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Sweet as Sugar Maple #1
Strawberry Fields for Never
She’s the desperate CEO hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern orchard. He’s the stubborn heir determined to see her fail.
All’s fair in love and farming.
As CEO of my marketing firm, my friends’ careers rest on my shoulders. And my shoulders—and company—are failing. Rebranding a famous farm is my final chance to fix what I’ve broken, and nothing can get in my way.
But flirting with a gorgeous farm worker can’t hurt. Right?
We have an instant—and hot—connection…until he tries to sabotage my every move. Turns out, this hunky local is actually Tag Carville III, the wealthy new heir to Sugar Maple Farms. When he finds out why I’m really visiting his sleepy Southern town, he goes from ally to enemy so fast, it takes my breath away.
My new nemesis clearly has his own agenda, and it’s in direct opposition to mine. I will save this farm and my company, even if he seems determined to stop me. Even if our fighting feels more and more like flirting.
Even if I’m starting to fall.
But in the battle over heart and home, only one of us will win.
Strawberry Fields for Never is a laugh-out-loud closed-door romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry, enemies to more, and a swoon-worthy guy who falls first. And, of course, a happily-ever-after.
All’s fair in love and farming.
As CEO of my marketing firm, my friends’ careers rest on my shoulders. And my shoulders—and company—are failing. Rebranding a famous farm is my final chance to fix what I’ve broken, and nothing can get in my way.
But flirting with a gorgeous farm worker can’t hurt. Right?
We have an instant—and hot—connection…until he tries to sabotage my every move. Turns out, this hunky local is actually Tag Carville III, the wealthy new heir to Sugar Maple Farms. When he finds out why I’m really visiting his sleepy Southern town, he goes from ally to enemy so fast, it takes my breath away.
My new nemesis clearly has his own agenda, and it’s in direct opposition to mine. I will save this farm and my company, even if he seems determined to stop me. Even if our fighting feels more and more like flirting.
Even if I’m starting to fall.
But in the battle over heart and home, only one of us will win.
Strawberry Fields for Never is a laugh-out-loud closed-door romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry, enemies to more, and a swoon-worthy guy who falls first. And, of course, a happily-ever-after.
280 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2023
855 people are currently reading
4172 people want to read
About the author
Kate Watson
15 books569 followersKate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
August 29, 2024
This book has been sitting on my TBR for a while, but when I got into the ARC team for book four, I bumped it up the list—and boy, am I glad I did! I absolutely LOVED it!!!
Enemies to lovers is my jam, and this book nailed it. The transition from enemies to lovers was so smooth, and there's no miscommunication—automatic 5 stars for me.
Tripp (aka Hotty McGrumpypants) is basically a green flag parade. The back-and-forth between him and Jane was pure gold. And don’t even get me started on the EPILOGUE—cutest wedding ever!
Read this if you like:
🍓 Enemies to lovers
🍓 He falls first
🍓 Southern setting
🍓 Dual POV
🚨🚨 TW: Childhood neglect, grief, manipulation, childhood trauma
Enemies to lovers is my jam, and this book nailed it. The transition from enemies to lovers was so smooth, and there's no miscommunication—automatic 5 stars for me.
Tripp (aka Hotty McGrumpypants) is basically a green flag parade. The back-and-forth between him and Jane was pure gold. And don’t even get me started on the EPILOGUE—cutest wedding ever!
Read this if you like:
🍓 Enemies to lovers
🍓 He falls first
🍓 Southern setting
🍓 Dual POV
🚨🚨 TW: Childhood neglect, grief, manipulation, childhood trauma
September 10, 2025
DNF at 50%
The MMC in this book totally killed it for me. Perhaps he improved over the course of the second half of the novel, I guess I'll never know. The guy I read was an entitled twat waffle. He was rude, demeaning and a brat. Let me explain. Tripp Carville is the grandson of a food magnate who's humble beginnings were tilling and working the land of Sugar Maple Farm. The farm eventually grew into an empire and said empire is now worth a fortune. Shortly before his death, grandpa Carville hires Jane's marketing firm to rebrand Sugar Maple, an anticipated one year project.
When Jane arrives, she finds that grandpa Carville has passed and left Sugar Maple to his ungrateful snot rag of a grandson, Tripp. Why is Tripp a snot rag you ask? Because he spends most of the first half of this novel complaining that he wasn't given the role of Chief Sustainability Officer at the parent company to Sugar Maple and was instead relegated to lowly manager status of the farm.
Oh boo f'ing hoo. Poor you. Now we're treated to half a novel of him trying to undermine Jane so he can chase her off and free himself of her contract so he can sell the farm and unload a "burden" the vast majority of Americans would feel blessed to have.
I'm going to be sick. You're gifted with something that was clearly profitable and cherished but it's not enough because you felt entitled and undervalued. *VOMIT*
Needless to say, I was out. Like, all the way out. There is nothing more unattractive than a man who whines while also being so very obviously privileged. Sorry. You've lost me and I'm never coming back. This author needs a reality check STAT. If you’re going to create a scenario in which a privileged white man feels put upon by his situation, you’d better find a way to make it ironic somehow otherwise it’s just self-important drivel and wholly out of touch.
The MMC in this book totally killed it for me. Perhaps he improved over the course of the second half of the novel, I guess I'll never know. The guy I read was an entitled twat waffle. He was rude, demeaning and a brat. Let me explain. Tripp Carville is the grandson of a food magnate who's humble beginnings were tilling and working the land of Sugar Maple Farm. The farm eventually grew into an empire and said empire is now worth a fortune. Shortly before his death, grandpa Carville hires Jane's marketing firm to rebrand Sugar Maple, an anticipated one year project.
When Jane arrives, she finds that grandpa Carville has passed and left Sugar Maple to his ungrateful snot rag of a grandson, Tripp. Why is Tripp a snot rag you ask? Because he spends most of the first half of this novel complaining that he wasn't given the role of Chief Sustainability Officer at the parent company to Sugar Maple and was instead relegated to lowly manager status of the farm.
Oh boo f'ing hoo. Poor you. Now we're treated to half a novel of him trying to undermine Jane so he can chase her off and free himself of her contract so he can sell the farm and unload a "burden" the vast majority of Americans would feel blessed to have.
I'm going to be sick. You're gifted with something that was clearly profitable and cherished but it's not enough because you felt entitled and undervalued. *VOMIT*
Needless to say, I was out. Like, all the way out. There is nothing more unattractive than a man who whines while also being so very obviously privileged. Sorry. You've lost me and I'm never coming back. This author needs a reality check STAT. If you’re going to create a scenario in which a privileged white man feels put upon by his situation, you’d better find a way to make it ironic somehow otherwise it’s just self-important drivel and wholly out of touch.
October 9, 2023
Don’t hate me, but this is my first Kate Watson book! I’m so excited that I finally read one of her books, because it did not disappoint and was just what I needed. I actually read this one on kindle unlimited after receiving an e-arc of book two and realizing this is a series! I’m so glad my friend helped me to realize this, because although these books can be read as standalones, they do revolve around different characters in the books, and it makes sense to read them in order.
Jane is a desperate CEO from Chicago who works with her team of best friends, the Janes, that’s been hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern Orchard. She’s supposed to get the current caretaker of the farm to fall in love with the farm again.
When Tripp meets Jane at the airport, there’s an instant connection and chemistry between them. Things change when he realizes the true purpose of Jane’s visit. You see, Tripp is the caretaker of the farm!
As they learn how to work together to fix up the farm with differing agendas, sparks fly!
The romance between Jane and Tripp is so swoony and adorable! I loved the banter between them. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments, but there were also some touching moments, as Jane and Tripp have difficult backgrounds. I loved that therapy was talked about in this book in a positive light. I absolutely loved Jane’s group of friends and I wish that I had a group of girls like that who are so uplifting, supportive and trustworthy.
Trigger warnings: losing a loved one and neglectful parents
If you like enemies to lovers, small town, he falls first, closed door romances, I think you’d enjoy this one! I highly recommend.
Jane is a desperate CEO from Chicago who works with her team of best friends, the Janes, that’s been hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern Orchard. She’s supposed to get the current caretaker of the farm to fall in love with the farm again.
When Tripp meets Jane at the airport, there’s an instant connection and chemistry between them. Things change when he realizes the true purpose of Jane’s visit. You see, Tripp is the caretaker of the farm!
As they learn how to work together to fix up the farm with differing agendas, sparks fly!
The romance between Jane and Tripp is so swoony and adorable! I loved the banter between them. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments, but there were also some touching moments, as Jane and Tripp have difficult backgrounds. I loved that therapy was talked about in this book in a positive light. I absolutely loved Jane’s group of friends and I wish that I had a group of girls like that who are so uplifting, supportive and trustworthy.
Trigger warnings: losing a loved one and neglectful parents
If you like enemies to lovers, small town, he falls first, closed door romances, I think you’d enjoy this one! I highly recommend.
August 27, 2023
I'm kicking myself for sitting on this new to me Canadian born Indie romance author's latest in a new small town Southern series that sees the CEO of a PR/Marketing firm, Jane, travelling to a struggling farm in an attempt to help revamp the brand and help its new owner, Tripp fall in love with his grandfather's legacy.
Full of heart, humor, lovely found family and emotional depth, this book truly had everything I love most in a romance. While it's a kissing only story, the dual POV, enemies to lovers, instant attraction and chemistry between Jane and Tripp was off the charts with a super "vexy" (aka swoony) epilogue to boot!
HIGHLY recommended for fans of authors like Jenny Proctor, Melanie Jacobson and Emma St. Clair. I loved the mental health/therapy rep in this book and CANNOT wait for Millie, Duke and Lottie's story in Baby llama drama - the next book in the series!
💋Steam level: kissing only
Full of heart, humor, lovely found family and emotional depth, this book truly had everything I love most in a romance. While it's a kissing only story, the dual POV, enemies to lovers, instant attraction and chemistry between Jane and Tripp was off the charts with a super "vexy" (aka swoony) epilogue to boot!
HIGHLY recommended for fans of authors like Jenny Proctor, Melanie Jacobson and Emma St. Clair. I loved the mental health/therapy rep in this book and CANNOT wait for Millie, Duke and Lottie's story in Baby llama drama - the next book in the series!
💋Steam level: kissing only
June 1, 2024
Yeahhhh I wasn’t obsessed🫤 I was so excited bc I love the small town, sweet, farm vibes romances! But this book totally missed the mark…a big focus was their healing, which was sweet, but it was cringe🫠 Every time there was a “heartfelt” scene, I straight up winced! Y’all it was badddd. I felt like the characters were underdeveloped and the plot wasn’t very well written. It was just so slow and hard to get thru😫 It was kinda cute, but I def wouldn’t recommend
Pages: 282
Language: 🫢
TW⚠️: grief, childhood trauma
Genre: Romance
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Would I recommend to others: no
Pages: 282
Language: 🫢
TW⚠️: grief, childhood trauma
Genre: Romance
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Would I recommend to others: no
December 20, 2023
I first heard of Kate from my besties and they said I needed to read her books ASAP and I don't know why I let them sit on my TBR list for so long! I read Single All the Way a couple weeks ago and absolutely loved it! And so I knew I wanted to read her other books and this one did not let me down!
I love how Kate just writes MMCs who not only are your swoony heroes but also ones who have real emotions and aren't perfect. Tripp has so much growth in this book and I love that we get to watch his journey! I love that there is the thread is Enemies to Lovers that brings the banter and that it can turn to flirting flawlessly!
I absolutely loved Jane for being so determined in all that she does. I love that she has so many things on her plate and yet still wants to do more for those around her. I love that Tripp truly sees Jane and supports her in so many ways.
I loved the laugh out loud moments, the moments that made me teary eyed, the ones that made me swoon and the ones that made me appreciate those who love me more!
This may not be a Christmas read but it sure brought me so much Joy today! So if you are looking for a small town enemies to lovers book with lots of sizzling kisses, sweetest moments and one of the best MMCs give this one a go!
Physical Intimacy Lvl 2.5 (Longer make outs. Closed door) and mild innuendo
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
I love how Kate just writes MMCs who not only are your swoony heroes but also ones who have real emotions and aren't perfect. Tripp has so much growth in this book and I love that we get to watch his journey! I love that there is the thread is Enemies to Lovers that brings the banter and that it can turn to flirting flawlessly!
I absolutely loved Jane for being so determined in all that she does. I love that she has so many things on her plate and yet still wants to do more for those around her. I love that Tripp truly sees Jane and supports her in so many ways.
I loved the laugh out loud moments, the moments that made me teary eyed, the ones that made me swoon and the ones that made me appreciate those who love me more!
This may not be a Christmas read but it sure brought me so much Joy today! So if you are looking for a small town enemies to lovers book with lots of sizzling kisses, sweetest moments and one of the best MMCs give this one a go!
Physical Intimacy Lvl 2.5 (Longer make outs. Closed door) and mild innuendo
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
January 15, 2024
umm so i’m really not a fan of the childhood trauma and daddy issues trope. and honestly this whole book felt like a first draft. i loved the premise, but the execution was a little rough.
and also it’s quotes like this that ruin a book for me: "In a navy suit tailored perfectly to his body, Tripp makes James Bond look like a kid wearing his dad’s tux."
good for you, your boyfriend is hot, but the suit doesn’t fit him that well. yk how i know? it’s because he’s not rich💀
and also if i have to hear about a man’s muscles, big hands, or “he’s so tall i have to crane my neck to see him” body, i might throw hands.
unfortunately this is the second book ive read by kate watson that just didn’t impress me like i wanted it to. i don’t know how much more ill pick up from her in the future.
also the name tripp…is just really bad.
and also it’s quotes like this that ruin a book for me: "In a navy suit tailored perfectly to his body, Tripp makes James Bond look like a kid wearing his dad’s tux."
good for you, your boyfriend is hot, but the suit doesn’t fit him that well. yk how i know? it’s because he’s not rich💀
and also if i have to hear about a man’s muscles, big hands, or “he’s so tall i have to crane my neck to see him” body, i might throw hands.
unfortunately this is the second book ive read by kate watson that just didn’t impress me like i wanted it to. i don’t know how much more ill pick up from her in the future.
also the name tripp…is just really bad.
March 11, 2024
Saw this recommended in some book group. Thought it would be spicy, there was no spice. Still a cute story.
July 28, 2025
This is my second Kate Watson book, and I won’t be my last. I’m ready to read the rest of this series like…now. I love me a cute, quirky read and this book was just that. No spice, for those wondering, but don’t let it deter you! It’s a quick, wholesome read.
July 24, 2023
Kate Watson is a new to me author, and her book was an absolute delight. The romance between Jane and Tripp is sweet and swoony, and their story is full of so much humor, but there’s also a lot of depth as you learn about their difficult backgrounds and how it has shaped and affected them.
I really loved:
🍓 Enemies to lovers
🍓 He falls first
🍓 Fun banter
🍓 Lol scenes
🍓 Closed door
🍓 Southern setting
🍓 Best friends—the Janes
🍓 Strawberries
🍓 ‘Vexy’ mmc
🍓 Strong fmc
🍓 Clint Eastwood movies
🍓 Character growth & healing
🍓 HEA
Looking forward to more books in this fun series!
I really loved:
🍓 Enemies to lovers
🍓 He falls first
🍓 Fun banter
🍓 Lol scenes
🍓 Closed door
🍓 Southern setting
🍓 Best friends—the Janes
🍓 Strawberries
🍓 ‘Vexy’ mmc
🍓 Strong fmc
🍓 Clint Eastwood movies
🍓 Character growth & healing
🍓 HEA
Looking forward to more books in this fun series!
March 20, 2025
This enemies to more, forced proximity story is light and fun, full of banter and flirting, and simultaneously full of heart and depth. The second half, particularly, reeled me in and had me all in my feels. And that epilogue—one of the best I’ve read! I am looking forward to more of this sweet friend group in the rest of the series!
TW: Grief—current & past losses, Child of an addict
TW: Grief—current & past losses, Child of an addict
February 7, 2024
I absolutely loved Tripp & Jane's heartachingly beautiful, fiery, sweet, caring, loving,swoony story!!
August 17, 2023
Strawberry Fields for Never
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Kate Watson
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Kate Watson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: Kate Watson is a new author for me and I will definitely be on the lookout for future novels from Watson. This is book no. one in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series. In this cute, closed door romance, Jane is trying to rebrand her farm to salvage it. At first, sparks fly until Trip realizes why Jane is here, then the wall goes up. Trip clearly has his own agenda for her to fail at every turn. This story follows the tropes of enemies to lovers (my favorite), closed door romance, and southern small town setting. And baby llamas!!!!!!
Jane was compassionate, smart, and struggles to ask for help. Trip is charming, grumpy, presents as a jerk to begin with, however, he is struggling with the death of his grandfather and some trauma from his childhood. I loved how the author represented that therapy is a good course of action when you’re struggling and putting the mark to destigmatize it. The characters were well developed, with witty banter, chemistry, and creatively woven. The supporting characters were top notch and I cannot wait for subsequent novels with some of their stories. The friend group that Jane was in was nothing short of amazing, every woman should have a friend group like that, to support, uplift, and enrich your life. The author’s writing style was complex, swoony, humorous, and engaging. I loved how the author portrayed the enemies to lovers theme, no meanness, just fun banter.
The story has trigger warnings of losing a loved one and neglectful parents. The next novel in this series will feature Millie and Duke (“Baby Llama Drama”) and I cannot wait for it. The book is available at KU. I highly recommend picking up today, available in Kindle and Physical formats (no audiobook available).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Kate Watson
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Kate Watson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: Kate Watson is a new author for me and I will definitely be on the lookout for future novels from Watson. This is book no. one in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series. In this cute, closed door romance, Jane is trying to rebrand her farm to salvage it. At first, sparks fly until Trip realizes why Jane is here, then the wall goes up. Trip clearly has his own agenda for her to fail at every turn. This story follows the tropes of enemies to lovers (my favorite), closed door romance, and southern small town setting. And baby llamas!!!!!!
Jane was compassionate, smart, and struggles to ask for help. Trip is charming, grumpy, presents as a jerk to begin with, however, he is struggling with the death of his grandfather and some trauma from his childhood. I loved how the author represented that therapy is a good course of action when you’re struggling and putting the mark to destigmatize it. The characters were well developed, with witty banter, chemistry, and creatively woven. The supporting characters were top notch and I cannot wait for subsequent novels with some of their stories. The friend group that Jane was in was nothing short of amazing, every woman should have a friend group like that, to support, uplift, and enrich your life. The author’s writing style was complex, swoony, humorous, and engaging. I loved how the author portrayed the enemies to lovers theme, no meanness, just fun banter.
The story has trigger warnings of losing a loved one and neglectful parents. The next novel in this series will feature Millie and Duke (“Baby Llama Drama”) and I cannot wait for it. The book is available at KU. I highly recommend picking up today, available in Kindle and Physical formats (no audiobook available).
February 10, 2025
4.5 🌟 I loved this book. Wow!!!! So cute!!!
🍓He is such a good book boyfriend
🍓The banter was so cute and not childish, like sometimes enemies to lovers banter can be.
🍓 There wasn't really a third act break up, and any miscommunication or fight that they had it was quickly fixed, and they talked it out, which made my heart so happy! They handled everything like grown ups!
🍓Loved the setting SO MUCH and how he smelled like strawberries and soil 😍
🍓I've always wanted to own a strawberry farm, so this was like my perfect book
🍓Definitely not a slow burn. It had me hooked with the flirtation from chapter 2 or 3!
🍓Super closed door (which, personally I love), but it didn't lack any chemistry at all!
👎 The only con I can think of is I do wish there was a little more talk of the strawberries, like I wish that they had gone on a date picking berries or maybe him teaching Jane how to plant them but that's just my preference.
I would absolutely read this again, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone!
🍓He is such a good book boyfriend
🍓The banter was so cute and not childish, like sometimes enemies to lovers banter can be.
🍓 There wasn't really a third act break up, and any miscommunication or fight that they had it was quickly fixed, and they talked it out, which made my heart so happy! They handled everything like grown ups!
🍓Loved the setting SO MUCH and how he smelled like strawberries and soil 😍
🍓I've always wanted to own a strawberry farm, so this was like my perfect book
🍓Definitely not a slow burn. It had me hooked with the flirtation from chapter 2 or 3!
🍓Super closed door (which, personally I love), but it didn't lack any chemistry at all!
👎 The only con I can think of is I do wish there was a little more talk of the strawberries, like I wish that they had gone on a date picking berries or maybe him teaching Jane how to plant them but that's just my preference.
I would absolutely read this again, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone!
June 4, 2023
Jane is a a marketing exec, CEO of her company in Chicago that she owns with her most amazing friends. She is hired to revive a far in South Carolina. The farm owner's objective is simple, get the current caretaker to love the farm again.
When Tripp first meets Jane, sparks immediately fly, but they dim considerably once he realizes what the purpose of her visit is.
As they struggle to find their groove working together, sparks fly again. The pair are so fun together and I loved how vulnerable they were to each other.
I loved these characters, from the grandfather, to Tripp's friends and of course all of Jane's amazing girl gang.
Strawberry Fields For Never is a sweet clean feel good romance. It has the most amazing beautiful epilogue I have ever read. Seriously. EVER!
I had a feeling she was setting up for a 2nd book with these amazing characters, and I was right 🙌I am already dying of anticipation.
When Tripp first meets Jane, sparks immediately fly, but they dim considerably once he realizes what the purpose of her visit is.
As they struggle to find their groove working together, sparks fly again. The pair are so fun together and I loved how vulnerable they were to each other.
I loved these characters, from the grandfather, to Tripp's friends and of course all of Jane's amazing girl gang.
Strawberry Fields For Never is a sweet clean feel good romance. It has the most amazing beautiful epilogue I have ever read. Seriously. EVER!
I had a feeling she was setting up for a 2nd book with these amazing characters, and I was right 🙌I am already dying of anticipation.
December 4, 2023
Such a sweet, clean romance. Jane and her friends make my heart happy—we need more relationships like theirs in the world. And I can’t wait to read their stories. Of course, I can say the same about Tripp and his friends too. Kate Watson knows how to write a good romance with deeper themes, digging into our hearts with characters whose problems mirror our own. Plus, as a volunteer for a local farm, the setting had me hooked from the beginning! I’m so excited to see where Kate takes the rest of the series.
September 28, 2025
Super cute, feel good, clean love story. This was such a refreshing story with such a happy storyline. Loved this for a palette cleanse from my normal reading. I will definitely read the remainder of the books on the series.
January 3, 2025
Very cute. I listened to most of it during a busy day. The audio was excellent, the story has great characters and pacing.
January 2, 2025
3.5⭐️ closed door
May 31, 2023
SWOON.
April 17, 2025
3.5! Cheesy but cute
February 4, 2024
Feeling like a well-seasoned romcom reader at this point, I thought I had seen a lot of intriguing moments from protagonists, but this book takes the cake! Upon first meeting each other, you can’t help but notice the chemistry as it rolls into the next few chapters, it explodes and not in a good way! This pair seem to be out to get each other as they are on opposing sides of what was stipulated in a final will! Ouch and take cover! I can objectively see where they each are coming from, but the stubbornness is going take a bit to work through!
Jane is the head of her own marketing firm that has recently been signed on to rebrand a family-owned farm industry. She admits the money from the job probably blinded her some (at to herself) but is determined to do the job right! Nothing will stop her even after she meets the new heir to the farm, even though he no longer seems to be the dreamy strawberry smelling guy that picked her up from the airport!
Tripp, short for Triple, as in he’s Tag Carville III, the rightful heir to the farm and the guy who can’t help but want to sell the farm off as soon as possible, if given the chance! He takes his frustration out on Jane and puts her up in less-than-ideal cabin for the duration of her stay! She sticks it out and cleans it up! Their clash of the titans’ grudge match continues!
Over the course of the story, their anger turns but when I least expected it! This story could be classified as a slow burn! Most of the time I’m not too fond of that trope, but in this particular story, I actually think it makes me more endeared to it! It takes a while to work to past adjusted first impressions! This book sets a great tone for the rest of the series and the author hints at what could be future pairings as well! Can’t wait to see what else is in store and I can’t help but hoping they will be based in South Carolina too!
Jane is the head of her own marketing firm that has recently been signed on to rebrand a family-owned farm industry. She admits the money from the job probably blinded her some (at to herself) but is determined to do the job right! Nothing will stop her even after she meets the new heir to the farm, even though he no longer seems to be the dreamy strawberry smelling guy that picked her up from the airport!
Tripp, short for Triple, as in he’s Tag Carville III, the rightful heir to the farm and the guy who can’t help but want to sell the farm off as soon as possible, if given the chance! He takes his frustration out on Jane and puts her up in less-than-ideal cabin for the duration of her stay! She sticks it out and cleans it up! Their clash of the titans’ grudge match continues!
Over the course of the story, their anger turns but when I least expected it! This story could be classified as a slow burn! Most of the time I’m not too fond of that trope, but in this particular story, I actually think it makes me more endeared to it! It takes a while to work to past adjusted first impressions! This book sets a great tone for the rest of the series and the author hints at what could be future pairings as well! Can’t wait to see what else is in store and I can’t help but hoping they will be based in South Carolina too!
February 15, 2025
"Well, not breathe, exactly, but work, at least. Because sometimes, I'll glance up and catch Tripp looking at me, and I think his hotness is sucking the air out of the room. That's what heat and fire do, right? Feed on oxygen? Tripp's fire feeds on the oxygen in my lungs."
Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson
This was a delightful, fun read. I really enjoyed it. Their sass and banter had me laughing out loud multiple times. I loved how their relationship went from acquaintances to enemies to lovers. And I absolutely loved the fact it took place on a farm. I haven't read too many books where the setting is a farm, so that was such a fun aspect.I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and working together, even if they had a rocky start.The peach cobbler part had me snorting with laughter.
I definitely recommend this sweet romcom and look forward to the rest in this series!
Favorite Parts:
Frenemies to Lovers
Their chemistry and tension
Sass and banter
Footing and Farmball
Girl Friend group
Lottie
Peach cobbler
Content Guide:
Language: None-"sexy" used multiple times, "hell" used correctly as the place
Sexual Content: Closed-door: lingerie mentioned a few times (from a rebrand campaign that did well), mild sexual innuendos, passionate kissing, intense feelings of attraction
Violence/gore: concussion (some blood)
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: Two mentions of God (used in a respectful manner)
Other: Moderate: death of parents (past), difficult family past; Mild: wedgie, cancer (mentioned), pen!s on an animal (mentioned when identifying the sex of an animal), infertility (mentioned), strained family relationship
Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson
This was a delightful, fun read. I really enjoyed it. Their sass and banter had me laughing out loud multiple times. I loved how their relationship went from acquaintances to enemies to lovers. And I absolutely loved the fact it took place on a farm. I haven't read too many books where the setting is a farm, so that was such a fun aspect.I really enjoyed watching these two get to know each other and working together, even if they had a rocky start.The peach cobbler part had me snorting with laughter.
I definitely recommend this sweet romcom and look forward to the rest in this series!
Favorite Parts:
Frenemies to Lovers
Their chemistry and tension
Sass and banter
Footing and Farmball
Girl Friend group
Lottie
Peach cobbler
Content Guide:
Language: None-"sexy" used multiple times, "hell" used correctly as the place
Sexual Content: Closed-door: lingerie mentioned a few times (from a rebrand campaign that did well), mild sexual innuendos, passionate kissing, intense feelings of attraction
Violence/gore: concussion (some blood)
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: Two mentions of God (used in a respectful manner)
Other: Moderate: death of parents (past), difficult family past; Mild: wedgie, cancer (mentioned), pen!s on an animal (mentioned when identifying the sex of an animal), infertility (mentioned), strained family relationship
July 3, 2023
This was my first book by @katewatsonbooks and it definitely won’t be my last!! This book had me laughing out loud so many times! It was a delightful read!
Tripp and Jane were adorable! Their meet-cute was precious and had me giggling so much! Then, immediately after they turned into enemies, which I loved in this story! Their chemistry was off the charts which added to their enemies to lovers arc!
Tripp was a complicated character who grew so much in this story! It was neat to see him overcome his past issues and finally understand what his Grandpa had wanted him to realize! He had such a big heart and loved with all he had!
Jane had a hard life growing up, and worked real hard to be successful. I really loved her character!
When Jane and Tripp were on the page together, the sparks flew! Their banter was wonderful! They had me laughing non-stop!
I absolutely loved all the side characters!! Duke and Rusty were just great!!! The guy trio was done so well!! The Jane & Co. gals (Parker, Millie, Lou and Ash) were the best gal pals you could ask for!! I loved their relationships with each other!
Things I Loved:
🍓Enemies to lovers
🍓Witty banter
🍓The meet-cute!
🍓Massive Flying Cockroach! 😂
🍓Strawberry Fields cabin!
🍓Movie night!
🍓Ticklish Tripp!
🍓The bathroom scene! 😂😉
🍓The first kiss!! 🔥🔥
🍓And all the kisses after that!!
🍓The airport scene!
I loved this cute romance story and look forward to book 2!!!
Thank you to the author for letting me receive and arc copy! All thoughts and opinions were my own!
Tripp and Jane were adorable! Their meet-cute was precious and had me giggling so much! Then, immediately after they turned into enemies, which I loved in this story! Their chemistry was off the charts which added to their enemies to lovers arc!
Tripp was a complicated character who grew so much in this story! It was neat to see him overcome his past issues and finally understand what his Grandpa had wanted him to realize! He had such a big heart and loved with all he had!
Jane had a hard life growing up, and worked real hard to be successful. I really loved her character!
When Jane and Tripp were on the page together, the sparks flew! Their banter was wonderful! They had me laughing non-stop!
I absolutely loved all the side characters!! Duke and Rusty were just great!!! The guy trio was done so well!! The Jane & Co. gals (Parker, Millie, Lou and Ash) were the best gal pals you could ask for!! I loved their relationships with each other!
Things I Loved:
🍓Enemies to lovers
🍓Witty banter
🍓The meet-cute!
🍓Massive Flying Cockroach! 😂
🍓Strawberry Fields cabin!
🍓Movie night!
🍓Ticklish Tripp!
🍓The bathroom scene! 😂😉
🍓The first kiss!! 🔥🔥
🍓And all the kisses after that!!
🍓The airport scene!
I loved this cute romance story and look forward to book 2!!!
Thank you to the author for letting me receive and arc copy! All thoughts and opinions were my own!
October 12, 2024
Jane’s company has been hired to rebrand and bring back to life Sugar Maple Farms. This could be career changing for Jane and her friends - and once she’s there, she sees all the potential and is so excited to start. But there’s one thing standing in her way…
Tripp, the one left in charge, has other plans. He wants to get it ready to sell, and go work for the family business. Then he meets Jane…and maybe, just maybe, she can change his mind.
I loved Jane and Tripp so much. From their first meeting, to him putting her up in that nasty cabin 😂, to her falling in love with the farm and the town and the people, and Tripp falling in love with her 😍
This story has depth, while still being light and fun and oh so sweet!! The banter (which I always love) is top notch, too. So don’t be like me and wait forever. Read this one now! It’s also available on Audible and done so well (this is what I did! It’s fantastic!)
Tripp, the one left in charge, has other plans. He wants to get it ready to sell, and go work for the family business. Then he meets Jane…and maybe, just maybe, she can change his mind.
I loved Jane and Tripp so much. From their first meeting, to him putting her up in that nasty cabin 😂, to her falling in love with the farm and the town and the people, and Tripp falling in love with her 😍
This story has depth, while still being light and fun and oh so sweet!! The banter (which I always love) is top notch, too. So don’t be like me and wait forever. Read this one now! It’s also available on Audible and done so well (this is what I did! It’s fantastic!)
April 14, 2025
So cute! Loved Tripp & the rest of the characters!
March 22, 2025
STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOR NEVER
by: Kate Watson
@katewatsonbooks
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~She’s the desperate CEO hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern orchard. He’s the stubborn heir determined to see her fail. All’s fair in love and farming…
“The farm would be lifeless without you. You’re amazing.”
🍓📚-Strawberry Fields for Never, is a swoony closed door romcom full of delicious banter and crackling chemistry, but with no explicit scenes. It’s the first delightful story in the Sweet as Sugar Series of standalone cute novels featuring five lovable best friends. It’s a perfect blend of both sweetness and fun, and also much heart and depth. It will have you smiling, laughing, and sighing while feeling all the feels in the best ways. I am delighted to have joined the dear @swoony_reads_society for this month’s book club buddy-read and move this dear story off my tbr. It was so worth it. I loved watching flawed yet endearing characters where both are not perfect and have hard pasts for different reasons, that desperately and simply want to belong, be seen, feel valued, and be happy. Watching the journey to both characters opening up to possibilities and not carry everyone’s struggles on their own shoulders to learning to trust, heal, and love, and also catch the vision of what is most important when it comes to growing. I adored the touch of enemies to something more and seeing characters bring out the best in one another while supporting each other along the way. But by bit there was such tender growth that leads to such happiness in this story. This is definitely a story worth reading! I look forward to more to come!
🙌🏻📚🍓
“Nothing can grow how it needs without a little pain. But by trimming the plant now, we can trust it to grow right in the future.”
-Content: Loss of parents and grandparents, difficult family past, cancer(mentioned), kisses (make-outs), mild innuendos.
“I can become the best version of myself here.don’t need to change the world to change my world.”
“I want you forever.”
#strawberryfieldsfornever
#katewatsonbooks
#allaboutthebestreads
“Focus on what you’ve learned and how far you’ve come, not where you’re still hoping to go.”
by: Kate Watson
@katewatsonbooks
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~She’s the desperate CEO hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern orchard. He’s the stubborn heir determined to see her fail. All’s fair in love and farming…
“The farm would be lifeless without you. You’re amazing.”
🍓📚-Strawberry Fields for Never, is a swoony closed door romcom full of delicious banter and crackling chemistry, but with no explicit scenes. It’s the first delightful story in the Sweet as Sugar Series of standalone cute novels featuring five lovable best friends. It’s a perfect blend of both sweetness and fun, and also much heart and depth. It will have you smiling, laughing, and sighing while feeling all the feels in the best ways. I am delighted to have joined the dear @swoony_reads_society for this month’s book club buddy-read and move this dear story off my tbr. It was so worth it. I loved watching flawed yet endearing characters where both are not perfect and have hard pasts for different reasons, that desperately and simply want to belong, be seen, feel valued, and be happy. Watching the journey to both characters opening up to possibilities and not carry everyone’s struggles on their own shoulders to learning to trust, heal, and love, and also catch the vision of what is most important when it comes to growing. I adored the touch of enemies to something more and seeing characters bring out the best in one another while supporting each other along the way. But by bit there was such tender growth that leads to such happiness in this story. This is definitely a story worth reading! I look forward to more to come!
🙌🏻📚🍓
“Nothing can grow how it needs without a little pain. But by trimming the plant now, we can trust it to grow right in the future.”
-Content: Loss of parents and grandparents, difficult family past, cancer(mentioned), kisses (make-outs), mild innuendos.
“I can become the best version of myself here.don’t need to change the world to change my world.”
“I want you forever.”
#strawberryfieldsfornever
#katewatsonbooks
#allaboutthebestreads
“Focus on what you’ve learned and how far you’ve come, not where you’re still hoping to go.”
Read
May 31, 2023Imagine being on the brink of broke when suddenly you snag a multi-millionaire marketing client for your self-started business. The only catch: you have to sign the contract today and you have to spend significant time on-sight so you can really get to the heart of what makes the company tick.
Oh, and you have to convince the owner's grandson that the place is worth sticking around for.
Wow. Jane and Tripp, what a ride!
While Strawberry Fields for Never is marketed as an "Enemies to Lovers sweet romantic comedy", I personally would call it a friends to lovers where they made a bad (first) second impression. There was some snarky banter but it always felt more to me like flirty friends banter than enemies.
I really appreciate a relationship where both people can support the other. Tripp and Jane were a bit like night and day but they complimented each other in all the right ways. Jane needed that love and support. She had to grow up way too early in life and has taken on the "mother" role even when maybe she shouldn't. Tripp who has never quite felt good enough was able to find that in Jane. Together they were both able to work through their traumas and hone their strengths. And when they messed up they had their friends to get them back on the right path.
Speaking of friends: The friend groups in this book were one of my favorite things, I wish I'd been able to have more of them! I can't wait to read about Millie and Duke.
Also ... there were baby llamas. So ...
CW: Loss of loved one, neglectful parents
This is a sweet and swoony romantic comedy (i.e. no spice/closed door)
Thanks for the chance to read an eARC Kate Watson! It was a pleasure.
Oh, and you have to convince the owner's grandson that the place is worth sticking around for.
Wow. Jane and Tripp, what a ride!
While Strawberry Fields for Never is marketed as an "Enemies to Lovers sweet romantic comedy", I personally would call it a friends to lovers where they made a bad (first) second impression. There was some snarky banter but it always felt more to me like flirty friends banter than enemies.
I really appreciate a relationship where both people can support the other. Tripp and Jane were a bit like night and day but they complimented each other in all the right ways. Jane needed that love and support. She had to grow up way too early in life and has taken on the "mother" role even when maybe she shouldn't. Tripp who has never quite felt good enough was able to find that in Jane. Together they were both able to work through their traumas and hone their strengths. And when they messed up they had their friends to get them back on the right path.
Speaking of friends: The friend groups in this book were one of my favorite things, I wish I'd been able to have more of them! I can't wait to read about Millie and Duke.
Also ... there were baby llamas. So ...
CW: Loss of loved one, neglectful parents
This is a sweet and swoony romantic comedy (i.e. no spice/closed door)
Thanks for the chance to read an eARC Kate Watson! It was a pleasure.
May 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I loved:
- love interests to enemies to lovers
- Small town
- Orchard farm with fruit stand/farm store
- Healing from grief/trauma
- Sassy, movie obsessed FMC
- Flirty, Southern gentlemen MMC
- All the Janes 💕
- Strawberry Fields Cabin Reno
- All the teasing and back and forth
- The bathroom sink 🤭😏
- She cares for him when he’s hurt
- Duke and Rusty 😂🤭
- Lottie 🥰
- The epilogue 😭 stop too perfect 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 1 in Sweet as Sugar Maple Series - I read all of the books out of order (I read book 2, book 3, then book 1) 😂 but that doesn’t mean I loved them any less! If anything, it’s just making me want to reread them all in order 🤭😍
Jane has been through hell and back. She’s resilient but also has no idea how to accept help when it’s freely given. Tripp has also been through hell and let his grief strip him of being able to clearly see what he had in front of him the whole time. 💕 Tripp and Jane take care of one another. They push and challenge one another to be open and also let the other person give support and grace where it’s needed. Throughout this book there is so serious character development and personal revelations that help you love the characters even more 💕💕
I love that Kate Watson has created a world at Sugar Maple Farms that is all about love, healing, and community. That translates to every book in the series. All her characters have big struggles, but all overcome with the love and support of their person and the beautiful community at Sugar Maple Farms 💕
I cannot recommend this series enough! It’s a sweet, funny romcom with a dose of real life that isn’t too heavy. 💕
This is a clean closed door romcom with some innuendo and no cursing.
CW: childhood neglect, grief, loss of family members & parents, manipulation, childhood trauma
Songs:
“Banks” by NEEDTOBREATHE
What I loved:
- love interests to enemies to lovers
- Small town
- Orchard farm with fruit stand/farm store
- Healing from grief/trauma
- Sassy, movie obsessed FMC
- Flirty, Southern gentlemen MMC
- All the Janes 💕
- Strawberry Fields Cabin Reno
- All the teasing and back and forth
- The bathroom sink 🤭😏
- She cares for him when he’s hurt
- Duke and Rusty 😂🤭
- Lottie 🥰
- The epilogue 😭 stop too perfect 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 1 in Sweet as Sugar Maple Series - I read all of the books out of order (I read book 2, book 3, then book 1) 😂 but that doesn’t mean I loved them any less! If anything, it’s just making me want to reread them all in order 🤭😍
Jane has been through hell and back. She’s resilient but also has no idea how to accept help when it’s freely given. Tripp has also been through hell and let his grief strip him of being able to clearly see what he had in front of him the whole time. 💕 Tripp and Jane take care of one another. They push and challenge one another to be open and also let the other person give support and grace where it’s needed. Throughout this book there is so serious character development and personal revelations that help you love the characters even more 💕💕
I love that Kate Watson has created a world at Sugar Maple Farms that is all about love, healing, and community. That translates to every book in the series. All her characters have big struggles, but all overcome with the love and support of their person and the beautiful community at Sugar Maple Farms 💕
I cannot recommend this series enough! It’s a sweet, funny romcom with a dose of real life that isn’t too heavy. 💕
This is a clean closed door romcom with some innuendo and no cursing.
CW: childhood neglect, grief, loss of family members & parents, manipulation, childhood trauma
Songs:
“Banks” by NEEDTOBREATHE
May 16, 2025
This book is one of the cutest books I have ever read! It was pure fun, adorableness, flirting, full of banter, reluctant allies to lovers, a group of girlfriends that have each other's backs, new friends, and discovering what you really want.
I kid you not this book had me smiling, giggling, rooting for the couple, irritated when they'd misunderstand each other or make assumptions, had me loving the found family vibes, or even cause some sadness for the characters past. So many emotions! From their meet cute, which was...I don't even have accurate words, just so cute, so much tension, and the FLIRTING!! My goodness, I can't!
And I feel like so much happens in this book, it's not necessarily like twisty or anything, but months do pass during the story, and you learn so much about the characters past, how they are now, relationships with friends and family, growth within themselves as well as growing together and learning how to love the person. Then there is of course the goal of the characters which is rebranding this farm to make it great again. Not gonna lie the work they do is more mentioned then shown more often than not but honestly, I didn't even mind one bit! It focuses on the romance and friendships and teamwork. And I am here for it all!
The FMC, Jane, is beautiful, confident, smart, and has opened her own marketing company with her Group of friends from college. They are down on their luck and need to score a big business deal to continue on. Luckily Jane lands one, but her friends are wary. But they need it, so she goes to the farm by herself. During her stay she finds joy, purpose, new friendships, learns to accept help and open up to others, as well as finds love. She is stubborn, a hard worker, and may be a city girl but she will get her hands dirty. She also has dealt with a lot of prejudice and hardships in her life.
Tripp is the MMC, he is handsome, strong, passionate about new farming techniques, and wants to do something meaningful and break away from the family farm which he feels holds only bad memories. He wants out and wants nothing to do with what Jane is there to do. Though he instantly liked her once he found out the truth of who she was.... not so much. He's felt abandoned, unwanted, and like he couldn't measure up to his grandfather's expectations. But he is forced to comply with the wish that they rebrand the farm, and through this process he sees things in a new light. He learns to grow passionate for this farm again, has a purpose and like he's making a difference. He also learns to open up and see what was right in front of him, but he was always blind to.
They make an amazing team and go from reluctant allies to friends to lovers. They have their ups and downs, learning to trust each other, share their past and burdens, hey have fun, they flirt, they grow, and find a beautiful and sweet, lasting love, The ending was amazing and so perfect and I believe leads into another story for one of the characters so I'm very excited for that!
Content: No-Spice/ passionate kisses, some steamy/handsy moments, shared bed but innocently, insinuations, death of loved ones (off-page)
I kid you not this book had me smiling, giggling, rooting for the couple, irritated when they'd misunderstand each other or make assumptions, had me loving the found family vibes, or even cause some sadness for the characters past. So many emotions! From their meet cute, which was...I don't even have accurate words, just so cute, so much tension, and the FLIRTING!! My goodness, I can't!
And I feel like so much happens in this book, it's not necessarily like twisty or anything, but months do pass during the story, and you learn so much about the characters past, how they are now, relationships with friends and family, growth within themselves as well as growing together and learning how to love the person. Then there is of course the goal of the characters which is rebranding this farm to make it great again. Not gonna lie the work they do is more mentioned then shown more often than not but honestly, I didn't even mind one bit! It focuses on the romance and friendships and teamwork. And I am here for it all!
The FMC, Jane, is beautiful, confident, smart, and has opened her own marketing company with her Group of friends from college. They are down on their luck and need to score a big business deal to continue on. Luckily Jane lands one, but her friends are wary. But they need it, so she goes to the farm by herself. During her stay she finds joy, purpose, new friendships, learns to accept help and open up to others, as well as finds love. She is stubborn, a hard worker, and may be a city girl but she will get her hands dirty. She also has dealt with a lot of prejudice and hardships in her life.
Tripp is the MMC, he is handsome, strong, passionate about new farming techniques, and wants to do something meaningful and break away from the family farm which he feels holds only bad memories. He wants out and wants nothing to do with what Jane is there to do. Though he instantly liked her once he found out the truth of who she was.... not so much. He's felt abandoned, unwanted, and like he couldn't measure up to his grandfather's expectations. But he is forced to comply with the wish that they rebrand the farm, and through this process he sees things in a new light. He learns to grow passionate for this farm again, has a purpose and like he's making a difference. He also learns to open up and see what was right in front of him, but he was always blind to.
They make an amazing team and go from reluctant allies to friends to lovers. They have their ups and downs, learning to trust each other, share their past and burdens, hey have fun, they flirt, they grow, and find a beautiful and sweet, lasting love, The ending was amazing and so perfect and I believe leads into another story for one of the characters so I'm very excited for that!
Content: No-Spice/ passionate kisses, some steamy/handsy moments, shared bed but innocently, insinuations, death of loved ones (off-page)
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