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Sugar Coated Lies
You should never fall for a rich guy.
Everleigh
Life hasn’t been kind to me or my family. At twenty-two, I’ve lost more than most people can imagine. I’ve learned to go with the flow and then some.
I’m not looking for handouts, although a break would be nice. I’m not looking for a relationship, either. Certainly not with the rich, sexy stranger who stumbles into my workplace late one night. In the past, bad things have happened when it comes to rich guys—one in particular. As a result, I avoid relationships with them. They’re all the same, right?
Daire
Life has always come easy to me, but one bad decision has my world spiraling with guilt.
I’m not a prick, but the way I scammed a young woman was wrong. I did it for a friend, who is a prick, and I need to make things right.
I never planned to offer the down-on-her-luck beauty a job at my family’s pecan farm—soon to be mine. Now she works for me and that needs to stay a secret. If my friend finds out, he’ll retaliate. He despises her for reasons I’m not sure are valid anymore.
Everleigh is nothing like he described. She’s becoming a good friend and a temptation that will only get me in trouble. For her sake and mine, I need to learn the truth and resolve this situation before it explodes in our faces and sends her running far from my life—because I’m starting to really like her in it.
Everleigh
Life hasn’t been kind to me or my family. At twenty-two, I’ve lost more than most people can imagine. I’ve learned to go with the flow and then some.
I’m not looking for handouts, although a break would be nice. I’m not looking for a relationship, either. Certainly not with the rich, sexy stranger who stumbles into my workplace late one night. In the past, bad things have happened when it comes to rich guys—one in particular. As a result, I avoid relationships with them. They’re all the same, right?
Daire
Life has always come easy to me, but one bad decision has my world spiraling with guilt.
I’m not a prick, but the way I scammed a young woman was wrong. I did it for a friend, who is a prick, and I need to make things right.
I never planned to offer the down-on-her-luck beauty a job at my family’s pecan farm—soon to be mine. Now she works for me and that needs to stay a secret. If my friend finds out, he’ll retaliate. He despises her for reasons I’m not sure are valid anymore.
Everleigh is nothing like he described. She’s becoming a good friend and a temptation that will only get me in trouble. For her sake and mine, I need to learn the truth and resolve this situation before it explodes in our faces and sends her running far from my life—because I’m starting to really like her in it.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2022
65 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Tara Gallina
16 books107 followersTara Gallina writes across various romance genres, from new adult and college to small town and fantasy. While most of her books are steamy, she’s also penned a few sweeter titles.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
Her stories blend angst, tormented heroes, a hint of humor, and the occasional tear. Many of her stories come alive through settings inspired by her travels.
When she’s not writing, she loves to visit gardens, New England in the fall, European castles, and Caribbean beaches. She has a fairy garden, a Lady Lair for writing, favors the color pink, and only drinks wine that tastes like melted sugar.
She lives in the Sunshine State with her husband, though her two sons have since left for college. Her writing journey began in 2015 when she signed with a literary agent for a young adult retelling. Since then, she’s moved on to publishing steamy romances and hasn’t looked back.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 18, 2022
What. The. Holy. Duck.
This book has ruined men for me. FOREVAH.
I can't even digest the fact myself because Daire Livingston dropped and said, "Y'all gurls won't be able to have a satisfying romantic relationship anymore because he will never be me."
Like I once said, the best books find me and this is one of them.
Everleigh (even the name is so sweet) is the most kind, independent, lovely FMC I've ever read (and I devour about ten books a week). I'd still say that Tara Gallina is a CRUEL woman because wtd, why would you make me cry in the middle of the night with a fluff scene? (Page 128 you're welcome)
Oh, but the spice scenes are scalding hot. But not enough. Still hot.
Daire is THE MOST caring man ever. He doesn't exist. He wouldn't exist because even God doesn't have the formula to make a man so PERFECT. I'm in love. And i don't even like Small Town Romances (usually)
I hate Benedict but I also want to peek into his life to see where he went wrong. One of these days I'll convince Tara to write me a redemption book for Ben. I mean, what he did was despicable but still.
And why is Everleigh's life so sad? I would've broken down every damn day if i were her. But it all works out. It's not the HEA that had me by the hooks. It was Daire and his pov in which all he ever thinks about is Everleigh and how he can keep her happy. If you ever find a man like that. Keep him. Not that you would but hold that thought.
This book has ruined men for me. FOREVAH.
I can't even digest the fact myself because Daire Livingston dropped and said, "Y'all gurls won't be able to have a satisfying romantic relationship anymore because he will never be me."
Like I once said, the best books find me and this is one of them.
Everleigh (even the name is so sweet) is the most kind, independent, lovely FMC I've ever read (and I devour about ten books a week). I'd still say that Tara Gallina is a CRUEL woman because wtd, why would you make me cry in the middle of the night with a fluff scene? (Page 128 you're welcome)
Oh, but the spice scenes are scalding hot. But not enough. Still hot.
Daire is THE MOST caring man ever. He doesn't exist. He wouldn't exist because even God doesn't have the formula to make a man so PERFECT. I'm in love. And i don't even like Small Town Romances (usually)
I hate Benedict but I also want to peek into his life to see where he went wrong. One of these days I'll convince Tara to write me a redemption book for Ben. I mean, what he did was despicable but still.
And why is Everleigh's life so sad? I would've broken down every damn day if i were her. But it all works out. It's not the HEA that had me by the hooks. It was Daire and his pov in which all he ever thinks about is Everleigh and how he can keep her happy. If you ever find a man like that. Keep him. Not that you would but hold that thought.
December 5, 2022
This is a Small Town Romance and it is Everleigh and Daire's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Everleigh hasn't had a easy life after her parent's died when she was going, her grandmother died not long ago and her grandfather has Alzheimer's so she takes care of him, works at a dinner with a horrible, rude and nasty boss, goes to college and is trying to keep a roof over their heads and paying bills but she is still kind, caring, thoughtful, helpful and would do anything to help someone in need and even though she has made mistakes in her life trust is a big issue for her. Daire comes from a wealthy family and when his friend Benedict who went out with Everleigh wants to mess with her for something she was.supposed to have done to him Daire steps in for some reason and pretends that he has lost his wallet after she has served him and for some reason it doesn't sit right with him so he goes back to the diner to put things right and ends up offering her a job at the pecan farm that his family owned and he has taken over knowing that this will complicate everything. Everleigh and Daire have a connection and chemistry between them that is so strong and intense that it sizzles off the pages but working together makes things difficult for both of them as secret's surroundings how they met and there past could unravel everything if revealed. Wow Wow Wow I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and it was so emotional that I was in tears so many times so make sure you have the tissues ready because you are definitely going to need them. The characters and storyline pulled you in and just wouldn't let you go and it had you turning the pages wondering what would happen next and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive and I loved Everleigh and Daire together because even though he made some mistakes he still wanted to do everything possible to make her life easier and there love for each other was a beautiful thing to see and I am so glad that they got the happy ending that they both deserved. Tara Gallina is an amazing author and writer and a great story teller and I can't wait to read more book's by her in the future and I am also hoping that we get Sadie and Emerson's story even if it is not them together.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
January 24, 2026
First book I've read from this author and I enjoyed it! Really sweet with some spice. Everleigh hasn't had the easiest life and has a few sad moments in here as well, but helps shape and show who she is, and the man Daire is versus who he used to be. Highly recommend for something shorter and sweet, and will definitely read the sequel.
September 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. We get to meet two people who live very different lives that seem to come together by accident. Everleigh has grown up a hard life losing her parents as a teen and her grandmother a year ago leaving her with just her grandfather. She has been working really hard and doesnt like to accept help from anyone else. Daire is a rich man whos parents own a pecan farm. He is friends with some immature people and it may actually benefit him for once. When their lives are thrown together they are both faced with working through some personal issues. I liked the sweetness in this book and how it didnt get into too much of a smut but more of a cute romance book. The book may have some topics that could be a trigger to some such as bdsm and death.
December 5, 2022
Life hasn't been kind to Everleigh Reed. At the young age of 22 she has lost both her parents, as well as her grandmother and has spent the last year taking care of her sick grandfather. She works a crappy job at a nearby diner with a boss that finds every excuse to deduct money from her pay. Not to mention the guy who she met a while ago who won't seem to leave her alone, instead holds a vendetta against her and continously torments her to the point of stalking.
One night, she is kept late by a rich douche bag who seems to have lost his wallet, yet another thing that will be taken out of her paycheck. Will she ever catch a break?
But the next day, Daire Preston Livingston III, returns to the diner to apologise for leaving things they way he did. Impressed with her Pecan Pie, he offers her a job at his family's Pecan Farm. Finally, she has a better job that will provide for her and her grandfather's needs.
But the circumstances under which they met weigh heavy on Daire as he tries to protect Everleigh and keep her out of his vindictive friend's line of fire. As the two start to fall in love, can Daire find out what really happened between Everleigh and Benedict? Because nothing his friend says reflects the woman he fell in love with.
My thoughts:
Loved, loved, loved this book! This is my 3rd read this month and it's another 5 star for me. Everleigh's story is heart wrenching, her relationship with her grandfather was precious and everything she went through reminded me of my own grandfather. She is such a beautiful person and I'm so glad she finally found Daire, she really did deserve a better life. And it's true that Daire said nobody could possible deserve her. She was pure light, always kind, always strong even though life dealt her a real shitty hand. Daire is an amazing man and they are just beautiful together. It was a heavy read, sad yet intoxicating and just lovely.
One night, she is kept late by a rich douche bag who seems to have lost his wallet, yet another thing that will be taken out of her paycheck. Will she ever catch a break?
But the next day, Daire Preston Livingston III, returns to the diner to apologise for leaving things they way he did. Impressed with her Pecan Pie, he offers her a job at his family's Pecan Farm. Finally, she has a better job that will provide for her and her grandfather's needs.
But the circumstances under which they met weigh heavy on Daire as he tries to protect Everleigh and keep her out of his vindictive friend's line of fire. As the two start to fall in love, can Daire find out what really happened between Everleigh and Benedict? Because nothing his friend says reflects the woman he fell in love with.
My thoughts:
Loved, loved, loved this book! This is my 3rd read this month and it's another 5 star for me. Everleigh's story is heart wrenching, her relationship with her grandfather was precious and everything she went through reminded me of my own grandfather. She is such a beautiful person and I'm so glad she finally found Daire, she really did deserve a better life. And it's true that Daire said nobody could possible deserve her. She was pure light, always kind, always strong even though life dealt her a real shitty hand. Daire is an amazing man and they are just beautiful together. It was a heavy read, sad yet intoxicating and just lovely.
December 10, 2022
Sugar Coated Lies is available now in Paperback and eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️ Book Review
Meet the Author: Tara Gallina writes and reads romance in a variety of genres but has a soft spot for fairy tale retellings. She believes in fairies, true love, and happily ever after. When she is not writing, she loves to visit gardens, European castles, and Caribbean beaches.
Synopsis: At age 22 Everleigh has just about seen it all. Working in a dingy diner making ends meet to take care of her grandfather following the death of her grandmother consumes her. He is all she has left and she feels she owes it to him. When Daire comes along on a “dare”, Everleigh is given opportunities that she can’t pass up.
Reader’s Thoughts: Sugar Coated Lies is an opposites attract, steamy rom-com. Our main character, Everleigh, is strong, resilient, and selfless. The amount of loss and heartache she has endured in her life is heart wrenching. But this doesn’t hold her back. She is always willing to “go with the flow”. I love all of these characteristics in a FMC. The story line grabbed my attention immediately and kept me wanting more the entire time. I was sad to see the story end so abruptly but that gives me hope that there is more to come. I loved the side characters in this novel and also hope to see more of them in the future. Thank you, @tagallina and @KatieandBreyPA for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐️ Book Review
Meet the Author: Tara Gallina writes and reads romance in a variety of genres but has a soft spot for fairy tale retellings. She believes in fairies, true love, and happily ever after. When she is not writing, she loves to visit gardens, European castles, and Caribbean beaches.
Synopsis: At age 22 Everleigh has just about seen it all. Working in a dingy diner making ends meet to take care of her grandfather following the death of her grandmother consumes her. He is all she has left and she feels she owes it to him. When Daire comes along on a “dare”, Everleigh is given opportunities that she can’t pass up.
Reader’s Thoughts: Sugar Coated Lies is an opposites attract, steamy rom-com. Our main character, Everleigh, is strong, resilient, and selfless. The amount of loss and heartache she has endured in her life is heart wrenching. But this doesn’t hold her back. She is always willing to “go with the flow”. I love all of these characteristics in a FMC. The story line grabbed my attention immediately and kept me wanting more the entire time. I was sad to see the story end so abruptly but that gives me hope that there is more to come. I loved the side characters in this novel and also hope to see more of them in the future. Thank you, @tagallina and @KatieandBreyPA for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
November 9, 2022
This was my first book from this author and I throughly enjoyed it! She hooked me in the second chapter with a twist I wasn’t expecting from the blurb. I loved the characters and hope she extends this to a series so we can get some of the side characters stories! (Can I get a double villain redemption arc with a Tennie/Benedict one night stand/surprise pregnancy story please?!) I love the rich boy / poor girl trope and this one was perfection. I loved that Daire wasn’t a jerk and knew he had a good thing pretty quick with Everleigh. I definitely felt the weight of the world and the struggles the FMC had to deal with from previous loss to becoming a caretaker. Over this book is as sweet as a Georgia peach with just enough pain like a smooth shot of bourbon.
December 5, 2022
What a sweet story. I read this in one night I just couldn’t stop. Everleigh is the picture of grace and resilience, a hard worker and never asks for much. Daire is caring, sweet and protective and my new book boyfriend. Throughout the story we see their relationship blossom and we see them both develop and grow as individuals. Daire grew out if his college phase and not really seeing a future and Everleigh opened up and started trusting that she would not lose everything. I loved how light of a read it was considering some of the themes and characters there were in the books and I would love to get Easton’s story next. Perfect for a quick romance read.
November 17, 2022
This book was so cute!!! It gives you the warm fuzzy feeling and when the spice hits! Whew! This follows a girl who has lost everyone in her family except for her grandfather that she cares for. While taking care of him she's also trying to balance work life with an awful diner owner. A customer comes in and asks for a cup of coffee but when it's time to pay he says he forgot his wallet. His friend wanted to prank her and he volunteered to be the one to do it. After he does this he feels terrible, his momma raised him different but couldn't let them prank her. He went back the next day to give her a hefty tip but instead (after seeing how the diner's owner was treating her) offered her a job at his pecan farm. His friend despises her and doesn't know she is now working for his friend. When he finds out all hell breaks loose. If you need a book that will make you smile like a school girl around their crush you need to read this!
November 20, 2022
This story is a sugary sweet read with a little cinnamon and spice mixed in.
Everleigh is the sweetest young woman who is working her hardest to keep it together while also taking care of her lovely grandfather (I just wanted to hug him)
Daire is a recovering jerk rick guy, set to take over his family business but holding back on embracing what a small town life really means.
These two come together under really weird circumstances and somehow, being from such different worlds seems to compliment each other really well.
Of course, a twist comes into the storyline and we are left holding our breath that this lovely pair can conquer what has been spilled into their lives.
Everleigh is the sweetest young woman who is working her hardest to keep it together while also taking care of her lovely grandfather (I just wanted to hug him)
Daire is a recovering jerk rick guy, set to take over his family business but holding back on embracing what a small town life really means.
These two come together under really weird circumstances and somehow, being from such different worlds seems to compliment each other really well.
Of course, a twist comes into the storyline and we are left holding our breath that this lovely pair can conquer what has been spilled into their lives.
December 6, 2022
Daire and Everly get to know each other because Daire is supposed to revenge his best friend who got rejected by Everly. When Daire meets her, he realizes the story his friend told him might not be completely true and he offers a job at his family's farm.
I liked the book a lot, the story was very well written and the characters were absolutely believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the book a lot, the story was very well written and the characters were absolutely believable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
This was too 'sweet' for me.
The angst I thought would be there evaporated reeeeeally quickly.
The angst I thought would be there evaporated reeeeeally quickly.
November 20, 2022
A small town opposites attract with a handsome rich young man and a young woman just trying to keep her head above water as she cares for sick family and a tough past in a whirl wind romance
November 17, 2022
This was a sweet, easy read! I loved how much Daire cares for Everleigh and how Everleigh learns to let go and be herself with Daire. I would’ve liked to see more of their relationship development, but there were still some swoon worthy moments. Get a man that cares for you unconditionally like Daire!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by the author, can’t wait to read more. It’s a small town rom com opposites attract. The things the main female character goes through proves her strength. The main male character is the perfect protector of all. The ups and downs are everything when two different worlds collide. Definitely read this.
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April 21, 2024Wow! This is my first read from this author and I am in love! This is the first book I’ve read with the rich guy/poor girl trope and I was hooked from the second chapter. I need more stories from the other characters in this book! I really hope there’s going to be more to this series.
December 6, 2022
This was a sweet small town romance. It follows Everleigh and Daire. Everleigh being a very independent and genuine person. She works her ass off at a diner to help support herself and her elderly grandfather. Her grandma had passed a year before, and her parents had passed when she was a teenager, leaving just her and her grandfather. Her grandfather suffers from Alzheimer's and it’s just heartbreaking how much she does, without any kind of help. In walks Daire (the third). He’s the son and soon to be owner of the farm that his family passes down to the first born son - a pecan, peach, and other great stuff, kind of farm.
Starting on a dare (ya know that just means drama), he finds himself wanting to help out Everleigh after seeing her one night in a diner. Her past is continuously trying to haunt her, but she tries to be resilient enough to just bounce back. And can we mention that the diner she works for is for the worst guy ever with ZERO benefits???? So, in turn, Daire hires Everleigh to be a baker alongside their current one, to be a helping hand and la la la - it’s a sweet and genuine story. And she makes the best pecan pie, which is a good thing for a pecan farm to acquire.
BUT CAN I JUST SAY…. There is truly nothing more disappointing than reading through a book and being at 83% done (or so my kindle told me) and then boom, it’s suddenly the epilogue. And not a very long one either - the last like 15% were teasers and stuff for other works by the author and it truly just upset me. I feel like we could have seen more after the main couple works through things. And that epilogue. There wasn’t any indication on how much later it happened - was it 6 months? or a couple of years down the line? I wanted to see where Everleigh and Daire end up, and what about the side characters - Sadie, Easton, hell, even Tennie! She low-key disappeared, which is fine because she was an ASS. Hopefully this means we get some more of them in additional books later down the road.
Starting on a dare (ya know that just means drama), he finds himself wanting to help out Everleigh after seeing her one night in a diner. Her past is continuously trying to haunt her, but she tries to be resilient enough to just bounce back. And can we mention that the diner she works for is for the worst guy ever with ZERO benefits???? So, in turn, Daire hires Everleigh to be a baker alongside their current one, to be a helping hand and la la la - it’s a sweet and genuine story. And she makes the best pecan pie, which is a good thing for a pecan farm to acquire.
BUT CAN I JUST SAY…. There is truly nothing more disappointing than reading through a book and being at 83% done (or so my kindle told me) and then boom, it’s suddenly the epilogue. And not a very long one either - the last like 15% were teasers and stuff for other works by the author and it truly just upset me. I feel like we could have seen more after the main couple works through things. And that epilogue. There wasn’t any indication on how much later it happened - was it 6 months? or a couple of years down the line? I wanted to see where Everleigh and Daire end up, and what about the side characters - Sadie, Easton, hell, even Tennie! She low-key disappeared, which is fine because she was an ASS. Hopefully this means we get some more of them in additional books later down the road.
December 12, 2022
If you like a small town romance, with a strong female character, a cinnamon roll of a book boyfriend and some spice thrown in the mix, then this is the book for you!
It's not all fun, games and sweetness though, this book deals with loss, grief and illness that can hit really close to home.
Everleigh has been dealt a crappy hand in life, having lost her parents at a young age, and her grandma only a year ago. She now lives with her grandfather, who has alzheimer's and can have very aggressive episodes because of it. She had to drop out of college to take care of him. To keep afloat, she's taken on a crappy job, and is trying to get a degree through community college. She doesn't date much, but has had the unfortunate luck to have run into a guy that turned out to be a rich prick who wanted to do things to her that she wasn't into. After turning him down, he has been stalking her and accusing her of things she never did, getting 'revenge' because he thinks she played him.
Daire has just earned his degree, and now that his father is retiring, it is expected of him to take over the family's pecan farm. He doesn't really like it, but feels he has to take over because it is expected of him. He'd much rather live in the city, than in this small town.
After being stranded at the diner Everleigh works at, he gets to taste the pecan pie that she makes at the diner everyday, and offers her a job to come work at the little café at his farm.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and soon Daire starts to realise that with the right woman, he can see himself getting used to running the farm and making a life there.
But them meeting each other was no coincidence, and soon Everleigh's past with the guy she turned down, will catch up with both of them. What is Daire's part in that past, and will Everleigh be able to forgive him when she finds out why they met?
I absolutely loved this book, and I'm sure that if you love small town, steamy romances with relatable life events, that this is the book for you.
It's not all fun, games and sweetness though, this book deals with loss, grief and illness that can hit really close to home.
Everleigh has been dealt a crappy hand in life, having lost her parents at a young age, and her grandma only a year ago. She now lives with her grandfather, who has alzheimer's and can have very aggressive episodes because of it. She had to drop out of college to take care of him. To keep afloat, she's taken on a crappy job, and is trying to get a degree through community college. She doesn't date much, but has had the unfortunate luck to have run into a guy that turned out to be a rich prick who wanted to do things to her that she wasn't into. After turning him down, he has been stalking her and accusing her of things she never did, getting 'revenge' because he thinks she played him.
Daire has just earned his degree, and now that his father is retiring, it is expected of him to take over the family's pecan farm. He doesn't really like it, but feels he has to take over because it is expected of him. He'd much rather live in the city, than in this small town.
After being stranded at the diner Everleigh works at, he gets to taste the pecan pie that she makes at the diner everyday, and offers her a job to come work at the little café at his farm.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and soon Daire starts to realise that with the right woman, he can see himself getting used to running the farm and making a life there.
But them meeting each other was no coincidence, and soon Everleigh's past with the guy she turned down, will catch up with both of them. What is Daire's part in that past, and will Everleigh be able to forgive him when she finds out why they met?
I absolutely loved this book, and I'm sure that if you love small town, steamy romances with relatable life events, that this is the book for you.
December 16, 2022
An encounter began as a prank and ended as life-altering, in the best way possible, for both Everleigh and Daire. Everleigh worked at a restaurant where the pay was meager and the boss was abusive. She got a proposal to work at a beautiful farm with much better conditions. Daire was missing something in his life and found Everleigh.
I have to say that I don’t think the cover does justice to the book. It’s too cartoony for such an amazing story, full of love, grief, and challenges.
One of the best attributes of this story is how lightness and joy are balanced with sadness and grief. It feels light, warm, and loving, but contains bad people doing absurd things, loss and so much grief. Everything about Everleigh’s life is tainted with grey and black. Even her love for her grandfather has a shadow from his disease. When she starts working at the farm is as if her world gets colorful and bright. Happiness from working in a better and beautiful place, not being afraid of her boss, having a predictable and generous paycheck every month, … everything in her life turns better and safer.
I always hate that something has to go wrong, but that’s the genre. I just don’t understand why people give up. For me, when couples love each other, they fight to stay together and won’t give up on the first adversity. I love that this book tries to pass this message.
This is a book about a romance between two people with real struggles, even if different ones, full of love and friendship. Bad episodes happen, as well as sad ones, but, in the end, you will love this story and how strong the characters are.
4.5*
Thanks for providing me with the ARC.
I have to say that I don’t think the cover does justice to the book. It’s too cartoony for such an amazing story, full of love, grief, and challenges.
One of the best attributes of this story is how lightness and joy are balanced with sadness and grief. It feels light, warm, and loving, but contains bad people doing absurd things, loss and so much grief. Everything about Everleigh’s life is tainted with grey and black. Even her love for her grandfather has a shadow from his disease. When she starts working at the farm is as if her world gets colorful and bright. Happiness from working in a better and beautiful place, not being afraid of her boss, having a predictable and generous paycheck every month, … everything in her life turns better and safer.
I always hate that something has to go wrong, but that’s the genre. I just don’t understand why people give up. For me, when couples love each other, they fight to stay together and won’t give up on the first adversity. I love that this book tries to pass this message.
This is a book about a romance between two people with real struggles, even if different ones, full of love and friendship. Bad episodes happen, as well as sad ones, but, in the end, you will love this story and how strong the characters are.
4.5*
Thanks for providing me with the ARC.
December 15, 2022
𝚂𝚞𝚐𝚊𝚛 𝙲𝚘𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙻𝚒𝚎𝚜⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 - 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺.
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚 🎭: romance
𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙚 🏃🏼♀️: moderate (read in one sitting)
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️🌶️
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 🖤: sweet romance + HEA
𝙏𝙒 ⚠️: Alzheimer’s, off page ref to SA
Ugh this was so cute. Sweet as pecan pie (who am I??).
There were some HEAVY moments in this story, mostly relating to Everleigh’s grandfather, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. I absolutely choked up a few times.
This whole book tugged at my little black heartstrings. I love a good forbidden romance- especially when he falls first. And I will ALWAYS root for a hardworking and humble female MC. Doesn’t hurt when the love interest is a charming and chivalrous good-ole southern boy (with dreamy abs of course).
The interplay between serious moments and ✨the chase✨ was seamless and realistic. We’ve all been there- wanting something or someone we shouldn’t. The desperation and tension are palpable.
Once the romance starts, it does take off real quick. Definitely a great book for readers who like happy endings. It’s unusual for me to enjoy fast moving love but this seemed really genuine.
👏🏼👏🏼𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 to readers who enjoy sweet romance with a little bit of spice.
𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 - 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺.
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚 🎭: romance
𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙚 🏃🏼♀️: moderate (read in one sitting)
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️🌶️
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 🖤: sweet romance + HEA
𝙏𝙒 ⚠️: Alzheimer’s, off page ref to SA
Ugh this was so cute. Sweet as pecan pie (who am I??).
There were some HEAVY moments in this story, mostly relating to Everleigh’s grandfather, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. I absolutely choked up a few times.
This whole book tugged at my little black heartstrings. I love a good forbidden romance- especially when he falls first. And I will ALWAYS root for a hardworking and humble female MC. Doesn’t hurt when the love interest is a charming and chivalrous good-ole southern boy (with dreamy abs of course).
The interplay between serious moments and ✨the chase✨ was seamless and realistic. We’ve all been there- wanting something or someone we shouldn’t. The desperation and tension are palpable.
Once the romance starts, it does take off real quick. Definitely a great book for readers who like happy endings. It’s unusual for me to enjoy fast moving love but this seemed really genuine.
👏🏼👏🏼𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 to readers who enjoy sweet romance with a little bit of spice.
December 7, 2022
ARC Book Review
Sugar Coated Lies
A Novel Written By Tara Gallina
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
264 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This cute story takes place in a small southern town. The two main characters are opposites who are attracted to each other.
Everleigh is a waitress in a dingy diner. She is a college student. She takes care of her elderly grandfather. She has to work hard for everything she has, and she does not have much.
Daire Prescott Livingston is a college graduate who comes from a rich family. He has just been named the VP of his family’s pecan farm. He has been given just about everything he has, and he has a lot.
The two meet, and this leads Daire to offer Everleigh a job at the family farm. There is an attraction, but both are mindful of the boss/ employee relationship. There also is a secret involving the truth about the circumstances of the two meeting. This secret could destroy Everleigh and Daire’s relationship.
“ ‘You’re more beautiful than any of the women in that house.’ More because her beauty goes beyond the skin and radiates just as brightly from within.”
Sugar Coated Lies
A Novel Written By Tara Gallina
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
264 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This cute story takes place in a small southern town. The two main characters are opposites who are attracted to each other.
Everleigh is a waitress in a dingy diner. She is a college student. She takes care of her elderly grandfather. She has to work hard for everything she has, and she does not have much.
Daire Prescott Livingston is a college graduate who comes from a rich family. He has just been named the VP of his family’s pecan farm. He has been given just about everything he has, and he has a lot.
The two meet, and this leads Daire to offer Everleigh a job at the family farm. There is an attraction, but both are mindful of the boss/ employee relationship. There also is a secret involving the truth about the circumstances of the two meeting. This secret could destroy Everleigh and Daire’s relationship.
“ ‘You’re more beautiful than any of the women in that house.’ More because her beauty goes beyond the skin and radiates just as brightly from within.”
December 7, 2022
You will need a box of tissues for this one.An emotional read with amazing characters and a great storyline.
It is Everleigh and Daire's story.Daire meets Everleigh at the horrible diner she works in and gets her in trouble.He feels guilty and goes back to see if he can make it up to her and ends up giving her a job at the family pecan farm.
Everleigh has not had it easy as she has lost so many people and looks after her grandfather who has alzheimers,while also juggling work and getting a degree.
When she starts her new job which she instantly knows she is going to enjoy,she is grateful to Daire for giving it to her.
The attraction and chemistrt between them is undeniable.Daire has rules about not dating employees and Everleigh has trust issues from being hurt in the past by a rich guy who still has a grudge against her and he also happens to be Daire's friend.
When Evereigh finds out the truth will she walk away from Daire or can she trust him enough to stay?
Really enjoyed this emotional small town romance with a happily ever after.I hope there are more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is Everleigh and Daire's story.Daire meets Everleigh at the horrible diner she works in and gets her in trouble.He feels guilty and goes back to see if he can make it up to her and ends up giving her a job at the family pecan farm.
Everleigh has not had it easy as she has lost so many people and looks after her grandfather who has alzheimers,while also juggling work and getting a degree.
When she starts her new job which she instantly knows she is going to enjoy,she is grateful to Daire for giving it to her.
The attraction and chemistrt between them is undeniable.Daire has rules about not dating employees and Everleigh has trust issues from being hurt in the past by a rich guy who still has a grudge against her and he also happens to be Daire's friend.
When Evereigh finds out the truth will she walk away from Daire or can she trust him enough to stay?
Really enjoyed this emotional small town romance with a happily ever after.I hope there are more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
I think it’s safe to say that Daire Prescott Livingston the 3rd has officially stollen my heart ♥️
This book is the perfect small town romance; filled with super sweet pastries, an adorable FMC who is completely selfless and a MMC who is as caring and thoughtful as they come.
Everleigh and Daire shouldn’t work. They come from very different worlds- he grew up wealthy and surrounded by family while she has suffered and lost more than most people will ever understand.
But when these two get together, the chemistry is off the charts and the slow burn had me aching for satisfaction (and Tara definitely delivered!!!) There isn’t ALOT of spice, but what there is, is damn HOT 🥵
I was honestly so close to giving this book 5 stars. The only thing for me was the ending was a little anti-climactic. I loved the HEA but I was hoping for just a little more drama/angst/pain before everything was ok again. Maybe I’m weird I don’t know lol I did love the Epilogue though. It’s always nice to get that glimpse into the future.
Overall I give this book 4.5 🌟 and I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys small town romances with a slightly forbidden “falling for the boss” trope.
This book is the perfect small town romance; filled with super sweet pastries, an adorable FMC who is completely selfless and a MMC who is as caring and thoughtful as they come.
Everleigh and Daire shouldn’t work. They come from very different worlds- he grew up wealthy and surrounded by family while she has suffered and lost more than most people will ever understand.
But when these two get together, the chemistry is off the charts and the slow burn had me aching for satisfaction (and Tara definitely delivered!!!) There isn’t ALOT of spice, but what there is, is damn HOT 🥵
I was honestly so close to giving this book 5 stars. The only thing for me was the ending was a little anti-climactic. I loved the HEA but I was hoping for just a little more drama/angst/pain before everything was ok again. Maybe I’m weird I don’t know lol I did love the Epilogue though. It’s always nice to get that glimpse into the future.
Overall I give this book 4.5 🌟 and I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys small town romances with a slightly forbidden “falling for the boss” trope.
December 7, 2022
I would like to thank Author Tara Gallina and Booksprout for an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review. Ahhhh I loved this book! Everleigh is a hard worker who is sweet,caring, compassionate and you will want to be her bestie! She has lost so much and still has such a great outlook on life that you just wish you could hug her! Daire is a hunky rich grump of a man who decides to help his friend exact revenge on Everleigh. Once he meets her he can't believe that this woman would do anything to harm anyone. He offers her a job and takes it upon himself to investigate his friends accusations against Everleigh. The closer they become,the more Daire hopes that he can clear her name and make her a permanent fixture in his life. Will his friend Benedict(appropriately named,I might add!)ruin things for good? Trigger warning: for anyone dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's this will get you in the feels!
December 14, 2022
This is the story of Daire and Everleigh, the rich boy who meets a sweet town girl. A truly romantic story that I totally enjoyed.
Everleigh is living with her grandpa after her parents and grandma died. She is his caregiver and supporter since he has Alzheimer's. She works as a waitress and hardly makes ends meet.
Daire is running his father's pecan farm, being a great boss just like his dad was when he was head of the farm. Now his dad is planning on retiring and has given Daire most of the work.
It's an adorable love story but after a traumatic event, a secret comes out that could tear them apart.
Her best friend Sadie is just lovable!! I adored her. So is Easton, Daire's brother. I hope there will be a story for those in the near future.
I would totally recommend this book and will be checking out other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everleigh is living with her grandpa after her parents and grandma died. She is his caregiver and supporter since he has Alzheimer's. She works as a waitress and hardly makes ends meet.
Daire is running his father's pecan farm, being a great boss just like his dad was when he was head of the farm. Now his dad is planning on retiring and has given Daire most of the work.
It's an adorable love story but after a traumatic event, a secret comes out that could tear them apart.
Her best friend Sadie is just lovable!! I adored her. So is Easton, Daire's brother. I hope there will be a story for those in the near future.
I would totally recommend this book and will be checking out other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2023
This book blends sweet with spicy in the most delicious way. Everliegh is working to stay afloat and care for her sick grandfather. She’s been dealt a bad hand in life but you wouldn’t know it by her kindness and understanding. Daire enters her life and causes her trouble, but he’s quick to amend his actions and ends up offering her a much better job at his family’s pecan farm. He falls for her sincerity and positive attitude. The way he tries to appease and please her melted my heart. He sets the bar high for book boyfriends. It’s exactly what she needs, even if she’s afraid to admit it. Daire’s attraction has to remain a secret from a friend of his who has it out for Everliegh after dating her in the past. Benedict is a jerk! I rooted for these two and loved when they finally got together and was hopeful Benedict would get his just deserts. This story will make you swoon, blush, and cry.
January 7, 2023
I gushed and teared up so much while reading this cute fluffiness of a book!
It's an adorable small town STEAMY romance with a fmc that had a rough past and quite a tough life going for her, and the most caring and fluffy book boyfriend and how they come together!
I loved Everleigh's character so much, she is so easily loved and I was rooting for her to have everything all throughout the book!
The fact that I still can't pronounce Daire's name for some reason is funny to me! But I so loved his character and his chapters gave me all the feels
This book was emotional and cute for me, the relationship between Everleigh and her grandpa was everything and her entire story just wrenched my heart out of my chest
I could not put this down once I'd picked it up, so I completely recommend it to all and anyone in the mood for a small town steamy romance!
Thank you to @katieandbreypa and @tagallina for providing me with an ecopy for reviewing!
It's an adorable small town STEAMY romance with a fmc that had a rough past and quite a tough life going for her, and the most caring and fluffy book boyfriend and how they come together!
I loved Everleigh's character so much, she is so easily loved and I was rooting for her to have everything all throughout the book!
The fact that I still can't pronounce Daire's name for some reason is funny to me! But I so loved his character and his chapters gave me all the feels
This book was emotional and cute for me, the relationship between Everleigh and her grandpa was everything and her entire story just wrenched my heart out of my chest
I could not put this down once I'd picked it up, so I completely recommend it to all and anyone in the mood for a small town steamy romance!
Thank you to @katieandbreypa and @tagallina for providing me with an ecopy for reviewing!
December 22, 2022
This book was adorable! Such a cute small town romance with the riches book. I loved Everleigh and everything about her. She is such a driven selfless character in everything she does. She's just your average girl that's trying to make a living and caring for everyone but herself for a bit. Even with all her loss in her past she still continues to be a selfless nurturing person.
Daire Livingston pops in exactly when her life and needs someone to lean on and to care for her the way she does everyone else. Even with the friendship ties with someone who more than wronged Everleigh in the past...he's there every-time she needs him. He finds his true self as she also makes him see a better less jerkish version of himself as he sees who is toxic in is life. He needs her just as much as she needs him and I'm here for every bit of it!!
Daire Livingston pops in exactly when her life and needs someone to lean on and to care for her the way she does everyone else. Even with the friendship ties with someone who more than wronged Everleigh in the past...he's there every-time she needs him. He finds his true self as she also makes him see a better less jerkish version of himself as he sees who is toxic in is life. He needs her just as much as she needs him and I'm here for every bit of it!!
December 9, 2022
This was my first every ARC read and I’m so glad it was my first! I feel in love with ALL of the characters (except benny boy). Once I started the book I couldn’t set it down and had to finish it. I love a good small town romance and this book was exactly that. I could personally relate to this book because my mothers personality is very close to Everleighs’. A strong independent woman who does everything for everyone and doesn’t even think about herself. Then there’s Daire…and man oh man do I want to go and work on a pecan farm. This book made my heart so happy and brought happy tears to my eyes. The ending to the book was perfect. It was just the overall perfect wholesome story that I needed to read. Tara is one hell of an author and I will be continuing to read her books!
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