Sweet Tooth

Combustible #3

by Brandy L. Rivers

One taste and he craves more...

Isandro has a sweet tooth only a feisty chocolatier can sate. Rejected years ago, her sudden interest comes as a surprise, but he won’t miss this chance.

Seeing is believing.

Until Arianna caught her now ex-lover cheating, she couldn’t shut the door on Derrick. After a few drinks, she’s ready to take a chance.

Isandro is like nothing she ever expected, but everything she’s dreamed.

Derrick won’t take the hint. Her family doesn’t approve of her choices. Now she will be forced to choose between blood and her heart.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2016

About the author

I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.

Reviews

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna can't believe that nasty cheating jerk Derrick and this has got to be the last time so as she sits at the bar, Isandro see her and she looks so sad. Isandro has been infatuated with her since high school but ever time she and Derrick broke up she would take him back. Isandro offers her a drink and she asks him to dance which they do and one thing leads to another and she goes home with him but her insecurities start to get the better of her. Arianna has been put down by her ex boyfriend and her family her whole life except for her sister Cherise and her deceased father. Isandro just loves how she looks and reinforces it and she begins to believe him when her mother starts putting both of them down. This poor woman has such a hard time with her family and now someone has broken into her store. I love how Isandro is her rock and how he builds up her confidence even when his is wavering. Great story that even with all the problems you are so happy for her and hopeful that everything will work out.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha

[Melinda ~ Twinsie Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
I am loving this series how can you go wrong Hot Firemen and a determined strong-willed women. Isandro is caring and loving not only toward his family but also toward the woman in his life. Arianna just got out of a bad long term relationship.
Arianna has been told she is not good enough her whole life from not only her ex but from her mom and sister too. She has a tough time thinking of herself as perfect or beautiful that is until Isandro comes back into the picture.
Isandro does his best to make sure Arianna knows she is special and beautiful. He loves Arianna the way she is and tries everything to show her that. Isandro also tried to show her that she was so much better than she had been told and treated for years.
I loved both Arianna and Isandro , one of my favorite scenes was the cookout with his family. She was so sweet even brought treats for everyone keeping in mind things Isandro told her about his sister and brothers. This story wasn’t all sweet and wonderful there was suspense that had me needing to know who was doing all these things. My heart broke for Arianna and reading what all she went through with her mother and ex. Loved the relationship Isandro has with his family and his work family. To watch these two together see how well they fit and how Arianna was able to bond with his family was amazing.
I fell in love with all these characters in this series and cannot wait for the next one.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to read a Brandy River’s story that didn’t captivate me. Whether it is her paranormal or contemporary her characters and plot pull me in and make it impossible to put down. Sweet Tooth had me falling head over heels for Isandro and the curvy girl he has silently crushed on since high school. When Isandro and Arianna finally get their moment they find their chemistry is explosive. Arinanna has always been ashamed of her size after being put down by her long time boyfriend, her mother and her sister but Isandro makes her feel confident and beautiful. I adored the way he lifter her up and help her learn to love herself. He was delicious and alpha but so incredibly sweet too.

“What about me? You gonna give me a chance? ‘Cause I sure as hell want to stick around.”

Sweet Tooth was a wonderfully suspenseful romance with some amazing erotic moments. With a riveting plot and well developed characters the book stole my day and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

~miranda

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Feel Good Stars! Arianna was always told she was no good that is until Isandro came into her life. Isandro saw Arianna as beautiful and wanted to make sure she felt that way. Can Isandro convince Arianna that she is beautiful even though her family tries to convince her otherwise? The author writes a well written story full of mystery, danger and sexiness. I fell in love with the characters and especially felt what Arianna was experiencing. I was engaged from the first chapter and read it in one evening. This is the third book in the Combustible Series and can be read as a stand alone novel. Must read Series and I recommend it!

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.

Plot: 5
Chemistry: 5
Pacing: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *

This is the third book in the Combustible series, however, it can be read as a stand alone and be understood with no problems. I recommend reading the prior books, only because they are amazing, I loved them and because some of the characters from the previous 2 books are mentioned in this book. The reader will instantly fall in love with the characters, the town and the author! This series will instantly become one of your favorites and the reader will be hooked and want more and more!

This book focuses mostly on Arianna and her cheating jerk ex-boyfriend Derrick, as well as her true love, Isandro....it also focuses on family and how family may be family but they may not always be what is best for you. Arianna has never felt like she fit in or that she was good enough for her mom and sisters, so she settles for whatever she can get - it takes a lot of break-ups with Derrick, some fights with her family and Isandro to show her what her true worth is! The author does a great job of making the reader feel like she hits all of the self-esteem issues that women have but she does it in a respectful and informative way.

The author creates an amazing storyline that captivates the reader and holds their attention to the very last page - and even farther. The reader thinks about the characters long after they have finished reading the story. They become friends to the reader and they make the reader crave more! I am already looking forward to the next book in the series and can't wait to see what author Brandy L Rivers comes up with next!

If you haven't read anything by this author, then you should!!! You need to add this one and her others to your TBR list and add them now!! Sit back and enjoy these amazing books!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's to Satisfying your Sweet Tooth

Third standalone romance in the Combustible series and my favorite so far! Suspense, passion, humor and a free snobs. We've learned Kyle and Trent's story, up next is Isandro. He's had a thing for Arianna since high school. But she turned him down back then when he was from the wrong side of town and helping his older sister raise their younger twin siblings. Now years have past, he's a town hero, but she is still the daughter of well to do socialites and runs her own successful business. Can he win her heart this time? And now a bit about the story...

Arianna has taken Derrick back more times than anyone in town can count, but that was the last time. After showing up early for their date she caught him in bed with another woman. The whole town knew he was a cheater and thought she knew, but she didn't. Out at the bar that same night she takes Isandro home. When Derrick shows up the next morning, he figures he was just a revenge fuck and storms off. So he misses Arianna throwing the hot coffee back in Derrick's face. After that mix up things are back on track except someone seems to be after Ari. They try to push forward, but then her snob of a mom worms her way between them. It seems they are doomed, but will the truth come out?

Favorite passages:
- “Sure, she’s stupid where it comes to that giant scrotal sack, but she isn’t cruel, and she wouldn’t play with your emotions.”
- “We both know what we want. I know how to please you.”
- “Can’t change the past. Can only move forward.”

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously addictive!

Isandro's story is here! He's the third sexy firefighter we get to know in Sweet Tooth. He's loved Arianna since they were in high school but has only been able to admire her from afar.

Poor Ari, she's finally letting go of the only man she thought she was good enough for her after she catches him with another woman. Her relationship is such an unhealthy one but doesn't know any different since she's always put up with Derrick and taken him back after every break up. Arianna is done and ready to move on. Little does she know the hunky, sexy, man that she's known for years is waiting to make his move.

Isandro is at the right place, at the right time. But how can he be sure Arianna is only looking for a rebound from Derrick or a way to just make him jealous. As much as he wants Ari he's just not sure how much he can trust her with his heart.

Isandro is exactly what Arianna needs. Her self-esteem is so low and her confidence is shot. But when she sees the sincerity in Isandro's eyes, she knows he's her forever. They have to fight for their forever since someone is out to sabotage their relationship.

I love the little touches we get from the individual cakes to the way Isandro compliments Arianna and brings her back to life. I am loving this Combustible series and can't wait for more.

Brandy L. Rivers gives us characters that are genuine and well developed. Their pasts and backgrounds are completely relatable. The entire story will swallow you up and keep you warm at night.

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I found a man who treats me like a queen."

Isandro was delicious. He was an alpha with a sweet side that melted my heart! Arianna had a lot of insecurities because of everything that had happened to her (and trust me, she went trough A LOT), and she had a hard time trusting Isandro really wanted her. She couldn't believe that such a hunk of a man was truly interested in her. Luckily, Isandro was patient and stubborn. He wanted her for the longest time and he wasn't about to lose her once more.

"You're all I ever wanted."

Off to a rocky start, Arianna and Isandro's relationship only got more complicated. Outside forces seemed to want to get in the way of their love. Arianna's mom, for starters, was a complete snob that was firmly against her daughter's relationship. Leave it to Ms. Rivers to create the perfect character we all love to hate. Then there were all the other things happening around Arianna and Isandro that added an intriguing element of suspense to this already amazing book. Arianna wasn't safe...

With hot and passionate scenes, this Contemporary Romance will make you fan yourself quite often! If you're in the mood for a gooood romantic suspense, Sweet Tooth should be your next read! While it's book three in the Combustible Series, it can be completely read as a standalone, 100%! Five Stars!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isandro and Arianna’s story is another wonderful journey in the Combustible series! This story combines mystery, a dose of danger, and a flourishing romance to keep readers glued to the pages. I like the way this author builds a history into the characters that helps the reader understand how they have become who they are and see how they meet challenges and learn to love and be loved. Doesn’t hurt that Isandro is totally hot either!
This is a stand-alone entry in the series, but I recommend reading the previous entries and you get a glimpse into these two characters earlier in their relationship and tie together their friend’s perspectives. I highly recommend this author.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait for more from Ms. Rivers. I did have a couple of times where I had to step back and think a few minutes, a kind of "what would I do in this situation?"

Arianna and Isandro have known each other for years, but with his lack of bravery and her seemingly epic dependence on her ex-boyfriend, romance never seemed to be in the cards for them. Until one night after Arianna dropped the ex for good, Isandro took a chance and asked to buy her a drink. One thing led to another and both had the night of their lives. Until the ex raised his ugly head.

Both Isandro and Arianna have lots of insecurities that they have to overcome and together they overcome them. Lack of self-confidence on the part of both of them lead to serious spats and even a semi-breakup.

It did like that every time a crisis occurred, both Ari and Isandro couldn't wait to have sex, even after the brutal dust-ups between the ex- Arianna.

~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~

[sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

So where to start. First off I couldn't put this down, I knew once I started reading it that I had to finish. Arianna started out with the wrong man, Derrick, he was such a douche I instantly hated him. Isandro from the start loved, he is the kinda man I would love for my self....yes I'm a bit jealous what can I say hahaha. Arianna has a horrible mother I swear if I could've went through the book I would of smacked her a few good one omg. Ok I could go on about the rest of the characters but not now, I want to say how well written this was. It kept my attention and made me feel like I was watching it all unfold in my mind. It was hot, steamy, sexy, suspenseful, had me nervous, mad, happy and sad. But that how I like my books, I wanna feel how the characters are supposed to feel and once again Brandy L Rivers wrote another great one in my opinion. I received this book as an ARC for my review and I recommend it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god please tell me that there is more of this couple! Isandro has me very much drooling from the beginning when he was introduced. He regrets not asking Arianna out in high school, but he definitely is not passing up the opportunity now that she has kicked Derrick to the curb, again. Or has she? While her family initially does not like him and does everything that they can to break them apart, minus one sister, they eventually come around but is it to little too late? We already know that Isandro loves the chocolate that Arianna makes in her store, but does he love her more to help protect her from her ex as well as her family? I read this first now I will be going back and reading the first two books but I have no doubt that they will also leave me wanting so much more…..and yes I wish I was Arianna!

[Catherine Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna loves her shop where she makes sweets. She's been dating her boyfriend Derrick on and off since high school. Derrick cheats on her and always belittles her. After Arianna catches Derrick cheating on her she's done with him.

Islandro is a firefighter and has been in love with Arianna since high school but when he finds out she's no longer with Derrick he hopes he'll get to date her.

The chemistry between Arianna and Islandro is so hot you hope that they will make it and that she's done with Derrick.

There's mystery, heartache and love all wrapped up in this book. It was a page turner I couldn't put down. Although this is part of a series this can be read as a standalone. I've loved all the books in this series and can't wait for the next one. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by one of my favorite authors!

There were things I liked and things I didn't in this book. Fortunately, even the things I didn't like, turned themselves around. What I liked most definitely included Isandro. He is one very hot fireman. So sweet, but definitely an alpha! I also really liked the relationship Isandro has with his sister and brothers. At the beginning of the book I was a little unsure about Arianna. She was my main issue. But the more I read, the more I understood where she was coming from. As usual, there was plenty of intrigue to keep the story interesting. And in the end, I loved both of Arianna and Isandro and look forward to more of this series.

[Everything Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a refreshing romance with a hottie heroine! Arianna whom owns her own candy store has had a rough life.... And thanks to her mother, sisters and ex boyfriend she thought so little of herself and doesn't realize how beautiful she really is. Isandro a sexy firefighter whom has had is eyes set on her since high school grabs the first open opportunity with Arianna after she dumps her filthy ex. It's not all cake and roses though! There is second guessing, suspense, drama and love! Definitely a good read. This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it'. I will be reading more. -Tricia on behalf of Everything Marie

[Maria Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Brandy L Rivers. I love her books and this is no exception.

Isandro is a beautiful hot fireman with a back story of his own.

Arianna is struggling with an awful ex and a horrible mother.

These two come together in a lovely tale. The characters are beautifully written, as always, with great and realistic interactions. The supporting cast are interesting with stories of their own and it was lovely to see characters pop up from another book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Cindyann Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. The characters where very realistic, and I become very infested in there story. Sweet tooth in my opinion had a very good plot and kept me reading until it was finished. Which made my partner a bit miffed as he had to deal with the kids. I loved the book and can't wait for the next one. This is my first ever review. I don't what to say apart from I loved I it. Keep up the good work. I've read lot's of her books and always enjoy them. Brandy L Rivers books always give me a welcome break from reality.

[Julie Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book Brandy Rivers has written. I love her work and have been waiting for Isandro's story and when I got it in my hot little hands I could not put it down. He has had a thing for Arianna since high school, but Arianna never noticed and dated the wrong kinda guy. Until she runs into Isandro one nite, then things for Arianna begin to change. If you ever read any work by Brandy Rivers then you need to grab this book. If you haven't there is no better time to start. I highly recommend this book.

[Staci Hunsinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! Once again Brandy L Rivers makes it impossible for me to sleep!!! I totally had to finish this book!!! Such a great author. You feel like you are part of the entire story. She gets you on page one and you just can't stop till it is finally over!! Isandro and Arianna is a story that everyone can some how, some way relate too! With a love as simple and strong as theirs you just know that it make you feel like you are there. I have to admit this is by far my favorite one of this series!!! Can't wait to see who is next on the list!!

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things to like about this book....Brandy L. Rivers covers many issues we deal with on a daily basis, and she does it well.
Arianna has struggled with self esteem for many years... with the help of her mother, sister, and ex she feels self conscious about being "curvy". Isandro has cared for her since they were in high school, and loves her curves.
This book deals with prejudice, and ignorance and how it should not be tolerated even when it comes from your own family.
Well written...I highly recommend this book!

[Val Meleshko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ari is a smart, sassy woman bombarded by negativity. No surprise her confidence takes a hit. Isandro is so sweet, supportive, and passionate. I loved the growth of a woman and a relationship rising above cruel and nasty outside forces and the past. Feisty and steamy. As always, wonderfully hot read, dripping in chocolate.

[Brandy Steeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy has done it again! Whether its her paranormal or contemporary romance series, she creates characters you fall in love with and stories that you can't put down. Sweet tooth is a sweet story about Isandro and Ari. An independent woman who knows her own mind and the man strong enough to let her shine. Their story is a can't miss.

[Stacy Mahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me 3 days to read this. I loved it. He was so sweet and caring and never had a bad thing to say to her. I liked that he boosted her confidence. I also like the suspense of not knowing who broke into her house and shop. It had a little bit of everything in it.

[Amanda Jane Williams]

A hot firefighter and chocolate! Who could ask for more? There is some mystery in this one and I love it! I can relate to Ari in so many ways. Sometimes it takes you seeing how people treat you to see your own worth and that is what happens with Ari. I am in love!

[Janna Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great!! Romance, Sex and suspense my favorite kind of book!! Sweet tooth had me captive until the very last page.

[Tricia Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read and reviewed on behalf of Everything Marie

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jane | Shelf in Bloom♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a refreshing romance with a hottie heroine! Arianna whom owns her own candy store has had a rough life.... And thanks to her mother, sisters and ex boyfriend she thought so little of herself and doesn't realize how beautiful she really is. Isandro a sexy firefighter whom has had is eyes set on her since high school grabs the first open opportunity with Arianna after she dumps her filthy ex. It's not all cake and roses though! There is second guessing, suspense, drama and love! Definitely a good read. This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it'. I will be reading more.

[Anett Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is the favorite in this serie so far. I really fell in love with Isandro, I really need to find a guy like him he is just so sweet and adorable – the piercing and body-art may be a big turn on for me. I understand Arianna is so “star-struck” with him, when you look at her family. How she ever became a sweet woman like that is really great.
I love the way Isandro tries to love her family no matter what they say. The book is a wonderfull tale about two people and their struggle to be together because of family and the past.
-
This book could be read as a stand-alone, but is so much better if you read the other 2 in the series, just to understand the people of Lakeridge :)

[Lynn Worton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Combustible contemporary romance series. I loved it!

Arianna Nelson is a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is a chocolatier who runs the local sweet shop. When she catches her on again/off again boyfriend Derrick cheating, she decides that enough is enough and breaks up with him for good. Attracted to Isandro, she wasn't looking for love but cupid had other ideas.

Isandro Cortez (or Bulldog as his firefighting team mates and friends call him) is a fantastic character. I love his protective and loving heart of gold. He has had feelings for Arianna for years, but didn't act on it as she was in an on again/off again relationship with Derrick. Now she's broken up with him again, Isandro hopes that he can win her heart.

I started to read this book and quickly became hooked. The story is told through the eyes of both Arianna and Isandro, which allowed me to see what they were both thinking and feeling. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion from beginning to end. I am a sucker for contemporary romances with sexy firemen and chocolate in it, and this book doesn't disappoint.

I must admit that I enjoyed this book much more than the first two books in the series. I think this is because most of the characters have already been introduced and they have become my friends. Having said that, I found myself not liking Arianna's mother. She comes across as cold and snobbish due to her ambition and lack of compassion towards Arianna; she also belittles her, which affects Arianna's self-esteem. Who needs enemies when you have a mother like that? Arianna's sisters, Cherise and Antionette, are also more like their mother, though Cherise is nicer to Arianna. However, she is rather more tactless/thoughtless and says things that are hurtful without realising it. Derrick is a total douche and Arianna is much better for breaking up with him in my opinion. Marissa, Isandro's sister, however, is a wonderful character with a warm and welcoming personality.

There's a lot of heat between the main protagonists and it fairly sizzles on the page. The characters themselves feel lifelike and likable. I love flawed characters, as they come alive on the page. There are a few surprises that I didn't see coming though, and I reached the end of the book with mixed emotions. I felt sad that the story ended, but happy with the way it did. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Backburn, as soon as possible.

Brandy L. Rivers has written an entertaining contemporary romance series. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. Her characters are lifelike and likable. With her ability to write in both the paranormal and contemporary romance genres, she is one of my go to authors when I'm in the mood for a sexy read.

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, as well as use of bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic contemporary romances full of sexy firemen and determined women. - Lynn Worton

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a copy.

This is the first book I have read by Brandy Rivers and will be going back to read volume 1&2 of this series.
Isandro has loved Arianna since high school. He was rejected by her back then when she started dating Derrick. Isandro has watched over the years as Arianna breaks up and then takes back Derrick. One night after breaking up with him Arianna and Isandro meet at the local bar and he takes a chance. It is a chance that pays off.
This relationship is one of mutual discovery. Isandro learns that not everyone from the "other side of the tracks" thinks ill of him especially after what happened to his parents and that in order to have a relationship you need to trust the other person and not always jump to conclusions, as things aren't necessarily what they appear.
Arianna learns that she is OK the way she is and she doesn't need to change herself to be in a relationship or be considered sexy by the man she loves. Arianna has spent most of her adult life being told she needed to change by both her family (mom and sister) and her "boyfriend". With Isandro she can begin to rebuild her self-esteem.
This romance has a bit of mystery thrown in as they need to decide why someone is targeting Arianna and there are several suspects.
This was a cute, quick read.