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Sweet Like Honey: A Small Town, Second Chance Romance
He’s Georgia royalty. She’s the town’s cautionary tale. Neither of them saw this coming.
Shay Honeycutt has a plan for everything.
But she couldn’t plan for broke, unemployed, and returned to the small town she thought she’d outrun, where elitism runs deep and jobs are scarce. So when a local distillery begs for Shay’s marketing expertise, requesting help to repair their damaged reputation, she jumps at the chance. The catch? The distillery belongs to the Shepherds, Georgia royalty whose golden boy is the one man she never got Camden.
Surviving this job means not just surviving him—the boy who was always too good for her—but also facing her unshakable belief that her dodgy upbringing means she will never be good enough, period. Between an all-male team, Cam’s father watching her every move, and his friends showing her exactly what a catch he is, Shay has never felt more inadequate.
But with Cam’s help, her campaign turns into something monumental—right along with an attraction neither of them ever outran. Just when Shay thinks her dreams are actualizing, the Shepherds remind her exactly whose world she’s living in. Cam refuses to let her go again, but Shay isn’t sure she’s worth what it will cost him to keep her.
So much for having a plan.
Sweet Like Honey is a small-town, second-chance romance perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lucy Score.
Shay Honeycutt has a plan for everything.
But she couldn’t plan for broke, unemployed, and returned to the small town she thought she’d outrun, where elitism runs deep and jobs are scarce. So when a local distillery begs for Shay’s marketing expertise, requesting help to repair their damaged reputation, she jumps at the chance. The catch? The distillery belongs to the Shepherds, Georgia royalty whose golden boy is the one man she never got Camden.
Surviving this job means not just surviving him—the boy who was always too good for her—but also facing her unshakable belief that her dodgy upbringing means she will never be good enough, period. Between an all-male team, Cam’s father watching her every move, and his friends showing her exactly what a catch he is, Shay has never felt more inadequate.
But with Cam’s help, her campaign turns into something monumental—right along with an attraction neither of them ever outran. Just when Shay thinks her dreams are actualizing, the Shepherds remind her exactly whose world she’s living in. Cam refuses to let her go again, but Shay isn’t sure she’s worth what it will cost him to keep her.
So much for having a plan.
Sweet Like Honey is a small-town, second-chance romance perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lucy Score.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2026
About the author
Deidra Duncan
14 books385 followersDeidra Duncan spends her days (and some nights) living the dream as a board-certified OB/GYN, where every minute is either routine monotony or sheer terror. She lives in Florida with two human tornadoes and the wonderful man who helped make them. She’s usually dressed in either scrubs or glitter, and would love for someone to magically combine them. She devotes every rare moment of free time to writing or reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 30, 2026
Oh my goodness!! Cam and Honey are SOOOO GREAT!! I absolutely adore them! This little found family group has my heart and I’m already excited for more from Ivy and Ben!!! 😍😍😍
October 3, 2026
Another hit by Deidra Duncan! After reading love sick and love and other side effects, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on another romance from her. I absolutely loved this book. The chemistry pulled me in quickly, it’s a slow burn and I love the angst. I love a second-chance romance and seeing people grow with time. As a Georgia girl, I loved the small-town southern setting. Duncan always has the best banter in her books, and shay and Camden did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down!! 10 stars.
October 10, 2026
I’m 100% in the “If she writes it, I read it” category when it comes to Deidra Duncan! Last month, she dropped this delightful small-town romance, and I rescheduled my reading plans as soon as she said the FMC thinks he hates her, but he’s spent a decade perfecting a whiskey named after her. Say. Less.
Shay Honeycutt has always been brilliant, but when a series of unlucky breaks land her back in the small Georgia hometown she couldn’t leave fast enough after high school, she’s broke and really needs a break. When a local distillery needs her marketing expertise to restore their reputation after a tragically flawed ad campaign, Shay has to take it - but the Shepard family owns the distillery - her town’s version of royalty - and their son Camden is her high school rival and crush who always thought she was trash from the wrong side of the tracks.
Cam isn’t the only thing at the distillery making her new job difficult - a misogynistic marketing culture and Cam’s distrustful dad thinking she’s trying to seduce him for money are two big problems. But as Shay and Cam plan an extraordinary business comeback, they start to uncover truths about the past that help them each realize they might have been reading this wrong for years.
I’m not normally a fan of rich boss workplace romances because of the power imbalances inherent in the stories. This one has so much heart, the characters are delightful, and (like all of Deidra’s books) she is saying something bigger than the story. In this case, about misogyny in the workplace and class divides. I am a sucker for friends who help our main characters get out of their own way, and wow, there are some great ones here. Also, don’t cross a southern mama.
I really need at least one more book in this series because if we don’t get the story of Cam’s best friends getting together, I will be very disappointed.
I love that Deidra moves around in her writing, from her rom-coms to the SPECTACULAR dystopian tale Til I Die to this small-town tender romance. She’s got range! I hope to start the first in her fantasy series soon.
Shay Honeycutt has always been brilliant, but when a series of unlucky breaks land her back in the small Georgia hometown she couldn’t leave fast enough after high school, she’s broke and really needs a break. When a local distillery needs her marketing expertise to restore their reputation after a tragically flawed ad campaign, Shay has to take it - but the Shepard family owns the distillery - her town’s version of royalty - and their son Camden is her high school rival and crush who always thought she was trash from the wrong side of the tracks.
Cam isn’t the only thing at the distillery making her new job difficult - a misogynistic marketing culture and Cam’s distrustful dad thinking she’s trying to seduce him for money are two big problems. But as Shay and Cam plan an extraordinary business comeback, they start to uncover truths about the past that help them each realize they might have been reading this wrong for years.
I’m not normally a fan of rich boss workplace romances because of the power imbalances inherent in the stories. This one has so much heart, the characters are delightful, and (like all of Deidra’s books) she is saying something bigger than the story. In this case, about misogyny in the workplace and class divides. I am a sucker for friends who help our main characters get out of their own way, and wow, there are some great ones here. Also, don’t cross a southern mama.
I really need at least one more book in this series because if we don’t get the story of Cam’s best friends getting together, I will be very disappointed.
I love that Deidra moves around in her writing, from her rom-coms to the SPECTACULAR dystopian tale Til I Die to this small-town tender romance. She’s got range! I hope to start the first in her fantasy series soon.
October 18, 2026
Heartbreakingly sweet- I couldn’t put it down
I came across this book on TikTok, and the premise was honestly just too cute to pass up. I had no idea how completely invested I was about to become!
This story was absolutely heartbreakingly sweet. It’s a second-chance romance without the cheating or betrayal you sometimes find with this trope. Instead, two people who secretly cared deeply for one another were separated by misunderstandings. She believed she couldn’t be part of his world, while he believed she wanted nothing to do with him.
When they finally reconnect again as adults, there’s so much longing, angst, and push and pull between them. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters and root for them to finally find their way back to each other.
The supporting characters were wonderful, too. I especially adored her mother! The relationships felt so warm and genuine, and I found myself completely immersed in their story.
There were moments that made my heart feel incredibly full and others that absolutely broke it. I definitely shed a few tears toward the end.
And I have to compliment the author on how beautifully she handled the intimate scenes. There are only a couple of open-door scenes, and while they aren’t fade-to-black, they’re written with a softer, less graphic approach that focuses more on the emotion and intimacy between the characters. If you enjoy romance but aren’t particularly interested in highly descriptive spice, I think you’d really appreciate this one.
Sweet, emotional, heartwarming, and occasionally heartbreaking. This book was everything I wanted in a romance.
I came across this book on TikTok, and the premise was honestly just too cute to pass up. I had no idea how completely invested I was about to become!
This story was absolutely heartbreakingly sweet. It’s a second-chance romance without the cheating or betrayal you sometimes find with this trope. Instead, two people who secretly cared deeply for one another were separated by misunderstandings. She believed she couldn’t be part of his world, while he believed she wanted nothing to do with him.
When they finally reconnect again as adults, there’s so much longing, angst, and push and pull between them. You can’t help but fall in love with these characters and root for them to finally find their way back to each other.
The supporting characters were wonderful, too. I especially adored her mother! The relationships felt so warm and genuine, and I found myself completely immersed in their story.
There were moments that made my heart feel incredibly full and others that absolutely broke it. I definitely shed a few tears toward the end.
And I have to compliment the author on how beautifully she handled the intimate scenes. There are only a couple of open-door scenes, and while they aren’t fade-to-black, they’re written with a softer, less graphic approach that focuses more on the emotion and intimacy between the characters. If you enjoy romance but aren’t particularly interested in highly descriptive spice, I think you’d really appreciate this one.
Sweet, emotional, heartwarming, and occasionally heartbreaking. This book was everything I wanted in a romance.
October 2, 2026
I immediately ran to my KU library when I learned Deidra Duncan surprise-dropped a new romance. Right off the bat, I felt the unresolved tension between Shay and Cam and was hooked! They have great banter and chemistry, and while this is an extremely sloooooww burn, the flirty build up made me feel giddy. Some of Shay’s insecurities felt repetitive and a little drawn out, but a down bad MMC that melts away an FMC’s worries always wins me over.
October 23, 2026
3.48
This was cute, kind of.
This was cute, kind of.
November 4, 2026
THIS WAS SO DAMN GOOD
October 6, 2026
Must Read Contemporary
I absolutely devoured this book, could not stop once I started. Turns out I’m a big fan of second chance romances, and I loved how the different parts of this story fit together. The book touches on a lot of serious topics like class disparity and poverty and misogyny, but it’s grounded in the power of choice and love and change. The southern charm and setting were delightful, and I truly enjoyed learning more about these characters and can’t wait for the next one!
I absolutely devoured this book, could not stop once I started. Turns out I’m a big fan of second chance romances, and I loved how the different parts of this story fit together. The book touches on a lot of serious topics like class disparity and poverty and misogyny, but it’s grounded in the power of choice and love and change. The southern charm and setting were delightful, and I truly enjoyed learning more about these characters and can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Sweet Like Honey! I’ve read several of Duncan’s other books and have loved them, and this one was another winner for me. It’s honestly one of my favorites. The second-chance romance, small-town setting, and chemistry between Shay and Cam made this such an easy book to get lost in.
I also loved that the supporting characters were memorable. They added a lot to the story, and I definitely wouldn’t complain about getting to spend more time with some of them in the future…!
I enjoyed the conversations around wealth, privilege, and how growing up with money—or without it—can shape the way you see yourself and the world around you. I thought the book did a great job showing that wealth certainly doesn’t determine worth (even if some people will want to make you feel that way).
Overall, this was just such a fun, heartfelt, well-written romance. I cared about the characters and enjoyed the story from beginning to end. If you love small-town, second-chance romance with great chemistry and characters, definitely add Sweet Like Honey to your list!
I also loved that the supporting characters were memorable. They added a lot to the story, and I definitely wouldn’t complain about getting to spend more time with some of them in the future…!
I enjoyed the conversations around wealth, privilege, and how growing up with money—or without it—can shape the way you see yourself and the world around you. I thought the book did a great job showing that wealth certainly doesn’t determine worth (even if some people will want to make you feel that way).
Overall, this was just such a fun, heartfelt, well-written romance. I cared about the characters and enjoyed the story from beginning to end. If you love small-town, second-chance romance with great chemistry and characters, definitely add Sweet Like Honey to your list!
September 28, 2026
3.75 stars. This is the second book I have read by Deidra Duncan. My previous was Love Sick, which I liked a lot. I had more mixed feeling for Sweet Like Honey. Unlike Love Sick, this is single POV and the story is about Shay Honeycutt, the daughter of a single mother. She grew up in a small poor town in Georgia but was able to attend high school in the neighboring rich small town. Although she excelled academically and made some friends, she never felt that she fit in. She left to go to college and the story opens 9 years later when she returns home because she misses her mother and friends. When in high school, she had a crush on a rich boy named Cam Shepherd and her heart was broken when she overheard him calling her "trailer trash". Unfortunately, she is now broke and jobs are scarce. Their high school classmate Ivy is the HR representative for the Shepherds' bourbon company, whose image has recently taken a bad hit. Shay has done marketing work and Ivy recruits her, putting her back in Cam's orbit, much to the displeasure of Cam's father, who has never liked Shay.
There was much that I liked about this book. I enjoyed the setting. It was very much a portrayal of the modern South, in that there were characters of different ethnicities and discussion about feminism. The main characters were likable and had good banter. Cam was very sexy - the politeness and manners of a Southern gentleman but with a flirty/dirty streak. Secondary characters (friends and parents of both main characters) were also fleshed out well. However, the book needed a good trim. There were scenes where essentially the same thing happened again that I felt were not necessary and Shay's angst about not feeling good enough for Cam went on for too long. Shay was supposed to be very smart but it seemed like everyone around her knew Cam was in love with her and made comments hinting at this but she never got it. I also felt that there were also some inconsistencies in Cam's characterization, although maybe that was due to the difference between how Shay saw him and how others did.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and there are already scenes I have gone back to reread. The book is labeled as the first in a series and if book 2 is about Ivy, I will definitely read it.
There was much that I liked about this book. I enjoyed the setting. It was very much a portrayal of the modern South, in that there were characters of different ethnicities and discussion about feminism. The main characters were likable and had good banter. Cam was very sexy - the politeness and manners of a Southern gentleman but with a flirty/dirty streak. Secondary characters (friends and parents of both main characters) were also fleshed out well. However, the book needed a good trim. There were scenes where essentially the same thing happened again that I felt were not necessary and Shay's angst about not feeling good enough for Cam went on for too long. Shay was supposed to be very smart but it seemed like everyone around her knew Cam was in love with her and made comments hinting at this but she never got it. I also felt that there were also some inconsistencies in Cam's characterization, although maybe that was due to the difference between how Shay saw him and how others did.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and there are already scenes I have gone back to reread. The book is labeled as the first in a series and if book 2 is about Ivy, I will definitely read it.
October 29, 2026
🍯 Sweet Like Honey by Deidra Duncan | ⭐️ 5/5
I mean, anything that DD writes instantly has my vote, and Sweet Like Honey is nothing short of that. 🤎
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the way DD writes yearning, romance, and spice is unmatched in my book. There’s just something about the way she builds romantic tension and makes you feel every little moment between her characters that keeps me coming back for more.
This contemporary romance follows a small-town girl returning home and falling for the small-town boy all over again, after spending years believing he thought the worst of her because of their class divide. Give me a second-chance-at-love feel, unresolved feelings, and all the what ifs that come with a history between two people, and I’m SAT. 😩❤️🔥
The banter, the flirting, the tension between the MMC and FMC?! SO GOOD. Every interaction had me invested, and I honestly found myself dreaming about a book-to-screen adaptation and yearning for my own old fashion drink in hand- because tell me this wouldn’t make the most delicious romantic movie?! The chemistry is already there; we just need someone to bring it to life on screen!
I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Megan C. Tyler, and she did a fantastic job bringing all the different characters to life. The narration added so much to the experience and made it even easier to get swept up in the story.
Another reminder that DD knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to romance. If you love small-town love stories, delicious yearning, flirty banter, and tension that keeps you hooked, Sweet Like Honey deserves a spot on your TBR. 🍯💋
I mean, anything that DD writes instantly has my vote, and Sweet Like Honey is nothing short of that. 🤎
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the way DD writes yearning, romance, and spice is unmatched in my book. There’s just something about the way she builds romantic tension and makes you feel every little moment between her characters that keeps me coming back for more.
This contemporary romance follows a small-town girl returning home and falling for the small-town boy all over again, after spending years believing he thought the worst of her because of their class divide. Give me a second-chance-at-love feel, unresolved feelings, and all the what ifs that come with a history between two people, and I’m SAT. 😩❤️🔥
The banter, the flirting, the tension between the MMC and FMC?! SO GOOD. Every interaction had me invested, and I honestly found myself dreaming about a book-to-screen adaptation and yearning for my own old fashion drink in hand- because tell me this wouldn’t make the most delicious romantic movie?! The chemistry is already there; we just need someone to bring it to life on screen!
I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Megan C. Tyler, and she did a fantastic job bringing all the different characters to life. The narration added so much to the experience and made it even easier to get swept up in the story.
Another reminder that DD knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to romance. If you love small-town love stories, delicious yearning, flirty banter, and tension that keeps you hooked, Sweet Like Honey deserves a spot on your TBR. 🍯💋
November 8, 2026
This was exactly what I needed. The pacing and writing was excellent which are two things I need for a romance book to push above four stars. The story between Camden and Shay was believable and fun in a way that genuinely hadn’t experienced in a long time. There were parts that made me laugh out loud and as a Northern girl, the Southern charm made it absolutely delightful.
Our FMC Shey comes back to her Southern hometown after leaving for college at an Ivy League school. When an emergency medical event forces her back home, a mysterious email from an old classmate has her taking a temporary job as a social media/marketing staff at a local whisky distillery run and owned by The Shepard Family. Run by Camden Shepard, Shey’s high school crush, Shey immediately feels the pull back into Camdens orbit.
Shey never feel like she fits in, constantly seeing herself as the poor girl, she convinces herself that she isn’t good enough for Camden. Along the way some excellent side characters enhance the story including Mama Honeycutt, Nessa, Ivy, Bennett, and Marisol.
My fave things about this story was just how much of a green flag and sweet MMC Camden was, not many men would name. Whisky after the girl who got away ☺️
Tropes include:
🐝small town romance
🐝 rich MMC / poor FMC
🐝workplace romance
🐝 green flag MMC
🐝 southern charm
🐝 smart and sassy FMC
I listened to this one on Audible and the narrator was great with the Southern accent and was very good for a solo narrator which is always hard to do!
Our FMC Shey comes back to her Southern hometown after leaving for college at an Ivy League school. When an emergency medical event forces her back home, a mysterious email from an old classmate has her taking a temporary job as a social media/marketing staff at a local whisky distillery run and owned by The Shepard Family. Run by Camden Shepard, Shey’s high school crush, Shey immediately feels the pull back into Camdens orbit.
Shey never feel like she fits in, constantly seeing herself as the poor girl, she convinces herself that she isn’t good enough for Camden. Along the way some excellent side characters enhance the story including Mama Honeycutt, Nessa, Ivy, Bennett, and Marisol.
My fave things about this story was just how much of a green flag and sweet MMC Camden was, not many men would name. Whisky after the girl who got away ☺️
Tropes include:
🐝small town romance
🐝 rich MMC / poor FMC
🐝workplace romance
🐝 green flag MMC
🐝 southern charm
🐝 smart and sassy FMC
I listened to this one on Audible and the narrator was great with the Southern accent and was very good for a solo narrator which is always hard to do!
October 30, 2026
You MUST listen to the Audiobook! 1st- The Author, Deidra Duncan, is an amazing writer. The way she wrote this story is a breath of fresh air and grabs your complete and full attention from page 1. I love how each chapter flowed and the unique writing style that she has, which makes her stand out from many authors for me. The character development and dialogue is "GREAT", lol, yes if you read this book, you will get the inside joke. Overall this story is 1,000% worth investing your time into. 2nd- The Narrator, Megan C Tyler, narrated this book to PERFECTION! She is my #1, absolute favorite narrator after listening to this audiobook. The emotion she gave every single character made me laugh out loud with comedic dialogue, made me punch a pillow with anger during the infuriating "antagonist" scenes, my eyes did not remain dry when heart wrenching words were said, and my skin was covered in goosebumps during the moments of joy. Her distinct character voices and accents fit every single character, and I couldn't imagine any of them sounding any different. The time and dedication spent by both the Author and Narrator make this Audiobook an absolute MUST LISTEN by every single person who reads this review. You are really missing out, if you don't! Thank you SO MUCH Deidra and Megan for the most enjoyable audiobook listen I have had ALL YEAR! You have me wanting to hear MORE of this!
October 18, 2026
I saw this author’s blurb for this book on IG at 3 a.m. when I was doomscrolling after I couldn’t sleep. And let me just say that I am glad that I did! I started reading it on Kindle Unlimited as soon as I saw it, because obviously that is what any sane person does at 3 in the morning. I haven’t been able to put it down since. This is a slow burn, small town, second chance but also forbidden, romance. There are social class differences and both the main characters are super intelligent. Their nerd banter is so good. I honestly loved their romance and thought it was such a fast-paced, easy read. You just keep wanting more. Now, this book is set in a small town in Georgia. I’m from Georgia. And I’m not talking about anywhere near Atlanta. I’m talking about from the cut, ya’ll. One red light town-esque— so some of the Southern slang threw me off a bit…because we don’t lay it on quite so thick 😅but I can also understand that it drives the old South ways in a bit more. Besides that, I enjoyed this book thoroughly and I think the author did a jam-up job. Especially considering she’s also an OBGYN. Talk about a badass, hardworking woman here. I urge y’all to check this book out. It is severely underrated!
November 8, 2026
This book just wasn’t for me. It didn’t offer much in terms of story, and the characters were all so boring.
Camden has supposedly been in love with Shay since high school, yet he spent that time sleeping around and taunting her with other girls. She loved him but didn’t think a rich boy could ever love a poor girl. Neither one made a move, and apparently that was the foundation of their great love story.
Fast forward a decade, and his dad is calling her a whore, telling her she’s trash, and accusing her of trying to trap his son. And what does Camden do? Absolutely nothing. Even after finding out, he still thinks his dad is some kind of hero. Make it make sense.
The entire book, and I mean EVERY chapter, Shay is going on about how she isn’t good enough because she grew up in a trailer park. She’s constantly crying about money and feeling inferior. It got exhausting.
The biggest problem for me was that we never actually got to see their love unfold. We’re just told they love each other, but there’s nothing there that makes you feel it. I couldn’t connect with either character, and honestly, neither was particularly likable.
I hate to say it, but this one was repetitive and boring. I kept waiting for something to happen, and it just never did.
Camden has supposedly been in love with Shay since high school, yet he spent that time sleeping around and taunting her with other girls. She loved him but didn’t think a rich boy could ever love a poor girl. Neither one made a move, and apparently that was the foundation of their great love story.
Fast forward a decade, and his dad is calling her a whore, telling her she’s trash, and accusing her of trying to trap his son. And what does Camden do? Absolutely nothing. Even after finding out, he still thinks his dad is some kind of hero. Make it make sense.
The entire book, and I mean EVERY chapter, Shay is going on about how she isn’t good enough because she grew up in a trailer park. She’s constantly crying about money and feeling inferior. It got exhausting.
The biggest problem for me was that we never actually got to see their love unfold. We’re just told they love each other, but there’s nothing there that makes you feel it. I couldn’t connect with either character, and honestly, neither was particularly likable.
I hate to say it, but this one was repetitive and boring. I kept waiting for something to happen, and it just never did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having been fortunate enough to read this early, Sugar Springs and Shay and Cam live rent-free in my head. I LOVED their second-chance, “wrong side of the tracks” romance. Shay is an FMC who's smart and capable (buuuut also down bad for him whew 🥵, just as equally as he yearns for her) and takes no ish from the old boys club of the corporate world. Bonus: the cast of supporting characters are complex and leave you wanting more of their stories, too — I love love love Bennett!
This story had the perfect level of slow-burn that won’t leave you hanging *too* long, but the build-up and the payoff are so satisfying. I cannot wait to be able to press this story on all my contemporary romance-loving friends, and fans of men who yearn.
This story had the perfect level of slow-burn that won’t leave you hanging *too* long, but the build-up and the payoff are so satisfying. I cannot wait to be able to press this story on all my contemporary romance-loving friends, and fans of men who yearn.
October 23, 2026
I LOVED IT SO MUCH. 🫶💓
Camden and Shay were literally soulmates and I'm so sad it ended because I never wanted this book to end.
LOVED the supporting characters besides Camdens dad. 🙄
ALSO I really wanted to give this infinite 🌟 but I just hated the fact that they've had a thing for one another since they were 15. And she saw him still date other girls and heard him do things with them. If you know what I mean. That was SO unnecessary to have, considering they've been pining for one another for like forever.
But anyways besides that little issue, COULDN'T STOP reading this book. Would 💯 recommend this.
AND I adored the writing. I'm definitely reading more books by this author. I hope two of the supporting characters get a book. 💗🫶
Camden and Shay were literally soulmates and I'm so sad it ended because I never wanted this book to end.
LOVED the supporting characters besides Camdens dad. 🙄
ALSO I really wanted to give this infinite 🌟 but I just hated the fact that they've had a thing for one another since they were 15. And she saw him still date other girls and heard him do things with them. If you know what I mean. That was SO unnecessary to have, considering they've been pining for one another for like forever.
But anyways besides that little issue, COULDN'T STOP reading this book. Would 💯 recommend this.
AND I adored the writing. I'm definitely reading more books by this author. I hope two of the supporting characters get a book. 💗🫶
October 23, 2026
Cute PG-ish romance about a heroine who has a more than 10 year old crush on the hero who is everything a woman would want. The issue is the heroine is on the wrong side of the tracks and doesn't feel she would ever fit with the rich hero whose father can't stand her. She comes home feeling lost and finds herself again when she get a job the hero's family distillery. Their interacts are a slow burn as they both realize they still care for one another. The hero's mother is such a gem who is in the heroine's corner.
A sweet romance with a few steamy undertones but the love scenes are more subtle and not too graphic. This is the type of small town romance you'll enjoy.
A sweet romance with a few steamy undertones but the love scenes are more subtle and not too graphic. This is the type of small town romance you'll enjoy.
October 25, 2026
I haven't read a book like this in a long, long time, and I inhaled it! It felt nostalgic of those 90s romance novels that I used to love to read, except better.
He's rich, she's poor, there has always been something between them, and the chemistry is still there a decade later. Add in interference from a disapproving father, and you've got a story that will keep you turning the pages.
And gosh, the angst! The PINING! I want to re-read this again already! I want 10 more books like this!
I have read I think Deidra Duncan's debut, which I really liked as well, and I can tell that she is great at what she does.
He's rich, she's poor, there has always been something between them, and the chemistry is still there a decade later. Add in interference from a disapproving father, and you've got a story that will keep you turning the pages.
And gosh, the angst! The PINING! I want to re-read this again already! I want 10 more books like this!
I have read I think Deidra Duncan's debut, which I really liked as well, and I can tell that she is great at what she does.
November 4, 2026
Not to be dramatic, but I genuinely think this is the best book I’ve read all year. The YEARNING between these two was absolute torture in the best way possible. The way Shay viewed herself and constantly belittled herself broke my heart, but Cam never saw any of those differences as something that mattered. All he knew was that he loved her, had always loved her, and would do absolutely anything to make sure she knew it.
This man went ABOVE AND BEYOND for her, and I was eating up every single second of it. This book completely blew me away. Truly, I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from this one. I’ve officially found myself a new auto-buy author, and I couldn’t be happier. 😭❤️
This man went ABOVE AND BEYOND for her, and I was eating up every single second of it. This book completely blew me away. Truly, I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from this one. I’ve officially found myself a new auto-buy author, and I couldn’t be happier. 😭❤️
November 5, 2026
Dear Lord, I love a man who yearns. And Camden Shepherd Jr might just take the cake! The yearn was yearning, and the banter was banting! Also I love when an author is clearly intelligent and writes smart characters. Loved it! Also the characters were believably Southern, not the fake small-town kind, you know? Anyway, I stayed up until 3 am finishing this with no (okay maybe a few my-child-woke-up-at-5:30) regrets!
Also, as someone who goes feral for dual-POV, this one was one of the rare exceptions where a single POV had me kicking my feet! What do you mean everyone else can see what that man is thinking when she can’t?! Delicious.
Also, as someone who goes feral for dual-POV, this one was one of the rare exceptions where a single POV had me kicking my feet! What do you mean everyone else can see what that man is thinking when she can’t?! Delicious.
October 20, 2026
a bit drawn out
I liked this story, the characters, the banter but…it was too drawn out. Way too many chapters of similar instances repeated. And Shay’s complex got a tad annoying as it stuck with her until the very end of the story. His dad was foul and deserved some real repercussions. And there was never any talk about Cam’s library “activities” with other girls, knowing Shay would be there, which directly conflicts with how he felt about her. That was missed angsty opportunity.
I liked this story, the characters, the banter but…it was too drawn out. Way too many chapters of similar instances repeated. And Shay’s complex got a tad annoying as it stuck with her until the very end of the story. His dad was foul and deserved some real repercussions. And there was never any talk about Cam’s library “activities” with other girls, knowing Shay would be there, which directly conflicts with how he felt about her. That was missed angsty opportunity.
October 21, 2026
OH. MY. GOSH. 😍📚
I literally could NOT put this book down!! Sweet Like Honey was such a breath of fresh air! The banter, the chemistry, the tension… EVERYTHING was just so good! 😍 The way the characters interacted had me smiling, laughing, and kicking my feet like a little girl!
This was one of those books I never wanted to end, but also couldn’t stop turning the pages! I was completely hooked from start to finish! 🥹❤️
Absolutely obsessed, and I cannot recommend it enough! 🍯💕
I literally could NOT put this book down!! Sweet Like Honey was such a breath of fresh air! The banter, the chemistry, the tension… EVERYTHING was just so good! 😍 The way the characters interacted had me smiling, laughing, and kicking my feet like a little girl!
This was one of those books I never wanted to end, but also couldn’t stop turning the pages! I was completely hooked from start to finish! 🥹❤️
Absolutely obsessed, and I cannot recommend it enough! 🍯💕
October 25, 2026
It Was well Written
Like this is a well written book but repetitive and boring? I know I posed that as a question but I can’t decide, like it drug a lot, same things were repeated over and over and yet I kept reading and it’s because I was waiting for the dramatic change that frankly never came.
I really hated the male lead by the end for his lack of effort and fight. Like if he wanted her so bad why didn’t he fight for her?
Fmc idk could have been anyone.
I guess it was well written, read the whole thing waiting for more, it doesn’t give more but it’s ok I guess.
Like this is a well written book but repetitive and boring? I know I posed that as a question but I can’t decide, like it drug a lot, same things were repeated over and over and yet I kept reading and it’s because I was waiting for the dramatic change that frankly never came.
I really hated the male lead by the end for his lack of effort and fight. Like if he wanted her so bad why didn’t he fight for her?
Fmc idk could have been anyone.
I guess it was well written, read the whole thing waiting for more, it doesn’t give more but it’s ok I guess.
October 29, 2026
Disclaimer:
I Got this cute audiobook from the author.
Reading this book felt like such a refreshing change from all the high fantasy and romantasy I've read lately. Just a cute small town romance, old high school lovers, and some family drama.
It actually reminded me a lot of the movie "colors of love" with Chad Michael Murray.
One book, light and beautifully written. ..
The audiobook is done by a single narrator and she's done a beautiful job!! Especially with the accents.
Highly recommend
I Got this cute audiobook from the author.
Reading this book felt like such a refreshing change from all the high fantasy and romantasy I've read lately. Just a cute small town romance, old high school lovers, and some family drama.
It actually reminded me a lot of the movie "colors of love" with Chad Michael Murray.
One book, light and beautifully written. ..
The audiobook is done by a single narrator and she's done a beautiful job!! Especially with the accents.
Highly recommend
September 25, 2026
A wonderful romance. I laughed, was outraged for Shay, and I cried. Shay and Camden were a perfect match, whether they admitted it or not. There are so many other great characters in this book. The distillery was an inspired backdrop. Their mammas are strong, Southern women. I enjoyed it when they came together for their kids.
I read it on KU and then purchased it for myself. Sweet Like Honey is a book worth owning and rereading.
I read it on KU and then purchased it for myself. Sweet Like Honey is a book worth owning and rereading.
October 26, 2026
First book by this Author, and will definitely read one of her books again.
This was a sweet romance, usually I'm more in to my dark/smutty romance but wanted something different and an easy read- it definitely hit the spot. Loved the chemistry between Cam and Shay. The ending was nice but I feel i want to see whats happens next with them- the distillery and kids etc.
Liked the side characters of Bennett and Ivy too, so will give their book a read when it comes out.
This was a sweet romance, usually I'm more in to my dark/smutty romance but wanted something different and an easy read- it definitely hit the spot. Loved the chemistry between Cam and Shay. The ending was nice but I feel i want to see whats happens next with them- the distillery and kids etc.
Liked the side characters of Bennett and Ivy too, so will give their book a read when it comes out.
October 30, 2026
Oh my goodness what a cute story! I loved Shay and Cam, their meddling mamas, and their respective friends. As a KY girl I definitely love any story centered around the bourbon industry (even if this is set in Georgia - I forgive you Deidra 🤭)
It’s such a cozy small town romance with fall / holiday vibes. Tropes like rivals to lovers, it’s always been you, and workplace romance. I loved it! I just really need my girl Shay to go back to therapy 🤣
It’s such a cozy small town romance with fall / holiday vibes. Tropes like rivals to lovers, it’s always been you, and workplace romance. I loved it! I just really need my girl Shay to go back to therapy 🤣
October 19, 2026
yearning 101
Every romance plot line author needs to read this book for educational purposes. Heck yeah. Best yearning and pining I’ve read in a while. The plot was a little repetitive and I’m a little iffy on the whole I’m doing what’s best for you but the tension between characters more than makes up for that LOVE.
Every romance plot line author needs to read this book for educational purposes. Heck yeah. Best yearning and pining I’ve read in a while. The plot was a little repetitive and I’m a little iffy on the whole I’m doing what’s best for you but the tension between characters more than makes up for that LOVE.
October 26, 2026
This was absolutely delicious! I ate this up and could not put it down! The pining melted me!
.
Read if you like:
- Years Of Pining
- It's always been you
- A Man down so bad
- Little clues that he's loved her for years
- Second Chance Romance
- Slow Burn with loads of tension
- Class Differences
- They challenge each other
- Smart Men hot for Smart Women
.
Read if you like:
- Years Of Pining
- It's always been you
- A Man down so bad
- Little clues that he's loved her for years
- Second Chance Romance
- Slow Burn with loads of tension
- Class Differences
- They challenge each other
- Smart Men hot for Smart Women
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