What do you think?
Rate this book
Bachelor Bake-Off #2
A Spoonful of Sugar
Tyler Carter is a healthy-eating gym owner who doesn’t bake. When his employees enter him into a bake-off contest to raise money for Harry’s House, an after school space for kids commemorating local first responder Harry Monroe, he needs to learn–fast!
Shy special needs teacher Stacey Allman loves to bake and often dreams of sharing her confections with her uber fit, gorgeous neighbor. So when Tyler sets off his smoke alarm and explains his dilemma, she can’t resist the temptation of playing pastry chef tutor. He offers boxing lessons in exchange. More time together? Yes please,
But when Tyler’s ex comes back to Marietta asking for his help, will it derail Stacey and Tyler’s chance at love, or will it make them see that they’re the perfect fit?
Shy special needs teacher Stacey Allman loves to bake and often dreams of sharing her confections with her uber fit, gorgeous neighbor. So when Tyler sets off his smoke alarm and explains his dilemma, she can’t resist the temptation of playing pastry chef tutor. He offers boxing lessons in exchange. More time together? Yes please,
But when Tyler’s ex comes back to Marietta asking for his help, will it derail Stacey and Tyler’s chance at love, or will it make them see that they’re the perfect fit?
Unknown Binding
First published February 1, 2017
685 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hardy
881 books263 followersKate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.
She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!
Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.
She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!
Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 17, 2017
This series, set in Marietta, Montana concerns the participants in the Bachelor Bake-Off which is being organised to help finance ‘Harry’s House’, a house where it is planned children can go, take part in activities, learn key life skills and be helped with their studies. A safe place for them all being created in memory of Harry Monroe, a first responder who was tragically killed whilst endeavouring to help an elderly couple. Each story in the series has one of the bachelor’s participating in the bake-off as the focus.
In this, the second book in the series, the leading male character is Tyler Carter - owner of a local gym who managed to set off the fire alarm at the gym whilst attempting to cook cheese on toast! He’s certainly no baker and has been entered into the competition by some of his employees and clients. When he tries to bake cookies at home he sets off the fire alarm again but this time it is his shy neighbour, Stacey Allman, who comes to his rescue. She’s a keen baker and offers to help him learn to bake and he offers to help her learn to box! Stacey has hearing problems and sometimes stutters, but she’s resilient and certainly not “Dumb!” as her father calls her. Tyler realises she’s not confident but he also realises he wants to get to know her better . . . . and Stacey is equally attracted to him, though she doesn’t believe such a fit male could possibly be attracted to her!
This is a delightful, heartwarming love story where both main characters strive to overcome their difficulties and, working together, find love. It is a sweet romance set in a community working together, a recipe for romance with an added dash of sugar to sweeten it all - I can’t wait to read the other stories in this series!
Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.
In this, the second book in the series, the leading male character is Tyler Carter - owner of a local gym who managed to set off the fire alarm at the gym whilst attempting to cook cheese on toast! He’s certainly no baker and has been entered into the competition by some of his employees and clients. When he tries to bake cookies at home he sets off the fire alarm again but this time it is his shy neighbour, Stacey Allman, who comes to his rescue. She’s a keen baker and offers to help him learn to bake and he offers to help her learn to box! Stacey has hearing problems and sometimes stutters, but she’s resilient and certainly not “Dumb!” as her father calls her. Tyler realises she’s not confident but he also realises he wants to get to know her better . . . . and Stacey is equally attracted to him, though she doesn’t believe such a fit male could possibly be attracted to her!
This is a delightful, heartwarming love story where both main characters strive to overcome their difficulties and, working together, find love. It is a sweet romance set in a community working together, a recipe for romance with an added dash of sugar to sweeten it all - I can’t wait to read the other stories in this series!
Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this novel with no obligation. This is my honest review.
March 3, 2017
Kitty's review:
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to read the first book in this series. But, believe me, I will go and get it. If it is half as sweet and romantic as A Spoonful of Sugar is, I wouldn’t want to miss it.
Kate Hardy did a beautiful job of taking Tyler Carter from a gym owner to a baker. He never, ever came off as some macho male. He was truly grateful for Stacey and he may have fallen in love with her from the moment she offered to help. Of course, he was helpless in the kitchen. But, he was so cute trying to ask her out, trying to get her to believe in herself, trying to get her into bed. He is recently off of a long relationship and doesn’t think that he’s ready for what he’s feeling but, he’s giving it a chance. Until the ex comes waltzing back into his life.
Then, he knows he’s ready to commit. Now, to make the woman of his dreams see his way.
Stacey was as cute as a mouse, and as timid as one. No self-confidence, no self-esteem. She couldn’t believe that someone like Tyler would even give her a second glance never mind be interested in her. As they got to know each other and her world was revealed to him, his mission changed. And, then, her life changed.
A Spoonful of Sugar was just a fun read. Kate Hardy wrote the sweet and sassy side as well as the mean-spirted side with flair. What I loved most was that Tyler was a man that didn’t hold back his secrets until it was too late and he had to win Stacey back. He was open and honest and, when things started going south, he told her what was happening instead of letting the hurt fester. He may have been macho in the gym, but he was certainly a man that any normal woman could fall in love with. Thank you, Kate Hardy for writing an interesting story with a plot-line that could actually happen in real life.
Review cop provided for a voluntary review.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to read the first book in this series. But, believe me, I will go and get it. If it is half as sweet and romantic as A Spoonful of Sugar is, I wouldn’t want to miss it.
Kate Hardy did a beautiful job of taking Tyler Carter from a gym owner to a baker. He never, ever came off as some macho male. He was truly grateful for Stacey and he may have fallen in love with her from the moment she offered to help. Of course, he was helpless in the kitchen. But, he was so cute trying to ask her out, trying to get her to believe in herself, trying to get her into bed. He is recently off of a long relationship and doesn’t think that he’s ready for what he’s feeling but, he’s giving it a chance. Until the ex comes waltzing back into his life.
Then, he knows he’s ready to commit. Now, to make the woman of his dreams see his way.
Stacey was as cute as a mouse, and as timid as one. No self-confidence, no self-esteem. She couldn’t believe that someone like Tyler would even give her a second glance never mind be interested in her. As they got to know each other and her world was revealed to him, his mission changed. And, then, her life changed.
A Spoonful of Sugar was just a fun read. Kate Hardy wrote the sweet and sassy side as well as the mean-spirted side with flair. What I loved most was that Tyler was a man that didn’t hold back his secrets until it was too late and he had to win Stacey back. He was open and honest and, when things started going south, he told her what was happening instead of letting the hurt fester. He may have been macho in the gym, but he was certainly a man that any normal woman could fall in love with. Thank you, Kate Hardy for writing an interesting story with a plot-line that could actually happen in real life.
Review cop provided for a voluntary review.
Read
April 3, 2020A hearing impaired woman who also has a stutter. This was very nicely handled and kudos to the author. But the story lacks any real strength. It’s all too much like candy floss.... looks good but, when you take a bite, it lacks any real substance.
May 5, 2020
Kate Hardy is one of my go-to comfort authors, and this book has all the elements of her books that I find relaxing: a) the characters' jobs are a huge part of the plot, b) nice people who don't have a lot of petty drama, and c) a very melodramatic plot turn that gets quickly resolved. I just like these books- they suit me to a T
January 30, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Tule Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet romance, but it did drag at times. It's much better written than the first book in the series. I liked how sensitively Stacy' s hearing impairment was dealt with and the inclusion of more diverse characters.
This was a sweet romance, but it did drag at times. It's much better written than the first book in the series. I liked how sensitively Stacy' s hearing impairment was dealt with and the inclusion of more diverse characters.
Want to read
March 31, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/31/2020)! 🎁
March 2, 2019
4.5 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
A Spoonful of Sugar is as sweet as can be without ever entering saccharine territory. Kate Hardy has delivered the ultimate feel-good romance, with kind, endearing characters who will have you avidly turning the pages as you root for them to get together.
Stacey is a special needs teacher with a heart of gold. She’s hearing-impaired and having had her self-esteem constantly beaten as a child left its mark on her. Rather than breaking, she’s become a giving person who works tirelessly to help others and make sure that no one is ever made to feel like she was. Tyler, in turn, is a gym owner who carries a few internal scars of his own over a bad breakup. He’s focused on his gym, but when his team enters him in the Bachelor Bake-Off, he knows he’s in trouble. Tyler can’t make a grilled cheese without setting off the fire alarm, never mind cookies, cakes, and pies. When his first attempt at baking (predictably) sets off the fire alarm, it’s his neighbor, Stacey to the rescue. When she agrees to teach him to bake in exchange for boxing lessons from him, it’s the start of a friendship that will fast turn into something more. Tyler and Stacey made me smile more than once as they fell in love. She’s an amazing teacher and a genuinely kind soul, which made her easy to adore. And Tyler…wow. He spots early on that Stacey’s self-esteem isn’t the highest and the way he genuinely compliments her and helps her see how amazing she is just made me melt. As a pair, the two of them were excellent. They had lovely chemistry and were so sweet they warmed my heart.
A Spoonful of Sugar is the second book in the multi-author Bachelor Bake-Off series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, after finishing Tyler and Stacey’s book, I’m definitely intrigued and want to read the rest of the series as soon as possible. As for Stacey and Tyler, they’re a couple I’ll definitely be revisiting when I need a pick-me-up.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Spoonful of Sugar is as sweet as can be without ever entering saccharine territory. Kate Hardy has delivered the ultimate feel-good romance, with kind, endearing characters who will have you avidly turning the pages as you root for them to get together.
Stacey is a special needs teacher with a heart of gold. She’s hearing-impaired and having had her self-esteem constantly beaten as a child left its mark on her. Rather than breaking, she’s become a giving person who works tirelessly to help others and make sure that no one is ever made to feel like she was. Tyler, in turn, is a gym owner who carries a few internal scars of his own over a bad breakup. He’s focused on his gym, but when his team enters him in the Bachelor Bake-Off, he knows he’s in trouble. Tyler can’t make a grilled cheese without setting off the fire alarm, never mind cookies, cakes, and pies. When his first attempt at baking (predictably) sets off the fire alarm, it’s his neighbor, Stacey to the rescue. When she agrees to teach him to bake in exchange for boxing lessons from him, it’s the start of a friendship that will fast turn into something more. Tyler and Stacey made me smile more than once as they fell in love. She’s an amazing teacher and a genuinely kind soul, which made her easy to adore. And Tyler…wow. He spots early on that Stacey’s self-esteem isn’t the highest and the way he genuinely compliments her and helps her see how amazing she is just made me melt. As a pair, the two of them were excellent. They had lovely chemistry and were so sweet they warmed my heart.
A Spoonful of Sugar is the second book in the multi-author Bachelor Bake-Off series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, after finishing Tyler and Stacey’s book, I’m definitely intrigued and want to read the rest of the series as soon as possible. As for Stacey and Tyler, they’re a couple I’ll definitely be revisiting when I need a pick-me-up.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 20, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
There are times when I’m looking for a good romance, comfortable surroundings and an interesting couple to get to know and share their journey into love. When that urge overcomes me I always head to Marietta, Montana where I now know the town, love the people and am assured that I’m going to get one heck of a romance to enjoy. A Spoonful of Sugar from the Bachelor Bake-Off series is no exception to that consistent experience.
Tyler may know his way around fitness and the gym but he’s hopeless at the most simple of cooking tasks, let alone making something for the bake-off to help raise funds for Harry’s House… the constant buzzing of his smoke detector / fire alarm would be the very first clue. One one of these occasions, his neighbor, Stacey arrives to help and discovers Tyler’s… cooking problems. Her offer to help him create something edible for the bake-off, that won’t burn down the apartment comes at the perfect time. Tyler would like to get to know his cute neighbor better so the barter of cooking lessons for boxing lessons is a perfectly fun deal. And maybe along the way he can boost her self-confidence and she can show him the perfect solution for them both involves just as much emotion as baking ingredients.
I liked Stacey and Tyler as people and as a couple. They’re both dealing with issues, and maybe learning to trust not only others but themselves as well. Stacey’s situation was presented with respect, understanding and a naturalness that I don’t always find when an author is introducing a person with any type of disability. Her hearing troubles, her life of being spoken down to by someone who should have loved her unconditionally exactly as she is was very realistic and believable. My son is physically disabled, so I do keep a closer eye on characters who are presented with challenges in life and how they are written. Tyler’s acceptance of Stacey exactly as she is, his need to help her not “fix” her was life-like and believable. Of course, we have the spoiled, entitled ex-girlfriend show up to stir a little trouble into the mix.
If you’re in the mood for a good, solid romance with likable and believable characters, then A Spoonful of Sugar should be on your reading list. I’m definitely looking forward to the next story in this series and would not hesitate to recommend this story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
There are times when I’m looking for a good romance, comfortable surroundings and an interesting couple to get to know and share their journey into love. When that urge overcomes me I always head to Marietta, Montana where I now know the town, love the people and am assured that I’m going to get one heck of a romance to enjoy. A Spoonful of Sugar from the Bachelor Bake-Off series is no exception to that consistent experience.
Tyler may know his way around fitness and the gym but he’s hopeless at the most simple of cooking tasks, let alone making something for the bake-off to help raise funds for Harry’s House… the constant buzzing of his smoke detector / fire alarm would be the very first clue. One one of these occasions, his neighbor, Stacey arrives to help and discovers Tyler’s… cooking problems. Her offer to help him create something edible for the bake-off, that won’t burn down the apartment comes at the perfect time. Tyler would like to get to know his cute neighbor better so the barter of cooking lessons for boxing lessons is a perfectly fun deal. And maybe along the way he can boost her self-confidence and she can show him the perfect solution for them both involves just as much emotion as baking ingredients.
I liked Stacey and Tyler as people and as a couple. They’re both dealing with issues, and maybe learning to trust not only others but themselves as well. Stacey’s situation was presented with respect, understanding and a naturalness that I don’t always find when an author is introducing a person with any type of disability. Her hearing troubles, her life of being spoken down to by someone who should have loved her unconditionally exactly as she is was very realistic and believable. My son is physically disabled, so I do keep a closer eye on characters who are presented with challenges in life and how they are written. Tyler’s acceptance of Stacey exactly as she is, his need to help her not “fix” her was life-like and believable. Of course, we have the spoiled, entitled ex-girlfriend show up to stir a little trouble into the mix.
If you’re in the mood for a good, solid romance with likable and believable characters, then A Spoonful of Sugar should be on your reading list. I’m definitely looking forward to the next story in this series and would not hesitate to recommend this story.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
April 5, 2020
רומן רומנטי חמוד ורגיש. טיילר קארטר הוא בעלים של מכון כושר בעיירה מרייאטה. בעיירה נערכת תחרות אפייה לרווקים כדי לגייס כסף לפרויקט צדקה, והעובדים והחברים של טיילר רושמים אותו לתחרות כבדיחה, מכיוון שאין לו שום מושג בבישול או באפייה. השכנה שלו, סטייסי, מורה בביה"ס יסודי שעובדת עם ילדים עם לקויות וצרכים מיוחדים, מתנדבת לעזור לו להתכונן לתחרות. לסטייסי בעצמה יש לקות שמיעה והיא מגמגמת. הקשר ביניהם עוזר לטיילר להתגבר על פרידה קשה מהחברה הקודמת שלו ולסטייסי להגביר את בטחונה העצמי ולהתמודד עם אביה השתלטן.
הספר באמת ממש מקסים, וסטייסי וטיילר חמודים ונהדרים. נתתי לספר 3 כוכבים ולא ארבעה כי הכתיבה לא משהו - מאוד שטחית וטכנית, ולא מספיק מרגשת. גם השימוש בגוף שלישי לא כל כך מוצלח. זה היה יכול להיות יותר טוב אם הכתיבה הייתה בגוף ראשון מנקודות המבט של סטייסי ושל טיילר לסירוגין. עדיין, מאוד נהניתי לקרוא - ספר ממש מתוק.
הספר באמת ממש מקסים, וסטייסי וטיילר חמודים ונהדרים. נתתי לספר 3 כוכבים ולא ארבעה כי הכתיבה לא משהו - מאוד שטחית וטכנית, ולא מספיק מרגשת. גם השימוש בגוף שלישי לא כל כך מוצלח. זה היה יכול להיות יותר טוב אם הכתיבה הייתה בגוף ראשון מנקודות המבט של סטייסי ושל טיילר לסירוגין. עדיין, מאוד נהניתי לקרוא - ספר ממש מתוק.
April 28, 2023
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a quick, fun read. The combination of Tyler's complete inability to bake and his charming personality and Stacey's shy yet somehow confident (in the things she really knows), was adorable and I loved watching them come together. I loved that Tyler helped Stacey become more confident while she was helping him figure out the whole baking thing (maybe they could have used a bit more time there). All in all, cute, though it felt like everything wrapped up very quickly so the ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion.
This was a quick, fun read. The combination of Tyler's complete inability to bake and his charming personality and Stacey's shy yet somehow confident (in the things she really knows), was adorable and I loved watching them come together. I loved that Tyler helped Stacey become more confident while she was helping him figure out the whole baking thing (maybe they could have used a bit more time there). All in all, cute, though it felt like everything wrapped up very quickly so the ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion.
April 28, 2020
First thoughts: A fun, yet touching story. Great handling of disabilities.
March 13, 2017
I am really loving this bachelor Bake off series. This book is Tyler and Sandy's story.
Tyler owns the local gym and everyone teases him because he can't cook. They have now entered him into the bake off to raise money for Harry's House. It is a great cause and he has no problems supporting it bur he just can't cook.
His next door neighbor Sandy has offered to help him learn so he won't come in last at the bake off or be embarassed in from of the whole town.
I think if you love great romances that are quick and easy to read, one that keeps your interest from the beginning to the end this one is for you.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Tyler owns the local gym and everyone teases him because he can't cook. They have now entered him into the bake off to raise money for Harry's House. It is a great cause and he has no problems supporting it bur he just can't cook.
His next door neighbor Sandy has offered to help him learn so he won't come in last at the bake off or be embarassed in from of the whole town.
I think if you love great romances that are quick and easy to read, one that keeps your interest from the beginning to the end this one is for you.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
February 15, 2017
When I first heard about this series, mix of romance and baking and Marietta Montana, I mean - hello few of my favorite things! - I decided that no matter how full my reading schedule was, I need to slip these stories in somehow. And I am delighted that A Spoonful of Sugar is worth losing your sleep over!
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story, that were unique and well done. Firstly, when they are practicing baking, they actually do the steps required, and in a clever way, the author imparts information and the science behind the ingredients. Because baking is a science while cooking food is an art. Same thing as they are doing sports: I got the feeling from the story that they were actually exercising and sweating, and I knew what they did to get there and why it had that impact on them.
And then secondly, there's the romance, the attraction, and dating. Yes, there's actual dating, and several meetings before it gets physical, and I liked that. Yes, the attraction was strong, and there were passion and heat, but they had few dates before they took that step.
As characters, Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have both a lot to bring to the story. They have depth, they are solid characters, in their imperfections perfect for each other. I found the support and encouragement they gave to each other uplifting and energizing. The openness between them was refreshing and their willingness to work on their weaknesses and issues admirable.
The whole story was filled with such a positive, joyful energy that left me smiling as I finished the tale. Yes, baking is my go-to stress relief, so that added to the glee for me, as well. Looking forward to reading the next bake-challenge story!
~ Four Spoons!
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story, that were unique and well done. Firstly, when they are practicing baking, they actually do the steps required, and in a clever way, the author imparts information and the science behind the ingredients. Because baking is a science while cooking food is an art. Same thing as they are doing sports: I got the feeling from the story that they were actually exercising and sweating, and I knew what they did to get there and why it had that impact on them.
And then secondly, there's the romance, the attraction, and dating. Yes, there's actual dating, and several meetings before it gets physical, and I liked that. Yes, the attraction was strong, and there were passion and heat, but they had few dates before they took that step.
As characters, Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have both a lot to bring to the story. They have depth, they are solid characters, in their imperfections perfect for each other. I found the support and encouragement they gave to each other uplifting and energizing. The openness between them was refreshing and their willingness to work on their weaknesses and issues admirable.
The whole story was filled with such a positive, joyful energy that left me smiling as I finished the tale. Yes, baking is my go-to stress relief, so that added to the glee for me, as well. Looking forward to reading the next bake-challenge story!
~ Four Spoons!
April 10, 2020
Stilted and banal.
I think the author was trying to capture a sense or nice people living a 'normal' life, but unfortunately I just couldn't get interested in these characters. The first sex scene was so unbelievable that I put the book down, so not sure if it gets better later into the story and not risking my time in case it doesn't.
I originally selected this story because I loved the idea of a heroine with hearing and speech impediments.
I think the author was trying to capture a sense or nice people living a 'normal' life, but unfortunately I just couldn't get interested in these characters. The first sex scene was so unbelievable that I put the book down, so not sure if it gets better later into the story and not risking my time in case it doesn't.
I originally selected this story because I loved the idea of a heroine with hearing and speech impediments.
February 4, 2017
Tyler gave out good compliments, “you look sexy,” he said softly, “when you’re all strong and confident and those gorgeous blue eyes of yours are sparkling.” I really liked this book, it was a very sweet read.
February 11, 2017
ARC Review: A Spoonful of Sugar (Bachelor Bake - Off) by Kate Hardy
A Spoonful of Sugar hits the sweet spot. It celebrates the value of helping others and falling in love, all with a light touch. A hint of drama sets the stage for a little romance, a dash of heart and a tablespoon of laughter that tops off the fun. Love, hope, charity and laughter are the best recipe for a good time. Kate Hardy outdid herself with Stacey and Tyler.
A Spoonful of Sugar hits the sweet spot. It celebrates the value of helping others and falling in love, all with a light touch. A hint of drama sets the stage for a little romance, a dash of heart and a tablespoon of laughter that tops off the fun. Love, hope, charity and laughter are the best recipe for a good time. Kate Hardy outdid herself with Stacey and Tyler.
February 29, 2024
Deaf reader reviewing books with deaf characters. This book is listed on my ranked list of books with deaf characters.
No kidding with the title—more like sugar OD. You know the Whobilation montage in Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, where the Whos are stuffing Jim Carrey’s face with pudding and fudge until he’s sick? It’s a bit like that, including his burst of determination: “Bring it on! Is that all you got?!”
Anyway.
The author is deaf, but it seems she didn't put a lot of effort into portraying the deaf experience accurately. Perhaps when she wrote this she was newly deaf? Not sure. (I'll discuss more towards the end.) But let's get into it.
The deaf character is Stacey, who identifies as hearing impaired. She communicates through speech and speechreads in noisier environments. I'm assuming she has a mild deafness, as she hears smoke alarm from inside Tyler’s apartment while she is in her own apartment across the hall, and doesn’t need repeats/clarification during any conversation. She wears in-the-canal hearing aids, also suggesting a milder deafness.
As a child, Stacey lost a bit of hearing from tonsillitis and antibiotics. No one caught the hearing loss, and as a result she developed low self-esteem from lack of family and school support growing up. This is super realistic. She now works with disabled children (“special-needs” is a blech term for me but super commonly used) to ensure they have school support.
It’s a bit strange that she works with disabled children and doesn’t seem to know about resources like CapTel. This sticks out to me because she struggles to hear over the phone even with the built-in hearing aid function, and listens over loudspeaker when she has to make calls. She also prefers texting. But if this takes place in 2017, why wouldn't she at least use a captioning app or look into getting a CapTel device?
The hearing aids are also not really handled consistently. Like, the author didn't pay attention to or keep track of the aids. For example, Stacey and Tyler have sex, and she falls asleep with her hearing aids in. The next morning, they take a shower together, and still no mention of aids. They never come out of her ears, and apparently run on infinite batteries. Maybe the author is relying on the reader's common sense, but the vast majority of hearing people are totally ignorant and probably do believe that aids can be worn 24/7.
Most disappointingly, however, is the magical speechreading trope towards the end. From a distance, Stacey is able to lipread everything Tyler and Janine are saying (with zero auditory input), making her realize she had made a wrong assumption. Sigh. Worse, she learns her lesson is “don’t jump to conclusions and being hearing-impaired doesn’t mean you can’t listen, just that you can’t always hear.” Bro what?
Hardy is rushing through the novel. Maybe she didn’t want to commit to a dragged-out fight, which is fine, but she decided to bring them back together in an unnatural way. Speechreading is never 100%, especially when most deaf people rely on at least some auditory input to understand. Stacey never shows any speechreading skills throughout the novel, so it's not believable for someone who relies primarily on sound-based input to suddenly be able to understand a totally visual conversation happening at a distance.
Definitely not the worst deaf representation, but it doesn't pass muster for me.
No kidding with the title—more like sugar OD. You know the Whobilation montage in Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, where the Whos are stuffing Jim Carrey’s face with pudding and fudge until he’s sick? It’s a bit like that, including his burst of determination: “Bring it on! Is that all you got?!”
Anyway.
The author is deaf, but it seems she didn't put a lot of effort into portraying the deaf experience accurately. Perhaps when she wrote this she was newly deaf? Not sure. (I'll discuss more towards the end.) But let's get into it.
The deaf character is Stacey, who identifies as hearing impaired. She communicates through speech and speechreads in noisier environments. I'm assuming she has a mild deafness, as she hears smoke alarm from inside Tyler’s apartment while she is in her own apartment across the hall, and doesn’t need repeats/clarification during any conversation. She wears in-the-canal hearing aids, also suggesting a milder deafness.
As a child, Stacey lost a bit of hearing from tonsillitis and antibiotics. No one caught the hearing loss, and as a result she developed low self-esteem from lack of family and school support growing up. This is super realistic. She now works with disabled children (“special-needs” is a blech term for me but super commonly used) to ensure they have school support.
It’s a bit strange that she works with disabled children and doesn’t seem to know about resources like CapTel. This sticks out to me because she struggles to hear over the phone even with the built-in hearing aid function, and listens over loudspeaker when she has to make calls. She also prefers texting. But if this takes place in 2017, why wouldn't she at least use a captioning app or look into getting a CapTel device?
The hearing aids are also not really handled consistently. Like, the author didn't pay attention to or keep track of the aids. For example, Stacey and Tyler have sex, and she falls asleep with her hearing aids in. The next morning, they take a shower together, and still no mention of aids. They never come out of her ears, and apparently run on infinite batteries. Maybe the author is relying on the reader's common sense, but the vast majority of hearing people are totally ignorant and probably do believe that aids can be worn 24/7.
Most disappointingly, however, is the magical speechreading trope towards the end. From a distance, Stacey is able to lipread everything Tyler and Janine are saying (with zero auditory input), making her realize she had made a wrong assumption. Sigh. Worse, she learns her lesson is “don’t jump to conclusions and being hearing-impaired doesn’t mean you can’t listen, just that you can’t always hear.” Bro what?
Hardy is rushing through the novel. Maybe she didn’t want to commit to a dragged-out fight, which is fine, but she decided to bring them back together in an unnatural way. Speechreading is never 100%, especially when most deaf people rely on at least some auditory input to understand. Stacey never shows any speechreading skills throughout the novel, so it's not believable for someone who relies primarily on sound-based input to suddenly be able to understand a totally visual conversation happening at a distance.
Definitely not the worst deaf representation, but it doesn't pass muster for me.
February 20, 2017
This was a deliciously sweet romance from the multi-author Bachelor Bake-Off series. Tyler is a confident, good guy who’s a little wary of romance, while Stacey is shy and sweet and they are exactly what each other needs.
I really liked how the baking was such an integral part of this story. Not just because of the bake-off itself, but because it gave Stacey a chance to be confident and in control, proving to herself that she has worth. Tyler is so good at supporting her and giving her compliments that matter. They make such a cute couple, whether it’s baking, boxing or just being together. I really loved their relationship.
I also liked how Stacey’s hearing impairment and stutter were handled. They are important aspects of her, but not all that she is, and although they played a part in the bad relationship between Stacey and her father, they were not the whole reason for it. Her father has a lot to answer for, but I loved how Tyler slowly helps Stacey grow stronger, until she can stand up for herself and thoroughly refute her father’s horrible name calling.
Also, this book really isn’t all about the winning. Sure, Tyler would like to do well, but this book is as much about not being perfect at everything and learning to fail with dignity as it is succeeding at every single endeavour.
In all this was cute and feel good and fun, with likeable characters and baking dramas. I did feel like the romantic conflict was a little too contrived, but I can forgive it for the overall enjoyment of the rest of it. I can’t wait to read the next bachelor’s tale.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
I really liked how the baking was such an integral part of this story. Not just because of the bake-off itself, but because it gave Stacey a chance to be confident and in control, proving to herself that she has worth. Tyler is so good at supporting her and giving her compliments that matter. They make such a cute couple, whether it’s baking, boxing or just being together. I really loved their relationship.
I also liked how Stacey’s hearing impairment and stutter were handled. They are important aspects of her, but not all that she is, and although they played a part in the bad relationship between Stacey and her father, they were not the whole reason for it. Her father has a lot to answer for, but I loved how Tyler slowly helps Stacey grow stronger, until she can stand up for herself and thoroughly refute her father’s horrible name calling.
Also, this book really isn’t all about the winning. Sure, Tyler would like to do well, but this book is as much about not being perfect at everything and learning to fail with dignity as it is succeeding at every single endeavour.
In all this was cute and feel good and fun, with likeable characters and baking dramas. I did feel like the romantic conflict was a little too contrived, but I can forgive it for the overall enjoyment of the rest of it. I can’t wait to read the next bachelor’s tale.
(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
August 31, 2019
Reviewed by Angela
Book provided by NetGalley
Drop dead gorgeous and can’t bake if his life depended on it. We are first introduced to Tyler as he practicing for the baking competition to raise money for Harry’s House. His neighbor Stacey comes over to see if she can help seeing as he set off his smoke alarm during his baking experiment. The author is very detail oriented in her writing. One of the best parts is how all that detail comes out in the character’s inner monologue.
The chemistry is off the charts between Tyler and Stacey but at the same time so isn’t the shady people of their past that threaten to stop them from finding out how truly wonderful they are together. How the strength of one brings out the strength of the other and how together they come across as unstoppable.
The way the secondary characters are introduced into the story was seamless and made it seem almost as if they had been an integral part of the story all along. They are supporting to the story and help the main characters see what is right in front of them but they are too stubborn to see.
The details are heavy throughout the entire book and help move the story along, and make sure that the reader doesn’t miss anything. Because of that fact and the fact that I love cooking romance novels I give this book a Rose that Rules All rating. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
Favorite Quote: “Because this is the twenty-first century and women aren’t possessions-they make their own choices. Your daughter is an amazing woman and I love her very much, and I very much hope that I can welcome you to my family.”
Book provided by NetGalley
Drop dead gorgeous and can’t bake if his life depended on it. We are first introduced to Tyler as he practicing for the baking competition to raise money for Harry’s House. His neighbor Stacey comes over to see if she can help seeing as he set off his smoke alarm during his baking experiment. The author is very detail oriented in her writing. One of the best parts is how all that detail comes out in the character’s inner monologue.
The chemistry is off the charts between Tyler and Stacey but at the same time so isn’t the shady people of their past that threaten to stop them from finding out how truly wonderful they are together. How the strength of one brings out the strength of the other and how together they come across as unstoppable.
The way the secondary characters are introduced into the story was seamless and made it seem almost as if they had been an integral part of the story all along. They are supporting to the story and help the main characters see what is right in front of them but they are too stubborn to see.
The details are heavy throughout the entire book and help move the story along, and make sure that the reader doesn’t miss anything. Because of that fact and the fact that I love cooking romance novels I give this book a Rose that Rules All rating. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
Favorite Quote: “Because this is the twenty-first century and women aren’t possessions-they make their own choices. Your daughter is an amazing woman and I love her very much, and I very much hope that I can welcome you to my family.”
February 26, 2017
If you're looking for a heartwarming, sweet romance, look no further than A Spoonful of Sugar. Tyler is a sexy gym owner who has been entered into a baking contest by his staff, but unfortunately he doesn't possess any baking skills whatsoever. When he sets off the smoke alarm in his apartment while trying to bake, his sweet neighbor, Stacey, comes over and offers to help him to learn the necessary baking skills for the baking contest. He offers to give her boxing lessons in return for baking lessons, and they strike up a relationship.
I really like A Spoonful of Sugar, it's sweet and down to earth. Both Tyler and Stacey are likable characters and are working through things. Stacey has a really low self esteem thanks to a hearing impairment and an ass of a father who constantly belittles her. Tyler is working through the scars his breakup left on him. But, when they come together, they complement each other and help each other through their problems.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
I really like A Spoonful of Sugar, it's sweet and down to earth. Both Tyler and Stacey are likable characters and are working through things. Stacey has a really low self esteem thanks to a hearing impairment and an ass of a father who constantly belittles her. Tyler is working through the scars his breakup left on him. But, when they come together, they complement each other and help each other through their problems.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
May 26, 2020
Overall I enjoyed this book. However the dialect seemed forced and was super cheesy. I get that you want to show your characters communication (it’s a nice change) but their conversations seemed force and unnatural. This is a shorter book and may have done better with some more background into the characters. Better yet knowing more of what they are feeling and thinking would have perhaps give a bit more chemistry and not seem so forced.
It’s a very cute novel and an easy read. Some smut but it’s not too detailed. This is the kind of book I could recommend to an older adult to enjoy. Has that kind of feel good vibe.
I’m disappointed to know that the others in this series are by different authors. I was hoping to give this author another chance as there is a lot of potential for a great story. I did not read the first book in the series and I don’t think I will be.
Very cute book, easy read, feel-good story.
It’s a very cute novel and an easy read. Some smut but it’s not too detailed. This is the kind of book I could recommend to an older adult to enjoy. Has that kind of feel good vibe.
I’m disappointed to know that the others in this series are by different authors. I was hoping to give this author another chance as there is a lot of potential for a great story. I did not read the first book in the series and I don’t think I will be.
Very cute book, easy read, feel-good story.
February 28, 2017
A Spoonful of Sugar by Kate Hardy is book number two in the Bachelor Bake-Off series. This is Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman's story.
Tyler's employees sign him up for the Bachelor Bake Off contest. He has a major problem. Tyler cannot cook. Stacey is Tyler's neighbor and she ends up volunteering to help teach him how to cook. They end up spending a lot of time together. So, are they just friends or is it more. Then Tyler's ex shows back up. I really enjoyed Tyler and Stacey's characters and how they interacted with each other.
This is a great addition to the Bachelor Bake-Off series. These are sweet and heartwarming stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Tyler's employees sign him up for the Bachelor Bake Off contest. He has a major problem. Tyler cannot cook. Stacey is Tyler's neighbor and she ends up volunteering to help teach him how to cook. They end up spending a lot of time together. So, are they just friends or is it more. Then Tyler's ex shows back up. I really enjoyed Tyler and Stacey's characters and how they interacted with each other.
This is a great addition to the Bachelor Bake-Off series. These are sweet and heartwarming stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 19, 2017
Tyler can not cook and he is the most healthiest eating person most know in Marietta, but when his staff and clients sign him up to bake he has not choose but to tackle it head on. He convinces his really sweet neighbor to help and he hopes he wont let anyone down since its for a good cause.
Stacey is shy keeps to herself and she also has reasons for it but its just best this way for everyone around. When her neighbor needs her help learning to bake she sets out to help him I mean how hard can it really be right. She quickly realizes this might not all be that easy but she knows she can and will do it, but can she succeed and keep her heart intact?
I love Marietta Montana I love catching up with these fun characters whether you are just joining in on the fun or have read all the books, don't worry you wont be lost and you will be sucked into this wonderful small town. I loved how the author kept the characters relatable and fun. I really enjoyed the storyline it flowed perfectly and kept your attention throughout. I will say there is one adult scene in the book other wise the book was a fun read and clean for the most part. Each character is dealing with something but the author did not make a seem that they were trying to save each other but they truly were just trying to be friends. This book is truly a super fun read and you can't go wrong.
Stacey is shy keeps to herself and she also has reasons for it but its just best this way for everyone around. When her neighbor needs her help learning to bake she sets out to help him I mean how hard can it really be right. She quickly realizes this might not all be that easy but she knows she can and will do it, but can she succeed and keep her heart intact?
I love Marietta Montana I love catching up with these fun characters whether you are just joining in on the fun or have read all the books, don't worry you wont be lost and you will be sucked into this wonderful small town. I loved how the author kept the characters relatable and fun. I really enjoyed the storyline it flowed perfectly and kept your attention throughout. I will say there is one adult scene in the book other wise the book was a fun read and clean for the most part. Each character is dealing with something but the author did not make a seem that they were trying to save each other but they truly were just trying to be friends. This book is truly a super fun read and you can't go wrong.
May 11, 2017
Thanks to netgalley.com for the ARC of this book.
What a sweet, sweet story. I loved everything about this book but the ending. It was not very romantic and it seemed like an afterthought. These characters were great, they were so relatable and it just felt like they could be friends with everyone. I was hoping he would have done better in the baking competition but it was good to see that he was not perfect at everything and that despite how much he tried he still didn't win the competition but had a great attribute about it. I love that he brought her out of her shell and really found a way for her to get confidence back in herself. They worked great together and just seemed to have a lot of fun together, no matter what they were doing. Just a cute couple and just a fun story.
What a sweet, sweet story. I loved everything about this book but the ending. It was not very romantic and it seemed like an afterthought. These characters were great, they were so relatable and it just felt like they could be friends with everyone. I was hoping he would have done better in the baking competition but it was good to see that he was not perfect at everything and that despite how much he tried he still didn't win the competition but had a great attribute about it. I love that he brought her out of her shell and really found a way for her to get confidence back in herself. They worked great together and just seemed to have a lot of fun together, no matter what they were doing. Just a cute couple and just a fun story.
April 4, 2020
A Spoonful of Cute
A Spoonful of Sugar is a sweet and cute romance between to kind and generous people. Both Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have deep issues from past hurts, but neither have let their past poison the way they interact with the people within their sphere.
The author, Kate Hardy, does a good job of developing each character, as well as slipping in past experiences so the reader can better understand the wider picture. There is a nice balance of description, inner thoughts and dialogue, and the plot pace is steady. All in all this tender-sweet read has a smile-worthy ending and is worth the few hours of escape time
Content 411: Although mostly clean, this book does contain a little bit of mild swearing and a mildly described sexually intimate scene.
A Spoonful of Sugar is a sweet and cute romance between to kind and generous people. Both Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have deep issues from past hurts, but neither have let their past poison the way they interact with the people within their sphere.
The author, Kate Hardy, does a good job of developing each character, as well as slipping in past experiences so the reader can better understand the wider picture. There is a nice balance of description, inner thoughts and dialogue, and the plot pace is steady. All in all this tender-sweet read has a smile-worthy ending and is worth the few hours of escape time
Content 411: Although mostly clean, this book does contain a little bit of mild swearing and a mildly described sexually intimate scene.
May 19, 2020
I liked the book and also how it is located in Marietta, Montana. The characters and familiar places from other Marietta books makes the setting familiar.
The characters are nice and real and flawed. The author has handled Stacey’s hangups very nicely. The feelings of both the characters have been described beautifully and the understanding between them has been depicted well.
The language is simple and the story is fast paced, I really enjoyed the baking challenge and waited for the outcome. The recipes in the book seem to be worth trying and I shall try them soon.
I loved the book and am waiting to read more books from the author as well as from the series.
Why the book is named such, read it and find out....
The characters are nice and real and flawed. The author has handled Stacey’s hangups very nicely. The feelings of both the characters have been described beautifully and the understanding between them has been depicted well.
The language is simple and the story is fast paced, I really enjoyed the baking challenge and waited for the outcome. The recipes in the book seem to be worth trying and I shall try them soon.
I loved the book and am waiting to read more books from the author as well as from the series.
Why the book is named such, read it and find out....
March 26, 2017
I really liked the story line in this book. Tyler, a gym owner is entered into the he Bachelor Bakeoff by his employees and friends. Only problem is, he can't cook, let alone bake. He still can't live down burning grilled cheese in the gym kitchen and the guys in the firehouse across the street hearing the smoke detector. So when his first attempt at baking ended the same way, it brought his new neighbor, a special needs teacher, Stacey to his door. When she sees his kitchen, she that's a deep breath to overcome her shyness and offers to help him.
This is a really nice story, but I was distracted by much of the terminology and word choices until I realized that the Author is British, then it made sense.
This is a really nice story, but I was distracted by much of the terminology and word choices until I realized that the Author is British, then it made sense.
April 1, 2020
Book 2 of the Bachelor Bake - off was definitely entertaining. The story revolves around two people that in one part of life are confident and proud. In another, they are insecure and constantly doubting their abilities. How true is that to real life! The hiccups along the way for the couple discovering themselves are not too bad and the main "drama" really doesn't cause too much of a blip. It's a sweet book with lots of great side characters that I imagine will get their own books. I am definitely going to look for those in the future!
February 16, 2017
I really loved the getting together of Tyler and Stacey. Tyler is this dream guy who just gets her and doesn't make her feel less or insecure. In fact, he's got the perfect solution for her to gain some confidence. Stacey, on the other hand, has had to fight with her insecurities all her life AND overcome them. But then she must coach Tyler for the Bachelor Bake Off and she can't be shy if she wants to help him win. So when Tyler shows interest it's not easy for her to trust what she's feeling or the vibes he's sending her way. But the happy ending is definitely worth the ups and downs.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the Publisher via NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the Publisher via NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews