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If Juno could describe his life in three ways, it would
A little lost.
A little happy.
And maybe a little hopeful.
At least, he was hopeful, but he stops feeling that way when a diagnosis falls into his lap and his entire world turns upside down. Panic sets in and he can no longer remember what it's like to see a light at the end of any tunnel.
Enter Piper, stage right. Juno has been crushing on the older man from behind his bakery counter since Piper started his mall security job. And just as Juno is certain everything around him is going to crumble, Piper appears and makes Juno an
A single trip with a bucket list for everything Juno can reasonably see before he goes blind.
It’s not a cure. It’s barely hope. But it is something no one else can give Juno. And it helps that whenever Piper touches him, when he kisses him, it gives him visions of forever.
He’s terrified what the future is going to look like, literally, but he’s starting to realize there’s still a promise of happiness. He just needs to learn to let himself be vulnerable, and that’s the only real battle he has left to fight.
Sugar is the third book in The Beginning of Always series. It contains a swoony, steamy, age-gap, friends-with-benefits relationship, baked goods, northern lights, Jupiter’s moons, picnic dates, waterfalls, a road trip to remember, and the most tender-hearted happily ever after.
A little lost.
A little happy.
And maybe a little hopeful.
At least, he was hopeful, but he stops feeling that way when a diagnosis falls into his lap and his entire world turns upside down. Panic sets in and he can no longer remember what it's like to see a light at the end of any tunnel.
Enter Piper, stage right. Juno has been crushing on the older man from behind his bakery counter since Piper started his mall security job. And just as Juno is certain everything around him is going to crumble, Piper appears and makes Juno an
A single trip with a bucket list for everything Juno can reasonably see before he goes blind.
It’s not a cure. It’s barely hope. But it is something no one else can give Juno. And it helps that whenever Piper touches him, when he kisses him, it gives him visions of forever.
He’s terrified what the future is going to look like, literally, but he’s starting to realize there’s still a promise of happiness. He just needs to learn to let himself be vulnerable, and that’s the only real battle he has left to fight.
Sugar is the third book in The Beginning of Always series. It contains a swoony, steamy, age-gap, friends-with-benefits relationship, baked goods, northern lights, Jupiter’s moons, picnic dates, waterfalls, a road trip to remember, and the most tender-hearted happily ever after.
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2024
184 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
139 books1,364 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 1, 2024
This was a miss for me unfortunately because I liked the first two books a lot. But, after thinking about why I didn’t like it I think the bottom line is it was too short for the content being explored. Off the top of my head I can think of so many things that would have saved this. They could have showed us more of the first few months of flirting before Juno’s diagnosis, particularly given more insight into how Piper was feeling to explain why he’s dropping everything and driving and paying for this trip. This would have also made us like Juno a bit more before the absolute devastating stress of the diagnosis turned him into an absolute mess. The author did a great job showing what complex PTSD looks like in adults who are triggered and stressed, and Juno certainly had that so his behavior is actually very true to what it would look like in real life, however this is a romance novel and we are supposed to like the characters. If we could have met him before the added stress of his diagnosis put him into a tailspin and brought up unhealthy coping patterns (which led him to be kind of an asshole to Piper for a huge chunk of the book) it might have been easier to forgive his push and pull on Piper. Another thing it needed was a better love declaration and a better apology for being such a disaster in terms of playing with Pipers emotions. Piper was a sweetheart but a pushover who was accepting scraps of affection from Juno and telling himself he’s fine with it when he clearly wasn’t and he even says that he is going to continue ‘bending himself into whatever shape Juno wants since that’s what he’s done his whole life.’ I’m sorry, how are we ok with that for this character? And that is never resolved. Again, needed more pages to fix some of these gaps. Because it was shoved into under 300 pages, it all just felt flat and lacked depth which is not how I feel about most of this authors writing.
My one major critique though that was truly distracting is how often Miles and his story is brought up. His story is resolved much before Juno’s is, and a lot of it takes place before this one starts. Why the hell are we reading Juno’s story first? It was so frustrating to feel like I was missing something that was clearly being referenced from another book because of the way the author was recapping this unwritten story that is well resolved by the time it’s brought up. It took me out of the plot to try and find this mystery book that was made to seem like it had already happened yet it’s unreleased. We now basically know the entire plot and how this mystery book is resolved because it was talked about so much in this one.
On a similar note, there are huge plot inconsistency between books. So if you read in order like I did, by the time you make it to this book the details of Oliver and their history make no sense. It honestly seems like the author totally forgot what they wrote in Halo and Some of You and changed the canon to fit the narrative so that Juno and Miles could be shoved into the story by means of Pretty Boy which BTW totally contradicts the timeline established in Some of You. It was annoying by the end.
My one major critique though that was truly distracting is how often Miles and his story is brought up. His story is resolved much before Juno’s is, and a lot of it takes place before this one starts. Why the hell are we reading Juno’s story first? It was so frustrating to feel like I was missing something that was clearly being referenced from another book because of the way the author was recapping this unwritten story that is well resolved by the time it’s brought up. It took me out of the plot to try and find this mystery book that was made to seem like it had already happened yet it’s unreleased. We now basically know the entire plot and how this mystery book is resolved because it was talked about so much in this one.
On a similar note, there are huge plot inconsistency between books. So if you read in order like I did, by the time you make it to this book the details of Oliver and their history make no sense. It honestly seems like the author totally forgot what they wrote in Halo and Some of You and changed the canon to fit the narrative so that Juno and Miles could be shoved into the story by means of Pretty Boy which BTW totally contradicts the timeline established in Some of You. It was annoying by the end.
July 29, 2024
All the stars.
Another absolutely beautiful book about love, disability, and found family. Such a great feel good book and so informative.
Acceptance of what could have been a devastating blow to Juno's life. Acceptance of Piper's health issues. Acceptance that there are many different ways to show love and be intimate in non traditional ways. How to adapt to physical changes in ones life . Be kind, show affection.
And oh, man...making everything ok, showing that it can be good with and without pills, that sex can always be good as long as you communicate. The way these things are handled is so eloquent and show such delicate handling. Beautiful.
Another absolutely beautiful book about love, disability, and found family. Such a great feel good book and so informative.
Acceptance of what could have been a devastating blow to Juno's life. Acceptance of Piper's health issues. Acceptance that there are many different ways to show love and be intimate in non traditional ways. How to adapt to physical changes in ones life . Be kind, show affection.
And oh, man...making everything ok, showing that it can be good with and without pills, that sex can always be good as long as you communicate. The way these things are handled is so eloquent and show such delicate handling. Beautiful.
August 21, 2024
5 stars
So beautiful!
Juno is such a wonderful young man and he didn't deserve anything that life threw at him: abandoned by his parents, yers in foster care, bullying, homelessness and then blindnes.
Piper is a beautiful soul too, I've loved him since I read Mixed Signals (his brother Phoenix's story): he's so perfect for Juno, supportive, caring (but not suffocating), loving.
Their relationship went from just baker/customer to suddenly soulmates: since Juno confessed his diagnosis, Piper was determined to help him in any way he can. He planned and booked all the things Juno wanted to see before it was too late, he offered his home and helped with the bakery.
But Juno was not used to ask for help, nor to be cherished by anyone (except for his foster brothers, Oliver and Miles): he spent days and nights with Piper, waiting for him to lose interest and abandoning him. Piper was not discouraged, though, but at the same time he needed to protect his own heart as well.
On top of all that, Juno's blindness kept advancing and Piper had his own health problems to deal with.
It was a very emotional story: Juno and Piper not only were never been in love, but they were never been loved before either. They have to learn to communicate their needs and let themselves trust each other.
Their dynamic in bed changes too: it seemed that Piper would have taken care of Juno in bed like he was doing in their everyday life, but then it's Juno the one who spoils Piper and shows him how good they can be together.
The side characters are all great and I'm glad I got to see Nix, Maddox, Oliver and Miles again.
Next book will be Miles and his boyfriends' story and I can't wait for him to have his own happily ever after too.
So beautiful!
Juno is such a wonderful young man and he didn't deserve anything that life threw at him: abandoned by his parents, yers in foster care, bullying, homelessness and then blindnes.
Piper is a beautiful soul too, I've loved him since I read Mixed Signals (his brother Phoenix's story): he's so perfect for Juno, supportive, caring (but not suffocating), loving.
Their relationship went from just baker/customer to suddenly soulmates: since Juno confessed his diagnosis, Piper was determined to help him in any way he can. He planned and booked all the things Juno wanted to see before it was too late, he offered his home and helped with the bakery.
But Juno was not used to ask for help, nor to be cherished by anyone (except for his foster brothers, Oliver and Miles): he spent days and nights with Piper, waiting for him to lose interest and abandoning him. Piper was not discouraged, though, but at the same time he needed to protect his own heart as well.
On top of all that, Juno's blindness kept advancing and Piper had his own health problems to deal with.
It was a very emotional story: Juno and Piper not only were never been in love, but they were never been loved before either. They have to learn to communicate their needs and let themselves trust each other.
Their dynamic in bed changes too: it seemed that Piper would have taken care of Juno in bed like he was doing in their everyday life, but then it's Juno the one who spoils Piper and shows him how good they can be together.
The side characters are all great and I'm glad I got to see Nix, Maddox, Oliver and Miles again.
Next book will be Miles and his boyfriends' story and I can't wait for him to have his own happily ever after too.
July 31, 2024
Friends, this book was SWOONY as hell and I still have heart eyes over it. The third in EM Lindsey’s The Beginning of Always series, Sugar focuses on one of Oliver’s (from the first book) closest friends, Juno, and his age-gap, high-heat, road trip romance with Piper. After Juno receives a difficult diagnosis that leaves him scared and unsure what to do next, he gratefully accepts the ready comfort Piper offers as well as his offer to complete a bucket list before he can no longer experience some things he has always wanted to.
I fell head over heels with both of these characters. Juno’s distress was palpable and it was so real to see him struggling to hold on to his independence, in more than one way, and yet desperately wanting to lay his troubles on someone who could shoulder it just for a while. Piper, also lacking the direction he once had as an astronaut, suddenly finds purpose in offering Juno a safe harbour. I loved watching both of these characters feel so strongly for each other, but grapple with showing the strength of their feelings for someone they just met. For both, finding the other is a chance to feel safe, to breathe and yet they must also reconcile their own questions, their individual journeys before tangling together. As always, Lindsey approaches very authentic feelings with all the complexity they deserve and showing how two people stumble their way to each other by making active commitments to work on themselves and share all their bruised edges as a team. Piper and Juno’s romance is swoony but it’s not without hard questions and even harder work and I loved reading their story. Highly recommend for a classic EM Lindsey that hits all the right spots!
CWs: mentions of past child neglect, foster care trauma and abuse; PTSD; abandonment trauma; on-page panic attacks; vision loss and vision-loss grief and coping; erectile dysfunction
CNs: This novel features a character who receives a diagnosis that entails vision loss. It is also an age-gap romance featuring a road trip and bucket lists. This is also high-heat and features several on-page sex scenes. *Sugar* is third in a series but can be read by itself. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I fell head over heels with both of these characters. Juno’s distress was palpable and it was so real to see him struggling to hold on to his independence, in more than one way, and yet desperately wanting to lay his troubles on someone who could shoulder it just for a while. Piper, also lacking the direction he once had as an astronaut, suddenly finds purpose in offering Juno a safe harbour. I loved watching both of these characters feel so strongly for each other, but grapple with showing the strength of their feelings for someone they just met. For both, finding the other is a chance to feel safe, to breathe and yet they must also reconcile their own questions, their individual journeys before tangling together. As always, Lindsey approaches very authentic feelings with all the complexity they deserve and showing how two people stumble their way to each other by making active commitments to work on themselves and share all their bruised edges as a team. Piper and Juno’s romance is swoony but it’s not without hard questions and even harder work and I loved reading their story. Highly recommend for a classic EM Lindsey that hits all the right spots!
CWs: mentions of past child neglect, foster care trauma and abuse; PTSD; abandonment trauma; on-page panic attacks; vision loss and vision-loss grief and coping; erectile dysfunction
CNs: This novel features a character who receives a diagnosis that entails vision loss. It is also an age-gap romance featuring a road trip and bucket lists. This is also high-heat and features several on-page sex scenes. *Sugar* is third in a series but can be read by itself. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
August 22, 2024
4 stars. Light, low drama, low angst story of two fellas struggling with physical issues while trying to be a couple. I liked the added pressure of health concerns along with the normal stress of a new relationship, issues handled in a mature style with no one out to fix anyone else, lots of lovely acceptance and support.
Part of a series, each book is on a different couple and there is a nice catching-up scene at the end of this book. It does stand alone as the other couples are not a huge part of this story, they just sort of check in at the end.
Vision loss, heart health, ED, m/m, HEA, retired astronaut, baker, age gap, contemporary, vers.
Part of a series, each book is on a different couple and there is a nice catching-up scene at the end of this book. It does stand alone as the other couples are not a huge part of this story, they just sort of check in at the end.
Vision loss, heart health, ED, m/m, HEA, retired astronaut, baker, age gap, contemporary, vers.
July 26, 2024
This is the third installment on the Beginning of Always series, and so far I've found every book better than the previous.
Juno's and Piper's own flaws blend perfectly. Their story felt real. You don't always are good at communicating, you often let your bad mood rule your day, and that was exactly what happened in this book.
Juno's fragilities tore me apart, Piper's acceptance of himself and of his body's changes are amazing to witness.
Loved the cameos, and now I'm curious about Miles' story.
Juno's and Piper's own flaws blend perfectly. Their story felt real. You don't always are good at communicating, you often let your bad mood rule your day, and that was exactly what happened in this book.
Juno's fragilities tore me apart, Piper's acceptance of himself and of his body's changes are amazing to witness.
Loved the cameos, and now I'm curious about Miles' story.
August 3, 2025
juno was so hot and cold with piper & all piper wanted to do was love on him and help him. and when piper finally spoke up for himself, juno got mad? okay, i think see what you are lol.
i wish we had seen nix & mads wedding, too.
i wish we had seen nix & mads wedding, too.
dnf
October 24, 2024Not feeling this at this time. At 19% the MCs are already pretty much together and it feels too instant for my liking. I liked both previous books quite a lot but this one is just missing something.
June 15, 2025
4⭐️
Juno is hit with the devestating news that he's losing his sight. As he tries to come to terms with this, his favorite customer/secret crush at his bakery, Piper, makes him an offer - a bucket list trip while he still has some vision left. Piper is like no one he's ever met before, and as they embark on their trip Juno gets a glimpses of a different, better, future for himself.
As sad as it is to read about someone losing a part of who they are, it is really a feel good kinda story. I've never read someone with this kind of disability, I can't imagine what's worse - waking up with completely no vision or having to watch it fade away day by day. Juno is going through such a dark time and I couldn't imagine a better partner than Piper. He's so sweet and patient, willing to do anything for Juno. He's exactly what Juno needs after his rough childhood and years of not feeling good enough. Juno can be a closed off over-thinker, but Piper gives him nothing but reassurance and love. Piper is struggling with what to do now that his career is over, and Juno brings him new life and perspective. Piper is a natural caretaker and is the perfect person to love and dote on Juno. Even though Piper has some of his own medical issues, they show how love, genuine connection, and affection can overcome any obstacle.
There were just a few little things that bothered me throughout the book. I could never remember where everyone lived, and so when Juno talked about visiting Oliver (I only remembered he lived somewhere in New England) and Miles, I didn't know where Juno lived in relation to them or where Miles was. It just confused me when they were talking about all the travel. I also thought it was different to have Miles story pretty much complete and talked about in this book without his full length novel published. Lastly, I wish we knew their ages! It's mentioned at the end it's a 15 year age gap, but I have no idea how hold Piper is. He could be anywhere from 40-late 50s in my imagination. Just little details were missing that could've really tied the characters together better.
Besides those very specific things I obviously couldn't let go, I did really like this story. It was a fast read and has such cute moments. I loved the inclusion of Juno's brother - Juno has always wanted that familial connection and he seemed like he got himself a good one just when he needed it most. I'm also really curious about Piper's brother, definitely checking out his story. I love their friend group, though I wish I read all their books close together to get the full experience. I'm patiently waiting for Miles' book, and hitting up Nix's novella in the meantime!
Read if you like:
• age gap
• hurt/comfort
• disability rep
•••••••••••••••••••••
Juno is hit with the devestating news that he's losing his sight. As he tries to come to terms with this, his favorite customer/secret crush at his bakery, Piper, makes him an offer - a bucket list trip while he still has some vision left. Piper is like no one he's ever met before, and as they embark on their trip Juno gets a glimpses of a different, better, future for himself.
As sad as it is to read about someone losing a part of who they are, it is really a feel good kinda story. I've never read someone with this kind of disability, I can't imagine what's worse - waking up with completely no vision or having to watch it fade away day by day. Juno is going through such a dark time and I couldn't imagine a better partner than Piper. He's so sweet and patient, willing to do anything for Juno. He's exactly what Juno needs after his rough childhood and years of not feeling good enough. Juno can be a closed off over-thinker, but Piper gives him nothing but reassurance and love. Piper is struggling with what to do now that his career is over, and Juno brings him new life and perspective. Piper is a natural caretaker and is the perfect person to love and dote on Juno. Even though Piper has some of his own medical issues, they show how love, genuine connection, and affection can overcome any obstacle.
There were just a few little things that bothered me throughout the book. I could never remember where everyone lived, and so when Juno talked about visiting Oliver (I only remembered he lived somewhere in New England) and Miles, I didn't know where Juno lived in relation to them or where Miles was. It just confused me when they were talking about all the travel. I also thought it was different to have Miles story pretty much complete and talked about in this book without his full length novel published. Lastly, I wish we knew their ages! It's mentioned at the end it's a 15 year age gap, but I have no idea how hold Piper is. He could be anywhere from 40-late 50s in my imagination. Just little details were missing that could've really tied the characters together better.
Besides those very specific things I obviously couldn't let go, I did really like this story. It was a fast read and has such cute moments. I loved the inclusion of Juno's brother - Juno has always wanted that familial connection and he seemed like he got himself a good one just when he needed it most. I'm also really curious about Piper's brother, definitely checking out his story. I love their friend group, though I wish I read all their books close together to get the full experience. I'm patiently waiting for Miles' book, and hitting up Nix's novella in the meantime!
Read if you like:
• age gap
• hurt/comfort
• disability rep
•••••••••••••••••••••
August 22, 2024
“Everything is too much,” Juno admitted. “I wanted to forget, but seeing your face… I don’t want to lose it. And I’m going to.”
When Juno learns the hazy spot in his eye is the start of a genetic disorder that will cause him to likely lose his vision, his entire world is turned upside down. There are so many things he wants to do and see before he loses his sight but it is all so overwhelming. Then Piper shows up and offers to take Juno on a trip to see whatever they can reasonably accomplish before Juno goes blind. Piper and Juno had admired each other from afar whenever their paths would cross at the mall where they both worked. As the men set out on this adventure, they finally give in to the attraction and Juno begins to realize that for all he stands to lose, he may walk out of this experience with a love like he never imagined he could have - if he’s willing to fight for it.
“Even if this ends, you have my heart.”
I knew this would be an emotional story after reading the blurb. I was devastated for Juno as he received his diagnosis and my heart hurt for him as he tried to come to grips with his new reality. The grief, the disbelief, the fear, and the anger were all so well portrayed. Juno was very independent, something he developed out of necessity thanks to his past, so the fact that he would need to become at least somewhat reliant on other people for the rest of his life was scary for him. It was hard for him to accept or ask for help, even from his closest friends. It created a challenge for Piper who was so drawn to him and wanted to help.
But Piper was an amazing man and was so patient and kind. It wasn’t always easy but he didn’t let Juno’s outbursts or attempts at self-sabotage ruin what was developing between them. Piper was happy to have someone to take care of and hoped he had finally found someone to spend his life with. They were so sweet together. I loved seeing Juno let his guard down and finally let Piper in.
“I don’t like being seen. But it’s different when it’s you seeing me.”
Piper’s offer to take Juno on an adventure to see whatever they could before he lost his vision was so generous. My heart melted at the thoughtfulness of it all. But at the same time, that fear lingered over how bad Juno’s eyes would get and how fast it would happen. Much like Juno, I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I won’t spoil how it all turns out but I will say I enjoyed this story and watching Piper and Juno fall in love. They both deserved a happily ever after!
Piper held his heart in his hands, and for the first time, Juno wasn’t afraid of it being crushed.
November 25, 2025
Not a fan of insta-love…
January 15, 2025
Wow Sugar is an extremely beautiful book that deals with sensitive subjects in a very delicate way. The relationship we see develop between Piper and Juno was breathtaking despite the issues they both faced and dealt with.
I’d 100% giving this book a read you won’t regret it.
I’d 100% giving this book a read you won’t regret it.
July 27, 2024
There are a couple different things EM is known for in their writing. They are really good at building angst, they know how to make really strong emotional connections between the characters that you can't help but relate to, in addition to writing characters that the world views as disabled, but they showcase those disabilities in such a realistic and poignant way. They never fail to create such beautiful characters full of emotion, that are realistic, raw, and poignant.
The storyline of this book in particular hit me hard. All of the books I've read by this author I have loved and enjoyed, but there have been a few, this one now included, that I can relate to on a more personal level. My eyesight is not good, my eyesight is deteriorating the more time goes on, my mom has several different eye conditions some of which got passed down to me. While I don't have the same condition Juno has, I can relate to the fear, anguish, grief, and sadness at losing your ability to see the things you once thought you had so much time to see. In the beginning of this book Juno says he thought the doctor would prescribe him a strong prescription for glasses, and that's what happened to me. Without them though everything is blurry, I can't make out details, and I can't read anything unless it's right in front of my face. Reading about Juno's experiences was hard but so beautiful at the same time, while I don't have the same condition that was highlighted in this story, I found this to be a really profound way to write about deteriorating eyesight and the journey you have to go through within yourself trying to cope with what will become your new reality.
Piper... Piper is a complete sweetheart, he cares about Juno and just wants to do what he can to bring joy to Juno's life. Him being a retired astronaut was really unique! I don't think I've ever read a story that has had an mc who has been an astronaut so that aspect was really interesting to read about! Piper's character has a heart condition, which is something I can also relate to as I have several myself. I have always appreciated how much research and time EM puts into writing about each illness, disease, health condition, disability, ect. They really take their time to make sure it's as accurate as it can be within a fictional story. I thought both of these characters were really well written, and what they each individually were going through as well as going through it together was described and written in great detail, which I really enjoyed.
Since Juno is a baker and he had owned his own bakery, I was hoping for more scenes where he would be baking different things. That didn't happen though, there were a few mentions of him baking but not as many as I was expecting considering he's a baker. Although I do understand why that was not the focus of this story, the focus was on his journey with reconciling with the information his doctor dropped on him, along with him opening up to Piper.
The pacing was great, the relationship between Piper and Juno developed quite quickly compared to this author's more angstier romances, but I still really liked this and thought that the relationship development was beautifully done. This book is high steam so be prepared for that, this book is also a bit heav so if that's not your cup of tea, this may not be for you. Overall this book was exceptional!!! I can't wait to see what this author does next!!
The storyline of this book in particular hit me hard. All of the books I've read by this author I have loved and enjoyed, but there have been a few, this one now included, that I can relate to on a more personal level. My eyesight is not good, my eyesight is deteriorating the more time goes on, my mom has several different eye conditions some of which got passed down to me. While I don't have the same condition Juno has, I can relate to the fear, anguish, grief, and sadness at losing your ability to see the things you once thought you had so much time to see. In the beginning of this book Juno says he thought the doctor would prescribe him a strong prescription for glasses, and that's what happened to me. Without them though everything is blurry, I can't make out details, and I can't read anything unless it's right in front of my face. Reading about Juno's experiences was hard but so beautiful at the same time, while I don't have the same condition that was highlighted in this story, I found this to be a really profound way to write about deteriorating eyesight and the journey you have to go through within yourself trying to cope with what will become your new reality.
Piper... Piper is a complete sweetheart, he cares about Juno and just wants to do what he can to bring joy to Juno's life. Him being a retired astronaut was really unique! I don't think I've ever read a story that has had an mc who has been an astronaut so that aspect was really interesting to read about! Piper's character has a heart condition, which is something I can also relate to as I have several myself. I have always appreciated how much research and time EM puts into writing about each illness, disease, health condition, disability, ect. They really take their time to make sure it's as accurate as it can be within a fictional story. I thought both of these characters were really well written, and what they each individually were going through as well as going through it together was described and written in great detail, which I really enjoyed.
Since Juno is a baker and he had owned his own bakery, I was hoping for more scenes where he would be baking different things. That didn't happen though, there were a few mentions of him baking but not as many as I was expecting considering he's a baker. Although I do understand why that was not the focus of this story, the focus was on his journey with reconciling with the information his doctor dropped on him, along with him opening up to Piper.
The pacing was great, the relationship between Piper and Juno developed quite quickly compared to this author's more angstier romances, but I still really liked this and thought that the relationship development was beautifully done. This book is high steam so be prepared for that, this book is also a bit heav so if that's not your cup of tea, this may not be for you. Overall this book was exceptional!!! I can't wait to see what this author does next!!
January 16, 2025
This story was a 3 out of 5 for me! There were many things I liked, along with a few aspects that left me wanting more. First, I loved the characters' names, which may seem random, but they were unique without being too outrageous, and I found them fitting for each character. I also appreciated the evolving feelings Juno had about his vision. He wasn't just accepting; he definitely went through a few stages of grief, and Piper was there to support him.
I didn't like that we were kind of plopped into the story. It goes from zero to 100 in just one chapter. We don't learn much about Juno’s bakery or even how Juno and Piper are introduced to each other, aside from a small anecdote about halfway through the book. Additionally, there were a handful of plot holes and forgotten moments, like the service dog, Juno’s brother, and details of the trip, just to name a few. These elements could have made the story feel more personal and evolved. Piper and Juno definitely had chemistry, and the steamy scenes were great! This story definitely felt insta-lovey which ISN'T my cup of tea BUT i liked the premise.
3 Stars
MC with low/regressing vision
MC with ED
Former Astronaut x Baker
Former foster child still working through trauma
I didn't like that we were kind of plopped into the story. It goes from zero to 100 in just one chapter. We don't learn much about Juno’s bakery or even how Juno and Piper are introduced to each other, aside from a small anecdote about halfway through the book. Additionally, there were a handful of plot holes and forgotten moments, like the service dog, Juno’s brother, and details of the trip, just to name a few. These elements could have made the story feel more personal and evolved. Piper and Juno definitely had chemistry, and the steamy scenes were great! This story definitely felt insta-lovey which ISN'T my cup of tea BUT i liked the premise.
3 Stars
MC with low/regressing vision
MC with ED
Former Astronaut x Baker
Former foster child still working through trauma
August 19, 2024
Sweet story
An enjoyable, age gap romance. The characters were lovable and likeable guys, and they've both suffered their own with their respective illnesses. That made it easy for me to root for them to get their happy ending.
An enjoyable, age gap romance. The characters were lovable and likeable guys, and they've both suffered their own with their respective illnesses. That made it easy for me to root for them to get their happy ending.
August 31, 2024
the first one was the best
I completed the series since I didn’t have much else to read but the first one was the better one. This one is about the friend Juno and it follows a similar concept as the second book but it just didn’t do it for me.
I completed the series since I didn’t have much else to read but the first one was the better one. This one is about the friend Juno and it follows a similar concept as the second book but it just didn’t do it for me.
September 2, 2024
This was sweet and at times frustrating. Both Juno and Piper had tonnes of trauma to work through to be able to finally open up and get the love they both deserved. Not my favourite couple of the series but all the lil snippets of Miles’s story have me so interested!
August 1, 2024
Found it to be quite boring TBH.
July 27, 2024
Rating: 5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, age gap, disability rep
Sugar was a fantastic combination of sweet, swoony and angsty, with some great hurt / comfort!
Juno and Piper's story was an emotional and captivating read in all the best ways - it was raw, intense and romantic. Juno was definitely the kind of character that made my heart ache, and learning about his past and seeing his deep sense of loneliness was utterly heartbreaking for me. I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and keep him somewhere safe...
Luckily, Juno had Piper. Piper was an absolute sweetheart, and I loved how patient he was and the way he took care of Juno. They started off as friends with benefits, but it didn't take long before it was obvious that there was more between them, and I really enjoyed the way their relationship slowly built. Piper was very open and honest about how he felt about Juno, but never put any pressure on him since he knew he wasn't ready for more. I was rooting so hard for Piper though, hoping that Juno would let him in and keep him.
Their story had a lot of sweet and swoony moments, and I loved to see how supportive and gentle Piper was with Juno. They weren't always great at communicating, but they did the best they could and built a lot of trust along the way. E.M. Lindsey had me both giggling and crying while reading - as usual they did an amazing job with the disability rep, and what Juno went through felt very realistic.
Sugar was a beautiful story that hit all the right spots for me - I loved the characters and the hurt / comfort was just perfection. Juno and Piper were so right for each other, and their relationship was full of love and support. I really can't recommend this book enough - this whole series has been amazing, and I'm very excited for Miles' story!
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Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 3rd person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, age gap, disability rep
Sugar was a fantastic combination of sweet, swoony and angsty, with some great hurt / comfort!
Juno and Piper's story was an emotional and captivating read in all the best ways - it was raw, intense and romantic. Juno was definitely the kind of character that made my heart ache, and learning about his past and seeing his deep sense of loneliness was utterly heartbreaking for me. I just wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and keep him somewhere safe...
Luckily, Juno had Piper. Piper was an absolute sweetheart, and I loved how patient he was and the way he took care of Juno. They started off as friends with benefits, but it didn't take long before it was obvious that there was more between them, and I really enjoyed the way their relationship slowly built. Piper was very open and honest about how he felt about Juno, but never put any pressure on him since he knew he wasn't ready for more. I was rooting so hard for Piper though, hoping that Juno would let him in and keep him.
Their story had a lot of sweet and swoony moments, and I loved to see how supportive and gentle Piper was with Juno. They weren't always great at communicating, but they did the best they could and built a lot of trust along the way. E.M. Lindsey had me both giggling and crying while reading - as usual they did an amazing job with the disability rep, and what Juno went through felt very realistic.
Sugar was a beautiful story that hit all the right spots for me - I loved the characters and the hurt / comfort was just perfection. Juno and Piper were so right for each other, and their relationship was full of love and support. I really can't recommend this book enough - this whole series has been amazing, and I'm very excited for Miles' story!
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Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 30, 2024
Juno and Piper's story was tough for me to get through, not because I didn't like or care about the characters but because of how weighty the main themes of their journey were. This book dealt with the difficult, sometimes scary reality of progressive vision loss, and it did so in a way that felt authentic and true to the complex emotions anyone would have about something that was so completely out of their control. I felt Juno's emotions deeply as he grappled with what to expect from the rest of his life, and I'm so thankful that he had Piper as a support system to listen and offer whatever comfort Juno was ready to accept. Like Juno, I sometimes didn't understand why Piper was so all-in with him, willing to walk away from his job and drop everything to go on a bucket list tour when they barely knew each other. Maybe I'm just too cynical, but the idea that someone would be so unselfishly kind wasn't even a consideration, and yet the more I read the more I realized that's exactly what it was. Piper had zero expectations of Juno, just interested in getting to know him and exploring the potential of their connection. Because of the timing of Juno's bucket list trip, they did move pretty quickly in their relationship, but I never felt like either of them were rushing themselves when it came to their feelings for each other. As time passed and they grew comfortable opening up, I stopped doubting that they would find a way to make things work and instead watched as they tackled what life had in store for them hand-in-hand. Juno and Piper's happy ending wasn't the biggest or most flashy affair, but it left me with a quiet certainty and joy that these men were on a path to live their best lives surrounded by love and community.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 20, 2025
Losing it All
Juno’s live is falling apart, literally before his very eyes. His business as a Baker is failing and now it’s being confirmed that he is going blind. I felt so bad for him especially after reading about his earlier life, being abandoned by parents, and passed from one foster home to another. The only bright part of that was he met his very best friends there in the system, Miles and Oliver.
Juno has become friendly with the Security Guard at the Mall where he has his Baker Shop. Piper wasn’t always in Security and Juno is bowled over when he discovers his former career and achievements in life. He is more than a decade older than Juno.
Piper has his own health issues which developed because of his past career. More life threatening than Juno’s blindness, and I was annoyed with Juno’s inconsiderate attitude towards Piper, as if his health issue wasn’t as bad as his. It takes a while for Juno to become more sensitive.
Piper falls first and he had to work so hard to get Juno to learn to trust, especially as he has abandonment issues.
This wasn’t an easy read watching these two men navigate their way to a HEA. E.M. Lindsey is excellent at writing stories of men who are broken and damaged in some way, and this one is no exception. I’ve not read the other books in this series which feature several of the side characters who are friends of Juno in ‘Sugar’. I desperately need to make some space in my TBR and add them for future reading.
Juno’s live is falling apart, literally before his very eyes. His business as a Baker is failing and now it’s being confirmed that he is going blind. I felt so bad for him especially after reading about his earlier life, being abandoned by parents, and passed from one foster home to another. The only bright part of that was he met his very best friends there in the system, Miles and Oliver.
Juno has become friendly with the Security Guard at the Mall where he has his Baker Shop. Piper wasn’t always in Security and Juno is bowled over when he discovers his former career and achievements in life. He is more than a decade older than Juno.
Piper has his own health issues which developed because of his past career. More life threatening than Juno’s blindness, and I was annoyed with Juno’s inconsiderate attitude towards Piper, as if his health issue wasn’t as bad as his. It takes a while for Juno to become more sensitive.
Piper falls first and he had to work so hard to get Juno to learn to trust, especially as he has abandonment issues.
This wasn’t an easy read watching these two men navigate their way to a HEA. E.M. Lindsey is excellent at writing stories of men who are broken and damaged in some way, and this one is no exception. I’ve not read the other books in this series which feature several of the side characters who are friends of Juno in ‘Sugar’. I desperately need to make some space in my TBR and add them for future reading.
July 24, 2024
I absolutely loved the other books in this series and Juno and Piper’s are another excellent couple. The characters in EM Lindsey books are always a highlight and in Sugar, we get two perfectly flawed and wonderful MCs. Juno is a confusing blend of strength and vulnerability and Piper is an endearing mix of anxiety and competence. They are both very easy to love, but there are roadblocks to deal with before finding their HEA. Juno’s has just learned he may be losing his sight, plus his childhood in foster care left him with a pretty hefty and understandable fear of abandonment. I think what I appreciated most is how despite their very real obstacles, Piper and Juno do try to communicate throughout their challenges. Not always perfectly, but I loved that they stay in the fight. They want to be together, they want a future. Piper is amazingly patient with Juno, who fears a real commitment. I liked that Piper does have his limits, he wants to be Juno’s person but not at the expense of all his own needs. I loved this balance. The bucket list road trip was the perfect way to accelerate their relationship, it was also beautifully melancholy as Juno’s sight continues to decline as they grow closer. This was pretty lovely and one of the more genuinely romantic books I’ve read in a long while. I loved it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 26, 2024
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This is another emotional and gorgeous story by EM Lindsey. A crush and a confession bring these two together for an epic romance.
Juno confesses his recent diagnosis of losing his sight to the cute older man who frequents his bakery stall. Piper may not understand his specific diagnosis, but he does understand what it means to have his health turn his world upside down.
A tentative friendship is formed, which turns to a casual fling that was never really casual, and a road trip to remember.
It’s not just Juno losing his sight, or Piper recovering from his heart condition, it’s also their pasts that continue to influence their lives and in many ways is the biggest hurdle to their finding forever love.
This is an extremely emotionally satisfying read with such a bright future.
This is another emotional and gorgeous story by EM Lindsey. A crush and a confession bring these two together for an epic romance.
Juno confesses his recent diagnosis of losing his sight to the cute older man who frequents his bakery stall. Piper may not understand his specific diagnosis, but he does understand what it means to have his health turn his world upside down.
A tentative friendship is formed, which turns to a casual fling that was never really casual, and a road trip to remember.
It’s not just Juno losing his sight, or Piper recovering from his heart condition, it’s also their pasts that continue to influence their lives and in many ways is the biggest hurdle to their finding forever love.
This is an extremely emotionally satisfying read with such a bright future.
July 27, 2024
Another winner from EM Lindsey! I haven't read the other books in this series and didn't miss a beat.
Juno is a baker, facing a very unexpected health issue: he's losing his vision. No one can tell him how long it'll take or how much sight he'll have left, but he knows this will change everything. Piper is working mall security- not because he needs to, but because he's at loose ends and trying to fill his time. He didn't count on meeting and liking the baker at the mall - but when Juno gets the news that changes his life, Piper is a safe person to talk to, and to rely on- something Juno hasn't had very much of in his life.
I liked this book so very much because none of the characters were perfect- love didn't fix everything, problems didn't magically disappear, and real life, while scary at times, was also a place of comfort for both men. 4.5 stars from me - I enjoyed this from start to finish!
Juno is a baker, facing a very unexpected health issue: he's losing his vision. No one can tell him how long it'll take or how much sight he'll have left, but he knows this will change everything. Piper is working mall security- not because he needs to, but because he's at loose ends and trying to fill his time. He didn't count on meeting and liking the baker at the mall - but when Juno gets the news that changes his life, Piper is a safe person to talk to, and to rely on- something Juno hasn't had very much of in his life.
I liked this book so very much because none of the characters were perfect- love didn't fix everything, problems didn't magically disappear, and real life, while scary at times, was also a place of comfort for both men. 4.5 stars from me - I enjoyed this from start to finish!
July 28, 2024
This series is just so good
After Victor and Oliver, I really didn't think anyone could better them but Emil and Renzo were just as good. Now, Piper and Juno come along and break and re-make my heart like the first two couples did.
Juno is a survivor but being suddenly faced with blindness throws him completely off kilter. Piper is a complete sweetheart and a total caregiver, and learning his secret crush's diagnosis has him stepping in and stepping up to support him in whatever way he can (and whatever way the fiercely independent Juno will let him). Their story is so beautiful, full of little moments and big moments too.
The disability rep in E.M.'s books is always well-done, eliciting empathy but not sugar-coating anything, and Juno's worsening sight is heartbreaking to witness. It's not a sad book, despite their backgrounds and their health problems, but rather an uplifting tale that ends with a very satisying HEA.
After Victor and Oliver, I really didn't think anyone could better them but Emil and Renzo were just as good. Now, Piper and Juno come along and break and re-make my heart like the first two couples did.
Juno is a survivor but being suddenly faced with blindness throws him completely off kilter. Piper is a complete sweetheart and a total caregiver, and learning his secret crush's diagnosis has him stepping in and stepping up to support him in whatever way he can (and whatever way the fiercely independent Juno will let him). Their story is so beautiful, full of little moments and big moments too.
The disability rep in E.M.'s books is always well-done, eliciting empathy but not sugar-coating anything, and Juno's worsening sight is heartbreaking to witness. It's not a sad book, despite their backgrounds and their health problems, but rather an uplifting tale that ends with a very satisying HEA.
July 31, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Sugar is the third book in the Beginning of Always series by E.M. Lindsey. We have met Juno in past books as the best friend to Oliver from Halo and Pretty Boy. Piper appears as a side character in his brother Nix’s story, which originally appears in the one of the Heart2Heart anthologies and is now slightly expanded and available for free on Prolific Works. All that said, while the background on the relationship the men have will make things richer here, you can definitely jump in with Juno and Piper’s story.
This is a really sweet, romantic story that leans into a hurt/comfort vibe. Piper’s future is a little up in the air, but he is on more solid footing emotionally and financially.
Sugar was a really sweet and romantic story and I can definitely recommend it.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Sugar is the third book in the Beginning of Always series by E.M. Lindsey. We have met Juno in past books as the best friend to Oliver from Halo and Pretty Boy. Piper appears as a side character in his brother Nix’s story, which originally appears in the one of the Heart2Heart anthologies and is now slightly expanded and available for free on Prolific Works. All that said, while the background on the relationship the men have will make things richer here, you can definitely jump in with Juno and Piper’s story.
This is a really sweet, romantic story that leans into a hurt/comfort vibe. Piper’s future is a little up in the air, but he is on more solid footing emotionally and financially.
Sugar was a really sweet and romantic story and I can definitely recommend it.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 12, 2025
This is an age gap romance, featuring Juno and Piper, and is book three in the Beginning Of Always series.
After a life-altering diagnosis leaves Juno facing blindness and losing hope, his longtime crush Piper offers him a bucket-list trip to see everything he can before his vision fades. As they grow closer, Juno learns that love, vulnerability, and shared moments might still bring him a future worth seeing.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt story. What Juno goes through with losing his eyesight is quite emotional, and watching Piper support him through it made my heart melt. I loved seeing Juno find hope again, and I’m loving this series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM romance
Age gap
Baker x retired astronaut
Hurt / Comfort
Past trauma
MC losing his sight
Caretaker
Bucket list trip
Dates
Spicy times & dirty talk
S*x toys
Marking
Calls him sugar
Found family
HEA
After a life-altering diagnosis leaves Juno facing blindness and losing hope, his longtime crush Piper offers him a bucket-list trip to see everything he can before his vision fades. As they grow closer, Juno learns that love, vulnerability, and shared moments might still bring him a future worth seeing.
I really enjoyed this heartfelt story. What Juno goes through with losing his eyesight is quite emotional, and watching Piper support him through it made my heart melt. I loved seeing Juno find hope again, and I’m loving this series.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM romance
Age gap
Baker x retired astronaut
Hurt / Comfort
Past trauma
MC losing his sight
Caretaker
Bucket list trip
Dates
Spicy times & dirty talk
S*x toys
Marking
Calls him sugar
Found family
HEA
July 27, 2024
Juno grew up in the foster care system. While he made two best friends in one of the group homes, their lives have diverged as they've gotten older. Juno is trying to make it as a baker with his own shop in a mall, but the mall is dying and so is the shop. A bright spot is the flirty older man, Piper, who recently started as a mall cop. When Juno gets a devastating diagnosis, he's completely upended.
Piper lends a willing ear and when he finds out that his health problems are resolving, he offers to take Juno on a bucket list trip across the US.
I really enjoy Lindsey's books. There's always disability rep with characters either coming to grips with it, expanding their horizons, or already living successful lives. Tropes include age gap, science nerdery, secrets, FWB (hah, sure, keep thinking that).
Piper lends a willing ear and when he finds out that his health problems are resolving, he offers to take Juno on a bucket list trip across the US.
I really enjoy Lindsey's books. There's always disability rep with characters either coming to grips with it, expanding their horizons, or already living successful lives. Tropes include age gap, science nerdery, secrets, FWB (hah, sure, keep thinking that).
July 31, 2024
Lindsey is one of my comfort authors, which is a funny thing to say when their books almost always make me cry at least once. Juno and Piper's story was no exception as these two men find their way to each other. Juno's medical diagnosis adds a bit of a speed-run element to their romance, with the forced proximity of their road trip leading both men to confront their greatest wants...and fears. As usual, Lindsey handles medical elements with care, making them relevant to the characters' stories but not the only element of their characterization. While the story of these men brought me to tears more than once, the high emotion is balanced by equally high heat and all the sweetness that the title implies.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
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