Make It Sweet
A charming, emotional romance about redefining dreams and discovering unlikely love along the way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
1. MAKE IT SWEET by Kristen Callihan
SYNOPSIS
Life for Emma isn’t good. The world knows her as Princess Anya on Dark Castle, but then her character gets the axe—literally. The cherry on top is finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She needs a break, and sanctuary comes in the form of Rosemont, a gorgeous estate in California promising rest and relaxation.
Then she meets the owner’s equally gorgeous grandson, ex–hockey player and current recluse Lucian Osmond, and she sees her own pain and yearning reflected in his eyes.
He’s charming when he wants to be but also secretive and gruff, with protective walls as thick as Emma’s own. Despite a growing attraction, they avoid each other.
But then there’s an impromptu nighttime skinny-dip, and Lucian’s luscious homemade tarts and cream cakes start arriving at Emma’s door, tempting her to taste life again…
In trying to stay apart, they only grow closer—and their broken pieces just might fit together and make them whole.
BOOK REVIEW
Kristen Callihan made a comeback with yet another romance novel about a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine with both promises and delivery of sinfully delicious treats. Make It Sweet was a ‘come together’ kind of a love story between two lost souls who managed to form a beautiful connection when least expected. The main characters were quite relatable, both figuring out life after being forced out of their comfort zones, as well as healing, and trying to trust in a relationship again. And even though the whole relationship between Lucian and Emma was extremely insta-lovey, I am relieved to say that I did enjoy the book in general (the food porn in particular haha).
Nothing in my life was certain right now, not my career, not my living arrangements, and certainly not my love life. But when Lucian and I were together, I felt wholly myself, not the ‘everything is perfect; keep moving along’ front I projected to the world.
Emma Maron was an aspiring actress who got lucky with an extremely popular TV show but shockingly, got cut off at the end of the season. After life hit her yet again with the vivid vision of her boyfriend banging a young waitress, Em decided to make an escape to Rosemont which according to her grandmother, was a certain place for healing and finding peace with oneself. Enter a gorgeous grandson of the owner and you’ve got yourself some magic.
The woman had tied me up in knots. I wanted her. She scared the hell out of me. I wanted to tell her what a bad bet I was. That we both knew she could do better. But I couldn’t make my mouth form the words.
Lucian Osmond used to be a star hockey player who was on top of everything in his seemingly perfect life up until the unfortunate turn of events when he was forced to retire early due to the after-effects of a number of concussions. He was your typical grumpy hero with grunts and hums instead of words but cinnamon roll inside. His life was shattered and in a disarray. All he ever wanted was solitude. But then, Emma slid into his life at one of the worst possible times, and all of a sudden, the thought of letting her go was unimaginable.
Lucian and Emma made a perfect match together, both hurt and extremely vulnerable. You could say that the timing was just right for the two to meet… Their connection was instant, and the relationship development was adorable and as sweet as the numerous pastries Lucien spoilt Emma with. The chemistry front was lacking though… And the whole ‘she is too good for me’ problem was sometimes rather annoying. But I guess, it was still alright.
Long story short, Make It Sweet was a quick and quite delightful read. I wouldn’t say the book was a masterpiece of romance, but I was indeed charmed by the banter which was the perfect balance between smart and flirty. The affectionate sides of both Lucian and Emma just melted my freezing heart, at least for the time being. Definitely worth checking out!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards.
A lifelong daydreamer, she once realized the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person can have, so naturally, she writes romance.
When she is not writing, she is reading.
Kristen is a child of the 80s, which means she’s worn neon skirts, black lace gloves, and combat boots although never all at once and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them.
She lives in the Washington, DC, with her husband and two children.
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