Review - - How Sweet it Is

How Sweet It Is

by Dylan Newton

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: July 13, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Event planner Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream weddings. So how is it that her best friend has roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch extravaganza? But the second Kate meets—or rather, accidentally maims—the drop-dead-hot Drake Matthews, her well-ordered life quickly transforms into an absolute nightmare.

Drake Matthews is tired of the spotlight and tired of his reputation as the Knight of Nightmares. He's really a nice guy! But he’s not prepared for Kate, a fearless agent of chaos in steel-tipped stilettos, or for that sweet sting of attraction he feels for her. She’s inspiring him to take his writing in a whole new direction—one that no one expects. Because now Kate and Drake are changing up the rules, and this plot twist might just surprise everyone . . . including themselves.

PJ's Thoughts:

You all know how much I enjoy discovering debut authors, especially ones who blow my socks off right out of the gate as Dylan Newton has done with How Sweet It Is. After turning the final page of this delightful rom-com, I immediately emailed the following message to the publicist at Forever who had sent me the ARC: 

“Picture me bowing at your feet in gratitude for putting HOW SWEET IT IS on my radar. I thought I’d read a few pages yesterday (even though I have so many books waiting in the queue) to get a feel for the author’s voice. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This book was all the sunshine I needed yesterday."

There are so many specific details I'd love to share with you that made this book one of my favorite rom-coms this year but I'm going to be purposely vague because you all deserve to discover the humor, chemistry, sweetness, vulnerability, depth of emotion, (did I mention humor?), and romance for yourselves as you become immersed in the non-stop fun and feel-good pleasure of this book. It all begins with a first encounter that skips right over "meet cute," heads straight for "meet hilarious" and sets the tone for the entire book. There are fan fanatics, nosy neighbors, brothers I want more of, devious former lovers, and a couple that seems all wrong on paper that just might be perfectly right in real life. There are also drool-worthy cupcakes, a questionable "attack" dog, and an airborne romantic gesture that I sincerely hope the author based on a real-life experience because, wow, my heart absolutely melted. I adored both Kate and Drake and pulled so hard for their happy ending through all of the ups, downs, and misadventures of their journey. 

I enthusiastically encourage everyone wanting to bring a bright ray of sunshine (and a touch of autumn) into your life to pick up a copy of Dylan Newton's How Sweet It Is. It's my laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy, feel-good romantic comedy of the summer. If you love it as much as I did, you'll be happy to know Newton will be writing a book for each of Drake's brothers too. I can't wait.