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Sugar, Georgia #3
Reunion in Sugar Lake
A blast from the past leads to tantalizing trouble for one woman in this dazzling second chance romance set in the small town of Sugar, Georgia.
Charlotte Holden, Sugar's favorite pediatrician, knows better than anyone that love only leads to heartbreak. Instead, she's focused on creating an outpatient center for children. All she has to do now is win over a big-city donor–easy as peach pie. Then sexy Jace McGraw blows back into town and utters those three words every woman dreads: we're still married.
Jace McGraw was making an offer on his dream business in Atlanta when he was told that his wife had some credit issues. The annulment went through years ago—or so he thought. He'd walked away only to keep his troublemaker reputation from ruining her dreams.
Now that they have a second chance, Jace offers Charlotte a deal: he'll grant a discreet divorce–in exchange for 30 days and nights of marriage–because this time he isn't going to let her go without a fight.
Previously published as A Taste of Sugar.
Charlotte Holden, Sugar's favorite pediatrician, knows better than anyone that love only leads to heartbreak. Instead, she's focused on creating an outpatient center for children. All she has to do now is win over a big-city donor–easy as peach pie. Then sexy Jace McGraw blows back into town and utters those three words every woman dreads: we're still married.
Jace McGraw was making an offer on his dream business in Atlanta when he was told that his wife had some credit issues. The annulment went through years ago—or so he thought. He'd walked away only to keep his troublemaker reputation from ruining her dreams.
Now that they have a second chance, Jace offers Charlotte a deal: he'll grant a discreet divorce–in exchange for 30 days and nights of marriage–because this time he isn't going to let her go without a fight.
Previously published as A Taste of Sugar.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 2, 2024
96 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Marina Adair
40 books1,940 followersMarina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 2, 2015
A Sweet and Heartwarming Romance! You can never go wrong with a romance from Marina Adair, she sets the expectation's high and ALWAYS comes through! The Sugar Georgia series is full of laugh-out-loud moments and sincere secondary characters that make you want to pack your bags and move to Sugar!
If you have read the full series, then you already know Jace and Charlotte from the previous books. Bad-Boy McGraw and Ms. Priss Holden are a total opposites attract, and that is what keeps the pages turning. Baby brother is back in Sugar looking for the one woman who he through he would never have to see again...his ex-wife...or she was supposed to be his ex...but...well....you will have to read A TASTE OF SUGAR to see what happened there...and it's SOOOOO worth it!
As if I didn't adore this series already...Jace and Charlie solidified the fact that the Sugar, Georgia series is a definite favorite. Jace McGraw...whew momma...his smile alone is enough to keep me coming back for more. I wasn't sure how long Charlie was going to be able to hold off...but I don't blame her one bit for giving in!
Adair proves once again that she can write a hell of a romance! Mallery and Shalvis fans need to pick up the Sugar, Georgia Series!
If you have read the full series, then you already know Jace and Charlotte from the previous books. Bad-Boy McGraw and Ms. Priss Holden are a total opposites attract, and that is what keeps the pages turning. Baby brother is back in Sugar looking for the one woman who he through he would never have to see again...his ex-wife...or she was supposed to be his ex...but...well....you will have to read A TASTE OF SUGAR to see what happened there...and it's SOOOOO worth it!
As if I didn't adore this series already...Jace and Charlie solidified the fact that the Sugar, Georgia series is a definite favorite. Jace McGraw...whew momma...his smile alone is enough to keep me coming back for more. I wasn't sure how long Charlie was going to be able to hold off...but I don't blame her one bit for giving in!
Adair proves once again that she can write a hell of a romance! Mallery and Shalvis fans need to pick up the Sugar, Georgia Series!
August 22, 2015
3.75 stars rounded up
I had been looking forward to reading the third book in Marina Adair’s Sugar, Georgia series for one reason: the couple here is actually married. Yep. Four years previously, Charlotte married Sugar’s bad boy, Jace, in Atlanta secretly only for him to walk out on their marriage because he thought it would be for the best. However the annulment never really happened due to some administration mishaps.
It’s practically ‘the one who got away’ theme – with a twist – and that is one of my favorite tropes!
For the most part, I enjoyed this book very much – mainly because of Jace. I seriously didn’t know that I would love Jace this much; he is the perfect kind of book boyfriend. While Jace was said to be the ‘bad boy of Sugar’, clearly his heart is made of gold and his love for Charlotte was the kind of love I want to have in life. Jace is willing to do everything for Charlotte; he’s so into her but he doesn’t act all protective-Alpha around her either. Jace knows that he hurt Charlotte in the past and he wants to prove that he’s a keeper.
Me. Meet Floor. Melt. Sigh.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same about Charlotte ... her personality just didn’t impress me. Charlotte spends most of her adult life trying to color inside the lines and be that obedient daughter who wants to please her parents or society. The only time she let her heart rule over her head was when she married Jace which ended with a broken heart.
Charlotte keeps saying that she will be “Charlotte 2.0”, that she will stand up for herself and will not let her father takes credit for everything that she does. However, I felt that Charlotte took a little too long to get there. I ended up being frustrated with her (and FOR her). I couldn’t help but think that Charlotte is the kind of heroine that needs her man to give her courage. And I prefer that the heroine gets there on her own.
I cannot help but compare this book with another book in a different series that I read back in July — in which the heroine similarly wanting to ‘revamp’ herself from a shy one into a woman of confidence. In that book, the heroine succeeded. Here though, it didn’t really meet my expectation.
On another positive side, those annoying elderly characters didn’t have as many scenes as in the previous two books. I felt that Charlotte and Jace could spend more time just the two of them and not have to deal with outside hindrance like those old b*tches. Heck, they could even go to Atlanta together. I could savor those tender and sweet moments between Charlotte and Jace much better than I did with the previous couple. We did get another set of aggravating characters, namely Charlotte’s parents, and her nemesis Darleen. However, I guess they were the needed adversaries for Charlotte to learn about her own dreams rather than as a challenge to their relationship.
I hope it’s not the last one from the series. I still want to know what happens between the sheriff and the female town mechanic!
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I had been looking forward to reading the third book in Marina Adair’s Sugar, Georgia series for one reason: the couple here is actually married. Yep. Four years previously, Charlotte married Sugar’s bad boy, Jace, in Atlanta secretly only for him to walk out on their marriage because he thought it would be for the best. However the annulment never really happened due to some administration mishaps.
It’s practically ‘the one who got away’ theme – with a twist – and that is one of my favorite tropes!
For the most part, I enjoyed this book very much – mainly because of Jace. I seriously didn’t know that I would love Jace this much; he is the perfect kind of book boyfriend. While Jace was said to be the ‘bad boy of Sugar’, clearly his heart is made of gold and his love for Charlotte was the kind of love I want to have in life. Jace is willing to do everything for Charlotte; he’s so into her but he doesn’t act all protective-Alpha around her either. Jace knows that he hurt Charlotte in the past and he wants to prove that he’s a keeper.
"I want to show you I’m worth the risk. That’s all. I’m not here to prove to anyone else who I am except for you. So as long as you know the truth and what’s real, the rest of it doesn’t matter."
Me. Meet Floor. Melt. Sigh.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t say the same about Charlotte ... her personality just didn’t impress me. Charlotte spends most of her adult life trying to color inside the lines and be that obedient daughter who wants to please her parents or society. The only time she let her heart rule over her head was when she married Jace which ended with a broken heart.
Charlotte keeps saying that she will be “Charlotte 2.0”, that she will stand up for herself and will not let her father takes credit for everything that she does. However, I felt that Charlotte took a little too long to get there. I ended up being frustrated with her (and FOR her). I couldn’t help but think that Charlotte is the kind of heroine that needs her man to give her courage. And I prefer that the heroine gets there on her own.
I cannot help but compare this book with another book in a different series that I read back in July — in which the heroine similarly wanting to ‘revamp’ herself from a shy one into a woman of confidence. In that book, the heroine succeeded. Here though, it didn’t really meet my expectation.
On another positive side, those annoying elderly characters didn’t have as many scenes as in the previous two books. I felt that Charlotte and Jace could spend more time just the two of them and not have to deal with outside hindrance like those old b*tches. Heck, they could even go to Atlanta together. I could savor those tender and sweet moments between Charlotte and Jace much better than I did with the previous couple. We did get another set of aggravating characters, namely Charlotte’s parents, and her nemesis Darleen. However, I guess they were the needed adversaries for Charlotte to learn about her own dreams rather than as a challenge to their relationship.
I hope it’s not the last one from the series. I still want to know what happens between the sheriff and the female town mechanic!
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
July 25, 2015
This was super cute. I'm a sucker for southern boys with meddling grandmothers who have smart mouths and this book was full of that.
Love love loved Charlotte and Jace. Their relationship is unconventional for the town they live in and it's so much fun seeing them figure things out. There's a pretty great cast of characters here and I'll probably be checking out the other books in the series because of it.
Of course the plot was predictable, but it was laced with humor, swoons and hotness. Completely entertained from the first page to the last.
**Huge thanks to Forever/Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
Love love loved Charlotte and Jace. Their relationship is unconventional for the town they live in and it's so much fun seeing them figure things out. There's a pretty great cast of characters here and I'll probably be checking out the other books in the series because of it.
Of course the plot was predictable, but it was laced with humor, swoons and hotness. Completely entertained from the first page to the last.
**Huge thanks to Forever/Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
July 16, 2015
When I first started reading this series I fell in love with the McGraw brothers and although I really did enjoy this book it felt like it kind of fell a little flat. It had some cute/funny moments which I did love and it had some emotional ones that helped round out their story.
I still loved each and every character but Jace had to be my all time favorite. He has this bad boy rep but he is sweet as sugar. Jace loves his family and since he has been gone for years he feels like he has missed so much especially Charlotte. The things Jace says and does to show her how much he wants to give it another shot really had me wishing I had this McGraw all to myself.
Charlotte on the other hand I liked her but I kind of felt she wasn't acting like a grown up woman that she was meant to be. Charlotte let her family control her and she tends to second guess herself. The only way she starts to believe in herself is when Jace is at her side rooting in her corner. I think I just expected more for her and with her being a dr.
The storyline was interesting and I like that they were still married but I also liked how Charlotte and Jace kind of picked up where they left off and yet started over at the same time. I mean they have known each other for so long and even though Jace walked out Charlotte is learning why he did the things he did and how they can make it work in the future.
I really enjoyed catching up with his brothers and seeing where they are now. Finally Jace feels like he came home and part of a family. The ending was just perfect and the speeches they both have were swoon worthy.
Adair writes wonderful family contemporary romances that keep you entertained for hours and wishing for more. Her heroes are to die for and the heroines are well rounded. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
I still loved each and every character but Jace had to be my all time favorite. He has this bad boy rep but he is sweet as sugar. Jace loves his family and since he has been gone for years he feels like he has missed so much especially Charlotte. The things Jace says and does to show her how much he wants to give it another shot really had me wishing I had this McGraw all to myself.
Charlotte on the other hand I liked her but I kind of felt she wasn't acting like a grown up woman that she was meant to be. Charlotte let her family control her and she tends to second guess herself. The only way she starts to believe in herself is when Jace is at her side rooting in her corner. I think I just expected more for her and with her being a dr.
The storyline was interesting and I like that they were still married but I also liked how Charlotte and Jace kind of picked up where they left off and yet started over at the same time. I mean they have known each other for so long and even though Jace walked out Charlotte is learning why he did the things he did and how they can make it work in the future.
I really enjoyed catching up with his brothers and seeing where they are now. Finally Jace feels like he came home and part of a family. The ending was just perfect and the speeches they both have were swoon worthy.
Adair writes wonderful family contemporary romances that keep you entertained for hours and wishing for more. Her heroes are to die for and the heroines are well rounded. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
August 25, 2015
A fun, cute story that takes us back to the wacky town of Sugar with all it's crazy residents. I adored Charlotte and Jace's story! A secret wedding, an annulment (oops, never happened!), and off the charts chemistry makes their relationship a little....challenging. Their story is filled with fun, humor, and high emotions! It's a fantastic story that I highly recommend to everyone.
July 21, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
Have you ever read on of those books where the movie reel or made for TV movie reel is running through your head the entire time you are reading? Well, that was the case for me with A Taste of Sugar. You already know I’m a HUGE Marina Adair fan and I make sure to get my hands on any book she writes. I’m always happy at the end and this book keeps the tradition going.
From the minute he was able to Jace McGraw high-tailed it out of Sugar, Georgia returning sporadically to visit his family. He joined the army then made a career and name for himself in the NASCAR world as a top-notch mechanic. Now Jace is finally about to see his dream come true…he’s going to be the owner of one of the best know repair and restoration shops in the country; owners ship their cars from all across the country to have Jace McGraw work on them. But Jace can’t secure the loan he needs to obtain the shop because of a little home purchase that’s showing up on his credit report. A house that Jace didn’t purchase, the purchaser is his ex-wife or the woman he thought was his ex-wife. In order to see his dream come true Jace must return to Sugar to face the only woman he’s ever loved, the woman he left without any explanation, the women whose pillow he left annulment papers on, the woman whose heart he broke. Yep, Jace has to return to Sugar to let Charlotte Holden know that due to a technicality, they are still very much married.
Former Sugar, Georgia “Ms. Peach” Debutant Dr. Charlotte Holden is at the top of her game. She’s smart, she successful, she’s beautiful, she’s widely respected in her field (by everyone except her father), and she’s just learned that she is still Mrs. Jace McGraw. Like Jace, Charlotte has dreams of her own, she’s been working her fingers to the bone to secure funding for a new clinic for Sugar’s Hospital and after years of trying, she finally has the financial donor she needs within her reach and her dream is about to come true. Something in her life is finally going the way she wants it but this little tidbit of news from Jace is about to ruin it all. Jace is the last distraction she needs in her life right now. With him around all she can do is think back to having her heart broken by Sugar’s bad-boy. Unfortunately that’s not the only thing Charlotte can think back to that involves Jace; her body remembers all to well what he could do to it. But one broken heart has taught Charlotte that bad-boys are bad-boys for a reason.
Once they are back in each other’s presence they realize that the heat and the passion have not disappeared, it’s alive and well and now they have to wait three weeks for the annulment to be final. That’s three weeks that Charlotte just has to get through without falling for Jace’s charms only to be hurt again when he leaves for Atlanta to open his shop. He chose his career over her once before and she’s pretty sure that would be his choice again. Nope, getting involved with Jace McGraw is not a good idea at all, but damned he makes her knees weak and her lady parts tingle. Just a little taste of Charlotte has Jace ready to be the man Charlotte needs. Jace is determined to prove to Charlotte that he is not the boy he used to be; he is now the man that wants to be the husband and friend to her that he should have been for the past four years. Jace has his work cut out for him during these three weeks. In addition to proving himself to Charlotte he has to contend with the fact that no one knows they were ever married and they can’t find out now; especially Charlotte's blue-blood family. Everything Charlotte has ever worked for is on the line. Jace just needs to prove that he’s worth fighting for.
Jace and Charlotte were introduced in Marina’s previous two Sugar books: “Sugar’s Twice as Sweet” and “Sugar on Top”, Jace’s older brothers Brett and Cal’s stories. I have to admit, I was very curious about Cal’s story and when I read it he was my favorite. I was curious about Jace but was kind of like “eh”. Well, as much as I loved Cal…Jace has become my favorite. I have to admit that when I first started reading I wasn’t completed sucked in and I was a little worried that I wouldn’t enjoy this book. But it caught me and I loved it!
So why is Jace my favorite? Well Jace has spent most of his life keeping himself emotionally cut off from most everyone except his family; he harbors some guilt about the death of his parents when he was younger. The only person who he has ever let get close to him was Charlotte, but due to some legal issues he encountered Jace decided it would be best if Charlotte was not linked to him for fear that it would hurt her rising career, hence the annulment. Unlike Brett and Cal who in Jace’s eyes are confident in their abilities and sure of what they wanted, Jace is insecure. It seems like since the death of his parents, Jace hasn’t known who he really is. His “bad-boy” rep is due more to assumptions that people of have of him, it was easier for him to live in that shadow. Career wise he knows exactly what he wants but emotionally he doesn’t think he has what it takes to make anyone happy…anyone being Charlotte. This may seem very odd but what really sealed it for me with Jace was his relationship with his niece Payton. It took this little teenage girl to crack his shell, to make him see that his true place was in Sugar where he could make more memories with his family, stop missing out on what he really longs for in his life by constantly running and finally get the woman that he knows he belongs with. And most of all, she helped him to see that no matter how long he stays away, when he returns his family will always be there ready to accept him with open arms.
As with the other books about Sugar, there are some crazy characters, gotta love Grandma Hattie, she loves her boys to death! Although it doesn’t look like it will happen, I’m hoping there will be more Sugar books. I’d love to get more on JD and Spencer and maybe even a book for Ben. As crazy as it sounds…I kind of would like to see a book for Darlene, poor things she’s bitchy but I think she could really use a HEA.
Have you ever read on of those books where the movie reel or made for TV movie reel is running through your head the entire time you are reading? Well, that was the case for me with A Taste of Sugar. You already know I’m a HUGE Marina Adair fan and I make sure to get my hands on any book she writes. I’m always happy at the end and this book keeps the tradition going.
From the minute he was able to Jace McGraw high-tailed it out of Sugar, Georgia returning sporadically to visit his family. He joined the army then made a career and name for himself in the NASCAR world as a top-notch mechanic. Now Jace is finally about to see his dream come true…he’s going to be the owner of one of the best know repair and restoration shops in the country; owners ship their cars from all across the country to have Jace McGraw work on them. But Jace can’t secure the loan he needs to obtain the shop because of a little home purchase that’s showing up on his credit report. A house that Jace didn’t purchase, the purchaser is his ex-wife or the woman he thought was his ex-wife. In order to see his dream come true Jace must return to Sugar to face the only woman he’s ever loved, the woman he left without any explanation, the women whose pillow he left annulment papers on, the woman whose heart he broke. Yep, Jace has to return to Sugar to let Charlotte Holden know that due to a technicality, they are still very much married.
Former Sugar, Georgia “Ms. Peach” Debutant Dr. Charlotte Holden is at the top of her game. She’s smart, she successful, she’s beautiful, she’s widely respected in her field (by everyone except her father), and she’s just learned that she is still Mrs. Jace McGraw. Like Jace, Charlotte has dreams of her own, she’s been working her fingers to the bone to secure funding for a new clinic for Sugar’s Hospital and after years of trying, she finally has the financial donor she needs within her reach and her dream is about to come true. Something in her life is finally going the way she wants it but this little tidbit of news from Jace is about to ruin it all. Jace is the last distraction she needs in her life right now. With him around all she can do is think back to having her heart broken by Sugar’s bad-boy. Unfortunately that’s not the only thing Charlotte can think back to that involves Jace; her body remembers all to well what he could do to it. But one broken heart has taught Charlotte that bad-boys are bad-boys for a reason.
Once they are back in each other’s presence they realize that the heat and the passion have not disappeared, it’s alive and well and now they have to wait three weeks for the annulment to be final. That’s three weeks that Charlotte just has to get through without falling for Jace’s charms only to be hurt again when he leaves for Atlanta to open his shop. He chose his career over her once before and she’s pretty sure that would be his choice again. Nope, getting involved with Jace McGraw is not a good idea at all, but damned he makes her knees weak and her lady parts tingle. Just a little taste of Charlotte has Jace ready to be the man Charlotte needs. Jace is determined to prove to Charlotte that he is not the boy he used to be; he is now the man that wants to be the husband and friend to her that he should have been for the past four years. Jace has his work cut out for him during these three weeks. In addition to proving himself to Charlotte he has to contend with the fact that no one knows they were ever married and they can’t find out now; especially Charlotte's blue-blood family. Everything Charlotte has ever worked for is on the line. Jace just needs to prove that he’s worth fighting for.
Jace and Charlotte were introduced in Marina’s previous two Sugar books: “Sugar’s Twice as Sweet” and “Sugar on Top”, Jace’s older brothers Brett and Cal’s stories. I have to admit, I was very curious about Cal’s story and when I read it he was my favorite. I was curious about Jace but was kind of like “eh”. Well, as much as I loved Cal…Jace has become my favorite. I have to admit that when I first started reading I wasn’t completed sucked in and I was a little worried that I wouldn’t enjoy this book. But it caught me and I loved it!
So why is Jace my favorite? Well Jace has spent most of his life keeping himself emotionally cut off from most everyone except his family; he harbors some guilt about the death of his parents when he was younger. The only person who he has ever let get close to him was Charlotte, but due to some legal issues he encountered Jace decided it would be best if Charlotte was not linked to him for fear that it would hurt her rising career, hence the annulment. Unlike Brett and Cal who in Jace’s eyes are confident in their abilities and sure of what they wanted, Jace is insecure. It seems like since the death of his parents, Jace hasn’t known who he really is. His “bad-boy” rep is due more to assumptions that people of have of him, it was easier for him to live in that shadow. Career wise he knows exactly what he wants but emotionally he doesn’t think he has what it takes to make anyone happy…anyone being Charlotte. This may seem very odd but what really sealed it for me with Jace was his relationship with his niece Payton. It took this little teenage girl to crack his shell, to make him see that his true place was in Sugar where he could make more memories with his family, stop missing out on what he really longs for in his life by constantly running and finally get the woman that he knows he belongs with. And most of all, she helped him to see that no matter how long he stays away, when he returns his family will always be there ready to accept him with open arms.
As with the other books about Sugar, there are some crazy characters, gotta love Grandma Hattie, she loves her boys to death! Although it doesn’t look like it will happen, I’m hoping there will be more Sugar books. I’d love to get more on JD and Spencer and maybe even a book for Ben. As crazy as it sounds…I kind of would like to see a book for Darlene, poor things she’s bitchy but I think she could really use a HEA.
August 23, 2015
Oh, Sweet Sugar! I fall in love with the sweet, Southern town of Sugar every time we go back. And those sexy as sin McGraw brothers sure make it worth each visit!
This is the third story that takes place in Sugar, Georgia. It focuses on the youngest McGraw, Jace. Jace is a gruff, tattooed, rough around the edges mechanic. He is also a runner; he doesn’t set down roots and doesn’t call any place home. Four years ago, in a whirlwind romance, he married Dr. Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Holden. After three weeks, they got an annulment and moved on. Jace leaves town and Charlotte moves back to Sugar. However, a misstep during the original annulment means they are technically still married.
The connection between the Jace and Charlie is undeniable.
“Only one touch, and she was kissing him back. No hesitation, no second-guessing, just – pow – debutante to seductress. Not interested to tongue down his throat in two seconds flat.”
So after learning that they are still married, Jace decides he is going to be the husband he was meant to be, even if it’s only for a few weeks.
“I’m not giving up. I was given three more weeks of being your husband, and I am going to be the kind of husband my dad was, the kind of husband you deserve, the kind of husband I should have been before.”
Only he has to convince Charlotte to give him a second chance after breaking her heart.
This story was sweet and sexy. It was touching and emotional. It was a story of second chances and the power of true love. I loved every minute of it! I adore the small town feel and really enjoyed being able to see and catch up with the other McGraw brothers and their girls, as well as the other town folk. ~ Tiffany, 4.5 stars
This is the third story that takes place in Sugar, Georgia. It focuses on the youngest McGraw, Jace. Jace is a gruff, tattooed, rough around the edges mechanic. He is also a runner; he doesn’t set down roots and doesn’t call any place home. Four years ago, in a whirlwind romance, he married Dr. Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Holden. After three weeks, they got an annulment and moved on. Jace leaves town and Charlotte moves back to Sugar. However, a misstep during the original annulment means they are technically still married.
The connection between the Jace and Charlie is undeniable.
“Only one touch, and she was kissing him back. No hesitation, no second-guessing, just – pow – debutante to seductress. Not interested to tongue down his throat in two seconds flat.”
So after learning that they are still married, Jace decides he is going to be the husband he was meant to be, even if it’s only for a few weeks.
“I’m not giving up. I was given three more weeks of being your husband, and I am going to be the kind of husband my dad was, the kind of husband you deserve, the kind of husband I should have been before.”
Only he has to convince Charlotte to give him a second chance after breaking her heart.
This story was sweet and sexy. It was touching and emotional. It was a story of second chances and the power of true love. I loved every minute of it! I adore the small town feel and really enjoyed being able to see and catch up with the other McGraw brothers and their girls, as well as the other town folk. ~ Tiffany, 4.5 stars
August 25, 2015
**4.5 stars** Another wonderful read from Marina Adair! I've so enjoyed this series and I was so looking forward to Jace McGraw (the youngest McGraw brother) and Charlotte's story. Jace has returned to Sugar, Georgia after trying to obtain a business loan and learns he's still married and there's some credit issues that involve his wife. Charlotte was heartbroken when Jace walked out all those years ago (even if he was doing an honorable thing at the time), but has tried to move on and has made a name for herself as Sugar's beloved pedestrian. When he tells her that their marriage was never annulled due to a mix-up in the paperwork, he wants a second chance with her and has 30 days to prove to her he isn't that same man that walked out on her all those years ago. I loved the chemistry between these two (as always with Marina's characters). The journey to their love story is heartfelt and definitely some sexy times for these two! It's not an easy journey with everything else that happens during their time together, but you know it will be worth it in the end.
Marina Adair continues to be an auto-buy author for me and if you love small town, sexy, heartfelt romances then Marina is an author to definitely put on your TBR (if she isn't already!)
Marina Adair continues to be an auto-buy author for me and if you love small town, sexy, heartfelt romances then Marina is an author to definitely put on your TBR (if she isn't already!)
October 13, 2017
Ruminating, issues at work, issues with family, issues socially, issues with ex but sexual pull too strong to resist ... did not finish. Pediatrician Charlotte and mechanic Jace learn they are still married.
August 10, 2015
This is book 3 in the Sugar, Georgia series.
Charlotte Holden is the local pediatrician and the current regent of the Sugar Peaches organization. She has dedicated the last four years of her life to the hospital and has opened the Grow Clinic, a place were children can get their rehab. When Jason McGraw shows up in town to tell her they are still married under the law, Charlotte's world is shaken. Jason is the only man she has loved and four years ago Jace walked out on her without much of an explanation leaving her heartbroken. She thought they had an annulment but the paperwork was never entered in the system.
Jace McGraw is the bad boy in the McGraw family. He's back in town to dissolve his marriage. He left Charlotte because he didn't think he was good enough for her. Currently, he needs a new loan to buy a garage business in Atlanta and the bank won't give him a loan unless he can prove he's single. He has one purpose, obtain the annulment and walk away from the town that brings too many memories. But, one look at Charlie and his priorities shift. He never stopped caring for her and just maybe she feels the same.
I love this series. It was great to read about the other brothers and his significant others. Payton was sweet in this one.
Charlotte was committed to the hospital and the Grow Clinic project. So, I was a little surprise that she let her dad push her around.
Jace realized pretty soon he wanted Charlotte in his life and he told her exactly what he was feeling which won many points with me.
I wonder if the Sherif and a certain mechanic are next.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
August 29, 2015
My Review:
I've really enjoyed this series, but this book is, by far, my favorite in the series. This book was so good, I immediately got online and ordered a print copy when I finished it for my keeper shelf.
I love second chance romances and this is a good one. A lot of that is because Charlotte and Jace are just so good together, but it's also because no one knew they were ever involved, much less married. So, the only two people seeing their pain is each other. And I liked that, too. There's an honesty between the two of them that you don't often find in books like this. They don't try to hide their pain...for the most part. And there is a LOT of pain between the two of them, because neither one was ready for their relationship to end 4 years ago. But Jace's life was in turmoil, and he refused to take Charlotte down with him. He loved her too much to do that to her...and that's why this book is so magical. That love never, ever ended.
There's so much to love about this book. Charlotte has a fantastic character arc. She's a doctor and in the previous books has come across as completely put-together and confident, but she's not. No, Charlotte is a hot mess with a spoon constantly stuck in a tub of ice cream and I loved her for it. But she learns to embrace that messy side and stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks about her. I loved that...because she is such a good person with such a good heart. Just knowing her special project with the children's hospital proves this. She wants the best healthcare for every child...insured or not.
Then there's Jace and his love of cars and racing. I loved that bit of the south made it into this Georgia novel. I especially loved how it became a bonding moment between him and his niece just like it was between him and his father. Seriously, there were scenes around the cars that had me crying because of the emotion in them and those moments spent bonding.
My one sticking point in these books has been the elderly ladies. I loved that in this book they took more of a background role. But I did love the glimpses of the other two brothers. I do love those sexy McGraw's and their tempestuous background that has made them such great heroes. This has been a fun series. I hope there's still more to come...we need Jackson and Lavender's book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I've really enjoyed this series, but this book is, by far, my favorite in the series. This book was so good, I immediately got online and ordered a print copy when I finished it for my keeper shelf.
I love second chance romances and this is a good one. A lot of that is because Charlotte and Jace are just so good together, but it's also because no one knew they were ever involved, much less married. So, the only two people seeing their pain is each other. And I liked that, too. There's an honesty between the two of them that you don't often find in books like this. They don't try to hide their pain...for the most part. And there is a LOT of pain between the two of them, because neither one was ready for their relationship to end 4 years ago. But Jace's life was in turmoil, and he refused to take Charlotte down with him. He loved her too much to do that to her...and that's why this book is so magical. That love never, ever ended.
There's so much to love about this book. Charlotte has a fantastic character arc. She's a doctor and in the previous books has come across as completely put-together and confident, but she's not. No, Charlotte is a hot mess with a spoon constantly stuck in a tub of ice cream and I loved her for it. But she learns to embrace that messy side and stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks about her. I loved that...because she is such a good person with such a good heart. Just knowing her special project with the children's hospital proves this. She wants the best healthcare for every child...insured or not.
Then there's Jace and his love of cars and racing. I loved that bit of the south made it into this Georgia novel. I especially loved how it became a bonding moment between him and his niece just like it was between him and his father. Seriously, there were scenes around the cars that had me crying because of the emotion in them and those moments spent bonding.
My one sticking point in these books has been the elderly ladies. I loved that in this book they took more of a background role. But I did love the glimpses of the other two brothers. I do love those sexy McGraw's and their tempestuous background that has made them such great heroes. This has been a fun series. I hope there's still more to come...we need Jackson and Lavender's book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 4, 2018
Jace McGraw, you sweet man, you stole my heart and I don't even want it back ;p But before I go ecstastic about the hero, let me talk to you first about the fabulous story.
Dr. Charlotte Holden is tired of playing life safe. But it's not easy taking risks when all your life you always did everything to please others and never stood up to your father who's also your colleague and a mother who's always trying to set you up with men. Charlie have enough on her plate with trying to find resources for the new clinic she wants to open. So the last thing she need is hearing from her ex-husband who's back in town that there was a problem with the settlement of their divorce from four years ago so they're still husband and wife. Their marriage ended so soon (three months after) that nobody in Sugar knew they were married.
Right from the start, it's pretty obvious that Jace and Charlotte still have feelings for each other. In fact, they never stopped loving each other and the reason why Jace left is pretty thin, but at the time, he thought he was doing the right thing to make her happy. He made Charlotte feel bold and alive so it was a shock for her when he left and it broke her heart. Having to settle the arrangements mean spending time with him and remembering what a charming and thoughful guy he is. For Jace, it's an occasion to maybe get a second chance. For the chance to show her they're made for each other, that he's not going anywhere now and how good they can be together. Charlotte's heart knows better, but what about her body ?
This series was even better the second time around and oh how amazing this book was ! Jace McGraw is my definition of a book-boyfriend. Charlotte didn't stand a chance against his charisma and his caring soul. The hero might have the look of a bad boy but he's 100% sweetheart. Sensible, attentive, understanding, flirty, teasing and playful and he's got dimples ;p He knows how to make the heroine feel important and special. Besides the romance, what I liked is the play on words with mechanics (since Jace works in this field) and there's still interactions between the McGraw brothers. I also enjoy the quirky situations and characters. When the hero deliver a great and catchy line when entering the scene it always makes for an exciting beginning and that's exactly what happened here.
I still have others Marina Adair's books to reread, but I'm still sad I finished this series again because it was pretty amazing !
Dr. Charlotte Holden is tired of playing life safe. But it's not easy taking risks when all your life you always did everything to please others and never stood up to your father who's also your colleague and a mother who's always trying to set you up with men. Charlie have enough on her plate with trying to find resources for the new clinic she wants to open. So the last thing she need is hearing from her ex-husband who's back in town that there was a problem with the settlement of their divorce from four years ago so they're still husband and wife. Their marriage ended so soon (three months after) that nobody in Sugar knew they were married.
Right from the start, it's pretty obvious that Jace and Charlotte still have feelings for each other. In fact, they never stopped loving each other and the reason why Jace left is pretty thin, but at the time, he thought he was doing the right thing to make her happy. He made Charlotte feel bold and alive so it was a shock for her when he left and it broke her heart. Having to settle the arrangements mean spending time with him and remembering what a charming and thoughful guy he is. For Jace, it's an occasion to maybe get a second chance. For the chance to show her they're made for each other, that he's not going anywhere now and how good they can be together. Charlotte's heart knows better, but what about her body ?
This series was even better the second time around and oh how amazing this book was ! Jace McGraw is my definition of a book-boyfriend. Charlotte didn't stand a chance against his charisma and his caring soul. The hero might have the look of a bad boy but he's 100% sweetheart. Sensible, attentive, understanding, flirty, teasing and playful and he's got dimples ;p He knows how to make the heroine feel important and special. Besides the romance, what I liked is the play on words with mechanics (since Jace works in this field) and there's still interactions between the McGraw brothers. I also enjoy the quirky situations and characters. When the hero deliver a great and catchy line when entering the scene it always makes for an exciting beginning and that's exactly what happened here.
I still have others Marina Adair's books to reread, but I'm still sad I finished this series again because it was pretty amazing !
August 29, 2015
Something about reading Marina Adair’s Sugar town always gives me the warm fuzzy feelings. No matter how much I want to fight it, in the end, happy and sad tears manage to fall my face.
This third installment of Sugar, Georgia is about the youngest McGraw brother who has been away since the death of their parents. However, Jace McGraw is back in town due to business matters aka his wife. So happens that their marriage is not annulled as expected. Sugar’s Medical Director, Charlotte Holden had no idea of her marriage status. She thought her marriage was annulled years back but when she sees Jace, she finds out their marriage is still in tact as well as their strong feelings for each other.
Marina did a suhweet job on this book. It was full of feels; be it family, brotherly, or romantic feels. She wrote a fantastic second-chance story stuffed with love, loss, and new beginnings. Of course, it had it’s humor and sexy moments.
I’m not going to lie, I honestly did not expect to love this book…this much. Jace touched my heart to the core. This man is both simple yet amazing. He has so much more to him than meets the eye. And the love and attraction between Charlotte and Jace was just so strong you’ll wonder why they split up to begin with. It was fate, though. I think the separation gave them time to mature and in the end learning to appreciate the important things in life. Especially Jace. Coming back to Sugar made him realize what he’s been missing. His story of coming back home truly brought me to tears. Kudos Marina, a job well done.
*Review copy provided by publisher
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July 18, 2015
Jace can be hell on a girl's panties with all his charm, “I didn’t say, ‘Hey, are you free tonight for sex?’ I wanted to take you out to dinner.” He caressed her cheek then stared into her eyes, hoping she could see how serious he was. “To talk, Charlie.” Jace is a manly man but he has a soft sweet side for his woman, “no, daily kisses is number two, listening to your partner’s needs is number four. And the way you were staring at my mouth stated loud and clear you needed some loving , but since we’re at your work I settled on a kiss.” I really enjoyed this book I love the Sugar series it has that small town feel and lovable characters.
September 3, 2015
Second chance romance with funny,emotional,wonderful moments,this story is like a fresh air in summer day,pets always a rock star,smile on the face and simply a joy to read such a fantastic book!
I enjoyed reading these amazing books :)
I enjoyed reading these amazing books :)
July 27, 2018
It took me a while to get into this one. I really wasn't sure about how pushy Jace was at first, but he definitely grew on me as the book went on. Cute, romantic and sexy. Another enjoyable Marina Adair read.
November 3, 2017
COMING SOON. NEW RELEASE: A TASTE OF SUGAR BY MARINA ADAIR
READ AND REVIEW
A TASTE OF SUGAR BY MARINA ADAIR
Release Date: August 25, 2015
SYNOPSIS
From the author of the nationally bestselling St. Helena Vineyard series and the Heroes of St. Helena series comes a sexy new book from Marina Adair set in Sugar, Georgia...A blast from her past . . .
Charlotte Holden, Sugar's favorite pediatrician, knows better than anyone that love only leads to heartbreak. Instead, she's focused on creating the Grow Clinic, an outpatient center for children. All she has to do now is to host the best Founder's Day Parade in the history of Sugar, Georgia, to win over a big-city donor. Easy as peach pie. Then sexy Jace McGraw blows back into town and utters those three words every woman dreads: we're still married.. . . leads to tantalizing trouble
Jace McGraw was making an offer on his dream business in Atlanta when he was told that his wife had some credit issues. Wait, his wife? The annulment went through years ago-or so he thought. He'd walked away only to keep his troublemaker reputation from ruining her dreams. But now that they have a second chance, Jace offers Charlotte a deal: he'll grant a discreet divorce in exchange for 30 days and nights of marriage. Because this time he isn't going to let her go without a fight.
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Sugar-Geo...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-tas...
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
_A_Taste_of_Sugar?id=bTHABQAAQBAJ&hl=en
Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-ta...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
REVIEW: A TASTE OF SUGAR BY MARINA ADAIR
A Taste of Sugar by Marina AdairMy rating: 5 of 5 starsA Taste of Sugar was another Marina Adair original. Have only read three books by her and am quickly becoming a fan. She blends serious subject matters with enchanting storytelling and creates concoctions of heartwarming romance ever time. Her stories are like revisiting old friends and discovering new details of their lives. A sense of home in every read. At the center of A Taste of Sugar are two good people who are trying to rectify past mistakes and maybe in the process fall in love again. What's not to like? I received an ARC of A Taste of Sugar in exchange for an honest review. Sweet, touching and fun.View all my reviews
READ AND REVIEW
A TASTE OF SUGAR BY MARINA ADAIR
Release Date: August 25, 2015
SYNOPSIS
From the author of the nationally bestselling St. Helena Vineyard series and the Heroes of St. Helena series comes a sexy new book from Marina Adair set in Sugar, Georgia...A blast from her past . . .
Charlotte Holden, Sugar's favorite pediatrician, knows better than anyone that love only leads to heartbreak. Instead, she's focused on creating the Grow Clinic, an outpatient center for children. All she has to do now is to host the best Founder's Day Parade in the history of Sugar, Georgia, to win over a big-city donor. Easy as peach pie. Then sexy Jace McGraw blows back into town and utters those three words every woman dreads: we're still married.. . . leads to tantalizing trouble
Jace McGraw was making an offer on his dream business in Atlanta when he was told that his wife had some credit issues. Wait, his wife? The annulment went through years ago-or so he thought. He'd walked away only to keep his troublemaker reputation from ruining her dreams. But now that they have a second chance, Jace offers Charlotte a deal: he'll grant a discreet divorce in exchange for 30 days and nights of marriage. Because this time he isn't going to let her go without a fight.
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Sugar-Geo...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-tas...
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
_A_Taste_of_Sugar?id=bTHABQAAQBAJ&hl=en
Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/a-ta...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
REVIEW: A TASTE OF SUGAR BY MARINA ADAIR
A Taste of Sugar by Marina AdairMy rating: 5 of 5 starsA Taste of Sugar was another Marina Adair original. Have only read three books by her and am quickly becoming a fan. She blends serious subject matters with enchanting storytelling and creates concoctions of heartwarming romance ever time. Her stories are like revisiting old friends and discovering new details of their lives. A sense of home in every read. At the center of A Taste of Sugar are two good people who are trying to rectify past mistakes and maybe in the process fall in love again. What's not to like? I received an ARC of A Taste of Sugar in exchange for an honest review. Sweet, touching and fun.View all my reviews
October 22, 2015
Something about reading Marina Adair’s Sugar town always gives me the warm fuzzy feelings. No matter how much I want to fight it, in the end, happy and sad tears manage to fall my face.
This third installment of Sugar, Georgia is about the youngest McGraw brother who has been away since the death of their parents. However, Jace McGraw is back in town due to business matters aka his wife. So happens that their marriage is not annulled as expected. Sugar’s Medical Director, Charlotte Holden had no idea of her marriage status. She thought her marriage was annulled years back but when she sees Jace, she finds out their marriage is still in tact as well as their strong feelings for each other.
Marina did a suhweet job on this book. It was full of feels; be it family, brotherly, or romantic feels. She wrote a fantastic second-chance story stuffed with love, loss, and new beginnings. Of course, it had it’s humor and sexy moments.
I’m not going to lie, I honestly did not expect to love this book…this much. Jace touched my heart to the core. This man is both simple yet amazing. He has so much more to him than meets the eye. And the love and attraction between Charlotte and Jace was just so strong you’ll wonder why they split up to begin with. It was fate, though. I think the separation gave them time to mature and in the end learning to appreciate the important things in life. Especially Jace. Coming back to Sugar made him realize what he’s been missing. His story of coming back home truly brought me to tears. Kudos Marina, a job well done.
*Review copy provided by publisher
August 29, 2015
***4.5 out of 5 stars***
Review copy provided by publisher
I have enjoyed each of the Sugar, Georgia books in the series so far. I do have to say Jace and Charlotte's story might just be my favorite of the 3 though.
Let me just say that I loved Jace and Charlotte together so much. I knew there was something up with Jace and Charlotte from her reaction to his name being mentioned in earlier books, but have to say the fact they eloped 4 years ago never crossed my mind. I love that Jace calls Charlotte Charlie and I started thinking of her as Charlie the longer Jace was around.
With the exception of marrying the town's bad boy, Charlotte has always done what is right when representing her family, the hospital or the town. She has always put everyone else's needs above her own, and I loved that for the 30 days she and Jace would live together before the divorce, she actually put herself and her needs above others. I felt like both Jace and Charlotte had never stopped loving each other in the 4 years they were apart. However, it was so fun to watch them fall in love all over again with one another as they spent each day together.
A Taste of Sugar was a fast, funny and sexy read. I loved there was so much humor to go with the romance as well as a little bit of town drama. I grew up in a small town and have to say the small town description of Sugar, Georgia is absolutely perfect.
Review copy provided by publisher
I have enjoyed each of the Sugar, Georgia books in the series so far. I do have to say Jace and Charlotte's story might just be my favorite of the 3 though.
Let me just say that I loved Jace and Charlotte together so much. I knew there was something up with Jace and Charlotte from her reaction to his name being mentioned in earlier books, but have to say the fact they eloped 4 years ago never crossed my mind. I love that Jace calls Charlotte Charlie and I started thinking of her as Charlie the longer Jace was around.
With the exception of marrying the town's bad boy, Charlotte has always done what is right when representing her family, the hospital or the town. She has always put everyone else's needs above her own, and I loved that for the 30 days she and Jace would live together before the divorce, she actually put herself and her needs above others. I felt like both Jace and Charlotte had never stopped loving each other in the 4 years they were apart. However, it was so fun to watch them fall in love all over again with one another as they spent each day together.
A Taste of Sugar was a fast, funny and sexy read. I loved there was so much humor to go with the romance as well as a little bit of town drama. I grew up in a small town and have to say the small town description of Sugar, Georgia is absolutely perfect.
September 26, 2015
This book takes place in a small town in Georgia. Charlotte is a pediatrician but she is missing some romance in her life. Jace McGraw is basically the town bad boy who left home & found his calling being an auto mechanic. The town held a lot of bad memories for him. Jace & Charlotte had briefly dated each other before he left town. So, when he came home for a visit they kinda found that spark again. Jace & Charlotte have a secret from their first dating encounter which is still impacting their life's now. They got married & had an annulment. But guess what the annulment isn't annulled. So, since sparks are still flying which makes it a difficult decision on what way to go with this annulment. Will they go forward & try again or go get the annulment. Jace & Charlotte have so much down home charm to share with you in this heart warming romance story. There is a hospital to run, a parade to put together & family secrets to deal with plus another unexpected pet. Family dinners, meddling town folk & so so much more. I so enjoyed this book from page one right up to the last sentence. This book has great characters, small town flare & romance. I fell in love with it & really hope you give it a try!!
August 24, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Taste Of Sugar is the third installment for Marina Adair's Sugar, Georgia series and an installment that you would not want to meet. If you've read the previous books, then I'm sure you've been waiting for Jace's book. This is it now. If you haven't read the previous books, you can very well start with this book because this is absolutely a wonderful read.
I love second chance romance. The "we're-still-married" kind of story slightly elevates the thrill. While there are some emotional scenes, this is definitely a feel-good book that's gilled with love, romance, and family. I love the McGraw brothers. Why is it that these small town brothers only exist in books anyway? I swear, I've read so many series where the heroes are always brothers and they usually come from small towns, and they are often the best kind of men ever. Reality, why do you just have to be mean, huh?
Anyway, I don't think it needs to be said, but I truly enjoyed this book. It shows the lengths people are willing to go to for the sake of love. It shows the pull of home and family. This book, and the series as a whole, is certainly something I can see my self re-reading in the future.
A Taste Of Sugar is the third installment for Marina Adair's Sugar, Georgia series and an installment that you would not want to meet. If you've read the previous books, then I'm sure you've been waiting for Jace's book. This is it now. If you haven't read the previous books, you can very well start with this book because this is absolutely a wonderful read.
I love second chance romance. The "we're-still-married" kind of story slightly elevates the thrill. While there are some emotional scenes, this is definitely a feel-good book that's gilled with love, romance, and family. I love the McGraw brothers. Why is it that these small town brothers only exist in books anyway? I swear, I've read so many series where the heroes are always brothers and they usually come from small towns, and they are often the best kind of men ever. Reality, why do you just have to be mean, huh?
Anyway, I don't think it needs to be said, but I truly enjoyed this book. It shows the lengths people are willing to go to for the sake of love. It shows the pull of home and family. This book, and the series as a whole, is certainly something I can see my self re-reading in the future.
August 21, 2015
Those McGraw men should come with a warning label! In the Third Installment of the Sugar, Georgia by Marina Adair, bad boy Jace McGraw comes home to Sugar and things heat up fast between him and the good doctor Charlotte Holden. Marina had let hints drop in the two previous books that Charlotte had a history with Jace, and oh what a history it was!
The chemistry between Jace and Charlotte was palpable, and reading their story as they reconnected after four years apart was heart warming and steamy at the same time. I also enjoyed the side stories that give the small towns Marina writes about such character and life. I hope we get a peek back into Sugar in the future.
The chemistry between Jace and Charlotte was palpable, and reading their story as they reconnected after four years apart was heart warming and steamy at the same time. I also enjoyed the side stories that give the small towns Marina writes about such character and life. I hope we get a peek back into Sugar in the future.
August 22, 2015
A Taste of Sugar was another Marina Adair original. Have only read three books by her and am quickly becoming a fan. She blends serious subject matters with enchanting storytelling and creates concoctions of heartwarming romance ever time. Her stories are like revisiting old friends and discovering new details of their lives. A sense of home in every read. At the center of A Taste of Sugar are two good people who are trying to rectify past mistakes and maybe in the process fall in love again. What's not to like? I received an ARC of A Taste of Sugar in exchange for an honest review. Sweet, touching and fun.
January 24, 2018
A Taste of Sugar is the third and final book in the unfortunately too short Sugar Georgia series by Marina Adair. This is the first series I’ve read by Ms. Adair but it won’t be my last. Just as in the first two books in the series this book has a highly likable hero Jace McGraw youngest of the three McGraw brothers and heroine Charlotte Holdin who has had a strong presence in the first two books as a secondary character as friend and mentor to their heroines, Joie and Glory. In this book, the crazy blue haired Sunday School Mafia has toned their act down and only Gramma Hattie McGraw has a real presence and it’s always in a positive and supportive way. I realize everyone has different tastes, likes and dislikes in their reading preferences. For me Ms. Adair does a perfect mix of romance, drama and sexiness, never going overboard on any but never leaving the reader wanting for more. It’s a given that romance writing is fantasy so you have to let go a little of your sense of reality and accept a little implausibility in their plot lines. But Ms. Adair never seems to ask the reader to swallow a plot line that is so implausible that it is completely unbelievable. As in this story Jace McGraw is a much in demand auto mechanic who worked the NASCAR circuit as a chief mechanic and then at a high-end motor shop in Atlanta that specializes in rebuilding racing engines and restoring classic muscle cars. The owner wants to sell and Jace wants to buy. Problem is Jace was secretly married to Charlotte for 3 or so weeks 4 years ago when Charlotte was interning at Atlanta General Hospital. They thought their brief marriage had been annulled but as it turns out due to a clerical error it was never processed. Charlotte has purchased a home back in Sugar which shows up as a debt on Jace’s credit report when he goes to get a loan to buy the engine repair business. For me the implausible idea here (beside the fact that if the credit report included Charlotte’s debt is should have also included her income to off-set the debt) is that a highly trained doctor from Sugar’s most prominent family falls in love with a modestly educated blue collar "bad-boy" mechanic, even if he is the best engine man in the South. But I guess opposites attract. Only as the story progresses we find out they’re not really so opposite. At any rate Jace is forced to return to Sugar to get Charlotte’s cooperation in getting the annulment completed. Problem is Jace and Charlotte are still in love and the physical chemistry between them is off the charts hot. Poor Charlotte, as much as she loves Chase, is afraid to trust him and give her heart fully to him. Added to her hesitation is the fact that Jace wants to open his business in Atlanta while Charlotte is about to realize her dream of opening a pediatrics clinic as part of the hospital her family has owned and run for generations in her hometown of Sugar. Add to this conflict is Charlotte’s fight for respect from her father and an internal battle within the Sugar Peaches women’s organization of which Charlotte is the current regent (which is akin to being the president) and is being challenged for her leadership role at every turn by Darlene whom was an antagonist to Brett and Joie’s H.E.A. in the first book Sugar, Twice as Nice. Not only does Darlene want to wrest control of the Peaches from Charlotte, she’s also set her sights on Charlotte’s secret husband Jace because she’s determined to make a McGraw her third husband and the other two brothers are spoken for. Charlotte struggles to break free of the box of expectations and restrictions her family has put her into to the point that at almost thirty she continuing to accept blind dates at her parent’s Sunday dinners with men her mother sets her up with even though she has no interest in them. This goes on even after Jace has moved in with her. She also continues to allow her father to usurp her professional accomplishments and run her professional life. Plus of course she needs to learn to trust that Jace won’t break her heart and run away again if she fully lets him back into her life. Jace must make peace with returning to Sugar where he feels responsible for his parent’s tragic death and has a deserved reputation as the town’s bad boy despite belonging to one of its most revered families. Jace quickly realizes that Charlotte is the only woman he will ever love and spends the book trying to win back her trust while resolving his issues of guilt over his parent’s death.
My only issues with this book were minor. First Lavender Spencer the town’s female mechanic and tormentor of the town’s sheriff Jackson (whom she obviously has a secret crush on), never gets her H.E.A. In fact, if you didn’t know the Lavender character from the previous two books as a rough around the edges but extremely loyal friend to the three main female leads, she hardly comes across as likable in this story. My other small disappointment in this story is the epilogue. As epilogues go it would have been fine if this weren’t the final story in the series. But as such I wish the author would have given us another glimpse of the rest of the McGraw family and their happily ever afters as well as Jace and Charlotte’s. Maybe she could have centered it around Cal and Glory’s wedding day or moved it far enough into the future for perhaps Peyton’s college graduation which would have allowed us to see the McGraws six or so years down the road? Even though I only got to spend a short time in Sugar Georgia with the McGraws and the women they come to love and the other quirky characters I’ll miss the place even if I am a Yankee.
My only issues with this book were minor. First Lavender Spencer the town’s female mechanic and tormentor of the town’s sheriff Jackson (whom she obviously has a secret crush on), never gets her H.E.A. In fact, if you didn’t know the Lavender character from the previous two books as a rough around the edges but extremely loyal friend to the three main female leads, she hardly comes across as likable in this story. My other small disappointment in this story is the epilogue. As epilogues go it would have been fine if this weren’t the final story in the series. But as such I wish the author would have given us another glimpse of the rest of the McGraw family and their happily ever afters as well as Jace and Charlotte’s. Maybe she could have centered it around Cal and Glory’s wedding day or moved it far enough into the future for perhaps Peyton’s college graduation which would have allowed us to see the McGraws six or so years down the road? Even though I only got to spend a short time in Sugar Georgia with the McGraws and the women they come to love and the other quirky characters I’ll miss the place even if I am a Yankee.
August 17, 2015
Fun second chance romance! Charlotte is back from the previous book and we finally get to hear the story behind her and Jace. Charlotte and Jace never got over each other from when they were together, and secretly married, the first time. But both are sure that they couldn't ever work out long term and are determined to stay away from each other. What could go wrong? Needless to say they aren't able to ignore the attraction that they have for each other. Marina Adair creates an entertaining story about getting over the past and navigating family politics.
August 28, 2015
A funny and cute story that takes place in a small town Sugar in Georgia. The town is filled with wacky residents that are sure to entertain you. I really enjoyed Charlotte and Jace's story. A very enjoyable and fun story to read.
July 10, 2015
*4.5 stars*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing*
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing*
July 21, 2015
I love bad boy/girl stories and this one is a done in the sweet, Marina Adair style. Lots of great themes in this book. More review to come.
February 18, 2021
This was just as delightful as the previous two books and a very sweet end to the series. I'm surprised by how strongly I wish there were more stories to come, but the world building was very well done and I'd love to spend more time in Sugar. I want to know what was in store for Jackson, Spencer, Ben, and Darleen, who I feel should have gotten a story even though she was the villainess of the series.
The only thing I didn't love in this book and why it wasn't rated higher was that in the end
The only thing I didn't love in this book and why it wasn't rated higher was that in the end
December 27, 2025
Linc and Charlotte’s second chance romance introduces a sexy, tatted, racing mechanic and a prim and proper, wealthy pediatrician who separated years ago but discover they’re still legally husband and wife. They agree to a quickie divorce which suits both of their needs but steamy memories and close proximity are bedfellows that can’t long ignore. It’s a raucous, small southern town adventure that picks up right where the last book ended with zany characters, family feuds, backstabbing southern belles, and a sizzling forbidden attraction that kept me engrossed from start to finish. Linc projects tall, dark and dangerous appeal that masks the inner turmoil and hidden demons he refuses to acknowledge. Charlotte is cool as a cucumber with heavenly curves and an ethereal beauty that masks the constant chaos she feels inside. With a whole town watching, gossip and chaos reign supreme as they fight their inner demons and the fallout she would suffer both personally and professionally if their secret is revealed. It’s a raucous, irreverent, small town slice of southern living where fighting factions rule the day and their steamy attraction flares out of control and I loved every minute of it.
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