Sugar Rush

by C.M. Steele, Cover Girl Designs (Illustrator)

James was done playing the family savior. Years of cleaning up his brother’s reckless mistakes had drained his patience. Now his father’s company was on the brink of collapsing again because of them. He swore this would be the last time he sacrificed his own success for theirs.
Then she breezed in.
From the moment he met her, James knew she was everything he never realized he fierce, brilliant, and utterly captivating. However, his brother takes notice as well. He’d stop at nothing to ruin James’s one shot at happiness.
In business and in love, the stakes have never been higher… and this time, James isn’t backing down

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promising ads by MeemsAngel82

This was a fun book with two leads that i genuinely liked. The writing is like usual, entertaining and I felt drawn right into the story. The chemistry between these two is done well and the poor H kept trying to save family that shouldn't have depended on him.

Bailing out his family again, he needs help with an ad. His assistant helps out by suggesting someone.

And that was one steamy meeting! What a way to meet someone. I would have been so embarrassed to do such an ad! She had her own backbone, I liked how she treated his brother and him. He did what he could as well and it's a shame his dad didn't see just how wrong his brother is. What a terrible brother and what a terrible father. I am happy things worked out for her side of the family. A steamy and entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sugar Rush is a fast-paced, insta-love, sweet and spicy romance between James and Ava. James is a businessman who always has to clean up his older brother's messes. The latest mess happens to involve their father's marketing business. Now he's in a rush to find a model and launch a perfume ad campaign. Ava is friends with his assistant and is recommended to him. Ava's dream is to write books, but editing and publishing a book is costly. The money offered is the only reason Ava agreed to model. She didn't expect James to turn her head. As for James, he knew as soon as he saw her picture that she was perfect for him. Their chemistry is immediate and obvious to everyone. Now they just need to navigate a conniving brother, an overprotective father, and everyone knowing their business. This was a great start to the Sugar Rush series. I'm looking forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie’s Book Barn Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished a lovely read!

I absolutely loved James and Ava's story. These two characters make such a charming couple, and their connection felt so sweet and genuine.

It’s a quick read—I zipped through it in about an hour—but it packed in a lot! You get plenty of romance and a little spice, along with some family drama because of James's brother's messes. Poor James is really feeling the pressure as he tries to hold the family together amidst all their scandals.

Ava also plays a significant role as she helps her friend, who is close to James. When Ava and James meet, the chemistry between them is just amazing! James is determined to keep his brother's issues from ruining the happiness he finds with Ava.

Overall, this was such a fun read! I really enjoyed my time with it and would highly recommend giving it a try. The author did a fantastic job!

4/5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in The Sugar Rush series featuring James and Ava's OTT quick and sexy insta-love romance. James is forced to be the hero in his family bailing out his father and brother whether he wants to or not and no matter how busy he is. Once again James is going to bail out his father's ad agency except this time he's going to be glad that he did when he meets Ava the woman who will change his life forever. Ava is just doing a favor for a friend little does she know that by doing it her life is going to change forever. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this OTT quick and sexy insta-love romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

James is a successful businessman who once again must come to his father’s rescue when his brother’s mistake puts a perfume campaign in jeopardy. When his assistant tells him that her friend would make the perfect model he never expected that she would be the woman he didn’t know he was waiting for.

Ava is working an administrative job so that she can save enough money to finance the publication of her book. Agreeing to be a model will allow her to reach it that much dream sooner and she can’t deny her feelings for him even as other people try to keep them apart.

There are immediate heat and feelings between James and Ava which combines with a little family drama that they aren’t about to let come between them.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

James is a security specialist with his own company, but his father needs help with his ad agency after his older brother caused trouble. James now needs a model for a perfume ad and that's where Ava comes into the picture. He sees Ava's photo and is instantly obsessed. He fell instantly and now nothing and no one can stop him from getting his woman. A hot photoshoot and a lot of drama with his older brother, but James fights for his woman. Insta love, OTT, sweet, steamy🔥, romantic, fun to read and totally safe (oh yeah dual virgins- my favorite trope😍) with an awesome HEA😍😍😍😍😍 Can't wait how Elisabeth and Mr. Hernandez get their HEA 😉

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's crazy to me how a short read like this one can have the same impact and pack a punch just as profound as a novel that's hundreds of pages long. But this certainly met the challenge and far exceeded. It really draws you in.

Absolutely loved the characters of James and Ava. They were so unbelievably well-written, as was the story, and i found myself practically speed reading through this, so I could find out what happened next.

Stories like these have that feel-good quality I love so much, and, of course, I gotta have me an HEA. This little novel did not disappoint on any level. I would absolutely read it again and again.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

James has been on constant clean up of his brothers disasters since he can remember. When another huge mistake is made, his father calls him in to clean up the mess. Needing a model asap, his assistant suggests her neighbor Ava who has no experience. From the instant he sees her he is smitten. Now the man who wasn't looking for love has found it but will his brother manage to ruin his chances as well?

A little too quick, wish it was longer. Overall liked this and would have liked a little bit more. Had a few questions at the end.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 1 of The Sugar Rush series and focuses on James and Ava. James has spent his life cleaning up his brother's messes on his father's behalf. When James' brother gets his dad's ad company in a bind, James steps up to fix it. This leads him to finding Ava and knowing that she is his soulmate. Ava becomes his new purpose and the center of his universe. This was a great story and a great start to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the instant attraction and emotional pull James has for Ava. It grabs you from their first meeting. Unfortunately, they have some family issues that pose a threat to their relationship and the drama needs to be addressed before they can look to the future.

James and Ava's story is very sweet and very spicy with a happily ever after that hits the mark.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book in a new series. It is of course everything we love about CM Steele books!! Im already anxious for the next book. Definitely a must read!
Ava is asked to do a last minute favor for a friend and it turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to her.
James has to jump in and rescue his fathers ad agency again and ends up meeting the love of his live.
Before they can have their happily ever after the first must deal with family who does not want them together.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Rush was a great start to C.M. Steele's new series, The Sugar Rush. Once again James Keaton is left to save his father's company thanks to his brother's careless decisions. He has his own company to run but he can't just do nothing. But this time though fate was on his side when the young model hired to save the photoshoot turns out to be Ava, the girl of his dreams. Definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next book.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short read. I read the first PIV scene was chapter 8 in a 10 chapter book and thought that was weird for a novella to be slow pace but it honestly wasn't. It was still quite steamy and spicy despite the late "interaction".
I love books like this where the hero isn't a man whore and I appreciate some OM drama now and then - it's always OW drama.
Definitely deemed SAFE for me. No scenes with OP, no OW drama and the OM drama was refreshing not anxiety inducing.

[Iva Krazalkovičová · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is so done with helping his father. He has his own firm to manage..and has no time tu save his brothers ass. He will help them..one last time..
But than he sees her...she is the one who is helping him...but this time..he will do anything he has to to save her and him...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Neal]

Thoughts:

1. Her reaction as she returned Henry's laptop to him seemed very over the top and unnecessary in regards to what actually happened (him hitting on her) and what he implied was happening (them being intimate) to mess with James. I kept waiting for it to to be revealed that she found other stuff on the device that led to the level of insults, etc. But...nope.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick romance book will cause you to fall in love with James and Ava. This romance book has 2 very engaging characters that is so sweet to read about they might cause your teeth to ache. I loved reading this romance book and give it a thumbs up for being entertaining.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

James is hardworking, protective, brilliant, and determined man. Ava is sweet, smart, talented, and creative. This story is sensual and fun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us an emotional story that pulls us into the lives of James and Ava. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, family issues and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully engaging, featuring a captivating storyline and well-developed characters. The writing style is smooth and enjoyable, drawing the reader in from the very first page. It's a satisfying read that leaves you wanting more.

[Heather Riederer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun read. The beginning was a little tough of a start for me but still enjoyed it. Wish it was longer if anything.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A excellent start to a new series. Wonderful characters. Plenty of drama. Chemistry! It's a story with great flow , and I happily ever after guaranteed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story which was shorter than I wanted only because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these wonderful characters quite yet. Fun, engaging and fully entertaining.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

2✯

-dual POV
-no ow drama
-no separation
-no cheating
-h(22)/H(29)
-insta love/lust
-unwanted om attention
-virgin heroine, I think he was also a virgin
-immature heroine
-alpha hero
-epilogue: few years later -married with 2 kids

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant…

James is always cleaning up both his father and brothers messes. This time it’s a perfume ad for Valentine’s Day. The model? 22 year old Ava, an aspiring romabtasy writer. For James, he’s all in from her photo.

[Michael And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, short sexy read

This one was fun. The main characters were both likable and strong. The sexy times were 🔥 hot. And the happily ever after was exactly like I like it. Recommend!

[Kyareth14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy

I really liked the story, the plot is good and the happy ending I loved it. James and Ava were meant to be together, the perfume campaign led them to get to know each other and that changed their lives.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

what you expect from C.M. Steele

If you like instant love with an OTT possessive hero then these books are for you. Quick short reads that help you reset.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally something quick that helped me get back to reading.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

hot

This was a quick and hot read. I liked the characters and their chemistry. I hope to read Elizabeth story soon

[Jovette Bossé · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I love sweet James and Ava, they were made for each other! Such a powerful and beautiful love story! Soo soo good and soo soo H.O.T I absolutly loved it! 🥰❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️❤️😍