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Puffin Cove #2
Sweetness
Jillian Snow Bainbridge is the darling of coastal Puffin Cove, Newfoundland. A native daughter, a young mother, a widow. The little pixie charms everyone she meets with her quick wit, her cheeky smile, and her sinfully delicious baking. Everyone, that is, except the audaciously gorgeous Landon Blood. These two have had claws out and swords brandished at each other since they were in diapers. But on a stormy winter night, their weapons of self-preservation malfunction, and the thick veneer they've formed against each other cracks. As they begin to explore a terrifying and exhilarating new facet of their relationship, the carefully stitched edges of Landon's psyche begin to unravel, and Jill is powerless to stop the demon in Landon's soul from destroying the only love they've ever Adult language and sexual content.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2013
About the author
Carla Doolin
2 books26 followersI live with my wonderful hubby and two happy dogs in Central Ontario, Canada. My sons are grown and living the life, and I finally have time to pursue one of my passions. I have a lot of them! I love to read, and mostly read contemporary romance...and tour books! I'm a classically trained pianist, a voracious knitter (sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?) and a fledgling Harley rider. I'm also a full-time NICU RN, which seriously cuts into my writing time!
My books are adult contemporary romances about 'real-life' fictional people. They have the same normal, goofy, angsty lives that we all do. If you're looking for a billionaire or a dominatrix, you won't find them here. More's the pity. My biggest inspiration is travel. Whenever I visit a new and wonderful place, I romanticize the people I meet and the vistas I see. Beauty is all around us, and I love inserting love into the majesty of the land.
If you were to ask me what advice I would give to an aspiring author in regards to writing, I would tell you to just let it flow. Read what you love, live a rich and full life, talk to everyone you meet, and write what is in your heart. That's what I do.
My books are adult contemporary romances about 'real-life' fictional people. They have the same normal, goofy, angsty lives that we all do. If you're looking for a billionaire or a dominatrix, you won't find them here. More's the pity. My biggest inspiration is travel. Whenever I visit a new and wonderful place, I romanticize the people I meet and the vistas I see. Beauty is all around us, and I love inserting love into the majesty of the land.
If you were to ask me what advice I would give to an aspiring author in regards to writing, I would tell you to just let it flow. Read what you love, live a rich and full life, talk to everyone you meet, and write what is in your heart. That's what I do.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 22, 2016
"I call you Sweetness because in my life there's work, there's shit, there's family, there's more shit, and there's sweetness. You are the sweetness in my life."
Carla Doolin has amazed me once again with this novel. I absolutely loved Sweetness, I loved it more than Spitfire. It was light-hearted, sexy, well-written- things that a romance novel should be. It felt a little dragged out though, and I felt some of the chapters were just fillers, but I enjoyed it.
Jill turned out to be this passionate, fun-loving woman who knew what she wanted and went for it. I could see why Landon found her so irresistible. Plus she's a single mother in her thirties and a widow. It's nice to know that people do get second chances at love.
I'll admit it, when I was first introduced to Landon, I thought he was an asshole. A big, egotistical playboy with nothing else to do than play around with women. Once again, I was wrong. I wasn't wrong about the "sleeping around with women" bit, he just had a valid reason. Sex was his surefire escape from the memories that have been tormenting him since his teenage years.
I ached for him, I really did.
Landon wasn't an asshole. He was just someone trying to heal, yes, he might have self-destructive tendencies, but considering what he went through...I think he has the right.
Besides, in the sex scenes, Landon was HOT!!
The spiciness and heat of the love scenes definitely exceeded those of Spitfire. I was on fire.
Adding to gorgeousness of Landon, he's also incredibly sensitive and romantic.
"Meant what I said, Sweetness. Never anyone but you."
I awwwed at that part.
Overall, 4.5 Landon Blood stars.
I received an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
Carla Doolin has amazed me once again with this novel. I absolutely loved Sweetness, I loved it more than Spitfire. It was light-hearted, sexy, well-written- things that a romance novel should be. It felt a little dragged out though, and I felt some of the chapters were just fillers, but I enjoyed it.
Jill turned out to be this passionate, fun-loving woman who knew what she wanted and went for it. I could see why Landon found her so irresistible. Plus she's a single mother in her thirties and a widow. It's nice to know that people do get second chances at love.
I'll admit it, when I was first introduced to Landon, I thought he was an asshole. A big, egotistical playboy with nothing else to do than play around with women. Once again, I was wrong. I wasn't wrong about the "sleeping around with women" bit, he just had a valid reason. Sex was his surefire escape from the memories that have been tormenting him since his teenage years.
I ached for him, I really did.
Landon wasn't an asshole. He was just someone trying to heal, yes, he might have self-destructive tendencies, but considering what he went through...I think he has the right.
Besides, in the sex scenes, Landon was HOT!!
The spiciness and heat of the love scenes definitely exceeded those of Spitfire. I was on fire.
Adding to gorgeousness of Landon, he's also incredibly sensitive and romantic.
"Meant what I said, Sweetness. Never anyone but you."
I awwwed at that part.
Overall, 4.5 Landon Blood stars.
I received an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
July 1, 2013
Received this book for an honest review.
This is an amazing series. At times the dialogue is a little hard to understand but once you get use to it, the stories have been AMAZING !!!
Jillian and Landon have known each other all their lives. They have antagonized and berated one another for too many years. Each secretly holding on too and hiding Love for the other.
Jill's brother Nick, Landon, and Will were best friends growing up. Jill was always wanting to tag along and mess up their plans. Bratty little sister just wanted to be doing what the boys were doing and to be near Landon. When she was 13 and Landon 14, she snuck out to where the boys were camping. It was this night that Landon realized for the first time that he had feelings for the little brat and it scared him. A tragedy happened that summer and Landon began to distance himself from his friends.
Will was always defending Jill and trying to be the peace keeper in the bunch. Upon Landon abandoning them that summer Jill finally let Will into her heart and married him after high school. When she was just a few months pregnant with Shannon Will died.
Landon's life was lived fast and free. He had a successful business but never had an emotional connection with anyone. He was flirty, sexy, and down right gorgeous. Landon was well known for his prowess with the ladies.
Will Jillian and Landon be able to put the past and hostility behind them for a chance on Love that they both secretly harbor ? Will Landon be able to put the tragedies of the summer he was 14 behind him and move forward with Jill and Shannon ?
Shannon is adorable and makes me laugh nearly every time that kid opens her mouth. Truly amazing character !!!
Thank You for allowing me to read both of these books. I have enjoyed both of them greatly.
This is an amazing series. At times the dialogue is a little hard to understand but once you get use to it, the stories have been AMAZING !!!
Jillian and Landon have known each other all their lives. They have antagonized and berated one another for too many years. Each secretly holding on too and hiding Love for the other.
Jill's brother Nick, Landon, and Will were best friends growing up. Jill was always wanting to tag along and mess up their plans. Bratty little sister just wanted to be doing what the boys were doing and to be near Landon. When she was 13 and Landon 14, she snuck out to where the boys were camping. It was this night that Landon realized for the first time that he had feelings for the little brat and it scared him. A tragedy happened that summer and Landon began to distance himself from his friends.
Will was always defending Jill and trying to be the peace keeper in the bunch. Upon Landon abandoning them that summer Jill finally let Will into her heart and married him after high school. When she was just a few months pregnant with Shannon Will died.
Landon's life was lived fast and free. He had a successful business but never had an emotional connection with anyone. He was flirty, sexy, and down right gorgeous. Landon was well known for his prowess with the ladies.
Will Jillian and Landon be able to put the past and hostility behind them for a chance on Love that they both secretly harbor ? Will Landon be able to put the tragedies of the summer he was 14 behind him and move forward with Jill and Shannon ?
Shannon is adorable and makes me laugh nearly every time that kid opens her mouth. Truly amazing character !!!
Thank You for allowing me to read both of these books. I have enjoyed both of them greatly.
September 23, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Sweetness is Carla Doolin´s second book and once again we are getting to know about characters from Puffin Cove/ Newfoundland.
Spitfire was her first novel, which I highly recommend here once again, but both can be read as stand-alones.
Sweetness is Jilian and Landon´s story.
Both have been secretly in love with each other but denied it even to themselves and then life got in the way...
Now at the ripe old age of 29 :-))) Landon is no longer able to hide his affection for Jilian and that is where this story begins.
"I love you Jilian. I can´t remember when I didn´t.
I must confess, I have a weak point for such sentences. I tend to mark them in my e-reader and one day my husband will have to learn them all by heart and quote them whenever it is necessary...
But I digress,so...apart from this knee-weakening sentence Landon tends to be very monosyllabic. Unlucky me...
Still Sweetness is a swoon-worthy read with characters that felt real to me and I already miss Shannybanany!
You don´t know her?
Read this and you will find out!!!
Sweetness is Carla Doolin´s second book and once again we are getting to know about characters from Puffin Cove/ Newfoundland.
Spitfire was her first novel, which I highly recommend here once again, but both can be read as stand-alones.
Sweetness is Jilian and Landon´s story.
Both have been secretly in love with each other but denied it even to themselves and then life got in the way...
Now at the ripe old age of 29 :-))) Landon is no longer able to hide his affection for Jilian and that is where this story begins.
"I love you Jilian. I can´t remember when I didn´t.
I must confess, I have a weak point for such sentences. I tend to mark them in my e-reader and one day my husband will have to learn them all by heart and quote them whenever it is necessary...
But I digress,so...apart from this knee-weakening sentence Landon tends to be very monosyllabic. Unlucky me...
Still Sweetness is a swoon-worthy read with characters that felt real to me and I already miss Shannybanany!
You don´t know her?
Read this and you will find out!!!
July 5, 2013
I LOVED THIS STORY WHICH IS THE SECOND BOOK IN A SERIES. IT SHOULD BE READ AFTER YOU READ THE FIRST BOOK "SPITFIRE", WHICH I ALSO LOVED. THE CHARACTERS ARE WONDERFUL AND HOT-STEAMY-SEXY ROMANCE AS THEY WERE IN THE 1ST BOOK(EVEN MORE SO). JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF EVERYTHING WITH A LITTLE MYSTERY MIXED IN. GREAT READ, IF SHE WRITES MORE I'LL BE READING THEM.
July 1, 2013
Another fantastic Puffin Cove story from Carla Doolin.....comments shortly
July 5, 2013
Puffin Cove #2
Sweetness by Carla Doolin Was a wonderful book, easily as good if not better than its predecessor, Spitfire. I honestly thought I would have to wait months, if not a year to be able to read this one as Spitfire just came out a couple of months ago, but thank heaven Carla didn't make me wait! :-)
Here is my breakdown of all the different aspects that I feel are important in any good book:
Ease of Readability - 9/10 This book was very easy to read!
Uniqueness of Story - 9/10 This story had only the barest similarities to other stories I've read. It was very unique!
World Explanation - 10/10 I love Puffin Cove!
Storyline Expansion - 9/10 The only issue I had with the storyline expansion was the pace in which is expanded. There were some places I thought it should have gone a little faster, and yet others a little slower with some more explanation. She did an awesome job, though, which is why only took 1 point off for this.
Character Development - 9/10 I thought that Jill's character developed beautifully, I just would've liked to have seen a wee bit more of Landon's thought process. Periodically I was baffled by his choices.
Dialogue Plausibility - 9/10 I love the dialogue in these books, it's so colorful and real… Well, I assume it's real for Newfoundland anyway. :-)
Plot Development - 8/10 I thought that the plot developed pretty well, if beit a bit slowly at times. I just would've liked a little bit more of the inner workings of Landon's logic.
Annoyance Factor - 0/10 Absolutely no annoyance factor in this one. I didn't think the cursing got out of hand and the regional sayings were mostly self-explanatory and those that weren't you could usually tell what they meant by the context they were used in.
Interesting Characters - 10/10 I still think this book had nothing but interesting characters, just like Spitfire. Of course they both revolve around and take place in Puffin Cove, so the characters didn't really change, we just got to see some of them gain more depth.
Humorous Interplay - 8/10 I still think that Shannon, Jill's little girl, was the funniest thing in the book! She was just so cute! I was actually kind of bummed when she started growing up near the end.
Romantic Chemistry - 8/10 I enjoyed the romantic chemistry between Jill and Landon, but I do have to admit that it seemed to take forever for them to get anywhere. I think I would've liked a little bit more from Landon's POV to explain more, why he was taking his time.
Tear Jerkiness - 7/10 After Spitfire, I expected more tears in this one, especially once I realized what the trauma was that kept Landon away from Jill, but amazingly enough, they didn't materialize. My heart broke on several occasions, and my eyes got a little watery, but I never actually produced any tears.
Sweetness by Carla Doolin Was a wonderful book, easily as good if not better than its predecessor, Spitfire. I honestly thought I would have to wait months, if not a year to be able to read this one as Spitfire just came out a couple of months ago, but thank heaven Carla didn't make me wait! :-)Here is my breakdown of all the different aspects that I feel are important in any good book:
Ease of Readability - 9/10 This book was very easy to read!
Uniqueness of Story - 9/10 This story had only the barest similarities to other stories I've read. It was very unique!
World Explanation - 10/10 I love Puffin Cove!
Storyline Expansion - 9/10 The only issue I had with the storyline expansion was the pace in which is expanded. There were some places I thought it should have gone a little faster, and yet others a little slower with some more explanation. She did an awesome job, though, which is why only took 1 point off for this.
Character Development - 9/10 I thought that Jill's character developed beautifully, I just would've liked to have seen a wee bit more of Landon's thought process. Periodically I was baffled by his choices.
Dialogue Plausibility - 9/10 I love the dialogue in these books, it's so colorful and real… Well, I assume it's real for Newfoundland anyway. :-)
Plot Development - 8/10 I thought that the plot developed pretty well, if beit a bit slowly at times. I just would've liked a little bit more of the inner workings of Landon's logic.
Annoyance Factor - 0/10 Absolutely no annoyance factor in this one. I didn't think the cursing got out of hand and the regional sayings were mostly self-explanatory and those that weren't you could usually tell what they meant by the context they were used in.
Interesting Characters - 10/10 I still think this book had nothing but interesting characters, just like Spitfire. Of course they both revolve around and take place in Puffin Cove, so the characters didn't really change, we just got to see some of them gain more depth.
Humorous Interplay - 8/10 I still think that Shannon, Jill's little girl, was the funniest thing in the book! She was just so cute! I was actually kind of bummed when she started growing up near the end.
Romantic Chemistry - 8/10 I enjoyed the romantic chemistry between Jill and Landon, but I do have to admit that it seemed to take forever for them to get anywhere. I think I would've liked a little bit more from Landon's POV to explain more, why he was taking his time.
Tear Jerkiness - 7/10 After Spitfire, I expected more tears in this one, especially once I realized what the trauma was that kept Landon away from Jill, but amazingly enough, they didn't materialize. My heart broke on several occasions, and my eyes got a little watery, but I never actually produced any tears.
December 1, 2013
Jillian is well loved by everyone in Puffin Cove, except for Landon Blood. Her brothers and dead husbands best friend. They’ve been at each others throats since they were young and nothing had changed. All of a sudden their relationship takes a turn, no longer are they trying to claw each other but what will they find instead.
Landon Blood is the gorgeous stud of Puffin Cove, known for his charm with the ladies, lots of them. Landon has demons, one that has plagued him for half his life, he’s determined to overcome it if he’s to have everything he wants, especially his love.
Wow, I’ve been looking forward to reading this since I read Spitfire, the first book in the Puffin Cove series, which blew my socks off. Sweetness wasn’t like I expected, it was totally different. Carla sure gave me a few surprises that were unexpected but loved it all the same.
Carla definitely has a way with words, the pages drew me in and I couldn’t get enough. She made my heart bleed, for both Jillian, Shannon and Landon, made me laugh and cry, snort and jump up and down. The story she tells is amazing and totally broke my heart, in a good way of course.
Sweetness is definitely a good addition to the series, I was hoping we’d get to see their story and now that I’ve read it I love them both that much more. Jillian is an amazing character full of life, she’s witty and funny, doesn’t take no crap and has a heart of gold. The gorgeous Landon has a great depth to his character, one I couldn’t have guessed. He’s such a strong, loving person who deserves the best, and the best is what he eventually gets.
*a copy was provided for review purposes*
Landon Blood is the gorgeous stud of Puffin Cove, known for his charm with the ladies, lots of them. Landon has demons, one that has plagued him for half his life, he’s determined to overcome it if he’s to have everything he wants, especially his love.
Wow, I’ve been looking forward to reading this since I read Spitfire, the first book in the Puffin Cove series, which blew my socks off. Sweetness wasn’t like I expected, it was totally different. Carla sure gave me a few surprises that were unexpected but loved it all the same.
Carla definitely has a way with words, the pages drew me in and I couldn’t get enough. She made my heart bleed, for both Jillian, Shannon and Landon, made me laugh and cry, snort and jump up and down. The story she tells is amazing and totally broke my heart, in a good way of course.
Sweetness is definitely a good addition to the series, I was hoping we’d get to see their story and now that I’ve read it I love them both that much more. Jillian is an amazing character full of life, she’s witty and funny, doesn’t take no crap and has a heart of gold. The gorgeous Landon has a great depth to his character, one I couldn’t have guessed. He’s such a strong, loving person who deserves the best, and the best is what he eventually gets.
*a copy was provided for review purposes*
September 20, 2013
I received this from the author after reading Spitfire for an honest review. If you loved Spitfire, you will love this, but it can be read as a standalone book. This book is magical and draws you into the little town of Puffin Cove, this story is heartwarming, touching, romantic, sexy and epic. It follows long term friends Jillian and Landon who have grew up with each other. They have both loved each other for years but have never acted on it and revealed their feelings due to things standing in their way. Jillian married Landons best friend Will, thought that Landon stopped talking to her because he hated her, and its not until a while after Jillian is a widow and single mother of a funny, firecracker of a little girl that Jillian and Landon reconnect and find out their real feelings for each other, but still Landon holds back a little, what does he have to hide. This book will make you happy, sad and have you laughing out loud. YOU MUST READ. This story is epic as always. Thank you Carla.
July 1, 2013
After reading Spitfire I was super excited when Carla sent me a copy of Sweetness and boy did she not disappoint! This was a great book start too finish. It did have a different feel to it then Spitfire, it was a little darker and a lot sexier!(loved)and at times very emotional (I may have had a tear or two in my eye) Jillian and Landon are both great characters. I loved that Jillian was so forward and just said what was on her mind, no wishy washy secret keeping for this girl! and Landon who you learn through out this book is much more complex then he may have appeared in Spitfire is a Super hot, super sweet alpha male battling some pretty tough demons. I loved being able to check back in with Kane and Laura and all the other amazing characters in Puffin Cove and really look forward to reading more from Carla:)
July 8, 2013
Second book following Spitfire, I really enjoyed the first it was good to follow on closely with the second. It's better to read the first book as it gives you a background on the characters which helps you understand Jillian and Landon in this book. I got lost at times with the writing and felt it didn't flow. I liked this book as well and it certainly helped wrap it all up but the first book was wonderful as it had a great story, scenery in my mind that I could imagine, great characters and a lovely romance where as this story was very much about the two of them and lots of hot sex which is great but I also need more of a story to keep me interested.
Thanks again Carla for your lovely writing and hope we see more books from you.
Thanks again Carla for your lovely writing and hope we see more books from you.
August 3, 2013
Again another awesome read! This was a little deeper, darker and sexier than Spitfire and I loved every moment. The way the characters and relationships develop is what I love about Carla's writing. You get to live and enjoy the relationships throughout the story instead of all the good stuff bunched up at the end. Jillian and Landon were just meant to be and experiencing their lifelong love and how they finally got their happiness together was beautiful. I enjoyed Jillian and her straight forward no nonsense ways and I loved how Landon's layers were torn away and his beautiful sexy self emerged and the womanizer was long gone. The updates on Kane and Laura and the goings on in Puffin Cove were the icing on the cake! I want more, please!!
June 30, 2013
Another AMAZING book!!! Started this one right after I finished "Spitfire", (the first in the series). Though each is a stand alone book... I think it helps with knowing the character's backgrounds, and further connecting to the characters if you read them in order.
"Sweetness" was one of those books that I just couldn't put down, until I finished it! I loved reading Jillian & Landon's story. Usually 2nd & 3rd books in a series aren't as good as the first... but this one was definitely as good, if not BETTER! Great job Carla Doolin!!! I'll be looking forward to your next book! (Love your clever titles too!)
"Sweetness" was one of those books that I just couldn't put down, until I finished it! I loved reading Jillian & Landon's story. Usually 2nd & 3rd books in a series aren't as good as the first... but this one was definitely as good, if not BETTER! Great job Carla Doolin!!! I'll be looking forward to your next book! (Love your clever titles too!)
January 17, 2014
I was not disappointed with the 2nd book at all - as a matter of fact I think I enjoyed it more than the first. Jillian and Landon's story is of sacrifice for the one you love. He distanced himself from the only woman he ever loved as she chose a different path-a life with his best friend. When his friend dies he still must come to terms with their relationship and eventually they find a way to put the past behind them and build a future. How they get there is what made this story great.
July 27, 2013
ABSOLUTELY loved this book...it was just as great as Spitfire. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with the story... I know the story is fiction but I wanna visit Puffin Cove!! Sounds just like a place I want to be, small town where everyone looks out for each other and newcomers are welcome.
July 10, 2013
Sweetness completely blew me away. I loved every moment with Landon & Jillian. Wow, some scenes were off-the-charts HOT. Thanks so much Ms. Doolin!
April 25, 2014
I liked Spitfire but this book was even better. Great story.
May 13, 2014
I read this book.....not what I was expecting. The slang threw me a couple of times. I guess I'm trying in a nice way to say this wasn't my favorite book.
August 30, 2014
I want more, please!
I have now read both Spitfire and Sweetness, and loved them both. is there another coming? I sure hope so.
I have now read both Spitfire and Sweetness, and loved them both. is there another coming? I sure hope so.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews