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Lighthouse Bay #3
Sweet to the Core
Dev has pined for his cousin's best friend for years, but no matter how hard he wishes, Clark sees him as nothing but a friend. And it's as a friend that Clark comes to him for help.
Clark’s father is on the brink of losing his house and the fastest way to make a quick buck is to win the $10,000 prize in the inaugural Sweet to the Core apple baking contest. Only problem? He's never baked anything that hasn’t come out of a box.
But Dev has. As a baker, he’s Clark’s best chance.
For the first time, Dev has something Clark wants. Only problem? Dev needs the prize for himself. The only thing he wants—besides Clark—is to buy the local lighthouse where he last spent time with his parents before they died.
Working together means opening a lot more than a barrel of apples, though. They may have found the recipe to love.
But will Dev have to give up the only connection he has left to his parents in order to have it? Or will Clark let his father down? They can't both have everything.
Or can they?
Clark’s father is on the brink of losing his house and the fastest way to make a quick buck is to win the $10,000 prize in the inaugural Sweet to the Core apple baking contest. Only problem? He's never baked anything that hasn’t come out of a box.
But Dev has. As a baker, he’s Clark’s best chance.
For the first time, Dev has something Clark wants. Only problem? Dev needs the prize for himself. The only thing he wants—besides Clark—is to buy the local lighthouse where he last spent time with his parents before they died.
Working together means opening a lot more than a barrel of apples, though. They may have found the recipe to love.
But will Dev have to give up the only connection he has left to his parents in order to have it? Or will Clark let his father down? They can't both have everything.
Or can they?
238 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2022
18 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Amy Aislin
38 books915 followersAmy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter here: http://bit.ly/AmyAislinNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 9, 2024
This is the type of book that goes so well with a blanket and a cup of something hot. I loved the small town setting and all the fall vibes. The story is really beautiful and there is certainly more to it than 'just' romance and a baking contest.
The relationship between Dev and Clark is really sweet and it develops in a very natural way. I'm only surprised it took them so long to get to this point. But they are great together. No drama here, thankfully.
I loved all the side characters, too. I haven't read the previous two books, but I had no problems following this story and I think we get enough information about the other couples.
I have to say that I'm very interested in Mal's character and I'd like to read the next book set in this world. I have my eye on one person I'd like to see him with. Hope I'm right. 🤗
Now I'm off to bake something with apples. 😅
*****
Re-read 11/2023: I love how heartwarming and autumnal this feels.
Re-read 11/2024:
The relationship between Dev and Clark is really sweet and it develops in a very natural way. I'm only surprised it took them so long to get to this point. But they are great together. No drama here, thankfully.
I loved all the side characters, too. I haven't read the previous two books, but I had no problems following this story and I think we get enough information about the other couples.
I have to say that I'm very interested in Mal's character and I'd like to read the next book set in this world. I have my eye on one person I'd like to see him with. Hope I'm right. 🤗
Now I'm off to bake something with apples. 😅
*****
Re-read 11/2023: I love how heartwarming and autumnal this feels.
Re-read 11/2024:
November 14, 2024
This book lived from its sense of place. It gave me major ‘Stars-Hollow-in-autumn’ vibes and I was here for all the small town charm and lovely people.
But while I loved Clark’s character and the open communication, no games, no pretences aspect of their relationship, I couldn’t really connect with Dev. I can’t even pinpoint why exactly, but for me there was just something missing, to really care about him, you know?
Another little micro trope pet peeve of mine: doing something (say like, leaning in to kiss someone you’ve wanted to kiss for years) or talking about something important, getting interrupted and then dropping everything. You DO know you can continue a conversation after you get a text, or hear a sound, right?
I also thought it was very unrealistic that Dev’s uncle ‘forgot’ he had the only things Dev had left of his parents boxed up in the attic and conveniently found it at the exact right time to hurry the plot along.
Let me tell you: as someone who’s lost a parent and all grandparents quite young, you don’t ‘forget’ stuff like that 🙄
But these are just small-ish niggles. All in all it was really sweet and gave me some tummy flutters and now I want apple fritters and a visit to Lighthouse Bay, thank you very much.
3⭐️
But while I loved Clark’s character and the open communication, no games, no pretences aspect of their relationship, I couldn’t really connect with Dev. I can’t even pinpoint why exactly, but for me there was just something missing, to really care about him, you know?
Another little micro trope pet peeve of mine: doing something (say like, leaning in to kiss someone you’ve wanted to kiss for years) or talking about something important, getting interrupted and then dropping everything. You DO know you can continue a conversation after you get a text, or hear a sound, right?
I also thought it was very unrealistic that Dev’s uncle ‘forgot’ he had the only things Dev had left of his parents boxed up in the attic and conveniently found it at the exact right time to hurry the plot along.
Let me tell you: as someone who’s lost a parent and all grandparents quite young, you don’t ‘forget’ stuff like that 🙄
But these are just small-ish niggles. All in all it was really sweet and gave me some tummy flutters and now I want apple fritters and a visit to Lighthouse Bay, thank you very much.
3⭐️
October 25, 2022
I enjoyed this but didn't love it so 3.5 rounded up. It was a nice quick, fluffy read. It's friends to lovers but I don't think that aspect was well done. Yes they are well suited for each other, had chemistry and really supported each other in meaningful ways. But, when the story starts they both already basically love each other without having admitted it. We don't really know why or how their relationship was prior to the book. Where they best friend? Not really. Did they see each other often? Don't know that either. But they are both pining from the start. Now, the other question that wasn't really answered in a satisfactory way was: why now? Why are they suddenly starting to flirt with each other when they've known each other for 30 years? And it took them a long time to simply discuss their feelings and move beyond unfounded assumptions. Also they are both in their 40s and that was strange. They both have jobs and are mature but one is hung up about something that happened when he was 5 (yes it was tragic it felt a bit much) and the other to something that happened when he was 19. It felt like those traumas had happened last year and not 20+ years ago if that makes sense. I would still recommend this one if you're looking for a nice, angst-free story.
May 22, 2022
Book gods know that I don't easily find a 5-stars read... so everything that falls into that category is a special one. Like this one. Sweet to the Core, the final installment of Amy Aislin's Lighthouse Bay trilogy (though not the last book set in this fictional town, per the author's note) delivers EVERYTHING I love...
* Best friends to lovers ✔️
* Slow burn romance (they don't kiss until almost halfway!) ✔️
* Mature relationship (Dev is 36 while Clark is 41) ✔️
* Sweet caring moments (like Clark buying Dev food and flowers or knowing all the freckles in Dev's face) ✔️
AND MOST OF ALL... despite their own personal baggage -- Dev's parents died when he was only five years old, so he had this melancholy feel to him all the time, including wanting to buy a cottage where he felt closer to his parents, while Clark's mother left him when he was in his teenagers and near the same time his boyfriend broke up with him... so Clark had been avoiding commitment --
... when they were FINALLY together... Dev and Clark were SOLID! 💖
Yes, Clark worried that he couldn't be a good boyfriend. Dev wasn't sure that Clark was ready for commitment... but they worked it out. So there wasn't any necessary third-act break up, or annoying push-pull between them. I LOVE EVERYTHING about Dev and Clark's relationship, with all their uncertainties.
Their characteristics also BRIGHTLY shine... Dev with a little too much perfection (he was a workaholic and had been pending to adding a second baker in his bakery) while Clark at times act like he was younger than his age (which made Dev rolled his eyes, a LOT)... but they FIT WELL LIKE COMFORT GLOVES.
I may not really sure about the supernatural aspect (Dev could see ghosts, at times) ... but that part still played nicely into the storyline. It managed to make me a bit teary eyed too.
Yes, yes, LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!
* Best friends to lovers ✔️
* Slow burn romance (they don't kiss until almost halfway!) ✔️
* Mature relationship (Dev is 36 while Clark is 41) ✔️
* Sweet caring moments (like Clark buying Dev food and flowers or knowing all the freckles in Dev's face) ✔️
AND MOST OF ALL... despite their own personal baggage -- Dev's parents died when he was only five years old, so he had this melancholy feel to him all the time, including wanting to buy a cottage where he felt closer to his parents, while Clark's mother left him when he was in his teenagers and near the same time his boyfriend broke up with him... so Clark had been avoiding commitment --
... when they were FINALLY together... Dev and Clark were SOLID! 💖
Yes, Clark worried that he couldn't be a good boyfriend. Dev wasn't sure that Clark was ready for commitment... but they worked it out. So there wasn't any necessary third-act break up, or annoying push-pull between them. I LOVE EVERYTHING about Dev and Clark's relationship, with all their uncertainties.
Their characteristics also BRIGHTLY shine... Dev with a little too much perfection (he was a workaholic and had been pending to adding a second baker in his bakery) while Clark at times act like he was younger than his age (which made Dev rolled his eyes, a LOT)... but they FIT WELL LIKE COMFORT GLOVES.
I may not really sure about the supernatural aspect (Dev could see ghosts, at times) ... but that part still played nicely into the storyline. It managed to make me a bit teary eyed too.
Yes, yes, LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!
May 26, 2022
Best book of the series!!!
I adored the first two books in this series, so I had high expectations for this book! Happy to say that Ms. Aislin blew me away! The setting she created and has continued to flesh out in each book is truly magical. Loved these two guys it was such a pleasure getting to know them so well. Magic happens when an author truly immerses the reader to the point where it feels like they are living the story not just reading it!
I adored the first two books in this series, so I had high expectations for this book! Happy to say that Ms. Aislin blew me away! The setting she created and has continued to flesh out in each book is truly magical. Loved these two guys it was such a pleasure getting to know them so well. Magic happens when an author truly immerses the reader to the point where it feels like they are living the story not just reading it!
May 22, 2022
The sweetness is killing me.
The title reflects the aspects of the book, the couple is sweet and low angst. Perfect light reading without many surprises
The title reflects the aspects of the book, the couple is sweet and low angst. Perfect light reading without many surprises
Want to read
November 20, 2025Thank you for the gift, Snow Jingles!
May 30, 2022
RTC but this book was just so sweet. It had me grinning for most of the book due to how sweet it was. Which made for a wonderful reading experience.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
December 15, 2022
4 stars.
Sweet story with adults who act like adults and talk to each other like adults would, without an obnoxious miscommunication - trope.
Really enjoyed reading this.
Sweet story with adults who act like adults and talk to each other like adults would, without an obnoxious miscommunication - trope.
Really enjoyed reading this.
May 11, 2022
Perfect for those afternoons of light and quiet reading. If ever there was a book that lived up to its name, it would be this one.
Sweet to the Core is where we follow Dev and Clark on that ever-relatable journey of self-discovery and acceptance, supporting each other as they learn to find their most authentic selves.
I liked the idea of the baking contest and it was wonderful to see these two connect and fall in love through it.
One of my favorite scenes was when Clark practically chased away that guy, Henry, when he was trying to chat to Dev... 🙈
Sweet to the Core is where we follow Dev and Clark on that ever-relatable journey of self-discovery and acceptance, supporting each other as they learn to find their most authentic selves.
I liked the idea of the baking contest and it was wonderful to see these two connect and fall in love through it.
One of my favorite scenes was when Clark practically chased away that guy, Henry, when he was trying to chat to Dev... 🙈
October 3, 2022
Cute and so cozy!! Seemed allllllmost like a cozy Halloween story even though it wasn’t. This didn’t show on my kindle as the third in a series, but I enjoyed it enough that I will be going back to read the other two :)
As with all books by this author, I could’ve done with another sex scene or two.
As with all books by this author, I could’ve done with another sex scene or two.
January 24, 2023
Cute and enjoyable, low stakes romance. Nothing life changing, but a good read if you’re looking for something light and cozy ❤️
May 6, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Sweet to the Core is the third standalone in the Lighthouse Bay series by Amy Aislin. A small town friends to lovers romance with fall vibes.If you've read the previous books in the series you'll see lots of friendly faces, but this stands strong on its own and it'll probably make you want to go back and read the prior books.
Clark’s husky laughter tickled his belly, wormed its way between the cracks of his heart . . . And stayed there.
Dev has been crushing on his cousins best friend Clark since he was young but they've never been more than friends. When Dev and Clark both find themselves in need of funds Clark suggests they team up to enter an apple baking competition. Dev the baking genius of course would handle the baking while Clark would handle the media side of the competition. Now spending way more time together than they ever have in the past they notice that maybe they're feelings for each other aren't one-sided. Once they take a risk with their relationship whether they win or lose the competition they are already winners.
The depth of emotion that lifted his soul and made him envision more backyard bonfires, more homemade gnocchi, more apple picking . . . more of everything, together .
Every book in the Lighthouse Bay series is just the equivalent of a warm hug and Sweet to the Core fits right in . Dev and Clark's romance has just the right amount of build up and anticipation leading to their first kiss. Their friendship is lighthearted and when they become a couple they have the perfect amount of steam and playfulness. I appreciated that there wasn't any over the top drama, it was simply a delightful read about friends becoming more.
Their kisses were lazy—languorous sweeps of tongue, nibbling lips, gently gasping breaths. Clark wanted to inhale him, fuse them together forever.
Sweet to the Core by Amy Aislin is a friends to lovers small town romance with cute nicknames, mouth watering pastries, kitchen kisses, healing, friendship, and an unexpected ghost or two.
P.s. I'm very excited that the next book in the series is going to be Mal's !!!
Sweet to the Core is the third standalone in the Lighthouse Bay series by Amy Aislin. A small town friends to lovers romance with fall vibes.If you've read the previous books in the series you'll see lots of friendly faces, but this stands strong on its own and it'll probably make you want to go back and read the prior books.
Clark’s husky laughter tickled his belly, wormed its way between the cracks of his heart . . . And stayed there.
Dev has been crushing on his cousins best friend Clark since he was young but they've never been more than friends. When Dev and Clark both find themselves in need of funds Clark suggests they team up to enter an apple baking competition. Dev the baking genius of course would handle the baking while Clark would handle the media side of the competition. Now spending way more time together than they ever have in the past they notice that maybe they're feelings for each other aren't one-sided. Once they take a risk with their relationship whether they win or lose the competition they are already winners.
The depth of emotion that lifted his soul and made him envision more backyard bonfires, more homemade gnocchi, more apple picking . . . more of everything, together .
Every book in the Lighthouse Bay series is just the equivalent of a warm hug and Sweet to the Core fits right in . Dev and Clark's romance has just the right amount of build up and anticipation leading to their first kiss. Their friendship is lighthearted and when they become a couple they have the perfect amount of steam and playfulness. I appreciated that there wasn't any over the top drama, it was simply a delightful read about friends becoming more.
Their kisses were lazy—languorous sweeps of tongue, nibbling lips, gently gasping breaths. Clark wanted to inhale him, fuse them together forever.
Sweet to the Core by Amy Aislin is a friends to lovers small town romance with cute nicknames, mouth watering pastries, kitchen kisses, healing, friendship, and an unexpected ghost or two.
P.s. I'm very excited that the next book in the series is going to be Mal's !!!
May 17, 2022
4.5*
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face! I enjoyed Dev and Clark's story so much. The title is perfectly fitting, for both the book and the baking contest that takes place in the story.
Dev really tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted all the good things to happen for him! I liked the small paranormal aspect of the story, how he was able to see ghosts. It made me a little sad that he wasn't able to see his parents, but I knew they were there with him. And while I may have figured out what was to come, that didn't stop the tears from falling!
The romance between Dev and Clark was sweet, once they both finally admitted to their feelings. I adored Clark's nicknames for Dev- they were so cute!
I'm sad to say good-bye to Lighthouse Bay, this was such a good series!
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face! I enjoyed Dev and Clark's story so much. The title is perfectly fitting, for both the book and the baking contest that takes place in the story.
Dev really tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted all the good things to happen for him! I liked the small paranormal aspect of the story, how he was able to see ghosts. It made me a little sad that he wasn't able to see his parents, but I knew they were there with him. And while I may have figured out what was to come, that didn't stop the tears from falling!
The romance between Dev and Clark was sweet, once they both finally admitted to their feelings. I adored Clark's nicknames for Dev- they were so cute!
I'm sad to say good-bye to Lighthouse Bay, this was such a good series!
May 4, 2022
I love this series, it's cute and sweet. Low angst, full of heart. Dev and Clark have a small age gap, Dev has had a crush since forever but it never went anywhere, until recently. And Clark doesn't do relationships because he doesn't want to get hurt, he has always been attuned to everything Dev related, though. They just needed a tiny push. Or a big storm! There were a few lines that were so sweet and well written that I had to highlight to reread later. And a part about Dev's parents made me shed a tear. It was a good read.
June 14, 2024
Super sweet and absolutely adorable, I love this town and its residents. This maybe the last in this series but apparently not the last of Lighthouse Bay.
● Contemporary
● Holiday/Halloween
● Friends to lovers
● A few ghosts but this is not a paranormal
● Fast easy read
● Super sweet
● No drama
● Minimal on page sex
● Loved the MCs
● Love this town
● Characters from previous books play a role
● Can be read as a standalone but best read as a series
May 12, 2022
I loved this story—an M/M friends-to-lovers romance with a touch of ghostly activity, two delightful middle-aged men, and a whole lot of apple pastries. It’s book three in the series but can stand alone. In fact, I was halfway through before I realized I had read book one, Christmas Lane. No wonder the setting was so familiar! Duh.
Amy Aislin always comes through with sweet, honest, hardworking, and admirable characters, and this story was no exception. Dev, Lighthouse Bay’s baker extraordinaire, has been baking as long as he can remember. His goal is to save enough to purchase the old lighthouse and cottage at the edge of town where he feels closest to his parents, who died when he was five.
Clark Ricci has been friends with Dev for years, but Dev doesn’t interact often with Clark and their other friends socially since he spends any free time doing paperwork or taking on catering projects. The outgoing and gregarious Clark is an environmentalist who is known to be helpful, friendly, and flirtatious. His free time is spent helping his dad, hanging with his friends, or teaching a course at the local college.
Together, they unite in the common goal of winning the inaugural Sweet to the Core apple baking contest at the county fall festival. Clark convinces Dev to let him handle the social media and Dev will handle the baking. The grand prize of $10,000 will go a long way toward a down payment for Dev to purchase the lighthouse property and for Clark to help his dad get out from under a heavy mortgage debt.
Both good guys with a solid friendship, once they start working together, they begin to see each other in a different light. I love that the author took each of their strengths and found a way for them to not only collaborate on a contest but to show each other unconditional caring and concern. In fact, Dev is shocked to learn that Clark is not a devil-may-care playboy. At his core is a kind man who wants only the best for Dev. He also realizes that Clark just might return his previously unexpressed desires and rather than being a one-night-stand, he may actually be the man to whom Dev can entrust his heart.
Amid the drama of a tropical storm and power outage, Dev and Clark help each other by sharing their fears and shaking loose their inhibitions, and they emerge on the other side of the storm stronger—as both individuals and as a couple.
Will they win the apple baking contest? Well one must read to find out. No spoilers here. I can only say this is the sweetest story I’ve read this year with low angst and a host of varied emotions—for both the characters and the readers. I easily devoured it in less than twenty-four hours and absolutely loved it.
This story would make the perfect gift for those are looking for a feel-good, small-town romantic getaway during fall in New England. Highly recommended.
Amy Aislin always comes through with sweet, honest, hardworking, and admirable characters, and this story was no exception. Dev, Lighthouse Bay’s baker extraordinaire, has been baking as long as he can remember. His goal is to save enough to purchase the old lighthouse and cottage at the edge of town where he feels closest to his parents, who died when he was five.
Clark Ricci has been friends with Dev for years, but Dev doesn’t interact often with Clark and their other friends socially since he spends any free time doing paperwork or taking on catering projects. The outgoing and gregarious Clark is an environmentalist who is known to be helpful, friendly, and flirtatious. His free time is spent helping his dad, hanging with his friends, or teaching a course at the local college.
Together, they unite in the common goal of winning the inaugural Sweet to the Core apple baking contest at the county fall festival. Clark convinces Dev to let him handle the social media and Dev will handle the baking. The grand prize of $10,000 will go a long way toward a down payment for Dev to purchase the lighthouse property and for Clark to help his dad get out from under a heavy mortgage debt.
Both good guys with a solid friendship, once they start working together, they begin to see each other in a different light. I love that the author took each of their strengths and found a way for them to not only collaborate on a contest but to show each other unconditional caring and concern. In fact, Dev is shocked to learn that Clark is not a devil-may-care playboy. At his core is a kind man who wants only the best for Dev. He also realizes that Clark just might return his previously unexpressed desires and rather than being a one-night-stand, he may actually be the man to whom Dev can entrust his heart.
Amid the drama of a tropical storm and power outage, Dev and Clark help each other by sharing their fears and shaking loose their inhibitions, and they emerge on the other side of the storm stronger—as both individuals and as a couple.
Will they win the apple baking contest? Well one must read to find out. No spoilers here. I can only say this is the sweetest story I’ve read this year with low angst and a host of varied emotions—for both the characters and the readers. I easily devoured it in less than twenty-four hours and absolutely loved it.
This story would make the perfect gift for those are looking for a feel-good, small-town romantic getaway during fall in New England. Highly recommended.
November 13, 2022
3.5 🍎
Un petit M/M vraiment tout mignon, sur fond de friends-to-lovers, dans une ambiance de petite ville au coeur de l'automne !
Il n'y a rien de foufou dans ce roman, juste l'histoire de deux hommes qui se jettent (enfin !) à l'eau après avoir été amis pendant des années. On peut remercier le concours de pâtisseries et les pépins financiers pour avoir conduit Dev & Clark sur le chemin de l'amour partagé (la vache, ça sonne cucul à mort non ?). On est plutôt sur un rythme de slow burn, les choses évoluent de façon très fluide et naturelle, et une fois le cap franchi, il n'y aura pas de grande discussion, de remise en question ou de drama. Pourtant, les deux hommes ont chacun un bagage pas évident et leurs propres craintes, mais ils avancent ensemble dans la même direction.
La gourmandise est un élément clé du récit, et m'a d'ailleurs donné faim à de nombreuses reprises, j'irais bien faire un tour dans la boulangerie pâtisserie de Dev !
Bon après, c'est un peu plat et sans réels enjeux, mais c'est mignon, avec une toute petite touche de paranormal. C'est le genre de lecture doudou reposante qui permet de souffler et de mettre une touche de douceur sucrée dans nos vies bien remplies et stressantes !
Un petit M/M vraiment tout mignon, sur fond de friends-to-lovers, dans une ambiance de petite ville au coeur de l'automne !
Il n'y a rien de foufou dans ce roman, juste l'histoire de deux hommes qui se jettent (enfin !) à l'eau après avoir été amis pendant des années. On peut remercier le concours de pâtisseries et les pépins financiers pour avoir conduit Dev & Clark sur le chemin de l'amour partagé (la vache, ça sonne cucul à mort non ?). On est plutôt sur un rythme de slow burn, les choses évoluent de façon très fluide et naturelle, et une fois le cap franchi, il n'y aura pas de grande discussion, de remise en question ou de drama. Pourtant, les deux hommes ont chacun un bagage pas évident et leurs propres craintes, mais ils avancent ensemble dans la même direction.
La gourmandise est un élément clé du récit, et m'a d'ailleurs donné faim à de nombreuses reprises, j'irais bien faire un tour dans la boulangerie pâtisserie de Dev !
Bon après, c'est un peu plat et sans réels enjeux, mais c'est mignon, avec une toute petite touche de paranormal. C'est le genre de lecture doudou reposante qui permet de souffler et de mettre une touche de douceur sucrée dans nos vies bien remplies et stressantes !
May 21, 2022
I might be a touch biased when it comes to the residents of Lighthouse Bay .... 🥰
This was Dev's, and believe it or not, Clark's story
Clark, if you read previous books though it was not necessary - is our resident commitaphobic
Dev is overworked but he enjoys, heck, he loves what he does. His best memories growing up were in the kitchen - so when Clark approached him about the baking contest and the prize money he was a touch skeptical but excited.
His half of the prize could be the down payment he needed to acquire the lighthouse.
Sure there was that pesky issue with spending so much time with his unrequited crush.
But hey a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do
This was packed full of laughs, close friends, family
I love the little nicknames Clark has for Dev
The banter between them felt so natural
A little angst *I may have gotten a little teary*
Both of them have past traumas that left them with little quirks that IMO just made them that much more of a perfect fit for each other
This is one of those reads that you try to make last because you don't want to say goodbye but you can't set it down because you're having such a blast
All kinds of smexy feels
Another great addition to the Lighthouse Bay Family
This was Dev's, and believe it or not, Clark's story
Clark, if you read previous books though it was not necessary - is our resident commitaphobic
Dev is overworked but he enjoys, heck, he loves what he does. His best memories growing up were in the kitchen - so when Clark approached him about the baking contest and the prize money he was a touch skeptical but excited.
His half of the prize could be the down payment he needed to acquire the lighthouse.
Sure there was that pesky issue with spending so much time with his unrequited crush.
But hey a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do
This was packed full of laughs, close friends, family
I love the little nicknames Clark has for Dev
The banter between them felt so natural
A little angst *I may have gotten a little teary*
Both of them have past traumas that left them with little quirks that IMO just made them that much more of a perfect fit for each other
This is one of those reads that you try to make last because you don't want to say goodbye but you can't set it down because you're having such a blast
All kinds of smexy feels
Another great addition to the Lighthouse Bay Family
May 25, 2022
This is a sweet, low-angst story. It was easy to read with likable characters. I felt it had a steady pace as far as the storyline goes. The author is good at writing books with a feel good quality to them. I had no idea it was part of a series until I read it. I grabbed the book based on the author and my history of reading their books. After a while, by the way the story reads, you can tell the characters had been introduced before. However, that comes from having a lot of experience in starting a series midway. This can easily be read as a standalone, but it will make you want to read the others!
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
May 17, 2022
Perfect for a warm, cozy afternoon read, Sweet to the Core is exactly what this story is! It is low angst and gorgeously sweet; complete with all the mutual pining and obliviousness I could hope for. A slow burn friends to lovers romance for sure, but one that tugged on my heartstrings with every lingering glance and every sweet touch. It’s quite refreshing to witness the genuine and uncomplicated connection Dev and Clark share, one which results in satisfying relationship maturity and emotional growth. This book (and the whole series) is one to add to my comfort reads for sure!
May 6, 2022
I really loved this story. It was sweet and loved heading back to Lighthouse Bay.
Clark and Dev, maybe they would have not been so sweet 20 years ago - LOL slow burn for sure.
The little glances at the start before they end up together makes this the story that it is :)
Clark and Dev, maybe they would have not been so sweet 20 years ago - LOL slow burn for sure.
The little glances at the start before they end up together makes this the story that it is :)
May 25, 2022
Such a great book with an amazing vibe
Although both Dev and Clark both have problems since their past but they are willing to try to give love a chance
I loved their bunch of friends
One of the best book I've read this year
I received an arc but the words are from the heart
Although both Dev and Clark both have problems since their past but they are willing to try to give love a chance
I loved their bunch of friends
One of the best book I've read this year
I received an arc but the words are from the heart
October 19, 2022
This was sweet! It was fun to read a fall book that wasn’t solely paranormal/spooky. I’m excited to read the other two books in the series now.
June 14, 2022
Such a sweet story. This was a low angst friends to lovers story with two very appealing and endearing characters. Watching their relationship developing while they bake made me smile.
* small town
* Friends to lovers
* low angst
* older MCs
* baking
* a hint of the paranormal
This is book 3 in the series but there is no need to read them in order (or at all actually). The other couples both appear but need no backstory.
A genuine feel good story.
* small town
* Friends to lovers
* low angst
* older MCs
* baking
* a hint of the paranormal
This is book 3 in the series but there is no need to read them in order (or at all actually). The other couples both appear but need no backstory.
A genuine feel good story.
May 19, 2022
Heartwarming, Wonderful Romance
Rating: 4.25🌈
Amy Aislin’s Lighthouse Bay is one of those lovely contemporary romance series that’s continues to resonate with me. It’s the gorgeous setting of Lighthouse Bay, with its small town community, with its variety of people, from it’s Mayor to it’s Main Street of stores ,who’s owners we’ve gotten to know well through the novels.
We’ve loved the town’s heartwarming displays at the Christmas season and watched, as they planned, built, and then marched down Main Street for the parades! Aislin has made us feel a part of these people and their community.
We’re there as they work through their personal issues, cry out and get support and love when facing a health crisis, and when they decide to trust and find true love again.
These are gentle, emotionally adult novels where the people are remarkable in their love for their town, friends and family, and the often slow to romances.
Often a balm to the heart with the gentle love stories, the men here in Sweet to the Core, Dev Stone of Dev’s Bakery, and Clark Ricci, wildlife biologist, with a little ghostly intervention, get their own story and HEA. It’s that favorite friends to lovers trope.
Dev and Clark have been a part of the previous books as everyone is connected through friendship and family relationships. Dev has had an enduring crush on his older cousin’s best friend for decades. Now in his thirties, Dev has no reason to expect their friendship to change anytime soon.
A two person POV, we have a front seat to the resigned state of Dev’s affections for Clark, the dreams he’s letting go of, and the way he’s pushing himself at the Bakery. Dev is a believable young man who’s falling into a pattern he soon won’t know how to get out of.
Clark Ricci, is a man who loves his job, but with his friends settling down, starts to get the uneasy feeling he’s missing something.
It takes his father’s very real, financial issues to launch a change for all of them. With some ghostly assistance that points the way to the Annual Sweet to the Core Apple baking contest.
Aislin’s beautifully layered characters, a community with its shops in all stages of financial growth, and a group of citizens that have come to feel like family, full of believable life situations, relationships that require communication and emotional depth, and lots of love, fill Sweet to the Core .
It’s a terrific way for this trilogy to end, however much I’d like it to continue. Or at least end on another Christmas novel.
I’m highly recommending this and all the books of Lighthouse Bay. They are lovely, heartwarming contemporary romances.
And this cover is lovely too.
Lighthouse Bay:
🔹Christmas Lane #1
🔹Gingerbread Mistletoe #2
🔹Sweet to the Core #3
Rating: 4.25🌈
Amy Aislin’s Lighthouse Bay is one of those lovely contemporary romance series that’s continues to resonate with me. It’s the gorgeous setting of Lighthouse Bay, with its small town community, with its variety of people, from it’s Mayor to it’s Main Street of stores ,who’s owners we’ve gotten to know well through the novels.
We’ve loved the town’s heartwarming displays at the Christmas season and watched, as they planned, built, and then marched down Main Street for the parades! Aislin has made us feel a part of these people and their community.
We’re there as they work through their personal issues, cry out and get support and love when facing a health crisis, and when they decide to trust and find true love again.
These are gentle, emotionally adult novels where the people are remarkable in their love for their town, friends and family, and the often slow to romances.
Often a balm to the heart with the gentle love stories, the men here in Sweet to the Core, Dev Stone of Dev’s Bakery, and Clark Ricci, wildlife biologist, with a little ghostly intervention, get their own story and HEA. It’s that favorite friends to lovers trope.
Dev and Clark have been a part of the previous books as everyone is connected through friendship and family relationships. Dev has had an enduring crush on his older cousin’s best friend for decades. Now in his thirties, Dev has no reason to expect their friendship to change anytime soon.
A two person POV, we have a front seat to the resigned state of Dev’s affections for Clark, the dreams he’s letting go of, and the way he’s pushing himself at the Bakery. Dev is a believable young man who’s falling into a pattern he soon won’t know how to get out of.
Clark Ricci, is a man who loves his job, but with his friends settling down, starts to get the uneasy feeling he’s missing something.
It takes his father’s very real, financial issues to launch a change for all of them. With some ghostly assistance that points the way to the Annual Sweet to the Core Apple baking contest.
Aislin’s beautifully layered characters, a community with its shops in all stages of financial growth, and a group of citizens that have come to feel like family, full of believable life situations, relationships that require communication and emotional depth, and lots of love, fill Sweet to the Core .
It’s a terrific way for this trilogy to end, however much I’d like it to continue. Or at least end on another Christmas novel.
I’m highly recommending this and all the books of Lighthouse Bay. They are lovely, heartwarming contemporary romances.
And this cover is lovely too.
Lighthouse Bay:
🔹Christmas Lane #1
🔹Gingerbread Mistletoe #2
🔹Sweet to the Core #3
May 8, 2022
Sweet to the Core by Amy Aislin is the third and final book in her Lighthouse Bay trilogy. It is a friends to lovers story about Dev and Clark who both live and work in Lighthouse Bay, Maine. Dev owns the bakery in town and not only supplies baked goods for his store but also for the restaurant next door and also expands to a store opening at the local apple orchard. Clark is a biologist at the local wildlife reserve and also teaches a conservation course at the college. Dev has had a thing for Clark for a long time but Clark is oblivious and due to some things that happened in his past he has been sticking to hookups while Dev wants something long term. They are very close friends as well as friends to Zach and Holland (from a previous book) who are getting married. Dev’s parents died when he was 5 and he went to live with his Aunt and Uncle but he really misses them. The last happy place he went to with them was the lighthouse and he has it in his mind that he wants to buy it but he doesn’t have enough money for the down payment and he knows there are some others who are looking at it to buy, too. He also sees and feels ghosts which adds another dimension to the story. Clark’s father has gotten into financial problems where he may lose his house and Clark wants to help him with his debts. This leads him to ask Dev if he would like to enter the Sweet to the Core baking contest where Dev would do the baking and Clark would head up the social media for their entry and the prize is $10,000 which they would split. The story continues from there as they work and spend time together for the contest and Clark suddenly realizes he likes Dev a lot and wants more than a hookup with him. Dev forces the issue when he kisses him and their relationship takes off from there. I really enjoyed this story and it was very easy to read. The characters were complex and developed well as was their love story. There was angst with what was happening to them as well as the situations they found themselves in. The seeing ghosts aspect was an unusual twist and I loved how it played into their happy ending. Throw in their friends, the contest, a tropical storm hitting and causing problems for everyone, family issues, new people in town who are trying to buy the lighthouse as well as an old friend showing up, and you have a wonderful story that keeps you wanting to read on. I highly recommend this book and although this is the last book in this series, I’m looking forward to reading more from Ms. Aislin.
May 7, 2022
I’ve been waiting for Dev and Clark to finally find their happily ever after, and it’s just as sweet as the title suggests. If you’ve read the first two Lighthouse Bay books, you know they’ve been something more than friends for a while now. I’m just not sure Dev and Clark were as aware of it as we were. 😉
First, I want to dispel any concerns about this story’s setting and timing. The previous books took place against a backdrop of Christmas merriment, so readers might be surprised to find this story’s setting is a departure from that winter wonderland. Never fear, Amy Aislin includes just enough holiday magic and references to past events to make it feel connected and consistent with her previous works. (Holland's float, anyone?) I actually really loved the baking contest as the context for this book because it’s so perfectly Dev. Not to mention it provides the perfect excuse for these two to spend even more time together!
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and with my already established fondness for these characters, I was eager to discover just how all this would go down between them. In a nutshell, it’s extremely satisfying, if a little surprising. I say surprising because I’ve always been confident in the depth of Dev’s affection and devotion to Clark, but I wasn’t as certain about Clark’s feelings. What was it going to take to really build that spark? Was it already his best kept secret? Would things be weird now that there were feelings?
As it turns out, I didn’t need to worry - Dev & Clark are genuinely themselves from the beginning, witty banter and unmistakable camaraderie in full gear. Who’s to say if some of their touches lingered longer than usual or some glances were particularly intense or full of longing? The important thing is eventually it’s finally enough for someone to say something and break these guys out of the sexual-tension stalemate they’ve been locked in for way too long.
Unsurprisingly, Aislin’s excellent storytelling crafts the perfect journey and takes us along for the ride as we share in their ups, downs and all that life throws their way. The low angst, less complicated relationship that develops between them is refreshing; it's nice to be able to enjoy their connection without an overwhelming feeling of foreboding or waiting for the other shoe to drop. I loved knowing that once they were in, they were all in. I was even delightfully surprised by the emotional growth and maturity Dev and Clark experience, all of which leads to a surprising twist at the end.
First, I want to dispel any concerns about this story’s setting and timing. The previous books took place against a backdrop of Christmas merriment, so readers might be surprised to find this story’s setting is a departure from that winter wonderland. Never fear, Amy Aislin includes just enough holiday magic and references to past events to make it feel connected and consistent with her previous works. (Holland's float, anyone?) I actually really loved the baking contest as the context for this book because it’s so perfectly Dev. Not to mention it provides the perfect excuse for these two to spend even more time together!
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and with my already established fondness for these characters, I was eager to discover just how all this would go down between them. In a nutshell, it’s extremely satisfying, if a little surprising. I say surprising because I’ve always been confident in the depth of Dev’s affection and devotion to Clark, but I wasn’t as certain about Clark’s feelings. What was it going to take to really build that spark? Was it already his best kept secret? Would things be weird now that there were feelings?
As it turns out, I didn’t need to worry - Dev & Clark are genuinely themselves from the beginning, witty banter and unmistakable camaraderie in full gear. Who’s to say if some of their touches lingered longer than usual or some glances were particularly intense or full of longing? The important thing is eventually it’s finally enough for someone to say something and break these guys out of the sexual-tension stalemate they’ve been locked in for way too long.
Unsurprisingly, Aislin’s excellent storytelling crafts the perfect journey and takes us along for the ride as we share in their ups, downs and all that life throws their way. The low angst, less complicated relationship that develops between them is refreshing; it's nice to be able to enjoy their connection without an overwhelming feeling of foreboding or waiting for the other shoe to drop. I loved knowing that once they were in, they were all in. I was even delightfully surprised by the emotional growth and maturity Dev and Clark experience, all of which leads to a surprising twist at the end.
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