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The Art of Love #6
Sugared
The Art of Love is having the wrong numbers, but being in the right place at the right time…
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been given the job of running Hawthorne House’s increasingly busy kitchen and teaching cooking and baking courses at the arts center. He feels like he has to prove himself to Robert Hawthorne to keep his place, so when he finds his former best friend’s brother in severe distress and brings him home, he isn’t sure whether Ean Jones will make him or break him.
Kicked out of his parents’ house for being gay, Ean knows he’s in trouble. All he has to his name is a lottery ticket and hope. So when Leland comes to his rescue, he’s ready and willing to do anything for his new hero. But he didn’t imagine that would mean helping Leland create the most magnificent Valentine’s Day feast Hawthorne House has ever seen!
Sugared is a low-angst, brother’s best friend, unlikely rescue story that involves lots of cake and a hope for a better life.
This short novella originally appeared in the Candy Volume 2 - Wrong Number Valentine's Day anthology.
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been given the job of running Hawthorne House’s increasingly busy kitchen and teaching cooking and baking courses at the arts center. He feels like he has to prove himself to Robert Hawthorne to keep his place, so when he finds his former best friend’s brother in severe distress and brings him home, he isn’t sure whether Ean Jones will make him or break him.
Kicked out of his parents’ house for being gay, Ean knows he’s in trouble. All he has to his name is a lottery ticket and hope. So when Leland comes to his rescue, he’s ready and willing to do anything for his new hero. But he didn’t imagine that would mean helping Leland create the most magnificent Valentine’s Day feast Hawthorne House has ever seen!
Sugared is a low-angst, brother’s best friend, unlikely rescue story that involves lots of cake and a hope for a better life.
This short novella originally appeared in the Candy Volume 2 - Wrong Number Valentine's Day anthology.
- GenresContemporaryM M Romance
62 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2025
27 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
303 books1,143 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 14, 2025
A delightful little tale. Leland, a top chef, accidentally comes across a past acquaintance in dire straits, an acquaintance he had strong feelings for back then. A nice short, enjoyable read.
May 19, 2025
Leland and Ean . . .
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been asked to not only cater a benefit supper for the Hawthorne Community Arts Center back in the fall, but also their Christmas party in December, resulting in an offer to teach culinary classes at their well known arts center. And he enjoyed working for the Hawthorne family. Hawthorne House had started as a grand aristocratic estate, then was converted into a convalescent hospital during the First World War, then became a boys’ school after the Second World War, and then in the 1990’s it was turned into the arts center and the former dormitories converted to a dozen small flats for members of the large and sprawling Hawthorne family to live in and where Leland currently lived. But right now, he had a teen class and some messes to take care of.
The Arts Center put him in charge of food for the new dinner and special occasions. His students had gone quickly through the supplies as they learned, and he would run short. He could count on only a few of the students to be able to successfully bake the cakes he needed. Even now he had to run errands so he had enough eggs for his afternoon class. And he needed some re-stocking for his fridge upstairs. Maybe he would even get some time to start dating again as he got organized. At the grocery store, he saw a shabby young man trying to cash in a lottery ticket he had been told was a winner. But the clerk searched and it was not a winning ticket. The young man begged, saying he had no home, no job, no clothes. Even his bag had been stolen. And he can’t go on like this. Leland gave him $20… but then he recognized him. The young man was Ean Jones, little brother of his old school chum, Davie. What had happened to land him on the streets like this?
Not knowing what else to do at this point, Leland invited Ean home with him. Apparently his parents kicked him out of the house for watching gay porn. And his older brother cursed him and slammed the door in his face. While Ean gratefully showered at Leland’s flat, Leland provided clothes for him from upstairs where the family kept a supply. Then he took him to the afternoon class he was teaching now and told him he could join the students. He notices Ean has a natural talent for baking cakes and decorating the desserts. He’s a quick learner and will be able to help Leland with the Valentine’s Day event for Hawthorne House. And when Mr. Hawthorne thanked Leland for the outstanding job he had done for this event, Leland announced that he couldn’t have done it without help from someone very special to him, Ean Jones, and all eyes were on Ean as the crowd enthusiastically applauded for him. After cleaning up the kitchen later, Leland invited Ean upstairs to talk. Expecting to be asked to leave, Ean was literally shaking. Would Leland send him away, with both of them having opportunities to accept now? Or would this talk be long overdue and something they both have waited a long time to achieve?
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been asked to not only cater a benefit supper for the Hawthorne Community Arts Center back in the fall, but also their Christmas party in December, resulting in an offer to teach culinary classes at their well known arts center. And he enjoyed working for the Hawthorne family. Hawthorne House had started as a grand aristocratic estate, then was converted into a convalescent hospital during the First World War, then became a boys’ school after the Second World War, and then in the 1990’s it was turned into the arts center and the former dormitories converted to a dozen small flats for members of the large and sprawling Hawthorne family to live in and where Leland currently lived. But right now, he had a teen class and some messes to take care of.
The Arts Center put him in charge of food for the new dinner and special occasions. His students had gone quickly through the supplies as they learned, and he would run short. He could count on only a few of the students to be able to successfully bake the cakes he needed. Even now he had to run errands so he had enough eggs for his afternoon class. And he needed some re-stocking for his fridge upstairs. Maybe he would even get some time to start dating again as he got organized. At the grocery store, he saw a shabby young man trying to cash in a lottery ticket he had been told was a winner. But the clerk searched and it was not a winning ticket. The young man begged, saying he had no home, no job, no clothes. Even his bag had been stolen. And he can’t go on like this. Leland gave him $20… but then he recognized him. The young man was Ean Jones, little brother of his old school chum, Davie. What had happened to land him on the streets like this?
Not knowing what else to do at this point, Leland invited Ean home with him. Apparently his parents kicked him out of the house for watching gay porn. And his older brother cursed him and slammed the door in his face. While Ean gratefully showered at Leland’s flat, Leland provided clothes for him from upstairs where the family kept a supply. Then he took him to the afternoon class he was teaching now and told him he could join the students. He notices Ean has a natural talent for baking cakes and decorating the desserts. He’s a quick learner and will be able to help Leland with the Valentine’s Day event for Hawthorne House. And when Mr. Hawthorne thanked Leland for the outstanding job he had done for this event, Leland announced that he couldn’t have done it without help from someone very special to him, Ean Jones, and all eyes were on Ean as the crowd enthusiastically applauded for him. After cleaning up the kitchen later, Leland invited Ean upstairs to talk. Expecting to be asked to leave, Ean was literally shaking. Would Leland send him away, with both of them having opportunities to accept now? Or would this talk be long overdue and something they both have waited a long time to achieve?
May 8, 2025
Sugared is the sixth book in the ‘Art of Love’ series. It stars Leland Page the chef and teacher at Hawthorne House, and Ean Jones, the younger brother of Leland’s ex-friend. This is told in third person from Ean and Leland’s povs. Neither of these characters are related to the Hawthornes.
As the cover and its colors imply, this is a very, sugary, sweet, cavity inducing story. I enjoy these kinds of tales, but if you prefer angst, this isn’t for you. The blurb does a good job of describing the plot. This is fast-paced that centers around cooking classes and Valentine’s Day.
Leland and Ean knew each other when Leland was friends with Ean’s brother. Ean had a crush on Leland, and Leland admitted he liked Ean then, but Ean was too young at the time. Leland and the brother had a falling out and Leland became a chef. Years later he runs into Ean at a store and Ean’s in terrible shape. He’s been kicked out for being gay. Leland takes him back to Hawthorne House to help Ean, but Ean thinks all men want favors in exchange for help. He offers Leland and Leland is shocked. Leland says he can help with the cooking classes cleaning up and learning the lessons. It turns out Ean is quite good at baking and decorating desserts.
The attraction the two felt when younger is rekindled, but Leland doesn’t want to do anything about it until after the Valentine’s Day party. Ean is an absolute sweetheart. Even though he’s been out on the streets, he has this innocent quality about him. He admits that he’s a submissive most likely and likes to be told what to do. Leland has the urge to protect Ean and take charge, so in that respect they are a good fit. Even though the story moved at a fast clip with just enough information to fill out the personalities and the plot, I could believe in Leland and Ean as a couple.
I enjoyed Sugared. The title implies exactly what type of story this is, ultra sweet with loads of syrup. I give this book, 4 Stars for enjoyment.
I received and ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
As the cover and its colors imply, this is a very, sugary, sweet, cavity inducing story. I enjoy these kinds of tales, but if you prefer angst, this isn’t for you. The blurb does a good job of describing the plot. This is fast-paced that centers around cooking classes and Valentine’s Day.
Leland and Ean knew each other when Leland was friends with Ean’s brother. Ean had a crush on Leland, and Leland admitted he liked Ean then, but Ean was too young at the time. Leland and the brother had a falling out and Leland became a chef. Years later he runs into Ean at a store and Ean’s in terrible shape. He’s been kicked out for being gay. Leland takes him back to Hawthorne House to help Ean, but Ean thinks all men want favors in exchange for help. He offers Leland and Leland is shocked. Leland says he can help with the cooking classes cleaning up and learning the lessons. It turns out Ean is quite good at baking and decorating desserts.
The attraction the two felt when younger is rekindled, but Leland doesn’t want to do anything about it until after the Valentine’s Day party. Ean is an absolute sweetheart. Even though he’s been out on the streets, he has this innocent quality about him. He admits that he’s a submissive most likely and likes to be told what to do. Leland has the urge to protect Ean and take charge, so in that respect they are a good fit. Even though the story moved at a fast clip with just enough information to fill out the personalities and the plot, I could believe in Leland and Ean as a couple.
I enjoyed Sugared. The title implies exactly what type of story this is, ultra sweet with loads of syrup. I give this book, 4 Stars for enjoyment.
I received and ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 6, 2025
Here's Merry Farmer's "Sugared." It's the sixth novel in her new series, The Art of Love.
["The Art of Love is having the wrong numbers, but being in the right place at the right time…
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been given the job of running Hawthorne House’s increasingly busy kitchen and teaching cooking and baking courses at the arts center. He feels like he has to prove himself to Robert Hawthorne to keep his place, so when he finds his former best friend’s brother in severe distress and brings him home, he isn’t sure whether Ean Jones will make him or break him.
Kicked out of his parents’ house for being gay, Ean knows he’s in trouble. All he has to his name is a lottery ticket and hope. So when Leland comes to his rescue, he’s ready and willing to do anything for his new hero. But he didn’t imagine that would mean helping Leland create the most magnificent Valentine’s Day feast Hawthorne House has ever seen!"]
I remember reading this book when it was a short story in "Candy Volume 2", a charity anthology, but somehow, even it didn't really change, it was even better with the Art of Love themed cover.
I loved these two both times. They were sweet and kind and patient. They were dedicated to being happy and finding a place to belong (of course the Hawthorne House was the place--any artsy queer individual (or accountant) is welcome).
It might just have been a taste of the Hawthorne crazy, and thest two night not be Hawthorne by blood, but it was still so utterly perfect!
Trigger Warnings: homophobic parents, and more.
#thrown #painted #decorated #forged #blown #theartoflove #theartofloveseries #merryfarmer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The Art of Love is having the wrong numbers, but being in the right place at the right time…
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been given the job of running Hawthorne House’s increasingly busy kitchen and teaching cooking and baking courses at the arts center. He feels like he has to prove himself to Robert Hawthorne to keep his place, so when he finds his former best friend’s brother in severe distress and brings him home, he isn’t sure whether Ean Jones will make him or break him.
Kicked out of his parents’ house for being gay, Ean knows he’s in trouble. All he has to his name is a lottery ticket and hope. So when Leland comes to his rescue, he’s ready and willing to do anything for his new hero. But he didn’t imagine that would mean helping Leland create the most magnificent Valentine’s Day feast Hawthorne House has ever seen!"]
I remember reading this book when it was a short story in "Candy Volume 2", a charity anthology, but somehow, even it didn't really change, it was even better with the Art of Love themed cover.
I loved these two both times. They were sweet and kind and patient. They were dedicated to being happy and finding a place to belong (of course the Hawthorne House was the place--any artsy queer individual (or accountant) is welcome).
It might just have been a taste of the Hawthorne crazy, and thest two night not be Hawthorne by blood, but it was still so utterly perfect!
Trigger Warnings: homophobic parents, and more.
#thrown #painted #decorated #forged #blown #theartoflove #theartofloveseries #merryfarmer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 18, 2025
When Leland runs across his ex-best friend’s brother in need of help, he steps right in. He had always had a soft spot in his heart for Ean, even being attracted to him when he was really too young. Now, he can help Ean recover from the hole he had been in, and help Leland at the same time with his cooking classes at Hawthorne House. Ean is a quick learner and a big asset in the kitchen, especially when getting ready for the special Valentine’s Day dinner put on by Hawthorne House. After the success, Leland sits Ean down to give him news he wasn’t expecting, the best news of his life.
Ean is so sweet, a victim of his homophobic family, down on his luck and really needing someone to take care of him, even if he is an adult. Leland had an unwelcome history of his own with Ean’s family, and is ready to do whatever he can to help, all while trying to tamp down his desire for this young man in all ways possible. Their feelings and interactions seem realistic and true, and you can’t help rooting for Ean to get his heart’s desire in the end (Leland, too).
I enjoy all of Merry Farmer’s The Brotherhood books (connected to the Chameleon Club) and the Heart of Love books centered around Hawthorne House, their family and employees and friends. The books are interesting, they are tied together, some more tightly or loosely than others, but the threads are there throughout. I look forward to more books set at Hawthorne House in the future (hopefully), as they are very engaging and entertaining.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
Ean is so sweet, a victim of his homophobic family, down on his luck and really needing someone to take care of him, even if he is an adult. Leland had an unwelcome history of his own with Ean’s family, and is ready to do whatever he can to help, all while trying to tamp down his desire for this young man in all ways possible. Their feelings and interactions seem realistic and true, and you can’t help rooting for Ean to get his heart’s desire in the end (Leland, too).
I enjoy all of Merry Farmer’s The Brotherhood books (connected to the Chameleon Club) and the Heart of Love books centered around Hawthorne House, their family and employees and friends. The books are interesting, they are tied together, some more tightly or loosely than others, but the threads are there throughout. I look forward to more books set at Hawthorne House in the future (hopefully), as they are very engaging and entertaining.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
June 9, 2025
Older Gay finds childhood friend homeless, hungry, and lost; care and love ensue.
In this novella, part of the Art of Love series by the acclaimed writer Merry Farmer, Leland Page leads the kitchen and culinary instruction for Hawthorne House. At a shop, Ean Jones becomes frustrated when he discovers that a 'winning ticket' is not what it appears to be. Given to him as a substitute for money, he feels hungry, frustrated, disoriented, and lost when Page intervenes to help him.
Ean, having to exchange access to his body for sustenance and searching for places to stay after his parents ejected him from his home for being gay, believes the transactional life he has led will continue to be necessary.
However, Leland remembers Ean and his older brother from his childhood and wants to help, not engage in the transactional exchanges Ean has had to endure. He takes Ean back to Hawthorne House, where he assists with the cooking classes Leland teaches. Ean suffers from dyslexia, and when stressed, he can't read. Leland works with him to develop new skills.
Ean finds comfort in Leland's care, and he excels during a Valentine's dinner when his skills save the day.
The story concludes with a sincere and believable happy ending. Although the short story is hard to read given Ean's past circumstances, he desires Leland's love and learns that it is mutually sought and acted upon.
In this novella, part of the Art of Love series by the acclaimed writer Merry Farmer, Leland Page leads the kitchen and culinary instruction for Hawthorne House. At a shop, Ean Jones becomes frustrated when he discovers that a 'winning ticket' is not what it appears to be. Given to him as a substitute for money, he feels hungry, frustrated, disoriented, and lost when Page intervenes to help him.
Ean, having to exchange access to his body for sustenance and searching for places to stay after his parents ejected him from his home for being gay, believes the transactional life he has led will continue to be necessary.
However, Leland remembers Ean and his older brother from his childhood and wants to help, not engage in the transactional exchanges Ean has had to endure. He takes Ean back to Hawthorne House, where he assists with the cooking classes Leland teaches. Ean suffers from dyslexia, and when stressed, he can't read. Leland works with him to develop new skills.
Ean finds comfort in Leland's care, and he excels during a Valentine's dinner when his skills save the day.
The story concludes with a sincere and believable happy ending. Although the short story is hard to read given Ean's past circumstances, he desires Leland's love and learns that it is mutually sought and acted upon.
May 21, 2025
4.5 stars!
This is a short novella, previously published as part of an anthology and is now book six in the author’s Art of Love series, featuring the Hawthorne family. Here, Leland (no relation to the Hawthornes) is a chef teaching cooking classes at Hawthorne House and his students are intended to provide the meal for the Valentine dinner as part of their course work. Unfortunately, his plan failed and it’s up to Ean, who Leland rescued, to help him get the meal completed.
Ean broke my heart! Kicked out due to being gay, he’d been living on the streets and taken advantage of so much that he had come to expect the worst and couldn’t believe that Leland didn’t have ulterior motives. Alone for so long with no one to help him, now, all he craved was to be taken care of by Leland, his older brother’s former best friend but how could someone like Leland want someone as much of a mess as him?
This might’ve been a short story but it still packed quite a punch and I loved it, I just wish we could’ve gotten a full length story instead of just a novella. Both Leland and Ean were wonderfully sweet characters and it was awesome to be getting a little update on the other Hawthorne family members that we’ve already come to love. 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a short novella, previously published as part of an anthology and is now book six in the author’s Art of Love series, featuring the Hawthorne family. Here, Leland (no relation to the Hawthornes) is a chef teaching cooking classes at Hawthorne House and his students are intended to provide the meal for the Valentine dinner as part of their course work. Unfortunately, his plan failed and it’s up to Ean, who Leland rescued, to help him get the meal completed.
Ean broke my heart! Kicked out due to being gay, he’d been living on the streets and taken advantage of so much that he had come to expect the worst and couldn’t believe that Leland didn’t have ulterior motives. Alone for so long with no one to help him, now, all he craved was to be taken care of by Leland, his older brother’s former best friend but how could someone like Leland want someone as much of a mess as him?
This might’ve been a short story but it still packed quite a punch and I loved it, I just wish we could’ve gotten a full length story instead of just a novella. Both Leland and Ean were wonderfully sweet characters and it was awesome to be getting a little update on the other Hawthorne family members that we’ve already come to love. 4.5 stars!
I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2025
Leland Page counts himself lucky to have been given the job of running Hawthorne House’s increasingly busy kitchen and teaching cooking and baking courses at the arts centre. Kicked out of his parents’ house for being gay, Ean Jones knows he’s in trouble. All he has to his name is a lottery ticket and hope. So when Leland comes to his rescue, he’s ready and willing to do anything for his new hero. But he didn’t imagine that would mean helping Leland create the most magnificent Valentine’s Day feast Hawthorne House has ever seen!
An absolutely delightful & dare I say sweet novella. I loved Leland & Ean, they’d known each other years ago when Leland was best friends with Ean’s older brother. Poor Ean is at rock bottom & Leland is just what he needs to not only rescue him but to boost his self esteem. The Hawthorne’s are also on hand to help boost Ean who proves to be a natural in the kitchen especially when it comes to desserts. Ideal for whiling away a couple of hours & it will leave you smiling
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
An absolutely delightful & dare I say sweet novella. I loved Leland & Ean, they’d known each other years ago when Leland was best friends with Ean’s older brother. Poor Ean is at rock bottom & Leland is just what he needs to not only rescue him but to boost his self esteem. The Hawthorne’s are also on hand to help boost Ean who proves to be a natural in the kitchen especially when it comes to desserts. Ideal for whiling away a couple of hours & it will leave you smiling
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 6, 2025
Very very sweet story
This book is a novella set in Merry Farmer’s The Art of Love series and features Leland who is teaching cooking at Hawthorne House and Ean who is on the street because of his family’s homophobia. It involves lots of cake and tons of sweetness as soon as Leland rescues Ean.
While there is a very serious issue at the heart of why Ean is unhoused Ms Farmer concentrates most of her writing making both her characters and us feeling happy. It’s a total bon-bon of a book!
People don’t realize that it’s often harder to write a good short story than a full length novel because you need to be able to give the reader a sense of what is going on and what happens in a much shorter number of words. Ms Farmer writes well no matter what type of story she is producing whether it’s MM or MF, historical or modern, paranormal or realistic and whatever length she is going for. She is just a natural storyteller and I have loved everything she has written including this.
This book is a novella set in Merry Farmer’s The Art of Love series and features Leland who is teaching cooking at Hawthorne House and Ean who is on the street because of his family’s homophobia. It involves lots of cake and tons of sweetness as soon as Leland rescues Ean.
While there is a very serious issue at the heart of why Ean is unhoused Ms Farmer concentrates most of her writing making both her characters and us feeling happy. It’s a total bon-bon of a book!
People don’t realize that it’s often harder to write a good short story than a full length novel because you need to be able to give the reader a sense of what is going on and what happens in a much shorter number of words. Ms Farmer writes well no matter what type of story she is producing whether it’s MM or MF, historical or modern, paranormal or realistic and whatever length she is going for. She is just a natural storyteller and I have loved everything she has written including this.
February 7, 2026
Leland, eager to prove himself in the Hawthorne House kitchen, takes in Ean — his former best friend’s younger brother — after finding him homeless and kicked out for being gay. With nothing but a lottery ticket and a lot of hope, Ean throws himself into helping Leland pull off an extravagant Valentine’s Day feast, and the two slowly build something warm and promising in this low‑angst, sweet rescue romance filled with cake and new beginnings.
I enjoyed this sweet novella that proved that sometimes all it takes is one chance meeting to change everything. Leland and Ean’s story is short, gentle, and full of warmth, showing how a single moment of kindness can open the door to a whole new life. The low‑angst vibe works beautifully here, and watching these two slowly find comfort, stability, and affection in each other’s company made the quick read feel genuinely satisfying. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note that this novella originally appeared in the Candy Hearts: Volume 2 - Wrong Number Valentine's Day anthology.
I enjoyed this sweet novella that proved that sometimes all it takes is one chance meeting to change everything. Leland and Ean’s story is short, gentle, and full of warmth, showing how a single moment of kindness can open the door to a whole new life. The low‑angst vibe works beautifully here, and watching these two slowly find comfort, stability, and affection in each other’s company made the quick read feel genuinely satisfying. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note that this novella originally appeared in the Candy Hearts: Volume 2 - Wrong Number Valentine's Day anthology.
May 5, 2025
"Never in his life had a room full of people looked at him with smiles and appreciation, and no one had ever applauded for him."
What a sweet, emotional, feel good novella by Merry Farmer. This story was originally part of a charity anthology called Candy Hearts and is now book 6 in Merry's series, The Art of Love.
My only complaint, I wish it would have been longer. I want to know what happens next to sweet Ean. My heart hurt for this sweet young man. I can't imagine what it would be like having to go through what he did. Maybe we will see him and Leland again within this series.
Merry ripped out my heart then put it back together again.
If you didn't catch this story in the Candy Hearts Anthology then now is your chance to read it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. It left me with all the feels.
Best friends younger brother, living rough, betrayed by those who should love you unconditionally
What a sweet, emotional, feel good novella by Merry Farmer. This story was originally part of a charity anthology called Candy Hearts and is now book 6 in Merry's series, The Art of Love.
My only complaint, I wish it would have been longer. I want to know what happens next to sweet Ean. My heart hurt for this sweet young man. I can't imagine what it would be like having to go through what he did. Maybe we will see him and Leland again within this series.
Merry ripped out my heart then put it back together again.
If you didn't catch this story in the Candy Hearts Anthology then now is your chance to read it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. It left me with all the feels.
Best friends younger brother, living rough, betrayed by those who should love you unconditionally
May 7, 2025
This is Leland and Ean’s Valentine’s Day love story! A short and sweet story in the The Art Of Love series and I really enjoyed it.
Leland meets Ean by chance. Ean is the younger brother of Leland's former best friend and is in a dark place at that time.
Leland has always liked Ean, doesn’t want to leave him struggling, and takes him “home” to Hawthorne House, the place he currently works and lives in.
I loved how things developed from there, and loved the happy ending for this couple.
~~Ean: “Thank you,” he said quietly. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but you make it better.”~~
~~“But you don’t have nothing,” Leland said, squeezing his hand. When Ean glanced up at him doubtfully, he said, “You have me.”~~
Leland meets Ean by chance. Ean is the younger brother of Leland's former best friend and is in a dark place at that time.
Leland has always liked Ean, doesn’t want to leave him struggling, and takes him “home” to Hawthorne House, the place he currently works and lives in.
I loved how things developed from there, and loved the happy ending for this couple.
~~Ean: “Thank you,” he said quietly. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but you make it better.”~~
~~“But you don’t have nothing,” Leland said, squeezing his hand. When Ean glanced up at him doubtfully, he said, “You have me.”~~
May 11, 2025
Sugared was a wonderful introduction into The Art of Love series, even though it's book six. I'm more familiar with the MM Farmer stories and this is my first contemporary love story of hers. At no point did I get confused with the plot line or characters. This could easily read as a stand alone. But all the residents of Hawthorne House, except for Toby, were so warm and open, I'm going to have to get the other books in the series.
This was such a sweeet read, a perfect bite of cake for the holidays. It's a great read for Valentines' day. Quick, only a bit of angst with Ean's backstory.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
This was such a sweeet read, a perfect bite of cake for the holidays. It's a great read for Valentines' day. Quick, only a bit of angst with Ean's backstory.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
June 2, 2025
For a short and sweet story, I just didn't like it. I know its a short, so things need to move quickly, but for this particular plot I think things moving quickly was a detriment. It felt more cringey to me honestly, and I'm usually very forgiving.
I would have liked there to be more resolution for Ean's trauma, and the backstory of them knowing each other previously helped a lot, but by the end still ended up feeling kind of icky for me considering it all happens over only 5 days.
Just wasn't my cup of tea I guess.
I would have liked there to be more resolution for Ean's trauma, and the backstory of them knowing each other previously helped a lot, but by the end still ended up feeling kind of icky for me considering it all happens over only 5 days.
Just wasn't my cup of tea I guess.
February 5, 2026
So much sweetness!
I adored this book. It was short and sweet but didn’t feel rushed at all. Ean was so adorable and I’m happy that he bumped into Leland and things finally started looking up for him. I’m also a sucker for a damsel in distress and a love interest helping them out! It’s just such a cute trope and I love some good caretaking. Leland is a sweetheart I’m glad that he found Ean and gave him a place to stay and helped him find his passion. I would absolutely love to see more of these two!
I adored this book. It was short and sweet but didn’t feel rushed at all. Ean was so adorable and I’m happy that he bumped into Leland and things finally started looking up for him. I’m also a sucker for a damsel in distress and a love interest helping them out! It’s just such a cute trope and I love some good caretaking. Leland is a sweetheart I’m glad that he found Ean and gave him a place to stay and helped him find his passion. I would absolutely love to see more of these two!
May 5, 2025
This was a really good short story. I loved Leland and Ean. Both were dynamic characters and were well developed for the shortness of the story. The setting was also great and very different. All great things will come to those who wait and even though Ean had severe hardship and was basically thrown to the wolves by his family, he and Leland found each other and learned to build "life" together....one sweet at a time.
May 6, 2025
This is a really cute little novella in the Art of Love series. It does tackle a serious issue but I love how Merry Farmer is able to write a short story with depth and without dismissing Ean's troubled past.
On the other hand it's also funny and full of food, you definitely get your craving reading it.
Expecting teens to provide desserts for a party? Leland really didn't think this one through.
Take a cup of coffee or tea with this book and settle down for an hour. Perfect break.
On the other hand it's also funny and full of food, you definitely get your craving reading it.
Expecting teens to provide desserts for a party? Leland really didn't think this one through.
Take a cup of coffee or tea with this book and settle down for an hour. Perfect break.
May 31, 2025
This was originally in an anthology so is very short and moves quickly. A man working as a chef/cooking instructor for ... an organization (maybe other books written by the author explain) when he runs into the little brother of his former best friend who is homeless and kicked out because he's gay. He rescues him and the kid turns out to be a whizz in the kitchen and also has learning issues and boom, fall in love, live HEA. So very fast but cute.
May 5, 2025
I went into reading Sugared knowing it was a short, but I still wanted more! Such a tease!
I love the contrast between Leland and Ean and also the fact that in spite of that, they have same desires for each other and their relationship.
Good story!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the contrast between Leland and Ean and also the fact that in spite of that, they have same desires for each other and their relationship.
Good story!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2025
Older brother's best friend, low angst
Ean and Leland were so sweet together.
My heart broke for sweet Ean, he was let down by those who were meant to love and protect him.
Thankfully he runs into Leland on a particularly bad day and Leland swoops in to save the day.
I really enjoyed seeing Ean gain some self confidence and how protective and caring Leland is with him.
Ean and Leland were so sweet together.
My heart broke for sweet Ean, he was let down by those who were meant to love and protect him.
Thankfully he runs into Leland on a particularly bad day and Leland swoops in to save the day.
I really enjoyed seeing Ean gain some self confidence and how protective and caring Leland is with him.
May 6, 2025
Just a quick read from Merry Farmer. It's well edited and well written. A story of being in the right place to help a brother of an ex-friend. I liked the characters. Could have used a bit more connection between them. But it's exactly what the title suggests. Sweet with just a bit of spice.
May 7, 2025
Great story
I absolutely loved this story. This is book six but it can be read as a stand-alone. This was a short, sweet story packed with a lot of emotions. The characters were fantastic and I really enjoyed their story.
I absolutely loved this story. This is book six but it can be read as a stand-alone. This was a short, sweet story packed with a lot of emotions. The characters were fantastic and I really enjoyed their story.
May 12, 2025
really liked it
I really liked this book. It was a cute short read. I’m sad that Ean’s family treated him that way and what he had to do to survive. He sounds like such a sweet guy and I’m glad Leland found him.
I really liked this book. It was a cute short read. I’m sad that Ean’s family treated him that way and what he had to do to survive. He sounds like such a sweet guy and I’m glad Leland found him.
May 17, 2025
Ean has been living on the streets until he runs into Leland. Leland a top rated chef used to be his older brother’s best friend. Leland brings Ean to Hawthorne House an art center where he lives and works. This is a cute story that is emotional, uplifting , inspiring and romantic.
June 8, 2025
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I liked how Ean's life turned around when he ran into Leland. Leland honestly helped Ean when no one did. That they were able to finally act on long held feelings for each other is a good bonus.
May 6, 2025
Such a sweet novella! A terrific addition to the Art of Love series.
May 14, 2025
3.5 stars
January 22, 2026
3.5 stars
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