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Sugar
“A sexy billionaire from the poshest part of Philadelphia gets snowed in with his beautiful neighbor in this modern-day rags-to-riches, enemies-to-lovers romance from bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels.”
Avery Johansson is borrowing against her youth and beauty to afford a better future–by working as a sugar baby.
Gifted at playing the role of a delicate female, Avery makes a living by stroking wealthy men’s egos. But the real woman behind the act isn’t docile at all–she prefers leather over lace and spice rather than playing nice.
Noah Wolfe is used to getting exactly what he wants when he wants Avery. Once he sets his sights on his sexy neighbor, he’s determined to have her every which way. Little does he know, the soft female across the hall doesn’t swoon for roses–she bleeds for the thorns.
Two dominant hearts collide in an explosion of sin and safewords as boundaries are pressed
in a power struggle of dominance and ultimate possession.
Avery Johansson is borrowing against her youth and beauty to afford a better future–by working as a sugar baby.
Gifted at playing the role of a delicate female, Avery makes a living by stroking wealthy men’s egos. But the real woman behind the act isn’t docile at all–she prefers leather over lace and spice rather than playing nice.
Noah Wolfe is used to getting exactly what he wants when he wants Avery. Once he sets his sights on his sexy neighbor, he’s determined to have her every which way. Little does he know, the soft female across the hall doesn’t swoon for roses–she bleeds for the thorns.
Two dominant hearts collide in an explosion of sin and safewords as boundaries are pressed
in a power struggle of dominance and ultimate possession.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2020
26 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
71 books1,897 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 29, 2020
This one is a bit hard to rate. On one hand it was entertaining and it's something different, but on another there was just something really odd about the characters and some of the details that made it less enjoyable for me.
First would be the characters. I was hoping this book would be something where the heroine was more experienced due to her occupation and her being a dominant in the bedroom, and while I did like her at first, her character just took a nose dive the rest of the book. She became whiny, wishy washy, selfish, and constantly took the hero for granted. She started off sounding cool and smart but her character just became embarrassing, especially the whole "dominant" side of her. It actually ruined a couple of the sex scenes because she would literally freak out and get mad if he didn't listen to her one time, how immature is that?
Then there is the hero who for the first half of the book sounded and acted like a creepy college frat boy that won't take no for an answer, and I'm not sure why she saw him attractive at all. He was demeaning and maybe a bit gross. Luckily, his character did improve throughout the book and I actually started liking him more, and he's definitely a Saint to want to put up with the heroine. There was actually one part at the very end that upped his character by a lot when he talked about their future together because it super sweet😍.
The story development was also just weird. Their relationship started off pretty toxic actually, and definitely a little too forward for people who have just met. They were constantly fighting over the dumbest things and I'm confused how they ever fell in love with each other tbh. The side characters all gave off a bit of a creepy vibe too, and I hated how it insinuated that the heroine's "sugar daddy" and the hero's assistant might get together, it was just way too convenient.
There was also some loose ends that I felt like we never got closure on such as the heroine's family and Gavin, and then the hero's cheating ex or his sister's cheating bf. They only popped up to try to give the characters more depth, but it all seemed very shallow, and again, just odd to put in this book. Especially because the characters hardly even know anything about each other or their pasts and yet they're all of a sudden in love. Then the epilogue comes after the whole book is just them fighting or having sex or fighting while having sex, but we hardly got any time of them actually being happy together. The story and the romance hardly seemed finished but it just cuts off and goes straight to the epilogue.
Overall, while the writing is good and some parts enjoyable, I think I was just expecting something a bit different from this book. Maybe a little more sexy (although a couple of the sex scenes were 🔥), mature, or just a bit light hearted, but it wasn't like that at all, though that's not necessarily bad. This is my first read from this author, and even though this story wasn't really a hit for me, I would definitely try her books again.
Safety: Pretty Safe
Heroine goes on dates with several men and one kisses her and wants more
Hero kisses OW once to make heroine jealous, and a different wannabe OW kisses him put he stops it as soon as she does
Previous manho H/semi-experienced heroine
Both are with no one else after meeting
*ARC Provided by Booksprout*
First would be the characters. I was hoping this book would be something where the heroine was more experienced due to her occupation and her being a dominant in the bedroom, and while I did like her at first, her character just took a nose dive the rest of the book. She became whiny, wishy washy, selfish, and constantly took the hero for granted. She started off sounding cool and smart but her character just became embarrassing, especially the whole "dominant" side of her. It actually ruined a couple of the sex scenes because she would literally freak out and get mad if he didn't listen to her one time, how immature is that?
Then there is the hero who for the first half of the book sounded and acted like a creepy college frat boy that won't take no for an answer, and I'm not sure why she saw him attractive at all. He was demeaning and maybe a bit gross. Luckily, his character did improve throughout the book and I actually started liking him more, and he's definitely a Saint to want to put up with the heroine. There was actually one part at the very end that upped his character by a lot when he talked about their future together because it super sweet😍.
The story development was also just weird. Their relationship started off pretty toxic actually, and definitely a little too forward for people who have just met. They were constantly fighting over the dumbest things and I'm confused how they ever fell in love with each other tbh. The side characters all gave off a bit of a creepy vibe too, and I hated how it insinuated that the heroine's "sugar daddy" and the hero's assistant might get together, it was just way too convenient.
There was also some loose ends that I felt like we never got closure on such as the heroine's family and Gavin, and then the hero's cheating ex or his sister's cheating bf. They only popped up to try to give the characters more depth, but it all seemed very shallow, and again, just odd to put in this book. Especially because the characters hardly even know anything about each other or their pasts and yet they're all of a sudden in love. Then the epilogue comes after the whole book is just them fighting or having sex or fighting while having sex, but we hardly got any time of them actually being happy together. The story and the romance hardly seemed finished but it just cuts off and goes straight to the epilogue.
Overall, while the writing is good and some parts enjoyable, I think I was just expecting something a bit different from this book. Maybe a little more sexy (although a couple of the sex scenes were 🔥), mature, or just a bit light hearted, but it wasn't like that at all, though that's not necessarily bad. This is my first read from this author, and even though this story wasn't really a hit for me, I would definitely try her books again.
Safety: Pretty Safe
Heroine goes on dates with several men and one kisses her and wants more
Hero kisses OW once to make heroine jealous, and a different wannabe OW kisses him put he stops it as soon as she does
Previous manho H/semi-experienced heroine
Both are with no one else after meeting
*ARC Provided by Booksprout*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
SPOILERS included below
While it is a good story at times it was not enjoyable to read as when the sexual relationship between the hero and the heroine started for a while it was toxic. One of the scenes where the hero and heroine fought for sexual dominance made me very uncomfortable. They were actually hitting and punching each other and it didn't turn them either of them on. While the heroine started it the hero, who was much more stronger and bigger than her didn't hold back much either. Also they kept blowing hot and cold with each other both emotionally and physically. It was annoying and not a turn on.
There were things that I liked about the story. I love jealous and possessive heroes and the hero in this story was. Also they were faithful to each other. No cheating and no sex with OP after meeting. Rather both had brief unwanted kiss from the opposite sex. Also there was HFN ending that I liked.
In addition the story was well written. I was never bored. I liked how the story occasionally toggled from the present to the past, revealing why the heroine was emotionally fragile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2020
I don't like this book. In the very traditional sense.
The couple in this book truly isn't compatible for each other, in my opinion. I know it would be doomed when I wished the dead guy would be the main hero. Everything was unresolved and none of the main issues were addressed.
I dislike the hero and the heroine. I don't like how they started the relationship. I don't like the pointless drama. I dislike every turns and twists this book went.
I had different ideas how this book could go and they would've been so much better than this one.
The couple in this book truly isn't compatible for each other, in my opinion. I know it would be doomed when I wished the dead guy would be the main hero. Everything was unresolved and none of the main issues were addressed.
I dislike the hero and the heroine. I don't like how they started the relationship. I don't like the pointless drama. I dislike every turns and twists this book went.
I had different ideas how this book could go and they would've been so much better than this one.
October 3, 2020
It is a good book and had elements i personally enjoy such as Jealous and possessive hero and good amount of heat but still personally i was struggling to continue and that's totally on me. I have this issue where i somtimes struggle to enjoy the flow and writing. Otherwise i really enjoyed the book and found that author has great potential.
Anyone who's looking for a j/p hero with a h who has layers will definitely enjoy it. It didn't had any cheating which won points from my side.
Overall a nice read but not great for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anyone who's looking for a j/p hero with a h who has layers will definitely enjoy it. It didn't had any cheating which won points from my side.
Overall a nice read but not great for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2020
Avery is currently working as a Sugar Baby to work her way through college debt fee, but her life is thrown off kilter by meeting Noah. He has set his sites on Avery and wants her to be his.
I really respected Avery for her choices. It was a sound business plan to make money and graduate debt free. I didn’t get the dominate side of her nature. I’m not sure why it didn’t work but if felt off. I wanted to like Noah, but he just came across as a petulant college frat boy type.
Overall Sugar was an enjoyable read. It’s a hard sell for me when I can’t feel or root for the couple in the end. I liked how empowered Avery was and that made the story a really interesting read to me. I am curious to know if we will get a book for Noah’s assistant. I was intrigued by her interaction with Avery’s former Sugar daddy.
I would recommend this one if you are looking for something a little different. I like Lydia Michael’s writing. I think she has a unique style.
I really respected Avery for her choices. It was a sound business plan to make money and graduate debt free. I didn’t get the dominate side of her nature. I’m not sure why it didn’t work but if felt off. I wanted to like Noah, but he just came across as a petulant college frat boy type.
Overall Sugar was an enjoyable read. It’s a hard sell for me when I can’t feel or root for the couple in the end. I liked how empowered Avery was and that made the story a really interesting read to me. I am curious to know if we will get a book for Noah’s assistant. I was intrigued by her interaction with Avery’s former Sugar daddy.
I would recommend this one if you are looking for something a little different. I like Lydia Michael’s writing. I think she has a unique style.
September 28, 2020
Sugar is a sexy new stand-alone by Lydia Michaels. It is the story of Avery Johansson, college student and “Sugar Baby”.
Men think she’s everything they desire, soft, delicate, and able to stroke their fragile egos with a mere sweep of her lashes. The more they pay, the sweeter she becomes.
Avery is strong willed and determined to have a better life. Nothing and no one will change the course that she is following. She has sacrificed too much to get where she is.
Noah Wolfe is a complication, a distraction, and… her new neighbor. A successful business man. He is confident, arrogant, intense and attractive. He sets his sights on Avery and he will stop at nothing to have her.
I didn’t need complications and Noah couldn’t be anything else.
Sugar is set in Philadelphia and Lydia Michaels paints a beautiful and nostalgic picture for us to enjoy. I loved reading about places I know and love. She really sets the scene.
I had mixed emotions about Avery and Noah’s story. Almost a love/hate relationship with Sugar. At times I was uncomfortable but I love that Lydia Michaels brought that out in me as a reader. Sugar was an emotional roller-coaster. There were many complicated and sexually frenzied scenes. Again, I was able to feel the emotion through the words which are beautifully written.
I might look delicate, but I could make a grown man cry.
There is definitely an edge to Sugar. This is not your sweet “Harlequin” romance story. Raw, gritty, sensual and sexual. At times it is dominance verses need. Lydia Michaels is a creative and versatile story teller and Sugar is another great example of that! Enjoy!
4.5 stars
#AuthorLydiaMichaels #Sugar #Sexy #AveryAndNoah #BigBadWolfe #NewAdult #INeedAFaintingCouch #MustRead
Men think she’s everything they desire, soft, delicate, and able to stroke their fragile egos with a mere sweep of her lashes. The more they pay, the sweeter she becomes.
Avery is strong willed and determined to have a better life. Nothing and no one will change the course that she is following. She has sacrificed too much to get where she is.
Noah Wolfe is a complication, a distraction, and… her new neighbor. A successful business man. He is confident, arrogant, intense and attractive. He sets his sights on Avery and he will stop at nothing to have her.
I didn’t need complications and Noah couldn’t be anything else.
Sugar is set in Philadelphia and Lydia Michaels paints a beautiful and nostalgic picture for us to enjoy. I loved reading about places I know and love. She really sets the scene.
I had mixed emotions about Avery and Noah’s story. Almost a love/hate relationship with Sugar. At times I was uncomfortable but I love that Lydia Michaels brought that out in me as a reader. Sugar was an emotional roller-coaster. There were many complicated and sexually frenzied scenes. Again, I was able to feel the emotion through the words which are beautifully written.
I might look delicate, but I could make a grown man cry.
There is definitely an edge to Sugar. This is not your sweet “Harlequin” romance story. Raw, gritty, sensual and sexual. At times it is dominance verses need. Lydia Michaels is a creative and versatile story teller and Sugar is another great example of that! Enjoy!
4.5 stars
#AuthorLydiaMichaels #Sugar #Sexy #AveryAndNoah #BigBadWolfe #NewAdult #INeedAFaintingCouch #MustRead
September 28, 2020
Sugar is a sexy story filled with two people, Avery and Noah, who have so much chemistry, both good and bad, that I'm surprised my Kindle didn't spark! From neighbors to beyond these two kept me entertained with their battle for control.
"We were caught in the frienemy zone, in a traffic jam of sexual tension, sarcasm, and explosive chemistry."
Learning about Avery's past helps you understand why she is the woman she is today. Not only does Avery have her sexy neighbor Noah hot on her heels, there is Micah who adds another layer to this story. I loved how Sugar ended but now I want some Spice in the form of Micah's story.
"We were caught in the frienemy zone, in a traffic jam of sexual tension, sarcasm, and explosive chemistry."
Learning about Avery's past helps you understand why she is the woman she is today. Not only does Avery have her sexy neighbor Noah hot on her heels, there is Micah who adds another layer to this story. I loved how Sugar ended but now I want some Spice in the form of Micah's story.
August 31, 2020
Sugar by Lydia Michael's is a captivating story that had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. Avery came from a poor and abusive family, made it into college and supports herself by being a sugar baby. She dates wealthy men for large sums of money. Noah, her neighbor falls for her the first time he sees her. What Noah wants, Noah gets. It's a ride of emotions, some witty banter and even a few punchs. Lydia Michael's is an expert story teller and did not let me down with this one.
September 7, 2020
What a story. It has so much drama and suspense throughout it. It has some things that some might consider taboo but it is so beautifully written that it doesn't even feel taboo. I loved how strong and feisty Avery is throughout the story. Noah is sweet but protective and such an magnificent character. Their personalities add so much to the story that they are felt throughout it. The descriptions are radiant and allow you to easily picture what is happening and making you feel like you are part of the story. You can easily read through the story without putting it down. It is a stunning story that is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2020
Funny, sarcastic, and super steamy, Sugar is one of the very best enemies to lover’s stories that I have read. It has so much depth, it is light and also a little tiny bit dark. It’s funny, will make your insides flutter and your heart melt. Noah and Avery’s story keeps you on your toes and it’s so much fun to peel back their layers one at a time. Avery has spent her life fighting to get somewhere and be someone, and is determined to do what it takes to have a stable life. Being a sugar baby is the perfect job to get her through school and on to her dreams. Avery doesn’t have time for anything or anyone, and certainly not the time to fall in love. Then she meets Noah. Noah is patient and kind, but at the same time, he is determined and always gets what he wants. He doesn’t need any additional distractions, but he just can’t stop thinking about Avery.
Avery has so many obstacles to overcome in order to recognize who she is and how to love. They both learn about control, and dominance while attempting to slowly open themselves up to a chance at real love. It’s a great story about the struggle of life and love and overcoming your past.
Avery has so many obstacles to overcome in order to recognize who she is and how to love. They both learn about control, and dominance while attempting to slowly open themselves up to a chance at real love. It’s a great story about the struggle of life and love and overcoming your past.
August 26, 2020
This story was amazing. Avery found her way out of a terrible situation the best way she could. She meets Noah, someone she starts to have feelings for, and not only is her past getting in the way but her present is too. I also found myself laughing out loud at certain times which was fantastic. I loved this book so much.
September 29, 2020
Meow....this is a hot one. Avery is trying to run from her past but wants to make a good future for herself regardless of what it takes. Her history causes her to trust no one including the hot neighbor across the hall. Noah does everything in his power to try to break down her walls and make her believe she is worthy. There are some very intense sex scenes that will keep you begging for more!!
August 5, 2020
Another fantastic book by an amazing author.
Avery - a strong willed determined young woman with her sights set on forgetting her tough past and securing the future she deserved, Avery thought she had all her plans set, a job that was a little bit different but helped her keep control of where things were going, until her world was up ended by her gorgeous neighbour Noah.
Noah - thought he had everything he needed in his life despite the heartbreak he'd been through, but when he caught the eye of his sexy neighbour he knew he had to know more about her. A story of change, acceptance and finding love. I really enjoyed that this story was different and they didn't just fall in love, i enjoyed how they both discovered new things they did and didnt like in the bedroom and found something that worked for them both. It was a great story and i was hooked from the start 😊
Avery - a strong willed determined young woman with her sights set on forgetting her tough past and securing the future she deserved, Avery thought she had all her plans set, a job that was a little bit different but helped her keep control of where things were going, until her world was up ended by her gorgeous neighbour Noah.
Noah - thought he had everything he needed in his life despite the heartbreak he'd been through, but when he caught the eye of his sexy neighbour he knew he had to know more about her. A story of change, acceptance and finding love. I really enjoyed that this story was different and they didn't just fall in love, i enjoyed how they both discovered new things they did and didnt like in the bedroom and found something that worked for them both. It was a great story and i was hooked from the start 😊
August 7, 2020
Wow this is a very amazing intense read that will have you hooked on this story. Their is a strong welled woman and a alpha male that will rock you off your seat. This story takes you on a fantasy ride of twists and turns. This story I read in one seating and was lovely all the way through.
August 3, 2023
DID NOT LIKED THIS
Is she is a escort or she has a Sugar daddy???
this one started out pretty well but as the story got going I just really started hating the main character.
Noah was a chauvinistic, abusive pig
I struggled to find anything I liked with this book.
This book plays very dangerously with consent and while the author may have thought they were writing edgy, kinky sex this book veers straight into abuse territory and not an example of adult fun.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Is she is a escort or she has a Sugar daddy???
this one started out pretty well but as the story got going I just really started hating the main character.
Noah was a chauvinistic, abusive pig
I struggled to find anything I liked with this book.
This book plays very dangerously with consent and while the author may have thought they were writing edgy, kinky sex this book veers straight into abuse territory and not an example of adult fun.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2020
Sugar and spice and all things.......naughty!
This story is amazing. Avery is a strong, entrepreneurial female who is using the gifts given to her to make her way in the world. She thinks she has it all figured out..... and in come Noah to shake things up. Noah is a strong alpha male who knows what he wants and has no idea how to deal with those that don’t fall in line.
This story is amazing. Avery is a strong, entrepreneurial female who is using the gifts given to her to make her way in the world. She thinks she has it all figured out..... and in come Noah to shake things up. Noah is a strong alpha male who knows what he wants and has no idea how to deal with those that don’t fall in line.
December 25, 2022
I'm gonna be honest here. I absolutely struggled with this book. It felt like there were two plotlines going on and I was pretty confused at times.
Avery calls herself a Sugar Baby. She's not, she's an escort. Escorts are paid for their services. Sugar Babies are gifted (materially and/or monetarily) while IN A RELATIONSHIP with their Sugar Daddy. It's a very different dynamic. So there's that issue.
She is very set in her ways, to the point of almost an obsession. She claims to only be doing the "sugar baby" (just roll with it) thing to put herself through college and then that's it. Ok, I can jive with that. She's a straight up cold-hearted ergh…nevermind, to nearly everyone she comes in contact with, except for Daddy Micah, in this book.
Where I got completely lost is when we were swept back in time through a flashback, to a time when she was a senior in high school. She is all of a sudden a Domme, and had been with Gavin more than a few times in this manner? WTF? How do you get that sort of experience at that age? Avery's outlook on sex is just bizarre to me. It's so…mechanical, I suppose. Her words and actions during a scene are so flat. In the "bedroom" scenes with Noah where she is supposed to be dominating him, she comes across as just OTT b!tchy or bratty instead of truly dominant. It's just weird.
Noah is just not it. How did we go from, "Hi, I'm your neighbor" to "You're mine and I'm going to make you date me" in like 5 minutes? I got whiplash, no joke. He constantly degrades her, calling her a b!tch, etc. The toxicity between Avery and Noah was just too vast for me to get over, and I'm all for some dark romance. I just about lost my mind with the truck scene. If ever I did DNF a book, it would be something like that. Yet, I pushed on.
I have nothing against FemDom. What I do have issues with is making her character so cold that no one would want to be around her even when she's not in scene. I also take issue with anyone degrading someone for having a non-traditional profession, especially when they claim to want to date them. Ahem, Noah.
I did listen to this in audiobook format. It was narrated by Lucinda Gainey. I did find that the narrator did not fit the characters in my mind. Her voice is too mature for Avery's age. It created a vast mismatch in my mind, which made it very hard to listen to. Ms. Gainey does have a very smooth narrating voice and does perform well, she just was not suited for this character.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥degradation
💥BDSM
💥physical abuse
💥dubcon
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 2🌟🌟
Spice: 2 🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Avery calls herself a Sugar Baby. She's not, she's an escort. Escorts are paid for their services. Sugar Babies are gifted (materially and/or monetarily) while IN A RELATIONSHIP with their Sugar Daddy. It's a very different dynamic. So there's that issue.
She is very set in her ways, to the point of almost an obsession. She claims to only be doing the "sugar baby" (just roll with it) thing to put herself through college and then that's it. Ok, I can jive with that. She's a straight up cold-hearted ergh…nevermind, to nearly everyone she comes in contact with, except for Daddy Micah, in this book.
Where I got completely lost is when we were swept back in time through a flashback, to a time when she was a senior in high school. She is all of a sudden a Domme, and had been with Gavin more than a few times in this manner? WTF? How do you get that sort of experience at that age? Avery's outlook on sex is just bizarre to me. It's so…mechanical, I suppose. Her words and actions during a scene are so flat. In the "bedroom" scenes with Noah where she is supposed to be dominating him, she comes across as just OTT b!tchy or bratty instead of truly dominant. It's just weird.
Noah is just not it. How did we go from, "Hi, I'm your neighbor" to "You're mine and I'm going to make you date me" in like 5 minutes? I got whiplash, no joke. He constantly degrades her, calling her a b!tch, etc. The toxicity between Avery and Noah was just too vast for me to get over, and I'm all for some dark romance. I just about lost my mind with the truck scene. If ever I did DNF a book, it would be something like that. Yet, I pushed on.
I have nothing against FemDom. What I do have issues with is making her character so cold that no one would want to be around her even when she's not in scene. I also take issue with anyone degrading someone for having a non-traditional profession, especially when they claim to want to date them. Ahem, Noah.
I did listen to this in audiobook format. It was narrated by Lucinda Gainey. I did find that the narrator did not fit the characters in my mind. Her voice is too mature for Avery's age. It created a vast mismatch in my mind, which made it very hard to listen to. Ms. Gainey does have a very smooth narrating voice and does perform well, she just was not suited for this character.
Always check the TW/CW:
💥degradation
💥BDSM
💥physical abuse
💥dubcon
Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 2🌟🌟
Spice: 2 🌶🌶
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2020
I went into this story blind.
I hadn’t read the blurb nor any reviews.
All I knew was it was a Lydia Micheals book.
Which was enough for me.
I loved Noah from the get go.
I loved his confidence.
I loved his wit and his comebacks.
He’s smart and sexy.
He works hard and plays hard.
But what I loved the most about him was that he never gave up.
No matter what Avery did or said.
He was determined not to let her drive or push him away.
Noah was relentless in his pursuit because he believed they could be good together.
Where other men would have dropped her like a hot potato.
He did not.
He was set on showing her they had something brewing that could be incredible.
If she would just take a chance.
I liked Avery.
I appreciated how she wanted to be more and set goals for herself.
She owned her “job”.
Avery wasn’t embarrassed by how she made a living.
But she didn’t advertise it either.
I thought she was a strong young lady.
Set on achieving the plans she set for herself.
But at times I found her a bit annoying.
She did not want people judging her.
Yet that is what she did with Noah.
Always concluding how he would act or how he would not understand.
She never gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Even though time and time again he showed her the opposite of her doubting thoughts.
Of course it’s well written because come on it’s Ms. Michaels here.
And I liked how she had both Avery and Noah grow and develop for their unique situation and circumstance.
The sizzle and chemistry between them is intense.
They are hot and extreme in their wants and needs.
The book is definitely a page turner with an interesting plot.
I hadn’t read the blurb nor any reviews.
All I knew was it was a Lydia Micheals book.
Which was enough for me.
I loved Noah from the get go.
I loved his confidence.
I loved his wit and his comebacks.
He’s smart and sexy.
He works hard and plays hard.
But what I loved the most about him was that he never gave up.
No matter what Avery did or said.
He was determined not to let her drive or push him away.
Noah was relentless in his pursuit because he believed they could be good together.
Where other men would have dropped her like a hot potato.
He did not.
He was set on showing her they had something brewing that could be incredible.
If she would just take a chance.
I liked Avery.
I appreciated how she wanted to be more and set goals for herself.
She owned her “job”.
Avery wasn’t embarrassed by how she made a living.
But she didn’t advertise it either.
I thought she was a strong young lady.
Set on achieving the plans she set for herself.
But at times I found her a bit annoying.
She did not want people judging her.
Yet that is what she did with Noah.
Always concluding how he would act or how he would not understand.
She never gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Even though time and time again he showed her the opposite of her doubting thoughts.
Of course it’s well written because come on it’s Ms. Michaels here.
And I liked how she had both Avery and Noah grow and develop for their unique situation and circumstance.
The sizzle and chemistry between them is intense.
They are hot and extreme in their wants and needs.
The book is definitely a page turner with an interesting plot.
September 28, 2020
Sugar is Avery Johnsson and Noah Wolfe’s story. Noah is Avery’s next door neighbor. Avery is a “Sugar Baby” meaning she works for an escort service. She never planned on meeting someone (Noah) and falling in love. Although she sure was in denial.
Avery was from an underprivileged home and this is a way she can earn her college degree and to be debt free while going to college. Noah was from money. He never had to worry about where his next meal would come from like Avery did.
Avery likes control and so does Noah. Will they clash? Oh yes they will!!!
She is such a “bada**. “Call me b*tch one more time, and I’ll redefine the word for you”
Avery is very controlled and a rule follower (her own rules) “He was a haphazard disaster. a rule breaker, a risk taker.”
You can tell that Avery has had to fight for the things she wants. There were some frustrating times when I wanted to throw my kindle at her but I can also understand why she was like she was.
This was a very entertaining story told by a master at words author. I now can’t wait until the next book she will write because I know that it will be entertaining. 4.5 stars
Avery was from an underprivileged home and this is a way she can earn her college degree and to be debt free while going to college. Noah was from money. He never had to worry about where his next meal would come from like Avery did.
Avery likes control and so does Noah. Will they clash? Oh yes they will!!!
She is such a “bada**. “Call me b*tch one more time, and I’ll redefine the word for you”
Avery is very controlled and a rule follower (her own rules) “He was a haphazard disaster. a rule breaker, a risk taker.”
You can tell that Avery has had to fight for the things she wants. There were some frustrating times when I wanted to throw my kindle at her but I can also understand why she was like she was.
This was a very entertaining story told by a master at words author. I now can’t wait until the next book she will write because I know that it will be entertaining. 4.5 stars
September 14, 2020
A really unique story showing the heroine starting out working her way through college as a sugar baby. It starts out as though it's a typical meet-cute with a neighbor, and goes kinda haywire from there.
I looooved Avery, everything about her. She's tough, she's shrewd, she's a hard worker. Caring underneath it all. She's determined to make a better life for herself, despite the hooks of her past. Now, the 1-star dock is because of Noah. He had a few decent moments, but overall I couldn't stand him. He was judgmental and presumptuous, and in my opinion his remarks toward Avery took him past the point of forgiveness. I think the message is that Avery and Noah don't have a common dynamic, and that their own unique personalities make a relationship that ends up working for them, but I thought Avery could do much better than someone who has mantrums and tries to make her jealous like a teenager.
The love scenes are tame (to me) kink and pretty hot, and I liked that this was another spot Avery was able to shine. Overall, this is an entertaining read with a heroine to root for.
I looooved Avery, everything about her. She's tough, she's shrewd, she's a hard worker. Caring underneath it all. She's determined to make a better life for herself, despite the hooks of her past. Now, the 1-star dock is because of Noah. He had a few decent moments, but overall I couldn't stand him. He was judgmental and presumptuous, and in my opinion his remarks toward Avery took him past the point of forgiveness. I think the message is that Avery and Noah don't have a common dynamic, and that their own unique personalities make a relationship that ends up working for them, but I thought Avery could do much better than someone who has mantrums and tries to make her jealous like a teenager.
The love scenes are tame (to me) kink and pretty hot, and I liked that this was another spot Avery was able to shine. Overall, this is an entertaining read with a heroine to root for.
September 28, 2020
What happens when your eyes meet across the elevator door? or across the hall from your very ritzy apartment? When the player meets his match? Avery wants to forget her past. She will do whatever it takes to leave that world behind her including using her looks and her charm to get what she needs and wants until she fulfills her plans. She is a Sugar Baby and she becomes whatever her clients need her to be...sweet, submissive and pliant. However, there is way more to Avery than meets the eye and when she and Noah cross paths and he decides that he has to have her, many lines will be crossed and hearts will be broken in this not so sweet (but definitely steamy, steamy, steamy), sugary story. There are some painful moments for both our main characters and some definite eye opening experiences. I'm not usually a fan of Sugar Daddy stories as a rule but I love Lydia Michaels and she definitely brings us a different story in this trope.
September 28, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author. I absolutely loved it and look forward to reading more. Avery is a college student with a past but a determined future. She lives well, will graduate from college in 6 months debt free but finds her neighbor, Noah to be relentless. This is not just a boy meets girl story, it has so many layers, challenges and twists. A great, well written story and characters, I could turn the pages fast enough to find out more. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 6, 2023DNF 40%. I cannot take Noah. At. All. He has ruined this book for me. He's so unbelievability manipulative, rude and insults Avery every chance he gets.
I can't see how they are compatible. I just don't see it.
I hate DNFing a book but I'm not going to force myself to finish something that I'm not enjoying.
It's so sad because I LOVED another book by this author, I guess this one just isn't for me 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
I can't see how they are compatible. I just don't see it.
I hate DNFing a book but I'm not going to force myself to finish something that I'm not enjoying.
It's so sad because I LOVED another book by this author, I guess this one just isn't for me 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
September 12, 2020
This is not your usual she is definitely the dominant, man-eater in the relationship and that is great to give a new spin. He’s not a pushover but definitely works hard to win her over due to her active social and work life. Yet, he sees the work that it requires to capture her and keep her. The female does not a complete 180 but manages to fall for him despite resisting his truly chivalrous intentions although in a very cavalier way.
Read this book it’s a refreshing twist of gender superiority.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read this book it’s a refreshing twist of gender superiority.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2020
This was my first book by Lydia Michaels. I thought it was well written although some part got to be repetitive at times. That was why I deducted a star. Overall I enjoyed the book. I really liked Noah, when he was being sweet and romantic. Avery got on my nerves a little bit and was hard to connect to. She had moments where she was very immature and I got tired about her griping about how hard she had it growing up. I was invested in the book and it kept my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2020
3.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this story overall. This author writes great stories! I really liked the details in this story. I mean the character’s a sugar baby. That’s not something you read or even hear about all the time! I enjoyed reading about her life and how everything worked in her world. And man were there some pretty heated moments between the characters...
My star rating was affected in the last 40% percent. There was sex scene after sex scene and well it was just way too much. I was really interested to hear how the character dynamics were going to play out, so I was disappointed to read so much sex, when the original plot idea was really good!
I really enjoyed this story overall. This author writes great stories! I really liked the details in this story. I mean the character’s a sugar baby. That’s not something you read or even hear about all the time! I enjoyed reading about her life and how everything worked in her world. And man were there some pretty heated moments between the characters...
My star rating was affected in the last 40% percent. There was sex scene after sex scene and well it was just way too much. I was really interested to hear how the character dynamics were going to play out, so I was disappointed to read so much sex, when the original plot idea was really good!
August 16, 2020
WOW I’ve waited a very long time to read this book, and it was more than I could hope for.
Lydia has a way of telling a story that makes you believe you actually know the character’s and are involved in their lives.
Noah and Avery are a perfect couple, instant attraction from their first meeting in the hallway; once he gets through her layers; and she sheds herself of her leech of a mother, it’s still not easy sailing - but eventually.....
Read the book, oh sooooo good.
Lydia has a way of telling a story that makes you believe you actually know the character’s and are involved in their lives.
Noah and Avery are a perfect couple, instant attraction from their first meeting in the hallway; once he gets through her layers; and she sheds herself of her leech of a mother, it’s still not easy sailing - but eventually.....
Read the book, oh sooooo good.
August 11, 2020
Avery and Noah’s story was a little slow to start for me - and I struggled to get into the storyline’s - probably more to do with the fact that I found it unrealistic that Avery would be paid so much without the expectation of any sexual relations and the sugar baby lifestyle is questionable to me personally.
Once the relationship between our main characters began to develop I thoroughly enjoyed their story - the interactions between the these 2 were intense and explosive at the start and I found it written well and was intrigued with the power play.
Noah’s is everything I want in my male lead and while Avery did annoy at first I loved that she managed to grow and accept the changes coming her way .
As always Lydias writing is exceptional and while it’s not one my fave reads by this author it was still a good read and worth the initial angst and slow burn.
Once the relationship between our main characters began to develop I thoroughly enjoyed their story - the interactions between the these 2 were intense and explosive at the start and I found it written well and was intrigued with the power play.
Noah’s is everything I want in my male lead and while Avery did annoy at first I loved that she managed to grow and accept the changes coming her way .
As always Lydias writing is exceptional and while it’s not one my fave reads by this author it was still a good read and worth the initial angst and slow burn.
September 29, 2020
Another fantastic story by Lydia Michaels. She always knows how to make you love her characters. First, you have Avery, who is a dominant, strong, but also fragile woman because of her past. Then you have Noah, who is dominant, successful, but also somewhat fragile because of a past relationship. I fell in love with Noah instantly, but Avery took a little getting used to. I seem to always associate songs with characters I’ve read, so Avery and Noah are no exception. The day after I finished reading, I heard “The Warrior” by Patti Smyth and Scandal, and I associate that song with Avery because she is a warrior. On the same day, I also heard the song “No One Like You” by The Scorpions, which I associate with Noah because of his almost-obsession with Avery and find a little funny since he did call Avery a scorpion at one point in the story. Both are characters who go after what they want and don’t let anything or anyone get in their way. Avery tries to deny she wants Noah, but Noah makes it well known he wants Avery. When they come to an understanding and come together, it is off the chart chemistry and steam. Some of the sex may not be for everyone – but it works for Avery and Noah! There is lots of witty banter and the story is definitely a page-turner.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
September 29, 2020
What a fantastic story full of emotion!!
Avery comes from a damaged past that she's trying to move past. She has a plan for her future and will do what it takes to make it happen. She's such a strong woman despite what's she's been through.
Noah is a successful business man, sexy, strong possessive alpha, and used to getting what he wants. He's a little damaged himself and Avery could just be what he needs.
When Noah sees Avery he knows he has to have her!! There's a mutual attraction but Avery isn't going to be so easy to fall into his arms. It might just be a roller-coaster ride for these two. Trust me you want to be along for the ride!!
Lydia Michaels brings us another amazing story full of emotion, steamy scenes, and funny moments. There are so many layers to the characters and we get to see them get peeled back little by little. Ms. Michaels never disappoints and this book is no exception!! You need to grab a copy to see what you're missing!! A Must Read!!!
Avery comes from a damaged past that she's trying to move past. She has a plan for her future and will do what it takes to make it happen. She's such a strong woman despite what's she's been through.
Noah is a successful business man, sexy, strong possessive alpha, and used to getting what he wants. He's a little damaged himself and Avery could just be what he needs.
When Noah sees Avery he knows he has to have her!! There's a mutual attraction but Avery isn't going to be so easy to fall into his arms. It might just be a roller-coaster ride for these two. Trust me you want to be along for the ride!!
Lydia Michaels brings us another amazing story full of emotion, steamy scenes, and funny moments. There are so many layers to the characters and we get to see them get peeled back little by little. Ms. Michaels never disappoints and this book is no exception!! You need to grab a copy to see what you're missing!! A Must Read!!!
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