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Sweet Talk Me
He’s sure got a way with words…
The last person True Maybank expected to run into while picking up her wedding gown was country music superstar Harrison Gamble. Years ago, when they were small-town teens in Biscuit Creek, South Carolina, they shared a forbidden night of passion. Now that she’s about to settle down, True’s love affair with the handsome crooner is a thing of the past. Or is it? From the moment he says hello, she has to fight swooning like an adoring fan.
Can she resist his charms?
Today he’s rich, famous, and on every woman’s hot list. But back in the day, Harrison wasn’t good enough for debutante True. Since then she’s had her fair share of marital prospects, including the perfect Southern gentleman she’s about to settle down with. Is Harrison the only one to realize the mistake True’s about to make? Can the society girl and the sexy singer make music together—this time around?
http://us.macmillan.com/sweettalkme/K...
The last person True Maybank expected to run into while picking up her wedding gown was country music superstar Harrison Gamble. Years ago, when they were small-town teens in Biscuit Creek, South Carolina, they shared a forbidden night of passion. Now that she’s about to settle down, True’s love affair with the handsome crooner is a thing of the past. Or is it? From the moment he says hello, she has to fight swooning like an adoring fan.
Can she resist his charms?
Today he’s rich, famous, and on every woman’s hot list. But back in the day, Harrison wasn’t good enough for debutante True. Since then she’s had her fair share of marital prospects, including the perfect Southern gentleman she’s about to settle down with. Is Harrison the only one to realize the mistake True’s about to make? Can the society girl and the sexy singer make music together—this time around?
http://us.macmillan.com/sweettalkme/K...
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 25, 2014
21 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Kramer
21 books558 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer currently writes fun contemporary romance with a Southern flair for St. Martin’s Press. She lives where she grew up–in the Lowcountry of South Carolina–with her family. The first two books in her three-book TWO LOVE LANE series are on shelves now. The third book, SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE, comes out 8-28-18. Find Kieran on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter and at kierankramer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 4, 2014
This is the BEST contemporary I have read!
Sweet Talk Me is the first novel by author Kieran Kramer which I have read. I enjoyed it immensely . I was so invested in the novel and the characters that I stayed up until 1am to finish it! Could not put it down!
The novel is a second chance at romance novel which features country singer Harrison Gamble and his childhood friend True Maybank. Harrison grew up in a trailer park while True grew up at Maybank Hall, her family's estate. Harrison and True meet by accident as True is departing from a bridal shop with her wedding gown. He drives her home and realizes that True's home is in disrepair and that True and her sister Weezie are running a U-PIck tomato farm on the family estate. Harrison is interested. Interested in True. Interested in True's wedding to the rich Dubose. Why is she marrying him, anyway? Harrison is charming and he is going to figure out why True is planning her wedding while her intended is away on business. Harrison oozes Southern charm and is a sweet talker. True is the epitome of a modern southern woman; pretty poised and practical.
The secondary characters in the novel are well written and so charming. Harrison's brother Gage is a famous crossword puzzle author living in a trailer decorated in Brady Bunch decor. Hmm.. Harrison needs to build Gage a new home.True's sister Weezie is a hoot, she says what is on her mind much to her sisters horror. Harrison needs to convince True to let Weezie live on campus when she attend college. I laughed out loud at the Weezie and Gage scenes. Their friendship was an awesome piece of the book and added to the book's charm.
Our hero and heroine have several obstacles to overcome during the course of their love story. Harrison needs to overcome his writer's block and write some new songs. True needs to decide if she should choose marrying for true love or marry someone that everyone thinks she should marry . Is Harrison inspired to write another top 40 country best seller?. Does True follow her heart? Read and see.....you won't be disappointed.
I am looking forward to reading more contemporary novels by Kieran Kramer.
Thank you for such an enjoyable book!
Sweet Talk Me is the first novel by author Kieran Kramer which I have read. I enjoyed it immensely . I was so invested in the novel and the characters that I stayed up until 1am to finish it! Could not put it down!
The novel is a second chance at romance novel which features country singer Harrison Gamble and his childhood friend True Maybank. Harrison grew up in a trailer park while True grew up at Maybank Hall, her family's estate. Harrison and True meet by accident as True is departing from a bridal shop with her wedding gown. He drives her home and realizes that True's home is in disrepair and that True and her sister Weezie are running a U-PIck tomato farm on the family estate. Harrison is interested. Interested in True. Interested in True's wedding to the rich Dubose. Why is she marrying him, anyway? Harrison is charming and he is going to figure out why True is planning her wedding while her intended is away on business. Harrison oozes Southern charm and is a sweet talker. True is the epitome of a modern southern woman; pretty poised and practical.
The secondary characters in the novel are well written and so charming. Harrison's brother Gage is a famous crossword puzzle author living in a trailer decorated in Brady Bunch decor. Hmm.. Harrison needs to build Gage a new home.True's sister Weezie is a hoot, she says what is on her mind much to her sisters horror. Harrison needs to convince True to let Weezie live on campus when she attend college. I laughed out loud at the Weezie and Gage scenes. Their friendship was an awesome piece of the book and added to the book's charm.
Our hero and heroine have several obstacles to overcome during the course of their love story. Harrison needs to overcome his writer's block and write some new songs. True needs to decide if she should choose marrying for true love or marry someone that everyone thinks she should marry . Is Harrison inspired to write another top 40 country best seller?. Does True follow her heart? Read and see.....you won't be disappointed.
I am looking forward to reading more contemporary novels by Kieran Kramer.
Thank you for such an enjoyable book!
June 5, 2014
Rated 3.5 Stars. Also posted at TBR Mountain Range, along with reviews of other books I've read. Come for a visit!
Can the magic of once being childhood best friends be recaptured and reunite in a romantic happy-ever-after, or will the memories they've made throughout the years be just that…sweet memories?
True Maybank struggled to make ends meet and hold on to her family's land after her parents died. Having attained her dream of attending college, she didn't regret returning home before graduating to help raise her sister Weezie. They're currently holding their own with their self-pick vegetable business but things will be much easier once True marries Dubose Waring, whose ambition is to become partner in a law firm.
Country music star Harrison Gamble escapes from his small town upbringing in Biscuit Creek, South Carolina, to realize his dream, but he never forgot the girl he left behind. When Harrison sees True again in Atlanta, he can't resist offering her a ride home in order to catch up on the ten years they've been apart. Can he resist the only woman he ever loved when he realizes she's engaged to the jerk Harrison remembers from high school?
True Maybank believes that Dubose Waring is the security that she and Weezie need after years of financial struggle. It's their way to continue to improve Maybank Hall, their family home. True thinks she loves Dubose, but does he love her enough to be who she needs forever? Their wedding is just weeks away when Dubose must leave town on business. All True's hopes for the joint planning of their wedding are tested with his absence. Can an absentee groom expect his soon-to-be-bride to plan their wedding around every obstacle and still live up to his and his mother's expectations?
SWEET TALK ME sweeps the reader up into southern small town charm, emphasizing their quaint world with their self-declared Lowcountry drawls and colloquialisms, spanning from childhood to present day, retracing the lives of two endearing families. Harrison's older brother, Gage, has always struggled socially but his keen sense of words becomes his savior as a crossword puzzle creator. Gage's eclectic mind is very well portrayed and I couldn't help but cheer him on when he meets the "right" girl for him. Weezie, True's sister, is another interesting character with personal challenges. As Weezie's older sister, True tries to prepare her for the world and the time when she'll finally be on her own, but truthfully, True has a hard time letting Weezie go.
SWEET TALK ME is a coming of age love story that moves backward through the characters' lives amongst the present, allowing the reader to better understand their motivations. All of them have hope and fear for themselves and each other but it's how they work together to resolve their problems and make the best of their situations that makes this story so sweet. I wasn't always okay with the engaged True hanging out with her old flame in the absence of her fiancé. That's a disaster waiting to happen. But, the characters are all so charming that I couldn't stop reading even when I didn't agree with their choices.
Quirky characters and southern charm enhance more than one romance within SWEET TALK ME. Author Kieran Kramer writes an engaging, contemporary happy-ever-after that is sure to be enjoyed by those who crave a diverse mix of characters and emotion.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Can the magic of once being childhood best friends be recaptured and reunite in a romantic happy-ever-after, or will the memories they've made throughout the years be just that…sweet memories?
True Maybank struggled to make ends meet and hold on to her family's land after her parents died. Having attained her dream of attending college, she didn't regret returning home before graduating to help raise her sister Weezie. They're currently holding their own with their self-pick vegetable business but things will be much easier once True marries Dubose Waring, whose ambition is to become partner in a law firm.
Country music star Harrison Gamble escapes from his small town upbringing in Biscuit Creek, South Carolina, to realize his dream, but he never forgot the girl he left behind. When Harrison sees True again in Atlanta, he can't resist offering her a ride home in order to catch up on the ten years they've been apart. Can he resist the only woman he ever loved when he realizes she's engaged to the jerk Harrison remembers from high school?
True Maybank believes that Dubose Waring is the security that she and Weezie need after years of financial struggle. It's their way to continue to improve Maybank Hall, their family home. True thinks she loves Dubose, but does he love her enough to be who she needs forever? Their wedding is just weeks away when Dubose must leave town on business. All True's hopes for the joint planning of their wedding are tested with his absence. Can an absentee groom expect his soon-to-be-bride to plan their wedding around every obstacle and still live up to his and his mother's expectations?
SWEET TALK ME sweeps the reader up into southern small town charm, emphasizing their quaint world with their self-declared Lowcountry drawls and colloquialisms, spanning from childhood to present day, retracing the lives of two endearing families. Harrison's older brother, Gage, has always struggled socially but his keen sense of words becomes his savior as a crossword puzzle creator. Gage's eclectic mind is very well portrayed and I couldn't help but cheer him on when he meets the "right" girl for him. Weezie, True's sister, is another interesting character with personal challenges. As Weezie's older sister, True tries to prepare her for the world and the time when she'll finally be on her own, but truthfully, True has a hard time letting Weezie go.
SWEET TALK ME is a coming of age love story that moves backward through the characters' lives amongst the present, allowing the reader to better understand their motivations. All of them have hope and fear for themselves and each other but it's how they work together to resolve their problems and make the best of their situations that makes this story so sweet. I wasn't always okay with the engaged True hanging out with her old flame in the absence of her fiancé. That's a disaster waiting to happen. But, the characters are all so charming that I couldn't stop reading even when I didn't agree with their choices.
Quirky characters and southern charm enhance more than one romance within SWEET TALK ME. Author Kieran Kramer writes an engaging, contemporary happy-ever-after that is sure to be enjoyed by those who crave a diverse mix of characters and emotion.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.
April 14, 2014
Kieran Kramer is no newbie to writing great love stories. In Sweet Talk Me, she's moved from a historical European setting to a contemporary American one. Her knack for writing strong characters hasn't changed and even those who are strict historical romance readers will enjoy this book. In fact, I can easily say this is my favorite book of hers by far.
True Maybank and Harrison Gamble may have been star-crossed friends growing up, but things have really changed in the ten years since Harrison left Biscuit Creek. True is still a Southern Belle but Harrison has gone from looked-down-upon by everyone to a bonafide celebrity. His coming home is unplanned but once his serendipitous True and brings her home, leaving suddenly doesn't seem so important. To be honest with you, this book really gave me the feels, both happy and sad. However, it's the scenes that brought tears to my eyes, that are making me tear up as I think of them. I will proudly admit to crying as I read this book.
Besides all the emotions this book evoked, it's the characters that make this book. True and Harrison have great chemistry and are great, however I believe Weezie and Gage, their siblings steal part of their spotlight. I love how Kieran made them such integral parts of not only True and Harrison's story, but also their individual ones. This book feels not like one single story, but four or five. Each is separate yet part of a whole and it's flawless. I hope Kieran will keep writing more books set in Biscuit Creek just so I can keep reading about True, Harrison, Weezie, Gage, and Carmela.
The strongest themes in this book are regarding the importance of family, coming home, and being true to ones self and they carry out through every aspect of the book. This book captivated me from the first page until I put it down. You will smile, laugh, cry, and fan yourself as True and Harrison figure things out. This charming book is certain to leave a lasting impression on you as it did me.
I'd like to thank Kieran for sending me a copy to review. Her doing so has no bearing on this review. If you don't believe me, all you have to do is pick up the book and you can see for yourself. This book is pure magic.
True Maybank and Harrison Gamble may have been star-crossed friends growing up, but things have really changed in the ten years since Harrison left Biscuit Creek. True is still a Southern Belle but Harrison has gone from looked-down-upon by everyone to a bonafide celebrity. His coming home is unplanned but once his serendipitous True and brings her home, leaving suddenly doesn't seem so important. To be honest with you, this book really gave me the feels, both happy and sad. However, it's the scenes that brought tears to my eyes, that are making me tear up as I think of them. I will proudly admit to crying as I read this book.
Besides all the emotions this book evoked, it's the characters that make this book. True and Harrison have great chemistry and are great, however I believe Weezie and Gage, their siblings steal part of their spotlight. I love how Kieran made them such integral parts of not only True and Harrison's story, but also their individual ones. This book feels not like one single story, but four or five. Each is separate yet part of a whole and it's flawless. I hope Kieran will keep writing more books set in Biscuit Creek just so I can keep reading about True, Harrison, Weezie, Gage, and Carmela.
The strongest themes in this book are regarding the importance of family, coming home, and being true to ones self and they carry out through every aspect of the book. This book captivated me from the first page until I put it down. You will smile, laugh, cry, and fan yourself as True and Harrison figure things out. This charming book is certain to leave a lasting impression on you as it did me.
I'd like to thank Kieran for sending me a copy to review. Her doing so has no bearing on this review. If you don't believe me, all you have to do is pick up the book and you can see for yourself. This book is pure magic.
April 26, 2014
4 stars
I really enjoyed reading Sweet Talk Me.
This is a sweet and heartwarming second chance love story.
The last person True Maybank expected to run into while picking up her wedding gown was country music superstar Harrison Gamble. Years ago, when they were small-town teens in Biscuit Creek, South Carolina, they shared a forbidden night of passion. Now that she’s about to settle down, True’s love affair with the handsome crooner is a thing of the past. Or is it? From the moment he says hello, she has to fight swooning like an adoring fan.
It took me a little time to warm up to Harrison, I felt he was a little too sure of himself and I didn't like the I'm famous attitude he had going on in the beginning of the story.
I loved True from the very beginning, she was such a selfless person, she would do anything for the people she loved. She had been through so much and still she would put a smile on her face and not let anyone see the inner turmoil she was going through. Seeing her going through her panic attacks broke my heart =(
Harrison had a knack of seeing through all the walls True had up, one by one he would knock them down until he had finally exposed all her fears and wants.
Harrison was such a loving brother and friend, he touched my heart seeing him his brother Gage, loved their interactions. His relationship with True's sister Weezie was adorable and very sweet.
Yep I can admit I was wrong with my first thoughts about him, he was a wonderful brother, friend and lover. He was the perfect man for True.
If you're like me and enjoy second chance love stories then you will enjoy Sweet Talk Me.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I really enjoyed reading Sweet Talk Me.
This is a sweet and heartwarming second chance love story.
The last person True Maybank expected to run into while picking up her wedding gown was country music superstar Harrison Gamble. Years ago, when they were small-town teens in Biscuit Creek, South Carolina, they shared a forbidden night of passion. Now that she’s about to settle down, True’s love affair with the handsome crooner is a thing of the past. Or is it? From the moment he says hello, she has to fight swooning like an adoring fan.
It took me a little time to warm up to Harrison, I felt he was a little too sure of himself and I didn't like the I'm famous attitude he had going on in the beginning of the story.
I loved True from the very beginning, she was such a selfless person, she would do anything for the people she loved. She had been through so much and still she would put a smile on her face and not let anyone see the inner turmoil she was going through. Seeing her going through her panic attacks broke my heart =(
Harrison had a knack of seeing through all the walls True had up, one by one he would knock them down until he had finally exposed all her fears and wants.
Harrison was such a loving brother and friend, he touched my heart seeing him his brother Gage, loved their interactions. His relationship with True's sister Weezie was adorable and very sweet.
Yep I can admit I was wrong with my first thoughts about him, he was a wonderful brother, friend and lover. He was the perfect man for True.
If you're like me and enjoy second chance love stories then you will enjoy Sweet Talk Me.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
April 9, 2014
Let me start by stating that I’ve been a fan of Kieran Kramer’s since her debut historical romance When Harry Met Molly. Naturally when I discovered that Ms. Kramer was making the leap into the contemporary romance genre, I was completely on board. Sweet Talk Me is written in true Kieran Kramer style. It is a delightfully funny and sweet romance.
Sweet Talk Me is a small-town romance set in the south. Country music super star, Harrison Gamble and the down on her luck southern belle, True Maybank shared a secret night of passion while they were still in high school. So Harrison is the last person True expects to run into while she’s picking up her wedding gown. Harrison is in town to help out his older autistic brother; True is determined to settle down and marry, but what happens when her child hood sweet heart comes back to town?
Kramer’s writing talents excel is this sweet and charming small – town romance. She adds more than a small amount of realism to her writings and even the secondary characters steal your heart. The overall feel of the book is colorful and lush with layers upon layers of emotions. Sweet Talk Me is written in a way that the readers can feel why Harrison and True fell apart and what it will take to reunite this loving pair.
I loved Sweet Talk Me for all of its realism and emotion. If you are looking for a romance with a lot of steam factor then this is not the book for you; however if you love a charming romance that will touch your heart and soul then be sure to read Sweet Talk Me.
4 Stars
Sweet Talk Me is a small-town romance set in the south. Country music super star, Harrison Gamble and the down on her luck southern belle, True Maybank shared a secret night of passion while they were still in high school. So Harrison is the last person True expects to run into while she’s picking up her wedding gown. Harrison is in town to help out his older autistic brother; True is determined to settle down and marry, but what happens when her child hood sweet heart comes back to town?
Kramer’s writing talents excel is this sweet and charming small – town romance. She adds more than a small amount of realism to her writings and even the secondary characters steal your heart. The overall feel of the book is colorful and lush with layers upon layers of emotions. Sweet Talk Me is written in a way that the readers can feel why Harrison and True fell apart and what it will take to reunite this loving pair.
I loved Sweet Talk Me for all of its realism and emotion. If you are looking for a romance with a lot of steam factor then this is not the book for you; however if you love a charming romance that will touch your heart and soul then be sure to read Sweet Talk Me.
4 Stars
September 25, 2018
This was fine. It hit on a bunch of topics I like to see in romance: mental health, infidelity, autism, hero who throws money around like it's nothing. But it didn't go deep enough into any of this for my tastes. Very surface, very cutesy. I just want more bite to my romance without it being an obnoxious Dark And Twisted Erotica™. But hey, here we are.
September 19, 2017
Well - it was not outright bad and it was sweet and loving.
But through most of the book I was terrible bored, and it felt like an achievement that I managed to finish it.
The cover is lovely though. :)
But through most of the book I was terrible bored, and it felt like an achievement that I managed to finish it.
The cover is lovely though. :)
September 17, 2017
Sweet Talk Me Is a touching second chance romance story full of small town charm and heartwarming emotion, that comes equipped with many well crafted characters that are sure to find a way into your heart!! Highly recommend!
January 3, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this romance set in South Carolina by Kramer, especially the hero -- yum! Delightful secondary characters as well, which I feel always makes for a stronger story. Looking forward to reading more by Kieran Kramer!
March 16, 2018
Picked this up as I had liked her new series. Nice romance, a bit too Southern in tone but ok.
July 26, 2014
Oh my gosh! It’s Kieran Kramer! I just love her historical Regency romances and this jump into her first contemporary romance is just as fabulous! Wow. I’m feeling like every author these days are moving into another genre and are making super great hits with them. Way to go!
So, Sweet Talk Me is about two people getting a second chance at love in their small hometown in the country side. We have our heroine, True Maybank who’s preparing for her wedding with her perfect and handsome Southerner gentleman fiancee. And our hero, Harrison Gamble who’s a Country super star singer has come back home to help his brother and of course to find a new muse for his music. These two were childhood friends that had a one night fling in high school and then Harrison leaving their small town not soon after for ten years! So, you know there’ll be lots of touching scenes and life searching moments for these two.
True is super sweet, independent and very passionate. Although she has a lot on her shoulders, like caring and always worrying about her younger sister who’s a fantastic fun and loves to speak her mind; which drives True crazy with worry and all these parental warning signs. She’s also dealing with the economic situation at home which then lead her to her upcoming marriage to her wealthy fiancee. Of course she’s only marrying him out of obligation to her parents’ wishes so, that also builds on her shoulders because that’s what everyone expects her to do. But when Harrison shows back up, those fluttering butterflies starts to fly and she’s denying that it’s the doing of Harrison but because of her impending marriage. Of course all this has to happen when her fiancee just happens to be away….. Hea hea hea
And Harrison! Can I just say I adore this name. Harrison was just a plain smart ash. That’s all I got to say about him. I truly loved him but he’s just so……such a know it all. Yes, they were friends once and of course he’ll know about what True truly wants in life but man, he has to come back now? But man does he throw True off her course. Harrison’s is truly a nice guy. Having been mocked on many occasions as a child in the small town for being not good enough and poor, he made it huge as a celebrity and that was a huge in your face move he did to his town and to some of its folks. And he loves his brother. His older and autistic brother. It was very sweet indeed.
Over all this was a super loveable story. There wasn’t just one story but many short ones that inter connected to make a whole book in itself. The secondary characters made it for such a fun read and seeing how they complemented each other was great.
The relationship between True and Harrison came a long way from when they were children and it was super great to see how much they’ve grown and learned as changes and obstacles came their way.
This was a very charming, sweet, and heartwarming love story with every little thing to make it perfect and romantic. There’s a lot of emotions and touching scenes that can be a bit…..sad but it’s all worth it in getting to their HEA. This story really just got me thinking and wishing for a true and loving romance of my own. Of course I don’t want to go through all of the drama and hardships but it really made me want to believe in love and it gave me a lot of hope.
Kieran Kramer has a knack for story telling and her writing was just as great in this story. As a fan of her Regencies I know I’ll be looking forward to more of these contemporary small town romances from her.
Plus, thank you Kati for this opportunity to read this contemp by Kieran!
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Rating: 4 out of 4
So, Sweet Talk Me is about two people getting a second chance at love in their small hometown in the country side. We have our heroine, True Maybank who’s preparing for her wedding with her perfect and handsome Southerner gentleman fiancee. And our hero, Harrison Gamble who’s a Country super star singer has come back home to help his brother and of course to find a new muse for his music. These two were childhood friends that had a one night fling in high school and then Harrison leaving their small town not soon after for ten years! So, you know there’ll be lots of touching scenes and life searching moments for these two.
True is super sweet, independent and very passionate. Although she has a lot on her shoulders, like caring and always worrying about her younger sister who’s a fantastic fun and loves to speak her mind; which drives True crazy with worry and all these parental warning signs. She’s also dealing with the economic situation at home which then lead her to her upcoming marriage to her wealthy fiancee. Of course she’s only marrying him out of obligation to her parents’ wishes so, that also builds on her shoulders because that’s what everyone expects her to do. But when Harrison shows back up, those fluttering butterflies starts to fly and she’s denying that it’s the doing of Harrison but because of her impending marriage. Of course all this has to happen when her fiancee just happens to be away….. Hea hea hea
And Harrison! Can I just say I adore this name. Harrison was just a plain smart ash. That’s all I got to say about him. I truly loved him but he’s just so……such a know it all. Yes, they were friends once and of course he’ll know about what True truly wants in life but man, he has to come back now? But man does he throw True off her course. Harrison’s is truly a nice guy. Having been mocked on many occasions as a child in the small town for being not good enough and poor, he made it huge as a celebrity and that was a huge in your face move he did to his town and to some of its folks. And he loves his brother. His older and autistic brother. It was very sweet indeed.
Over all this was a super loveable story. There wasn’t just one story but many short ones that inter connected to make a whole book in itself. The secondary characters made it for such a fun read and seeing how they complemented each other was great.
The relationship between True and Harrison came a long way from when they were children and it was super great to see how much they’ve grown and learned as changes and obstacles came their way.
This was a very charming, sweet, and heartwarming love story with every little thing to make it perfect and romantic. There’s a lot of emotions and touching scenes that can be a bit…..sad but it’s all worth it in getting to their HEA. This story really just got me thinking and wishing for a true and loving romance of my own. Of course I don’t want to go through all of the drama and hardships but it really made me want to believe in love and it gave me a lot of hope.
Kieran Kramer has a knack for story telling and her writing was just as great in this story. As a fan of her Regencies I know I’ll be looking forward to more of these contemporary small town romances from her.
Plus, thank you Kati for this opportunity to read this contemp by Kieran!
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Rating: 4 out of 4
May 12, 2014
C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars here Okay. I'm a sucker for "second chance at love" stories. They can be cute and humorous, dark and angsty, I like them either way. For that reason, I had high hopes for Sweet Talk Me but while it had its good points, it ended up being a little too twee for me to handle.
True Maybank has just picked up her wedding dress when she runs into the last person she expected to ever see again. Harrison Gamble was once her very best friend and they shared an unforgettable wild night together in high school, but he's a country superstar now and they haven't spoken since they were teens. Back in the day, Harrison lived in a trailer park and True's family didn't consider him good enough for her. Now, True is about to marry one of those acceptable suitors but she quickly finds herself caught between the future she expected and the idea of having a second chance with Harrison.
In a way, the plot intrigued me with the manner in which it played with the "wrong side of the tracks" idea. True started off living a life of privilege while Harrison lived in a trailer park, but as adults, their circumstances have changed. Harrison's superstardom affords him a very comfortable life, but True has fallen on very hard times. In fact, her impending marriage seems to be almost as much about security as anything else.
It's pretty easy to see why Harrison would be appealing. From the author's description, he's obviously gorgeous and a talented musician. He's also a decent human being and in contrast to some of the discussion of his earlier years, he now seems comfortable in his own skin. True, on the other hand, is no longer the wealthy debutante she once appeared to be. However, I liked that True didn't live too much in the past.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
True Maybank has just picked up her wedding dress when she runs into the last person she expected to ever see again. Harrison Gamble was once her very best friend and they shared an unforgettable wild night together in high school, but he's a country superstar now and they haven't spoken since they were teens. Back in the day, Harrison lived in a trailer park and True's family didn't consider him good enough for her. Now, True is about to marry one of those acceptable suitors but she quickly finds herself caught between the future she expected and the idea of having a second chance with Harrison.
In a way, the plot intrigued me with the manner in which it played with the "wrong side of the tracks" idea. True started off living a life of privilege while Harrison lived in a trailer park, but as adults, their circumstances have changed. Harrison's superstardom affords him a very comfortable life, but True has fallen on very hard times. In fact, her impending marriage seems to be almost as much about security as anything else.
It's pretty easy to see why Harrison would be appealing. From the author's description, he's obviously gorgeous and a talented musician. He's also a decent human being and in contrast to some of the discussion of his earlier years, he now seems comfortable in his own skin. True, on the other hand, is no longer the wealthy debutante she once appeared to be. However, I liked that True didn't live too much in the past.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
July 24, 2014
This isn't quite a 4 star book for me but it is an above avaerage contemporary romance, so I feel it deserves more than 3 stars - maybe 3.75.
This is a sweet small town romance. I loved the first part of this book. While I enjoy stories of old loves coming back together, I'm not usually a fan of plots where the hero or heroine is already engaged to someone else but the setup worked for me in this case. I was also glad that Ms. Kramer didn't fall into all the old cliches with "wrong side of the track" boy making good as a superstar. Harrison had a tough childhood but not impossible, he wasn't part of the in-crowd but he wasn't reviled by the town. Now that he has become a country music superstar, Harrison seems very comfortable in his own skin with no grudges against the town to fight against.
I found True, Weezie, Gage and Harrison to be interesting and engaging cast of characters. The plot started out at a nice pace and felt the atmosphere of the small southern town really come to life. I always really enjoyed the relationship between Harrison and True as the tried to find a balance in their friendship again. I though they were a very likeable hero and heroine.
But then I got to the last 100 pages or so and the entire story began to drag a little for me. At that point I no longer found True's motivation for wanting to stay with her fiance - Dubose - who was portrayed without any redeeming qualities - or her reasons for not attempting a relationship with Harrison believable. The entire plot just began to feel contrived to me. So I was just left a little disappointed in the end despite my initial love for True and Harrison. I think I will try Kieran Kramer's next contemporary romance though as there were some really fun moments in the book.
This is a sweet small town romance. I loved the first part of this book. While I enjoy stories of old loves coming back together, I'm not usually a fan of plots where the hero or heroine is already engaged to someone else but the setup worked for me in this case. I was also glad that Ms. Kramer didn't fall into all the old cliches with "wrong side of the track" boy making good as a superstar. Harrison had a tough childhood but not impossible, he wasn't part of the in-crowd but he wasn't reviled by the town. Now that he has become a country music superstar, Harrison seems very comfortable in his own skin with no grudges against the town to fight against.
I found True, Weezie, Gage and Harrison to be interesting and engaging cast of characters. The plot started out at a nice pace and felt the atmosphere of the small southern town really come to life. I always really enjoyed the relationship between Harrison and True as the tried to find a balance in their friendship again. I though they were a very likeable hero and heroine.
But then I got to the last 100 pages or so and the entire story began to drag a little for me. At that point I no longer found True's motivation for wanting to stay with her fiance - Dubose - who was portrayed without any redeeming qualities - or her reasons for not attempting a relationship with Harrison believable. The entire plot just began to feel contrived to me. So I was just left a little disappointed in the end despite my initial love for True and Harrison. I think I will try Kieran Kramer's next contemporary romance though as there were some really fun moments in the book.
May 22, 2014
Life hadn't been easy for True Maybank, but at this point she was hoping that things were looking up. She was going to finally marry the boy her family always thought she should since high school, after all these years, too bad none of them were going to be around to see it. She had managed to hold her family home together and get her younger sister through high school and Weezie would be off to college this fall. She was feeling pretty good. Then she had to see HIM when she went to pick up her wedding dress.
Harrison Gamble might be a famous country singer today, and everyone might fawn all over him, but there was a time when not everyone in Biscuit Creek was pleased to see him. He and True had been friends, then there had been that thing between them at prom, but she had set him straight, he wasn't good enough for her. Why then did the sight of her all these years later make him crazy? He wasn't sure but all he knew was that he had to find out what she was up to, no matter what his people were wanting.
As Harrison and True spend some time together, old feelings are rekindled. Not only that, but True learns more about herself and her fears, and why she has always been afraid to follow after what she wanted. It is a story of love and romance, of shallow southern boys, and good old southern boys. There is self discovery and reflection and peace of mind.
This is a wonderful little novel that is enjoyable to read. It is well written and you feel part of the family.
Harrison Gamble might be a famous country singer today, and everyone might fawn all over him, but there was a time when not everyone in Biscuit Creek was pleased to see him. He and True had been friends, then there had been that thing between them at prom, but she had set him straight, he wasn't good enough for her. Why then did the sight of her all these years later make him crazy? He wasn't sure but all he knew was that he had to find out what she was up to, no matter what his people were wanting.
As Harrison and True spend some time together, old feelings are rekindled. Not only that, but True learns more about herself and her fears, and why she has always been afraid to follow after what she wanted. It is a story of love and romance, of shallow southern boys, and good old southern boys. There is self discovery and reflection and peace of mind.
This is a wonderful little novel that is enjoyable to read. It is well written and you feel part of the family.
April 14, 2014
I read a lot and like many genres and books. Rarely however, do I fall in love with a story and its endearing characters, which is what has happened with Kieran Kramer's Sweet Talk Me. In fact, I can’t think of a southern gal or any other for that matter, not just loving this book. It is a little bit charming grit with True, some sexy country music with Harrison, a lot of unfinished romance coming full circle and a whole lot of storytelling at its best.
I was rooting for these characters to get past their vulnerabilities and desire to protect themselves so that they could trust each other again. Then added to the drama of Harrison coming to terms with his childhood in Biscuit Creek and True’s current economic dilemmas at Maybank Hall, is plenty of supporting characters to round out this hilarious and heart wrenching story that I found delightful. I smiled, I laughed out loud and I shed a few tears. Wonderfully, wonderfully done!
This is my first book to read by Kieran Kramer but not my last. I do have one request for the author. I truly regretted not getting to meet Honey in person as they say, so could you perhaps go back in time to find her story. It’s sure to be interesting.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
I was rooting for these characters to get past their vulnerabilities and desire to protect themselves so that they could trust each other again. Then added to the drama of Harrison coming to terms with his childhood in Biscuit Creek and True’s current economic dilemmas at Maybank Hall, is plenty of supporting characters to round out this hilarious and heart wrenching story that I found delightful. I smiled, I laughed out loud and I shed a few tears. Wonderfully, wonderfully done!
This is my first book to read by Kieran Kramer but not my last. I do have one request for the author. I truly regretted not getting to meet Honey in person as they say, so could you perhaps go back in time to find her story. It’s sure to be interesting.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
April 20, 2015
This is the first book that I have read by Kieran Kramer and I must say I am very pleased. I don’t read many contemporary romances but this one is above average.
True Maybeck and Harrison Gamble were friends 10 years ago, and Harrison left to pursue a music career. True was a debutant and Harrison was beneath her station as far as her family was concerned. On the day she is picking up her wedding dress – she runs into Harrison. Can he make her see that she is making a horrible mistake marrying Dubose is a mistake?
Ms. Kramer’s writing is lovely, she pulls you into the small town south and made me want to sip sweet tea. The book is about family, coming home, and listening to your heart. If you are looking for a sweet romance, full of southern charm, then this one is a keeper.
See original review:http://www.bittenbylovereviews.com/20...
September 13, 2016
True comes from a family of money and is engaged to be married to Dubose (from another family of money), but True's one night stand, Harrison, from high school comes back to town. She was forbidden to see him as a child because he was poor, but now he's a rich and famous country music singer. They are still attracted to each other, but are trying to hide the attraction. This book has lots of Southern charm!
I loved the way Kieran Kramer introduces all the characters in the story and gives full, descriptive backgrounds and personalities to every one. I really like stories where you feel as if you are there and the characters seem so real.
Loved the shout out to Darynda Jones also: "Help Harrison, True. Help him help us. I want more Darynda Jones and Nora Roberts novels in the fiction section." pg. 95 of Sweet Talk Me by Kieran Kramer.
I loved the way Kieran Kramer introduces all the characters in the story and gives full, descriptive backgrounds and personalities to every one. I really like stories where you feel as if you are there and the characters seem so real.
Loved the shout out to Darynda Jones also: "Help Harrison, True. Help him help us. I want more Darynda Jones and Nora Roberts novels in the fiction section." pg. 95 of Sweet Talk Me by Kieran Kramer.
April 21, 2014
This is the first book that I have ready by Kieran Kramer and she didn't disappoint me.
This was such a sweet small-town contemporary romance.
True and Harrison may have been friends growing up, but things have really changed since Harrison left Biscuit Creek 10 years ago. True has grown a lot as a woman because of all the things that she has endured in her life. Harrison grew up in a trailer park and was looked down on by some of the people in Biscuit Creek because of that, but he has gone on to become country music celebrity.
This book shows the importance of family, returning home, and being true to ones self and those are points that was carried on throughout the entire book. This book didn't have a lot of steam, but you won't be disappointed in True and Harrison's story.
Copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
This was such a sweet small-town contemporary romance.
True and Harrison may have been friends growing up, but things have really changed since Harrison left Biscuit Creek 10 years ago. True has grown a lot as a woman because of all the things that she has endured in her life. Harrison grew up in a trailer park and was looked down on by some of the people in Biscuit Creek because of that, but he has gone on to become country music celebrity.
This book shows the importance of family, returning home, and being true to ones self and those are points that was carried on throughout the entire book. This book didn't have a lot of steam, but you won't be disappointed in True and Harrison's story.
Copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
June 27, 2015
I absolutely love Kieran Kramer’s historical romance stories for their charm and humor so I was excited to give her contemporary a try. True Maybank has been living the life laid out by her parents and after their death she’s being trying to cling to the life they wanted and raise her younger sister. She had one wild night, with Harrison Gamble. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has become a famous country singer and is coming home to see his brother. When he and True cross paths again, two weeks before her wedding to another man, they have to battle their attraction because they know that they can’t find happiness together. Or can they? It wasn’t as charming as her historical romances but still a good read. Excited to see what comes next!
June 6, 2014
I’m a huge Kieran Kramer fan. Her regency stories are well written, populated with a bunch of fun, interesting and well-rounded characters with plots that are believable and plausible. I enjoyed every book she wrote and that’s why I dreaded reading this book.
You see, this is Ms. Kramer’s first foray in telling a contemporary story and I thought what if it sucks? I hate it with a vengeance when I have to review a book that sucks from an author that I love. Don’t laugh! It happens more than you know!
Well, ... thanks for jumping to b2b to finish my review ...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the author
You see, this is Ms. Kramer’s first foray in telling a contemporary story and I thought what if it sucks? I hate it with a vengeance when I have to review a book that sucks from an author that I love. Don’t laugh! It happens more than you know!
Well, ... thanks for jumping to b2b to finish my review ...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the author
June 17, 2014
This book was "Moon Pie Fine!" I loved SWEET TALK ME! But then I'm a sucker for a good bad-boy-makes-good story. I also love good writing, a unique and distinct author voice, and clever verbiage. Kramer's writing is filled with humorous language and delicious "Southern-isms." I laughed out loud at her descriptions such as "We'll look like the Hardy Boys without a mystery to solve" and "Andy Griffith's backwoods cousin's man cave!" The lyrics to the hero's country songs: "Snack on This" and "Whoopie" were as clever as many of the real country songs out there today. Besides adoring the hero and heroine, I was drawn to Kramer's quirky secondary characters who added depth and poignancy to the story. Brava to Kieran Kramer for her first contemporary romance! I can't wait for her next book!!!
June 12, 2015
Kieran Kramer is a new to me author and I have to say that I plan on reading more of her work. I won this book from another author and I am so glad I did. Kieran has written a sweet, sexy, funny story. This is the story of True Maybank and Harrison Gamble. As kids, True came from a wealthy family and Harrison grew up in a trailer park but they were best friends. They had a one night stand on prom night but then True rejected Harrison's proposal. 10 years later, Harrison is a famous country music star and rich but True is now struggling to maintain her family heritage. True is engaged to another man and Harrison returns to town. Prior to the wedding, True and Harrison reconnect and their youthful love reignites and blossoms.
April 21, 2014
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
I love small town Southern romances...seriously. True was wonderful, proud, yet sweet and determined, and loyal. Harrison was handsome and so good with Gage! Gage and Weezie's friendship was absolutely adorable and while Carmela's Damn Yankee store felt like it came out of nowhere, I liked her interactions with both True and Gage.
Dubose and his mother were atrocious enough that I did not feel bad about what happened. If anything, it made me feel better about True's decision. And I have to say, the wedding she put together sounds like it would have been a blast.
I love small town Southern romances...seriously. True was wonderful, proud, yet sweet and determined, and loyal. Harrison was handsome and so good with Gage! Gage and Weezie's friendship was absolutely adorable and while Carmela's Damn Yankee store felt like it came out of nowhere, I liked her interactions with both True and Gage.
Dubose and his mother were atrocious enough that I did not feel bad about what happened. If anything, it made me feel better about True's decision. And I have to say, the wedding she put together sounds like it would have been a blast.
April 22, 2014
Kieran Kramer is known for her wonderful characters in her Regency romances. Now, she takes that skill and gives us unforgettable, quirky, adorable characters in her newest Contemporary romance, Sweet Talk Me. The plight of the heroine, trying to decide whether to do what her family wants or what her heart wants, is written in such a realistic and lovely way. In all romances, the hero and heroine fall in love, but I promise readers will fall in love, too, with the book, the characters, the plot, the hometown southern feel, and most of all with an incredible author -- Kieran Kramer -- who's shown skill and mastery in modern settings as well as historical ones.
May 20, 2014
I'm a big Kieran Kramer fan and have loved her historicals. Sweet Talk Me is her first foray into contemporary novels. And although I liked it, it was a little underwhelming. I wasn't grabbed from the first and almost had decided not to finish this one. I kept reading though because I do love this girl. Maybe it will take a few stories for this author to feel comfortable with this genre, to be able to grab me from the first pages. As I said, I liked it, I just didn't love it like I have her other works. That said, I'm not giving up on her and will give her next contemporary a look see when it is published.
February 21, 2016
I loved this book! True Maybank and Harrison Gamble have a bit of a past when they were teenagers growing up in a small southern town. Now, True's about to get married and the last person she expected to run into was Harrison, now a famous country western singer. Determined she's going forward with her plans to marry someone else, and Harrison's determination to understand why he had come back home puts these two on a collision course where the sparks fly. The secondary characters are well developed, three dimensional. I fell in love with all the characters and would read this book again some day!
July 8, 2015
I had never read books by this author before. Having won the book in a party on Facebook I had no idea what to expect.
I just finished SWEET TALK ME. I truly enjoyed the book, and am glad that I found Kieran Kramer by winning this book. Though I figured that True and Harrison would end up together and Dubose ( I had to look up the pronunciation of his name....never heard it before) would be kicked to the curb, I truly enjoyed the journey through these pages to get to that happy ending. The author's development of all of the characters in the book was great reading as well, and made this a very enjoyable tale! I'll be following Ms. Kramer and buying her books!
I just finished SWEET TALK ME. I truly enjoyed the book, and am glad that I found Kieran Kramer by winning this book. Though I figured that True and Harrison would end up together and Dubose ( I had to look up the pronunciation of his name....never heard it before) would be kicked to the curb, I truly enjoyed the journey through these pages to get to that happy ending. The author's development of all of the characters in the book was great reading as well, and made this a very enjoyable tale! I'll be following Ms. Kramer and buying her books!
April 11, 2014
This review can also be found at TheChiqBlog.com
This book was SO southern! I felt like I should have read the whole book in a Southern accent. Usually I don't mind books set in the south but I've never read anything quite like this one. The terminology and weird metaphors totally made me lose interest and focus, and I sort of felt like I was reading another language. If this is something you're into, it's a really cute story, but I couldn't get into the language and terminology.
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
This book was SO southern! I felt like I should have read the whole book in a Southern accent. Usually I don't mind books set in the south but I've never read anything quite like this one. The terminology and weird metaphors totally made me lose interest and focus, and I sort of felt like I was reading another language. If this is something you're into, it's a really cute story, but I couldn't get into the language and terminology.
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
September 16, 2014
I started reading this book last week and was excited to take it camping with me so I could finish it. It was a sweet, lovely book with a fantastic cast of characters, southern charm, and a second chance romance. I fell in love with True and kept praying she'd see the light and kick Dubose to the curb so she could be with Harrison! I try to write spoiler free reviews, so if you're looking for a fun second chance romance set in a small southern town with a cast of colorful characters, look no further.
May 28, 2014
This book was an arduous read in that the story often dragged in so many scenes of the book. Gage and Weezie's characters were a lot more pleasant and more of a stand-out in the book than the lead characters of Harrison and True. Trues character came across often as very shallow and Harrison's character equally so. The story had many emotions in the book, however the scenes were very drawn out and predictable. Sweet Talk Me by Kieran Kramer was a happy ending read with few surprises.
2 Stars
*ARC received from the Publisher/Netgalley for an honest review.
2 Stars
*ARC received from the Publisher/Netgalley for an honest review.
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