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Collier's Creek Christmas #5
Tastes Like Sugar
Nothing like sugar kisses to bring people together for the holidays…
After ditching the chaos of city life—and a cheating fiancé—I’m more than ready for a fresh start. Collier’s Creek, with its small-town charm and the warmth of my family, seems like the perfect place to regroup. Throw in a job offer as the new office manager for the local fire department, and it feels like everything is falling into place.
That is, until I meet Hayes.
The confident, cocky, and sinfully sexy firefighter is all smooth moves and effortless charm. Our connection? Instant. Our chemistry? Scorching. But here’s the problem: I’m supposed to be wrangling the firefighters and keeping the department in line, not getting distracted by the hottest man in town—who also happens to be my nephew’s best friend.
As the fire department’s Mr. December, Hayes is used to turning heads, but he’s got his sights set on me. And while I’ve sworn off mixing business with pleasure, this guy makes resisting nearly impossible. Every sweet gesture and playful flirtation chips away at my resolve, leaving me wondering if this time around, I should just give in.
Because the more time I spend with Hayes, the more I realize he’s not just fire and heat—he’s all heart. But with our undeniable attraction and my unease of our familial connection as well as our age gap, can we handle the sparks flying between us without getting burned?
Celebrate the holidays with the men of Collier’s Creek, where magic fills the air and irresistible romances are the highlight of the festive season. Six low-angst romances, each filled with heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy romance.
After ditching the chaos of city life—and a cheating fiancé—I’m more than ready for a fresh start. Collier’s Creek, with its small-town charm and the warmth of my family, seems like the perfect place to regroup. Throw in a job offer as the new office manager for the local fire department, and it feels like everything is falling into place.
That is, until I meet Hayes.
The confident, cocky, and sinfully sexy firefighter is all smooth moves and effortless charm. Our connection? Instant. Our chemistry? Scorching. But here’s the problem: I’m supposed to be wrangling the firefighters and keeping the department in line, not getting distracted by the hottest man in town—who also happens to be my nephew’s best friend.
As the fire department’s Mr. December, Hayes is used to turning heads, but he’s got his sights set on me. And while I’ve sworn off mixing business with pleasure, this guy makes resisting nearly impossible. Every sweet gesture and playful flirtation chips away at my resolve, leaving me wondering if this time around, I should just give in.
Because the more time I spend with Hayes, the more I realize he’s not just fire and heat—he’s all heart. But with our undeniable attraction and my unease of our familial connection as well as our age gap, can we handle the sparks flying between us without getting burned?
Celebrate the holidays with the men of Collier’s Creek, where magic fills the air and irresistible romances are the highlight of the festive season. Six low-angst romances, each filled with heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy romance.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2024
73 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Becca Seymour
50 books627 followersBecca Seymour is a British/Aussie author and the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Becca has a sweet tooth for marshmallow-hearted monsters, swoon-worthy supernatural studs, and everyday guys and basketball players with hearts of gold. If you like your MM romance sweet, spicy, and occasionally action-packed, slip into stalker mode and fall hard for her True-Blue and Minnesota Eagles men—and maybe a shifter or monster two.
Monsters & Mates
Solan | Kael | Varek
Zone Defense
No Take Backs | No More Secrets | No Wrong Moves | No Backing Down
Fast Break
Rules, Schmules! | Facts, Smacts! | Regular Smegular! | Easy, Schmeasy!
True-Blue Let Me Show You | I’ve Got You | Becoming Us | Thinking It Over | Always For You | It’s Not You | Our First & Last | Next For Us
Outback Boys
Stumble | Bounce | Wobble
Fangs & Felons
Thicker Than Water | Weaker Than Instinct | Brighter Than Fear | Stronger Than Fate | Softer Than Stone
Stand-Alone Contemporary
Not Used To Cute | High Alert | Realigned | Amalgamated | Under the Blazing Stars | Best Kind of Awkward | Tastes Like Sugar | Caden & Theo | Full Tilt
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 11, 2024
This is a nice book. Unfortunately, the best part of the story for me was how Sully and Hayes meet and end up in bed together. Everything after that was mediocre for me. Predictable and unfortunately boring. But I think that's just me. The author and I don't seem to fit together. I've read one of the author's works before and could only read as far as the middle. I'm glad I forced myself to read to the end here, I wanted to give it as many chances as possible. Didn't quite work out.
There are actually so many things to like here. As I said, the beginning was really great.
At his touch, the kiss deepens, drawing a soft gasp and a shuddering breath from me as our tongues brush.
Fuck, I want him.
Hayes is intoxicating, drawing me in with every passing second. My palm finds its way to the back of his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair as I pull him closer. ❄️🫠❄️
The two MCs are very different but immediately have a wonderful harmony and the attraction is sizzling.
It was really wonderfully presented.
I also liked the crew of firefighters and all the small town stuff.
Unfortunately, I miss more of the togetherness between Sully and Hayes. Maybe there are too many side characters, although they were great too. I can't really explain it to myself. The bit of melodrama towards the end was superfluous and it would have been nice if Christmas had actually played a real role. I guess it's more of a winter story.
There are actually so many things to like here. As I said, the beginning was really great.
At his touch, the kiss deepens, drawing a soft gasp and a shuddering breath from me as our tongues brush.
Fuck, I want him.
Hayes is intoxicating, drawing me in with every passing second. My palm finds its way to the back of his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair as I pull him closer. ❄️🫠❄️
The two MCs are very different but immediately have a wonderful harmony and the attraction is sizzling.
It was really wonderfully presented.
I also liked the crew of firefighters and all the small town stuff.
Unfortunately, I miss more of the togetherness between Sully and Hayes. Maybe there are too many side characters, although they were great too. I can't really explain it to myself. The bit of melodrama towards the end was superfluous and it would have been nice if Christmas had actually played a real role. I guess it's more of a winter story.
December 18, 2024
3.5 Stars
This low-angst, small-town, M/M holiday romance is sweet, sexy and smile-inducing—giving just the right amount of wintery Christmastime vibes, making it an easy, quick, and enjoyable reading pick this holiday season.
Although age-gap romances aren’t my general favourites, the chemistry here, between thirty-something firefighter Hayes and newly relocated forty-something Sully, was off the charts sexy, starting with an incendiary hook-up and quickly progressing to easy friendship and the promise of love, as these two navigate their new, all-consuming feelings in the face of potential relationship roadblocks, namely involving work and family ties.
It’s a best-friends-uncle pairing—which came as a surprise to them and me (I’ve really got to start reading synopses)—and although it may be the first I’ve read with this particular dynamic, I quite liked the set-up and execution, enjoying both the couple chemistry and the low (really low) level of angst that came from Hayes and Sully’s potentially contentious relationship.
This story was super easy to read. It was perhaps not as eventful or memorable in the aftermath as some other holiday romances I’ve read this season, but it was still enjoyable, romantic, and heartwarming in its own right.
Note: This is a part of a multi-author holiday series—and a spin-off series at that—set in the small-town of Collier’s Creek in Wyoming. Although the stories are interconnected with a vast array of returning characters and couples, each story has a new focus couple and I had absolutely no trouble following along, even though it was my first book set in this world. Therefore, I believe this is completely suitable as a standalone read, should that be your reading preference.
This low-angst, small-town, M/M holiday romance is sweet, sexy and smile-inducing—giving just the right amount of wintery Christmastime vibes, making it an easy, quick, and enjoyable reading pick this holiday season.
Although age-gap romances aren’t my general favourites, the chemistry here, between thirty-something firefighter Hayes and newly relocated forty-something Sully, was off the charts sexy, starting with an incendiary hook-up and quickly progressing to easy friendship and the promise of love, as these two navigate their new, all-consuming feelings in the face of potential relationship roadblocks, namely involving work and family ties.
It’s a best-friends-uncle pairing—which came as a surprise to them and me (I’ve really got to start reading synopses)—and although it may be the first I’ve read with this particular dynamic, I quite liked the set-up and execution, enjoying both the couple chemistry and the low (really low) level of angst that came from Hayes and Sully’s potentially contentious relationship.
This story was super easy to read. It was perhaps not as eventful or memorable in the aftermath as some other holiday romances I’ve read this season, but it was still enjoyable, romantic, and heartwarming in its own right.
Note: This is a part of a multi-author holiday series—and a spin-off series at that—set in the small-town of Collier’s Creek in Wyoming. Although the stories are interconnected with a vast array of returning characters and couples, each story has a new focus couple and I had absolutely no trouble following along, even though it was my first book set in this world. Therefore, I believe this is completely suitable as a standalone read, should that be your reading preference.
November 27, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You look fucking spectacular. Sweet as sugar. From the sip I had, you taste like it too.”
ARC review — 4.5 ⭐️
Reading this book made me feel really happy, and it wasn’t even because of the christmas vibes (of which there wasn’t a lot). This is definitely one you can enjoy year round.
I love age gaps, and even better when the younger character is the one doing the pursuing. I feel like it helps balance out the dynamic. Hayes, the younger MC, quickly made it onto my ‘top book boyfriends’ list. What a delightful character. He is a himbo firefighter who knits, ffs. He’s kind, cocky in an endearing way, confident and funny. People don’t consider him the sharpest tool in the shed, but book smarts defintely isn’t that important. It made me sad when he talked negatively about his own intelligence, even if in jest.
On cue, butterflies take flight in my stomach. I swear, the man only needs to breathe in my direction and he pulls some sort of reaction from me.
Super adorable, quick, hot and sweet little romance book. Can definitely recommend it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Small town
Fresh start
Age gap
Coworkers
Firefighter MC
Nephew’s best friend
Hookup to lovers
Firefighter who knits
Himbo
⚠️ Content warnings ⚠️
MC cheated on by ex (past)
Alcohol consumption
Fighting fire (no injuries)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 31 and 47
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 180
Happy ending: No
“What, do I think it’s adorable or you’re adorable?” He smiles back. “Either. Both.” A soft sigh passes through his slightly parted lips. “I’m not sure anyone who’s adorable could rail me quite as well as you did.”
I’m pretty sure I’m dying inside. I fucked my nephew’s best friend.
Ask Cap and she’ll tell you I couldn’t read between the lines if it was printed in 500-point font and surrounded by flashing neon lights.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
“You look fucking spectacular. Sweet as sugar. From the sip I had, you taste like it too.”
ARC review — 4.5 ⭐️
Reading this book made me feel really happy, and it wasn’t even because of the christmas vibes (of which there wasn’t a lot). This is definitely one you can enjoy year round.
I love age gaps, and even better when the younger character is the one doing the pursuing. I feel like it helps balance out the dynamic. Hayes, the younger MC, quickly made it onto my ‘top book boyfriends’ list. What a delightful character. He is a himbo firefighter who knits, ffs. He’s kind, cocky in an endearing way, confident and funny. People don’t consider him the sharpest tool in the shed, but book smarts defintely isn’t that important. It made me sad when he talked negatively about his own intelligence, even if in jest.
On cue, butterflies take flight in my stomach. I swear, the man only needs to breathe in my direction and he pulls some sort of reaction from me.
Super adorable, quick, hot and sweet little romance book. Can definitely recommend it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Small town
Fresh start
Age gap
Coworkers
Firefighter MC
Nephew’s best friend
Hookup to lovers
Firefighter who knits
Himbo
⚠️ Content warnings ⚠️
MC cheated on by ex (past)
Alcohol consumption
Fighting fire (no injuries)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 31 and 47
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 180
Happy ending: No
“What, do I think it’s adorable or you’re adorable?” He smiles back. “Either. Both.” A soft sigh passes through his slightly parted lips. “I’m not sure anyone who’s adorable could rail me quite as well as you did.”
I’m pretty sure I’m dying inside. I fucked my nephew’s best friend.
Ask Cap and she’ll tell you I couldn’t read between the lines if it was printed in 500-point font and surrounded by flashing neon lights.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
November 2, 2024
I think this was the first 'best friends uncle' pairing that I've read, and I really enjoyed it!
Sully and Hayes were so sweet with each other. I loved how Hayes was so patient waiting for Sully to figure out if a relationship was what he wanted. Hayes was just adorable!
Also loved Hayes's modesty around being Mr December in the firefighter calendar 😂 Seriously I think super attractive, god-like firefighters are unicorns - I have never seen one in the wild, only in calendars and on TV, so this did make me giggle
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Sully and Hayes were so sweet with each other. I loved how Hayes was so patient waiting for Sully to figure out if a relationship was what he wanted. Hayes was just adorable!
Also loved Hayes's modesty around being Mr December in the firefighter calendar 😂 Seriously I think super attractive, god-like firefighters are unicorns - I have never seen one in the wild, only in calendars and on TV, so this did make me giggle
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
November 8, 2024
Copy received for an honest review
Well, wasn't this just enough to give me a toothache?
Hayes and Sully's story is not just an age gap romance. It is so much more. It entangles families, best friends, workplace relationships.
And it does it all so well, that there is no angst or ridiculous drama just for the sake of drama.
I adore how everyone underestimates Hayes, seeing him just as the calendar boy firefighter. I loved the depth of his character.
And Sully, oh my he is just the sweetest.
This whole story had me smiling as I was reading it, and I wanted more
Well, wasn't this just enough to give me a toothache?
Hayes and Sully's story is not just an age gap romance. It is so much more. It entangles families, best friends, workplace relationships.
And it does it all so well, that there is no angst or ridiculous drama just for the sake of drama.
I adore how everyone underestimates Hayes, seeing him just as the calendar boy firefighter. I loved the depth of his character.
And Sully, oh my he is just the sweetest.
This whole story had me smiling as I was reading it, and I wanted more
November 16, 2024
3.5 stars. I’ve read a few books in the Collier’s Creek series and I’ve enjoyed the small-town feel. This books started out super great and caught my attention immediately. Unfortunately it didn’t fully keep my attention the more I read and I had to come back to it a few times.
I really loved the characters though. Hayes was so incredibly sweet and I loved how he would just say things as they are. He didn’t sugarcoat anything and it was just really refreshing. I also really loved how Sully was so careful when explaining things to Hayes that he didn’t get, he never made Hayes feel bad about it.
Overall they had a great relationship and I enjoyed the story, I think I just wish more happened to keep my interest. If you’ve enjoyed this series and this author before I would definitely recommend!
I really loved the characters though. Hayes was so incredibly sweet and I loved how he would just say things as they are. He didn’t sugarcoat anything and it was just really refreshing. I also really loved how Sully was so careful when explaining things to Hayes that he didn’t get, he never made Hayes feel bad about it.
Overall they had a great relationship and I enjoyed the story, I think I just wish more happened to keep my interest. If you’ve enjoyed this series and this author before I would definitely recommend!
November 22, 2024
A fun sweet take on an age gap co workers romance. When Sully moves to Colliers Creek to start over, he doesn't expect to find Hayes. Hayes is an adorable himbo who owns you immediately and just has you smiling the whole time. With their first hook up, they don't know who the other is, and yeah, let's just say they find out in the best, most awkward way possible. The two try to deny the chemistry, yet they are so right for each other that the inevitably is shown from every interaction. The cast of characters are all loveable, and you see their love for their small gossipy town and all of its residents. A good balance of heat and sweetness, a well-balanced holiday read.
December 3, 2024
I love Becca Seymour's books and join a Christmas them and it's an instant love for me.
This book is so sweet and funny, the attraction between Hayes and Sully is amazing, but Sully is older, has some weight issues and his Hayes best friend uncle.
Sully struggles against this attraction but Hayes keeps being sweet and irresistible. Can Sully resist?
This book is so sweet and funny, the attraction between Hayes and Sully is amazing, but Sully is older, has some weight issues and his Hayes best friend uncle.
Sully struggles against this attraction but Hayes keeps being sweet and irresistible. Can Sully resist?
November 26, 2024
Clocking in at only 180 pages, this is fairly short, low angst holiday romance that still manages to pack a delightful punch with wonderfully developed characters despite its shorter length. I ADORE Hayes - he's so cute with his slightly-Himbo vibes (love that he's got a dictionary app to look up words he doesn't know the meaning of!) and I just love the way Sully interacts with him, seeing Hayes doesn't understand something and just explaining further in a totally chill, non-judgmental way. LOVE.
The chemistry between these two is great - there's a bit of an almost mistaken identities trope in that they "meet" (*ahem*) before they actually meet, and add in an age-gap, office romance, and sort of twist on Dad's best friend except it's nephew's best friend/best friend's uncle - and this book is full of so much fun holiday trope goodness!
Tastes Like Sugar is the fifth book in the Collier's Creek Christmas multi-author series and can be read as a standalone. It's the first one of this series I've read (though I did read several in the related Collier's Creek series before), and I'm looking forward to reading more of them!
The chemistry between these two is great - there's a bit of an almost mistaken identities trope in that they "meet" (*ahem*) before they actually meet, and add in an age-gap, office romance, and sort of twist on Dad's best friend except it's nephew's best friend/best friend's uncle - and this book is full of so much fun holiday trope goodness!
Tastes Like Sugar is the fifth book in the Collier's Creek Christmas multi-author series and can be read as a standalone. It's the first one of this series I've read (though I did read several in the related Collier's Creek series before), and I'm looking forward to reading more of them!
November 21, 2024
4.5 stars.
This is a delightful romance featuring an age-gap relationship between two charming men, and a terrific addition to this multi-author series. Sully is new to Collier’s Creek, where his sister has long been a resident. Hayes, also a long-time resident, is younger than Sully, but that doesn’t stop them from feeling an instant attraction and spending the night together when they first meet. However, their connection becomes complicated when they discover that they not only work together, but Hayes is also the best friend of Sully’s nephew and an honorary son to Sully's sister. Sully is understandably concerned about their situation, but neither he nor Hayes can deny their attraction to each other. I loved how patient Hayes was as they navigated their feelings, and the secondary characters added depth and some fun to the story.
This was a sweet (not just because of the delicious-sounding coffees) story with no angst and some heat. It’s a very enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is a delightful romance featuring an age-gap relationship between two charming men, and a terrific addition to this multi-author series. Sully is new to Collier’s Creek, where his sister has long been a resident. Hayes, also a long-time resident, is younger than Sully, but that doesn’t stop them from feeling an instant attraction and spending the night together when they first meet. However, their connection becomes complicated when they discover that they not only work together, but Hayes is also the best friend of Sully’s nephew and an honorary son to Sully's sister. Sully is understandably concerned about their situation, but neither he nor Hayes can deny their attraction to each other. I loved how patient Hayes was as they navigated their feelings, and the secondary characters added depth and some fun to the story.
This was a sweet (not just because of the delicious-sounding coffees) story with no angst and some heat. It’s a very enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 27, 2024
Have you ever read a nephew’s best friend, age gap, workplace romance? Yeahhhhhhhhh, me neither!!! And now that I have immersed Tastes Like Sugar into my essence, I don’t know if any other one would compare.
Sully just moved to Collier Creek to start fresh. He’s doesn’t have the perfectly fit, god-like body you see every character having in most romance books. He’s a regular guy. He’s also… older than the guy he meets… and meats.
Hayes is an adorable cinnamon roll firefighter and the younger MC of the story. He is kind of perfect (for me, ideally) with a build to drool over (see December of the local firefighter calendar), but he doesn’t flaunt it. He’s sweet and I kinda love him. I think everyone does, actually. 😂
After a quick hook up that was probably meant to be a one night stand, Sully & Hayes end up running into each other again the next day in the most unexpected way… well for them anyway. 🫠 With a meat cute out of the way, they have the instant chemistry and time to really get to know one another.
For a quicker read, it really packed a punch, but with little to no stakes. So if you are looking for no angst, sweet sexy men, and 👨🏻🍳🤌🏼💋 spicy scenes, then this is the book you need.
Sully just moved to Collier Creek to start fresh. He’s doesn’t have the perfectly fit, god-like body you see every character having in most romance books. He’s a regular guy. He’s also… older than the guy he meets… and meats.
Hayes is an adorable cinnamon roll firefighter and the younger MC of the story. He is kind of perfect (for me, ideally) with a build to drool over (see December of the local firefighter calendar), but he doesn’t flaunt it. He’s sweet and I kinda love him. I think everyone does, actually. 😂
After a quick hook up that was probably meant to be a one night stand, Sully & Hayes end up running into each other again the next day in the most unexpected way… well for them anyway. 🫠 With a meat cute out of the way, they have the instant chemistry and time to really get to know one another.
For a quicker read, it really packed a punch, but with little to no stakes. So if you are looking for no angst, sweet sexy men, and 👨🏻🍳🤌🏼💋 spicy scenes, then this is the book you need.
November 5, 2024
ARC Review:
3.75 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
“And when you say ice cream…?”
Leaning forward, he reaches out … “That’s exactly the plan. I want to see how quickly I can make you scream.”
Tastes Like Sugar is a very quick, easy read that follows an age gap MM romance between Tom “Sully” and Michael “Hayes”. Their chemistry and connection is instantaneous and doesn’t feel forced in any way.
However, after a wonderful night together and a chance encounter the following day, it soon becomes apparent why Sully left abruptly the night before, after finding out that Hayes is one of the local firefighters of Collier’s Creek.
This short story follows the pair along as they navigate their feelings for one another, whilst also trying to figure out how they can make it all work with the “obstacles” that are in their way.
Tastes Like Sugar was a fun read that had some really wholesome moments, some well written intimate scenes, and a simple plot that just made the reading experience easy and enjoyable.
3.75 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️
“And when you say ice cream…?”
Leaning forward, he reaches out … “That’s exactly the plan. I want to see how quickly I can make you scream.”
Tastes Like Sugar is a very quick, easy read that follows an age gap MM romance between Tom “Sully” and Michael “Hayes”. Their chemistry and connection is instantaneous and doesn’t feel forced in any way.
However, after a wonderful night together and a chance encounter the following day, it soon becomes apparent why Sully left abruptly the night before, after finding out that Hayes is one of the local firefighters of Collier’s Creek.
This short story follows the pair along as they navigate their feelings for one another, whilst also trying to figure out how they can make it all work with the “obstacles” that are in their way.
Tastes Like Sugar was a fun read that had some really wholesome moments, some well written intimate scenes, and a simple plot that just made the reading experience easy and enjoyable.
December 3, 2024
Another great Collier's Creek romance. Hayes and Sullie have an instant attraction. There is an age gap that Sullie worries about and then there's the familial and friends relationships to chart. It doesn't take long for everyone to see that this couple belong together. I really enjoyed it! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 29, 2024
These two were so cute! Nephews best friend but older Mcs who were amazing! One firefighter and one admin for the fire department! This was the sweetest as their instant attraction quickly became more. Favorite moment one getting stuck in a tree rescuing a cat!
December 8, 2024
4 Stars ⭐️
✅ New Beginnings
✅ Age gap
✅Small Town
Spicy and warm!! This is a perfect feel good read. No drama, sweet and fun in parts and some of the most insane chemistry with sexy scenes to burn the house down 🔥.i recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
✅ New Beginnings
✅ Age gap
✅Small Town
Spicy and warm!! This is a perfect feel good read. No drama, sweet and fun in parts and some of the most insane chemistry with sexy scenes to burn the house down 🔥.i recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
November 11, 2024
A cute short MM romance for the 2024 holiday. This might be my first foray into Becca Seymour’s world, but it won’t be the last. This story works well as a standalone, but it’s a nice introduction to wet your appetite about Collier’s Creek that’s for sure.
This is definitely a low angst romance, it’s all sweet and some spice. It starts off with a bang, literally, and then they take it slow to get to know each other build a relationship together. I am totally here for their chemistry, the way Sully treats Hayes right and how Hayes is protective of Sully. I love it all!!
The way Hayes and Sully finish each other’s sentences kill me, my fav has to be
I literally laughed out loud when I read it. Like damn, that’s some genius banter.
This is definitely a low angst romance, it’s all sweet and some spice. It starts off with a bang, literally, and then they take it slow to get to know each other build a relationship together. I am totally here for their chemistry, the way Sully treats Hayes right and how Hayes is protective of Sully. I love it all!!
The way Hayes and Sully finish each other’s sentences kill me, my fav has to be
“F*ck, your body…”
“Is going to f*ck you so damn good.”
I literally laughed out loud when I read it. Like damn, that’s some genius banter.
November 2, 2024
This is a super sweet MM story about a firefighter who falls for his best friends uncle. There is a 16 year age gap.
This story & premise was fine but very plain. The characters didn't have to overcome any barriers and so for me the story felt lacking.
However if you just want a quick short, sweet and swoony MM you'll enjoy this!
This story & premise was fine but very plain. The characters didn't have to overcome any barriers and so for me the story felt lacking.
However if you just want a quick short, sweet and swoony MM you'll enjoy this!
November 11, 2024
A new city manager and a firefighter - what could go wrong? Sully and Hayes hooked up without a clue they'd be coworkers, leading to an epic 'oh crap' moment. Hayes' best friend is Sully's nephew - talk about a small town! Can they date and keep it professional? Do they spill the beans to their family? It's time to let Christmas magic work wonders for their happily ever after.
I received an advance review copy from the author for free and leaving this review voluntarily.
Monica
I received an advance review copy from the author for free and leaving this review voluntarily.
Monica
November 3, 2024
Arc Review
4.5 ⭐️
Tom Sullivan (Sully) wants a simpler life. He leaves his job and life behind in San Fransisco and heads to Colliers Creek, a small town where his sister and her husband and son live. He lives in the small apartment above her garage until he can get his life back in track. He is lucky enough to secure a job at the local fire station as the office manager, when Marge is retiring.
Micheal Hayes works as a firefighter at the local station in Colliers Creek. He has an unhealthy addiction the sugar and caffeine.
At the local bar ‘Jakes’ both Sully and Hayes bump into each other, and have one amazing night. They know they will see each other again, but just not sure when or how.
They meet again under unusual circumstances. Sully realises that his nephew Ryan, is Hayes’ childhood best friend. Sully needs to get over the fact he is 16 years older than Hayes, and accept the kind man into his life.
As the title suggests this is a sugar sweet book. I loved it from the opening chapter. Becca Seymour has managed to write the characters so perfectly as their chemistry is wonderful. I also loved the side characters of Abigail, CC, Ryan, Zoey, and Hayes’ mom who is a hoot.
4.5 ⭐️
Tom Sullivan (Sully) wants a simpler life. He leaves his job and life behind in San Fransisco and heads to Colliers Creek, a small town where his sister and her husband and son live. He lives in the small apartment above her garage until he can get his life back in track. He is lucky enough to secure a job at the local fire station as the office manager, when Marge is retiring.
Micheal Hayes works as a firefighter at the local station in Colliers Creek. He has an unhealthy addiction the sugar and caffeine.
At the local bar ‘Jakes’ both Sully and Hayes bump into each other, and have one amazing night. They know they will see each other again, but just not sure when or how.
They meet again under unusual circumstances. Sully realises that his nephew Ryan, is Hayes’ childhood best friend. Sully needs to get over the fact he is 16 years older than Hayes, and accept the kind man into his life.
As the title suggests this is a sugar sweet book. I loved it from the opening chapter. Becca Seymour has managed to write the characters so perfectly as their chemistry is wonderful. I also loved the side characters of Abigail, CC, Ryan, Zoey, and Hayes’ mom who is a hoot.
November 7, 2024
I looooved this, which is no surprise. I’ve read everything Becca’s written so at this point she’s a safe bet for a five star read.
Sully & Hayes were perfect 😍 for a 180 page novella, it was so realistic and paced so well. It was a believable romance in a world where you have to suspend it a lot when reading this genre. I thought Sully’s hang ups about their relationship and himself were accurate for the situation and his past, but it never became a big deal and Hayes stayed persistent and so damn eager through the whole thing.
Thanks GRR for the ARC. This review was left voluntarily.
Sully & Hayes were perfect 😍 for a 180 page novella, it was so realistic and paced so well. It was a believable romance in a world where you have to suspend it a lot when reading this genre. I thought Sully’s hang ups about their relationship and himself were accurate for the situation and his past, but it never became a big deal and Hayes stayed persistent and so damn eager through the whole thing.
Thanks GRR for the ARC. This review was left voluntarily.
November 4, 2024
This story was so good! I loved how Sully and Hayes never even tried to deny how electric and combustible their relationship is. Sure there were some awkward moments but they were too sure of themselves to let each other go. Are there self doubts? Yes. Do they talk about it? Also yes. This is one of the things I love about this author’s characters! I also love the small town of Colliers Creek. They haven’t let me down yet!
Read
November 8, 20251.5 Stars
November 2, 2024
Absolutely adorable. The sweetest of sweet Christmas love stories.
Nephews bestie, age gap.
Fireman and office manager
And the cat in the tree 👀😂 I cackled. Loved this book!
Definitely the perfect holiday read.
Nephews bestie, age gap.
Fireman and office manager
And the cat in the tree 👀😂 I cackled. Loved this book!
Definitely the perfect holiday read.
December 19, 2024
A super “sweet” age gap romance 🥰
Sully makes his way to Colliers Creek to escape the drama of city life and to have a fresh start. He and Hayes, the sweetest man with a love of sugar, have an encounter together without knowing each other’s background or employment. Of course they are both surprised but calm and confident Sully can’t help himself when it comes to easygoing and carefree Hayes whilst Hayes is absolutely smitten by Sully.
There’s plenty of chemistry between them leading to steamy times mixed with adorably sweet moments.
I loved everything about this enjoyable and engaging low angst romance. The wonderful main and secondary characters, the small town holiday feels, Hayes and his devotion to all things sugar and of course the heartwarming HEA that had me smiling.
Sully makes his way to Colliers Creek to escape the drama of city life and to have a fresh start. He and Hayes, the sweetest man with a love of sugar, have an encounter together without knowing each other’s background or employment. Of course they are both surprised but calm and confident Sully can’t help himself when it comes to easygoing and carefree Hayes whilst Hayes is absolutely smitten by Sully.
There’s plenty of chemistry between them leading to steamy times mixed with adorably sweet moments.
I loved everything about this enjoyable and engaging low angst romance. The wonderful main and secondary characters, the small town holiday feels, Hayes and his devotion to all things sugar and of course the heartwarming HEA that had me smiling.
November 23, 2024
Tastes Like Sugar by Becca Seymour is part of the Collier’s Creek Christmas series. It is the sweet story of an older and younger man who form an instant attraction but take their time getting to love as work and family get in their way. Tom Sullivan, or Sully, is 47. He left his job in San Francisco where there was a lot of back stabbing and his cheating ex who made false promises and gaslighted him. He came to Collier’s Creek, Wyoming, where his older sister Abibail lives and is considering taking a job of office manager of the fire department there. He has just come to town and was in one of the bars when Michael Hayes, or Hayes, sits with him. They talk and go back to his house for dessert, which of course means a hot love scene. In the morning, they talk a little more and that is when Hayes tells Sully he is a fireman which causes Sully to leave because it could cause problems if he takes the job, plus he is a lot older than Hayes who is 31. Hayes has been a fireman for 8 years in Collier’s Creek where he grew up and also worked in California for 5 years. He loves his job and he loves coffee and anything sugary sweet. He has also been in the state Fireman’s Charity Calendar for the last 4 years so you know he’s good looking. When Sully gets caught in a tree with his sister’s cat and the fire department is called to help him get down, Hayes puts together what he didn’t know about his one night stand with Sully – that he is going to be the office manager of the fire department and that he is his best friend Rhys’s uncle. He asks a very embarrassed Sully to breakfast and then on a date to the basketball game and he gets asked to dinner at Abigail’s house for saving Sully and the cat. They both feel the attraction but Sully is hesitant because of work and his connection to Rhys but Hayes is determined to see what can happen when they are together and hopefully move into a relationship. Lots of good things occur that help them get to know each other better like shadowing the firefighters, especially Hayes, and going on an actual call out. They also visit Hayes’s mother on her ranch and get caught in a snowstorm that leads them to stay in a cabin where Sully finally gives in and they have another hot love scene. Meanwhile Hayes has poured out his heart to Sully and lets him know that he really wants to be exclusive boyfriends. Things come to a head when Rhys comes home for Christmas and they tell their families they are together with a small hitch with Sully’s sister. But things work out and they are together for good. I really enjoyed this story. Both men are so sweet. Sully worries about their age difference but just can’t resist Hayes. Hayes is sweet, funny, and kind and pulls out all the stops in wooing Sully. There is also a lot of sugar filled treats involved! The members of the fire department play a big part in the story and it’s especially funny when they hear about the wager of when the two men will fall in love. Their families are also important in the story as they are close to them and Rhys being Haye’s best friend leads to some angst about how he’s going to take them being together. I also loved the epilogue because you see their relationship several years later. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about older/younger men with family and job connections that hinder their relationship but their attraction wins out and they fall in love. It’s also Collier’s Creek, which has all the great stories of men finding love.
November 25, 2024
Holiday Cheer Meter: 2/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
1st person, present tense, dual POV
Tom 'Sully' Sullivan (47), office manager
Michael Hayes (31), fire fighter
This was well on track to being a five star read for me but I just can't with the ending. I know I'm being a crotchety curmudgeon, but it is what it is.
First of all . The fact that Sully is Hayes's best friend's uncle is a real sticking point for Sully, this is no secret, it's right in the blurb for the book. The late stage big reveal doesn't leave the reader with enough time to enjoy seeing the couple really being a couple in public, I like things tied up a little earlier and a little cleaner in my holiday reads so I have time to bask in the HEA, not finish the book still feeling slightly anxious over the state of the relationship.
Still, it probably wouldn't have bothered me nearly so much except... there is no on-page love declaration!!! Or rather there was, it was just cut out and made available with a subscription to the author's newsletter. And then referenced in the epilogue. Why is this a thing??? I get that authors want engagement, etc, but when did it become the accepted practice to, with surgical precision, remove tiny bits of the book people are paying to read and making them jump through hoops to get them. It is barely three pages long and belongs in the book. Period. It's unforgivable.
If you want to write a bonus scene/story about Sully going to Hayes's calendar photoshoot the following year (NOTE: this does not happen, it is merely an example), that would be a fun reader magnet, but not a critical part of the story at hand. Gah! I haven't even bothered to check out the author's Patreon to try and read the other little bonuses there are as I am so salty about this. It very nearly ruined the book for me.
What a shame, because I absolutely LOVED everything else about this story.
- I loved the flirty instant connection these two have, the sexy banter - I mean, that ice cream line? Sir!
- I'm an absolute sucker for a himbo character and that was Hayes through and through. Plus, he knits! And gave Sully a hat and scarf to keep him warm *swoon* A modest, kind, caring, firefighting calendar (Mr. December no less) model? 'Nuff said!
- I giggled like a loon when they are reunited after their incendiary 'one-night stand'.
- I loved how sexy and confident Sully felt under Hayes's attention and I love how all-in Hayes was from the jump. It's such a fun dynamic when one character is a little reluctant to start a relationship because things are 'complicated' but the other relentlessly (in a good way) pursues them until they get out of their own way.
- Their dates, and the time they cut out to spend together, as they get to know each other outside of the bedroom were so stinkin' cute.
- The lively cast of supporting characters made this a really fun read. Especially Hayes's mom and her baby fox - awwww!
- Hayes's sugar addition was...sweet
I hadn't realized that this was a spin-off series, and while I didn't have any real trouble getting into and enjoying the story, there feels like a lot of established characters and history exists that I didn't have all the context for, I'll probably circle back and read the original six books of series in the new year since I'm deep into my holiday reading at the moment.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
1st person, present tense, dual POV
Tom 'Sully' Sullivan (47), office manager
Michael Hayes (31), fire fighter
This was well on track to being a five star read for me but I just can't with the ending. I know I'm being a crotchety curmudgeon, but it is what it is.
First of all . The fact that Sully is Hayes's best friend's uncle is a real sticking point for Sully, this is no secret, it's right in the blurb for the book. The late stage big reveal doesn't leave the reader with enough time to enjoy seeing the couple really being a couple in public, I like things tied up a little earlier and a little cleaner in my holiday reads so I have time to bask in the HEA, not finish the book still feeling slightly anxious over the state of the relationship.
Still, it probably wouldn't have bothered me nearly so much except... there is no on-page love declaration!!! Or rather there was, it was just cut out and made available with a subscription to the author's newsletter. And then referenced in the epilogue. Why is this a thing??? I get that authors want engagement, etc, but when did it become the accepted practice to, with surgical precision, remove tiny bits of the book people are paying to read and making them jump through hoops to get them. It is barely three pages long and belongs in the book. Period. It's unforgivable.
If you want to write a bonus scene/story about Sully going to Hayes's calendar photoshoot the following year (NOTE: this does not happen, it is merely an example), that would be a fun reader magnet, but not a critical part of the story at hand. Gah! I haven't even bothered to check out the author's Patreon to try and read the other little bonuses there are as I am so salty about this. It very nearly ruined the book for me.
What a shame, because I absolutely LOVED everything else about this story.
- I loved the flirty instant connection these two have, the sexy banter - I mean, that ice cream line? Sir!
- I'm an absolute sucker for a himbo character and that was Hayes through and through. Plus, he knits! And gave Sully a hat and scarf to keep him warm *swoon* A modest, kind, caring, firefighting calendar (Mr. December no less) model? 'Nuff said!
- I giggled like a loon when they are reunited after their incendiary 'one-night stand'.
- I loved how sexy and confident Sully felt under Hayes's attention and I love how all-in Hayes was from the jump. It's such a fun dynamic when one character is a little reluctant to start a relationship because things are 'complicated' but the other relentlessly (in a good way) pursues them until they get out of their own way.
- Their dates, and the time they cut out to spend together, as they get to know each other outside of the bedroom were so stinkin' cute.
- The lively cast of supporting characters made this a really fun read. Especially Hayes's mom and her baby fox - awwww!
- Hayes's sugar addition was...sweet
I hadn't realized that this was a spin-off series, and while I didn't have any real trouble getting into and enjoying the story, there feels like a lot of established characters and history exists that I didn't have all the context for, I'll probably circle back and read the original six books of series in the new year since I'm deep into my holiday reading at the moment.
I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
November 16, 2024
And the Christmas ARCs have started!!! Here's Becca Seymour's "Tastes Like Sugar." It's a part of the multi-author series, Collier's Creek Christmas.
["Nothing like sugar kisses to bring people together for the holidays…
After ditching the chaos of city life—and a cheating fiancé—I’m more than ready for a fresh start. Collier’s Creek, with its small-town charm and the warmth of my family, seems like the perfect place to regroup. Throw in a job offer as the new office manager for the local fire department, and it feels like everything is falling into place.
That is, until I meet Hayes.
The confident, cocky, and sinfully sexy firefighter is all smooth moves and effortless charm. Our connection? Instant. Our chemistry? Scorching. But here’s the problem: I’m supposed to be wrangling the firefighters and keeping the department in line, not getting distracted by the hottest man in town—who also happens to be my nephew’s best friend.
As the fire department’s Mr. December, Hayes is used to turning heads, but he’s got his sights set on me. And while I’ve sworn off mixing business with pleasure, this guy makes resisting nearly impossible. Every sweet gesture and playful flirtation chips away at my resolve, leaving me wondering if this time around, I should just give in.
Because the more time I spend with Hayes, the more I realize he’s not just fire and heat—he’s all heart. But with our undeniable attraction and my unease of our familial connection as well as our age gap, can we handle the sparks flying between us without getting burned?"]
Instant attraction and heavy spice right in the first chapter? And our poor, sweet Sully things he can resist Hayes after all of that serendipity and chemistry? Suuuuure, babe, sure. ;) Especially when Hayes sets his sights (and heart) one more than one night, more than a hookup, more than just friends.
These two were...easy. Their connection was stressless, their talks were silence-less. They made friendship (and more) work without all just much of work. Yes, they each had their own histories (and Sully with his hangups), but it wasn't filled with angst and pining (okay, so a little bit of pining--but it was mutual and sweet as hell).
And now I have to read the rest of this series... And the OG series...
#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#tasteslikesugar #beccaseymour #collierscreekchristmas #collierscreekchristmasseries #collierscreek #collierscreekseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Nothing like sugar kisses to bring people together for the holidays…
After ditching the chaos of city life—and a cheating fiancé—I’m more than ready for a fresh start. Collier’s Creek, with its small-town charm and the warmth of my family, seems like the perfect place to regroup. Throw in a job offer as the new office manager for the local fire department, and it feels like everything is falling into place.
That is, until I meet Hayes.
The confident, cocky, and sinfully sexy firefighter is all smooth moves and effortless charm. Our connection? Instant. Our chemistry? Scorching. But here’s the problem: I’m supposed to be wrangling the firefighters and keeping the department in line, not getting distracted by the hottest man in town—who also happens to be my nephew’s best friend.
As the fire department’s Mr. December, Hayes is used to turning heads, but he’s got his sights set on me. And while I’ve sworn off mixing business with pleasure, this guy makes resisting nearly impossible. Every sweet gesture and playful flirtation chips away at my resolve, leaving me wondering if this time around, I should just give in.
Because the more time I spend with Hayes, the more I realize he’s not just fire and heat—he’s all heart. But with our undeniable attraction and my unease of our familial connection as well as our age gap, can we handle the sparks flying between us without getting burned?"]
Instant attraction and heavy spice right in the first chapter? And our poor, sweet Sully things he can resist Hayes after all of that serendipity and chemistry? Suuuuure, babe, sure. ;) Especially when Hayes sets his sights (and heart) one more than one night, more than a hookup, more than just friends.
These two were...easy. Their connection was stressless, their talks were silence-less. They made friendship (and more) work without all just much of work. Yes, they each had their own histories (and Sully with his hangups), but it wasn't filled with angst and pining (okay, so a little bit of pining--but it was mutual and sweet as hell).
And now I have to read the rest of this series... And the OG series...
#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#tasteslikesugar #beccaseymour #collierscreekchristmas #collierscreekchristmasseries #collierscreek #collierscreekseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
November 28, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
I have really been enjoying all the Collier’s Creek books, and this one is no exception. When Firefighter Hayes meets office manager Sully, sparks fly and the attraction is instantaneous, leading to an evening hookup. Both think about each other, but there are problems getting into a relationship — Sully is about to start working at the firehouse with Hayes, and Hayes is blindsided since Sully hadn’t made the final decision until after they met. Another problem is Hayes’s best friend is Sully’s nephew, and finally, there is a sixteen year age gap between them. Sully seems more concerned about the problems than Hayes, and Hayes isn’t giving up on Sully without a fight, so compromises must be made to get to their HEA. Navigating family and coworkers isn’t easy, but love finds a way.
Story is sweet and low angst (mostly), and the engaging characters from other books in the series keep popping up (I need to make a cheat sheet with which characters are with each other and affiliated with which business in Collier’s Creek so I can keep track) as they interact with Sully and Hayes. Those two characters get along so well, communicating with looks, lots of flirting and banter back and forth, and interacting like there was no age disparity at all. When I picture them in my mind, age doesn’t enter in, just the way they play off each other and interact more as contemporaries. Steam is low key but there.
The world of the Hallmark-like town is well developed and carried from book to book to tie it all together along with the town’s Christmas festivities. I enjoyed the interaction at the calendar booth toward the end, and Sully’s reaction to the photos.
This was an enjoyable read, hard to put down, and this book and the others in the series are a great mood setter for the upcoming holiday season, worth the time to sit down and lose yourself in the world of Collier’s Creek.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I have really been enjoying all the Collier’s Creek books, and this one is no exception. When Firefighter Hayes meets office manager Sully, sparks fly and the attraction is instantaneous, leading to an evening hookup. Both think about each other, but there are problems getting into a relationship — Sully is about to start working at the firehouse with Hayes, and Hayes is blindsided since Sully hadn’t made the final decision until after they met. Another problem is Hayes’s best friend is Sully’s nephew, and finally, there is a sixteen year age gap between them. Sully seems more concerned about the problems than Hayes, and Hayes isn’t giving up on Sully without a fight, so compromises must be made to get to their HEA. Navigating family and coworkers isn’t easy, but love finds a way.
Story is sweet and low angst (mostly), and the engaging characters from other books in the series keep popping up (I need to make a cheat sheet with which characters are with each other and affiliated with which business in Collier’s Creek so I can keep track) as they interact with Sully and Hayes. Those two characters get along so well, communicating with looks, lots of flirting and banter back and forth, and interacting like there was no age disparity at all. When I picture them in my mind, age doesn’t enter in, just the way they play off each other and interact more as contemporaries. Steam is low key but there.
The world of the Hallmark-like town is well developed and carried from book to book to tie it all together along with the town’s Christmas festivities. I enjoyed the interaction at the calendar booth toward the end, and Sully’s reaction to the photos.
This was an enjoyable read, hard to put down, and this book and the others in the series are a great mood setter for the upcoming holiday season, worth the time to sit down and lose yourself in the world of Collier’s Creek.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
November 26, 2024
Tastes Like Sugar by Becca Seymour is a delightful and heartwarming age-gap, coworkers-to-lovers romance with just the right mix of heat, humour, and sweetness.
When Sully relocates to the charming small town of Colliers Creek to rebuild his life, he doesn’t anticipate meeting someone like Hayes. Hayes is a lovable, sunshiney himbo who instantly wins over both Sully and readers with his infectious positivity and endearing personality. He’s the kind of character who keeps you grinning with every page.
Their relationship starts off with a steamy hook-up, only for them to later discover their professional connection in the most hilariously awkward way possible. Despite their efforts to keep things strictly professional, their undeniable chemistry shines through in every interaction, making it clear that they’re perfect for one another.
The small-town setting adds an extra layer of charm, with its gossipy but well-meaning residents and a community that feels as much like a character in the story as Sully and Hayes. The secondary cast is lovable, and their connections to the main characters make Colliers Creek feel cosy and alive.
Seymour strikes a great balance between the emotional depth of Sully’s fresh start, the sizzling tension of their burgeoning romance, and the lighthearted fun of a holiday story. Hayes’ unapologetic enthusiasm complements Sully’s more reserved nature, creating a relationship dynamic that is as heartwarming as it is steamy.
With its endearing characters, small-town charm, and perfect blend of sweetness and spice, Tastes Like Sugar is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday romance that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good, cosy read!
When Sully relocates to the charming small town of Colliers Creek to rebuild his life, he doesn’t anticipate meeting someone like Hayes. Hayes is a lovable, sunshiney himbo who instantly wins over both Sully and readers with his infectious positivity and endearing personality. He’s the kind of character who keeps you grinning with every page.
Their relationship starts off with a steamy hook-up, only for them to later discover their professional connection in the most hilariously awkward way possible. Despite their efforts to keep things strictly professional, their undeniable chemistry shines through in every interaction, making it clear that they’re perfect for one another.
The small-town setting adds an extra layer of charm, with its gossipy but well-meaning residents and a community that feels as much like a character in the story as Sully and Hayes. The secondary cast is lovable, and their connections to the main characters make Colliers Creek feel cosy and alive.
Seymour strikes a great balance between the emotional depth of Sully’s fresh start, the sizzling tension of their burgeoning romance, and the lighthearted fun of a holiday story. Hayes’ unapologetic enthusiasm complements Sully’s more reserved nature, creating a relationship dynamic that is as heartwarming as it is steamy.
With its endearing characters, small-town charm, and perfect blend of sweetness and spice, Tastes Like Sugar is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday romance that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good, cosy read!
November 4, 2024
I received a free advance copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Sully has just accepted an administration job with the Collier’s Creek Fire Department following a bad experience with a cheating ex. While he’s out having a beer, he meets Hayes, a fireman, and ends up going home with him. At that point Sully is unaware of Hayes’ occupation, but when he finds out at the end of the evening he leaves because he doesn’t want another experience like he had with his ex with whom he worked. It also turns out that Sully is the uncle of Rhys, Hayes’ best friend, another reason for not getting involved with Hayes. Hayes is charming guy, and they inevitably end up dating. They eventually attain their happy ending.
As I said, Hayes is extremely charming and always in a good mood. Sully is self-deprecating and can’t understand why Hayes is interested. In the end, their personalities mesh easily. Things happen fairly quickly in this book but the length of it makes it essential. The author handles it quite deftly, keeping me interested right to the end. The secondary characters are mostly accepting of the relationship and make substantial contributions to plot development. The storyline is quite straightforward with little angst, and I have to admit that this is the kind of plot that I really enjoy.
Sully has just accepted an administration job with the Collier’s Creek Fire Department following a bad experience with a cheating ex. While he’s out having a beer, he meets Hayes, a fireman, and ends up going home with him. At that point Sully is unaware of Hayes’ occupation, but when he finds out at the end of the evening he leaves because he doesn’t want another experience like he had with his ex with whom he worked. It also turns out that Sully is the uncle of Rhys, Hayes’ best friend, another reason for not getting involved with Hayes. Hayes is charming guy, and they inevitably end up dating. They eventually attain their happy ending.
As I said, Hayes is extremely charming and always in a good mood. Sully is self-deprecating and can’t understand why Hayes is interested. In the end, their personalities mesh easily. Things happen fairly quickly in this book but the length of it makes it essential. The author handles it quite deftly, keeping me interested right to the end. The secondary characters are mostly accepting of the relationship and make substantial contributions to plot development. The storyline is quite straightforward with little angst, and I have to admit that this is the kind of plot that I really enjoy.
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