Accidental Sweethearts

by Joy Avery

Honey Hill residents have enough to gossip about without Happi Daniels and Sebastian Charles adding their drama to the mix. However, when details of their accidental Vegas nuptials are made known, the hairstylist and home renovation expert become the talk of the town.

Outside forces are hard at work to ensure Happi and Sebastian find the happily ever after neither are looking for. But will it be enough to ensure the two remain one?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance

262 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2023

About the author

By day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.

Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.

Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.

Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite book out of the series. Accidental marriage turned accidental sweetheart? Yes please! Happi & Sebastian’s love story gave me the warm and fuzzies. “He’s a good man savanna, a good man”

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be my favorite book in the series thus far. This was Sweet, funny and pulled at my heartstrings. Happy and Sebastian are my favorite Holly Hill Couple.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Joy Avery, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley.

The dual pov romance book has two narrators: Dara Brown & Beresford Bennett. I love when books with multiple pov characters has individual narrators for each character. It greatly enhances the listening experience.

I had not read anything by this author before, much less the first two installments in the Honey Hill series. None the less I was easily able to follow along and keep up with the characters, the small town antics and figured out the back story. I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I was glad to see that the first 2 novels in this series, Something So Sweet & Sweeter Than Honey are both available on Kindle Unlimited including the audio! I quickly borrowed them both to listen to because I quite loved this small town cozy romance. Honey Hill reminds me of Henry Adams, Beverly Jenkins little town in her Blessings series. I'll definitely be looking for more by this author and in this series.

Thank you to Joy Avery, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story.

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictably Cute

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve read anything from this series. I enjoyed reconnecting with the Honey Hill folks. Their small town vibe is always fun. This installment started with the “I got drunk and woke up married in Vegas” trope. That theme is so overused and tired. That turned me off. Despite that, Sebastian and Happi’s chemistry was cute. I really wanted them to stop fighting the inevitable. They dragged it out all the way to the end. Especially Happi. She kept dwelling on her ex. I got tired of hearing about him. Sebastian’s attraction to her really helped to move the story along. I just wish they would’ve gotten to their happily ever after sooner.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version. The narrators Dara Brown and Beresford Bennett did an awesome job. This is the 3rd book in the “Honey Hill Series.” This is a fast-paced easy read, funny situations, family oriented, small-town gossipers, great characters and oh so good plot all the makings of a great audiobook. It has been a while since I visited the small town of Honey Hill. It is nice that we get to catch up with Lunden the mayor of Honey Hill, Quade, Zachary, Rylee and Canten. This is the unexpected journey to romance for Sebastian and Happy. The two are best friends but do their best to keep their relationship in the friend zone. The gang is in Vegas and after too much to drink Bass and Happy find themselves married and not remembering anything. Remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. When the two finally wake up they are a married. The two are out to get their marriage annulled and when they reach Honey Hill the judge orders them to stay married for three months. Little Zachary continues doing his best to keep secrets by revealing what he hears. It’s not his fault the adults should be careful and make sure little ears are not present. Gotta love Zachary. This is another great read in the Honey Hill series. It was great that the more Bass and Happy tried to fight their feelings and attraction to each other with their camaraderie made the two of them such a happy a great romantic comedy.

I received an ARC audio version via NetGalley and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to Happi - Alcohol and Las Vegas do not mix. People tend to lose their minds and wind up married. This is exactly what happens to Happi and Sebastian. The one positive - they are good friends so they can weather their court-mandated waiting period until they can sever their ties. Everything will be alright as long as they remember they are just friends and don't want anything more from each other. They can get through this unscathed, right?

Another great addition to the series. Happi, Sebastian and their families and friends are the best. Zachary is still adorable, his guileless observations hilarious as always. Sebastian's dad even merits a laugh a time or two. Momma Charles don't play. The chemistry between the MCs is off the charts. A slow burn that simmers until it boils over. They will have to come to grips with past hurt in order to reach their HEA, but the reading is well worth it. We catch up with the other couples as well, reveling in the bliss they found in their own stories. Honey Hills remains a favorite place for me to visit. I can't wait to return.

[Books and Debauchery · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What I’ve never known is true peace. Until you.”

• Small town romance
• Black romance
• Accidentally married in Vegas
• They’re both reluctant in love
• The ebook is in KU
• i did the audiobook (Dara Brown & Beresford Bennett)

Happi and Sebastian are two people who have given up on relationships due to past hurts making them afraid to open up again, by an oopsie marriage in Vegas and a meddling judge who wants them to stick it out for a few months tests their resolve. They both prove to be exactly what the other needs, and their connection is undeniable. This is a short, heartwarming read that I breezed right through. Since the stuff with their respective exes had such a big impact on them, I wish it had been discussed more in the book (in terms of overcoming it) because they seemed to switcharoo on it real fast at the end there. The narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life - this was written in third person which I usually struggle with for romance but I was so immersed in the characters heads despite the pov that I didn’t even notice, and the narrators helped a lot with that!

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accidental marriage in Las Vegas between Sebastian and Happi is how this book starts off. Sebastian is Rylee’s older brother and Canten’s best friend. Happi is best friends with Rylee and Lunden. All the couples are in Las Vegas celebrating Rylee and Canten’s engagement.

When they wake up married their first thought is to get the marriage annulled. Then disaster strikes back at Honey Hill so they hurry home and the annulment is put on hold. When they get around to it a week later, their local judge refuses to annul the marriage making them stay married for four more months. You know what happens next - they fall in love with each other.

That’s the book, them falling in love and staying together. This is also a second chance love story same as the first two books in the series. I was struck halfway through this book that all three books in the series basically follow the same format. They’re enjoyable but by book 3 predictable stories.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud good!!!

Sebastian and Happi are good friends that have been both betrayed and thoroughly disrespected by their sleazy ex-lovers. Unfortunately in such a horrific way, that they have huge trust issues and the word love, is not even spoken out loud!

So imagine their shock, waking up in Vegas, married to each other. And they have no memory of when and how it happened. The fun of this is trying to keep it secret from the town, and their friends and family.

However, they were not counting on Nephew Zachery, the kid detective, who believes they should stay together and not get an "allment", (annulment). lol!!!!!

Awesome story!!!!!

[Vera Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian and Happi we're deeply hurt in previous relationships. So much so that it jaded their view of love and marriage and paralyzed them from ever seeking true love.

Joy weaves a beautiful story about forgiving oneself, the belief that you deserve to be loved, you can love again, and what true love looks like.

I like how Joy always writes her characters through her entire series. So by the time you are done with the entire series, you feel like you know them all. You laugh, cry, cheer, become surprised, dislike, scream yell, you name it.
A beautiful cast of characters that keeps you wanting to read more. The highlight throughout the series is Little Zachary. He is such a sweetheart and his innocence kept me in stitches.

[Corynne Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story about Honey Hill. Love the attraction between Sebastian and Happi. Their path (that Honey Hills residents knew was the right one) was so sweet to watch develop and grow among the previous couples and town players I must say, Little Zachary stoke the show! I literally laughed out loud and his scenes. He's been doing a lot of matchmaking and doesn't even know it. He's like a wore out refrigerator- can't keep nothin' lol. eagerly awaiting Zeke and Zetas story!! The stage has been set!!

[Laura Alderman · Rating 3 out of 5]

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Accidental Sweethearts was the story of Happi and Sebastian who get drunk married in Vegas and is forced to wait four months before they can get their marriage annulled.
This was a sweet, small town romance with characters worth rooting for. While this book was predictable, it was enjoyable and sweet. I don’t think this was a particularly memorable book, but I enjoyed the town and the characters well enough. Would be an easy vacation read!
3⭐️

[Marcena Hooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this 3rd installment of Honey Hill. Sebastian and Happi get hitched by accident in Vegas. What happened in Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas, although they tried to keep it a secret. The story was fun to read and I love the characters and small town. There were so many good themes and funny moments. I’m glad Happi and Sebastian helped each other find true love again after both of them were terribly hurt in their pasts. Love always wins! I wonder if there will be a 4th installment for Zeta and Ezekiel…?

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed visiting Honey Hill again. Zachary stole the show. Ms. Farrell brought me to tears when she was talking about "ranch the meat and wash your hands." My grandmother used to always say that instead of "rinse".

I liked Sebastian and Happi. They had a sweet love story and a steamy romance. This book was full of lighthearted moments and humor. I hope there will be another Honey Hill book added to the series.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neither one of them was looking for love or commitment. But after a wild night in Vegas Happi and Sebastian are married. When asking for an annulment, the judge force them to live together for four months. Can they fight their attractions and the feelings developing between them or will they get divorced? The audiobook with Dara Brown and Beresford Bennett is great, with lots of well developed characters.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable listen. This book was so good. I enjoyed the story from start to finish. There were times I literally laughed out loud. I was rooting for the couple the entire length of the book.

The narrator was awesome. I highly recommend this book. There are vulgar parts in the story but I was able to quickly move past them.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

[Selena Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story so much. Glad that Happi and Sebastian found their person even if it was by accident. He had big “my wife. My wife. My wife.” Energy too - we love to see it

Found myself a new book bae 🫶🏾 sorry Canten

Zachary is a gem and kept cracking me up. I would be mute if I hung around him cause he’s always spilling the tea lol. Like “who said that??”

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian and Happi Charles, we’re accidentally married in Vegas drinking too much tequila. Lol they made a video, lol. Anyway with the both of them having bad luck with love, they set to get an annulment. Until they had to get an annulment. Their story is funny, Zachary was so funny, glad he was part of the story. And Lucki of course let’s not leave him out. Absolutely enjoyable.

[Meka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happi and Sebastian was meant to be. They tried to deny and then tried to hide. It made no sense because everyone knew based on their countenance. They made you laugh and smile. They knocked down each other walls and built up one another. I want to visit Honey Hill cause they have some chivalrous men and true friendship. I loved this read. Definitely recommend

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg this is adorable, cute, and spicy! Small town, found family, hidden secret wedding, and the best friend group ever. It reads like a standalone but is interconnected in a series highly recommend thank you to the author and Netgalley for allowing me the honor of listening to this great dual POV early!

[elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say this is my favourite in the series, but I do not remember the other books at all. This was really good though. I loved the characters so much, especially Sebastien. The plot was fun and fast-paced. I laughed multiple times.

The only thing I didn't like was how big a deal everyone made about the accidental marriage (the judge pissed me off so bad).

[Kendra Holiday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and all the stories of Honey Hill. I have swooned and laughed while watching Happi and Sebastian walked around in sexy denial. Definitely a must read! Zachary keeps me in stitches.

[Angela Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGoodness!

This book is so good.

Small Town...
Friends to Lovers...
Lots of Laughs...

When what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas but makes its way to Honey Hill.

Totally a book hangover worthy read.

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a really good read and what made was eight year old Zachary and we can't forget the wisdom of Aunt Harriet and Bonita their appearance though brief made the story come together. Miss Jewel rules Honey Hill

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Awesome love story . Zachary had to be my favorite character , I loved how he kept secrets while spilling the beans. Lol I am very glad things turned out like they did and can’t wait to read what happens next

[Joy Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series. The book is romantic, funny, thoughtful and with just the right amount of drama. I love Honey Hill and the people. The two POVs were down to earth and likeable main characters. Honorable mention to Zach lol.

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lil Zachary is my favorite part of this series.

I’ll be back later with my review

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Honey Hill series!

[Candice Square · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely in love with Happi and Sebastian. The intensity of their connection was palpable. I loved how Sebastian loved her without restraint. The story was sweet from beginning to end.