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Semi Sweet: A Sweet Secret Admirer Romance
A sweet break from her otherwise bitter life…
When twenty-something Olivia Hale, a grocery store courtesy desk clerk, begins receiving anonymous cup cakes and notes from a mysterious admirer, she is swept up in a whirlwind of hope and confusion. Especially since she is engaged to the grandson of the grocery chain owners. The letters speak of her beauty, her intelligence, and how she deserves more in her life, yet the sender remains a complete mystery.
Desperate to uncover the identity of her admirer, Olivia embarks on a quest to decipher the clues hidden within the letters and poems. Meanwhile, her everyday life becomes increasingly complicated as she finds herself drawn to her new coworker, Sean Mizuno, who has been helping her deliver notes to her mystery man. But as Olivia becomes entangled in her feelings for both the secret admirer and Sean, she must confront her feelings about her fiancé and how he treats her, and decide whether the heart's true desires are more important than financial stability and someone she burned bridges for.
Love notes, secrets, and a choice that could change everything. Will Olivia follow her heart or her commitments?
When twenty-something Olivia Hale, a grocery store courtesy desk clerk, begins receiving anonymous cup cakes and notes from a mysterious admirer, she is swept up in a whirlwind of hope and confusion. Especially since she is engaged to the grandson of the grocery chain owners. The letters speak of her beauty, her intelligence, and how she deserves more in her life, yet the sender remains a complete mystery.
Desperate to uncover the identity of her admirer, Olivia embarks on a quest to decipher the clues hidden within the letters and poems. Meanwhile, her everyday life becomes increasingly complicated as she finds herself drawn to her new coworker, Sean Mizuno, who has been helping her deliver notes to her mystery man. But as Olivia becomes entangled in her feelings for both the secret admirer and Sean, she must confront her feelings about her fiancé and how he treats her, and decide whether the heart's true desires are more important than financial stability and someone she burned bridges for.
Love notes, secrets, and a choice that could change everything. Will Olivia follow her heart or her commitments?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Artemis Price
3 books9 followersArtemis Price lives in Northwestern Connecticut with her son Dominik. When's she not crafting romances that take place in unique places, she's an elementary school teacher.
She worked at a grocery store for nearly ten years, and some of the things that Sean experienced were things that she embellished from real life experiences. Sadly no one sent her cupcakes.
She worked at a grocery store for nearly ten years, and some of the things that Sean experienced were things that she embellished from real life experiences. Sadly no one sent her cupcakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 2, 2025
Yes this book was very much, Semi Sweet. Here we are introduced to Olivia, who lives a bittersweet life. Her coworkers barely tolerate her and she has an (Emotional/ Verbally) abusive fiance. Her own family dynamic is..well, complicated. All everyone sees, is her marrying into wealth and not bothering to look closely. But a random day at work, a cupcake and a note may have turned her life a bit sweeter. As more decorative cupcakes and thoughtful notes keep appearing. Soon Olivia realizes she has a secret admirer. Trying to uncover who this mystery man is. She seeks out, Sean, the bakery manager, to help her out. As she spends more time with Sean, she starts finding him a bit more interesting. Olivia in her conflict doesn't know if she should stay in her loveless but financially stable relationship or maybe pursue the person who gives her butterflies....or should I cupcakes..
In my opinion..this book was good, plain and simple. This is a work in progress book and I enjoyed how the FMC, Olivia handled her complicated life. The story/ characters felt authentic and realistic. I think it respectfully portrayed how hard it is to leave an abusive or difficult relationship. When it came to the admirer, I lovvvvvved every moment of it. The note passing back and forth had me giggling and kicking my feet, aaahhhHHH. I truly enjoyed this book.
• Slow burn
• Secret admirer
~ trigger warning, Verbal/ emotional abuse.
I want to thank BookSirens and Artemis Price for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In my opinion..this book was good, plain and simple. This is a work in progress book and I enjoyed how the FMC, Olivia handled her complicated life. The story/ characters felt authentic and realistic. I think it respectfully portrayed how hard it is to leave an abusive or difficult relationship. When it came to the admirer, I lovvvvvved every moment of it. The note passing back and forth had me giggling and kicking my feet, aaahhhHHH. I truly enjoyed this book.
• Slow burn
• Secret admirer
~ trigger warning, Verbal/ emotional abuse.
I want to thank BookSirens and Artemis Price for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 18, 2025
It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, but I feel like maybe that was intentional to reflect how things were going in Olivia’s life. On paper, she seems to have it made. Even though she has a job at the same grocery store she has worked at since she was 16, she is working on her master’s degree in marketing. She is engaged to her long-term boyfriend, whose family happens to own the chain of stores she works at. His family has money, so she is able to live a very nice life … at least on the surface.
What people don’t see is the gas lighting and emotional abuse that she suffers from her boyfriend. He knows that she moved in with him against her parents’ wishes and likes to remind her that she would have nothing without him. He constantly belittles her passion for writing and the hobbies that she enjoys. He hasn’t been intimate with her, on any level (physical or emotional), since he moved into his corporate role. The boy that she fell in love with is nowhere to be seen in the man that she is engaged to.
Out of the blue, she begins receiving cupcakes at work. The bakery staff tells her that they are already paid for and Olivia begins to feel seen for the first time in a long time. I kept coming back to see what the next cupcake would be, and what the poem left with it would say.
Between her mystery cupcake person and the new head of the bakery department, Olivia follows the push that she has been having to stand up for herself and what she wants and makes some changes to her life.
I wish there had been a little more closure and resolution between Olivia and Ethan, but overall, I enjoyed this book.
What people don’t see is the gas lighting and emotional abuse that she suffers from her boyfriend. He knows that she moved in with him against her parents’ wishes and likes to remind her that she would have nothing without him. He constantly belittles her passion for writing and the hobbies that she enjoys. He hasn’t been intimate with her, on any level (physical or emotional), since he moved into his corporate role. The boy that she fell in love with is nowhere to be seen in the man that she is engaged to.
Out of the blue, she begins receiving cupcakes at work. The bakery staff tells her that they are already paid for and Olivia begins to feel seen for the first time in a long time. I kept coming back to see what the next cupcake would be, and what the poem left with it would say.
Between her mystery cupcake person and the new head of the bakery department, Olivia follows the push that she has been having to stand up for herself and what she wants and makes some changes to her life.
I wish there had been a little more closure and resolution between Olivia and Ethan, but overall, I enjoyed this book.
September 2, 2025
Excellent pacing and plotting of the story.
The story started out a little slow, BUT I realized this worked perfectly IN the story. We are with Olivia in her mundane life, just going through the motions. It felt that way reading the first couple of chapters [complimentary]. Throughout the story we travel with Olivia through the ups and downs. The story was completely believable in covering the range of emotions involved in being in a toxic relationship, the difficulty removing yourself from that relationship – even after you recognize that it is unhealthy, and the joy in recognizing that you do have a support system even when it feels like you have to handle everything alone.
Well-written, extremely loveable characters.
Every character in this story is well thought out and a fully fleshed-out individual. I found Olivia to be a very lovable character even if she was a bit oblivious and naïve. More like in a little sister way – she needed the love and support of friends or family to help her see how much more she deserves. There were times I wanted to yell at her to “just look over there! Remember what they said!?!?!” Which probably tells how great the writing was that I felt like I could be in the story.
The Final Verdict: Highly recommend this wonderful story about finding your own strength and some happiness along the way.
Stars 5
Would I Recommend? Yes
The story started out a little slow, BUT I realized this worked perfectly IN the story. We are with Olivia in her mundane life, just going through the motions. It felt that way reading the first couple of chapters [complimentary]. Throughout the story we travel with Olivia through the ups and downs. The story was completely believable in covering the range of emotions involved in being in a toxic relationship, the difficulty removing yourself from that relationship – even after you recognize that it is unhealthy, and the joy in recognizing that you do have a support system even when it feels like you have to handle everything alone.
Well-written, extremely loveable characters.
Every character in this story is well thought out and a fully fleshed-out individual. I found Olivia to be a very lovable character even if she was a bit oblivious and naïve. More like in a little sister way – she needed the love and support of friends or family to help her see how much more she deserves. There were times I wanted to yell at her to “just look over there! Remember what they said!?!?!” Which probably tells how great the writing was that I felt like I could be in the story.
The Final Verdict: Highly recommend this wonderful story about finding your own strength and some happiness along the way.
Stars 5
Would I Recommend? Yes
August 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I felt so sorry for Olivia. To have to go to work everyday and be treated the way she is, would definitely put even a happy person into a deep depression. Add on the fact that her fiance is a narcissistic piece of, well you know, and it's no wonder that Olivia feels like her life is hopeless. Then she literally bumps into a man that could change her life completely, Sean. He was transferred to become the new manager of the bakery at the store she works at. He makes it his goal to help Olivia see herself in a new light, to help her understand that she deserves to be treated better than she is. It also helps that he has a huge crush on her. I love how he sets out to convince her too. I was so hoping she would dump Evan!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Because Sean is such a great friend and an all around great guy, there are several parts of this story that I loved. But my absolute favorite would have been when Evan confronted Olivia after her night classes. I just wish she had connected with her kick. He deserved it!! I highly recommend this book. If you love a slow burn, friends to lovers, with a twist of pure romance you will love this story, I definitely did!!
Because Sean is such a great friend and an all around great guy, there are several parts of this story that I loved. But my absolute favorite would have been when Evan confronted Olivia after her night classes. I just wish she had connected with her kick. He deserved it!! I highly recommend this book. If you love a slow burn, friends to lovers, with a twist of pure romance you will love this story, I definitely did!!
September 6, 2025
Semi Sweet by Artemis Price is my second ARC read this year. It is a cozy, heartfelt romance that delivers the perfect mix of charm, humor, and tenderness.
What really stole my heart were the secret love poems and letters those quiet, intimate moments added a layer of sincerity that made the story unforgettable. And the beautiful cupcake😍 It tied everything together in the sweetest way.
This is the kind of book that makes you feel everything, mad, giddy, in love, and even that “I-told-you-so” satisfaction. I actually caught myself talking to myself while reading the book in public because the emotions just jumped off the page. The characters are flawed but endearing, the characters really balances the dynamic of the story and the romance feels both whimsical and real. The pacing is easy to sink into, never too rushed but never dragging either. The dialogue feels natural, with witty banter that adds flavor to the narrative while also building emotional connections. True to its title, this book is “semi sweet”: not too heavy, not too sugary, but filled with warmth and emotions that linger after the last page.
Looking forward to read the other Baker's Secret this gives me the POV of the MMC.🤭🤭
What really stole my heart were the secret love poems and letters those quiet, intimate moments added a layer of sincerity that made the story unforgettable. And the beautiful cupcake😍 It tied everything together in the sweetest way.
This is the kind of book that makes you feel everything, mad, giddy, in love, and even that “I-told-you-so” satisfaction. I actually caught myself talking to myself while reading the book in public because the emotions just jumped off the page. The characters are flawed but endearing, the characters really balances the dynamic of the story and the romance feels both whimsical and real. The pacing is easy to sink into, never too rushed but never dragging either. The dialogue feels natural, with witty banter that adds flavor to the narrative while also building emotional connections. True to its title, this book is “semi sweet”: not too heavy, not too sugary, but filled with warmth and emotions that linger after the last page.
Looking forward to read the other Baker's Secret this gives me the POV of the MMC.🤭🤭
July 20, 2025
Μια ιστορία αισιόδοξη ,γλυκιά υπενθυμίζοντας μας ότι η αγάπη μετριέται σε μικρά πράγματα όπως ένα cupcake με ένα σημείωμα , ενα χαμόγελο που μπορεί να σου φτιάξει την μέρα. Κάπως έτσι ξεκινάει η ιστορία μας με την Ολίβια να είναι σε μια σχέση που δεν την ικανοποιεί δουλεύοντας ως υπάλληλος στην επιχείρηση του αρραβωνιαστικού της . Λαμβάνει ανώνυμα σημειώματα και cupcakes από έναν θαυμαστή που είναι πολύ πιο κοντά από όσο πιστεύει...
Η συγγραφέας σκύβει με τρυφερότητα και διακριτικότητα πάνω από σύγχρονα κοινωνικά θέματα όπως η ενδοοικογενειακή βία και τονίζοντας το ποσο εύκολα μπορεί να γίνει χειριστικη μια σχέση χωρίς να χρειαστεί να υπάρχει σωματική βία. Το αγαπημένο μου quote είναι ««I needed to sort myself out before l loved someone else»»
Υπάρχει υπέροχη τριτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση ,τριάντα δύο κεφάλαια με τίτλο που σε κάνει να ανυπομονείς για το περιεχόμενο ,με εξελίξεις που δεν σε αφήνουν να αφήσεις αυτό το βιβλίο. Ένιωσα ότι αυτό το βιβλίο είναι σαν την σοκολάτα που περιμένεις να φας όταν επιστρέψεις σπίτι ή όταν περιμένεις να έρθουν οι μέρες για τις διακοπές . Το συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα!
Η συγγραφέας σκύβει με τρυφερότητα και διακριτικότητα πάνω από σύγχρονα κοινωνικά θέματα όπως η ενδοοικογενειακή βία και τονίζοντας το ποσο εύκολα μπορεί να γίνει χειριστικη μια σχέση χωρίς να χρειαστεί να υπάρχει σωματική βία. Το αγαπημένο μου quote είναι ««I needed to sort myself out before l loved someone else»»
Υπάρχει υπέροχη τριτοπρόσωπη αφήγηση ,τριάντα δύο κεφάλαια με τίτλο που σε κάνει να ανυπομονείς για το περιεχόμενο ,με εξελίξεις που δεν σε αφήνουν να αφήσεις αυτό το βιβλίο. Ένιωσα ότι αυτό το βιβλίο είναι σαν την σοκολάτα που περιμένεις να φας όταν επιστρέψεις σπίτι ή όταν περιμένεις να έρθουν οι μέρες για τις διακοπές . Το συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα!
August 9, 2025
Semi Sweet takes its time warming up—much like its heroine, Olivia, who spends the opening chapters stubbornly tethered to a long-term boyfriend she clearly can’t stand. It’s a frustrating dynamic at first, and it makes the early pacing feel a little sluggish.
There are also a few difficult moments involving gaslighting and emotional abuse. These scenes are written with care and don’t dominate the page count, but they may still be tough for some readers.
Once the mysterious secret admirer enters the picture, the novel finds its stride. The intrigue adds a welcome spark, pulling Olivia (and the reader) into a far more engaging emotional landscape. From there, the tension, chemistry, and uncertainty build beautifully, and the story becomes harder to put down. It’s a romance that starts with a simmer but rewards patience with a satisfying, heartfelt payoff.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are also a few difficult moments involving gaslighting and emotional abuse. These scenes are written with care and don’t dominate the page count, but they may still be tough for some readers.
Once the mysterious secret admirer enters the picture, the novel finds its stride. The intrigue adds a welcome spark, pulling Olivia (and the reader) into a far more engaging emotional landscape. From there, the tension, chemistry, and uncertainty build beautifully, and the story becomes harder to put down. It’s a romance that starts with a simmer but rewards patience with a satisfying, heartfelt payoff.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW: this is a cute, short read where the FMC finds her way out of an abusive relationship and on the path she should have always been on. The story reads well, and it’s easy to follow along.
I didn’t care for our FMC at first, but she grew on me quickly. Although the fact that she didn’t recognize the mystery man was very much giving “Cinderella story” where CMM didn’t know it was Hilary Duff.. it just felt like she was actively trying not to figure it out. The storyline with her fiancée was something I wished we got more of - because it does feel like the story ends with the assumption of “and they all lived happily ever after” when in reality, there was so much that hadn’t been covered in regards to him.
It was a little bit insta-love, which is hard for me to enjoy knowing some of it is rooted in infidelity and that there was so much trauma attached to it.
Overall it was a cute read, short and sweet.
I didn’t care for our FMC at first, but she grew on me quickly. Although the fact that she didn’t recognize the mystery man was very much giving “Cinderella story” where CMM didn’t know it was Hilary Duff.. it just felt like she was actively trying not to figure it out. The storyline with her fiancée was something I wished we got more of - because it does feel like the story ends with the assumption of “and they all lived happily ever after” when in reality, there was so much that hadn’t been covered in regards to him.
It was a little bit insta-love, which is hard for me to enjoy knowing some of it is rooted in infidelity and that there was so much trauma attached to it.
Overall it was a cute read, short and sweet.
August 1, 2025
3.5 to 4 stars. This is the first time I have read a book by this author. While I enjoyed the story, I didn't care for the female lead character until the latter part of the book. I struggled with her lack of honesty with her fiancé' and her inability to take a stand for herself. I realize that she feels held down by him and that she does things to please him, but there were so many ways to get out of her situation that she never explored. I did, however, like the male lead Sean. He wants Olivia to live her best life and knows that he is the man to help her see that her current relationship is stifling her. I also wish the author would have given one of the final chapters to Evan, the now former fiancé, addressing the help that he needed to get over his addiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 16, 2025
When you are in a job as a Curtosey Desk Clerk and that your dating the store Chain Owner's son. It can get complicated. Especially when he becomes a Manager wearing a suit everyday and has control over your every move, at work and off. Then the new guy shows up and your Store Manager expects you to break him in as Bakery Manager Shean. He's sweet and sort of sticks up for Olivia In fact I think he has a secret crush on you. Olivia gets anonymous cupcakes and sweet notes from a secret admirer. She is torn between three guys. One she wants to know who he is, because he calls to her writing passion. Shean who is quite nice and she likes. As well as the fiancee she wonders if she should settle for. What a pleasant triangle. Enjoyed the story and how the Characters complimented this little romantic delima.
August 28, 2025
Loved, loved, loved this book! Perfect secret admirer romance story! This reminds us that though change is hard, it can be the best for your physical and mental health! Your heart will hurt as you read of Olivia's situation and current life. You want to be her best friend and set her straight! How could anyone reading this not love to truly hate Evan for being a controlling, gaslighting, alcoholic jerk!? The ending couldn't have been more perfect with Sean twisting the knife in to say, thanks for being a terrible fiancé!
Everyone can use a little "semi-sweet" in their lives! I know that I never wanted to get a secret cupcake and note more in my life! Cannot wait to read Olivia and Sean's story continued!
I was given an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems for my honest review, which is above!
Everyone can use a little "semi-sweet" in their lives! I know that I never wanted to get a secret cupcake and note more in my life! Cannot wait to read Olivia and Sean's story continued!
I was given an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems for my honest review, which is above!
September 22, 2025
Olivia feels like she is stagnant. What she really wants to do (be a writer) and what she is doing (working at her fiancé’s grocery chain and pursuing a degree she is not sure she wants). And being engaged to Evan has estranged her from her family. Sean really wants to open his own bakery in his hometown of Aspen but he has been working at the same chain to give him time to save money and perfect his recipes. When they cross paths, it opens up both of their eyes to how they are stuck and how to find a new path forward.
This is my first book by this author. I liked the characters development, not only between the two main characters, but the cast of others at the grocery store and is Sean’s home town of Aspen.
I read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is my first book by this author. I liked the characters development, not only between the two main characters, but the cast of others at the grocery store and is Sean’s home town of Aspen.
I read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 24, 2025
This was a sweet story with a hint of spice. A secret admirer who leaves social media worthy cupcakes. What's not to love! The MMC was absolutely swoon worthy!
The controlling, gaslighting fiance, not so much. All the harm he causes to the FMC just makes you hate him more and more by the page.
I enjoyed reading this book but I felt like it needed an epilogue to end on as it didn't tie up all loose ends but was not necessarily a cliffhanger.
While this book has plenty of sweet interactions, it does have cheating on the page so highly recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading.
This book can be read as a standalone but does have a prequel/duet set in the MMC's point of view.
The controlling, gaslighting fiance, not so much. All the harm he causes to the FMC just makes you hate him more and more by the page.
I enjoyed reading this book but I felt like it needed an epilogue to end on as it didn't tie up all loose ends but was not necessarily a cliffhanger.
While this book has plenty of sweet interactions, it does have cheating on the page so highly recommend checking the trigger warnings prior to reading.
This book can be read as a standalone but does have a prequel/duet set in the MMC's point of view.
August 2, 2025
ARC review
Trigger warning ⚠️ domestic verbal and emotional abuse; ultimatum given by parents
Characters: Olivia (an aspiring dystopian romance author, grad student, and grocery store employee), Evan (fiance of Olivia and within the folds of the family grocery store), Sean (a recently transfered grocery store bakery manager)
being a nice person > having family money
"We've talked before about the wall you've got built up. I think you're giving in more than you realize. Slow. Like really slow. But I'm really patient."
In the words of Lizzo, "It's about damn time!" The book is a bit slow, but then it finally kicks into gear. Worth the wait.
Trigger warning ⚠️ domestic verbal and emotional abuse; ultimatum given by parents
Characters: Olivia (an aspiring dystopian romance author, grad student, and grocery store employee), Evan (fiance of Olivia and within the folds of the family grocery store), Sean (a recently transfered grocery store bakery manager)
being a nice person > having family money
"We've talked before about the wall you've got built up. I think you're giving in more than you realize. Slow. Like really slow. But I'm really patient."
In the words of Lizzo, "It's about damn time!" The book is a bit slow, but then it finally kicks into gear. Worth the wait.
August 19, 2025
I received an advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this story. The suspense of how she'd find out the identity of her mystery man and how she'd get out of the relationship with the controlling and isolating fiance made me want to keep reading.
On the other hand, the relationship with the mystery man bordered a little on cheating at one point, which I felt a bit uncomfortable with at times. I do think it was handled well in the end.
Finally the story was a little less sweet than I expected. (though I guess the title should have tipped me off) It contains 1 sex scene, which is not very detailed, and multiple references to sex.
I enjoyed reading this story. The suspense of how she'd find out the identity of her mystery man and how she'd get out of the relationship with the controlling and isolating fiance made me want to keep reading.
On the other hand, the relationship with the mystery man bordered a little on cheating at one point, which I felt a bit uncomfortable with at times. I do think it was handled well in the end.
Finally the story was a little less sweet than I expected. (though I guess the title should have tipped me off) It contains 1 sex scene, which is not very detailed, and multiple references to sex.
July 24, 2025
This was an impressive book. Slow-burn romance, solid conflict, and baked goods? There's not much else a girl could ask for.
I like the "secret lover" trope - maybe not the most original, but definitely fun. The author had the right idea with the cupcakes, though. That drew me in.
Personally, it was not my cup of tea (too much conflict and not enough romance for my taste) but I throughly enjoyed this book. It all wrapped up nicely in the end, too, which I absolutely loved.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
I like the "secret lover" trope - maybe not the most original, but definitely fun. The author had the right idea with the cupcakes, though. That drew me in.
Personally, it was not my cup of tea (too much conflict and not enough romance for my taste) but I throughly enjoyed this book. It all wrapped up nicely in the end, too, which I absolutely loved.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
August 11, 2025
This book was a true delight to read, and I'm so grateful I received an advanced copy. The author did a superb job with the characters. I was completely invested in Olivia and Sean's relationship and could not get enough of their story. The crazy ex drama was a fun, chaotic element and the cupcakes - oh the yummy sounding delicious cupcakes- have me still craving them. What I loved most was the clever and original supermarket setting, which was not only unique, but also a refreshing backdrop for a great story. This is a well-written book with great characters that will leave you wanting more.
August 18, 2025
Slow burn romance with a happy ending.
This book took me a minute to get into it but, once I got past the first couple of chapters I was completely hooked. The FMC Olivia Is trying her best to be herself while drowning in a toxic relationship. the MMC Sean is a brooding baker who wants nothing more then to help Olivia to see that’s there’s more to life then being stuck with a toxic fiancé. Cue cute cupcakes with secret messages and a blossoming friendship that could lead to both characters finding their happy ending.
This book took me a minute to get into it but, once I got past the first couple of chapters I was completely hooked. The FMC Olivia Is trying her best to be herself while drowning in a toxic relationship. the MMC Sean is a brooding baker who wants nothing more then to help Olivia to see that’s there’s more to life then being stuck with a toxic fiancé. Cue cute cupcakes with secret messages and a blossoming friendship that could lead to both characters finding their happy ending.
August 19, 2025
The book took a while for me to get into and I found the first few chapters hard going but persevered. From quarter of the way through I was hooked. I didn’t always enjoy Olivia as I struggled with her choices in the beginning however I did warm up to her. My favourite character was Sean and just seeing everything he did to make Olivia’s life better. I do think more time could have been given to Evan and what happened to him following the fall out.
Overall a book that was slow to warm up but well worth the wait and made me want cupcakes whilst I was reading!!
Overall a book that was slow to warm up but well worth the wait and made me want cupcakes whilst I was reading!!
August 27, 2025
This was a sweet one (pun intended)!
A slow burn romance with realistic characters and settings, Semi Sweet is the perfect mix of mystery and charm that keeps you rooting for the main characters. I believe that I could see any of the characters the next time I walk into my local grocery store and it would just make sense. There's something about a real world setting that I can believe in that makes this book so captivating.
This is the type of contemporary romance I like to read when I need an easy to read and entertaining pick-me-up. I can't wait to see what comes next in this universe.
A slow burn romance with realistic characters and settings, Semi Sweet is the perfect mix of mystery and charm that keeps you rooting for the main characters. I believe that I could see any of the characters the next time I walk into my local grocery store and it would just make sense. There's something about a real world setting that I can believe in that makes this book so captivating.
This is the type of contemporary romance I like to read when I need an easy to read and entertaining pick-me-up. I can't wait to see what comes next in this universe.
August 31, 2025
It's like a Hallmark movie with Olivia stuck in a horrible relationship that she can't see a way out of and to make things worse her fiance's family owns the grocery store chain so she has all the drama that comes with that. Then comes the mysterious admirer with his personalized cupcakes and adorable poems and she's finally able to break free and follow her dream with the man who truly "sees" her for who she is not what they want her to be. Like other reviews it took a few chapters to get into but once you do, you can't wait to find out it ends. 🥰
August 10, 2025
I loved this romance because it felt genuine without the “man swoops in to save the day” trope. I appreciate how the unhealthy relationship was depicted, and I also loved that she rekindled with her family. My only beef was I find it hard to beleive she wouldn’t have gone running to them when things went sideways instead of the MMC. I loved the characters, and the following their dreams in a realistic, practical way. Made my heart sing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
I loved this story.
I felt bad for olivia the majority of the story but it was kind of her own fault for staying with evan for as long as she did.
The secret cupcakes was really cute.
I was happy when she finally made the decision to leave evan and move out of denver to get away from him.
I’m glad she had sean with her, she probably wouldn’t have been able to walk away from evan if not for him.
I felt bad for olivia the majority of the story but it was kind of her own fault for staying with evan for as long as she did.
The secret cupcakes was really cute.
I was happy when she finally made the decision to leave evan and move out of denver to get away from him.
I’m glad she had sean with her, she probably wouldn’t have been able to walk away from evan if not for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
The book starts out slow but that’s because it’s building on the back story to really make you understand Olivia and how she got to this point in her life. Sean, despite having a German shepherd, gives ultimate golden retriever vibes. The closer I came to finishing the book the more I didn’t want it to end. I need so much more of Olivia and Sean. They had me giggling multiple times throughout the story! Such a cute and refreshing book! Definitely recommend!!
The book starts out slow but that’s because it’s building on the back story to really make you understand Olivia and how she got to this point in her life. Sean, despite having a German shepherd, gives ultimate golden retriever vibes. The closer I came to finishing the book the more I didn’t want it to end. I need so much more of Olivia and Sean. They had me giggling multiple times throughout the story! Such a cute and refreshing book! Definitely recommend!!
September 8, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book. The premise was sweet and the characters were likable. My only issue was the pace was a little slow and it got to the point where I just wanted her to figure it out already so we could move forward in the plot. Maybe a dual perspective would’ve helped it not feel as stagnant in the first half. Either way, it was a sweet enjoyable read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2025
3.75 stars
Thanks to BookSirens and Artemis Price for the free copy.
I enjoyed it, it's a light easy reading. I didn't exactly connected with the characters, but i did enjoy the chemistry and him giving her space to figure it out.
I think it was a little rushed at the end, but i still liked it.
Now i'm kinda craving all those cupcakes, they sound amazing lol
I'll read more of the author, her writing is very enjoyable.
Thanks to BookSirens and Artemis Price for the free copy.
I enjoyed it, it's a light easy reading. I didn't exactly connected with the characters, but i did enjoy the chemistry and him giving her space to figure it out.
I think it was a little rushed at the end, but i still liked it.
Now i'm kinda craving all those cupcakes, they sound amazing lol
I'll read more of the author, her writing is very enjoyable.
July 20, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. i enjoy reading books that make me feel. A few chapters in and I just didn't think it was going to happen. Then it changed. The slow burn between the mystery man and the FMC felt like something a bit to cutesy for my taste but wasn't deterring me from finishing. The writing portrayed the fear of the FMC well enough to have me waiting for more to come but instead left me chuckling with Sean's little worded jab. The ending did leave me with questions but not necessarily a cliffhanger.
August 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
This book was a change in pace for me. I needed something lighter and sweeter and it definitely was. It’s a slow burn so it took me a few chapters to get into but I also think it was due to frustration with Olivia and Evan’s relationship. Besides that Sean was lovely, so patient and supportive, he’s definitely my favourite character in the book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
This book was a change in pace for me. I needed something lighter and sweeter and it definitely was. It’s a slow burn so it took me a few chapters to get into but I also think it was due to frustration with Olivia and Evan’s relationship. Besides that Sean was lovely, so patient and supportive, he’s definitely my favourite character in the book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
August 29, 2025
I was gifted the option of reading the ARC copy of this book. The story is very sweet. Not spicy. I wish it had a bit more spice but it glosses over any of what would/could be come spicy. She’s blind to not see who is giving her the cupcakes- there so many signs. It was a cute book and I can’t wait to see what else Artemis Price puts out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
Her life is about to change but will it be for good or bad. She is engaged but she starts to receive a cupcake and letters from an admirer. She has no idea who it is and she tries to find out while becoming interested in her co-worker. See where it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a delightful tale
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a delightful tale
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