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Sugar, Georgia #1
Sugar's Twice as Sweet
From the author of the nationally bestselling St. Helena Vineyard series and the Heroes of St. Helena series comes the sexy first book from Marina Adair set in Sugar, Georgia.
"Marina Adair writes with heart and sizzling heat. Sugar's Twice As Sweet will charm you!" -- Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"A can't miss read with small town sweetness, endearing characters and a unique quirky flair." -- Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author on Sugar's Twice As Sweet
He's trouble she doesn't need . . .
Thanks to a cheating fiance, Josephina Harrington's perfect life just crashed and burned. Moving in with her overbearing parents is definitely not an option. No, she needs to prove she can make it on her own. And she will-by turning her great-aunt's old plantation house into a destination getaway. She's just not expecting her contractor to be so hands-on-and so totally irresistible.
. . . but everything she wants
Bad-boy golf champion Brett McGraw figured his hometown of Sugar, Georgia was the perfect place to lay low and get his life back up to par. The leggy blonde with a pint-sized pup is the kind of sweet 'n sassy trouble he never saw coming. She doesn't know a nut from a bolt and before long, he's renovating her house . . . as she steals his heart. Can he convince Josephina that his womanizing ways are in the past and he's ready for forever?
"Marina Adair writes with heart and sizzling heat. Sugar's Twice As Sweet will charm you!" -- Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"A can't miss read with small town sweetness, endearing characters and a unique quirky flair." -- Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author on Sugar's Twice As Sweet
He's trouble she doesn't need . . .
Thanks to a cheating fiance, Josephina Harrington's perfect life just crashed and burned. Moving in with her overbearing parents is definitely not an option. No, she needs to prove she can make it on her own. And she will-by turning her great-aunt's old plantation house into a destination getaway. She's just not expecting her contractor to be so hands-on-and so totally irresistible.
. . . but everything she wants
Bad-boy golf champion Brett McGraw figured his hometown of Sugar, Georgia was the perfect place to lay low and get his life back up to par. The leggy blonde with a pint-sized pup is the kind of sweet 'n sassy trouble he never saw coming. She doesn't know a nut from a bolt and before long, he's renovating her house . . . as she steals his heart. Can he convince Josephina that his womanizing ways are in the past and he's ready for forever?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 25, 2014
141 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Marina Adair
40 books1,940 followersMarina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
April 16, 2015
Josephina is awesome. I wish I could say more in favor of the book, but that's about as far as it went, for me. I loved her determination and courage. I loved her kindness and warm heart. And I loved her motivation in making a place for herself and using all of her best talents in the best way she could. I particularly liked her recognition that she had lost herself in her former relationship and that she needed to . . . not find herself, really, as she wasn't lost in that way, but rather be herself. She knew who she was, what she loved, and it was time for her to be that person as best as she knew how. I loved that.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book was mediocre when it wasn't lost in cliché. Brett was kind of shallow, and easily duped. He also proved rather weak, though I'll get to that in a spoiler in a bit. The worst part, though, was the old ladies. Which is unfortunate because they stood pretty much in proxy for the rest of Sugar because we just don't get much interaction with anyone else. And these old ladies are outright assholes and I'd had enough of them the second time they showed up (the first time, I let it ride because I was thinking there's no way Adair meant them to be that casually mean). The small-town old lady trope is getting a bit worn, lately, and maybe Adair was trying to spiffy it up. Unfortunately, she did so by making them truly malicious and stupidly obstinate. I couldn't help feeling like the author intended them to be comical, but I just found them grating. I held out hope until the very end that we'd eventually learn their deeper motivation and that would maybe explain the depth of their antagonism, but that just didn't pan out. Their eventual explanation was petty, bigoted, and, frankly, made their actions and activities even less sympathetic. That is, if you buy the story we're told. I'm afraid that I just don't. It felt much more to me like Adair started with the behavior she wanted and then tried to come up with an excuse for it later. It didn't work.
And a big reason why I suspect bad authorial manipulation behind the old ladies' motivations is because Adair screwed up so badly with Brett. His character was just shy of cardboard to start with—a bad-boy scared to love because he couldn't live up to the example given by his parents (and the potential loss entailed by that degree of connection). It's flimsy and rather degrading to think that a man hasn't been able to grow from a trauma half his lifetime in his past. The lie is given in his own relationship with his family (meaning he already has exactly the risk he supposedly doesn't want), but it's even worse to believe that in a decade of playing around he's never once had his heart touched in a way to make him reconsider. That's so shallow I just don't know what to do with it.
But I could live with that fine if that's all Adair had for me. If you have one note, then at least play that note well and weave it into the symphony that is Josephina. I'd be happy with that. But then she has him do something so stupid that I just lost all sympathy with not just him, but with the book as a whole.
So the author came across as manipulative, to me. It's like she couldn't let the secondary characters act naturally because that'd mess up her story somehow. So you have a solid MC that I liked surrounded by puppets on strings doing insensible, sometimes malicious things so the story would go in whatever direction Adair wanted/could handle. Ugh. The old ladies were bad. But compromising Brett (an already rather one-note guy) made it impossible for me to enjoy.
A note about Steamy: There's two explicit sex scenes and a smattering of other explicit scenes that might or might constitute sex scenes depending on definitions. In all, on the high side for me. Sadly, I'd already broken with the book by the point things steamed up, so I'm uncertain if Adair did them poorly, or if I was just emotionally disappointed going in and that affected my reading of them.
Unfortunately, the rest of the book was mediocre when it wasn't lost in cliché. Brett was kind of shallow, and easily duped. He also proved rather weak, though I'll get to that in a spoiler in a bit. The worst part, though, was the old ladies. Which is unfortunate because they stood pretty much in proxy for the rest of Sugar because we just don't get much interaction with anyone else. And these old ladies are outright assholes and I'd had enough of them the second time they showed up (the first time, I let it ride because I was thinking there's no way Adair meant them to be that casually mean). The small-town old lady trope is getting a bit worn, lately, and maybe Adair was trying to spiffy it up. Unfortunately, she did so by making them truly malicious and stupidly obstinate. I couldn't help feeling like the author intended them to be comical, but I just found them grating. I held out hope until the very end that we'd eventually learn their deeper motivation and that would maybe explain the depth of their antagonism, but that just didn't pan out. Their eventual explanation was petty, bigoted, and, frankly, made their actions and activities even less sympathetic. That is, if you buy the story we're told. I'm afraid that I just don't. It felt much more to me like Adair started with the behavior she wanted and then tried to come up with an excuse for it later. It didn't work.
And a big reason why I suspect bad authorial manipulation behind the old ladies' motivations is because Adair screwed up so badly with Brett. His character was just shy of cardboard to start with—a bad-boy scared to love because he couldn't live up to the example given by his parents (and the potential loss entailed by that degree of connection). It's flimsy and rather degrading to think that a man hasn't been able to grow from a trauma half his lifetime in his past. The lie is given in his own relationship with his family (meaning he already has exactly the risk he supposedly doesn't want), but it's even worse to believe that in a decade of playing around he's never once had his heart touched in a way to make him reconsider. That's so shallow I just don't know what to do with it.
But I could live with that fine if that's all Adair had for me. If you have one note, then at least play that note well and weave it into the symphony that is Josephina. I'd be happy with that. But then she has him do something so stupid that I just lost all sympathy with not just him, but with the book as a whole.
So the author came across as manipulative, to me. It's like she couldn't let the secondary characters act naturally because that'd mess up her story somehow. So you have a solid MC that I liked surrounded by puppets on strings doing insensible, sometimes malicious things so the story would go in whatever direction Adair wanted/could handle. Ugh. The old ladies were bad. But compromising Brett (an already rather one-note guy) made it impossible for me to enjoy.
A note about Steamy: There's two explicit sex scenes and a smattering of other explicit scenes that might or might constitute sex scenes depending on definitions. In all, on the high side for me. Sadly, I'd already broken with the book by the point things steamed up, so I'm uncertain if Adair did them poorly, or if I was just emotionally disappointed going in and that affected my reading of them.
April 17, 2015
I know that small-town romance is probably the most popular trope when it comes to the romance genre. And while I don’t read as many contemporary M/F romance as I do with M/M, this trope still is my preference when I pick an M/F CR. What can I say, I love the level of comfort that it brings, the closeness of the community (even with the busy-body neighbors), and the ideal happy living town – which might not even exist in real life, but heck, this is why they call it fiction.
Josephina comes to Sugar, Georgia, after a failed engagement, to take refuge at her late aunt’s historic Fairchild House. Josephina had a happy memory here as a child, when she still dreamed of fairies and wanted to have her own wings. By returning and planning to rebuild the house into an inn, Josephina hopes that she can get her dream back, to prove to everyone – especially her overbearing parents – that she can make it on her own.
Meanwhile, Brett returns to his hometown after a scandal that involved a sex video with the daughter of the Stone Golf fortune. His brother asks Brett to lay low for awhile until the news blows over. And Brett can help with the community while he’s there.
I LOVED the characters here. Josephina, especially … I totally felt for her. It is common to have a heroine with overbearing rich parents, who seem to keep forcing the daughter to do things their way. But every single time, when the heroines are able to overcome the challenges, I want to jump on my feet and cheer loudly.
That is what happened with Josephina in this book. Oh, she might come to Sugar with her tail between her legs … but I loved her determination to rebuild Fairchild House. Despite the troubles coming from the feud with a few elderly women who are her late aunt’s poker friends, Josephina powers through. Even if she has to knock down the wood and wallpaper on her own!!
Meanwhile, Brett is one of those playboys with a heart of gold *smile*. Despite his easy ways with women, there is something more to Brett than meets the eye. He is kind and loyal – he tries to please everyone in his town, even if takes a lot from him. Brett just can’t say no, he’s too nice … and I loved how Josephina is the one who can see this. I loved how Brett can just relaxed and be himself when he is with her.
The chemistry between Brett and Josephina is strong … even if I thought they both think about each other’s physique way too much *laugh*. But I loved when they are connecting … they have teeny tiny small history between them, because Brett once helped Josephina to get down from a tree, and well, Brett kind of dreamed of marrying her when he grew up. So it is sweet and entertaining to read about that.
Now, about other secondary characters… in small-town romances, usually we have elderly characters that can either be the busybody that pushes our hero and heroines together or they serve as humor that lighten the drama. Unfortunately, here, I thought the elderly characters were – sorry – pains in the ass. I disliked how they took the ‘feud’ against Josephina’s plan to renovate the house with what I would call as nasty behavior. It didn’t feel like a prank at all.
I hated how they treated Josephina as a Yankee, and didn’t see how she struggled with everything, to get back on her own two feet. I admit that because I’m not an American, I don’t know whether these kind of feuds really happen in southern towns, and do they really dislike city people or is it just another stereotypical thing … but yeah, their attitudes annoyed the hell out of me, and I wished something bad would happen to them (I know, gasp!). Although, when I thought it over after I finished, they did offer something less idyllic to the small-town romance trope.
The other secondary characters are fun though — Josephina’s new girlfriends, Brett’s siblings, and even Brett’s teenager niece. They add the quirks to the whole small town community.
All in all, this is a strong solid romance where the heroine shows her strength and triumphs over challenges that come her way, and the hero redeems himself from his playboy ways with a genuine heartfelt act. I mean, this man actually bought HOGS to win her heart. That is just endearing! Sugar’s Twice As Sweet definitely has the charm, the sizzle, and the eccentricity of the small-town romance genre. It is also a great start to a series. I already cannot wait to read about Brett’s brothers, or this push-pull attraction between the mechanic and the town sheriff. I think it will be delicious!
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Josephina comes to Sugar, Georgia, after a failed engagement, to take refuge at her late aunt’s historic Fairchild House. Josephina had a happy memory here as a child, when she still dreamed of fairies and wanted to have her own wings. By returning and planning to rebuild the house into an inn, Josephina hopes that she can get her dream back, to prove to everyone – especially her overbearing parents – that she can make it on her own.
Meanwhile, Brett returns to his hometown after a scandal that involved a sex video with the daughter of the Stone Golf fortune. His brother asks Brett to lay low for awhile until the news blows over. And Brett can help with the community while he’s there.
I LOVED the characters here. Josephina, especially … I totally felt for her. It is common to have a heroine with overbearing rich parents, who seem to keep forcing the daughter to do things their way. But every single time, when the heroines are able to overcome the challenges, I want to jump on my feet and cheer loudly.
That is what happened with Josephina in this book. Oh, she might come to Sugar with her tail between her legs … but I loved her determination to rebuild Fairchild House. Despite the troubles coming from the feud with a few elderly women who are her late aunt’s poker friends, Josephina powers through. Even if she has to knock down the wood and wallpaper on her own!!
Meanwhile, Brett is one of those playboys with a heart of gold *smile*. Despite his easy ways with women, there is something more to Brett than meets the eye. He is kind and loyal – he tries to please everyone in his town, even if takes a lot from him. Brett just can’t say no, he’s too nice … and I loved how Josephina is the one who can see this. I loved how Brett can just relaxed and be himself when he is with her.
The chemistry between Brett and Josephina is strong … even if I thought they both think about each other’s physique way too much *laugh*. But I loved when they are connecting … they have teeny tiny small history between them, because Brett once helped Josephina to get down from a tree, and well, Brett kind of dreamed of marrying her when he grew up. So it is sweet and entertaining to read about that.
Now, about other secondary characters… in small-town romances, usually we have elderly characters that can either be the busybody that pushes our hero and heroines together or they serve as humor that lighten the drama. Unfortunately, here, I thought the elderly characters were – sorry – pains in the ass. I disliked how they took the ‘feud’ against Josephina’s plan to renovate the house with what I would call as nasty behavior. It didn’t feel like a prank at all.
I hated how they treated Josephina as a Yankee, and didn’t see how she struggled with everything, to get back on her own two feet. I admit that because I’m not an American, I don’t know whether these kind of feuds really happen in southern towns, and do they really dislike city people or is it just another stereotypical thing … but yeah, their attitudes annoyed the hell out of me, and I wished something bad would happen to them (I know, gasp!). Although, when I thought it over after I finished, they did offer something less idyllic to the small-town romance trope.
The other secondary characters are fun though — Josephina’s new girlfriends, Brett’s siblings, and even Brett’s teenager niece. They add the quirks to the whole small town community.
All in all, this is a strong solid romance where the heroine shows her strength and triumphs over challenges that come her way, and the hero redeems himself from his playboy ways with a genuine heartfelt act. I mean, this man actually bought HOGS to win her heart. That is just endearing! Sugar’s Twice As Sweet definitely has the charm, the sizzle, and the eccentricity of the small-town romance genre. It is also a great start to a series. I already cannot wait to read about Brett’s brothers, or this push-pull attraction between the mechanic and the town sheriff. I think it will be delicious!
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
May 19, 2015
После не самого красивого разрыва с гадом-женихом и вести о том, что родители, оказывается, знали о его изменах, Джозефина Харрингтон предпринимает отчаянную попытку найти себя.
Прежде она всегда полагалась на мнение отца и матери, а еще бросила карьеру и всю себя посвятила любимому, так что теперь придется поднапрячься, чтобы чего-то добиться - ведь начинать надо с нуля.
Почти.
Где-то в Джорджии, в крохотном городке со сладким названием тетушка оставила Джо полуразвалившийся дом. Здесь Джозефина провела не одно счастливое лето в детстве, и это место может помочь ей вновь поверить в чудеса.
Бретт МакГроу - знаменитый гольфист. Вот только в последнее время он знаменит не столько прохождением лунок, сколько скандальным видео, что одна сумасшедшая девица выложила в сеть.
Миллионы просмотров на youtube - и голая задница Бретта не менее известна, чем он сам. Новый контракт и вся карьера на волоске.
Бретт решает "залечь на дно", и что может быть лучше для этой цели, чем дом-милый-дом на жарком Юге?
Возможно, они когда-то знали друг друга, но когда это было? Бретт запомнил Джо кудрявой малышкой, что застряла на дубе и уверяла, что она фея и, когда получит свои крылья, легко спустится. Теперь же перед ним взрослая женщина, однако не утратившая детской непосредственности и веры в лучшее.
Джозефина знает, что Бретт тот еще бабник, и поначалу старается его избегать. Но разве ни к чем не обязывающий секс не лучшее лекарство от разбитого сердца? По крайней мере, об этом твердят все вокруг, значит, доля истины в этом все же есть.
Джо решается на интрижку, а Бретт, как ни странно, сопротивляется, в кои-то веки возжелав чего-то посерьезней.
Дело осложняют местные жители, демонстрирующие по отношению к Джо совсем не южное гостеприимство.
*************************************
Искала СЛР в чистом виде. Чтоб маленький городок, юмор, простые герои и чуть-чуть сиропа. Схватила первый роман с понравившейся обложкой и получила все вышеозначенное - и даже больше.
Для завоевания читательских сердец автор задействовала весь существующий арсенал:
1. дети;
2. старики;
3. животные.
Вот только ребенок (племянница героя) - та еще вредина. Доводит своего отца (что, кстати, воспитывает девочку в одиночку) до белого каления, демонстрируя свежекупленное бикини, и продает дядины трусы через интернет (раньше продавала мячики с автографом, но с некоторых пор личные достижения Бретта интригуют публику куда больше, чем спортивные).
Что касается стариков, точнее, бабулек, - эти еще вреднее. Четыре старинные подруги тетушки Джо, которые вдруг решили, что выскочка из города собирается разрушить их любимый дом (любим он потому, что именно там старушенции собираются поиграть в покер, покурить сигары и выпить виски, когда сообщают родным, что идут "поговорить о библии").
Бабки превращают жизнь Джозефины в настоящее родео своими выходками.
Животные... ну, о семействе опоссумов и чудо-хряке по имени Ромео говорить не буду, а вот милаха-песик, что красуется на обложке...
"This is Boo. And she is male, which means he’s predisposed to making public statements whenever he feels his masculinity threatened."
Начало лично мне пошло тяжеловато, но на второй главе втянулась так, что не оторвать.
Да, со штампами. Да, порой приторно. Да, американщина.
Но, блин, это было весело, светло, волшебно и романтично.
Я люблю такие книги под настроение.
Думаю, роман оценят поклонники СЭФ (лично мне во время чтения она все время вспоминалась, хоть я и не любитель автора)))
Возможно, герой кого-то может слегка разочаровать своей нерешительностью, но оттого он стал еще живее и объемней. Не картонный идеальный мачо, которому море по колено.
Возможно, героиня любит слегка преувеличивать... Но она чудесная, правда. Неловкая, вечно вляпывается и все же идет по жизни с высоко поднятой головой и невидимыми крыльями феи за спиной.
Возможно, бабки могут раздражать. Но у меня их проделки не ассоциировались с жестокостью, лишь вызывали улыбку.
Много интересных второстепенных персонажей. Читать серию продолжу.
Прежде она всегда полагалась на мнение отца и матери, а еще бросила карьеру и всю себя посвятила любимому, так что теперь придется поднапрячься, чтобы чего-то добиться - ведь начинать надо с нуля.
Почти.
Где-то в Джорджии, в крохотном городке со сладким названием тетушка оставила Джо полуразвалившийся дом. Здесь Джозефина провела не одно счастливое лето в детстве, и это место может помочь ей вновь поверить в чудеса.
Бретт МакГроу - знаменитый гольфист. Вот только в последнее время он знаменит не столько прохождением лунок, сколько скандальным видео, что одна сумасшедшая девица выложила в сеть.
Миллионы просмотров на youtube - и голая задница Бретта не менее известна, чем он сам. Новый контракт и вся карьера на волоске.
Бретт решает "залечь на дно", и что может быть лучше для этой цели, чем дом-милый-дом на жарком Юге?
Возможно, они когда-то знали друг друга, но когда это было? Бретт запомнил Джо кудрявой малышкой, что застряла на дубе и уверяла, что она фея и, когда получит свои крылья, легко спустится. Теперь же перед ним взрослая женщина, однако не утратившая детской непосредственности и веры в лучшее.
Джозефина знает, что Бретт тот еще бабник, и поначалу старается его избегать. Но разве ни к чем не обязывающий секс не лучшее лекарство от разбитого сердца? По крайней мере, об этом твердят все вокруг, значит, доля истины в этом все же есть.
Джо решается на интрижку, а Бретт, как ни странно, сопротивляется, в кои-то веки возжелав чего-то посерьезней.
Дело осложняют местные жители, демонстрирующие по отношению к Джо совсем не южное гостеприимство.
*************************************
Искала СЛР в чистом виде. Чтоб маленький городок, юмор, простые герои и чуть-чуть сиропа. Схватила первый роман с понравившейся обложкой и получила все вышеозначенное - и даже больше.
Для завоевания читательских сердец автор задействовала весь существующий арсенал:
1. дети;
2. старики;
3. животные.
Вот только ребенок (племянница героя) - та еще вредина. Доводит своего отца (что, кстати, воспитывает девочку в одиночку) до белого каления, демонстрируя свежекупленное бикини, и продает дядины трусы через интернет (раньше продавала мячики с автографом, но с некоторых пор личные достижения Бретта интригуют публику куда больше, чем спортивные).
Что касается стариков, точнее, бабулек, - эти еще вреднее. Четыре старинные подруги тетушки Джо, которые вдруг решили, что выскочка из города собирается разрушить их любимый дом (любим он потому, что именно там старушенции собираются поиграть в покер, покурить сигары и выпить виски, когда сообщают родным, что идут "поговорить о библии").
Бабки превращают жизнь Джозефины в настоящее родео своими выходками.
Животные... ну, о семействе опоссумов и чудо-хряке по имени Ромео говорить не буду, а вот милаха-песик, что красуется на обложке...
"This is Boo. And she is male, which means he’s predisposed to making public statements whenever he feels his masculinity threatened."
Начало лично мне пошло тяжеловато, но на второй главе втянулась так, что не оторвать.
Да, со штампами. Да, порой приторно. Да, американщина.
Но, блин, это было весело, светло, волшебно и романтично.
Я люблю такие книги под настроение.
Думаю, роман оценят поклонники СЭФ (лично мне во время чтения она все время вспоминалась, хоть я и не любитель автора)))
Возможно, герой кого-то может слегка разочаровать своей нерешительностью, но оттого он стал еще живее и объемней. Не картонный идеальный мачо, которому море по колено.
Возможно, героиня любит слегка преувеличивать... Но она чудесная, правда. Неловкая, вечно вляпывается и все же идет по жизни с высоко поднятой головой и невидимыми крыльями феи за спиной.
Возможно, бабки могут раздражать. Но у меня их проделки не ассоциировались с жестокостью, лишь вызывали улыбку.
Много интересных второстепенных персонажей. Читать серию продолжу.
February 21, 2015
FOR MORE REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS, DO CHECK OUT MY BLOG:
Cover: 5
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Overall Rating: 5
Sugar's Twice as Sweet was a book that I have forgone reading for a very long time. Every time I see it on my Netgalley I have this urge to close my laptop because I always felt guilty for not reading it.
But out of the blue, when I saw it there this day I just decided to read it and I was really surprised when I did not just like it, I loved it!
The characters were amazing, the plot was amazing basically the WHOLE book was amazing so you should definitely check this book out.
Josephine "Joie" Harrington was someone who I would totally would love to have as a friend. She didn't take none sense from anyone and she didn't let people push her around. There was a scene in the book where she needs to catch a boar or pig (sorry I don't know the difference) and instead of trying to run and catch it like what other people were doing, she sat and reached out her arm holding out sugar cubes and waiting for the pig to come to her, which was hilarious!
Brett Mcgraw was funny and hot which I totally love because it's rare to find a hot guy with a sense of humor. His ways of protecting Joie may not be correct but he did it with her best interests at heart so he's forgiven.
The side characters were hilarious especially Brett's grandmother with her southern charm and guns blazing everywhere she goes.
Everything in this book was amazing so you should definitely check it out.
Cover: 5
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Overall Rating: 5
Sugar's Twice as Sweet was a book that I have forgone reading for a very long time. Every time I see it on my Netgalley I have this urge to close my laptop because I always felt guilty for not reading it.
But out of the blue, when I saw it there this day I just decided to read it and I was really surprised when I did not just like it, I loved it!
The characters were amazing, the plot was amazing basically the WHOLE book was amazing so you should definitely check this book out.
Josephine "Joie" Harrington was someone who I would totally would love to have as a friend. She didn't take none sense from anyone and she didn't let people push her around. There was a scene in the book where she needs to catch a boar or pig (sorry I don't know the difference) and instead of trying to run and catch it like what other people were doing, she sat and reached out her arm holding out sugar cubes and waiting for the pig to come to her, which was hilarious!
Brett Mcgraw was funny and hot which I totally love because it's rare to find a hot guy with a sense of humor. His ways of protecting Joie may not be correct but he did it with her best interests at heart so he's forgiven.
The side characters were hilarious especially Brett's grandmother with her southern charm and guns blazing everywhere she goes.
Everything in this book was amazing so you should definitely check it out.
November 25, 2014
Welcome to the Big Leagues Marina, SUGAR'S TWICE AS SWEET is a Home Run!
As a long time fan of Adair's Contemporary Romances, such as the Helena Vineyard Series, I have come to appreciate the lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments that I can expect each time I open one of her books, but SUGAR'S TWICE AS SWEET, was just a step above. I can explain exactly what it was, maybe the Spark that ignited the moment that Brett see's Joie for the first time,walking down a stretch of highway, or the first time they truly make love underneath the stars...I was engaged from the first page, and from laughing one moment, to sighing, then my heart breaking...well...let's just say Adair put me through the ringer.
I loved the setting of the story, Sugar, Georgia, with a cast of characters that just made the book for me, starting with Brett's two brothers, Jace (Yum...can we say Tattooed) and Cal (Double Yum..He's a DILF), and yes they are BOTH getting a book (Happy Dance). But for fans of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor Series and Candis Terry's Sweet, Texas Series, you will appreciate the "Old Lady' love, with Hattie and her crazy crew...who manage to make things a bit difficult for Joie, and had me laughing in the meantime!
I thought the build up between Brett and Joie was perfect! I enjoyed the scene's where they spent time together, and I was there for the ride, into first kiss and losing their hearts to each other. Yes, my heart broke a bit, but Brett was all around a Great Guy and I so was crossing my toes that he would come out on top!
If you haven't read anything from Marina Adair, I sincerely suggest starting with SUGAR'S TWICE AS SWEET, released TODAY with Forever Romance, and then move on to the rest of her Contemporary Releases!! You can always expect A Bumpy but Exciting Ride!!
As a long time fan of Adair's Contemporary Romances, such as the Helena Vineyard Series, I have come to appreciate the lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments that I can expect each time I open one of her books, but SUGAR'S TWICE AS SWEET, was just a step above. I can explain exactly what it was, maybe the Spark that ignited the moment that Brett see's Joie for the first time,walking down a stretch of highway, or the first time they truly make love underneath the stars...I was engaged from the first page, and from laughing one moment, to sighing, then my heart breaking...well...let's just say Adair put me through the ringer.
I loved the setting of the story, Sugar, Georgia, with a cast of characters that just made the book for me, starting with Brett's two brothers, Jace (Yum...can we say Tattooed) and Cal (Double Yum..He's a DILF), and yes they are BOTH getting a book (Happy Dance). But for fans of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor Series and Candis Terry's Sweet, Texas Series, you will appreciate the "Old Lady' love, with Hattie and her crazy crew...who manage to make things a bit difficult for Joie, and had me laughing in the meantime!
I thought the build up between Brett and Joie was perfect! I enjoyed the scene's where they spent time together, and I was there for the ride, into first kiss and losing their hearts to each other. Yes, my heart broke a bit, but Brett was all around a Great Guy and I so was crossing my toes that he would come out on top!
If you haven't read anything from Marina Adair, I sincerely suggest starting with SUGAR'S TWICE AS SWEET, released TODAY with Forever Romance, and then move on to the rest of her Contemporary Releases!! You can always expect A Bumpy but Exciting Ride!!
November 28, 2014
Five Reasons to grab some hot cocoa and warm up with Sugar’s Twice as Sweet
The town of Sugar, Georgia and its crazy inhabitants will have you packing your bags to join them. Gun toting grannies, plotting PTA Mom’s and a whole lot of meddling had me laughing and eager for more.
Adlair is magic with characters you immediately feel connection with. Josephina Harrington believes in fairies and has this utterly charming personality. She is a free spirit with a touch of common sense. I wanted to laugh at her one moment and hug her the next. Brett McGraw at first seems to be a ladies man, but there is a lot more beneath that baseball cap and I ended up adoring him. His back-story will pull at your heartstrings and his love of family will make you melt.
His brother Cal and his daughter were interesting and I hope we get their story. We meet a lovely Doctor and a widowed cop whom I need to know more about. The old biddies that run the town are colorful. They may look like little old church ladies but bless their hearts they are gun toting, whiskey drinking, poker playing cake-baking souls whom you do not want to mess with. These women are a hoot.
A slow-burning romance with an occasional hot kiss cultivating into something more will keep you toasty. I loved the banter between Joie and Brett from the intense attraction to the teasing and working together. It was genuine, sweet and I wanted them to find their HEA. Adair allowed both characters to grow and slowly added wood to their flame.
Character growth, possums, conversations with dogs and a charity fund raiser added humor, a little adventure and brought Sugar, Georgia to life.
Adair gave us a well-paced tale weaving threads around this delightful romance. She brought Sugar to life from the homestead Joie inherited to two-stepping at the local bar. The tale wrapped up beautifully but left me longing to return to Sugar.
Copy provided by author.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The town of Sugar, Georgia and its crazy inhabitants will have you packing your bags to join them. Gun toting grannies, plotting PTA Mom’s and a whole lot of meddling had me laughing and eager for more.
Adlair is magic with characters you immediately feel connection with. Josephina Harrington believes in fairies and has this utterly charming personality. She is a free spirit with a touch of common sense. I wanted to laugh at her one moment and hug her the next. Brett McGraw at first seems to be a ladies man, but there is a lot more beneath that baseball cap and I ended up adoring him. His back-story will pull at your heartstrings and his love of family will make you melt.
His brother Cal and his daughter were interesting and I hope we get their story. We meet a lovely Doctor and a widowed cop whom I need to know more about. The old biddies that run the town are colorful. They may look like little old church ladies but bless their hearts they are gun toting, whiskey drinking, poker playing cake-baking souls whom you do not want to mess with. These women are a hoot.
A slow-burning romance with an occasional hot kiss cultivating into something more will keep you toasty. I loved the banter between Joie and Brett from the intense attraction to the teasing and working together. It was genuine, sweet and I wanted them to find their HEA. Adair allowed both characters to grow and slowly added wood to their flame.
Character growth, possums, conversations with dogs and a charity fund raiser added humor, a little adventure and brought Sugar, Georgia to life.
Adair gave us a well-paced tale weaving threads around this delightful romance. She brought Sugar to life from the homestead Joie inherited to two-stepping at the local bar. The tale wrapped up beautifully but left me longing to return to Sugar.
Copy provided by author.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 29, 2014
Marina’s story telling made me laugh, cry and again, fall in love not only with the hero and heroine but the town’s people and their history. Sugar’s Twice as Sweet is a good start to this small town romance.
Josephina had lost everything and her instincts tell her to go to the place where she felt loved and always at peace when she was younger. Her favorite aunt had left her her house. Once full of life and magic, the manor is now nothing but a raggedy money pit. With nothing left in her life, Joie plans to stay in Sugar and turn this manor into a magical place it used to be. Unfortunately, the town of Sugar will not be so welcoming, except for one handsome Bret Mcgraw, the town’s golf player celebrity.
I love Joei and her balls to start her life from scratch. Steering away from her parents and wanting to pursue her dreams was a big deal. Given that her motivation came from a broken heart, but her motivation is there. I love Bret even more. He knows exactly what he wanted. He was a playboy athlete but as soon as he saw Josephina in town his priorities changed. I loved their courtship as well as their banters, innuendos and the fact that Bret gets Josephina.
I also enjoyed the grannies from hell. The towns bully old timers made me laugh with their activities. They were sometimes over the top with their meddling but these grandmothers are a good fit with this story.
I cant help but feel giddy, each time I finish a chapter in this book. I love the light hearted romance, humor and the promise of more McGraw brothers. I’m excited to see what Ms. Adair have installed for this series.
*ARC provided by publisher
December 1, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
All right, I finished Sugar's Twice As Sweet by Marina Adair. I have to say the overall story plot was cute. Here you have Josephina (Joie) whose life is falling apart around her. She finds out her fiancé is cheating on her. She comes to find out that all her friends and family knew about it, and didn't bother to tell her. They all basically justified it, well we can understand his point of view. Seriously, where is the loyalty there. Oh my gosh, my family would tan his hide, sorry I'm digressing. Anyway, Joie finds a letter from her Aunt Lettie and decides this is her one break to start anew.
Now Brett is ultra smooth playboy of the golfing world, but swaggery ways find him some hot water and he needs to go underground for awhile till the scandal dies. What better way to recover from scandal than go home. However, he gets back home he finds Joie and her pup on the road, and like any good southern boy offers to help in more ways than one. Joie sees his swaggery as a red flag, and tries to avoid Mr. Smooth at all cost. Yet, he just seems to popup. Now Brett is intrigued by her, because she doesn't faun over him like everyone other woman. The challenge.
I thought this story was fun with some serious funny parts. However, there were times where I just feel bad for Joie cause all she wants to do is start over, and she just has the hardest time doing, especially grandma mafia. Let me tell you, those ladies give a good southern woman a bad name. All they were trying to do was protect their memory of a dear friend, so they saw Joie as a threat. They tried everything to get her to come back north. They were god-awful. So, during the story we see her parents, and some of the town people trying her break her spirit. I don't think they were intentionally did it, but just didn't know how to go about it the right way. So, we have Brett who is seeing all this and he just wants to fix it. Poor guy stuck in the middle. More he gets to know Joie, the more he sees her potential in life. Yes, there are some slow parts, but overall the story is a fun read. Like most small town stories it does hit some of the clichés, but lets be honest those are the things that make the small town stories what they are. I like that fact that Joie starts to worm her way into some of the town folks heart.
In the long run, it was worth my time. I did like Joie and Brett together, because they just bantered back and forth. The grandma mafia, someone really needs get a leash on them, because they just aren't good for the southern image. So, if you are looking for light fun with a girl trying to pick up the pieces of her life, and playboy golfer trying to stay out trouble, but is having a hard time with that, you might consider reading Sugar's Twice As Sweet.
Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
All right, I finished Sugar's Twice As Sweet by Marina Adair. I have to say the overall story plot was cute. Here you have Josephina (Joie) whose life is falling apart around her. She finds out her fiancé is cheating on her. She comes to find out that all her friends and family knew about it, and didn't bother to tell her. They all basically justified it, well we can understand his point of view. Seriously, where is the loyalty there. Oh my gosh, my family would tan his hide, sorry I'm digressing. Anyway, Joie finds a letter from her Aunt Lettie and decides this is her one break to start anew.
Now Brett is ultra smooth playboy of the golfing world, but swaggery ways find him some hot water and he needs to go underground for awhile till the scandal dies. What better way to recover from scandal than go home. However, he gets back home he finds Joie and her pup on the road, and like any good southern boy offers to help in more ways than one. Joie sees his swaggery as a red flag, and tries to avoid Mr. Smooth at all cost. Yet, he just seems to popup. Now Brett is intrigued by her, because she doesn't faun over him like everyone other woman. The challenge.
I thought this story was fun with some serious funny parts. However, there were times where I just feel bad for Joie cause all she wants to do is start over, and she just has the hardest time doing, especially grandma mafia. Let me tell you, those ladies give a good southern woman a bad name. All they were trying to do was protect their memory of a dear friend, so they saw Joie as a threat. They tried everything to get her to come back north. They were god-awful. So, during the story we see her parents, and some of the town people trying her break her spirit. I don't think they were intentionally did it, but just didn't know how to go about it the right way. So, we have Brett who is seeing all this and he just wants to fix it. Poor guy stuck in the middle. More he gets to know Joie, the more he sees her potential in life. Yes, there are some slow parts, but overall the story is a fun read. Like most small town stories it does hit some of the clichés, but lets be honest those are the things that make the small town stories what they are. I like that fact that Joie starts to worm her way into some of the town folks heart.
In the long run, it was worth my time. I did like Joie and Brett together, because they just bantered back and forth. The grandma mafia, someone really needs get a leash on them, because they just aren't good for the southern image. So, if you are looking for light fun with a girl trying to pick up the pieces of her life, and playboy golfer trying to stay out trouble, but is having a hard time with that, you might consider reading Sugar's Twice As Sweet.
Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
October 3, 2015
My Review:
Overall.... 4.5
Performance... 4.5
Story.... 4.5
I think this is a first for me...a golf pro hero and I really liked that...even with all the corny golf catch-phrases and puns that the author threw into the book because of his career.
Brett's home in the middle of his golf season because of a leaked sex tape that he made two years ago. It's the final straw after years of playboy ways and his main sponsor has told him to get his act together. So he's home...supposedly to lay low. What doesn't factor into that plan is Joey, the girl he knew once upon a time and who's also back in town.
Josephine's life has not gone according to plan after she discovers her fiancee isn't quite as committed to them as she thought he was or should be. So now she's home, to reinvent the inn she inherited used to dream about with her aunt. I loved that aspect of this story. Joey is a society girl, always expected to act a certain way, unless she was with her aunt...who taught her to dream and expect great things from herself...she has the ability to fly. She wants to embrace that now and bring all the things that she and her aunt discussed about the inn to fruition.
I loved that Brett sees her vulnerability. Joey is a strong, outspoken, awesome character, and no one ever gets to see her tender underbelly besides him. He sees her and loves her despite all that...and despite all the concerns his family has about her. And that brings me to the only downside I found to this book...Brett's grandmother. She was evil...and not in the "bless your heart" kind of way. I hated this bitter, vindictive woman, and her rabble of lackey's. I thought they were mean, and vindictive and cruel. No matter what happened there, their friend shared her dreams with Joey and Joey was trying to honor that. I could NOT handle this aspect of the story and really wish it hadn't been there.
But I did love the book despite that. I liked Brett and how he simply can't stay away from Joey. I love Joey and her dreams for a better world thanks to her aunt. And I need to say...I loved this narrator. This is the first book I've heard narrated by her and I'm a fan now. I loved her inflections and voices.
This audiobook also had the first chapter plus for book #2 and I had to get online immediately to download it because I cannot wait to "read" it. I already am in love with Glory and Cal and cannot wait to hear more!
Overall.... 4.5
Performance... 4.5
Story.... 4.5
I think this is a first for me...a golf pro hero and I really liked that...even with all the corny golf catch-phrases and puns that the author threw into the book because of his career.
Brett's home in the middle of his golf season because of a leaked sex tape that he made two years ago. It's the final straw after years of playboy ways and his main sponsor has told him to get his act together. So he's home...supposedly to lay low. What doesn't factor into that plan is Joey, the girl he knew once upon a time and who's also back in town.
Josephine's life has not gone according to plan after she discovers her fiancee isn't quite as committed to them as she thought he was or should be. So now she's home, to reinvent the inn she inherited used to dream about with her aunt. I loved that aspect of this story. Joey is a society girl, always expected to act a certain way, unless she was with her aunt...who taught her to dream and expect great things from herself...she has the ability to fly. She wants to embrace that now and bring all the things that she and her aunt discussed about the inn to fruition.
I loved that Brett sees her vulnerability. Joey is a strong, outspoken, awesome character, and no one ever gets to see her tender underbelly besides him. He sees her and loves her despite all that...and despite all the concerns his family has about her. And that brings me to the only downside I found to this book...Brett's grandmother. She was evil...and not in the "bless your heart" kind of way. I hated this bitter, vindictive woman, and her rabble of lackey's. I thought they were mean, and vindictive and cruel. No matter what happened there, their friend shared her dreams with Joey and Joey was trying to honor that. I could NOT handle this aspect of the story and really wish it hadn't been there.
But I did love the book despite that. I liked Brett and how he simply can't stay away from Joey. I love Joey and her dreams for a better world thanks to her aunt. And I need to say...I loved this narrator. This is the first book I've heard narrated by her and I'm a fan now. I loved her inflections and voices.
This audiobook also had the first chapter plus for book #2 and I had to get online immediately to download it because I cannot wait to "read" it. I already am in love with Glory and Cal and cannot wait to hear more!
December 18, 2014
Review also posted at My Book Snack
Plenty of southern charm!
One of my favorite things about reading anything from Marina Adair is that she does small-town stories really well. I’m a huge fan of her St. Helena Vineyard series, and I couldn’t wait to hop small towns over to Sugar, Georgia!
First of all, how cute is that cover! I think it’s just perfect for the book! Josephina “Joie” Harrington is somewhat of a New York socialite whose Southern roots run deep. She’s back in Sugar nursing a heartbreak, swearing off ever getting involved with another man, and ready to take her life in a whole new direction. Joie wants to go knee-deep into renovating her late Aunt Letty’s plantation house, but she quickly runs into so many obstacles. Brett McGraw is a golf champion caught in a compromising situation *snickers*. He gets quite smitten with Joie, but she’s definitely one he shouldn’t even be thinking about.
Ms. Adair pulled all the stops for southern charm in this story! I loved getting to know all the people in Sugar. Some of the characters are quirky and take a while to warm up to, but they will eventually win your heart. All the fast-moving gossip and drama make this story a lot of fun! The tension between Joie and Brett gets really stretched. I completely adored them, and the build up of their romance seems so perfect for them! Thank you, Ms. Adair, for introducing me to these characters. I can’t wait to visit Sugar, Georgia again!
Plenty of southern charm!
One of my favorite things about reading anything from Marina Adair is that she does small-town stories really well. I’m a huge fan of her St. Helena Vineyard series, and I couldn’t wait to hop small towns over to Sugar, Georgia!
First of all, how cute is that cover! I think it’s just perfect for the book! Josephina “Joie” Harrington is somewhat of a New York socialite whose Southern roots run deep. She’s back in Sugar nursing a heartbreak, swearing off ever getting involved with another man, and ready to take her life in a whole new direction. Joie wants to go knee-deep into renovating her late Aunt Letty’s plantation house, but she quickly runs into so many obstacles. Brett McGraw is a golf champion caught in a compromising situation *snickers*. He gets quite smitten with Joie, but she’s definitely one he shouldn’t even be thinking about.
Ms. Adair pulled all the stops for southern charm in this story! I loved getting to know all the people in Sugar. Some of the characters are quirky and take a while to warm up to, but they will eventually win your heart. All the fast-moving gossip and drama make this story a lot of fun! The tension between Joie and Brett gets really stretched. I completely adored them, and the build up of their romance seems so perfect for them! Thank you, Ms. Adair, for introducing me to these characters. I can’t wait to visit Sugar, Georgia again!
November 2, 2014
I loved Joie, "I'm not interested in your backwoods"- her gaze dropped to his fly and back up -"remedies." Our boy Brett he's a go-getter and not one for giving up, "I like messy." She stopped fidgeting at his admission, three trufts curling out, and he wondered what else was untamed under all of that coiffing and uptown restraint. "And you like me. I can tell. We should go out." Sometimes Brett just has a way with words, "stay right there. I'm on my way. I mean it, don't move. If I drag my a** over there and it turns out to be some coon, I at least want to see you in bed." Boo I loved that little dog obviously the boy can feel his owner's emotions and is totally loyal to her, "she turned on her heel and took off up the stairs. Ears back, tail high, Boo strutted over to Brett, lifted his leg and pi**ed on Brett's bare feet. After a quick wiggle of his hips to ensure that every last drop hit the intended target, Boo trotted after his mistress." Brett is sometimes unusual and so isn't Joie that means in order to woo his woman he goes the non-traditional route, "God dammit, Joie, here's the thing," he said, gripping his hat and spinning it around. "I'm in love with you. And I bought you an effing pig." This book had so much humor and innuendos what wasn't to love about it.
April 17, 2015
I am a huge fan of Marina's, it started with her first book, Tucker's Crossing. As she introduced her Helena Vineyard Series, I knew I was hooked. She has a simple writing style. All her books are set in a small town, everyone knowing everyone. Some characters have old history with each other, some are running away from their past and then there are some who are just fun and lovable. I found all of that and more in Sugar's Twice as Sweet. It also wouldn't be a Marina Adair book unless there's some fun loving grannies that take center stage now and then.
Sugar's Twice as Sweet, is the first in the Sugar, Georgia series. This book introduces us to some great characters, all willing to do whatever it takes for one another. Well, unless your the "welcoming committee" (grannies from hell) who will do anything to drive you out of town. LOL.
There's times of sadness, self- discovery, laugh my *** off times and moments of triumph. From the first page to the last, I was captivated and wouldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to curl up with a good read and well-rounded characters. I can't wait to see what's in store for Cal, Spenser, Charlotte and Glory.
Sugar's Twice as Sweet, is the first in the Sugar, Georgia series. This book introduces us to some great characters, all willing to do whatever it takes for one another. Well, unless your the "welcoming committee" (grannies from hell) who will do anything to drive you out of town. LOL.
There's times of sadness, self- discovery, laugh my *** off times and moments of triumph. From the first page to the last, I was captivated and wouldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to curl up with a good read and well-rounded characters. I can't wait to see what's in store for Cal, Spenser, Charlotte and Glory.
November 30, 2014
Paige‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
2.75 STAS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I liked the premise of the book, a cocky golfer who has been sent back home to cool his engine and a socialite who runs to Sugar to chase a dream, but the execution of this book fell a bit short for me.
The first chapters drew me into the story. It had me laughing out loud at the situations both Brett and Josephina were in. To me, their storylines didn’t seem to grow. The reasons they were both in Sugar were constantly brought up. It was a bit too repetitive.
I didn’t feel a lot of spark between Brett and Josephina. There were a few stolen kisses but it took almost to the end of the book before they connected.
I know the Bible ladies were there for comic relief but I was getting a bit tired of their shenanigans. They weren’t the nicest to Josephina. I think they should have supported her more.
I did like his brother Cal and his daughter Payton, JD the cop and he girlfriends Glory and Charlotte. There were several times in the book that I was hoping to read more about them.
2.75 STAS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I liked the premise of the book, a cocky golfer who has been sent back home to cool his engine and a socialite who runs to Sugar to chase a dream, but the execution of this book fell a bit short for me.
The first chapters drew me into the story. It had me laughing out loud at the situations both Brett and Josephina were in. To me, their storylines didn’t seem to grow. The reasons they were both in Sugar were constantly brought up. It was a bit too repetitive.
I didn’t feel a lot of spark between Brett and Josephina. There were a few stolen kisses but it took almost to the end of the book before they connected.
I know the Bible ladies were there for comic relief but I was getting a bit tired of their shenanigans. They weren’t the nicest to Josephina. I think they should have supported her more.
I did like his brother Cal and his daughter Payton, JD the cop and he girlfriends Glory and Charlotte. There were several times in the book that I was hoping to read more about them.
February 9, 2017
I love Marina Adair's small towns. This is my second series of hers and I loved it!! Can't wait to read the others.
January 28, 2015
I'm a big fan of sports romances, so I was interested in a headstrong golfer sent home to cool off and hide out following an Internet scandal. That Brett and Josephina knew each other as kids was a neat connection too. Unfortunately, Sugar's Twice as Sweet started strong, but the story seemed to go on and on.
Exactly how many bad things can happen to Joie in her quest to make her great-aunt's home a B&B? (Hint: a LOT!) The elderly ladies had a weak excuse to make Joie's life in Sugar, Georgia miserable, and the fact that Brett's grandmother was one of those causing havoc put him squarely in the middle between family and a possible romance. Not very sweet, Granny!
Sugar on Top (April 2015) features Glory and Cal, both introduced here. I may decide to pay another visit to Sugar, Georgia to see if life there is any sweeter for a homegrown couple.
Exactly how many bad things can happen to Joie in her quest to make her great-aunt's home a B&B? (Hint: a LOT!) The elderly ladies had a weak excuse to make Joie's life in Sugar, Georgia miserable, and the fact that Brett's grandmother was one of those causing havoc put him squarely in the middle between family and a possible romance. Not very sweet, Granny!
Sugar on Top (April 2015) features Glory and Cal, both introduced here. I may decide to pay another visit to Sugar, Georgia to see if life there is any sweeter for a homegrown couple.
March 21, 2015
I wanted to love this, I really did but I just wasn't feeling it.
The characters didn't really connect until after halfway through, which didn't allow me to really connect with them. They didn't even go on a date or get intimate until like 65%... Makes me a little crazy.
(I think part of my issue was that I was comparing it a little to the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis.. which you can't really compete with. There were just a lot of similarities that it's hard not to compare.)
Hopefully I have better luck with the next book.. I won it in a giveaway so I'll be starting that after I get some sleep!
The characters didn't really connect until after halfway through, which didn't allow me to really connect with them. They didn't even go on a date or get intimate until like 65%... Makes me a little crazy.
(I think part of my issue was that I was comparing it a little to the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis.. which you can't really compete with. There were just a lot of similarities that it's hard not to compare.)
Hopefully I have better luck with the next book.. I won it in a giveaway so I'll be starting that after I get some sleep!
January 11, 2015
Truly one of the most hilarious books I've read in a long time. It's a great romance set in the South, filled with tons of southern sayings and a hilarious group of granny characters. The writing was a little jumpy and I found I had to go back and read again to understand what happened. All in all a great read that I highly recommend.
December 2, 2014
**4-4.5 stars** What a wonderful start to Marina Adair's new series! I'm such a fan of her books and I so enjoyed this one! I loved the chemistry between Josephina & Brett. Oh Brett...*swoon* I'm definitely looking forward to more in the Sugar, Georgia series!
January 21, 2018
Sugar, Twice as Sweet is the first book in the Sugar, Georgia series and my first book by author Marina Adair. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the sweet, strong, stubborn, whimsical, vulnerable heroine Josephina (Joie) Harrington. Brett McGrath our hero was an extremely likable and sympathetic character and his older brother Cal was a great supporting character and his niece Payton was adorable. I loved the bat shit crazy Sunday School Mafia and so many of the other folks that make up the little town of Sugar, Georgia.
I thought the plot was great. Joie, a native New Yorker whose fiancée has just dumped her, inherits her Great Aunt Letty Fairchild’s B&B, (Fairchild House) just outside the little town of Sugar. That’s the place Joie’s parents used to send her to spend summers as a child and the only place Joie had ever felt she could be herself and fully accepted and supported by her somewhat unconventional great aunt. Aunt Letty had always had dreams of turning the historic landmark of an antebellum southern mansion into a world class get-away but never had the money. Joie has degrees in both hotel and restaurant management and interior design as well as experience as a chef and an event planner. Unfortunately she’d given up her career to support her previous fiancée a turd of a guy Wilson. Her wealthy demanding, pragmatic parents feel she’s flighty and incapable of finishing what she’s started. She determines that she’s going to turn the now dilapidated mansion that has a family of (opossums living in the heating vents) into her and her aunt’s dream.
Brett McGrath is Sugar’s favorite son. He’s the world’s greatest pro golfer with four Master’s green jackets and more wins than any golfer in history on his resume`. Brett is also devastatingly handsome and as one of the ladies of Sugar puts it, he likes the ladies and they like him, so he has a reputation for being not only the greatest golfer but also the biggest hound on the PGA tour. In fact it is one of those hook-ups from two years ago with a sponsor’s daughter, caught on film and now getting millions of hits on social media as well as on a regular loop on ESPN news (censored of course) that has him returning to Sugar for an extended stay while it all hopefully blows over.
Brett and Joie have history. Okay they were only young innocent children and it was only one summer but the chemistry was there even then. Problem is Brett having lost both his parents (who were devoted to each other) in a tragic fire and having watched his older brother Cal get burned in marriage, is not a settling down kind of guy. Josephina burned by the man she had devoted the past four years of her life to, giving up her career and dreams to support his, isn’t interested in a relationship with the opposite sex. She feels she’s lost who she is and needs to find that person again which she hopes to do by restoring the magic of Fairchild House. The Sunday School Mafia which includes Brett’s Grandma Hattie who raised him and his brothers after their parent’s death declares a feud with Joie after learning of her plans to renovate Fairchild House. Oh this is just a lot of fun and quite honestly this sentimental old fool felt tears running down his cheeks a time or two at the more poignant and tender moments. I loved this story so much I would give it an unequivocal and rare 5 Stars except (and maybe its because I’m a guy) I fully didn’t get what I thought was Joie’s over the top anger at Brett for what he did to help her achieve her dream. I get that he should have told her but her childish insistence that it demonstrated his lack of faith in her instead of understanding he was trying to support her was ridiculous. Truth is, without his help she wouldn’t have been able to do it herself. But rather than acknowledging that fact the author validates Joie’s point of view by having both Cal agree with it and Brett come to accept it. Sorry but I didn’t get it? Leaving her on her own to certainly fail would have been better? But at any rate that’s just a small matter in what is over all a really great story. I’m assuming there are at least two more books in this series focused on Brett’s brothers and I can only hope they’re as entertaining as this one was.
I thought the plot was great. Joie, a native New Yorker whose fiancée has just dumped her, inherits her Great Aunt Letty Fairchild’s B&B, (Fairchild House) just outside the little town of Sugar. That’s the place Joie’s parents used to send her to spend summers as a child and the only place Joie had ever felt she could be herself and fully accepted and supported by her somewhat unconventional great aunt. Aunt Letty had always had dreams of turning the historic landmark of an antebellum southern mansion into a world class get-away but never had the money. Joie has degrees in both hotel and restaurant management and interior design as well as experience as a chef and an event planner. Unfortunately she’d given up her career to support her previous fiancée a turd of a guy Wilson. Her wealthy demanding, pragmatic parents feel she’s flighty and incapable of finishing what she’s started. She determines that she’s going to turn the now dilapidated mansion that has a family of (opossums living in the heating vents) into her and her aunt’s dream.
Brett McGrath is Sugar’s favorite son. He’s the world’s greatest pro golfer with four Master’s green jackets and more wins than any golfer in history on his resume`. Brett is also devastatingly handsome and as one of the ladies of Sugar puts it, he likes the ladies and they like him, so he has a reputation for being not only the greatest golfer but also the biggest hound on the PGA tour. In fact it is one of those hook-ups from two years ago with a sponsor’s daughter, caught on film and now getting millions of hits on social media as well as on a regular loop on ESPN news (censored of course) that has him returning to Sugar for an extended stay while it all hopefully blows over.
Brett and Joie have history. Okay they were only young innocent children and it was only one summer but the chemistry was there even then. Problem is Brett having lost both his parents (who were devoted to each other) in a tragic fire and having watched his older brother Cal get burned in marriage, is not a settling down kind of guy. Josephina burned by the man she had devoted the past four years of her life to, giving up her career and dreams to support his, isn’t interested in a relationship with the opposite sex. She feels she’s lost who she is and needs to find that person again which she hopes to do by restoring the magic of Fairchild House. The Sunday School Mafia which includes Brett’s Grandma Hattie who raised him and his brothers after their parent’s death declares a feud with Joie after learning of her plans to renovate Fairchild House. Oh this is just a lot of fun and quite honestly this sentimental old fool felt tears running down his cheeks a time or two at the more poignant and tender moments. I loved this story so much I would give it an unequivocal and rare 5 Stars except (and maybe its because I’m a guy) I fully didn’t get what I thought was Joie’s over the top anger at Brett for what he did to help her achieve her dream. I get that he should have told her but her childish insistence that it demonstrated his lack of faith in her instead of understanding he was trying to support her was ridiculous. Truth is, without his help she wouldn’t have been able to do it herself. But rather than acknowledging that fact the author validates Joie’s point of view by having both Cal agree with it and Brett come to accept it. Sorry but I didn’t get it? Leaving her on her own to certainly fail would have been better? But at any rate that’s just a small matter in what is over all a really great story. I’m assuming there are at least two more books in this series focused on Brett’s brothers and I can only hope they’re as entertaining as this one was.
October 1, 2018
Another author I love that I have way too long of a gap between books read. While anxiously awaiting the next book in her Eastons series, I realized I have some back library of hers I haven’t read. Luckily, my local library has at least the first two books in this series on the shelf.
Poor, poor Josephina. This story starts out in such an awkward and heartbreaking way for her. I wanted to physically hurt everyone in her life during that first chapter. What is wrong with people?!?
Brett is a really cocky guy, but with good reason. He only acts the way everyone expects. Yet people want to act astonished when there’s actual video of the things they know he does. Brett doesn’t lie though, so the ladies he gets intimate with are fully aware of what they are getting into with him. It’s not his fault when they want to change the rules. The thing is, Brett is actually a great guy. Which becomes very clear the longer we see him interact with the people of his hometown of Sugar, Georgia.
Everyone expects too much from Brett. Nobody expects Josephina aka Joie to accomplish anything. It’s magnificent that they see are able to see each other. To see who the real person is in each other. Both of them are able to relax and stop putting on their masks when they’re together. Too bad that while they are finally being honest about who they are, they are not so honest with what they’ve done. When things come to a head and Joie, along with the reader, finds out the full truth I was in tears. Joie wouldn’t want my pity, but it’s not pity I felt for her. It was protectiveness. I just wanted to give her a big hug.
See my full review at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
Poor, poor Josephina. This story starts out in such an awkward and heartbreaking way for her. I wanted to physically hurt everyone in her life during that first chapter. What is wrong with people?!?
Brett is a really cocky guy, but with good reason. He only acts the way everyone expects. Yet people want to act astonished when there’s actual video of the things they know he does. Brett doesn’t lie though, so the ladies he gets intimate with are fully aware of what they are getting into with him. It’s not his fault when they want to change the rules. The thing is, Brett is actually a great guy. Which becomes very clear the longer we see him interact with the people of his hometown of Sugar, Georgia.
Everyone expects too much from Brett. Nobody expects Josephina aka Joie to accomplish anything. It’s magnificent that they see are able to see each other. To see who the real person is in each other. Both of them are able to relax and stop putting on their masks when they’re together. Too bad that while they are finally being honest about who they are, they are not so honest with what they’ve done. When things come to a head and Joie, along with the reader, finds out the full truth I was in tears. Joie wouldn’t want my pity, but it’s not pity I felt for her. It was protectiveness. I just wanted to give her a big hug.
See my full review at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...
December 28, 2022
Brett McGraw's wild ways have finally caught up to him, and now they threaten to ruin his golfing career, which is something he's not willing to let happen. He needs to clean up his image immediately, which calls for laying low for a while and staying totally clear of the media. His hiatus takes him home to Sugar, Georgia, it's the perfect place to hideout for a while, there's no drama, no camera's lurking, and no temptations... well he hopes anyway! All goes according to plan until he meets a beautiful blonde in need of a great contractor!
Coming Home to Sugar Lake is a sweet, funny, and steamy small town romance that is certain to stir up some feels and a few smiles too. These two found one another when life had them at their lowest and it wound up being the best thing to happen to both of them. Josephina had just been dealt a devastating blow by her ex-fiancé and was trying to escape her overbearing parents and Brett was trying to keep himself out of the tabloids. When Josephina put out a call for a contractor she never expected a man like Brett to show up on her doorstep, he was everything she never knew she wanted or needed. He not only helped her fix up her dilapidated home but her heart too... I loved these two so much!
This one came brimming with all the small town charm your heart could handle, it's quirky characters and vividly painted locale made me feel right at home in Sugar Lake. I loved meeting these two, there was never dull moment between them and the pages really delivered a story that delighted on all fronts. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Coming Home to Sugar Lake is a sweet, funny, and steamy small town romance that is certain to stir up some feels and a few smiles too. These two found one another when life had them at their lowest and it wound up being the best thing to happen to both of them. Josephina had just been dealt a devastating blow by her ex-fiancé and was trying to escape her overbearing parents and Brett was trying to keep himself out of the tabloids. When Josephina put out a call for a contractor she never expected a man like Brett to show up on her doorstep, he was everything she never knew she wanted or needed. He not only helped her fix up her dilapidated home but her heart too... I loved these two so much!
This one came brimming with all the small town charm your heart could handle, it's quirky characters and vividly painted locale made me feel right at home in Sugar Lake. I loved meeting these two, there was never dull moment between them and the pages really delivered a story that delighted on all fronts. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 28, 2025
This was fine, but the way Brett and Josephina’s relationship kept stopping and starting was annoying, and while the small town aspect was there, I wanted to see more, especially since the parts that were shown were just the old ladies being rude to Josephina and occasionally forcing others to do something against her.
I usually like characters like Hattie (Brett’s grandmother) in books because they add humour to the story, but I didn’t like her or her friends because they were being spiteful for no reason while I thought that Josephina wasn’t in a place where she could/should need to handle them.
I didn’t like the conflict at the end, which was about
I’m really interested in Glory and Cal, but Glory seems to be in an even more vulnerable place than Josephina and given how Josephina was treated in this book and the limited redeeming actions by everyone else, I don’t think Glory’s book is going to be for me.
I usually like characters like Hattie (Brett’s grandmother) in books because they add humour to the story, but I didn’t like her or her friends because they were being spiteful for no reason while I thought that Josephina wasn’t in a place where she could/should need to handle them.
I didn’t like the conflict at the end, which was about
I’m really interested in Glory and Cal, but Glory seems to be in an even more vulnerable place than Josephina and given how Josephina was treated in this book and the limited redeeming actions by everyone else, I don’t think Glory’s book is going to be for me.
December 8, 2024
I just didn't like this book. This follows Josephina as she goes to the house her great aunt left her in Sugar, Georgia after her boyfriend unexpectedly dumps her. While there, she meets pro golfer turned contractor and they have a bantery and lustful relationship off the bat. While there aren't a ton of steamy scenes in this book, there is a lot of lusting and language that turned me off a lot. We also get the perspective of a group of old women who basically serve as a proxy for the community of Sugar. They are AWFUL. They are using the great aunts house and refuse to leave. They're mean and too over the top. Aside from the lusty/vulgar nature of the romance, I also didn't like our main male character. He lied to Josephina multiple times and expected to be able to keep secrets. Josephina's self awareness was my favorite part of this book. She realizes how much she lost herself in her prior relationship and how she needs to stand up for what she wants and not just do whats easy. She was the saving grace for this book, but it still was meh at best.
May 16, 2023
Coming Home to Sugar Lake is a small town romance. Josephina runs away to the house her late aunt left in Sugar Lake Georgia, after a failed engagement. She runs into playboy PGA star Brett. Together they fight off the Granny mafia and their feelings.
This was okay. If you like every trope under the sun, this is for you. We have small town romance, opposites attract, sports romance, second chance romance, roommates to lovers, third act breakups. It seems to have it all. This had a lot going on, from the Granny mafia to Joie's aunt, to her parents to her growing feelings for Brett, Brett's reputation, the city drama.
For me, yes this was technically a quick read, but with so much happening I didn't care for it. I also wasn't sold on the bathroom scene. If Brett was pushing the breaks, Joie should have stopped. I will say, I appreciated seeing Joie stepping up and trying to find herself, even if we didn't actually see her growth as much as I'd have liked.
This was okay. If you like every trope under the sun, this is for you. We have small town romance, opposites attract, sports romance, second chance romance, roommates to lovers, third act breakups. It seems to have it all. This had a lot going on, from the Granny mafia to Joie's aunt, to her parents to her growing feelings for Brett, Brett's reputation, the city drama.
For me, yes this was technically a quick read, but with so much happening I didn't care for it. I also wasn't sold on the bathroom scene. If Brett was pushing the breaks, Joie should have stopped. I will say, I appreciated seeing Joie stepping up and trying to find herself, even if we didn't actually see her growth as much as I'd have liked.
January 17, 2018
If you are looking for a sweet, HEA, a little grandma drama READ THIS BOOK!
I loved the grandma drama (sometimes it was a bit outlandish for me) it added added a lot of quirk!
Brett was the sexy famous playboy that always got attention from the ladies but couldn't keep it eyes off Joie. Joie was the sweet socialite from New York who feels like she will never add up in the eyes of well anyone...She moves into her Aunts country home that is completely falling apart and tries to find who she really is and is afraid to give Brett a chance at her heart. With Joie's past of pretty much becoming her fiance's clone of the women he wanted her to be shes afraid to lose herself in someone else especially a guy.
This is such a sweet, funny, quirky read and I look forward to reading more from the McGraw brothers as well as Jackson the sexy sheriff!!
I loved the grandma drama (sometimes it was a bit outlandish for me) it added added a lot of quirk!
Brett was the sexy famous playboy that always got attention from the ladies but couldn't keep it eyes off Joie. Joie was the sweet socialite from New York who feels like she will never add up in the eyes of well anyone...She moves into her Aunts country home that is completely falling apart and tries to find who she really is and is afraid to give Brett a chance at her heart. With Joie's past of pretty much becoming her fiance's clone of the women he wanted her to be shes afraid to lose herself in someone else especially a guy.
This is such a sweet, funny, quirky read and I look forward to reading more from the McGraw brothers as well as Jackson the sexy sheriff!!
July 1, 2023
Coming Home to Sugar Lake by Marina Adair is a hilarious yet sweet romance. The hero and heroine are fun to follow. Their banters are what make this book so much fun. I love how they both seem to rub each other the wrong way. She took him as a creep and player. He took her as some heartbroken, high end, emotional string attached girl. Oh, she is all those things. Instead of running away from her, he cannot help but to run towards her. The scenes are funny, sweet, and sexy. All the minor characters helped push the main characters into a relationship. The small-town and opposites attract vibe worked well with this read. I did not want this book to end at all.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 3, 2018
I found the grandma group quite selfish n heartless with their own agenda, at first came over as sassy but ultimately their actions lacked compassion n were quite childish n poor example for the community they were influencing n yet seemed to justify their actions in the showdown after they blew the neighborhoods power grid. Yes u can grief but at least consider how ur action affected ur "friend's" niece n her spirit. Not cool
And it took her grandson asking hee what her friend wanted for her to finally get an epiphany yet when pleading with joie demands her groups keeps having poker night at her house sad
And it took her grandson asking hee what her friend wanted for her to finally get an epiphany yet when pleading with joie demands her groups keeps having poker night at her house sad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2022
Loved Adair's voice and romance arc here; definitely reminiscent of Jill Shalvis which is always a comforting vibe. The humor is very slapstick which I think works but, YMMV.
Taking stars off because there's a lot of associating the South with non-liberal views, mention of a C********* flag just hanging somewhere, and other signals of white supremacy. The story is extremely white, which makes those migroaggressive vibes stronger.
So. Great story and voice, so much I loved, but I had to severely dock it for those areas that just made it hard to see this place as cute and wholesome versus, well, problematic.
Taking stars off because there's a lot of associating the South with non-liberal views, mention of a C********* flag just hanging somewhere, and other signals of white supremacy. The story is extremely white, which makes those migroaggressive vibes stronger.
So. Great story and voice, so much I loved, but I had to severely dock it for those areas that just made it hard to see this place as cute and wholesome versus, well, problematic.
June 5, 2024
It’s crazy to me that we’re supposed to overlook some grandmas repeatedly committing felonies because they were “scared and grieving” and “misunderstood the intentions” of the protagonist. And some lame ass apology at the end is supposedly enough for the protagonist to forgive them making her life literal hell for months on end?!
I typically really enjoy this author, but this was so completely unrealistic and outright annoying, that I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
I typically really enjoy this author, but this was so completely unrealistic and outright annoying, that I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2020
3.5 stars. A golf pro with commitment issues and a New York socialite meet in Sugar, Georgia. He is avoiding the media and relationships and she is avoiding her parents. She wants to convert a boarding house into a destination hotel and needs a handyman. Enjoyed the teasing and setting with a lovely couple.
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