The Sweetest Thing

Just Desserts #1

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

Love is the best treat of all. . .When the owner of Memphis's most mouthwatering bakery, Just Desserts, suddenly dies, pastry chef Quentin Elliott and his brother, office manager Troy Elliott, are distraught. Everett "Pop" Donovan was more than their boss, he was a beloved mentor. So they're shocked to learn that Pop left the business to his beautiful, estranged daughter—a woman they know nothing about—and who knows nothing about running a bakery. . . Harper Donovan intends to sell off Just Desserts as quickly as possible. She has no interest in Memphis, much less sweets. However, handsome Quentin has definitely sparked her appetite—and business aside, the feeling is irresistibly mutual. But soon a powerful, smooth-talking rival appears, vying for Harper's heart and her bakery. Harper might have a taste for Memphis after all—and Quentin might have to prove he's exactly what she craves. . .Praise for Deborah Fletcher Mello"An author who consistently delivers a strong story, complex characters and scorching love scenes." --RT Book Reviews

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

For Deborah Fletcher Mello, writing is as necessary as breathing and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. Her first novel, TAKE ME TO HEART, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005 she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel THE RIGHT SIDE OF LOVE. In 2008, Deborah won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Series Romance for her ninth novel, TAME A WILD STALLION.

A true renaissance woman, Deborah's many career paths have included working as a retail buyer and size model for a national women's clothing chain, a finance manager for a well-known beverage organization, a sales manager for an infamous candy company, a telecommunications administrator and corporate trainer for a hotel-owning company, an art gallery director for a world-renowned artist, and an administrative consultant for multiple organizations throughout the United States. Deborah is also a licensed real estate broker and general building contractor.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah maintains base camp in North Carolina but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Interestingly structured romance. He's a chef at his foster father's bakery, she's the estranged daughter to whom the foster father left the business. There's a nice sexy romance with slow burn and low level jerkishness--by which I mean people don't behave perfectly, they snap and say stupid things and are petty, unreasonable, or bang out of order, but all of it in a very real way, not a Romance Argument way. I strongly prefer my characters imperfect, so loved that. Also loved the foodie descriptions, now want carbs.

Most of the conflict/issues are provided by a significant sub plot, which is set up to be a severe case of Evil Ex (cheating manipulator) plus a pretty horrible male villain who made me uncomfortable whenever he was on page, felt like a threat to the heroine, and had some fairly nasty on page sex scenes with the Evil Ex. I did not like that element at all, except that it did not work out in the predictable way. He eventually realises he needs major therapy and to deal with his abusive childhood and violence. He and the Evil Ex get married and it's made clear the sex is consensual kink. I wasn't entirely persuaded he was in a fit state to married to anyone or to be a father before about five years of significant therapy, so this plot element left me uncomfortable despite the author's best efforts to offer hope. That said, it is sadly rare to see male violence treated at a point in between "pure evil" and "but it shows the depth of his Feelings!!!1!" and I am all for breaking the cycle of toxic masculinity everywhere, including romance villains. And it was nice to recognise the Evil Ex as a profoundly screwed up person rather than just evil-for-plot-reasons.

[Nakia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read romance novels, but I picked this up because I needed something light and sappy to help scrub Gillian Flynn's extremely disturbing "Sharp Objects" from my mind. *shudder*
Harper Donovan finds out her father has died and is leaving her his bakery in Memphis. She is not at all interested in attending his funeral or handling his affairs, but her grandmother forces her to stop being stubborn and pay her last respects. In Memphis, she meets Troy and Quentin, her father's two foster sons who currently run the bakery. Harper is infuriated when she finds out her father took these guys in but barely took care of her as a child. As Harper sorts through her father's life and figures out what to do with the bakery and the men her father raised who have stepped in to run it, she learns a thing or two about love and forgiveness. A very cute, funny, and sexy novel. Corny, but not as corny as a I expected.

[Sarah Weathersby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do like to read books by authors I have met in person, even though I don't often read romance novels. I have enjoyed Deborah Mello's "Stallions" series, but she hits this one out of the ballpark. And she is anything but "mellow;" she is hot and sizzling. The story starts out sweet and lovely and gets more lusty as the book goes further.

I enjoyed the scenes from Memphis and the presence of elderly women in Baton Rouge who gave wise counsel to the young people who came of age in their presence. I'm waiting for the next installment of "Just Desserts."

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how I missed reading this one in 2014 the joy of being able to find it in my collection made my day. A well written story of love, forgiveness, secrets, wisdom, and unrequited love. Girls love their fathers, but to grow up with out him plays havoc on her life even as an adult. Harper Donovan has to decide how to move on. Leap into The Sweetest Thing to see the dynamics and drama when family all comes together. There will be character you will love to hate and hate to love. as well as character who will stay with you long after you closed the book.

[Jackie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Thing, the first book in the Just Desserts series by Deborah Fletcher Mello was a true delight.

The first line of the book "Love is the best treat of all" set the opening and pace of Harper Donovan and Quentin Elliot's relationship. A great read that is sure to whet your appetite.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

#rippedbodicebingo square: heroine inherits a business.

you know what? it took me a full quarter of the way before I really got into this book, but then I was ALL IN. there's a lot of "her luminous feminine spirit" coming up against his throbbing manhood (pun yes), so that pulled me out of the story along worth some other style things. but then the characters turned out to be so great and to take such good care of each other, and it was all about family, and it turned out to be all about learning how to process and be an adult in relationships and honestly I loved it. it reminded me of Theresa Romain, totally my catnip. and then the teaser for book two, introducing the heroine right at the end of book one and ooooooh I can't WAIT. totally going to check it out!

very Christian but very steamy; awesome characters, fantastic family relationships.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down. The characters drove the two story lines without anything gimmick spoiling the emotional journey of the two couples. I also really liked the setting, Memphis, TN, because it was a big enough city to have diversity among the characters but still small enough to get that community feel. Also, the dialogue uses Southern accents very well; you can tell the difference between a Memphis accent and a Baton Rouge accent without it going into Southern stereotypes territory.

Harper Donovan goes to Memphis for her father's funeral; last time she saw her dad she was five and her parents broke up. She is met by Troy and Quentin Elliott, the foster sons of Harper's dad. They owned and operated a bakery; Troy was also an attorney with his own law firm and Quentin played sax with friends. Harper and Troy had a great little sister/big brother relationship at the end of the story. Harper and Quentin had eyes for only each other and not in a familial way.

Harper and Quentin acted like adults and actually talked to one another about their thoughts and feelings. There was one time when Quentin did shut down his emotions and froze Harper out, but he apologized to Harper for doing that before hitting the sack with her. It was really great to read about adults acting like adults in a relationship. Harper did have her business back in Baton Rouge, LA to attend to, so there was lots of scenes with her talking with her business partner/BFF Jasmine over Skype. Just because she is in love and also grieving for her father doesn't make Harper forget her duties. The sex scenes were a very much on the pages and a bit of variety to add spice to a sweet story.

The side romance between Rachel Harris (Troy's law firm partner and Quentin's ex-girlfriend) and Dwayne Porter was a little darker but their HEA was more appreciated for the hard times and hard work they went through to get to the HEA. The sex scenes here is much kinkier than in Harper/Quentin's romance, so heads up.

The one side character I want to mention is Ms. Alice (girlfriend of the deceased dad). She was overall AWESOME and she needs her own talk show so she can dole out advice. The scenes with Ms. Alice and Rachel were especially highlights of the story.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads to review.

Harper received word that the father she barely knew died and left his bakery, Just Desserts, to her. At his funeral she has mixed emotions hearing all the good things said about the man her mother hated and taught her to hate. She also finds out he had raised two foster children, now successful adult males. The kinship she feels with Troy Elliot is immediate and she feels like he could be family. But also immediate are the chemistry and lust she feels for Quentin Elliot.

Harper was a very sympathetic character as she dealt with all her emotions over learning her father was a kind, loving person after she grew up hating him. Her journey through her grief was heartbreaking but at the same time, having it lead her to Quentin was kind of wonderful.

And I loved how everyone told Harper and Quentin to take things slow and wait six-months to get serious about each other, and they failed that at every turn! It was a very slow romance at first and then picked up all kinds of hot hot speed! I loved every minute of their story!

I can't wait to read more of this series!

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Thing is the first book I've read from Deborah Fletcher Mello and it definitely will not be the last. To be honest, I just bought the next book after this and can't wait to start that. I bought this book originally because I adored the cover. The cover might have gotten my attention but the captivating story line and it's complex and lovable characters are what kept my attention. I loved how strong a character Harper was and I fell in love with Quentin. This book is sexy yet touches on some real struggles. Definitely a must read!

[Kendra Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SWEETEST THING

QUENTIN AND HARPER'S STORY WAS AWESOME. THEY SAY SOMETIMES WHEN YOU GO LOOKING IN THE PAST YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'LL FIND. MRS. MELLO ALWAYS GEARS HER STORIES THAT WAY. WHICH IS WHAT I LIKE ABOUT HER BOOKS; SHE MAKES YOU WANT A LOVE THAT MAKES ALL YOUR WISHES COME TRUE.

[pamela stroman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just Lovely!!!!

This was a great book. I would recommend this book every romance reader I know. I must say Dwayne Porter made me just a little angry with how he was treating Rachel. I really loved how Harper and Quentin developed a relationship. I really loved this book can't wait to read more books in the series.

[Reshemah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed this book. I can already tell this is going to be a wonderful 2 part series and I can't wait to read Troy's story.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Couldn't put it down for nothing! I was drawn in from beginning to ending. Cannot wait for second book in this series. A must read!

[Jacqueline Nevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Thing

This was a good book I read book two 1st then realized this was the first book. This a great author I would recommend this book I didn't want to put it down.

[Ladyamelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read. I would love to read the next book.

[Jadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free book on Goodreads.

[Tonya Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "The Sweetest Thing"....major points for the Louisiana connection in the story because I am from Louisiana. I wasn't expecting the story to have my home state referenced. I was anxious to find out how the story was going to end. I am glad Harper found the perfect mate, someone who had something in common with her and was genuinely interested in her career and what was going on in her life. Quentin had many talents as well and he showed himself to be a true gentleman.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. :)

[Allison L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy the realistic growth of Quentin and Harper's relationship as it was based around a solid foundation of trust, passion, and love. However, the dynamic between Dwayne and Rachel disrupted the flow of the story for me and honestly left a bad taste in my mouth from the moment they were introduced. It just really didn't work for me.

[Smut Report]

Review also available at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: This bedroom door is wiiiiiiiide open

Character Chemistry: We are told they are friends, and then shown that they are compatible in the sack

Plot: Woman inherits bakery from her estranged father, falls for the baker (who is sort of her adoptive brother? Let’s not focus on that part)

Overall: Great sense of place, hot sex, middling romance

One thing that The Sweetest Thing does really well is establish a sense of place. The bulk of the story takes place in Memphis (with some side trips to Baton Rouge and New Orleans and Nashville), and it feels very rooted in a specific community there. Quentin and Harper go to real places (Louie’s Cafe in Baton Rouge to eat seafood omelets), but the places that Mello invents (Just Desserts, Club 753) seem to have similar vibes to existing businesses on Beale Street (disclaimer: this is purely based on internet research, since I have never been to Memphis). Because the place feels real, the community surrounding Quentin and Harper also feels real; the people are rooted by small details about their interactions, dictions, or histories with the specific place in which they find themselves.

So as Quentin (a baker) and Harper (his new boss, I guess?) fall in lust and then love and navigate what it means to take on a relationship given their fraught family history, they too feel specific to the time and place of the story.

The main problem with The Sweetest Thing is the prose. Let me give you an example: “No matter how hard she tried to stall the wealth of saline falling from her eyes she couldn’t.” What a way to convey that someone is crying! (Mello refers to Harper’s tears as “saline” not once, but twice.) The word choice is weird; it seems that Mello is trying to make things sound more erudite, and it does not work for me. (Mello also frequently writes that characters wave their heads from side to side instead of simply shaking them, which drove me completely nuts.)

So we have one positive, and one negative. But since this is smut, let’s talk about the romance. Eh, middling. Like, not terrible, but not amazing either. The characters are generally likable. They communicate fine. The have decent banter. The conflict doesn’t build in a meaningful way, but that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, though it does mean that the narrative arc of the novel doesn’t really go anywhere.

What this book does have going for it in the romance department is extremely hot sex. Lots of it, with lots of details. There are a couple of sex-specific things that I wanted to address. First, I’m tagging this book as “safe sex”, even though the main couple switches to unprotected sex (or at least, condomless sex) without a discussion about birth control or STIs, because of one amazing scene. Quentin and Harper are getting hot and heavy for the first time, and realize that they don’t have any condoms – so they keep their pants on and both get off with a combination of manual stimulation and humping. On the stairs. I really appreciated the fact that sexytimes could be fun and hot and sexy and fulfilling for all parties, and not involve penis-in-vagina penetration.

However, there’s a weird sexual thread that runs through the side plot of this book as well. So, the antagonists, Dwayne and Rachel, who are trying to seduce Harper and Quentin (separately) for various economic / revenge / other unclear reasons, are also secretly boning. And their encounters are kinky, and involve a mix of pleasure and pain – specifically, Rachel’s pain leads to pleasure for both Dwayne and Rachel. Kink is fine, but I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to feel about these (graphic, hot, woman clearly getting pleasure) sex scenes because of how truly messed up and dysfunctional the relationship is. Like, Dwayne is emotionally abusive, but maybe Rachel likes it because the dirty talk helps her get off, though she also feels like garbage afterwards. So for a solid ¾ of the book, I thought that this was simply an example of Bad Sex, and that the spanking just made it extra bad.

But then in the end (minor spoiler) it turns out they are actually in love and Rachel is pregnant and they get married and have their own HEA, so maybe their dysfunctional, kinky sex was actually cool the whole time? (It definitely wasn’t cool the whole time, but maybe got redeemed in the end when they had a real discussion about Rachel’s desire for pain in the bedroom. Maybe.) Basically – I’m not sure how I feel about this whole character arc, and it was kind of distracting from and moderately more interesting than the journey of the protagonists, who discarded their baggage much more easily than Rachel and Dwayne did.

Does the good outweigh the bad? Honestly, it depends what you’re in the mood for. If you want romance with one cohesive plot arc, this is maybe not it. If you want some excellent sex scenes and interesting characters, then this might just be your cup of tea.

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[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I missed

You can't believe everything you're hear even if it's from your mother. Harper missed out on a good father by believing everything her mother told her. She found the man of her dreams in Quentin and learned the truth about her father. Too bad she didn't get to know him herself. What was with Dwayne and Rachel, spanking no thank you. Great story.

[Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, the romance was sweet. There was humor, family and friendship. My only complaint is some of the resolution and mending of friendships happened rather quickly. Looking forward to the next one.

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well developed characters. Gripping from word one. Hot and sexy!!!! Couldn't put it down.

[Neurotica Reviews]

Like many of you I read novels for lust. I love stomach pitter patters. I get butterflies in my stomach when I read about new love. Newness is something wonderful, fresh, and exciting — and essential to a great escape read.

The characters (Quentin and Harper) in Deborah Fletcher Mello’s terrific novel The Sweetest Thing are new in love. It’s an instantaneous feeling for them, though they spend the majority of the story working out the lovely details together.

That Fletcher Mello is able to simultaneously take you through the euphoric rollercoaster of a new union while demonstrating the emotional intelligence necessary to sustain a true relationship is rare. It’s not just rare — it’s downright panty-dropping beautiful:

“I’m sorry,” Quentin whispered, his cheek pressed to hers.

Harper nodded her understanding as she felt herself dropping deep down into the warmth of his touch.

“I was being a complete asshole,” Quentin whispered. “And I love you,”

Perhaps it’s the fact that I’ve been in a relationship for over a decade but honestly that’s quite possible the sexiest three lines I’ve read in a VERY long time. And, I can’t wait to read her whole collection.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Donovan doesn't want to attend the funeral of her recently deceased father who left her his bakery Just Deserts. Her grandmother forces her to go, telling her that she may find answers to her questions. Everett "Pop" Donovan raised two brothers, Quentin and Troy Elliott who are now running the bakery and knew nothing about Harper.
During the time Harper is in Memphis settling her dad's affairs, she comes to know who he was as a man and becomes interested in Quentin. Enter Dwayne, (Quentin's ex best friend), who wants to buy the bakery and get back at Quentin.
I enjoyed this story, it's about relationships, love and how complex people can be. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Desiree Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Troy and Quentin Elliott never knew the man that raised them had a daughter, that is until he dies.

Harper Donovan has to come to Memphis to sort out her father's business. A father she barely knew. She plans to come to town, do what she needs to do and be out.

What she didn't bargain for, was falling in love with Quentin Elliott and having her whole world turned upside down. Can this love workout, and what will she do with Just Desserts, her father's bakery business in the meantime?

Sometimes things never work out the way we plan them to. Read: May 2016

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

With such a good story line I wasn't prepared for the raunchiness. She built up such great suspense for the two main characters and gave us a good start to the sequel. If at least two of the sex scenes were cut out especially with secondary characters(Rachel and Dewayne) this book would have flowed better.

[Tanielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fast paced romance where they fall for each other and start the happily ever after within a week. Not much drama though which was kind of a bummer seeing that their relationship wasn't really tested in anyway. Dwayne had some issues but I thought it would be far more complicated then what it was. Enjoyed this one.

[Sharon Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful love story!

This book made me laugh and cry. Quentin and Harper are a great match for each other. I read this series backwards, I might have to read book two again!