Redberry, New York, may have all the cozy vibes of a Hallmark card, but not for Harper Gibson. The first chance she got to escape, she bolted.
But when Harper’s mother jets off on an impromptu trip to Europe, leaving Harper’s grandmother’s decades-old home bakery in production limbo, she’s forced to trade power suits and stilettos for an apron and a rolling pin, facing all that she’s left behind.
What’s worse?
Rhye McKellan, her former boy-next-door now live-in bakery temp, has promised to help whip the bakery back into shape, but his dry humor and slow smiles are making it hard to remember why she skipped town in the first place.
… could be the makings of a happily ever after.
Rhye would’ve never known what a loving family was like if it weren’t for the Gibsons.
Now, as Redberry’s newest firefighter and part-time sourdough artisan, he’s determined to lay down roots of his own. The only missing ingredient is Harper.
She hates it here, and for very good reasons. But Rhye’s no longer the cowardly kid who let her walk away without a fight.
Despite being haunted by ghosts from his past, he wants a shot at forever with Harper. If only he could convince her that everything she truly needs is at home in Redberry.
Very strong four star rating from me. This was adorable! It had me almost non-stop smiling. This is one of the more convincing childhood-friends-to-more tropes I've read yet. Rhye and Harper had fantastic chemistry and the author really solidified their love story with a perfect amount of history. Both Rhye and Harper's shared history as well as their individual trauma was my favorite part of the story. They both came from broken and dysfunctional childhood situations that intertwined their early lives together. I felt for them. And their flirty banter felt so natural! They were as comfortable around each other as you would expect childhood friends to be all while secretly pining haha. Rhye was swoony and Harper was such a lovable and relatable FMC. I enjoyed the side characters as well! This book totally made me laugh, I should add. And the bakery aspect delivered!
When I say this only lost the fifth star for me for technicalities, I mean it. The writing was a bit choppy, especially in the first half. I honestly felt a shift in the second half when the writing felt smoother for some reason. And I usually do not let typos affect my rating but there are about a dozen or more typos in this, mostly prepositional-type words missing in sentences that I caught immediately while reading. Just a bit disappointing because this could have been a five star read for me with some more editing.
The ending and epilogue were great! I would totally read more from this author!
In this book: -small town homecoming -childhood friends to more -secret pining/he fell first -dual-POV -FMC in STEM -Firefighter MMC -functional introversion/social anxiety rep -family bakery -upstate New York fall setting
I really enjoyed this story, and for so many reasons! First, I loved how enamored Rhye was with his bestie Harper. He would do literally anything for her! Harper was really good as suppressing her own feelings for a while, but she slowly came around. I loved seeing the interactions between Harper, Mimi, Rhye, and Al— they were their own little family unit that I was into. I loved how complex our MCs were as well. Harper has a past that had her running from her small town, and Rhye’s past gave him some abandonment issues. There were little subplots that added depth to the story, and some hints at other couples we may see in the future (I hope?!). Overall, this story was sweet as pie.
Have you seen the adorable videos where best friends kiss and the walls come crumbling down, and they make the jump from friends to significant others?
Sometimes, that leap from best friends to more is a big one, especially if your BFF has you firmly planted in the friend zone. But what if a single kiss could help you muster the bravery to put it all out there?
"You know every dark nook and crevice I want to hide from you. I could try to keep it all inside, but you end up finding me out, anyway."
I loved Rhye and Harper's impactful love story. They are stalwart childhood friends with one big chasm in-between: he wants to stay and she wants to go. Neither feel like they belong except with each other and in Mama Dell's bakery. When the bakery brings Harper home and Rhye shoots his shot, the baked goods aren't the only thing sweet happening in this story. There's a lot of shared and personal history to unpack, and when Harper has to choose, Rhye has to decide whether chasing his gal at 30,000 feet is worth the risk.
The existing relationship between Rhye and Harper is a sweet one, but it's a little messy with feelings and secrets. I love the moment Rhye decides to quit hiding his long-term feelings for Harper. These two have chemistry for days. I loved watching their relationship morph as they decided whether or not they could be each other's HEA.
Happy endings and healing for everyone in this super sweet read!
Trigger warning: abandonment, alcoholism, mentions of adultery
I received a copy from the author for consideration. All thoughts contained here are my own honest opinions.
Sugar Pie and Rhye by Jordanna Loft, Book 3 in The Romance On The Menu Series is a heartwarming sweet story. The words create a beautiful emotional picture that sucks you into the world of Mama Dell and all whose lives she touched. Best friends Harper and Rhye have different past histories that have shaped their lives in ways that they want to keep buried but for them to fully be open to love and a future together, they have to let go of the ties and forgive. When they have to work together to save Mama Dell's bakery, they find that true love always wins. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their love journey, and all the characters made this book such a delightful read. There are so many favorites within and is a book to read over and over again. The ambiance within the book, the family support, and camaraderie pull the reader in and keep one hooked to the very end. Firefighter Rhye and power lady Harper found their happily-ever-after in a heartfelt way, as Harper came to accept her life and let go of past hurts that prevented her from seeing the beauty around her. I am glad Rhye had a loving family that stood by him even when his biological mother wasn't there for him and the way all rallied round as he allowed forgiveness to grow with him. This book of forgiveness, true love, and family connections is an awesome read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A friends to more romance with a firefighter who can also bake!? Yes, please! From the moment we meet them, it was kind of impossible not to fall in love with Rhye and Harper. They both had some struggles in their pasts and complicated family relationships that they had to learn from, and I loved seeing them grow throughout the story. Their vulnerability was beautiful, and the chemistry was undeniable... and certainly went beyond just friends! When we finally get that first real kiss... oh my goodness, so good! While Mama Dell had passed before the story begins, her role in both of these characters' lives is so heartwarming... I loved getting those glimpses of her both through their eyes, but also in the little snippets of her journal that we get throughout the story. It added so much and made me appreciate the history these two shared all that much more. This is the first book that I've had the chance to read from Jordanna Loft and it has me looking forward to reading more from her in the future. This was a sweet ending to this fantastic series!
Sugar Pie and Rhye is a faith-filled closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Romance On the Menu series, a multi-author series that can be enjoyed as standalones.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
"Everything makes sense now because I'm sitting across from everything I've ever wanted."
Rhye has got to be my favorite guy from the series. I've loved reading about his unfailing love for Harper. Friends to lovers is one of my guilty pleasures, and I couldn't help but love reading about this pair. With Harper, I understood why she was so hesitant to show her feelings, her hesitation, and desire to be a big corporate girlie fighting against the want to stay with her best friend and give in to her heart's desires. I loved the found family, relationship struggles, and was so thankful a third-act breakup didn't happen! Without giving too much away, I was so happy when Harper finally put away the fear and allowed herself to show her affections for Rhye.
Another favorite for me! I'll definitely be thinking about this couple for a while. The side characters became enjoyable and loved throughout the novel. I was so happy to see them all become part of one big family. The end chapter was so sweet!
I also loved how each of these stories intertwined, finding the easter eggs was one of my favorite parts of the books! It showed how interconnected the stories and characters were, but also mirrored how often the world is small, and we might know more people than we think.
Sugar Pie and Rhye is the third book in the multiauthor Romance on the Menu series and a sweet (childhood)friends to more love story.
I loved the bond Harper and Rhye shared through lived experiences and how well they understood each other. Both their childhoods were troubled and together with Harper’s grandmother Mama Dell I think we can definitely count this story as an example of found family, which is one of my favorites.
While I loved Rhye who is an absolute sweetheart and also liked their friends Mimi and Al, I wasn’t a big fan of Harper. I don’t know, she just seemed a bit negative and bitter I guess and I also didn’t enjoy the many physical descriptions of Rhye, which made Harper seem a bit superficial. It’s a clean romance, but even these often get a bit too focused on physical attraction and looks for my liking. But that’s a personal preference.
I would recommend this book if you like sweet friends to lovers romances with light faith themes and Hallmark vibes.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
- First Person, Dual POV (Harper & Rhye) - Rom-Com - kisses only romance - Romance on the Menu Book 3 (fine as a standalone)
Sugar Pie and Rhye is the third book in the Romance On The Menu series; a collaboration of 3 books by different authors. I loved the first two so much that I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. And I was not disappointed.
This story follows along with best friends (since high school) Rhye and Harper. Harper ran from her home town the first chance she got, but Rhye (the sweetest firefighter ever) loves Redberry and can't imagine having a home anywhere else. Now these two are brought together again in order to save Harper's late grandmother's bakery.
I really enjoyed Rhye and Harper's story. They both had some things in their past that hurt them, but were still kind and caring people. Their characters were so sweet and relatable.
This book was full of humor, beautiful friendships, fantastic family bonds (both blood and found), along with some Christian aspects.
Sarcasm is my love language so I happily soaked up my time with the "King" and "Queen" of sarcasm. There were also so many "awe" out loud moments to this super cute story.
This one released on October 20th and I definitely recommend checking it out, along with the first two in this beautiful series.
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
Sugar Pie and Rhye is a cozy small-town romance set in Redberry, New York, where Harper returns home to help run her family’s bakery and ends up reconnecting with Rhye, the former boy next door who’s now a firefighter and part-time baker. It’s a sweet story about coming home, second chances, and finding love where you least expect it.
I really enjoyed this one. The characters (both main and supporting) felt as grounded and real as in the other stories I’ve read by her (both Somerset Sweethearts books). The writing carries the same comforting tone as her other works and the Romance on the Menu collaboration, yet it still stands beautifully on its own. I loved getting a glimpse of Redberry and hope we get more stories about some of the supporting characters in future books. Overall, it’s an easy, heartfelt read that left me smiling.
Jordanna Loft has blended this book well . Its scenes are serene and funny as well. Harper’s grandmother’s old bakery would go to rack and ruin if it was up to her mom so she takes ahold and gets things done . Gone are the stilettos and power suits as she dons an apron with strings.Rhye Mckellan the boy next door is living in situs what’s more. She has trouble remembering why she skipped town . She has a warm feeling in her heart ,no it must be the baking that she did start…Wonderful writing by ms Loft .it’s all you dream of ,a good cost romance dance to be . It’s heavenly with good solid characters to boot that are a real hoot and soooo cute!
Sugar Pie and Rhye is a sweet, coming-home-again, Christian romantic comedy. It's the third and final book in the Romance on Menu series.
I love Harper and Rhye!! While we meet them during their story, not at the beginning, and while some of their history is explained this story does not have flashbacks. Their backstory creates two flawed but perfectly written characters. There were also quite a few moments when the side characters stole the show. The town of Redberry sounds like a wonderful place and I long to visit and try Mama Dell's sugar pie.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I fell in love with all the charters immediately🥰 I loved this story so much! It was such a beautiful read🫶🏼
Quotes: "You know every dark nook and crevice I want to hide from you. I could try to keep it all inside, but you end up finding me out, anyway." “There is nothing sweeter than the temptation to quit. Give in, and it’ll rotten more than your teeth.”
🍪Faith themes 🧑🏽🚒Best friends to lovers 🍪He Falls First 🧑🏽🚒Witty Banter 🍪Small Town 🧑🏽🚒Found Family 🍪Firefighter MMC
Trigger Warnings: Alcoholism, abandonment, mentions of adultery
Sometimes the sweetest things aren’t baked—they’re found in the heart. Sugar Pie and Rhye by Jordanna Loft had me swooning from start to finish! Best friends turned lovers, Harper and Rhye have shared history, complicated pasts, and undeniable chemistry. When Harper is pulled back home to save her grandmother’s bakery, old feelings bubble up, and Rhye finally decides to risk it all. Their love story is tender, full of growth, forgiveness, and heartfelt moments, all wrapped up in cozy small-town vibes and the aroma of freshly baked treats. I loved the found-family dynamics, the banter, and how faith and heart guided their journey. A sweet, closed-door romance with kisses only and no language—perfect for fans of wholesome HEAs!
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was my first Jordanna Loft novel and I enjoyed her writing style. Friends to lovers is a difficult story to write well and I thought Jordanna did a good job balancing the friendship to more dynamic. I loved her side characters as well, and found myself rooting for their happiness too. The only thing I didn't like was all the physical descriptions of Rhye, but that is a personal preference. All in all, this was a sweet rom-com.
This cozy fall read will have you falling in love with the small town of Redberry and the Gibsons where friends feel like family. I loved the friendship and chemistry that sparks between Harper and Rhye as their relationship progress at a beautiful slow burn. This book is fun and sweet but with just enough depth to add a serious side as well. Favorite Line: Harper Gibson is going to look absolutely gorgeous killing me.
This was a sweet story of best friends discovering how they truly feel. It was a lot of fun and a great final book in this cozy series of love and food. Also really enjoyed the Bastian Duke references from the first book. Fun way to tie them all together.
I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed Sugar Pie and Rhye.The main characters Rhye and Harper came from dysfunctional families, each was shaped by their past trauma, and each had a myriad of feelings of feelings to sort through. Rhys and Harper obviously had chemistry, and I enjoyed the best friends to more trope. What a great clean read.
I loved this book! I was rooting on rhye and Harper from the get go! A high school friendship turned love was a darling story and at the end when there was reunion of Rhyes family, it had me tearing up!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved Rhye and Harper. They were together and now they aren't. But the big thing is that Rhye is working for Harper and things have changed for each of them. I loved this story and how Harper felt like a friend. The story had some great laughs and some great romance. I enjoyed their story.
This is the first book that I've had the chance to read from Jordanna Loft, but knew she’d whip up something delightful as the last course in the Romance on the Menu series.
With a decades-old home bakery in limbo, the past too painful to process alone and the former boy-next-door ready to share how he really feels, a recipe for disaster could be awaiting Harper Gibson when she returns to her home town. Instead readers are treated to a tender love story, full of growth, forgiveness, and heartfelt moments, all wrapped up in cozy small-town vibes and the aroma of freshly baked treats.
While there were moments the writing felt disjointed and some holes in the plot line, Sugar Pie and Rhye was a sweet ending to this fantastic series!
This is my first book by this author, Jordanna Loft and I loved it. Rhye & Harper were the cutest characters. What more can I say, I wanted more and more from them and didn’t want the story to end. I’d love to see another bonus epilogue for how their future turns out. Each had their own demons but they secretly loved each other from years but too afraid to mess up their perfect best friend relationship. Thank you to the author who wrote such a great beautiful book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.