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Charleston Harbor #1

Sweet Indulgence

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Real Men Eat Cupcakes.

Annie McPherson has had it with all the blind dates her grandmother and auntie set her up with. She just wants to be left alone to run the Sweet Indulgence cupcake bakery – even if it means she’ll remain single forever.

Jack’s just been through a gut-wrenching break-up, and women are the last thing on his mind. Now he’s on a mission to pick up cupcakes for his niece’s birthday party—not a mission to fall in love. Pulled in by Annie’s good looks and witty charm, though, temptation proves too sweet.

But will Annie’s pesky grandmother and auntie welcome Jack as Annie’s choice or will they have him jumping through hoops to prove he’s the one?

Fans of Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs are sure to love Sweet Indulgence, the first sweet romance novel in the Charleston Harbor series.

286 pages, ebook

First published November 7, 2017

966 people are currently reading
599 people want to read

About the author

Debbie White

39 books340 followers
Debbie is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her romance's range from sweet to spicy. When she's not writing the next bestseller, you can find her enjoying her backyard, riding on the back of their motorcycle, or visiting one of the many wineries in their area. They have two rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar. With pet rescue so dear to her heart, she gives a percentage of all book sales to rescue organizations. When you purchase one of Debbie's books you are also helping to feed, house and provide medication to a furry friend while they await their forever home.

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5 stars
275 (34%)
4 stars
224 (27%)
3 stars
169 (20%)
2 stars
101 (12%)
1 star
38 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for books are love.
3,156 reviews23 followers
January 7, 2018
This was a sweet romance. We didn’t get that instant love either. I loved the aunt and grandmother those two were a hoot.

Annie ones a cupcake shop and her aunt and grandmother are trying to find her a man. She is tired of it but not sure how to fix it. She does do subtle hints but they don’t really listen. Into her shop comes Jack. He is there to get cupcakes for his niece.

Only now that he has met Annie he is intrigued. Also attracted as is Annie. from here these two go on a sweet romantic ride into finding out about each other, becoming friends and falling in love while ingratiating themselves into the hearts of each other’s families.

Jack is a good guy. He works hard and is sweet and kind. Very family oriented. Boy does he help Annie’s business as well. His attraction and love to Annie is felt in every action he does from helping spread word about her cupcakes to how he is with her grandma.

Annie is sweet and just adorable. She is like Jack in that family is big to her. She is very independent and kind. I loved watching her deal with how big, loud and loving Jack’s family was.

These two you just embrace as you watch them explore their attraction and fall in love while learning about each other and supporting one another as well. Such a sweet and light hearted tale where family is important and love is found when you aren’t even looking.
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,341 reviews17 followers
January 27, 2018
This is my first time with this author, so I wasn't too sure what to expect. The story did keep my attention, but seemed a bit too coincidental at times for my tastes.

I liked the slow pacing on Jack and Annie's romance, but there were little details that were thrown into the story that didn't make any sense, as they weren't revisited. Seeing that the next book is a continuation of this one made this make sense, but I found it very annoying while I was reading!

Also, Annie was a bit to judgmental for my tastes. It didn't help that Jack kept popping up places too, as if he was trying too hard to get Annie to go out with him, or help her out in various ways. This really kept me from connecting to either of them.

For the price I purchased this at, it was a good read, but nothing extraordinary. I'm OCD enough to want to know what happens next, so I'll be reading the next book of the series.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews99 followers
January 23, 2018
Great

What a wonderful beginning to the series. Annie opened her bakery and is doing a brisk business. One day a customer, Jack, walks in to 2 dozen cupcakes four his nieces birthday and magic starts.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,929 reviews172 followers
November 30, 2017
The hardest choices are always better when a spoonful of sugar is thrown in for good measure. Debbie White indulges the proverbial sweet tooth with a heavy sprinkling of heart and a tasty sense of humor. Sweet Indulgence is decadence at it's finest. Life, romance, humor and honest to goodness pleasure, with a little wisdom for good measure. With tempting chemistry, lovable characters, witty dialogue and fantastic writing, Sweet Indulgence becomes the perfect recipe for a memorable treat.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,207 reviews
Read
October 25, 2018
Chapter 1. She keeps a dog in her cake shop. Words fail me.

dnf
Profile Image for Jennifer Vido.
Author 7 books205 followers
February 19, 2018
As an avid visitor to the Charleston area, I was thrilled to find a series set in the lowcountry locale.

Annie McPherson is the proud owner of Sweet Indulgence, a delectable bakery specializing in cupcakes. She would rather concentrate on her business venture than go on blind date set up by her meddling grandmother and aunt. When Jack Powell comes into her shop to purchase some cupcakes for his niece's birthday, sparks fly between the two. Recovering from a recent breakup, he, too, is not so keen on dating. As their paths begin to cross, both Annie and Jack decide it might not be a bad idea after all to dip their toes back in the dating pool.

As the two develop a friendship, Annie is reluctant to introduce him to her family because she thinks her grandma and aunt won't think he will be good enough for her. On the other hand, Jack's loud and boisterous family welcomes Annie with open arms. As their relationship intensifies, the couple tries to figure out if indeed they may have a future together.

A delightful cozy romance, Sweet Indulgence is a breezy read perfect for a lazy day in the sun. White's references to Kiawah Island and well known Charleston landmarks makes this story ring true with her Southern fans. If you are a lover of series reads, I highly recommend this one. Likable characters and a satisfying plot, you'll be sure to enjoy this tale of romance and southern charm.
Profile Image for Shayne.
562 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2018
I'll be honest; of all the romances I've read in the past few years, this wasn't in my top ten. It's a good story at it's heart;....it just wasn't talking to my heart.

Jack seems nice if a bit stalkerish the way he keeps popping up everywhere, sending people in to work for her/buy her cupcakes and hiring her sister.

She's a bit judgemental and snobby. I didn't care for the way she judged him as bit worthy just cuz he drives cars, as if he can't have money if he does. Despite the fact that she's running a cupcake shop despite inheriting enough to live comfortably.

I can see how others would love the book, but again it just didn't grab and hold me like some do. The author writes well, the characters are realistic and believable, the situations not too far outside the suspension of disbelief. It covers almost a year or so in the book so that means it's not rushed. Solid, clean romance with good characters. Try it and see if it's your fit.
918 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2021
Plodding

Full disclosure: I only read about 25% of this book. I found the writing amateurish and unimaginative. It reads like an early draft--this happened, then this happened, instead of showing me the action in a way that made the story come alive. I was, frankly, bored.
1,622 reviews28 followers
December 27, 2017
Sweet Indulgence by Debbie White
(Charleston Harbor #1)
Real Men Eat Cupcakes
Annie McPherson has had it with all the blind dates her grandmother and auntie set her up with. She just wants to be left alone to run the Sweet Indulgence cupcake bakery – even if it means she’ll remain single forever.
Jack’s just been through a gut-wrenching break-up, and women are the last thing on his mind. Now he’s on a mission to pick up cupcakes for his niece’s birthday party—not a mission to fall in love. Pulled in by Annie’s good looks and witty charm, though, temptation proves too sweet.
But will Annie’s pesky grandmother and auntie welcome Jack as Annie’s choice or will they have him jumping through hoops to prove he’s the one?
Fans of Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Susan Wiggs are sure to love Sweet Indulgence, the first sweet romance novel in the Charleston Harbor series.
This book is too sweet to pass up! Scroll up to one click and begin your indulgence today!
this is Annie McPherson and Jack Powell's story.
Strong and determined,Annie had her hands full running a new cupcake bakery in town. Business was booming,and men,well, they were the last thing on her mind—especially the ones her grandmother and auntie tried to set her up with. But then,in walks Jack and everything Annie ever thought she knew about men went straight out the Sweet Indulgence door.
He handed Annie a hundred-dollar bill. She quickly made his change and watched as he put his wallet away.The man bobbled the boxes as he slid one hand out from under the bottom. “Jack Powell.” “I’m part owner of Powell’s Transportation Service. We have four vans,two limos,and we also rent out bicycles, mopeds,and Segways for those who like to tour the city by themselves.We also have a vacation rental business. My sister handles that.”
"Sweet Indulgence by Debbie White is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Reader Copy of this book.
more book by Debbie White
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Cherishing Mrs. Right (Romantic Destinations Book 3)
by Debbie White

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Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,547 reviews88 followers
December 20, 2017
In this gentle romance, both Jack and Annie have been hurt. Jack definitely isn’t ready for a new woman in his life and Annie has reached a point of desperation in trying to fend off her well-meaning Grandmother and Aunt wanting to set her up with eligible bachelors. Added to that Annie is concerned about her light-hearted sister who doesn’t see the necessity to take life a bit more seriously. However, when Jack comes into Annie’s bakery to collect cupcakes for his niece’s birthday, his resolutions fly out the door. Jack is a charming hero who woos Annie, gently drawing her in and taking time to understand how she thinks and feels. Annie is really nervous of introducing him to her snobbish Grandmother and Aunt, wary that they will demean his chosen occupation. Jack’s family, on the other hand, is loud and welcoming, breaking down any resistance that Annie may have felt. This story is a well written welcome clean romance about real people in a real world, where family can drive one crazy but where love conquers all. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,189 reviews
December 27, 2017
Sweet Indulgence: (Charleston Harbor Novel-Book one )
By: Debbie White
Sweet Indulgence is book one in Debbie White’s new series Charleston Harbor. I fell in love with this story right at the start. The story is well written and the characters were well developed. In this sweet romance both Annie and Jack have been hurt in past relationships. Annie runs Sweet Indulgence, that makes the best cupcakes around. Annie’s grandmother and aunt is all the time setting her up with the most eligible bachelors. These two are something else and I loved them. Jack becomes friends with Annie, but will her grandmother and aunt approve of what he does? They both love her and want the best fo her. I loved this sweet romance , with humor, witty, and another chance at romance.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Sherri Smith.
300 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2019
This was a simple, very easy read of a story. The premise of the story was great, Annie an owner of a cupcake shop who met a man in her store, growth of romance promised. There was great promise with the plot.

I guess what I didn't like was the lack of development of the characters. The growth of the story. I found myself flipping quickly through the pages thinking that this would be appropriate for a teenager. It was clean, which I do appreciate, but it was the writing style that for me, left me lacking.

So this story which has so much potential, just had me wishing for more.

I did receive this book from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2018
Warm and Sweet Romance
This book is the first of the Charleston Harbor series. It is a sweet and warm romance. The characters and plot are developed nicely. It is a fairly straight forward romance without much drama. This is the first book from this author that I have read. I was pleased and will be reading more of her work. I also love that a percentage of each book sale always goes to an animal rescue charity. I received a free copy of this book (ARC) and voluntarily chose to share my honest review.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
January 29, 2018
This was a delightful romance that happened in spite of well-meaning, meddlesome older relatives, a sister still finding her way, and a host of friends. Annie, owner and operator of Sweet Indulgences, a cupcake shop, is focused on her business. By opening her heart to a handsome customer and taking a chance on people, she not only makes dreams come true for others, but finds fulfillment of bigger dreams for herself. A great cast of characters lead to a happy ending.

I was given an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book and chose voluntarily to leave a review.
Profile Image for Nissa.
101 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2018
**I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**

Sweet Indulgence was a very sweet, clean romance. It seemed a little fast paced at times, but give every detail needed to keep an interest in the book. Jack and Annie are such a great couple and the other characters were interesting as well. It was very easy to follow and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,250 reviews52 followers
January 21, 2018
3.5 Stars
The blurb of this one caught me attention. It sounded like a book right up my alley. I love when characters work at a bakery so I knew I had to read this one. This one started out good, but I just couldn't emotionally invest in the characters. They story was sweet and storyline was good, but for me it just didn't gel. I had a hard time with Annie. Sometimes she rubbed me the wrong way. I did like that this book set up for the next book in Annie and Jack's story.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
494 reviews23 followers
January 29, 2019
A little too sweet for me and I didn't even think that was possible - not much of any conflict to the story. I don't need lots of angst or problems but everything went a little too smoothly or the issues were "oh I'm soo stressed a yelled at someone but I apologized within minutes" were the worst of the issues. I kept waiting for the some twist or an issue we needed to work through and it never happened.
795 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2019
SWEET INDULGENCE was a story I fell in love with from the first page and was instantly hooked. Annie McPherson’s Grandmother and Aunt are always trying to set her up on blind dates, while Annie is only interested in making her bakery, Sweet Indulgence, successful. Jack isn’t interested in women, he is only picking up cupcakes for his niece’s birthday until he sees Annie. I really enjoyed this delicious first book in the Charleston Harbor Series!
4,507 reviews38 followers
June 13, 2018
This is an awesome beginning for the Charleston Harbor novels. Sweet Indulgence is a great name for a cupcakery! All the characters sparkle. Auntie Patty and Grandma Lilly were wonderful. Annie and Jack have great chemistry. You have small town romance, a cute dog, a small boat and an island. This is a wonderful afternoon read. Now on to book 2!
Profile Image for Dawn Byers.
749 reviews20 followers
February 7, 2019
A heartwarming book, a bakery where you can almost taste the cupcakes and icing, the cozy relationship of the families -the small town feeling -
Grandmother and auntie keep setting Annie up with dates and Annie has had enough -
When a handsome man walks into her bakery one day and orders a dozen cupcakes - the sparks fly.
Grab this book to follow the sweet romance!
864 reviews12 followers
February 15, 2019
What a sweet book Sweet Indulgence by Debbie White is! It is a fun book with a lot of well developed characters. Annie and Jack's story is easy reading romance with lovable relatives such as Grandma Lilly and Auntie Patty. I would love to have Sweet Indulgence cupcakery in my town! I also loved Annie's dog, Buffy! Delightful story!
Profile Image for Debbie Lesley.
510 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2019
Lightest of Chick Lit

Sweet little story but there is so little to it. The characters aren’t really developed. The main characters met in the beginning and everything is hunky-dory from the start. Unrealistically is a young girl with a new bakery being able to hire several people to work for her.... and she is able to have time off.

A quick read when you are in between books.
Profile Image for Jen.
122 reviews
July 28, 2020
Super quick read! I didn't connect with the characters really, I just wanted more details but were just skimmed over. Like, 85% done the book and I finally found out she had golden red locks of hair. That's a first chapter detail I wish I had to help picture her. I never really figured out a visual on any of the characters. Cute story overall though.
27 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2020
Overly sweet

I could not get into this book though I read it from cover to cover. The crux of the matter was an overly simple story line resulting in flat and forgettable characters. With no protagonist, no tension or plot twist, it felt like a child’s book. Even the amour scenes were just “meh”.
Profile Image for Shannon Godwin.
3,015 reviews31 followers
January 4, 2018
This is a very sweet romance that I enjoyed from the beginning to the very sweet end. The writing is great and the characters are so lovable. You will fall in love with this book! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
377 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2018
Awful!!!

I kept hoping for the story to get better! The only thing good about the story was " no detailed sex". Mostly it was about a spoiled, self centered brat named annie, who thinks no-one and I do mean no-one is smarter, caring or better than herself! Awful in every way.
124 reviews
October 7, 2018
Sweet Are Cupcakes Of Many Flavers

This is a wonderful story about a loving relationship that blends two families into one big happy crowd. It's fun to see things happen...and friendships that continue through good times and not so good times. Just sit back, read, and enjoy.
Profile Image for Lana Ellis.
54 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2018
This reading was really just to justify the purchase; sweet, romantic, but really lacking something. The proverbial grain of salt to keep you engrossed? The narration is somewhat unnatural, strained at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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