What do you think?
Rate this book
The Draysons: Sprinkled With Love #1
Decadent Dreams
Resist temptation…
It seems as though Belinda Drayson-Jones has it all together. Smart and attractive, she is one of the most talented bakers at Lillian's, her family's famed Chicago patisserie. Belinda is one of those women who never shows up late, never makes a faux pas, never does anything that would raise someone's eyebrows. Yet perfection has its price, and the beautiful Ms. Drayson-Jones feels that something is missing from her life. And no one would ever guess the secret she's keeping.
…or give in to love?
Malik Anthony knows plenty about keeping secrets. He has worked with Belinda for years and has been fighting his feelings just as long. Malik always considered her to be unattainable, until one night when their simmering desire suddenly reaches the boiling point. And if he isn't mistaken, Belinda is now coming on to him.
What could be more irresistible than being seduced by the boss's granddaughter? What could be more perfect than giving in?
It seems as though Belinda Drayson-Jones has it all together. Smart and attractive, she is one of the most talented bakers at Lillian's, her family's famed Chicago patisserie. Belinda is one of those women who never shows up late, never makes a faux pas, never does anything that would raise someone's eyebrows. Yet perfection has its price, and the beautiful Ms. Drayson-Jones feels that something is missing from her life. And no one would ever guess the secret she's keeping.
…or give in to love?
Malik Anthony knows plenty about keeping secrets. He has worked with Belinda for years and has been fighting his feelings just as long. Malik always considered her to be unattainable, until one night when their simmering desire suddenly reaches the boiling point. And if he isn't mistaken, Belinda is now coming on to him.
What could be more irresistible than being seduced by the boss's granddaughter? What could be more perfect than giving in?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 19, 2013
24 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
184 books916 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 13, 2021
I’ve finally read my first AC Arthur romance and loved it! Belinda and Malik were adorable. I love a hero who is totally smitten with the heroine.
What I loved most was Belinda and her journey. She is this grown woman, stitched together by high expectations and standards and honestly, she’s at the point where she’s DONE with those shenanigans and ready to be her Own Woman! Her journey and the romance with Malik had me hooked on this story!
A lot of this story centers around a black family owned bakery in Chicago which I loved seeing. I loved Belinda’s Grandmother. A lot of Belinda’s hesitation to shed the skin she’s been living in is because of something I think we as women of color deal with a lot-not wanting to seem ungrateful for all the sacrifices our elders made for us to be where we are, by walking our own path but Her grandmother set that straight and I loved to see it!
What I loved most was Belinda and her journey. She is this grown woman, stitched together by high expectations and standards and honestly, she’s at the point where she’s DONE with those shenanigans and ready to be her Own Woman! Her journey and the romance with Malik had me hooked on this story!
A lot of this story centers around a black family owned bakery in Chicago which I loved seeing. I loved Belinda’s Grandmother. A lot of Belinda’s hesitation to shed the skin she’s been living in is because of something I think we as women of color deal with a lot-not wanting to seem ungrateful for all the sacrifices our elders made for us to be where we are, by walking our own path but Her grandmother set that straight and I loved to see it!
October 17, 2024
"Decadent Dreams" by A.C. Arthur was a great read. Belinda works at her family's bakery. She is known for not taking chances and being predictable. She decides to take a chance and start living life her way. Malik has worked at the bakery for years and has had feelings for Belinda for a few years now. My favorite part is when Belinda goes to watch a girl with her cheerleading because the girls family doesn't go. I thought that was very sweet of Belinda. Arthur has a way of keeping you interested in the story and wanting more.
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book's storyline. I enjoyed the desserts 🍨 mentioned in the story, sounded delicious 😋. I enjoyed the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. I enjoyed Belinda's character. I enjoyed Malik's character. I enjoyed the ending.
June 18, 2017
Sweet
This is a great book of finding someone to love and overcome your fears. A.C. Arthur is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more.
This is a great book of finding someone to love and overcome your fears. A.C. Arthur is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading more.
February 27, 2013
I had the pleasure of reviewing AC Arthur Kimani Romance, what can I say but YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY......CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE
Rating 4.5
Make sure you go out and purchase the book when it drop, you can order a month early if you are have a Harlequin account.............you will not be disappointed.
SYNOPSIS: Resist temptation…
It seems as though Belinda Drayson-Jones has it all together. Smart and attractive, she is one of the most talented bakers at Lillian’s, her family’s famed Chicago patisserie. Belinda is one of those women who never shows up late, never makes a faux pas, never does anything that would raise someone’s eyebrows. Yet perfection has its price, and the beautiful Ms. Drayson-Jones feels that something is missing from her life. And no one would ever guess the secret she’s keeping.
…or give in to love?
Malik Anthony knows plenty about keeping secrets. He has worked with Belinda for years and has been fighting his feelings just as long. Malik always considered her to be unattainable, until one night when their simmering desire suddenly reaches the boiling point. And if he isn’t mistaken, Belinda is now coming on to him.
What could be more irresistible than being seduced by the boss’s granddaughter? What could be more perfect than giving in.
REVIEW: Belinda Drayson-Jones is one of the grand children of Lillian & Henry Drayson. Belinda is known to be independent, smart and a perfectionist. Belinda is also a woman who is afraid to let go and be herself but with Maliks help she will see that once she starts to live for her and not others she will be a lot happier. Now I can say that one minute it’s like she had the chip on her shoulders, trying to be tough then the next It’s like she turns into this naïve woman who just wants a loving man,
Malik Anthony is an ex NBA player who retired from the game and took his life in a different direction. Being a pastry chef was something that happened to him and with his best friends help, he begins working at Lillian’s. Malik is a generous person who gives back to help other and has been in love with Belinda for a while.
Malik and Belinda have been working together for years but neither knew how the other felt and for Malik it was about not over stepping his boundaries when it comes to Belinda; he didn’t know how Carter (his best friend) would feel about him dating or perusing his cousin. One thing about those Draysons is they are very protective. Malik is very open and honest with Belinda, so when she decides that she wants to pursue a relationship with him, he’s cautions her to be very clear about what she wants, in other words there is no turning back.
The question is to resist or give in to love? Decadent Dreams was just that a dream of a book.
I can’t wait to Farrah Rochon book call “Delectable Desire” and Yahrah St John book call “Delicious Destiny”
REVIEWED BY
LOUISE BROWN
Rating 4.5
Make sure you go out and purchase the book when it drop, you can order a month early if you are have a Harlequin account.............you will not be disappointed.
SYNOPSIS: Resist temptation…
It seems as though Belinda Drayson-Jones has it all together. Smart and attractive, she is one of the most talented bakers at Lillian’s, her family’s famed Chicago patisserie. Belinda is one of those women who never shows up late, never makes a faux pas, never does anything that would raise someone’s eyebrows. Yet perfection has its price, and the beautiful Ms. Drayson-Jones feels that something is missing from her life. And no one would ever guess the secret she’s keeping.
…or give in to love?
Malik Anthony knows plenty about keeping secrets. He has worked with Belinda for years and has been fighting his feelings just as long. Malik always considered her to be unattainable, until one night when their simmering desire suddenly reaches the boiling point. And if he isn’t mistaken, Belinda is now coming on to him.
What could be more irresistible than being seduced by the boss’s granddaughter? What could be more perfect than giving in.
REVIEW: Belinda Drayson-Jones is one of the grand children of Lillian & Henry Drayson. Belinda is known to be independent, smart and a perfectionist. Belinda is also a woman who is afraid to let go and be herself but with Maliks help she will see that once she starts to live for her and not others she will be a lot happier. Now I can say that one minute it’s like she had the chip on her shoulders, trying to be tough then the next It’s like she turns into this naïve woman who just wants a loving man,
Malik Anthony is an ex NBA player who retired from the game and took his life in a different direction. Being a pastry chef was something that happened to him and with his best friends help, he begins working at Lillian’s. Malik is a generous person who gives back to help other and has been in love with Belinda for a while.
Malik and Belinda have been working together for years but neither knew how the other felt and for Malik it was about not over stepping his boundaries when it comes to Belinda; he didn’t know how Carter (his best friend) would feel about him dating or perusing his cousin. One thing about those Draysons is they are very protective. Malik is very open and honest with Belinda, so when she decides that she wants to pursue a relationship with him, he’s cautions her to be very clear about what she wants, in other words there is no turning back.
The question is to resist or give in to love? Decadent Dreams was just that a dream of a book.
I can’t wait to Farrah Rochon book call “Delectable Desire” and Yahrah St John book call “Delicious Destiny”
REVIEWED BY
LOUISE BROWN
February 25, 2013
SYNOPSIS: Resist temptation…
It seems as though Belinda Drayson-Jones has it all together. Smart and attractive, she is one of the most talented bakers at Lillian's, her family's famed Chicago patisserie. Belinda is one of those women who never shows up late, never makes a faux pas, never does anything that would raise someone's eyebrows. Yet perfection has its price, and the beautiful Ms. Drayson-Jones feels that something is missing from her life. And no one would ever guess the secret she's keeping.
…or give in to love?
Malik Anthony knows plenty about keeping secrets. He has worked with Belinda for years and has been fighting his feelings just as long. Malik always considered her to be unattainable, until one night when their simmering desire suddenly reaches the boiling point. And if he isn't mistaken, Belinda is now coming on to him.
What could be more irresistible than being seduced by the boss's granddaughter? What could be more perfect than giving in.
REVIEW: Belinda Drayson-Jones is one of the grand children of Lillian & Henry Drayson. Belinda is known to be independent, smart and a perfectionist. Belinda is also a woman who is afraid to let go and be herself but with Maliks help she will see that once she starts to live for her and not others she will be a lot happier. Now I can say that one minute it’s like she had the chip on her shoulders, trying to be tough then the next It’s like she turns into this naïve woman who just wants a loving man,
Malik Anthony is an ex NBA player who retired from the game and took his life in a different direction. Being a pastry chef was something that happened to him and with his best friends help, he begins working at Lillian’s. Malik is a generous person who gives back to help othesr and has been in love with Belinda for a while.
Malik and Belinda have been working together for years but neither knew how the other felt and for Malik it was about not over stepping his boundaries when it comes to Belinda; he didn’t know how Carter (his best friend) would feel about him dating or perusing his cousin. One thing about those Draysons is they are very protective. Malik is very open and honest with Belinda, so when she decides that she wants to pursue a relationship with him, he’s cautions her to be very clear about what she wants, in other words there is no turning back.
The question is to resist or give in to love? Decadent Dreams was just that a dream of a book.
I can’t wait to Farrah Rochon book call “Delectable Desire” and Yahrah St John book call “Delicious Destiny”
REVIEWED BY LOUISE BROWN
It seems as though Belinda Drayson-Jones has it all together. Smart and attractive, she is one of the most talented bakers at Lillian's, her family's famed Chicago patisserie. Belinda is one of those women who never shows up late, never makes a faux pas, never does anything that would raise someone's eyebrows. Yet perfection has its price, and the beautiful Ms. Drayson-Jones feels that something is missing from her life. And no one would ever guess the secret she's keeping.
…or give in to love?
Malik Anthony knows plenty about keeping secrets. He has worked with Belinda for years and has been fighting his feelings just as long. Malik always considered her to be unattainable, until one night when their simmering desire suddenly reaches the boiling point. And if he isn't mistaken, Belinda is now coming on to him.
What could be more irresistible than being seduced by the boss's granddaughter? What could be more perfect than giving in.
REVIEW: Belinda Drayson-Jones is one of the grand children of Lillian & Henry Drayson. Belinda is known to be independent, smart and a perfectionist. Belinda is also a woman who is afraid to let go and be herself but with Maliks help she will see that once she starts to live for her and not others she will be a lot happier. Now I can say that one minute it’s like she had the chip on her shoulders, trying to be tough then the next It’s like she turns into this naïve woman who just wants a loving man,
Malik Anthony is an ex NBA player who retired from the game and took his life in a different direction. Being a pastry chef was something that happened to him and with his best friends help, he begins working at Lillian’s. Malik is a generous person who gives back to help othesr and has been in love with Belinda for a while.
Malik and Belinda have been working together for years but neither knew how the other felt and for Malik it was about not over stepping his boundaries when it comes to Belinda; he didn’t know how Carter (his best friend) would feel about him dating or perusing his cousin. One thing about those Draysons is they are very protective. Malik is very open and honest with Belinda, so when she decides that she wants to pursue a relationship with him, he’s cautions her to be very clear about what she wants, in other words there is no turning back.
The question is to resist or give in to love? Decadent Dreams was just that a dream of a book.
I can’t wait to Farrah Rochon book call “Delectable Desire” and Yahrah St John book call “Delicious Destiny”
REVIEWED BY LOUISE BROWN
September 5, 2013
A.C. Arthur did a great job of setting up this series, introducing us to the interesting cast of characters and giving us a peek inside Lillian's bakery, which is what the series revolves around. The competition, the underlying rivalry between the grandkids, and the family dynamics, should all make for an interesting series. I'm kinda glad I started reading this after all of the books have been released, because now I can read them one after another and find out what happens. Win/win for me!
I liked Belinda, with her neurotic self, and Malik, who loved her despite all of her issues. Belinda knew she issues, and resolved to change them - and she also realized and appreciated that Malik loved her either way. She was the quintessential 'perfect' child, and carried all of that weight into adulthood. Belinda's mom was a pain in the you-know-what, but I have a feeling that Malik is gonna be time enough for her. I'm glad that Belinda finally stood up to her at the end.
The author moved the story along at a nice pace, and I'm glad that she didn't bog it down with the sometimes tiresome 'big fight' that results in confusion and separation. The whole scene near the end with Mrs. Martin and her foolishness was crazy, but I liked that it brought Belinda and Malik even closer, instead of breaking them up.
Anyway, really good book. Now, I know I've only read Book 1, and I think this is a 3-book series, but I'm wondering why Drake doesn't get a story? I'm hoping the answer will reveal itself as I continue to read.
I liked Belinda, with her neurotic self, and Malik, who loved her despite all of her issues. Belinda knew she issues, and resolved to change them - and she also realized and appreciated that Malik loved her either way. She was the quintessential 'perfect' child, and carried all of that weight into adulthood. Belinda's mom was a pain in the you-know-what, but I have a feeling that Malik is gonna be time enough for her. I'm glad that Belinda finally stood up to her at the end.
The author moved the story along at a nice pace, and I'm glad that she didn't bog it down with the sometimes tiresome 'big fight' that results in confusion and separation. The whole scene near the end with Mrs. Martin and her foolishness was crazy, but I liked that it brought Belinda and Malik even closer, instead of breaking them up.
Anyway, really good book. Now, I know I've only read Book 1, and I think this is a 3-book series, but I'm wondering why Drake doesn't get a story? I'm hoping the answer will reveal itself as I continue to read.
April 8, 2013
Decadent Dreams is the first book in the Drayson’s Continuity series. A family that owns a bakery and is in the process of entering a contest to gain more exposure and become the number one bakery. This installment focuses on Belinda Drayson-Jones and Malik Anthony. Belinda has a strong drive to achieve and is very detailed and by the book to where readers will think she is OCD. Malik is a more laid back retired basketball player that has fallen for Belinda. How these two get together is a challenge in itself and will have the readers rooting for these two to make a go of a relationship. Belinda has some issues are a driving force to her actions that will make you want to shake her. Will true love prevail…..pick up your copy and find out.
Ms. Arthur did a great job introducing the Drayson clan and alluding to the next Drayson to have a stab at love. Farrah Rochon and Pamela Yaye will both write stories under this series and it will be interesting to find out the outcome of the bake-off.
Ms. Arthur did a great job introducing the Drayson clan and alluding to the next Drayson to have a stab at love. Farrah Rochon and Pamela Yaye will both write stories under this series and it will be interesting to find out the outcome of the bake-off.
May 15, 2013
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Great dynamic in the relationship that made it very believable. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions. I am a real sucker for a sexy romance!! I laugh, I cry and I wish the hero were real so he could be mine! LOL
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Great dynamic in the relationship that made it very believable. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions. I am a real sucker for a sexy romance!! I laugh, I cry and I wish the hero were real so he could be mine! LOL
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
August 14, 2013
Belinda Drayson-Jones is determined not to let down the legacy of her grandmother. She's a perfectionist through and through, from her baking to her personal appearance to her business dealings. Malik Anthony's NBA career ended too early, but he regrouped by finding a new career as a pastry chef. After years of working with Belinda and denying his attraction to her, Mark decides to throw caution to the wind and show her how he feels.
March 27, 2013
Decadent Dreams
Who couldn't love a romance novel set in a bakery? This book combined two of my favorite things: love and sweets!
Malik was perfect to Belinda. He was the only one who could make her live a little. I also liked the family aspect of this book. Whether it be biological family or your family of friends, it is a beautiful thing when people can be there for each other. I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in the series! I recommend this book.
Who couldn't love a romance novel set in a bakery? This book combined two of my favorite things: love and sweets!
Malik was perfect to Belinda. He was the only one who could make her live a little. I also liked the family aspect of this book. Whether it be biological family or your family of friends, it is a beautiful thing when people can be there for each other. I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in the series! I recommend this book.
April 21, 2013
Belinda got on my last good nerves, then Malik was like I see something in her. So I was like maybe she not so bad, then her special a$$ mama came on the seen and I was like that's where she get it from. The whole family have issues but I can't wait to see what's wrong with the other cousins and Belinda little brother. Hope he get a back bone too, love Miss Lilly she about the only one with some good sense.
May 15, 2013
Well-written romance between two believable characters, however, the situations might not be so believable. I like the character development of Belinda and Malik individually, but together they seemed to be forced together until further reading. I understand that Belinda and Malik have worked together for eight years, but the sudden romance between the two wasn't conveyed well to me. Other than that, I still want to read the sequel to get the remainder of the story.
June 9, 2013
Ms. as close to perfect as perfect can be Belinda Drayson-Jone, is ready for a challenge and a change in her life. But the little girl in her will not let her go against her strong, overbearing family. What's a girl to do? She decides to put on her big girl face and just do it, even though she knows it will not be easy and dang the fall out. In the wings is her knight who has her back with out her knowing it. Watch as form basketball star and Ms. Perfect make the perfect three point play.
September 29, 2013
"Decadent Dreams" by AC Arthur is a great way to begin The Draysons: Sprinkled With Love series. Here we see two people who have danced around their attraction for each other in the past and now it is time to take their relationship to the next level. Malik Anthony was the calm and cool to Belinda Drayson-Jones' somewhat frazzled and uncertain life. I loved getting to know this couple as well as the fun filled family of bakers. A great read.
March 6, 2013
I was lucky to get an ARC copy. I absolutely loved it!!! Belinda was very uptight and Malik was very laid back. Even though they were so different you could see the chemistry between the both of them. He helped her to be more laid back and he showed her that he would always be there for her and vice versa.
April 21, 2013
This is a great start to The Draysons books. This book is the love story between Malik and Belinda. Belinda was a little bit out there with her perfect ways but as you get into the story you find out why she is the way she is and learn that there is more to her than most people think. I can't wait to read the next two books by Farrah Rochon and Yahrah St. John.
August 12, 2013
This book started off so slow I almost stopped reading it because I was bored to pieces. It picked up about 30% in which is way too long for such a sort book. Once Belinda and Malik finally got together it was a sweet coupling. The storyline puked up but this definitely is not A.C. Arthur's best work.
February 28, 2017
As much as I love all the food being described I found the story to be a bit boring and decided to not finish reading this.
I also thought the relationship between the two main characters felt forced. Although I like the main characters I just didn't think they were a good romantic match, I thought they were better as friends instead.
I also thought the relationship between the two main characters felt forced. Although I like the main characters I just didn't think they were a good romantic match, I thought they were better as friends instead.
March 20, 2013
Good book Ms. Arthur. Belinda Drayson-Jones character was very real with her fears of losing her self. So many people can relate to her. Malik is just the right man with his caring and patience for her. I love that he wants her for her not what she has or what she can inherit. Waiting for book # 2.
April 23, 2013
Loving The Draysons! I love this sweet story based around sweets and romance. Malik was a patient man and Belinda was an up tight diva. I was so happy to see that she was able to let go and let love find her.
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
July 8, 2013
Another romance where the heroine is a virgin, and of course she has to be uptight and the hero has to break down her defenses and teach her a few things. Predictable, typical romance. It was just average, and probably something you read before, I know I have.
November 3, 2013
I didn't really like the lead female character, and the male lead seemed almost "too good to be true."
(Although I think the latter is because of a couple scenes with very "romance novel-y" speak, rather than how the characters would really speak to each other.)
(Although I think the latter is because of a couple scenes with very "romance novel-y" speak, rather than how the characters would really speak to each other.)
April 6, 2013
4.5 I wanted to see what appended to Kayla and if they got married
May 18, 2013
I enjoy reading the first book of the Draysons series it was a delight.
May 29, 2013
Delicious! What's better than falling in love in a bakery!! :) Great Read! There is two other books in the Drayson's Sprinkled with love series. Can't wait to read them as well.
June 17, 2013
It was a nice love story that again thrusts trust at the forefront of starting a loving and long relationship. Although I thought is was a good book, I would have preferred a stronger ending.
July 19, 2013
Great read.
December 29, 2013
review coming shortly
January 25, 2014
Belinda and Malik story was really cute and very short... I enjoyed it although it had me feeling like I needed more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews