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Something Series Romances #1
Something Sweet
She has a passion for sweets and frosting. He just wants to do his job and have a cup of coffee.
Marley Winters' life is baking up delicious treats. But just as the holiday season kicks off, she learns that trusting others comes at a steep cost. Her (now ex) boyfriend has been stealing the store’s rent money. To make matters worse, John Klaus, the most handsome lawyer she’s ever seen, arrives to serve her an eviction notice since she is now several months behind on payments. Since she doesn’t have the cash, Marley must leave her business by the end of the year.
When John delivers the bad news to Marley, it’s just another day on the job. But then the pretty baker fights back, proposing an improbable plan: if she can drum up all the missing rent money, she can stay in her bakery. John’s not a monster… he doesn’t want to dash the hope twinkling in those dazzling blue eyes. He agrees to give her three weeks. There’s no way she can raise the money in time. Besides, it’s all in the spirit of Christmas.
But John finds himself showing up for coffee day after day, just to keep an eye on things. At least that’s what he tells himself. And Marley, becoming accustomed to seeing John’s smile, begins to wonder if he's really as Scrooge-like as she first thought.
Marley Winters' life is baking up delicious treats. But just as the holiday season kicks off, she learns that trusting others comes at a steep cost. Her (now ex) boyfriend has been stealing the store’s rent money. To make matters worse, John Klaus, the most handsome lawyer she’s ever seen, arrives to serve her an eviction notice since she is now several months behind on payments. Since she doesn’t have the cash, Marley must leave her business by the end of the year.
When John delivers the bad news to Marley, it’s just another day on the job. But then the pretty baker fights back, proposing an improbable plan: if she can drum up all the missing rent money, she can stay in her bakery. John’s not a monster… he doesn’t want to dash the hope twinkling in those dazzling blue eyes. He agrees to give her three weeks. There’s no way she can raise the money in time. Besides, it’s all in the spirit of Christmas.
But John finds himself showing up for coffee day after day, just to keep an eye on things. At least that’s what he tells himself. And Marley, becoming accustomed to seeing John’s smile, begins to wonder if he's really as Scrooge-like as she first thought.
175 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
23 people are currently reading
3790 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 21, 2022
so cute!!
November 19, 2022
So cute! This was a quick Christmas romance! I thought the characters and plot were enjoyable. Marley is a wonderful character! She fights to keep her bakery and she has a great personality! I thought John was an okay character! He was sweet but I had a few problems with him. I read this in one sitting in about forty five minutes. This book is perfect for a snowy afternoon! Thank you Jessica Brown and Book Sirens for the eARC for an honest review!
December 13, 2022
3.5 stars
I'm slightly disappointed because this could've been more enjoyable for me than it ended up being. I had a great time overall, but I have a few small irks and one larger complaint that kept me from really thoroughly loving it.
First of all, the christmas vibes are really nice. There's something about baking and helping people in need that just gives off that warmth that a lot of other christmas novellas sometimes forget about.
The story actively refers to A Christmas Carol in the story and it does kind of have that feel to it, but in a slightly different way. John is the Scrooge of the story, but he's nowhere near as far gone as Scrooge actually is. He's a corporate lawyer, doing his job because it's expected of him, marrying his high school sweetheart, who is his boss' daughter... because it's expected of him and it's how it's always been. He's lost himself and the christmas spirit he used to have back when his mother was still alive. When he visits Marley's bakery to tell her she's being evicted, his journey back to where he wants to be starts.
I really liked the way Marley and John's romance progressed slowly even though this is a pretty short story. It felt nicely paced.
One of my smaller complaints is how much the story (Marley and the overall narration) villainises John when he's just doing his job. Yes, it's horrible that Marley is being evicted, but essentially she did miss 3 months' rent and can't currently pay up. We all know it's not her fault, because her ex-fiancé was supposedly doing the deposits and in the end just ran off with her money. That's all horrible and I'm obviously on her side when it comes to her deserving a chance to gather the money, but Marley not once names Weston (was that his name?) as the bad guy and instead just blames John, when all he's doing is being the messenger.
My main complaint was how it took John all the way until the end of the story to break off his engagement with Cecelia. He's been emotionally cheating this whole time and I can't just write it off as him being confused, even if the story wants you to think that. I appreciate that there was no kissing involved while he was still with Cecelia, but I can't give a book kudos for not being worse than it is.
If John had broken up with Cecelia around the midway point, I would've easily given this 4-4.5 stars.
I'm slightly disappointed because this could've been more enjoyable for me than it ended up being. I had a great time overall, but I have a few small irks and one larger complaint that kept me from really thoroughly loving it.
First of all, the christmas vibes are really nice. There's something about baking and helping people in need that just gives off that warmth that a lot of other christmas novellas sometimes forget about.
The story actively refers to A Christmas Carol in the story and it does kind of have that feel to it, but in a slightly different way. John is the Scrooge of the story, but he's nowhere near as far gone as Scrooge actually is. He's a corporate lawyer, doing his job because it's expected of him, marrying his high school sweetheart, who is his boss' daughter... because it's expected of him and it's how it's always been. He's lost himself and the christmas spirit he used to have back when his mother was still alive. When he visits Marley's bakery to tell her she's being evicted, his journey back to where he wants to be starts.
I really liked the way Marley and John's romance progressed slowly even though this is a pretty short story. It felt nicely paced.
One of my smaller complaints is how much the story (Marley and the overall narration) villainises John when he's just doing his job. Yes, it's horrible that Marley is being evicted, but essentially she did miss 3 months' rent and can't currently pay up. We all know it's not her fault, because her ex-fiancé was supposedly doing the deposits and in the end just ran off with her money. That's all horrible and I'm obviously on her side when it comes to her deserving a chance to gather the money, but Marley not once names Weston (was that his name?) as the bad guy and instead just blames John, when all he's doing is being the messenger.
My main complaint was how it took John all the way until the end of the story to break off his engagement with Cecelia. He's been emotionally cheating this whole time and I can't just write it off as him being confused, even if the story wants you to think that. I appreciate that there was no kissing involved while he was still with Cecelia, but I can't give a book kudos for not being worse than it is.
If John had broken up with Cecelia around the midway point, I would've easily given this 4-4.5 stars.
October 14, 2022
4.25
I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review
"I'm sure the cost of one cup of coffee won't affect the outcome."
"Who knows. It might be all I need to reach my goal one of these days.
Oh my god I DEVOURED this book.
Did I read a Christmas holiday book in the middle of October?
Did I really enjoy it?
Within Something Sweet we follow Marley through her journey of losing someone that was close to you and losing your place of ownership that you worked so hard for almost in the same day! This book highlights the journey of coming back to your roots and giving even if you don't have anything to give. Jessica Brown highlights that even though you may be faced with a sense of dread and unease it is never wrong to help those feeling the same way.
This book will make you laugh, it will make you smile, but most of all it will warm your heart. Cuddle up with Something Sweet by Jessica Brown on November 24th!
I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review
"I'm sure the cost of one cup of coffee won't affect the outcome."
"Who knows. It might be all I need to reach my goal one of these days.
Oh my god I DEVOURED this book.
Did I read a Christmas holiday book in the middle of October?
Did I really enjoy it?
Within Something Sweet we follow Marley through her journey of losing someone that was close to you and losing your place of ownership that you worked so hard for almost in the same day! This book highlights the journey of coming back to your roots and giving even if you don't have anything to give. Jessica Brown highlights that even though you may be faced with a sense of dread and unease it is never wrong to help those feeling the same way.
This book will make you laugh, it will make you smile, but most of all it will warm your heart. Cuddle up with Something Sweet by Jessica Brown on November 24th!
December 27, 2022
The cutest quick read of the year. I enjoyed reading it.
October 15, 2022
Thanks BookSirens for allowing me to read the digital ARC!
Ohhh my gosh this book was soooo cute!! Did you see how short each chapter is? How each chap has a cute tittle? So fun!
I read this book in one day. I love the main character Marley, she is so strong and such a hard worker! I love her positive attitude!
Unlike Cece who annoyed the shit out of me! I can’t believe she was on her phone the whole time during date night! Ordered whatever for the wedding didn’t even ask John opinion! Changed her engagement ring that John got for her, prob cost a lot f money but she exchanged it with a ring from Tiffany’s! Who does that? There is no symbolic value to the ring for her! She just didn’t get the signs that john was not happy. He wanted kids and she didn’t even know that.. she assumed! No communication skills what so ever. I got so irritated with her! She just seemed selfish, spoiled, rich, daddy’s girl! Idk why John liked her! Yuck! No thankss!
John seemed soo sweet! At first it’s like he was raised in the city all his life, not really loving his life and all of a sudden one day he tried a new small town coffee shop and boom.. he is rethinking everything. It’s kinda cute! Marley woke him up! I know that he was engaged during this story but I LOVE that he didn’t cross boundaries! He stopped himself from kissing Marley! I know he wanted to obviously but he was mature enough to know it’s not right! I love that he didn’t cheat! Clearly he didn’t have good communication skills with Cece so I think he didn’t know how to handle the situation since he literally ran away. I’m just glad it worked out!!
I loved the part where Marley put him to work at her shop and he was like wait what? I laughed out loud. I can picture his face! 😂
I love that she helped him realize what a great guy he really is! He was so sweet in the story! I really love the part where he did the surprise party at the new property that Marley wanted for her cute little bakery! They looked at it together! That is sooo thoughtful! He knew it means sooo much to her! He saw her work everyday.. all night! He made it possible for her by buying the whole building! How cute is that?
Talking about the bakery:
I can’t stop thinking about the part where marleys bakery did the raising money fundraiser with offering free books if you buy a coffee! It’s sooo smart! I love books so I was like holy crap why can’t we have that here in a Oregon?? I would go everyday! I love the second money idea as well when the people in the neighborhood bring in toys for the kids and you get coffee or pastry! Love the idea that they will donate all the toys to all the kids after! Marley just seems to have such a sweet heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ohhh my gosh this book was soooo cute!! Did you see how short each chapter is? How each chap has a cute tittle? So fun!
I read this book in one day. I love the main character Marley, she is so strong and such a hard worker! I love her positive attitude!
Unlike Cece who annoyed the shit out of me! I can’t believe she was on her phone the whole time during date night! Ordered whatever for the wedding didn’t even ask John opinion! Changed her engagement ring that John got for her, prob cost a lot f money but she exchanged it with a ring from Tiffany’s! Who does that? There is no symbolic value to the ring for her! She just didn’t get the signs that john was not happy. He wanted kids and she didn’t even know that.. she assumed! No communication skills what so ever. I got so irritated with her! She just seemed selfish, spoiled, rich, daddy’s girl! Idk why John liked her! Yuck! No thankss!
John seemed soo sweet! At first it’s like he was raised in the city all his life, not really loving his life and all of a sudden one day he tried a new small town coffee shop and boom.. he is rethinking everything. It’s kinda cute! Marley woke him up! I know that he was engaged during this story but I LOVE that he didn’t cross boundaries! He stopped himself from kissing Marley! I know he wanted to obviously but he was mature enough to know it’s not right! I love that he didn’t cheat! Clearly he didn’t have good communication skills with Cece so I think he didn’t know how to handle the situation since he literally ran away. I’m just glad it worked out!!
I loved the part where Marley put him to work at her shop and he was like wait what? I laughed out loud. I can picture his face! 😂
I love that she helped him realize what a great guy he really is! He was so sweet in the story! I really love the part where he did the surprise party at the new property that Marley wanted for her cute little bakery! They looked at it together! That is sooo thoughtful! He knew it means sooo much to her! He saw her work everyday.. all night! He made it possible for her by buying the whole building! How cute is that?
Talking about the bakery:
I can’t stop thinking about the part where marleys bakery did the raising money fundraiser with offering free books if you buy a coffee! It’s sooo smart! I love books so I was like holy crap why can’t we have that here in a Oregon?? I would go everyday! I love the second money idea as well when the people in the neighborhood bring in toys for the kids and you get coffee or pastry! Love the idea that they will donate all the toys to all the kids after! Marley just seems to have such a sweet heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
This was my first Christmas romance book this year and it met my expectations! This book is full of sweet emotions (with few hints of sadness but nothing too hard).
I finished this book in less than 2 hours and enjoyed every second of it. A perfect option for a cozy, winter afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate!
It's fast-paced, which usually isn't my type unless it's written well. In this case, it was a good 50/50. I feel like some parts of the John-Cece story were written only to give John some backstory and I feel like it wasn't really that necessary. He could've been a single guy and the story would've been great as well.
Marley herself is a great character, which is quite refreshing since most girls are flawed in lots of romance books I've been reading. She fights for her bakery, she just doesn't simply give up, and when she finds out about John and his life she makes the right decision to leave him alone, girl power am I right?!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I finished this book in less than 2 hours and enjoyed every second of it. A perfect option for a cozy, winter afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate!
It's fast-paced, which usually isn't my type unless it's written well. In this case, it was a good 50/50. I feel like some parts of the John-Cece story were written only to give John some backstory and I feel like it wasn't really that necessary. He could've been a single guy and the story would've been great as well.
Marley herself is a great character, which is quite refreshing since most girls are flawed in lots of romance books I've been reading. She fights for her bakery, she just doesn't simply give up, and when she finds out about John and his life she makes the right decision to leave him alone, girl power am I right?!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 23, 2022
This book was a short, but sweet little holiday read.
cute little story between a hardworking bakery owner and the man who serves her an eviction notice…
Cutesy small town winter vibes. I loved this.
Makes me wish that I had a cute little bakery that held all these fun holiday events..
and yes… I read a Christmas book in October… I have ZERO regrets <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
cute little story between a hardworking bakery owner and the man who serves her an eviction notice…
Cutesy small town winter vibes. I loved this.
Makes me wish that I had a cute little bakery that held all these fun holiday events..
and yes… I read a Christmas book in October… I have ZERO regrets <3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2022
This book left me feeling all the feelings and in the festive mood.
**Disclaimer**
I did not purchase this book, it was an ARC read, however all opinions are honest and how I truly felt about the book.
I must admit I was apprehensive when both MC's were in relationships. However, this book showed flirting that still respected the relationship the MC was in. Nothing progressed until the relationship was over which I really appreciated.
There we're numerous moments throughout the book I found myself grinning. When Marley was called 'Aunt Marley' in particular 🥰
I love how John developed as a character and reconnected with his roots, I just wish we had of learnt a little bit more about his mum.
I'm so excited for the next book, Something Secret. I love when authors give us books of the friends of MC's 🙌🏻
**Disclaimer**
I did not purchase this book, it was an ARC read, however all opinions are honest and how I truly felt about the book.
I must admit I was apprehensive when both MC's were in relationships. However, this book showed flirting that still respected the relationship the MC was in. Nothing progressed until the relationship was over which I really appreciated.
There we're numerous moments throughout the book I found myself grinning. When Marley was called 'Aunt Marley' in particular 🥰
I love how John developed as a character and reconnected with his roots, I just wish we had of learnt a little bit more about his mum.
I'm so excited for the next book, Something Secret. I love when authors give us books of the friends of MC's 🙌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
This was just gorgeous, I devoured it in a day
November 13, 2024
The cutest little book! Such a quick read and very very cute!
November 19, 2022
2.5 a cute quick read to start off the holidays
May 8, 2024
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to BookSirens who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
This book was wonderful, cute, romantic, heartwarming and oh so Christmassy and it would definitely make the most perfect Hallmark Christmas movie!
The two main characters, Marley and John were perfect together and their chemistry was off the charts. The will-they-won’t-they was constant and had me shouting at the page with frustration but I loved it!!
I also really loved all the side characters and thought that their stories were wonderful too.
I loved how strong and determined Marley was and loved all the money making schemes she came up with to raise the money to save the bakery.
Oh and don’t get me started on the ending…….it was just perfect and made my heart very happy!
This book was wonderful, cute, romantic, heartwarming and oh so Christmassy and it would definitely make the most perfect Hallmark Christmas movie!
The two main characters, Marley and John were perfect together and their chemistry was off the charts. The will-they-won’t-they was constant and had me shouting at the page with frustration but I loved it!!
I also really loved all the side characters and thought that their stories were wonderful too.
I loved how strong and determined Marley was and loved all the money making schemes she came up with to raise the money to save the bakery.
Oh and don’t get me started on the ending…….it was just perfect and made my heart very happy!
November 11, 2022
Something Sweet is the debut novella by Jessica Brown. It is a shorter clean Christmas romance that could easily be made into a Hallmark movie.
Marley Winters' is a sweet and naïve bakery owner. She trusts her fiancé, Henry, to deposit her earnings while she bakes up delicious treats. Henry doesn’t appear to be employed. On December 1 Henry doesn’t return from making the deposit and Marley is served with an eviction notice because she is three months behind on her rent. She figures out that Henry has been stealing the store’s rent money. When she reaches Henry’s best friend, she finds out that he has run off with another woman in Marley’s car. Marley is told that she must be out of the bakery by the end of the year. She talks the handsome lawyer into letting her stay if she can get caught up on her back-rent by December 22.
John Klaus is an attorney working for his soon-to-be father-in-law, Mr. Ferrar. Mr. Ferrar really wants to evict all of the tenants so he can replace the building with luxury high-rise apartments. He tells John that if he fails, he will not be made a partner in the firm and his marriage won’t go through. John has been dating Cecelia Ferrar since they were 16 years old but they have recently gotten engaged and are planning a wedding on December 23. Cecelia seems more like a caricature of a spoiled rich girl than a real woman with feelings. Cecelia refers to John as “Johnbear,” and seems obsessed with her family’s social status. One week prior to their wedding, she goes to Marley’s bakery to order their wedding cake.
In spite of his pending marriage, John finds himself showing up for coffee day after day at Marley’s bakery, even helping her with her various fundraisers. He doesn’t mention his fiancée to Marley, and he tries to ignore his growing attraction to her. John’s older brother, James, can see that Marley is a better fit for him than Cecelia. Marley gets help at the bakery from her best friend and fellow evictee, Kelsey, and two regular customers, Mikey and Leo.
The tension grows as Marley and John fight their mutual attraction to each other. Will John break his engagement to Cecelia? Will Marley be able to raise the needed rent-money in time? What’s going to happen to John’s job with Mr. Ferrar?
I feel like there is a chapter missing from this story. Marley is a naïve business owner if she wasn’t reviewing her bank statements to ensure that her deposits were being made. Why didn’t her landlord, the evil Mr. Ferrar, contact her prior to her being 3 months behind on her rent? Why didn’t Marley try to track down Henry to recover her money and vehicle? Why didn’t she file a police report? Why didn’t John or Marley’s friends encourage her to do these things? Where is Marley’s anger towards Henry? The reader needs some kind of explanation, even if it’s that Marley is channeling all of her energy into saving the bakery and will mourn Henry after December 22.
Something Sweet is probably the most well-written debut story that I have read. The characters are interesting and the story is well-paced. Most debut authors have either too many or too few side characters, but Something Sweet has exactly enough. There is no profanity or sex, maybe a single kissing scene. Like I said earlier, this story could easily be made into a Hallmark movie.
Following the end of Something Sweet, there is the introductory chapter to Something Secret, which is Kelsey’s story. The male character appears to have a video pornography business, so I would assume that the next book is steamier.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marley Winters' is a sweet and naïve bakery owner. She trusts her fiancé, Henry, to deposit her earnings while she bakes up delicious treats. Henry doesn’t appear to be employed. On December 1 Henry doesn’t return from making the deposit and Marley is served with an eviction notice because she is three months behind on her rent. She figures out that Henry has been stealing the store’s rent money. When she reaches Henry’s best friend, she finds out that he has run off with another woman in Marley’s car. Marley is told that she must be out of the bakery by the end of the year. She talks the handsome lawyer into letting her stay if she can get caught up on her back-rent by December 22.
John Klaus is an attorney working for his soon-to-be father-in-law, Mr. Ferrar. Mr. Ferrar really wants to evict all of the tenants so he can replace the building with luxury high-rise apartments. He tells John that if he fails, he will not be made a partner in the firm and his marriage won’t go through. John has been dating Cecelia Ferrar since they were 16 years old but they have recently gotten engaged and are planning a wedding on December 23. Cecelia seems more like a caricature of a spoiled rich girl than a real woman with feelings. Cecelia refers to John as “Johnbear,” and seems obsessed with her family’s social status. One week prior to their wedding, she goes to Marley’s bakery to order their wedding cake.
In spite of his pending marriage, John finds himself showing up for coffee day after day at Marley’s bakery, even helping her with her various fundraisers. He doesn’t mention his fiancée to Marley, and he tries to ignore his growing attraction to her. John’s older brother, James, can see that Marley is a better fit for him than Cecelia. Marley gets help at the bakery from her best friend and fellow evictee, Kelsey, and two regular customers, Mikey and Leo.
The tension grows as Marley and John fight their mutual attraction to each other. Will John break his engagement to Cecelia? Will Marley be able to raise the needed rent-money in time? What’s going to happen to John’s job with Mr. Ferrar?
I feel like there is a chapter missing from this story. Marley is a naïve business owner if she wasn’t reviewing her bank statements to ensure that her deposits were being made. Why didn’t her landlord, the evil Mr. Ferrar, contact her prior to her being 3 months behind on her rent? Why didn’t Marley try to track down Henry to recover her money and vehicle? Why didn’t she file a police report? Why didn’t John or Marley’s friends encourage her to do these things? Where is Marley’s anger towards Henry? The reader needs some kind of explanation, even if it’s that Marley is channeling all of her energy into saving the bakery and will mourn Henry after December 22.
Something Sweet is probably the most well-written debut story that I have read. The characters are interesting and the story is well-paced. Most debut authors have either too many or too few side characters, but Something Sweet has exactly enough. There is no profanity or sex, maybe a single kissing scene. Like I said earlier, this story could easily be made into a Hallmark movie.
Following the end of Something Sweet, there is the introductory chapter to Something Secret, which is Kelsey’s story. The male character appears to have a video pornography business, so I would assume that the next book is steamier.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2022
What a sweet holiday romance. I for one love a good Christmas Romance and this book did not dissapoint. The story centers around a bakery owner that is trying to save her business and the Grinch trying to evict her before Christmas. Naturally they have to fall in love right? I love a slow burn romance where there is no cheating and a HEA.
I would have expected for there to be a bit more emotion and inner turmoil going on with the main character Marley as she was losing her bakery but especially because of the reason she was losing her bakery was tied to a previous relationship and we really didn't see her heartbreak or grieve the situation at all which was a bit surprising. I get it the story was suppossed to be a short and sweet holiday romance but I feel like if we could have seen her inner turmoil a bit more I would've connected with the character a bit more. I wouldn't have minded a bit of drama from John's (a.k.a. The Grinch) camp as well. Those couple of issue's are what placed this book at a 4 rating rather than a 5 for me. While I personally would have preferred a bit more spice to the story sometimes a sweet and clean romance is nice too. Highly recommend this book and I will be reading more of her books in the future!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would have expected for there to be a bit more emotion and inner turmoil going on with the main character Marley as she was losing her bakery but especially because of the reason she was losing her bakery was tied to a previous relationship and we really didn't see her heartbreak or grieve the situation at all which was a bit surprising. I get it the story was suppossed to be a short and sweet holiday romance but I feel like if we could have seen her inner turmoil a bit more I would've connected with the character a bit more. I wouldn't have minded a bit of drama from John's (a.k.a. The Grinch) camp as well. Those couple of issue's are what placed this book at a 4 rating rather than a 5 for me. While I personally would have preferred a bit more spice to the story sometimes a sweet and clean romance is nice too. Highly recommend this book and I will be reading more of her books in the future!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2022
I received an e-ARC of "Something Sweet" by Jessica Brown for free. This review is entirely voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.
I am a great lover of a holiday romance, and I would say that 'Something Sweet' lives up to my expectations of a sweet, heartwarming, non-spicy, light romance book. If you are a lover of spicy-ish romances, though, you might find this book a bit slow and keep asking yourself, "When will they kiss already?" Despite this, I am really looking forward to reading future books in the series!
I love the main characters and their story arcs. Marley is a great leading lady, and I want to be just like her in business! Caring about the people more than the money. And the Christmas traditions they started are ones I would love to do for my Christmases each year!
One thing I would have loved to have had was the scene of conflict between John expanded upon at the end of the book, as the story was just missing that touch of punch, and I would have loved to have known how the conversation went. I think it would have shown a great development of John's character to see how he handled the situation.
I'm slightly surprised, but I think I can say that I would happily re-read "Something Sweet" again in the lead-up to next Christmas, and maybe it will become one of my own traditions.
I am a great lover of a holiday romance, and I would say that 'Something Sweet' lives up to my expectations of a sweet, heartwarming, non-spicy, light romance book. If you are a lover of spicy-ish romances, though, you might find this book a bit slow and keep asking yourself, "When will they kiss already?" Despite this, I am really looking forward to reading future books in the series!
I love the main characters and their story arcs. Marley is a great leading lady, and I want to be just like her in business! Caring about the people more than the money. And the Christmas traditions they started are ones I would love to do for my Christmases each year!
One thing I would have loved to have had was the scene of conflict between John expanded upon at the end of the book, as the story was just missing that touch of punch, and I would have loved to have known how the conversation went. I think it would have shown a great development of John's character to see how he handled the situation.
I'm slightly surprised, but I think I can say that I would happily re-read "Something Sweet" again in the lead-up to next Christmas, and maybe it will become one of my own traditions.
November 15, 2022
SWEET LOVE STORY
A short and sweet story for the Holiday season. Yeah! I completely feel in love with this novella. Pages might me less but the love was unconditional between the main characters.
JOHN KLAUS - Male Lead as like his surname is a Santa Claus for his girl. He knew what she wanted and supported her dream. I completely adored his lawyer skills.
MARLEY WINTER - Female Lead actually thought me to be determined. She's so focused on her passion that she tried hard to even risk starting her bakery where the wall actually has a whole due to a bullet shot. She's perfect.
Well! I truly wanna kill HENRY and I'm so glad he left Marley as she deserved better. I'm not wishing to tell more about him as he was the one who left Marley in a big trouble.
Tropes:-
Strong Heroine
Supportive Hero
Sweet Couple
Small Town
Sweet Romance
The storyline is so beautiful. I think this is one such book which spoke more about the Heroine than the Hero. The title says it all and the book is for sure SOMETHING SWEET TO READ.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC from @booksirens and @jessicabrownauthor
A short and sweet story for the Holiday season. Yeah! I completely feel in love with this novella. Pages might me less but the love was unconditional between the main characters.
JOHN KLAUS - Male Lead as like his surname is a Santa Claus for his girl. He knew what she wanted and supported her dream. I completely adored his lawyer skills.
MARLEY WINTER - Female Lead actually thought me to be determined. She's so focused on her passion that she tried hard to even risk starting her bakery where the wall actually has a whole due to a bullet shot. She's perfect.
Well! I truly wanna kill HENRY and I'm so glad he left Marley as she deserved better. I'm not wishing to tell more about him as he was the one who left Marley in a big trouble.
Tropes:-
Strong Heroine
Supportive Hero
Sweet Couple
Small Town
Sweet Romance
The storyline is so beautiful. I think this is one such book which spoke more about the Heroine than the Hero. The title says it all and the book is for sure SOMETHING SWEET TO READ.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC from @booksirens and @jessicabrownauthor
November 2, 2022
It was a cute book. Their romance was sweet and I liked that it was around Christmas (I’m always a sucker for that.) I’m not the biggest fan of when one or both characters are already in a relationship, but this didn’t bother me SO much, mostly because the woman he leave was so awful you don’t feel bad for her at all. And all their little romantic moments were wonderful.
I will say, it was a little jarring how quickly things happened sometimes. Marley seemed more upset that her ex-fiancé took her money than the fact that he’d been cheating on her and left her high and dry. And John seemed completely unperturbed that he ended it with his fiancé days before their wedding. I understand that it had been over before he ended it, but still.
I did like the side characters. Her friends were fun and supportive and loyal and John’s brother the same. John’s Fiancé’s family was a bit much; they literally had zero redeeming qualities which made them a little flat.
Over all, a cute Christmas read. And it was a quick read, which I also liked.
I will say, it was a little jarring how quickly things happened sometimes. Marley seemed more upset that her ex-fiancé took her money than the fact that he’d been cheating on her and left her high and dry. And John seemed completely unperturbed that he ended it with his fiancé days before their wedding. I understand that it had been over before he ended it, but still.
I did like the side characters. Her friends were fun and supportive and loyal and John’s brother the same. John’s Fiancé’s family was a bit much; they literally had zero redeeming qualities which made them a little flat.
Over all, a cute Christmas read. And it was a quick read, which I also liked.
November 13, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book like a delicious Christmas cookie!!!
A bakery on the verge of closing, a cute owner and a charming lawyer with a newly obtained weakness for... coffee. Apparently, that was all I needed to get into the Christmas spirit!
Festive, romantic, funny, cute with smart dialogues and well-structured characters! Besides the romance, this story was a reminder that Christmas is the season of giving. I loved the ways the main character tried to earn what she needed for the bakery because it meant so much more that just that.Plus, the chapter titles were so good!
(I think it's important mention those little things because I think it's not that easy to come up with good titles).
I absolutely enjoyed the beautiful descriptions about the places, the story along with the dual POV, kept me gripped and it had a great switch between the two main characters! There were a few sentences that I has to read twice before I move on but, overall, the writing was fun and engaging!
If you are looking for a short Christmas story with all of the above, I totally recommend this one! I'm definitely going to get a physical copy of this!
I would like to thank the author and BookSirens for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book like a delicious Christmas cookie!!!
A bakery on the verge of closing, a cute owner and a charming lawyer with a newly obtained weakness for... coffee. Apparently, that was all I needed to get into the Christmas spirit!
Festive, romantic, funny, cute with smart dialogues and well-structured characters! Besides the romance, this story was a reminder that Christmas is the season of giving. I loved the ways the main character tried to earn what she needed for the bakery because it meant so much more that just that.Plus, the chapter titles were so good!
(I think it's important mention those little things because I think it's not that easy to come up with good titles).
I absolutely enjoyed the beautiful descriptions about the places, the story along with the dual POV, kept me gripped and it had a great switch between the two main characters! There were a few sentences that I has to read twice before I move on but, overall, the writing was fun and engaging!
If you are looking for a short Christmas story with all of the above, I totally recommend this one! I'm definitely going to get a physical copy of this!
I would like to thank the author and BookSirens for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2023
Something Sweet is just like the title, something sweet to read during the holidays. I've never read anything by Jessica Brown before, I managed to snag this sweetly adorable romance for free on a stuff your kindle day, and I'm highly impressed. Her writing is impeccable and the character development is top tier.
The story starts off with Marley, who owns a little bakery, and Henry her fiance. One thing leads to another and then before you know it, crap hits the fan and Marley is about to lose her bakery. The kicker? She falls for the one who serves her the eviction notice.
While Something Sweet is a relatively short story, Jessica's writing has you wanting to read more of their story. The only thing I will say, is that I wish this story was a little longer so that we can see Marley's life after the eviction and the other juicy stuff that happens. Does the bakery continue to do well? Does Marley have kids? Do her and her, not named in this review, love have a wedding? If your looking for the perfect short Christmas read, I definitely recommend you check out Something Sweet.
The story starts off with Marley, who owns a little bakery, and Henry her fiance. One thing leads to another and then before you know it, crap hits the fan and Marley is about to lose her bakery. The kicker? She falls for the one who serves her the eviction notice.
While Something Sweet is a relatively short story, Jessica's writing has you wanting to read more of their story. The only thing I will say, is that I wish this story was a little longer so that we can see Marley's life after the eviction and the other juicy stuff that happens. Does the bakery continue to do well? Does Marley have kids? Do her and her, not named in this review, love have a wedding? If your looking for the perfect short Christmas read, I definitely recommend you check out Something Sweet.
October 13, 2022
Something Sweet follows the love story between Marley and John. John is a lawyer who hands Marley her eviction notice for her bakery, not knowing that she had been swindled by her ex fiance (who was meant to pay her rent but didn't make it to the bank!) The two strike a deal that she will fight to make up the money or lose the bakery. Although it was a quick read, with insta love, it was adorable. Very much hallmark vibes but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. John was such a lovely man, you could literally see him falling in love with Marley, every day that he spends with her. Marley is too sweet, she is generous and her drive and passion to save her bakery was inspiring. I loved how even though they were on opposite sides of the eviction, you could see that John wanted Marley to win her bakery back. If you're looking a book to get you into the Christmas vibe, with a bit of cute romance in a small town, pick this one up! This book is absolutely "something sweet".
November 18, 2022
4.25/5
So cute! Okay so I am a huge fan of holiday romances and this one was perfect.
Marley is a strong and resilient woman who owns a bakery and coffee shop and is under the illusion that all is well with her rent. Enter Mr John Klaus, a lawyer who informs her she is being evicted. Seeing her so distraught, he gives her extra time to find the funds. This book follows her attempts to raise money to keep her doors open.
These two were honestly adorable. I loved all of the themed days that Marley came up with. And it was exciting to read of John coming to check on things everyday. Although he is intrigued by her attempts, he has a lot ridding on her being evicted.
“Keep kidding yourself, hon. He may have handed you the notice but that man is not on the side of the enemy, Mar.”
"In the words of Mikey, ‘That man’s ass looks damn fine covered in denim.’"
*I received an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review*
So cute! Okay so I am a huge fan of holiday romances and this one was perfect.
Marley is a strong and resilient woman who owns a bakery and coffee shop and is under the illusion that all is well with her rent. Enter Mr John Klaus, a lawyer who informs her she is being evicted. Seeing her so distraught, he gives her extra time to find the funds. This book follows her attempts to raise money to keep her doors open.
These two were honestly adorable. I loved all of the themed days that Marley came up with. And it was exciting to read of John coming to check on things everyday. Although he is intrigued by her attempts, he has a lot ridding on her being evicted.
“Keep kidding yourself, hon. He may have handed you the notice but that man is not on the side of the enemy, Mar.”
"In the words of Mikey, ‘That man’s ass looks damn fine covered in denim.’"
*I received an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review*
November 21, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Talk about a cute novella perfect for the holidays! This follows Marley and John - after the world seems to be falling down around Marley. Her fiancé stole the rent for her bakery for the previous 3 months and ran away with his secret girlfriend - and now she’s in the process of getting evicted. Enter John, the handsome man that walks into the bakery and serves Marley her eviction documents.
John realizes that he isn’t living a life he’s proud of - or one that his mother would be proud of. He strikes a deal with Marley, regardless of the fact that his soon to be father in law (and boss) wouldn’t be okay with. Can Marley make the past due rent and keep her bakery in time for Christmas?
This was a quick read but I absolutely adored it. It kept me intrigued to see what ended up happening - was Marley gonna be able to save her bakery? And John ended up being so cute and sweet.
Talk about a cute novella perfect for the holidays! This follows Marley and John - after the world seems to be falling down around Marley. Her fiancé stole the rent for her bakery for the previous 3 months and ran away with his secret girlfriend - and now she’s in the process of getting evicted. Enter John, the handsome man that walks into the bakery and serves Marley her eviction documents.
John realizes that he isn’t living a life he’s proud of - or one that his mother would be proud of. He strikes a deal with Marley, regardless of the fact that his soon to be father in law (and boss) wouldn’t be okay with. Can Marley make the past due rent and keep her bakery in time for Christmas?
This was a quick read but I absolutely adored it. It kept me intrigued to see what ended up happening - was Marley gonna be able to save her bakery? And John ended up being so cute and sweet.
November 14, 2022
Very sweet read, if a bit quick. The fact that there is absolutely no reaction to being betrayed like she was is mostly the reason why I can’t give this book 5 stars. It made the whole book feel quite surface-level and rushed. It also left some threads hanging that I think we’re quite important (going into them would be spoiling some things, unfortunately).
It was a sweet love story, with good characters for the most part. Like most stories of this kind, the bad people are over the top bad which makes them feel more like caricatures at times.
I did enjoy the friendships and her three friends that were unwavering in their support. I love actually supportive friendships in stories.
All in all a cute, sweet love story that should be read around Christmas time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was a sweet love story, with good characters for the most part. Like most stories of this kind, the bad people are over the top bad which makes them feel more like caricatures at times.
I did enjoy the friendships and her three friends that were unwavering in their support. I love actually supportive friendships in stories.
All in all a cute, sweet love story that should be read around Christmas time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2022
This Novella is a short but sweet read, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Marley’s Bakery is in danger of closing after her fiancé steals her money and leaves her in debt to her wealthy landlord.
John, working for the landlord, serves her with an eviction notice, but strikes a deal that gives her time to raise the money she owes.
A friendship, seemingly platonic, develops between the two as Marley tries to raise the funds needed to save her bakery.
The race is on, but will Marley and John’s friendship survive?
This is a very enjoyable story, the first in a series, and worthy of the 5 stars I have awarded it.
I look forward to reading the next instalment!
I received an Advance Review Copy book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Marley’s Bakery is in danger of closing after her fiancé steals her money and leaves her in debt to her wealthy landlord.
John, working for the landlord, serves her with an eviction notice, but strikes a deal that gives her time to raise the money she owes.
A friendship, seemingly platonic, develops between the two as Marley tries to raise the funds needed to save her bakery.
The race is on, but will Marley and John’s friendship survive?
This is a very enjoyable story, the first in a series, and worthy of the 5 stars I have awarded it.
I look forward to reading the next instalment!
I received an Advance Review Copy book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
October 17, 2022
This was a perfectly delightful book with the best winter vibes. I loved that it was light, quick and festive.
I was able to finish this book in a day because I was captivated from the first few pages. Even nursing a book hangover I sped through these pages. It's exactly the kind of holiday book you want.
Be forewarned there is no spice but that didn't take away from the cute nature of their relationship. This is a genuine, feel good book if you want something with light conflict, no triggers and pastries. This is a Sunday afternoon cozy jammies and hot apple cider kinda book. I will absolutely check out more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
I was able to finish this book in a day because I was captivated from the first few pages. Even nursing a book hangover I sped through these pages. It's exactly the kind of holiday book you want.
Be forewarned there is no spice but that didn't take away from the cute nature of their relationship. This is a genuine, feel good book if you want something with light conflict, no triggers and pastries. This is a Sunday afternoon cozy jammies and hot apple cider kinda book. I will absolutely check out more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review honestly and voluntarily.
October 23, 2022
I received an advance review copy of Something Sweet for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was absolutely adorable! The perfect little holiday treat. I loved the names of the characters; Marley Winters, John Klaus. How cute is that?!
The story was great as well. Marley is about to lose her bakery because she cannot cover her rent. Her ex-boyfriend took off with all her money and she's fighting the developer who wants to take over the space. She enlists the help of her customers to come up with ways to raise the money. When the mysterious and handsome John Klaus steps up to help will Marley's troubles be over?
Loved this and it got me in a festive thinking-about-the-upcoming-holidays frame of mind. Can't wait to read more in this series!
This was absolutely adorable! The perfect little holiday treat. I loved the names of the characters; Marley Winters, John Klaus. How cute is that?!
The story was great as well. Marley is about to lose her bakery because she cannot cover her rent. Her ex-boyfriend took off with all her money and she's fighting the developer who wants to take over the space. She enlists the help of her customers to come up with ways to raise the money. When the mysterious and handsome John Klaus steps up to help will Marley's troubles be over?
Loved this and it got me in a festive thinking-about-the-upcoming-holidays frame of mind. Can't wait to read more in this series!
November 26, 2022
Marley's fiance - now her ex-fiance - skips town with her money and his new girlfriend. Now she's being evicted. With her life tied up in the business, she makes a deal with John, the attorney who delivered the eviction notice - she has three weeks to come up with the money. This a quick read, and a really cute story, Hallmark Christmas movie- worthy. My only issue with John was him not telling Marley the whole truth about himself. In his defense, he really didn't intend to fall for Marley. She's the real deal - concerned not just with her business and troubles, but also with helping out others in the holiday season. And her amazing friends do so much to help her out. Reading this book was an afternoon well spent. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
October 18, 2022
Title: Something Sweet
By: Jessica Brown
5 stars
Type: RomCom, Romance, Christmas Love
Ease of read: 5/5
Spice: 0.5/5
Age range: Adult
“I move closer. Our faces are inches apart and that still seems too far away.”
This book reminds me of why I love the holidays and how exciting holiday movies are. It was a good read throughout and you knew what to expect since it’s a holiday book though the writer kept you reading by making you love the main characters so much that you had to find out how it would all play out to the end. If you’re like me and stay glued to the Hallmark channel during the holidays watching all of their movies, you’ll love this book.
Swoony Romance
By: Jessica Brown
5 stars
Type: RomCom, Romance, Christmas Love
Ease of read: 5/5
Spice: 0.5/5
Age range: Adult
“I move closer. Our faces are inches apart and that still seems too far away.”
This book reminds me of why I love the holidays and how exciting holiday movies are. It was a good read throughout and you knew what to expect since it’s a holiday book though the writer kept you reading by making you love the main characters so much that you had to find out how it would all play out to the end. If you’re like me and stay glued to the Hallmark channel during the holidays watching all of their movies, you’ll love this book.
Swoony Romance
October 19, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well, this truly was Something Sweet.
If you are looking for a light read, that makes you feel warm inside, this is the book for you.
John serves Marley with an eviction notice, but he ends up going back to her bakery everyday and slowly he starts to realize what is missing in his life, warmth, honesty, humanity.
Marley is giving everything she has (left) to try and save her bakery with cute events to attract more customers, not realizing she is also attracting love.
This is the perfect read if you are feeling a little like Scrooge this holiday season.
Well, this truly was Something Sweet.
If you are looking for a light read, that makes you feel warm inside, this is the book for you.
John serves Marley with an eviction notice, but he ends up going back to her bakery everyday and slowly he starts to realize what is missing in his life, warmth, honesty, humanity.
Marley is giving everything she has (left) to try and save her bakery with cute events to attract more customers, not realizing she is also attracting love.
This is the perfect read if you are feeling a little like Scrooge this holiday season.
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