give it another go because well…I didn’t have anything else to do.
Lee Ann seemed to be a bit of a control freak and seemed to want everything her own way.
Cody…well after offering up an apology it seemed like he thought it was good enough, and others seemed to accept it, but for me I don’t think a simple sorry after 14 years would be good enough for me. And when we do eventually get the reason to why he did what he did, I didn’t think it was an excuse to be honest.
However…I found the fact that he had a twin brother very interesting and I am more intrigued with the fact they have an older brother who was also “sold” by their mother. So I most likely would read the next one to see what the maybe trilogy(?) is going.
I didn’t love the writing style of this author and am unsure if she is a new author or not but the first half of the book was quite slow and I would have preferred a much faster pace to it. The love scenes started off as quite hot too but then felt a little silly when describing some things, such as “girl parts”. I mean really? I am guessing most readers aren’t 12 so more graphic words can be used, no words were used for the male anatomy but I hope there is no reference in the future books to their “boy parts”. Maybe it’s me but I prefer the graphic actual names in the love scenes and I think a lot of readers are probably the same as me on that point.
Overall I won’t give up on this author yet, I will keep a lookout for when the next one is out as like I said previously I am intrigued on the twin brother/older brother angle that this book has bought up.
What it doesn’t tell you is that the father of the twins was her high school sweetheart who she walked in on after he did the deed with her sister.
Okay, the story isn’t as cut and dry as that and to be honest I had a hard time getting over that myself so that fact that Lee Ann could, good for her. Regardless of the reasons id have a hard time forgiving that.
To be honest I almost gave up on this when I was 46% into it…because well the story felt slow, I wasn’t particularly falling for any of the characters. The reason I didn’t was well because my systems at work were down all morning so I thought I would give it another go because well…I didn’t have anything else to do.
Lee Ann seemed to be a bit of a control freak and seemed to want everything her own way.
Cody…well after offering up an apology it seemed like he thought it was good enough, and others seemed to accept it, but for me I don’t think a simple sorry after 14 years would be good enough for me. And when we do eventually get the reason to why he did what he did, I didn’t think it was an excuse to be honest.
However…I found the fact that he had a twin brother very interesting and I am more intrigued with the fact they have an older brother who was also “sold” by their mother. So I most likely would read the next one to see what the maybe trilogy(?) is going.
I didn’t love the writing style of this author and am unsure if she is a new author or not but the first half of the book was quite slow and I would have preferred a much faster pace to it. The love scenes started off as quite hot too but then felt a little silly when describing some things, such as “girl parts”. I mean really? I am guessing most readers aren’t 12 so more graphic words can be used, no words were used for the male anatomy but I hope there is no reference in the future books to their “boy parts”. Maybe it’s me but I prefer the graphic actual names in the love scenes and I think a lot of readers are probably the same as me on that point.
Overall I won’t give up on this author yet, I will keep a lookout for when the next one is out as like I said previously I am intrigued on the twin brother/older brother angle that this book has bought up.
January 30, 2013
It was an okay book. Just seemed to drag on.
August 11, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 4
Performance – 5
Story – 4
I couldn’t stop listening!
This is the first book I’ve read by Kim Law and the first audiobook I’ve listened to by Natalie Ross. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did because it’s not really the type of romance I’ve been into lately. That being said, I couldn’t put it down. I had so many other things I should have been doing… I started this while I was doing some stuff that required my hands (therefore no holding a book) intending to stop once I could sit down again. Wrong! I was hooked almost from the very start.
Sugar Springs had so many of the old romance tropes that I cut my romance teeth on many, many years ago but it felt fresh. There were secret babies, bad-boy/good-girl dynamics, and the town bad-boy returning after having straightening himself out (well, almost).
There were definitely parts that were difficult to digest but they didn’t hit me nearly as negatively as they seem to have other reviewers. My attitude is that this is fiction and I can forgive/ignore a lot of things in fiction that I wouldn’t in real life.
I could go on and on but I’m going to stop and say that I’m eager to listen to the next book in this series. Natalie Ross was easy to listen to and she did great voices for each character.
Overall – 4
Performance – 5
Story – 4
I couldn’t stop listening!
This is the first book I’ve read by Kim Law and the first audiobook I’ve listened to by Natalie Ross. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did because it’s not really the type of romance I’ve been into lately. That being said, I couldn’t put it down. I had so many other things I should have been doing… I started this while I was doing some stuff that required my hands (therefore no holding a book) intending to stop once I could sit down again. Wrong! I was hooked almost from the very start.
Sugar Springs had so many of the old romance tropes that I cut my romance teeth on many, many years ago but it felt fresh. There were secret babies, bad-boy/good-girl dynamics, and the town bad-boy returning after having straightening himself out (well, almost).
There were definitely parts that were difficult to digest but they didn’t hit me nearly as negatively as they seem to have other reviewers. My attitude is that this is fiction and I can forgive/ignore a lot of things in fiction that I wouldn’t in real life.
I could go on and on but I’m going to stop and say that I’m eager to listen to the next book in this series. Natalie Ross was easy to listen to and she did great voices for each character.
January 1, 2018
This was my first exposure to this author, and on one hand, I enjoyed the story, but not overly so. On the other hand, I really hated all the gossiping, lying, and cheating that went on in this story! I felt that Cody was too easily forgiven for all his transgressions of the past, and that made Lee Ann a bit of a doormat character, as well as her martyrdom act she had going on with raising her half sister's kids. However, the book was an easy read, one that sucked me into the story, even though I didn't care for it much. I'll read the next one to see if things improve any, but I'm not in a hurry to do so.
January 1, 2019
Good premise in the beginning and then it just went off the rails. And the stupid villain was already dead so she couldn't get karma in the ass like she deserved. A lot of lost people show up in the end. Too much for the plot to handle. There was a big lie told but then it goes away in 2 chapters. Skip because it doesn't live up to it's potential.
September 27, 2018
2.5 Stars. I really didn’t care for Cody so that is why I rated this book so low.
September 26, 2023
I happily dove back into a Kim Law series. This one did not disappoint and I will be reading more in the Sugar Springs world.
Lee Ann and Cody get a second chance, and I must admit I was confused after reading the blurb that it was a second chance. I spent the first portion trying to figure it out and then when it all came together I was skeptical of whether or not the author was going to be able to a give a reason for Cody’s past behavior that I’d be able to see some reasonableness in, let alone Lee Ann. She did.
I liked the twins and the town. Look forward to reading more!
Lee Ann and Cody get a second chance, and I must admit I was confused after reading the blurb that it was a second chance. I spent the first portion trying to figure it out and then when it all came together I was skeptical of whether or not the author was going to be able to a give a reason for Cody’s past behavior that I’d be able to see some reasonableness in, let alone Lee Ann. She did.
I liked the twins and the town. Look forward to reading more!
August 21, 2015
Une histoire plutôt mignonnette mais pas non plus extraordinaire. J'ai passé un bon moment à Sugar Springs (j'ai même envie d'y revenir pour lire la suite) mais j'ai quelques petits reproches à faire à Cody. En fait à la version adolescente/jeune adulte de Cody. Son retournement de situation est un peu trop facile et je trouve que Lee Ann lui pardonne un peu trop facilement pour être crédible. Par contre, la version adulte est vraiment attachante et j'ai vraiment envie de découvrir l'histoire de ses frères dans les tomes suivants et ainsi les retrouver.
Une romance sans prise de tête et qui était parfaite pour ce que j'en demandais. Maintenant j'espère que J'ai Lu traduira les deux autres tomes !
Une romance sans prise de tête et qui était parfaite pour ce que j'en demandais. Maintenant j'espère que J'ai Lu traduira les deux autres tomes !
March 16, 2013
I received this book from another book blogger Laurel-Rain Snow, at "Curl Up And Read" in a book-giveaway she was featuring on her blog. Thank you Laurel.
Since I've been fighting a cold all week I chose to read this "Mind Candy" book. I enjoyed reading this contemporary romance novel. I realize they always end with a happily-everafter ending, but the fun is all the twists and turns they take to get to the happy endings. It was just what the doctor ordered to keep me quiet, resting and drinking a lot of liquids. It seems to be working, I feel a little better each day. I awarded it 4**** because I enjoyed the book.
Since I've been fighting a cold all week I chose to read this "Mind Candy" book. I enjoyed reading this contemporary romance novel. I realize they always end with a happily-everafter ending, but the fun is all the twists and turns they take to get to the happy endings. It was just what the doctor ordered to keep me quiet, resting and drinking a lot of liquids. It seems to be working, I feel a little better each day. I awarded it 4**** because I enjoyed the book.
June 26, 2013
If I'm being honest this isn't my favorite second chance romance. It was good and the author didn't jump right into forgiving any wrongs from the past. I liked that it was well written and didn't have any of my major writing hang ups. So I'm left not being able to put my finger on exactly what kept this from getting four or even five stars. But in the end I hadn't forgiven the wrong and just when I was about ready something else happened. After that everything seemed to be tied into its nice bow quite easily and quickly. So a good read but it left me wanting something more.
July 13, 2015
I enjoyed the romance between Lee Ann London and Cody Dalton a great deal. I always enjoy second chance romances and this is a great one. Lee Ann's twin daughters are wonderful and added greatly to my enjoyment of Sugar Springs. The plot is well conceived and very believable. The characters are interesting and pulled me in from the first page. The story also has a very satisfying ending. I'm glad I read this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. Happy reading!
June 3, 2017
DNF at 34%. This is one of the only books that I can honestly say I gave up. I couldn't stand the male main character. What a jerk and his excuses are flimsy at best. There is no way in a town of 600 people that you would want to deal with his crappy behavior everyday while people judge you over and over. I just couldn't stand the hole premise of the book especially given the synopsis. Save yourself the time and money!
October 4, 2017
Meh... Cute enough story but the premise was stupid. Guy 'accidentally' sleeps with the sister of the girl he is in love with and leaves town. Sister ends up pregnant but dies of cancer days after the twins are born. The scorned sister ends up raising the girls as her own and carries a major torch for the shitty boyfriend. Said boyfriend comes back to town 13 years later none the wiser and shenanigans ensue. I didn't hate it, but I did want to smack some people.
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