Sugar Topped

by E. Davies, Zach Jenkins

“Temptation is too sweet!” Julian Holloway is too busy for love. This is his big break at his architecture firm, and sleeping with a near-stranger is supposed to be a one-time thing. Except the guy's straight, and owns the bakery under Julian's new apartment. As the two spend more time that Julian doesn't really have together, he starts to does Luke feel the same pull toward him? Luke Thornton swapped guns and armor for cupcakes and muffins. Military training means he runs a tight operation, and now his creative side is let loose. But when he meets the out, proud, and loud Julian, Luke starts to wonder just how creative he's willing to go. After all, he's never been with a man before. Why did the guy have to move in upstairs?! Despite their differences, two hard-headed men with an insatiable attraction for each other can easily fall into bed. But before long, it's not just chemistry between them. If Luke can learn to give Julian his space while Julian gives Luke his time, will that be enough to help them face the world together? Sugar Topped is a steamy, stand-alone GFY gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.

Genres: M M Romance, LGBT

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2017

About the author

E. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst M/M romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! A Canadian who's planted roots in north London (the British one), Ed has been a full-time author since 2013.

Multiple bestselling series and 50+ novels later, he’s still inspired by his husband and their constellation of friends, lovers, and chosen family to tell the joyful stories we all need—about dreaming big and loving even bigger.

Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies

Reviews

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it says that this is a stand-alone story, it does take place after another story that these two authors co-wrote - Just a Summer Deal, and even though I hadn't read that one and jumped into Sugar Topped, I think I would have appreciated having read their first book before this one, since the two MCs from that first book appear pretty often in this story. I admit, it was a bit confusing at the start, since I feel like it was written as if we should already know who all of these characters are from the first page.

I liked the characters Luke and Julian as far as their backgrounds and jobs...we had a military vet turned baker who is attracted to a man for the first time, and an engineer/architect who dresses very fluidly and wears whatever he wants.

This story was sweet, there were some misunderstandings and poor communication between Julian and Luke, (which I'm never a big fan of) and they had some great chemistry together. I wish there had been a bit more...something, to their relationship, something that gave it some weight and substance for me as a reader. There's just something about their relationship or this story that didn't fully work for me.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Anu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

OK I did not know this took place after 'Just a Summer Deal'. It would have been good to mention somewhere, the book assumes the reader knows Aaron and Conor's backstory already but as I did not know this was a continuation of that, I was terribly confused.

The main story of Julian and Luke was nice and very sweet but there was too much stuff going on in the background. The overall feeling was chaotic and somewhat confusing, at several points I had to go back a few pages to figure out what was happening.

While I enjoy both authors' individual books tremendously, this one was just not quite as good as their own stuff.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this says it's a stand alone book I feel like I missed something. Clearly there is another book about the secondary characters that are in this book and they are featured quite a bit so I wish I had known and read that book prior to reading this one. Even with that said there was just something missing in this one for me. It was just okay for me.

[Elithanathile · Rating 1 out of 5]

I REALLY don't enjoy disliking a book :-/!! Also, I definitely disliked this one. When am I going to learn that this author (as are a few of the authors who write in the same vein) is/are NOT for me :-/?!!? UGH!!


KUing this as it has been on my KU queue :-). If I REALLY like it, I'll purchase. I want something super sweet and this seems like it might fit the bill.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but there were some issues with clarity

I liked these characters. Julian was super driven and completely himself. Luke was such a sweetheart that my teeth may be aching a bit. I really really liked these characters.

The execution of the story and romance lacked so much. There were moments of utter confusion for me. There were times I couldn’t follow the conversation at all. I did not enjoy the complete confusion I felt for the first 20% of the book because I did not know these characters and I was expected to know them already. There was no indication that this was a second in a series by the blurb or the title or anything, all the markers of second in series were in the story itself and I felt like I never got to catch up with the characters. I still do not understand if Scott and Dominic are dating or who Lukas is or if he’s a phantom from another version of this book. I don’t get why there was even a scene with Julian’s Mom nor why Luke’s ptsd wasn’t addressed more clearly. I think the opportunity of this story passed over the authors because I am left with so many questions. Why was Julian made to feel like a victim because he dressed true to himself? Did Luke ever have therapy for his ptsd? Does Julian ever actually show genuine emotion? No really. All these things should have been addressed and could have made this story an actual tear jerker, but instead everything was treated like Scott’s dick-cupcakes and not taken seriously. This story could have had so much depth, but it just lacked the commitment of the authors to address the real issues of these men. Julian could have been so much more than flirty and fabulous. He could have been a real romantic hero. Instead, he was the jerk of the relationship without having the benefit of redeeming romantic qualities. Luke deserved better than Julian and I should never come away from a romance feeling like one of the characters didn’t deserve the other.

[Fallon Cahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a very enjoyable read! There's no slow burn, Julian and Luke's relationship snowballs from the moment they meet. They're drawn to each other and it's clear they are meant to be, they just have to figure that out. Very steamy, sweet and romantic. Some angst but not overwhelming. They do have to deal with a homophobic jerk along the way in case that may be triggering. Also memories of a friend lost while Luke was in the military. The MC's and supporting characters are well thought out and written. The authors did a wonderful job telling Julian and Luke's story, I could hardly wait after reading the first book, Just a Summer Deal. If you have the chance you should read them both, one after the other as it will also give you a better grasp of the situation and people involved. I am late with my review due to personal issues but I did read a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I'm also very much looking forward to more from Ed and Zach. They have proven to be an electrically charged combination.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s too tame for me, it’s too sweet (not the cupcakes) there is really no drama, no connection to the reader. It reads like a narrative story that’s just there. The cover models don’t even hold on the characters details. Luke, tattooed very big muscular man, dark and military trained combat solider. Julian is tall, smart, flamboyant, that wears feminine cloths, makeup, dresses and heels but can dress is a bright suit if need be. He was confusing for me, he started the book him quickly recapping his introduction to Luke like the same day he dropped to his knees in front of Luke. Talking about him as bi but then said he was gay, okay. Then him talking about Luke moving but as the book progressed Luke never thought about moving.

[Ron-Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light, sweet confection about the connection between Luke, the 'straight' owner of a bakery and Julian, the tenant in the apartment above the bakery in Durango, Colorado. They meet through mutual friends (apparently characters in a book before this one) and their attraction is instantaneous. Both, however, are workaholics, so much of the tension/misunderstandings stem from that. Thankfully there are no inane wrenches thrown in, just a nice love story. 4.5 stars

[Fay MMBookworm]

NOT a standalone book...
I got to 15% before giving up. I couldn't follow the characters esp with Luke supposedly straight, he sure doesn't act like it. This one I'll need the previous book to read to know whats what or is who.
Luke is straight and works in a bakery shop with his goodies..
Julian was Luke's secret admirer..???
When they share a hot kiss after closing up there both a lot hot and bothered.... NOPE definitely need the back story.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but I felt that it was very rushed. The dialogue felt truncated, the descriptions too short and the emotions too shallow. Overall I felt shortchanged. It was good but it could have been great.

May 12, 2017 - Kindle Unlimited

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

An architect building a bridge and checking the calculations? Going on site to check it when it has been approved? Why be on site when something is not being built? It all sounded someone didn't understand the field. I wish writers would learn that blue prints went out when computers and printers came in. It was a bit simple oh i am gay and that was it. I wish everything was so simple.

[Brenda Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but I felt some of the parts were a little predictable.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm, not my favorite E. Davies...but still better than a lot of other things out there!

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author.

This book ties in with Just a Summer Deal, and takes place shortly after that book ends. It was so great to see Conor and Aaron again. This time, Aaron's best friend moves to town and meets Conor's best friend. There are immediate sparks, even though Luke is "straight". The connection between Luke and Julian is strong, and I enjoyed watching them come together as friends and more. Luke's discovery of his sexuality was not a huge plot point; he finally decided to act on how he's felt in the past and it wasn't made to be a big deal. It was nice. I enjoyed this.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.. the chemistry and attraction between Julian and Luke is instant and very hot, but misunderstanding and miss communication has things going rocky very fast. It will take hard work and lots of loving for them to finally realize that they are meant for each other..
I received an arc for an honest review

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this story had been a regular paperback it would have blown up, it was so hot. That first chapter hooked me into the story of Luke and Julian. The chemistry between the two men was electric. The sex was written so well. It made me want to read more.
I received a free arc and this is my honest review.

[TL Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, sexy, sensual

Just the way I love erotic romance. I loved Julian's whimsical care free nature from the onset. He was the perfect differential to help guide Luke through his internal torture.

I look forward to reading your next collaborative musings.

[Missy Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are romances where the two main characters, when described, don't look like they will work together...that is the case in this book. I am happy to say though that they were beautiful together! Military man turned baker, Luke, seems all straight tough guy; until he meets Julian. Julian is a very effeminate man and he dresses how he wants, skirts, heels and blouses included. Looking at the two separately you would never guess the amount of chemistry that is between the two until they are in the same room. This book has two lovely MC's and side characters that are both loving and beyond sarcastic and mesh the only way true friends can.

[Mary Gresham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by E. Davies. But, once again, it took awhile for me to get into it. Not saying there was anything wrong with the first part, but I just could not sit and read it voraciously like I have previous books by this author. It actually took me several days of starting and stopping before I could settle in and finish it. But once I hit the halfway point, I couldn't put it down. I think this is saying more about me than the authors. Ed & Zach, keep up the good work. Even when it takes me awhile to get into it, I always enjoy them.

[Straight Girl Goes Gay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you...

...for writing a story where the "fem" guy wears dresses and not making it the central theme of drama in the story.
Also, thank you for making Julian an engineer who works too hard instead of a stereotypical hairstylist/model/fashion designer who parties too hard. The cliches get boring after awhile.
Lastly, thank you for allowing him to stand up for himself instead of waiting for the other guy to "save" him. I enjoy reading stories with characters like Julian.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding I would leave a voluntary and honest review. This is a M/M book so if you find this offensive please stop reading now. In this book we get Julian Holloway’s story and meet Luke Thornton. We find that though Julian really does want someone to be by his side he cannot seem to make the time to be with anyone longer than one night. Julian is determined to prove that he deserves his position in his architecture firm even if he dresses less than masculine even at work. It seems however the more time he spends at work the less time he has for anything or anyone else. Can Julian loosen up or will he lose everything to the job he wants to hold onto so badly?
Luke is just the new straight guy of the group or at least that is what it seems like. However the more time he spends with them the more he isn’t quite sure that is completely true. He is having some of the same feelings that his friend Connor found that he had as well for Aaron. We met this couple in Just a Summer Deal. Luke knows that he is having feelings for Julian but what they are he isn’t quite sure yet. Also can he deal with the fact that Julian seems to choose his job over them every-time? Will this be the thing that breaks them or will they find some middle ground?
This is an amazing story about finding someone that you can be with and determining where your priorities with that person lie. This happens in not just M/M relationships but in all of them. Where do you draw the line between work and your personal life? This is something that is address by both of these men in this story. There are so many things I want to tell you about this story but don’t want to ruin it for any other readers. I was hooked from the first word to the very end and would highly recommend this book to anyone.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance set in Durango, Colorado. A vet, turned baker, rents an apartment above his bakery to an engineer who is designing a bridge for a city park. As they both wait for approval from the city council on pending decisions their attraction to each other moves from the physical, and deepens into friendship and lovers. But work demands cause friction which only can be solved through opening up emotionally to each other. A wonderful story!!!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

His cakes

Julian loves his job and is very excited about his upcoming promotion. He is also moving into a new apartment above a bakery that a cute baker owns.
Luke spent most of his life in the military and when he got back stateside he opened a bakery. When he meets the new tenant that is moving into the apartment above the bakery he is taking aback by how out and proud Julian is. Julian can't help but think how cute the baker is and Luke can't help but think how attractive Julian is, their differences bring them together in more ways than one. Like any relationship work makes things very difficult especially now that Julian is working a lot later than usually and Luke misses him so much.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok the desserts sounded good, that was about all I liked. I guess there was another book that tells more about these characters? I was lost on page one and confused at how things went.

[Mainely Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar? Maybe. Hot sauce for certain!

E.Davies is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors with unlikely, real life main characters. E. Davies with Zach Zenkins mixes two wonderful ingredients to achieve a recipe for success.
Thank you to these authors for offering their work on Kindle Unlimited!
I really enjoy the relationships that often include men who we might not expect to see together. Men like a former military man, Luke, who expresses his creative side in his bake shop. Men like Julian the gay architect who is focused on his work, entirely focused on his work until his attraction to his new landlord Luke who somehow checked all of his attraction boxes.
When Julian first met his new landlord after being referred by mutual friends, he wondered why he hadn't met the strong tattooed man sooner. He especially appreciated his strength, his muscle. Somehow, even though he didn't believe Luke to be gay or at least to have acknowledged that fact, they seemed to be flirting and that was just find with Julian. The banter seemed to have a sexual undertone immediately. The sizzle meter erupts in chapter one and alternating with some complications involving closeted community members, the sizzle never stops.
Well done!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story!

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read

I enjoyed the story and getting to see more of the group from the first book. Luke didn't doubt his attraction to Julian even though he has only dated females in the past. Julian hasn't done long term relationships and he doesn't know how to balance work and a relationship right now. They have to figure out what is important to themselves and to each other.

This is a great story that I recommend you read.

[Larry Ludi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sugar Topped. It was fun and sweet!

[Sonja Helies]

Wonderful story

A chance meeting and the sparks flew. After several touch and go’s they finally realized that communication is the way for them to settle perceived grievances and as they did love walked in