What do you think?
Rate this book
Sugar Coated Secrets
Never trust the guy who wants to commit.
Sadie
My dream is simple. Get married, have babies, and live happily ever after, just like my best friend. So why did I dump my longtime boyfriend, soon-to-be fiancé, and bring one of my worst fears—being alone—to life?
And why did I take that dark alley and allow myself to be attacked? As an ID channel enthusiast, I know the dangers lurking in the world. I warn my friends about them regularly. Now I have a stalker, which brings my other worst fear to life.
The person who comes to my rescue isn’t my ex or even my bestie. Easton—my gorgeous, flirty friend, and my bff’s brother-in-law—shows up to care for me. He’s the opposite of the preppy guys I date. He’s rugged, sexy, and doesn’t know the meaning of the word commitment. Other than helping me with my stalker, he can’t give me what I want. So why am I falling for him anyway?
Easton
As the spare to the heir, I’m the carefree brother. The guy no one expects much from—not even my own family. But I’m here to prove them all wrong. I’m not the man I was a year ago. Sadie is proof of that.
I never would have let someone like her get close to me. Yet she found a way into my life without climbing into my bed. That never happens. She friend-zoned me long ago, and out of respect for my brother and sister-in-law, I’ve kept my hands to myself. Only now, she’s in my home, showing sides of herself I didn’t know existed. She’s more than I could have imagined. Better.
I didn’t know protecting her would make me crave her so much. I can give her a safe place, a good time, pleasures she’s never known, but I can’t give her the dream she desires.A Pretty Georgia Peaches novel.
Sadie
My dream is simple. Get married, have babies, and live happily ever after, just like my best friend. So why did I dump my longtime boyfriend, soon-to-be fiancé, and bring one of my worst fears—being alone—to life?
And why did I take that dark alley and allow myself to be attacked? As an ID channel enthusiast, I know the dangers lurking in the world. I warn my friends about them regularly. Now I have a stalker, which brings my other worst fear to life.
The person who comes to my rescue isn’t my ex or even my bestie. Easton—my gorgeous, flirty friend, and my bff’s brother-in-law—shows up to care for me. He’s the opposite of the preppy guys I date. He’s rugged, sexy, and doesn’t know the meaning of the word commitment. Other than helping me with my stalker, he can’t give me what I want. So why am I falling for him anyway?
Easton
As the spare to the heir, I’m the carefree brother. The guy no one expects much from—not even my own family. But I’m here to prove them all wrong. I’m not the man I was a year ago. Sadie is proof of that.
I never would have let someone like her get close to me. Yet she found a way into my life without climbing into my bed. That never happens. She friend-zoned me long ago, and out of respect for my brother and sister-in-law, I’ve kept my hands to myself. Only now, she’s in my home, showing sides of herself I didn’t know existed. She’s more than I could have imagined. Better.
I didn’t know protecting her would make me crave her so much. I can give her a safe place, a good time, pleasures she’s never known, but I can’t give her the dream she desires.A Pretty Georgia Peaches novel.
ebook
Published April 17, 2024
34 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Tara Gallina
16 books108 followersTara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she’s also penned a few sweeter titles.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 24, 2024
*minor trope spoilers*
This book single-handedly cured my 2 month book slump.
What a glorious and spicy read. I absolutely love EASTON. Ugh. Seriously, he is protective and attentive and respects boundaries and has a dirty, dirty mouth. Please, I need more.
This is a best friend's BIL to lovers complete with tingles, giggling and kicking feet.
This is my first time reading Tara's work and I love it. Fast (but not so fast that it's 'thin' in the non-spicy parts), steamy, dreamy, HEA, just all the things.
I am absolutely going back to read her other work.
I received this book as an ARC but am leaving this review freely and honestly.
This book single-handedly cured my 2 month book slump.
What a glorious and spicy read. I absolutely love EASTON. Ugh. Seriously, he is protective and attentive and respects boundaries and has a dirty, dirty mouth. Please, I need more.
This is a best friend's BIL to lovers complete with tingles, giggling and kicking feet.
This is my first time reading Tara's work and I love it. Fast (but not so fast that it's 'thin' in the non-spicy parts), steamy, dreamy, HEA, just all the things.
I am absolutely going back to read her other work.
I received this book as an ARC but am leaving this review freely and honestly.
April 17, 2024
I loved Sugar Coated Lies and I was so happy to go back to this world. Easton stole my heart in book 1 and I was so glad we finally got his story. Nothing but fun and carefree, we get to see a brand new side to him and there's no choice but to fall in love with him. I loved Sadie's personality and how she seemed to bring out the best in people around her. This story was cute and sexy (hello tension and spiciness) and it was definitely a quick read. If you're looking for a book that has flirty banter, friends to lovers, characters you can relate to and spice, this one is for you.
April 19, 2024
This book was everything I had hoped for and so much more!!
After falling inlove with Daire and Everleigh in Sugar Coated Lies, I was so excited to come back and see Daire’s little brother Easton and Everleigh’s best friend Sadie fall in love 🥰
When Sadie gets attacked one night coming home from work, it’s Easton to the rescue when he takes her back to his family’s farm and lets her stay in his house on the property. Whilst both friends initially agree to keeping things platonic, it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the pair.
Sadie and Easton’s chemistry is off the charts and I loved every moment of watching them fight their feelings until they couldn’t any more. The tension was so good and those first kisses left me breathless!
The way their friendship blossomed into so much more was so fun and beautiful to watch. And the way Easton’s protective side comes out is insanely HOT!
I love the way Sadie believes in Easton and helps him see just valuable he really is. And the way Easton coaxes Sadie out of her shell and helps her have fun and be free for once in her life.
As Sadie says, they were “written in the stars” 🌟
If you love Small Town Romance with Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity and some fun *spanking* then I highly recommend Sugar Coated Secrets.
Whilst it is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a standalone but you will appreciate the other characters so much more if you read Sugar Coated Lies first ❤️🔥
After falling inlove with Daire and Everleigh in Sugar Coated Lies, I was so excited to come back and see Daire’s little brother Easton and Everleigh’s best friend Sadie fall in love 🥰
When Sadie gets attacked one night coming home from work, it’s Easton to the rescue when he takes her back to his family’s farm and lets her stay in his house on the property. Whilst both friends initially agree to keeping things platonic, it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the pair.
Sadie and Easton’s chemistry is off the charts and I loved every moment of watching them fight their feelings until they couldn’t any more. The tension was so good and those first kisses left me breathless!
The way their friendship blossomed into so much more was so fun and beautiful to watch. And the way Easton’s protective side comes out is insanely HOT!
I love the way Sadie believes in Easton and helps him see just valuable he really is. And the way Easton coaxes Sadie out of her shell and helps her have fun and be free for once in her life.
As Sadie says, they were “written in the stars” 🌟
If you love Small Town Romance with Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity and some fun *spanking* then I highly recommend Sugar Coated Secrets.
Whilst it is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a standalone but you will appreciate the other characters so much more if you read Sugar Coated Lies first ❤️🔥
March 31, 2024
She had simple ideas of getting married, have children and have a great life but she has just dumped him. Now she needs to decide what to do next. She is then attacked and her life seems to be falling down fast? What will she do? How will she get on? Will her life get better? See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
April 16, 2024
This is such a fun read! I do love best friend’s brother tropes but this is kinda better - best friend’s brother in law 😁
There are also other fav tropes included in this book - mystery stalker, friends to lovers, playboy x good girl, flirty banter, and more which manage to spices things up (while the other spice does heating it up as well 😆).
I like that it’s been written in humorous approach at most times between characters / situations so it make this story fun and light to read and go through with. The writing also uses mostly simple & short sentences as well as I feel like each chapters are short too, yet those are in good way for me. If I’m not been busy, I bet I can finish reading in shorter time instead of 3 days since the plot growth are good and manage to keep my interest glued until the end. I did had fun reading the whole story, and great thing that it got HEA.
Overall, this is such a fun and light read, simple story yet enjoyable indeed. Thank you so much for the ARC! ❤️
There are also other fav tropes included in this book - mystery stalker, friends to lovers, playboy x good girl, flirty banter, and more which manage to spices things up (while the other spice does heating it up as well 😆).
I like that it’s been written in humorous approach at most times between characters / situations so it make this story fun and light to read and go through with. The writing also uses mostly simple & short sentences as well as I feel like each chapters are short too, yet those are in good way for me. If I’m not been busy, I bet I can finish reading in shorter time instead of 3 days since the plot growth are good and manage to keep my interest glued until the end. I did had fun reading the whole story, and great thing that it got HEA.
Overall, this is such a fun and light read, simple story yet enjoyable indeed. Thank you so much for the ARC! ❤️
April 21, 2024
A quick and easy romcom as Sadie, an aficionado of true crime dramas ignores her spidey senses one rainy night and decides to cut down an alleyway only to become the victim of an attempted assault, but this just gives the hero Easton a chance to don his superhero cloak and run to the rescue. The next day, after the discovery that her attack might not have been as random as first thought, he sweeps her off to his scenic lakeside cabin!
I loved the idea of Sadie and Easton together in Sugar Coated Secrets. It was obvious from the start there was some serious chemistry between them but both were reluctant to act on it or risk making the first move though it was probably more on Easton’s part and his family were responsible for that. All his life, they’d patted him on the head and told him to go have fun, to leave the business to his father and older brother. It wasn’t that he’d ever messed up, they just never even gave him a chance to prove himself, so he’d grown up thinking he wasn’t good enough which in turn made Sadie think he’d never settle down and give her what she dreamt of – a husband, children, a family of her own. Despite this there was some steamy flirtation going on before one or the other would get cold feet and pull away. And of course, all good stories, even romcoms needs the requisite baddie so lurking in the background was Sadie’s recently dumped ex just waiting for a chance to rush in and win her back, but this just gave Easton an opportunity to flex his manly muscles. The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this book was the part of the story involving the stalker and felt it was only there to provide a reason for Sadie to move in with Easton and how it was wrapped just felt irrelevant to what was otherwise a fun and enjoyable romcom.
I loved the idea of Sadie and Easton together in Sugar Coated Secrets. It was obvious from the start there was some serious chemistry between them but both were reluctant to act on it or risk making the first move though it was probably more on Easton’s part and his family were responsible for that. All his life, they’d patted him on the head and told him to go have fun, to leave the business to his father and older brother. It wasn’t that he’d ever messed up, they just never even gave him a chance to prove himself, so he’d grown up thinking he wasn’t good enough which in turn made Sadie think he’d never settle down and give her what she dreamt of – a husband, children, a family of her own. Despite this there was some steamy flirtation going on before one or the other would get cold feet and pull away. And of course, all good stories, even romcoms needs the requisite baddie so lurking in the background was Sadie’s recently dumped ex just waiting for a chance to rush in and win her back, but this just gave Easton an opportunity to flex his manly muscles. The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this book was the part of the story involving the stalker and felt it was only there to provide a reason for Sadie to move in with Easton and how it was wrapped just felt irrelevant to what was otherwise a fun and enjoyable romcom.
April 17, 2024
Sadie and Easton slowly became best friends during the last year. Easton is the brother-in-law to her best friend Everleigh. Sadie is a cautious planner who is focused on everyone’s safety. Easton considers himself commitment-phobic and only seeks out casual sex and absolutely no relationships.
I enjoyed both of these two main characters more than I actually expected. Easton values his relationship with Sadie and he is extremely supportive, protective and caring with her. He surprises himself with his reactions to their growing closeness and it’s clear his brother and sister-in-law also see his new maturity.
The storyline is mostly focused on Sadie’s growing attraction to Easton and her willingness to consider a casual relationship with him. At the beginning of the book there is an event that brings Easton to Sadie’s side and her moving out to his home on the family estate for her safety. This storyline pretty much drops off the radar until the end when I was a little surprised with how quickly and low-key the author wrapped it up. This is what springboards the change in Sadie and Easton’s relationship.
I didn’t appreciate the storyline tangent where Easton was planning a hookup with someone he’s been casually involved with and then comes back the next morning with smudged lipstick on his shirt collar. I assume he had sex with someone else, but it’s not mentioned and Sadie never brings it up, but she noticed the lipstick and it hurt her. This takes place before Easton and Sadie do anything more than share a pretty intense kiss, but it just isn’t what I want in romance books.
Overall this is an entertaining book, but there really isn’t much depth to the storyline.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
I enjoyed both of these two main characters more than I actually expected. Easton values his relationship with Sadie and he is extremely supportive, protective and caring with her. He surprises himself with his reactions to their growing closeness and it’s clear his brother and sister-in-law also see his new maturity.
The storyline is mostly focused on Sadie’s growing attraction to Easton and her willingness to consider a casual relationship with him. At the beginning of the book there is an event that brings Easton to Sadie’s side and her moving out to his home on the family estate for her safety. This storyline pretty much drops off the radar until the end when I was a little surprised with how quickly and low-key the author wrapped it up. This is what springboards the change in Sadie and Easton’s relationship.
I didn’t appreciate the storyline tangent where Easton was planning a hookup with someone he’s been casually involved with and then comes back the next morning with smudged lipstick on his shirt collar. I assume he had sex with someone else, but it’s not mentioned and Sadie never brings it up, but she noticed the lipstick and it hurt her. This takes place before Easton and Sadie do anything more than share a pretty intense kiss, but it just isn’t what I want in romance books.
Overall this is an entertaining book, but there really isn’t much depth to the storyline.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
April 13, 2024
*NOT FOR ANYONE UNDER 18*
Sugar Coated Secrets is easy and fun to read. Laugh-out-loud moments. Fun banter between friends (which gets me EVERY TIME). Sweet tender moments disguised as flirty, sexy time. Two people destined for each other but denying it until they just can't fight it anymore. Just what you need after a stressful day, a realistic getaway that is a naughty version of those movies we love to watch on the channel owned by a greeting card company.
Sugar Coated Secrets is easy and fun to read. Laugh-out-loud moments. Fun banter between friends (which gets me EVERY TIME). Sweet tender moments disguised as flirty, sexy time. Two people destined for each other but denying it until they just can't fight it anymore. Just what you need after a stressful day, a realistic getaway that is a naughty version of those movies we love to watch on the channel owned by a greeting card company.
April 12, 2024
Sadie and Easton have very clear chemistry from the beginning. Some times it truly is right person, wrong time. I think this book was quite beautifully written with very relatable characters. They both needed to do some growing while getting to know themselves and each other and it really showed in the writing. The only thing holding me back from a 5 star is the ending; it felt very abrupt especially since we were just starting to really see Easton and Sadie grow as a true couple. Beautiful story other than that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2024
I LOVED the flirting between Easton & Sadie!! It was electric!! I got my ARC copy & started this read after dinner. I finally put the book down at Chapter 20 to go to sleep that first night!
April 1, 2024
Sugar Coated Secrets is a cute friends to lovers, small town ramance about a girl who falls for her best friends brother in law. Though Easton is not the commitment type guy, Sadie can't get over how kind, caring, and of course how handsome he is. Though Easton doesn't want a relationship, he can't help but keep thinking about Sadie and how she truly cares about him, and is interested and supportive of his life and who he wants to become as a person.
This was Book two of a series and can be read as a standalone. The storyline was entertaining and always kept me interested in what was to come. It had a few twists you would never had seen coming, and the entire read was fun, real, and of course steamy. I loved both Easton and Sadie's characters and it was very fun watching them connect and grow. Now I'm ready to read book one and see how Daire and Everleigh's story began!
This was Book two of a series and can be read as a standalone. The storyline was entertaining and always kept me interested in what was to come. It had a few twists you would never had seen coming, and the entire read was fun, real, and of course steamy. I loved both Easton and Sadie's characters and it was very fun watching them connect and grow. Now I'm ready to read book one and see how Daire and Everleigh's story began!
April 17, 2024
This was an incredibly likable friends to lovers rom-com that had a good progression of the two main characters relationship. I really enjoyed the family and friend dynamics throughout the story! I also love books that offer a dual POV and noted the detail of their personal touch at the start of each chapter with an icon of their own. I find the cover to be eye catching, but sure wish it had some of the photos Sadie took there instead. 😉 IYKYK 🔥
I rated this a 4/5 ⭐️ because the stalker piece of the story that led Sadie to spending extra time with Easton in the first place ended in an odd, displaced portion of the book.
*I received this as a free ARC and am pleased to leave this voluntary review.
I rated this a 4/5 ⭐️ because the stalker piece of the story that led Sadie to spending extra time with Easton in the first place ended in an odd, displaced portion of the book.
*I received this as a free ARC and am pleased to leave this voluntary review.
March 25, 2024
This was such a fun and cute read! It was the perfect amount of funny, tenderness, and spice with a dash of mystery!
I really loved the chemistry between Sadie and Easton and how they genuinely seem to care for each other in every way that would matter to them. I also love how they cheer each other on and they can be themselves completely with each other.
The mystery in this was also perfectly added in and was low stakes enough to give me anxiety about what happens next, but also interesting enough to keep me hooked and wondering what happens next!
This was such a perfect quick weekend read and made me forget reality for a little bit.
Plus I love that Sadie is also a true crime fan!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really loved the chemistry between Sadie and Easton and how they genuinely seem to care for each other in every way that would matter to them. I also love how they cheer each other on and they can be themselves completely with each other.
The mystery in this was also perfectly added in and was low stakes enough to give me anxiety about what happens next, but also interesting enough to keep me hooked and wondering what happens next!
This was such a perfect quick weekend read and made me forget reality for a little bit.
Plus I love that Sadie is also a true crime fan!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
November 3, 2024“You’ve ruined me for anyone else,. I’m all yours, only yours, even after death. Marry me. Be mine eternally.”
3.75 / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed the writing in the first half or so of the book. It was light and I felt like it didn’t take itself too seriously. There were also some really funny lines that had me actually laughing out loud 😭
I thought the romance between Sadie and Easton was really cute . The spice scenes were very nice with light spanking play which is always fun!
The resolution with the main conflict of the story felt very random to me and I wish it could’ve taken a different route.
Other than that, this is a really cute, fun, romcom read. Def would recommend to those who like romcoms and are interested in the tropes below 🫶🏾
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Protective bf
Forced proximity
Dual POV
*** I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.75 / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed the writing in the first half or so of the book. It was light and I felt like it didn’t take itself too seriously. There were also some really funny lines that had me actually laughing out loud 😭
I thought the romance between Sadie and Easton was really cute . The spice scenes were very nice with light spanking play which is always fun!
The resolution with the main conflict of the story felt very random to me and I wish it could’ve taken a different route.
Other than that, this is a really cute, fun, romcom read. Def would recommend to those who like romcoms and are interested in the tropes below 🫶🏾
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Protective bf
Forced proximity
Dual POV
*** I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2024
This is book two in The Pretty Georgia Peaches series and it is Sadie and Easton’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Sadie is a safety conscious person but one night she left work late and did something that is well out of her comfort zone and that was go down a dark alley to get home quickly only for her to be attacked but managed to escape before anything worse happened and that is due to her remembering what to do to keep safe and was now at the police station giving a statement while waiting for Easton to pick her up but this attack has shaken Sadie so much that she didn’t feel safe. Easton has always felt like the black sheep of the family and lives the life that he wants but he loves the estate and farm which is his home including being able to engage with the land and even though he doesn’t do relationships or commitments and is classed as a flirt and playboy but when he heard that Sadie had been attacked he couldn’t get there fast enough to make sure that she is safe and protected and also take care of her. Sadie and Easton have become great friends and even though they are attracted to each other and Sadie is looking for her forever man Easton is the total opposite but after the attack Sadie is convinced to go and stay at the farm for a while so that her attack can be investigated but when she ends up staying with Easton things start to change between them and they end up having a friends with benefits but in secret but will it turn into anything more serious between them or will it end when Sadie goes back home meaning that they both miss out on something really special. There are twists and turns and surprises along the way and emotions that will have you in tears but still needing to turning the pages to see what would happen next. I absolutely loved Sadie and Easton who started out as friends and became so much more and there connection was strong and chemistry so explosive that you could feel sparks flying all around them and off the pages of this book and even though there relationship had many ups and downs and was definitely not plain sailing but as usual if your love is strong enough and you work together you can definitely get through anything to give you the happiness and future that you deserve. Tara Gallina is a amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her readers attention throughout while reading her books and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will not be disappointed.
April 8, 2024
Easton doesn't believe he is capable of giving more of himself to Sadie. He was pretty rebellious as a child/teen.
Sadie is a hopeless romantic. She pushes Easton away knowing he can't and won't offer her what she always wants. Love, A Husband, and children.
You can see the friendship bonds between Easton and Sadie with the way they banter. How comfortable they are around each other.
The stalker part kinda fell short for me as well. I was hoping for a little more on that part. It ended a little to quickly and didn't have much flair with the twist. It also didn't have much details and didn't have much factor into the story. A few mentions here and there, until closer to the end of the book.
I wasn't a fan of Sadie's character. Yes she's a hopeless romantic, loves crime shows, loves nature, has a hamster for a pet, and her Best Friend is married to Easton's brother. That's all there is to her.
It also hints that Easton may have slept with other women or at least one while Sadie was staying with him.
I am not sure of their age range as a lot of details were left out. It seems it was more focused on the dynamic between Easton and Sadie. It was as if I was reading the same problems over and over, just explained differently each time.
🌸 Friends to Lovers
🌸 Hopeless Romantic MFC
🌸 Forced Proximity
🌸 City to Small Town
Sadie is a hopeless romantic. She pushes Easton away knowing he can't and won't offer her what she always wants. Love, A Husband, and children.
You can see the friendship bonds between Easton and Sadie with the way they banter. How comfortable they are around each other.
The stalker part kinda fell short for me as well. I was hoping for a little more on that part. It ended a little to quickly and didn't have much flair with the twist. It also didn't have much details and didn't have much factor into the story. A few mentions here and there, until closer to the end of the book.
I wasn't a fan of Sadie's character. Yes she's a hopeless romantic, loves crime shows, loves nature, has a hamster for a pet, and her Best Friend is married to Easton's brother. That's all there is to her.
It also hints that Easton may have slept with other women or at least one while Sadie was staying with him.
I am not sure of their age range as a lot of details were left out. It seems it was more focused on the dynamic between Easton and Sadie. It was as if I was reading the same problems over and over, just explained differently each time.
🌸 Friends to Lovers
🌸 Hopeless Romantic MFC
🌸 Forced Proximity
🌸 City to Small Town
April 30, 2024
This was a small town friends to lovers romance.
Sadie is a digital artist who creates romance book covers. She is an avid murder show enthusiast. Her goals are marriage, babies and an HEA. Her best friend is Everleigh. She recently dumped her boyfriend. She friend zoned Easton because of his dating reputation.
Easton Livingston is Everleigh's brother-in-law. He refers to himself as the spare to the heir, his older brother runs the family business. He acts carefree partially because his family does not expect much from him. He only has hook ups not relationships but is wildly attracted to Sadie.
Sadie worked late and called an Uber to get home. After being stuck in traffic for an hour she decided to get out and walk. She makes the foolish decision to take a short cut through a dark alley but calls Everleigh first. Easton grabbed the phone away and tried to talk her out of her plan. She gets attacked but managed to fight him off. Easton meets her at the police station and takes her home. Next day he brings her to his home to stay until the private investigator he hired can find her assailant. As they spend more time together, including a photo shoot of Easton for book covers and working on his special project they decide to be friends with benefits. They catch feelings for each other and get their HEA.
Sadie is a digital artist who creates romance book covers. She is an avid murder show enthusiast. Her goals are marriage, babies and an HEA. Her best friend is Everleigh. She recently dumped her boyfriend. She friend zoned Easton because of his dating reputation.
Easton Livingston is Everleigh's brother-in-law. He refers to himself as the spare to the heir, his older brother runs the family business. He acts carefree partially because his family does not expect much from him. He only has hook ups not relationships but is wildly attracted to Sadie.
Sadie worked late and called an Uber to get home. After being stuck in traffic for an hour she decided to get out and walk. She makes the foolish decision to take a short cut through a dark alley but calls Everleigh first. Easton grabbed the phone away and tried to talk her out of her plan. She gets attacked but managed to fight him off. Easton meets her at the police station and takes her home. Next day he brings her to his home to stay until the private investigator he hired can find her assailant. As they spend more time together, including a photo shoot of Easton for book covers and working on his special project they decide to be friends with benefits. They catch feelings for each other and get their HEA.
April 28, 2024
Have been waiting for Easton and Sadie's romance after i read Everleigh and Daire's book.
The wait was worth it.
Sadie and Easton are best friends and he does not want to cross that line.
When Sadie is attacked the first person she calls is Easton.Easton wants to find who attacked Sadie asap.When he finds out she might have a stalker,he wants to take her back to his family's farmhouse.
Everleigh Sadie's best friend and Easton's sister in law also wants
her there.
Sadie moves in with Easton and she starts to see him in a different light.She wants a husband,babies and a happily ever after,he doesn't want commitment.
Easton realises he wants more than friendship with Sadie.There are secrets and ups and downs along the way.They work out their
differences,find the stalker,admit their feelings for each other and get to their happily ever after.
Really enjoyed this romance with laughter,tears,family,friendships,
chemistry and banter between Easton and Sadie,romance and a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The wait was worth it.
Sadie and Easton are best friends and he does not want to cross that line.
When Sadie is attacked the first person she calls is Easton.Easton wants to find who attacked Sadie asap.When he finds out she might have a stalker,he wants to take her back to his family's farmhouse.
Everleigh Sadie's best friend and Easton's sister in law also wants
her there.
Sadie moves in with Easton and she starts to see him in a different light.She wants a husband,babies and a happily ever after,he doesn't want commitment.
Easton realises he wants more than friendship with Sadie.There are secrets and ups and downs along the way.They work out their
differences,find the stalker,admit their feelings for each other and get to their happily ever after.
Really enjoyed this romance with laughter,tears,family,friendships,
chemistry and banter between Easton and Sadie,romance and a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2024
Sugar Coated Secrets by Tara Gallina is part of the Pretty Georgia Peaches Series. This is a small town romance that has friends-to-lovers, forced proximity and some steamy good times. After reading the book blurb I couldn’t wait to read this book. I finished this book in hours, I was so invested I didn’t want to lower my kindle. I think I was hooked within the first couple chapters and I devoured this story. The characters were written so well, I enjoyed reading Sadie and Easton’s story. I loved the build up from friends to something more. Thought their chemistry was electric and the banter between them was so on point. The only part that annoyed me was a scene where Easton makes a questionable choice. (Like I get it but still, wanted to reach through my kindle for a second to shake him) Overall this story was engaging, well written with a steady plot that held my attention the whole time. I’ve read other books by this author but I think this one may be one of my favorites. I definitely recommend checking this book out.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
April 17, 2024
This is book 2 in the Pretty Georgia Peaches Series and can be read as a standalone as I did and not feel lost. Sadie is a woman who knows what she wants in life marriage, family and love. When she realizes her fiancé will not she breaks up with him and finds herself in a dark alley one night trying to get home before it rains only to be followed by a man intent on causing harm. Easton is a close friend who shows up to help and takes the situation seriously when he uncovers it was not a random attack. With the resources he sweeps Sadie away to his remote home right next to her best friend and his brother. Easton is a man who was never given an opportunity by family and friends to show what he’s capable of as an adult so when Sadie finds out what he’s been up to she gives him the confidence to move forward and becomes his champion. These two face the person behind Sadie’s torment and how they move forward after and those who are in their corner. It’s wonderful to see when their love can heal them.
April 19, 2024
Sugar Coated Secrets was such a fun read! I loved it! From the start it grabbed my attention with an attack on Sadie but when Easton, her close friend, arrives to help, I was hooked. Their backstory was believable and the friendship seemed genuine. Friends to Lovers is my favorite. The flirty banter was on point! I loved his support for and attraction to her but her I really loved how surprised he was at her support for him. So endearing! The hot tub scene was on FIRE, along with several others. DP was such an adorable addition! I also loved how the author intertwined her previous book, Sugar Coated Lies’ characters back into this story. They fit in so well with the storyline. The stalker mystery wrapped up nicely and just added the right amount to the HEA. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
May 1, 2024
Friends to lovers at its finest - Easton and Sadie are great friends, despite their attraction to each other. He's a player and she's ready to start a family. They couldn't be more opposite if they tried. When she is accosted, she calls him first and he rushes to her side. That should have been a clue that they each cared more than they let on. Dash who?
This is such a good read, with a cast of great protagonists. The MCs are so sweet together, teasing as friends one moment, gazing longingly into each other's eyes the next. Daire and Everleigh are the best extras, supportive and protective of Sadie through her trials. And lets not forget Detective Pickles aka DP. His name alone makes me smile. A little steamy, a little amusing, a lot good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is such a good read, with a cast of great protagonists. The MCs are so sweet together, teasing as friends one moment, gazing longingly into each other's eyes the next. Daire and Everleigh are the best extras, supportive and protective of Sadie through her trials. And lets not forget Detective Pickles aka DP. His name alone makes me smile. A little steamy, a little amusing, a lot good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2024
🌟: 4/5 Stars 🌶️: 3.5/5 Spice
💭: This series is just so sweet 🥹 I’ve been dying to read more since book one (Sugar Coated Lies) and here it is finally book two !! Ahhhhh what can I say I truly enjoyed reading and seeing Sadie & Easton love story unfold. Y’all know I love a player turned lover boy for the right one, I always eat it up. Easton was everything and more for Sadie and I love how they got their HEA 🥹🤍 I also enjoyed reading a little about Everleigh & Daire made my little heart melt. I also had to included a cute little picture of detective pickles, our trusted side kick and true crime show lover 😂🤍
So grateful to be apart of Tara’s ARC team, I truly love it here and this series is just so damn cute 🤍
🍑BOOK IS NOW LIVE! You don’t wanna miss out on this cute little series🍑
💭: This series is just so sweet 🥹 I’ve been dying to read more since book one (Sugar Coated Lies) and here it is finally book two !! Ahhhhh what can I say I truly enjoyed reading and seeing Sadie & Easton love story unfold. Y’all know I love a player turned lover boy for the right one, I always eat it up. Easton was everything and more for Sadie and I love how they got their HEA 🥹🤍 I also enjoyed reading a little about Everleigh & Daire made my little heart melt. I also had to included a cute little picture of detective pickles, our trusted side kick and true crime show lover 😂🤍
So grateful to be apart of Tara’s ARC team, I truly love it here and this series is just so damn cute 🤍
🍑BOOK IS NOW LIVE! You don’t wanna miss out on this cute little series🍑
May 10, 2024
Sadie and Easton have been best friends since Easton’s brother, Daire Livingston married Sadie’s best friend, Everleigh over a year ago. But when a stalker almost attacks Sadie, she moves in with Easton hours outside of Atlanta, on their pecan farm in rural Georgia.
While escaping the city and the stalker, Easton goes out of his way to make Sadie feel safe and treasured, unlike her ex. As Easton and Sadie spend more time together, the sexual tension increases, until their emotions take over and they cross the line from just friends.
As the stalker issue is resolved and the threat is revealed, Sadie also learns a hard truth about her ex boyfriend. Drama, hurt feelings, and high emotions ensue, but eventually Sadie and Easton find their happy ending.
While escaping the city and the stalker, Easton goes out of his way to make Sadie feel safe and treasured, unlike her ex. As Easton and Sadie spend more time together, the sexual tension increases, until their emotions take over and they cross the line from just friends.
As the stalker issue is resolved and the threat is revealed, Sadie also learns a hard truth about her ex boyfriend. Drama, hurt feelings, and high emotions ensue, but eventually Sadie and Easton find their happy ending.
April 19, 2024
This is the first time I've read anything from this author, and although this is book 2 I didn't have any problems following along, since the story is completely standalone with an HEA.
On the surface this is a completely standard romance between a player and a woman that wants a commitment. However, I loved that Easton is perfectly aware of his reputation and what others have decided his role will be, doesn't like it and sets out to change it. I loved that reinvention. The story flows very well and although there are some sections that I didn't particularly like, I enjoyed this story and the relationship between Easton and his Sadiecakes.
On the surface this is a completely standard romance between a player and a woman that wants a commitment. However, I loved that Easton is perfectly aware of his reputation and what others have decided his role will be, doesn't like it and sets out to change it. I loved that reinvention. The story flows very well and although there are some sections that I didn't particularly like, I enjoyed this story and the relationship between Easton and his Sadiecakes.
April 20, 2024
* I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from Hidden Gems. *
This is a sweet and a little spicy friends to lovers romance. The banter was cute and flirtatious and the heat level was not too steamy. I found the couple to be truly supportive of each other in everything. Sadie and Easton's build-up of their relationship was fun and satisfying to follow. My only drawback was that the whole book centered on the stalker and the tension of that but the resolution was incredibly quick and didn't feel satisfying. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and since this is the first book I've read of this series, I really want to read the first book.
This is a sweet and a little spicy friends to lovers romance. The banter was cute and flirtatious and the heat level was not too steamy. I found the couple to be truly supportive of each other in everything. Sadie and Easton's build-up of their relationship was fun and satisfying to follow. My only drawback was that the whole book centered on the stalker and the tension of that but the resolution was incredibly quick and didn't feel satisfying. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and since this is the first book I've read of this series, I really want to read the first book.
April 22, 2024
When life throws Sadie and Easton together these two complete opposites try to navigate this newfound friendship with attraction attached. Sadie is a romantic at heart that worries about those she cares about, but when she is forced to live with Easton for a little while can she fight this growing attraction she has? Easton doesn’t think he can be the man that commits to a relationship and while he may be a playboy of sorts he can’t deny his own attraction to Sadie but he feels she deserves better. With fun banter, building tension, amazing characters, with a touch of suspense this story makes for a fun quick read that will have you falling in love.
September 26, 2024
I went into this book honestly not expecting much, but boy was I wrong. I couldn’t stop reading it. There isn’t a moment where I was bored. The whole book kept my interest. The only thing I had an issue with was not having any clue what Bennet did to Everleigh?? However, that’s my fault because I didn’t realize there was a whole other book before this one. I will definitely be going back and reading that one as well.
This was a really good best friends to lovers trope. I also guess I’m a sucker for the noncommittal bad boy type to finally settle down. I’m so glad everyone got their HEA and Dash got his butt beat.
This was a really good best friends to lovers trope. I also guess I’m a sucker for the noncommittal bad boy type to finally settle down. I’m so glad everyone got their HEA and Dash got his butt beat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
3.5 stars
What a cute read.
Sugar Coated Secrets is a friends to lovers, forced proximity romance.
Easton is the playboy type, totally non-committal whereas Sadie is a hopeless romantic and a good girl.
Cue witty banter, miscommunication and a whole lotta spice!
I did feel like there was quite a bit of repetition, especially “spare to the heir” ok we get it, you’re not the heir! And there was one line that made me put the book down and have to come back to it. “I’m heir to a huge d***” Like really Easton. Really! I also didn’t like how he constantly compared Sadie to his one-night stands. She deserved so much better than that.
The highlight for me was 100% Detective Pickles!! Loved him. It’s made me want another hamster 😂
What a cute read.
Sugar Coated Secrets is a friends to lovers, forced proximity romance.
Easton is the playboy type, totally non-committal whereas Sadie is a hopeless romantic and a good girl.
Cue witty banter, miscommunication and a whole lotta spice!
I did feel like there was quite a bit of repetition, especially “spare to the heir” ok we get it, you’re not the heir! And there was one line that made me put the book down and have to come back to it. “I’m heir to a huge d***” Like really Easton. Really! I also didn’t like how he constantly compared Sadie to his one-night stands. She deserved so much better than that.
The highlight for me was 100% Detective Pickles!! Loved him. It’s made me want another hamster 😂
April 16, 2024
Sugar Coated Secrets was a treat! I loved the relationship between Easton and Sadie, the main characters. They were always teasing each other, but getting very close as the events progressed. I loved Easton's rakish charm and Sadie's sweetness and kindness. Their banter was witty and cute. The book is funny and romantic, steamy and charming. I loved the HEA and I can't wait to read other books by the author!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews