Sweet Haven

by J.P. Sayle

A grumpy chef, a clutz, an ad for an assistant and a sister who has no boundaries, are these the perfect ingredients for love?

Confectionary chef Garrett Weston returns to his hometown to lick his wounds after his marriage fails. His sister encourages him to open a confectionery shop, then throws a spanner in the works, leaving him in need of a new assistant.

Leeson Cole moves to Sweet Haven to escape past mistakes. He’s been saving every cent to fulfil a lifelong ambition of working in the confectionery business. The job at Sweet Haven’s confectionary shop seems like a dream come true. All Leeson needs to do is his hope his clutzy behavior doesn’t ruin things for him before he has a chance to prove he’s got what it takes. Easy.

Sweet Haven is a steamy standalone, MM gay romance, opposites attract, with a grumpy bear and a not so delicate flower who can create chaos out of anything, that get their HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, Workplace

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2021

About the author

Where does one start with about what I do?
I’m a writer, but I’m sure you guessed that by now if you’re reading this, hey? What you might not know is I’m a little quirky, live in my pj’s most of the time and have cake Saturdays with my sisters every week. I dedicate a little of my time to taking care of my grandbabies and on the dedicated writing days I like to write an eclectic mix of romance, suspense and paranormal fantasy. In the main I’ve written gay romance but I’m branching out under another the pen name in the future, so watch this space.
I’ve a passion for books like you would not believe and it led me down this path and now I’ve over 29 books released and heading towards releasing a whole lot more. The way my head is I never know where I’ll be headed next. I hope you’ll find a little joy in my words and follow me to see where the journey takes me and you.
If you’re interested at some point in 2021 I’ll be writing under the name JP Paton which will be F/M crime and Fantasy two of my favourite things. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled 


French
Par où commencer par ce que je fais?
Je suis écrivain, mais je suis sûr que vous l’avez deviné maintenant si vous lisez ceci, hein? Ce que vous ne savez peut-être pas, c'est que je suis un peu excentrique, que je vis dans mon pyjama la plupart du temps et que je prends un gâteau le samedi avec mes sœurs chaque semaine. Je consacre un peu de mon temps à m'occuper de mes petits-enfants et lors des journées consacrées à l'écriture, j'aime écrire un mélange éclectique de romance, de suspense et de fantaisie paranormale. Dans l’ensemble, j’ai écrit une romance gay, mais je vais dans le futur sous un autre nom de plume, alors surveillez cet espace.
J'ai une passion pour les livres comme vous ne le croiriez pas et cela m'a conduit dans cette voie et maintenant j'ai plus de 29 livres publiés et je me dirige vers la sortie de beaucoup plus. La façon dont ma tête est, je ne sais jamais où je vais me diriger ensuite. J'espère que vous trouverez un peu de joie dans mes paroles et que vous me suivrez pour voir où le voyage vous mène, moi et vous.
Si vous êtes intéressé à un moment donné en 2021, je vais écrire sous le nom de JP Paton qui sera le crime F / M et Fantasy deux de mes choses préférées. Assurez-vous de garder les yeux ouverts 


Spanish
¿Por dónde empezar con lo que hago?
Soy escritor, pero estoy seguro de que ya lo habrá adivinado si está leyendo esto, ¿eh? Lo que quizás no sepas es que soy un poco estrafalario, vivo en mi pijama la mayor parte del tiempo y tengo pastel los sábados con mis hermanas todas las semanas. Dedico un poco de mi tiempo a cuidar de mis nietos y en los días dedicados a la escritura, me gusta escribir una mezcla ecléctica de romance, suspenso y fantasía paranormal. En general, escribí romance gay, pero en el futuro me voy a diversificar con otro seudónimo, así que mira este espacio.
Tengo una pasión por los libros que no creerías y eso me llevó por este camino y ahora tengo más de 29 libros publicados y me dirijo a lanzar muchos más. Por la forma en que está mi cabeza, nunca sé a dónde me dirigiré a continuación. Espero que encuentres un poco de alegría en mis palabras y me sigas para ver adónde nos lleva el viaje a ti y a mí.
Si está interesado en algún momento en 2021, escribiré bajo el nombre de JP Paton, que será F / M Crime y Fantasy, dos de mis cosas favoritas. Asegúrate de mantener los ojos bien abiertos 

Reviews

[Janet (iamltr) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet as Candy...

Ok look, there is a fine line between being grumpy and bring mean. This story rode that fine line and was uncomfortable in some places, but by the end it got better.

Anyways, in here we have Garrett, a soon to be divorced older gentleman, who has opened a candy store in his hometown. His ex husband stole his company from him and he is a bit bitter.

Lee is a young fella on the run from his abusive ex and has dreams of being a candy maker.

Its a dream coupling.

Things happen, they figure out their feelings, and I'm left wanting a story about Ollie.

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t care for the first book I read by J. P. Sayle and thought she wasn’t an author I cared for. Fortunately for me I tried some of her other books and loved everyone of them.

I was in the mood to read a story about a grumpy older guy who finds love and I discovered this with a Google search. It was great. J. P.’s writing style just flows.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN WORKING IN CHOCOLATE

SWEET HAVEN is described as a sweet shop. It becomes so much more to Garrett the award winning sweet magician. He has been rode hard and put away wet by his ex. Coming home was his bolthole. Leeson has been dreaming of working with someone of Garrett's caliber all his life. Hiding from an abusive ex has become his way of life. He is ready to risk it all to live his sweet dream. This was a beautiful, powerful book about not giving in to fear. Anxiety, self doubt, low self esteem only holds you back from being true to yourself. If you don't move forward you are letting others rob you of reaching your potential. Dreaming big. Never knowing what you can accomplish. I loved this book. I loved the others characters Jen, Ollie, Nese and Vic. I smell sweets still lingering in the air. JP SAYLE made this a book filled with big personalities and bigger dreams. I hope there is more to come. FANTASTIC STORY!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice and sweet story. Lee and Garrett were both hurt by their exes but find everything they could want together, even if it takes a bit for them to realize it. I thought Lee was adorable and his clumsiness just intensified that, I was proud of him when he took the chance to help the man currently dating his ex. I was glad that Garrett was able to start over in Sweet Haven but still pursue his dream and help Lee pursue his.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET HAVEN is sure to give you cavities, it is so sweet. But, do you know what? I wouldn't change a word. I was completely engrossed with Mr Grumpy Bear and his sweet klutz with a core of steel.

Both Garrett and Lee have been hurt in the past but that doesn't stop them. They have a hot and steamy romance that I loved! They deal with the hassle and troubles that head their way, while still helping others. I loved how Garrett gave Leeson the confidence and kitchen to perfect his own craft. Their antics in the 'professional kitchen' made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.

They are ably supported by a great cast of characters that I can't wait to hear more from. We have to return to Sweet Haven, we simply have to!

If you are after a light-hearted, steaming-hot romance, then this is definitely the one for you, and I really can't recommend it enough!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 1, 2021

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

How adorable is Sweet Haven by JP Sayle? Let’s just say, I think I have five new cavities after reading it. But at least one of those cavities has an exposed nerve. For all the sugary goodness, there are atrocities in the past that range from dirty and slimy scum, to violence and brutality that is appalling… but through it all, love wins!

Famous confectioner Garrett Weston (Grumpy Bear) was swindled out of his business by none other than his smarmy excuse for a husband. Returning home to Sweet Haven, Garrett starts again – opening Sweet Haven, a confectionary store, at the urging of his sister. It’s taken a bit for the exotic candies and chocolates to take off, but business is finally heading in the right direction.

Leeson Cole (Lee) relocates to Sweet Haven with his best friend, Ollie to put his past behind him. Lee and Ollie have got to be the klutziest pair of friends on the planet. When an assistant’s position opens at Sweet Haven, run by Lee’s confectionary idol, he applies for the post. Maybe he can soak up some of the perfection that is Garrett Weston and enhance his self-taught confectionary skills.

Garrett’s sister, Jen, conducts the search and interviews for the person to replace the position she is vacating. Lee is the perfect candidate for the position. However, Jen sees more than just an assistant when she brings Lee into Garrett’s store; the sneaky little minx. She wants her brother to be happy and knows that behind the grumpy bear with all of its growling, there is a huge heart waiting for the right man.

From the start, the Sweet Haven store is filled with growls and mishaps. There is hardly a day that goes by without Lee, klutz extraordinaire, creating havoc and sparking Garrett to snarl and sputter at the young man. Yet, hidden beneath the surface, both Lee and Garrett wage an internal battle to fend off their growing attraction. Both men have been scarred by past relationships and are weary of opening themselves up again.

Sweet Haven, despite the men’s collective histories, is a low angst, feel good, age gap coupling that overcomes past hurts to find love and happiness. Both men exhibit tremendous strength, and with the support of their family and friends, triumph over adversity. Envisioning them letting go of the past and seizing their future is one of the best parts about Sweet Haven. But the antics, growling, and adventures in a “professional kitchen” absolutely take control with hilarious calamities, compromising moments, and sheer joy.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

And what a DELICIOUS book it was! I swear I put on ten pounds reading this!

Garrett is a grump and Lee is a clutz. Together they make beautiful chocolate desserts. But the past has a way of catching up with them, and they have to overcome that to be really happy.

Sometimes, my dear book people, your mind reads a blurb and makes a story and then you read the book, and BOOM! this is so NOT where your mind went. And you don't care! Cos what you DO read, where the book DOES go, is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than where your stoopid mind went!

And Ms Sayle has a particular knack of messing with MY brain! She does it all the bloody time, and I love it!

I mean, I have no idea where my mind went when I read the blurb, but all I know is, it was nowhere near as sweet and as sexy and as too-stinking-cute as this is!

I just wanna rant about how sweet and sexy this, but ranting does nota good review make. So lemme try, 'K?? And I apologise if all I do is rant :-)

Garrett is spilt from his ex husband, who by all accounts only used Garrett to get where he wanted to go. Lee is hiding from HIS ex, who by every account here, is a violent man and to be avoided at all costs. Garrett thinks no one will want him, and Lee wants Garrett. Garrett, bless his heart, tries HARD to deny himself the tasty morsel now prancing around his kitchen, but it's a matter of when, not if.

Supported by a huge cast of possible follow up stories: Ollie, Vic, Nese, and everyone else I can't remember, you fall in love with this little town, the people in it and the desserts that are made in these 150 odd pages, and your teeth rot and jeans don't fit anymore, and you really don't care!

Ok, I've written and deleted about 10 versions of this review, and this is the one you're gonna get.

READ
THE
DAMN
BOOK

5 sweet and sexy stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

[William Kibler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A (too) Sweet Confection

If you can get past the absurdity of a world-renowned chocolatier (who owned a single storefront in Los Angeles, yet made millions of dollars a year and owned a huge mansion in Beverly Hills) licking his wounds after a bad breakup with a scheming partner, and then moving back to his small, childhood hometown to open a new confectionary shop, then you might find this story entertaining. I found it difficult to believe, in addition to being filled with trite dialog and predictable scenarios. The story is set in America but many of the colloquialisms are foreign, which throws the reader off balance while reading. Why not set the story in the author's native country? Overall, the story was sweet (pun intended) but underwhelming.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story - perfect for a lazy afternoon

This was just so sweet. Garrett has learned to be a caricature of a chef, and seems to have forgotten how to be himself, but Lee, and Garrett’s sister, Jen, help so much. I felt for Garrett right from the start, although the book is written, for the reader to fall for Lee, but I found Lee harder to warm up to, although by the end, I thought he was wonderful. A good plot, with fun characters, though in hope that Lee’s friends Ollie and Vic may at some point find a happy ending each.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Haven was a nice and nauseatingly sweet read about a grumpy confectioner and a sweet and clumsy assistant. There's an age gap, enough treats and lovey moments to overload your brain, and funny side characters. Some on page past abuse is mentioned but fear not, the evil ex got his just desserts. If some on page description of physical abuse is a trigger (not a lot but just as a general overview of an MC's past), then you should avoid this book. I also love versatile MCs so this book was a treat to read :) I hope the author will expand this book into a series because Ollie deserves a HEA too.

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and grump perfect combination

Garret is a grumpy bear of a confectionary chef and Lee is a sweet klutz who can do incredible things with confectionary but not yet fulfilled his potential. Both move to Sweet Haven to get over past mistakes, a cheating ex husband and an abusive ex boyfriend. Both learn to love and trust again as well as create outstanding confectionary together.

[TL Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugary sweet!

Loved the grumpy bear and his little sprite. He just needed the right ingredient to show he’s not so grumpy after all.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett is starting over with his chocolate shop and is also a bit of a surly grump.
When Leeson comes into his employ, the man is the total opposite of him.
Though Lee is a man who also knows how to subtly let Garrett not push too far.
When attraction starts to bloom between them, it is a typical case of opposites attract.

This was lovely, low angst, age gap read about two characters who had their own past issues to overcome in order to find happiness again.
The story will keep you entertained with its bouts of humorous klutzy scenes, engaging dialogue and well developed characters. I loved seeing Lee come into his own and Garrett find his person that was meant for him. A fantastic, recommended read.

[bridgetann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Bear Needs a Little Sunshine!

This is what the ad for the assistant job should have started out with! Then maybe Leeson would have known what he was getting into. I loved this story. It was cute and adorable!! Garrett really is grumpy in the kitchen but when Leeson comes to work for him, he gets even more grumpy!!! Leeson is excellent in the kitchen but he's also accident prone. It doesn't take too long before Garrett realizes that it's just what he needs in his life. There's low angst, very minor. It's a sweet story about two men who love to bake and during the process fall in love with each other!!!

[mrs k langstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious

Lee is so adorable and able to tame with bear with his sweet treats. A great tale of heartache to love for both of these boys is a pleasure to read, plus extra characters to root for a hope for future stories

[Denise Westra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. There is an age Gap in this story. And a sister that likes to get nosey and pushy and her brothers relationship. And of course it works. Lesson and Garrett each have feelings for each other keep it to themselves. There is a little conflict in this what makes makes it all the better. For when they have their happily ever after

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet! Garrett and Leeson's story is so much fun to read. I love reading this opposites attract age gap. Garrett is such a grump and then you have Leeson who is just so adorable. Even with these two being opposites of each other they are so attracted to each other. Such a sweet and fun read that I love!

[Coline Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read, it was a sweet fluffy afternoon treat. Garrett is a grumpy grouch after being taken advantage of and dumped by his ex he and is definitely not looking for a new romance. After returning home he opens another choclate shop and with the help of his younger sister things are looking up and Garrett is finially moving on with his life, so it's time for her to move on. She hires Leeson the klutz extraordinaire to take her place and not only is he interested in learning more about making cholates but in Garrett himself, thus begins the romance of the Mr. Grumpy boss and his klutzy assistant from one hilariously sweet mishap to the next.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fantastic read! Garrett and Lee's story is so entertaining and fun to read. My 2nd book by this author and it left me hooked and craving for more of her books.

[Stephanie Bonsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett has returned to his hometown to open a sweet/chocolate shop after his ex husband took him for everything he'd worked so hard for. The betrayal has left him exceedingly grumpy and unable to easily trust anyone apart from his sister, who he shares his business with. However, his sister Jen has been offered a job elsewhere and wants to move on with her life, leaving Garrett needing an assistant to help with running the shop. She takes charge of the interviews and thinks Leeson will be perfect match, both for the shop and for her brother. Garrett may not agree though...

Leeson (Lee) is extremely clumsy but has been saving up to go to confectionery school so he can learn to be as famous as the man he looks up too in the business, Garrett Weston. He is in Sweet Haven to escape his violent ex boyfriend and shares a flat with his friend Ollie. He can't believe his luck when he sees an advert for an assistant at Garrett's shop and lands the job. Things don't get off to a great start however, as Garrett refuses to acknowledge that he needs an assistant, there is an accident and he gets even more of a grump! However, when Lee brings him in some of the chocolates he has made to say sorry for the previous days actions, he realises that Lee may be an asset even though he wont admit it. Various calamities follow of course and the attraction between the men grows. One night out has unexpected consequences, but it all ends deliciously well.

I loved this book as it was a wonderfully written, happy book. The main characters were easy to love, even grumpy Garrett, as were the side characters of Ollie, Vic, Nese and Jen. The banter between Jen and Garrett made me laugh as she played matchmaker for her brother. If you want a funny, hot in places, happy read, then this is the book for you. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and cute. Definitely sunshine/grumpy vibes. Garrett was a big growly teddy bear, and Leeson (Lee) was a clumsy ray of happiness most of the time. They could both stand their ground and arguing sometimes was foreplay for them.

The town of Sweet Haven seemed like a good place to live, but I kind of wished we’d saw more of the residents. Most of the time we just saw them in passing like Lee waving at one of them. I also wished we could have seen what was going on with Ollie towards the end of the book. Lee said he’d check on him, but then we never saw anything about their conversation. I liked Ollie a lot as a side character, and would have preferred seeing a bit more of him.

Overall this was a good read. I think Garrett and Lee are a great fit, and the epilogue showed that given the expansion. I would like to read more of this town and it’s inhabitants. There were some typos and weird formatting. Like one entire chapter had a huge size font and randomly a sentence or two would be larger than the rest of the paragraph. 4 out of 5 stars.

[kattykatkat]

Not my jam. I'm all about grumpy/sunshine but the grumpy in this one went too far into toxic. Yelling at Sunshine, making his work life miserable. Usually in reaction to some perceived threat to his ego. Classic withholding of praise to maintain a sense of power... it goes on with a full "you need therapy" checklist. I drew the line at screaming at the Sunshine character (who was a domestic abuse survivor) so badly that Sunshine's friend who knows his history asks if he'll be okay... and then 2 minutes later they're doing it. If I wanted toxic, insecure men who lash out instead of dealing with their emotions and are poster boys for the need for therapy, I'd read MF romance.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett's sister Jen was a matchmaker of sorts with the way she picked through the applications for the assistant job and her replacement. She pushed the two together just enough, but their real chemistry sparked and took over. After all Garrett went through, he had a reason to be grumpy. Lee's backstory had me crying and melting at the same time. Garrett made a good protector. Lee was a nurturer too with Ollie and Vic. Lee just had a good soul,and shared it with others. It was gratifying seeing both men change for the better and become who they were meant to be and have fulfilling lives and big hearts.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, easy, sweet read! Just the right kind of story when I don't want a lot in the way of drama.

QUICK THOUGHTS

-- quick, easy read -- age difference (12 years) -- opposites attract -- a grumpy Confectionery Chef/a klutzy Confectionery Chef pairing -- recently divorced -- an abusive ex -- minor kink (spanking) -- very little drama -- light on angst -- some really sweet moments -- made me chuckle -- loved the MCS... Garrett & Lee -- a fun read

[Kelli D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

Cute read. I always loved the grumpy/sunshine troupe and this one didn't disappoint. The only downside was I found it hard to believe Lee would be attracted to a grumpy big guy who yelled based off his abusive relationship in the past. I felt like it would take him awhile to get past it and trust Garrett wouldn't hurt him.

[Himom90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

Loved this sweet story (pun intended). Garrett is a grumpy bear with a heart of gold and Leeson is his perfect match. If you like low angst, laugh out loud, MM romances, then this is the book for you!

[Virginie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story.
I love those two. They are adorable. I love the grumpy Garrett and the bubbly Leeson. Their relationship is romantic and full of passion. I couldn't put it down.
I think Vic need his story written! 😁

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me

This was the first book I've read by this new to me author and it definitely won't be my last. I enjoyed everything about it. The writing style, the character and relationship development, and the nice bit of heat.

[Ken Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A confectionery pairing

Two men, broken by evil former partners, find joy in producing candy in Sweet Haven. With pasts that get resolved as Sayle's narrative fills their characters in, the joy and humor drive this romance toward a HEA.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok read but just not my thing I guess, no disrespect to the author, it just didn't grab me.