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Sugar and Scotch #2
Sweet as Sin
Sugar and Scotch book two
Does it count as cheating if your husband frequently and publicly steps out on you, so you decide to have a little fun of your own?
Tyler Michaelson is everything I shouldn't want... but I do.
Nearly twenty years younger and devastatingly handsome, the man could have any woman who catches his eye, but instead, he keeps choosing me, despite the inconvenient little fact that I'm married.
My husband is a powerful and prideful man who likes to remind me I'm still legally his every chance he gets. But Tyler's heated glances, featherlight touches, and whispers of sinful promises are enough to drive me wild with longing.
And my resolve is close to snapping.
Everyone else has their secrets. Why shouldn't I have mine, too?
Does it count as cheating if your husband frequently and publicly steps out on you, so you decide to have a little fun of your own?
Tyler Michaelson is everything I shouldn't want... but I do.
Nearly twenty years younger and devastatingly handsome, the man could have any woman who catches his eye, but instead, he keeps choosing me, despite the inconvenient little fact that I'm married.
My husband is a powerful and prideful man who likes to remind me I'm still legally his every chance he gets. But Tyler's heated glances, featherlight touches, and whispers of sinful promises are enough to drive me wild with longing.
And my resolve is close to snapping.
Everyone else has their secrets. Why shouldn't I have mine, too?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2023
48 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Darby
15 books370 followersD.L. Darby lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, dog, and cat. When she’s not working at her salon, she enjoys reading, hiking (when the weather is nice), and watching silly reality t.v. shows. She loves to travel and one day hopes to be able to attend all of the bookish conventions in one year.
You can find her on TikTok @d.l.darby_author
Or join her reader group on FB at D.L. Darby’s Darlings
You can find her on TikTok @d.l.darby_author
Or join her reader group on FB at D.L. Darby’s Darlings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 17, 2025
It was good — but the pet name ‘Pup’ is absolutely awful. I also wish their age difference created a little more friction with them — honestly, I kinda forgot there was a 20 yr age difference for majority of the book 😂
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️.5
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Sugar and Scotch #2
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Solo narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗛𝗘𝗔/𝗛𝗙𝗡: 💖
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Sadie + Tyler
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ age gap (she’s older • 20 yrs)
♥︎ he falls first
♥︎ forbidden relationship
♥︎ a cheating husband
♥︎ married millionaire fmc
♥︎ golden retriever mmc
𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦: n/a
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘: 🌶️.5
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: Standalone
𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: Sugar and Scotch #2
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞: Solo narration
𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: M/F
𝗛𝗘𝗔/𝗛𝗙𝗡: 💖
𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗣: 🚫
𝗪𝗛𝗬-𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗘: 🚫
𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Sadie + Tyler
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
♥︎ age gap (she’s older • 20 yrs)
♥︎ he falls first
♥︎ forbidden relationship
♥︎ a cheating husband
♥︎ married millionaire fmc
♥︎ golden retriever mmc
𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦: n/a
July 15, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
"Tyler was the dangerous kind of fun. The kind that looks at you like you hold up the sun and the moon, and he wants to drop to his knees and worship between your legs because he thinks you’re a goddess. The kind that drinks down every last drop and then fills you up again so he can start over. That ruins you for any other man. That brands himself on your soul."
Sadie and Tyler's story completes the Sugar and Scotch duet, a reverse age gap romance that's been building since the beginning of Slice of Temptation. Sadie was trapped in an oppressive marriage to her husband, Scott, who frequently stepped out with other women by his side. If her husband could have his fun, then why couldn't she have a little fun of her own?
"Tell me how badly you want me, Sadie. Tell me how badly you want this."
Tyler grabbed me from the start, opening his heart and wanting to give Sadie everything he had to offer. I loved how he worshipped Sadie like a goddess even as his insecurities and vulnerability rose to the surface. He was everything I could ask for in a reverse age gap MMC, sexy as sin and full of angst, perfectly complementing Sadie.
Comfortable with her life of luxury, Sadie built walls around her heart but Tyler was relentless in his pursuit and made her resolve crumble as she gave into her feelings for him. Sadie was a badass who knew what she wanted in life and that she deserved better than the way her husband treated her. However, as the story progressed, some of her decisions showed immaturity and contradicted her character, causing me to lose respect for her. Misunderstandings and lack of communication clouded her judgment and I wished she was strong enough to stop running away from the possibility of rejection.
"I won’t spend the rest of my life being put second, when I deserve to be put first."
Mafia elements introduced danger into the plot and created a sense of foreboding that overshadowed everything and left some open-ended questions about Sadie's husband's motivations. Unfortunately, the descriptors here were unsettling as they identified a man by repeatedly stating his ethnicity, perpetuating the stereotype of Italian men as members of the mafia. It felt inappropriate and completely unnecessary. In fact, the mafia connection didn't fit the story at all. It didn't involve the MMC so it competed with Sadie and Tyler's story instead of complementing it.
"Ours was a love story that had yet to be written but was already outlined to have a tragic ending."
While there was plenty of passion and heat in the attraction between Sadie and Tyler, I'm not sure if I felt the strength of their connection as much as I had expected to. I had hoped I would feel a larger tidal wave of emotions with everything they had to work through but their story did present a few thought provoking questions.
How well do you really know your partner? How far would you be willing to go to protect the person you love from getting hurt? Is love worth the risk? The answer to the last question is undeniably yes!
** Special thanks to author D.L. Darby for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available July 21, 2023. **
"Tyler was the dangerous kind of fun. The kind that looks at you like you hold up the sun and the moon, and he wants to drop to his knees and worship between your legs because he thinks you’re a goddess. The kind that drinks down every last drop and then fills you up again so he can start over. That ruins you for any other man. That brands himself on your soul."
Sadie and Tyler's story completes the Sugar and Scotch duet, a reverse age gap romance that's been building since the beginning of Slice of Temptation. Sadie was trapped in an oppressive marriage to her husband, Scott, who frequently stepped out with other women by his side. If her husband could have his fun, then why couldn't she have a little fun of her own?
"Tell me how badly you want me, Sadie. Tell me how badly you want this."
Tyler grabbed me from the start, opening his heart and wanting to give Sadie everything he had to offer. I loved how he worshipped Sadie like a goddess even as his insecurities and vulnerability rose to the surface. He was everything I could ask for in a reverse age gap MMC, sexy as sin and full of angst, perfectly complementing Sadie.
Comfortable with her life of luxury, Sadie built walls around her heart but Tyler was relentless in his pursuit and made her resolve crumble as she gave into her feelings for him. Sadie was a badass who knew what she wanted in life and that she deserved better than the way her husband treated her. However, as the story progressed, some of her decisions showed immaturity and contradicted her character, causing me to lose respect for her. Misunderstandings and lack of communication clouded her judgment and I wished she was strong enough to stop running away from the possibility of rejection.
"I won’t spend the rest of my life being put second, when I deserve to be put first."
Mafia elements introduced danger into the plot and created a sense of foreboding that overshadowed everything and left some open-ended questions about Sadie's husband's motivations. Unfortunately, the descriptors here were unsettling as they identified a man by repeatedly stating his ethnicity, perpetuating the stereotype of Italian men as members of the mafia. It felt inappropriate and completely unnecessary. In fact, the mafia connection didn't fit the story at all. It didn't involve the MMC so it competed with Sadie and Tyler's story instead of complementing it.
"Ours was a love story that had yet to be written but was already outlined to have a tragic ending."
While there was plenty of passion and heat in the attraction between Sadie and Tyler, I'm not sure if I felt the strength of their connection as much as I had expected to. I had hoped I would feel a larger tidal wave of emotions with everything they had to work through but their story did present a few thought provoking questions.
How well do you really know your partner? How far would you be willing to go to protect the person you love from getting hurt? Is love worth the risk? The answer to the last question is undeniably yes!
** Special thanks to author D.L. Darby for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available July 21, 2023. **
July 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I loved reading Sadie and Tyler's story. Tyler is the sweetest MMC ever.
Sadie has to figure out her life (her husband and what she feels for Tyler) But Tyler makes it clear she won't be treated the way her husband treats her and he wants her to be his.
I loved seeing them together and getting to see more of Rylee and Chance!
Sadie has to figure out her life (her husband and what she feels for Tyler) But Tyler makes it clear she won't be treated the way her husband treats her and he wants her to be his.
I loved seeing them together and getting to see more of Rylee and Chance!
July 20, 2023
Sadie has built a new life in Jacksonville. She has been pouring all her attention into Sugar and Scotch that she co-owns with her best friend Rylee. (Sugar and Scotch book 1) Sadie’s marriage is on the rocks. Sadie is miserable but she is not ready to divorce her husband.
Enter Tyler Michaelson. He’s 20 years younger than Sadie and he makes her feel alive. Tyler is the sweetest golden retriever. After so many years of watching her husband cheat on her, he makes her feel treasured.
But Tyler has some secrets that will rock Sadie’s world.
This book is a quick read. I loved watching Sadie realize she was entitled to happiness and grabbing that happiness with both hands. Also… just wait until you get to that pearl dress scene.
Read this book if you love…
- golden retriever MMC
- he falls first
- reverse age gap
- praising
Enter Tyler Michaelson. He’s 20 years younger than Sadie and he makes her feel alive. Tyler is the sweetest golden retriever. After so many years of watching her husband cheat on her, he makes her feel treasured.
But Tyler has some secrets that will rock Sadie’s world.
This book is a quick read. I loved watching Sadie realize she was entitled to happiness and grabbing that happiness with both hands. Also… just wait until you get to that pearl dress scene.
Read this book if you love…
- golden retriever MMC
- he falls first
- reverse age gap
- praising
July 20, 2023
Yet another delicious book from D.L. Darby!
I lovvvvved Tyler’s persistence in Slice of Temptation, and was so thrilled when Sadie gave into the love struck “pup”. I truly enjoyed this read, devouring it in less that a full day.
🧁 reverse age gap
🥃 he falls first
🧁 friends to lovers
🥃 steamy and spicy 🥵
*there is cheating BUT it felt justified 🫣
I lovvvvved Tyler’s persistence in Slice of Temptation, and was so thrilled when Sadie gave into the love struck “pup”. I truly enjoyed this read, devouring it in less that a full day.
🧁 reverse age gap
🥃 he falls first
🧁 friends to lovers
🥃 steamy and spicy 🥵
*there is cheating BUT it felt justified 🫣
July 11, 2023
I devoured this book in the matter of 24 hours!
Sadie is living comfortably in Jacksonville. She is running Sugar and Scotch with her best friend. There’s only one problem. Tyler. A younger man that is pining for her, but she’s still married.
This is such a spicy book 🥵. Darby knows how to write the spice and how well it fits into the book. The pearl scene 👩🏼🍳💋
This book is a quick read. You get drawn into the story. It’s not too long where you feel like the story drags but also it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s a great palate cleanser and just a feel book with a beautiful HEA
The plot was so beautifully written. You could feel for Sadie and Tyler with the struggles they were going through. You even get a little New York mob feel towards the end. It was a great end to the series.
If you love:
🔺He falls first
🔺Reverse Ape Gap
🔺Golden Retriever MMC
🔺 Praising
Genre: Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 228
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Series Book 2
Content Warning: Cheating, spousal violence, divorce, off page parental death, mention of murder, gun violence.
(Review Template by Sienasummerrreads)
Sadie is living comfortably in Jacksonville. She is running Sugar and Scotch with her best friend. There’s only one problem. Tyler. A younger man that is pining for her, but she’s still married.
This is such a spicy book 🥵. Darby knows how to write the spice and how well it fits into the book. The pearl scene 👩🏼🍳💋
This book is a quick read. You get drawn into the story. It’s not too long where you feel like the story drags but also it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s a great palate cleanser and just a feel book with a beautiful HEA
The plot was so beautifully written. You could feel for Sadie and Tyler with the struggles they were going through. You even get a little New York mob feel towards the end. It was a great end to the series.
If you love:
🔺He falls first
🔺Reverse Ape Gap
🔺Golden Retriever MMC
🔺 Praising
Genre: Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 228
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Series Book 2
Content Warning: Cheating, spousal violence, divorce, off page parental death, mention of murder, gun violence.
(Review Template by Sienasummerrreads)
July 22, 2023
So sad this duet has ended. I just love everything about this writing. These characters. I’m so happy our favorite water puppy made a reappearance. Definitely recommend if you love a reverse age gap. 🥵🔥 D.L. Is an instant read for me. Thanks for letting me be apart of your awesome arc team! I love these books!
July 13, 2023
I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅Reverse age gap
We met Sadie and Tyler in slice of temptation. Sadie is currently married to a millionaire and let’s just say he publicly steps out on her, and Sadie’s debating having a little fun of her own. Tyler Michaelson is everything she shouldn't want... but she does…
Honestly I really started to dislike Sadie like the minute she wanted to push things with Tyler. She should’ve asked for a divorce. Instead she said she liked her lavish lifestyle and didn’t want to give it up. Then when Scott did give her the divorce she asked for she didn’t wanna fucking tell Tyler I’m like girl you’re 40 you’re being immature🙄 Get your shit together.
I do think the book was cute there was just a bit of immaturity and lack of communication from Sadie and given her age I had higher expectations.
✅Reverse age gap
We met Sadie and Tyler in slice of temptation. Sadie is currently married to a millionaire and let’s just say he publicly steps out on her, and Sadie’s debating having a little fun of her own. Tyler Michaelson is everything she shouldn't want... but she does…
Honestly I really started to dislike Sadie like the minute she wanted to push things with Tyler. She should’ve asked for a divorce. Instead she said she liked her lavish lifestyle and didn’t want to give it up. Then when Scott did give her the divorce she asked for she didn’t wanna fucking tell Tyler I’m like girl you’re 40 you’re being immature🙄 Get your shit together.
I do think the book was cute there was just a bit of immaturity and lack of communication from Sadie and given her age I had higher expectations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2023
This book is a quick, fast paced read that will suck you in to the magnetic tension between Sadie and Tyler. I almost would say it’s a light read, but it touches on some difficult and tricky subjects too.
Tyler is an absolute delight - he’s a total golden retriever and a cinnamon roll but he’s possessive AF too and will go head to head with anyone that messes with Sadie. Sadie is a sassy and vibrant FMC that you just know would make an awesome BFF. The vibe she gives off makes it easy to forget that she is a former model - until you get to some particular scenes 😉
The blurb makes it pretty obvious but *spoiler alert* there’s cheating. But with a husband that’s too caught up in other women, the marriage is pretty much in name only. They live apart most of the time and live separate lives.
In this book you’ll get a reverse age gap (of almost 20 years), he falls first, golden retriever energy, possessive cinnamon roll, instalust/instalove, the best turtle around, cute nicknames, plenty of spice, and some fun with pearls.
Tyler is an absolute delight - he’s a total golden retriever and a cinnamon roll but he’s possessive AF too and will go head to head with anyone that messes with Sadie. Sadie is a sassy and vibrant FMC that you just know would make an awesome BFF. The vibe she gives off makes it easy to forget that she is a former model - until you get to some particular scenes 😉
The blurb makes it pretty obvious but *spoiler alert* there’s cheating. But with a husband that’s too caught up in other women, the marriage is pretty much in name only. They live apart most of the time and live separate lives.
In this book you’ll get a reverse age gap (of almost 20 years), he falls first, golden retriever energy, possessive cinnamon roll, instalust/instalove, the best turtle around, cute nicknames, plenty of spice, and some fun with pearls.
July 21, 2025
Sadie Tailor is a forty-seven-year-old, former model turned millionaire’s wife. She gets to come and go when she wants and go where she wants at any time. Invest as much money as she desires in any projects she might have, take as many vacations as her heart desires, and don’t have to have dinner on the table when her husband gets home from work. Most women in her position would kill for the life she has. But what they don't tell you are that you have to sell your pride, self-respect, and dignity. No one says what you talk yourself into believing, that you deserve to be treated as any other than a precious diamond, and put first over anything.
That public shaming by parading his cheap women around to events is not acceptable and is grounds for divorce. Considering he has more documented proof for years than Sadie can call the shots. However, her SOB of a husband uses their love to lie, degrade her body in the name of making love, and leave a possible STI. To get her off the idea of divorcing him. Using jewelry, love, and honor-based marital sex. She is devastated. But he didn't lie in that he hadn’t taken the women to their home and the apartment. Because all his escapades have been in California.
Tyler Michaelson the pup that has been madly in love with Sadie since the day he and Chance Birchem went to work on Rylee and Sadie’s business landscape. He knows he’s twenty years her junior and sees nothing wrong with it. He would give Sadie the world if he could but all he has is himself. But he would continue to love her until their last dying breath. Scott has everything he deserves coming his way. Fool me once it’s on me. Fool me twice and I get mean. Wifey was so sad when she came back from NY he knew things didn't go well.
However, when Sadie tells Tyler about sleeping with her husband just after she showed signs of being jealous he said he didn't want Scott’s sloppy seconds. She was shredded to the deep with those words. It took many days for her to accept his apology for those crucial words. Then they were in the honeymoon phase of their relationship where everything was coming up roses. That is until she has to go back the night of the charity ball. All hell breaks loose.
Loved the characters and their outrageousness. Was some of it unbelievable of course, but it made it exciting. Taking me out of my calmer Sunday evening read.
That public shaming by parading his cheap women around to events is not acceptable and is grounds for divorce. Considering he has more documented proof for years than Sadie can call the shots. However, her SOB of a husband uses their love to lie, degrade her body in the name of making love, and leave a possible STI. To get her off the idea of divorcing him. Using jewelry, love, and honor-based marital sex. She is devastated. But he didn't lie in that he hadn’t taken the women to their home and the apartment. Because all his escapades have been in California.
Tyler Michaelson the pup that has been madly in love with Sadie since the day he and Chance Birchem went to work on Rylee and Sadie’s business landscape. He knows he’s twenty years her junior and sees nothing wrong with it. He would give Sadie the world if he could but all he has is himself. But he would continue to love her until their last dying breath. Scott has everything he deserves coming his way. Fool me once it’s on me. Fool me twice and I get mean. Wifey was so sad when she came back from NY he knew things didn't go well.
However, when Sadie tells Tyler about sleeping with her husband just after she showed signs of being jealous he said he didn't want Scott’s sloppy seconds. She was shredded to the deep with those words. It took many days for her to accept his apology for those crucial words. Then they were in the honeymoon phase of their relationship where everything was coming up roses. That is until she has to go back the night of the charity ball. All hell breaks loose.
Loved the characters and their outrageousness. Was some of it unbelievable of course, but it made it exciting. Taking me out of my calmer Sunday evening read.
July 27, 2023
If you need a reverse age gap romance, protective male, and definitely a whole lot of sugar and spice then you need to pick up this book right NOW!!
Sweet as Sin was captivating and alluring right from the very first chapter. If you've read Slice of Temptation and remember Tyler aka Pup then buckle up because this is his story. Tyler can be my Pup any time! He funny, charming, sweet, protective and sexy in all the right ways. I love how confident he is, in every aspect of his life. He doesn't back down and fight for what he wants, or shall we say who he wants.
Sadie may be 20 years older than Tyler, but that doesn't matter to either of them. The only problem is technically Sadie is still married to her lying cheating husband. She should've divorced him already, but she has her reasons why she can't. But is it really cheating when they kind of aren't together anymore really? I say no!
This couple is like a powerhouse couple. On their own they're great, but together they are unstoppable. Tyler may not know everything about Sadie's life, but he knows the little details that make Sadie, Sadie. Sometimes it's the small things that count the most. And when Sadie finally snaps that thread holding her back, she's like a free bird sprouting her wings, finally happy. And what she does for Tyler for his birthday, has to be the best present ever.
Thank you, D.L. Darby, for this explosive novel that I couldn't put down. I loved all the details you put into this book. Especially, the little details from Where the Flowers Bloom. It was great to see Dalphne mentioned again and Jess and Sean. I'm so glad he's where he needs to be now and how perfect Jess is for him. It's amazing how you connected all of this! I can't wait to see what else you have coming in the future. Thank you!!
Sweet as Sin was captivating and alluring right from the very first chapter. If you've read Slice of Temptation and remember Tyler aka Pup then buckle up because this is his story. Tyler can be my Pup any time! He funny, charming, sweet, protective and sexy in all the right ways. I love how confident he is, in every aspect of his life. He doesn't back down and fight for what he wants, or shall we say who he wants.
Sadie may be 20 years older than Tyler, but that doesn't matter to either of them. The only problem is technically Sadie is still married to her lying cheating husband. She should've divorced him already, but she has her reasons why she can't. But is it really cheating when they kind of aren't together anymore really? I say no!
This couple is like a powerhouse couple. On their own they're great, but together they are unstoppable. Tyler may not know everything about Sadie's life, but he knows the little details that make Sadie, Sadie. Sometimes it's the small things that count the most. And when Sadie finally snaps that thread holding her back, she's like a free bird sprouting her wings, finally happy. And what she does for Tyler for his birthday, has to be the best present ever.
Thank you, D.L. Darby, for this explosive novel that I couldn't put down. I loved all the details you put into this book. Especially, the little details from Where the Flowers Bloom. It was great to see Dalphne mentioned again and Jess and Sean. I'm so glad he's where he needs to be now and how perfect Jess is for him. It's amazing how you connected all of this! I can't wait to see what else you have coming in the future. Thank you!!
July 23, 2023
D.L. Darby has made another novel that melts my heart ♥️ I knew I would love the Tyler and Sadie story once introduced to the characters in Slice of Temptation, Novel #1 in the Sugar and Scotch Duet. 🍰🧁
It all starts with Tyler, our golden retriever energy, “Pup” sexy as hell man who quite literally had love at first sight. From the minute he walked in that bar he knew Sadie would be his one and only dream come true kind of love 💗Throughout the novel he remains in love and obsessed with Sadie even when he knows he can’t have her. I love this man’s patience to wait for what he wants and claim what he needs. He is the best friend to Chance our main MC from Slice of Temptation.
Sadie, the strong willed, hard working, self made women who has stolen the “Pups” heart. Leaving her loveless marriage behind in New York she planned to make a life for herself in Florida running a bakery cafe by day and bar by night with her best friend Rylee (in a relationship with Chance). Tyler has taken her heart too and though she is still married she can’t help the spark 🔥 that floods between them. Resisting temptation has lasted long enough she finally dove in head first. I love that more twists and turns came along that showed that things don’t always work out as intended. But in the end, love prevailed!!! I screamed when they got back together with excitement!
I love what happened with Chance and Rylee in this novel too! Perfect little wrap up on their story 😍😍
🧁 Insta-Love
🧁 He Falls First
🧁 Reverse Age Gap
🧁 🔥🔥/5
It all starts with Tyler, our golden retriever energy, “Pup” sexy as hell man who quite literally had love at first sight. From the minute he walked in that bar he knew Sadie would be his one and only dream come true kind of love 💗Throughout the novel he remains in love and obsessed with Sadie even when he knows he can’t have her. I love this man’s patience to wait for what he wants and claim what he needs. He is the best friend to Chance our main MC from Slice of Temptation.
Sadie, the strong willed, hard working, self made women who has stolen the “Pups” heart. Leaving her loveless marriage behind in New York she planned to make a life for herself in Florida running a bakery cafe by day and bar by night with her best friend Rylee (in a relationship with Chance). Tyler has taken her heart too and though she is still married she can’t help the spark 🔥 that floods between them. Resisting temptation has lasted long enough she finally dove in head first. I love that more twists and turns came along that showed that things don’t always work out as intended. But in the end, love prevailed!!! I screamed when they got back together with excitement!
I love what happened with Chance and Rylee in this novel too! Perfect little wrap up on their story 😍😍
🧁 Insta-Love
🧁 He Falls First
🧁 Reverse Age Gap
🧁 🔥🔥/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
🅢🅦🅔🅔🅣 🅐🅢 🅢🅘🅝
D.L. Darby
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔~
Taylor and his best friend/business partner are hired to landscape the property is Sugar and Scotch. They show up to introduce themselves to the ladies who own it and see if what they heard about them was true. For Taylor it’s instant lust that turns into a friendship.
I really LOVED Tyler, he was such a sweet fun, golden retriever. The nickname wifey 😮💨. These two had more than age to overcome though.
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑓**𝑘 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑑-𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑔𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝐼 𝑠𝑎𝑤 ℎ𝑖𝑚.
Sadie was a complicated character. Set in her ways with old money and a husband she was ok with living separate all while he is stepping out on her. It took her a minute to figure out what she really wanted and what made her happy and some of her choices I didn’t agree with and wanted to tell her to get it together.
This has all the spice. While there is no cheating between FMC and MMC after choosing each other there is the cheating on the husband after the continued cheated and semi separation. This was book 2 in the Sugar and Scotch series and is best read in order.
I read the Angels of Désirer series previous to this book and some of these characters are secondary in Burn With Me so I already knew some of what happens. I really love that we get to see the same characters pop up in other books.
💜Reverse Age Gap (26/47)
🧁Dangerous Attraction
💜Friends to Lovers
🧁He Falls First
💜Insta Lust
🧁Golden Retriever MMC
D.L. Darby
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔~
Taylor and his best friend/business partner are hired to landscape the property is Sugar and Scotch. They show up to introduce themselves to the ladies who own it and see if what they heard about them was true. For Taylor it’s instant lust that turns into a friendship.
I really LOVED Tyler, he was such a sweet fun, golden retriever. The nickname wifey 😮💨. These two had more than age to overcome though.
𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑓**𝑘 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑎 𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑑-𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑔𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑓𝑓 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝐼 𝑠𝑎𝑤 ℎ𝑖𝑚.
Sadie was a complicated character. Set in her ways with old money and a husband she was ok with living separate all while he is stepping out on her. It took her a minute to figure out what she really wanted and what made her happy and some of her choices I didn’t agree with and wanted to tell her to get it together.
This has all the spice. While there is no cheating between FMC and MMC after choosing each other there is the cheating on the husband after the continued cheated and semi separation. This was book 2 in the Sugar and Scotch series and is best read in order.
I read the Angels of Désirer series previous to this book and some of these characters are secondary in Burn With Me so I already knew some of what happens. I really love that we get to see the same characters pop up in other books.
💜Reverse Age Gap (26/47)
🧁Dangerous Attraction
💜Friends to Lovers
🧁He Falls First
💜Insta Lust
🧁Golden Retriever MMC
July 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
"Ours was a love story that had yet to be written but was already outlined to have a tragic ending."
♡ Reverse Age Gap
♡ Married FMC (Cheating Husband)
♡ "I can treat you better than him."
♡ Degradation
♡ Hidden Truths
I have been anticipating this release since these characters were mentioned in book 1! Tyler and Sadie and definitely my favorite MCs that D.L. Darby has written. The angst, the pining, the clandestine affair. 🔥
The only reason this book got 4 instead of 5 stars is because, though I love the MCs themselves, there were some behaviors by both of them that made me want to pull my hair out.
BUT - definitely the hottest book she's put out so far.
"And yes, you may carry his last name. But it's my bed you're sleeping in. My name you're crying out in pleasure- and my c*ck you're coming on every night."
Like SIR. Tyler was throwing dirty degradation around one minute and then following it up with a "good girl" the next. Needless to say, you'll need to keep a change of dry undies on hand because you will be soaked. 💦
🌶🌶🌶
"Ours was a love story that had yet to be written but was already outlined to have a tragic ending."
♡ Reverse Age Gap
♡ Married FMC (Cheating Husband)
♡ "I can treat you better than him."
♡ Degradation
♡ Hidden Truths
I have been anticipating this release since these characters were mentioned in book 1! Tyler and Sadie and definitely my favorite MCs that D.L. Darby has written. The angst, the pining, the clandestine affair. 🔥
The only reason this book got 4 instead of 5 stars is because, though I love the MCs themselves, there were some behaviors by both of them that made me want to pull my hair out.
BUT - definitely the hottest book she's put out so far.
"And yes, you may carry his last name. But it's my bed you're sleeping in. My name you're crying out in pleasure- and my c*ck you're coming on every night."
Like SIR. Tyler was throwing dirty degradation around one minute and then following it up with a "good girl" the next. Needless to say, you'll need to keep a change of dry undies on hand because you will be soaked. 💦
July 21, 2023
I was so excited to be able to read Sadie and Tyler’s story and D.L. Darby did not disappoint!!!
Sadie is happy with how her life is in Jacksonville. She helps run Sugar and Scotch with her best friend Rylee and she lives comfortably in her beach front condo. The only problem is the young man vying for her heart and the fact that she’s still married.
Tyler knew the moment he laid eyes on Sadie she was going to be his. He knew her marriage was an unhappy one and he vowed that he would be the light in her life if she would just give him a chance.
This was such a beautiful book. You get so drawn in to the story that before you know it you’ve finished. D.l. Darby has a way of making you forget the world around you and just focus on the book.
The spice was incredible. ( Pearl scene 🔥🔥)
If you love:
Praising
Reverse age gap
He falls first
Golden retriever MMC
then this is the book for you!
Content warning: Spousal violence, cheating, gun violence, off page parental death, mention of murder, divorce.
Sadie is happy with how her life is in Jacksonville. She helps run Sugar and Scotch with her best friend Rylee and she lives comfortably in her beach front condo. The only problem is the young man vying for her heart and the fact that she’s still married.
Tyler knew the moment he laid eyes on Sadie she was going to be his. He knew her marriage was an unhappy one and he vowed that he would be the light in her life if she would just give him a chance.
This was such a beautiful book. You get so drawn in to the story that before you know it you’ve finished. D.l. Darby has a way of making you forget the world around you and just focus on the book.
The spice was incredible. ( Pearl scene 🔥🔥)
If you love:
Praising
Reverse age gap
He falls first
Golden retriever MMC
then this is the book for you!
Content warning: Spousal violence, cheating, gun violence, off page parental death, mention of murder, divorce.
July 24, 2023
4.5 ✨ rounding to a 5.
I absolutely adore Sadie and Tyler.
This story is very well paced and keeps you hooked from the immediate magnetic attraction between Sadie and Tyler.
I was concerned i wouldn’t be a fan of this book because i do not like books revolving around infidelity, but Scott was honestly awful so I looked past it and truly fell in love with our MCs.
I was SHOOK when Scott finally just randomly showed up agreeing to a divorce and even giving Sadie what she was rightfully owed out of nowhere. I’m excited to see where that story line goes.
TYLER. Immediately flying to the top of my book boyfriend list. He truly was utterly obsessed with Sadie. He fell so fast and just worshipped the ground she walked on.
It’s giving: Age Gap, Insta love, He falls first, cheating.
Be sure to read the trigger warnings before diving into this one.
I absolutely adore Sadie and Tyler.
This story is very well paced and keeps you hooked from the immediate magnetic attraction between Sadie and Tyler.
I was concerned i wouldn’t be a fan of this book because i do not like books revolving around infidelity, but Scott was honestly awful so I looked past it and truly fell in love with our MCs.
I was SHOOK when Scott finally just randomly showed up agreeing to a divorce and even giving Sadie what she was rightfully owed out of nowhere. I’m excited to see where that story line goes.
TYLER. Immediately flying to the top of my book boyfriend list. He truly was utterly obsessed with Sadie. He fell so fast and just worshipped the ground she walked on.
It’s giving: Age Gap, Insta love, He falls first, cheating.
Be sure to read the trigger warnings before diving into this one.
December 31, 2023
Such a bittersweet ending!
Ughhhh! This series had me for sure. It was too good and I ended up loving this one much more than the first. The chemistry between these two was so hot hot hot and the passion when they finally gave it was explosive. I loved how Tyler was a “big boy” and Sadie was the perfect “fit” for him. The way it took months for the lead up of their relationship to happen and that we were able to uncover the depths behind Tyler’s secrets. It was also great to see Sadie’s life in NY and how much of a different person she became when she was around her husband. It was sad to see her go through what many woman in that society go through and also glad that Tyler was her breath of fresh air. And lastly, the way Chance and Rylee were there for both of them together and separately whenever they needed each other. Their friendship was beautiful to see!
Ughhhh! This series had me for sure. It was too good and I ended up loving this one much more than the first. The chemistry between these two was so hot hot hot and the passion when they finally gave it was explosive. I loved how Tyler was a “big boy” and Sadie was the perfect “fit” for him. The way it took months for the lead up of their relationship to happen and that we were able to uncover the depths behind Tyler’s secrets. It was also great to see Sadie’s life in NY and how much of a different person she became when she was around her husband. It was sad to see her go through what many woman in that society go through and also glad that Tyler was her breath of fresh air. And lastly, the way Chance and Rylee were there for both of them together and separately whenever they needed each other. Their friendship was beautiful to see!
July 8, 2023
seeing how this two danced around each other in Slice of Temptation, seeing that they got their own story made me so happy. Tyler the down to earth twenty something year old that can not fight his attraction to Sadie the older ex model. She is married, though unhappy and fight the urge to make herself happy. Seeing that she finally allows herself to be happy made me so incredibly happy. everything they go through literally hurts your heart like you are living it with them. I admit a few tears might have been shed. The writing was amazing like I stated you were pulled in from the very beginning. The suspense of not knowing how it will end, the love, the heartbreak and rollercoaster of emotions make this one of my favorite reads of the year.
July 16, 2023
Oh man, I loved Sadie and Tyler's story. We only got a little bits of them in Slice of Temptation. Where they were the absolute best of friends. And man, did this book pay off in all the areas.
Sadie and Tyler had some high stakes. It kept me on my toes. But I loved the angst of it all. And they had some of the hottest time together. (fans self). Tyler treated Sadie like the queen that she is. And in return gave Tyler all his fantasies.
Also the costumes, made my younger self so happy.
Scott, I want to punch and I have theories floating around in my head about his change of heart. Also the the plot twist- didn't even see that coming about Tyler's past.
It was great seeing more of Chance and Rylee (Domino and Gary). And even some connection to Where the Flowers Bloom.
Sadie and Tyler had some high stakes. It kept me on my toes. But I loved the angst of it all. And they had some of the hottest time together. (fans self). Tyler treated Sadie like the queen that she is. And in return gave Tyler all his fantasies.
Also the costumes, made my younger self so happy.
Scott, I want to punch and I have theories floating around in my head about his change of heart. Also the the plot twist- didn't even see that coming about Tyler's past.
It was great seeing more of Chance and Rylee (Domino and Gary). And even some connection to Where the Flowers Bloom.
July 23, 2023
Sugar and Spice ooh La La!
Oh my goodness! Whew, I thought after loving chance that I was through.. Nope! Oh Tyler can be my pup any day. The story that brought these 2 beautiful characters in this book together was phenomenal! Oh I disliked her husband, but then again maybe if there’s another book wink wink! Age gap for him maybe we will get his story! But Tyler is just such a sweetheart in love waiting for Sadie and her finally giving into her wanting Tyler. Ugh was it worth it … every single page! I love how they became such amazing friends to each other, making the spice that much more hard core amazing! The anticipation! The story and character building I just couldn’t put it down! Ready for some more D. L. Darby I am here for you your audience awaits more awesomeness thank you for bringing the heat and dowsing the fire of our book boyfriend needs!
Oh my goodness! Whew, I thought after loving chance that I was through.. Nope! Oh Tyler can be my pup any day. The story that brought these 2 beautiful characters in this book together was phenomenal! Oh I disliked her husband, but then again maybe if there’s another book wink wink! Age gap for him maybe we will get his story! But Tyler is just such a sweetheart in love waiting for Sadie and her finally giving into her wanting Tyler. Ugh was it worth it … every single page! I love how they became such amazing friends to each other, making the spice that much more hard core amazing! The anticipation! The story and character building I just couldn’t put it down! Ready for some more D. L. Darby I am here for you your audience awaits more awesomeness thank you for bringing the heat and dowsing the fire of our book boyfriend needs!
July 8, 2023
Tyler has my heart and has been officially added to the book boyfriend list!
I LOVED this book and Sadie and Tyler's story. This probably my favorite book out of the two because I liked Tyler when he was first introduced in the first book.
I will say Sadie made me mad a couple of times throughout the book because of what she was putting Tyler through, but I know she was in a really tough spot because she was still Married to her husband Scott who by the way is a complete douche canoe!
I am so glad that everything worked out and that Sadie and Tyler got their HEA because they both deserved it.
I love this authors books and look forward to so many more!
I LOVED this book and Sadie and Tyler's story. This probably my favorite book out of the two because I liked Tyler when he was first introduced in the first book.
I will say Sadie made me mad a couple of times throughout the book because of what she was putting Tyler through, but I know she was in a really tough spot because she was still Married to her husband Scott who by the way is a complete douche canoe!
I am so glad that everything worked out and that Sadie and Tyler got their HEA because they both deserved it.
I love this authors books and look forward to so many more!
July 9, 2023
Another great read! She just makes such great stories that keep me reading without a break.
Usually I'm not into the reverse age gap but the author makes it to where I am.
I enjoyed this story, not as much as Slice of Temptation but still a great read, as always.
I loved hearing about character's from the previous books and seeing how happy they were still and I always love a HEA!
There was some rough patches but that's ok because they pushed through and everything worked how it was suppose to.
I'm excited for anything else planned after this because the character's from this and the previous will make a reappearance. 😁
Usually I'm not into the reverse age gap but the author makes it to where I am.
I enjoyed this story, not as much as Slice of Temptation but still a great read, as always.
I loved hearing about character's from the previous books and seeing how happy they were still and I always love a HEA!
There was some rough patches but that's ok because they pushed through and everything worked how it was suppose to.
I'm excited for anything else planned after this because the character's from this and the previous will make a reappearance. 😁
July 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I read it in less than 24 hours. Tyler and Sadie were everything. First reverse age gap....yes please. Spice....yes! The banter between the two was incredible. The thing I loved about their relationship is I can relate to every single emotion and feeling they go through. Tyler was definitely a golden retriever at times but when he wasn't.......hot damn. The twists and angst at times was the perfect amount and completed the book to perfection. I would recommend this to anyone and wish there were more books with these characters.
*Reverse Age Gap
*Golden Retriever Vibes
*Praise
*He falls first
Content warning: cheating, spousal violence, divorce
*Reverse Age Gap
*Golden Retriever Vibes
*Praise
*He falls first
Content warning: cheating, spousal violence, divorce
dnf
August 9, 2025dnf
and yes it is cheating, hope this helps.
everyone kept referring to it as " having a little fun " when it's CHEATING, she won't leave her abusive husband because he's rich and she's used to luxury but she'll cheat on him and string Tyler along.
and Rylee was DESPICABLE, encouraging her friend to cheat when she has cheating trauma on her own and spent 25 years throwing herself a pitty party because of it, morals are morals, if she hates cheating she should he against it no matter who is getting cheated on.
is this series really reverse age gap if the older fmcs are just as annoying, childish, and immature as their 20 something year old boyfriends ?
and yes it is cheating, hope this helps.
everyone kept referring to it as " having a little fun " when it's CHEATING, she won't leave her abusive husband because he's rich and she's used to luxury but she'll cheat on him and string Tyler along.
and Rylee was DESPICABLE, encouraging her friend to cheat when she has cheating trauma on her own and spent 25 years throwing herself a pitty party because of it, morals are morals, if she hates cheating she should he against it no matter who is getting cheated on.
is this series really reverse age gap if the older fmcs are just as annoying, childish, and immature as their 20 something year old boyfriends ?
July 9, 2023
Reverse Age gap? ✔️
Golden retriever MMC? ✔️
Sassy FMC? ✔️
Spicy spice scenes? ✔️
Drama? ✔️
Sweet as Sin is book two in the Sugar and Scotch duet, following Sadie and Tyler. And if you loved Chance and his dirty mouth? Well, you're going to fall for Tyler, because there is just something about filth coming out of a sweetheart's mouth that hits different.
SaS is full of the spice readers have come to know D.L. Darby for, as well as her drama. This story is beautifully written, and I loved it. Also, Tyler is the bestest turtle in the world and you can not convince me otherwise. (IYKYK 😏)
Golden retriever MMC? ✔️
Sassy FMC? ✔️
Spicy spice scenes? ✔️
Drama? ✔️
Sweet as Sin is book two in the Sugar and Scotch duet, following Sadie and Tyler. And if you loved Chance and his dirty mouth? Well, you're going to fall for Tyler, because there is just something about filth coming out of a sweetheart's mouth that hits different.
SaS is full of the spice readers have come to know D.L. Darby for, as well as her drama. This story is beautifully written, and I loved it. Also, Tyler is the bestest turtle in the world and you can not convince me otherwise. (IYKYK 😏)
July 21, 2023
This book was such a fun read! It was one of those that had my attention from the beginning. The absolute adoration that Tyler has for Sadie is captivating and oh so endearing.
DL Darby did a wonderful job telling us the dynamic between Sadie and her husband. I also loved the twists that she threw in there. This book flirted with dark romance and I am here for it. I am excited to see where DL Darby takes us next with her writing.
This is a fun, spicy, slightly dark book that I recommend to anyone who loves reverse age gap and a devoted, obsessive MMC!
DL Darby did a wonderful job telling us the dynamic between Sadie and her husband. I also loved the twists that she threw in there. This book flirted with dark romance and I am here for it. I am excited to see where DL Darby takes us next with her writing.
This is a fun, spicy, slightly dark book that I recommend to anyone who loves reverse age gap and a devoted, obsessive MMC!
July 22, 2023
True definition of a sweet but spicy puppy love. Sadie’s marriage is on the rocks, her husband isn’t giving her the love she deserves and he openly puts it out there that he’s cheating on her, which is why you won’t be mad at Sadie & Tyler. This beautiful reverse gap gem will have your toes curling. Tyler is 20 years younger than Sadie is isn’t afraid to show her how a real woman should be treated. If you loved Slice of Temptation, you’ll definitely want to pick up this next book of the duet. You won’t be disappointed.
July 25, 2023
A great book!
I loved first book but this was so much more! Tyler and Sadie story was everything I didn’t think I would want! Sadie who was married and 20 years older than Tyler. She wasn’t happy and lonely while her husband cheated on her with multiple women. Finally finding love and giving in to relentless Tyler wanting her she falls hard and chooses a better life for her. Tyler is every book boyfriend fantasy of worshiping and pleasing her every way. Not to mention he was hot and packing.
I loved first book but this was so much more! Tyler and Sadie story was everything I didn’t think I would want! Sadie who was married and 20 years older than Tyler. She wasn’t happy and lonely while her husband cheated on her with multiple women. Finally finding love and giving in to relentless Tyler wanting her she falls hard and chooses a better life for her. Tyler is every book boyfriend fantasy of worshiping and pleasing her every way. Not to mention he was hot and packing.
July 30, 2025
Second book in her reverse age gap series. This one had just a hint of darkness to it. It was enough to make things interesting without diving too deep. The relationship was definitely messy but in a way that still felt believable. A bit on the daytime drama side for me though. One of my favorite things was how the main characters from the first book are still present and actually added to the storyline. Not my favorite D.L. Darby book but I liked that she wasn’t afraid to explore something a little different.
July 20, 2023
D. L. Darby has done it again! In the second installment of the Sugar and Scotch duet this book follows Sadie & Tyler. Sadie is trapped in a loveless marriage with a husband who’s constantly stepping out on her, so she leaves New York & comes to Florida for an escape. Enter Tyler who’s 20 years younger and wants nothing but Sadie in his bed. Will Tyler finally break down Sadie & love her the way she deserves?
Tropes:
He falls first
Golden retriever Mmc
Praise
Reverse age gap
Tropes:
He falls first
Golden retriever Mmc
Praise
Reverse age gap
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