Sugar Rush

Hot Cakes #0.5

by Erin Nicholas

He’s been her brother’s best friend all her life. He’s always been there for her, no matter what she needed.

He's loaned her money, let her borrow his car, and told her the truth about her bad haircuts.

Surely, he do her this one favor.

Yeah, it’s a big one. But she really needs to get rid of her V-card and she can’t ask just anyone to help her with that.

She needs one night and a little coaching from a guy she trusts. Heck, she'll take twenty minutes if that's all he's got.

She’s got the chocolate pie and the pink lingerie and…she really hopes he can take it from there.

And that this isn’t the worst idea she’s ever had.

A prequel to Sugarcoated, book one in the Hot Cakes series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Short Stories, Amazon, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance

49 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2020

About the author

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).


You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, on Instagram at ErinNicholasBooks, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholas... and on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erin-...

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 The Perfect Introduction Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-QUICK LOOK OVER HERE, It's FREE!!!
If you have been following my reading this year, then you already know how much I love this Erin Nicholas series. I found out about it in January, held my breath until I was lucky enough to get the arc, and drove in right away as soon as my grubby little hands got it in March.

Sugarcoated was the Bomb. It worked on so many levels. We got all of the backstories of the entire population of the town, the men and their women. A little taste of each upcoming romance or attraction to play in our minds while we read the first entry about Zoe and Aiden.

Perfection.

We were made aware of the past history between Zoe and Aiden, how things went wrong and why Aiden needed to work to make Zoe see, He was The One for her. But we were sort of told about it...

Here in Sugar Rush, we are there. We get the entire experience of what actually happened and how it impacted everything. We also have more of the guys. More of who they are and how they interact.

So, I say, treat yourself to this, take the time to dive in, and get all the yummy goodness that is this Hot Cakes Series. After all, right now it is FREE!
Sugar Rush (Hot Cakes #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sugarcoated (Hot Cakes #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Forking Around (Hot Cakes #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Making Whoopie (Hot Cakes #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Semi-Sweet On You (Hot Cakes #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Oh, Fudge (Hot Cakes #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gimme S'more (Hot Cakes #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Slick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short prequel to Erin Nicholas' Hot Cakes series letting the fans in on what really went down with Zoe and Aiden prior to them being reunited in Sugarcoated. I loved watching Zoe struggle with how to seduce Aiden and man he really didn't handle it well at all. We meet the entire group of 5 men who make up Fluke, Inc. and get a feel for their very different personalities and how Piper (their admin) handles them all. Think of this as a petit four which only whets your appetite for a huge old slice of cake this is the series Hot Cakes!

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect prequel not only for Sugarcoated, but the entire series. Of course, how can you not love the banter between Zoe and Aiden and the pie references were so funny. Zoe and her rage baking and hiding the coffee and Aiden finally realizing she’s the one. But as he said, ‘he definitely has some sweet-talking to do’. I think that might be an understatement. After this fun and quick read, I definitely need to revisit Sugarcoated for more of not only Zoe and Aiden but the rest of the gang as well.

[Luisa Baudino · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!!! I've been waiting to read this scene since page 1 of Sugarcoated and I am so glad we finally get to see how it all happened (well more like what didn't happen lol).
Everyone needs to read this before, after, with Sugarcoated. Everything is fine as long as you read it, cause you're gonna need it!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/24/2020)! 🎁

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was cute, I liked how it introduced the new series. I have to say though that Aiden messed up big time with Zoe. It will be fun to see how he gets back in her good graces.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Rush is a short introduction (prequel) to Sugarcoated, book #1 in the Hot Cakes Series.

Zoe and Aiden were the stars in this story but you’re also introduced to the 5 men who make up Fluke, Inc and will each have their own story in the Hot Cakes series.

In Sugar Rush, Zoe asks Aiden to help lose her V-card, or how ever many names it has. We get a great peek at their long standing friendship and how their feelings (especially Aiden’s) are changing. Zoe decides Aiden will be the one to help with this ‘little problem’ of her so when the time comes with other men she will know what to do. Aiden... he has other ideas.

I loved this quick glimpse and introduction to this fun, heartfelt series. I think you’ll love starting it too!!!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Rush is the prequel to the Hotcakes series. This shows us the “Great Seduction Debacle” which is ultimately the genesis for the whole series. It’s the reason Aidan and the rest of the Fluke, Inc’s owners move to small town Abbleby, Iowa to buy the Hot Cakes factory. The first book in the series, Sugarcoated, takes place 5 months later when Aidan comes back for Zoe. I loved this look into Zoe and Aidan’s minds in the before the “Great Seduction Debacle” and you can read the after in Sugarcoated. Despite this being a short read, Erin Nicholas, as usual, does a phenomenal job of layering sweet, funny and a teeny bit of angst into this well rounded story. This prequel really is a must read for the series.

[Princess Thuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh! Reading about how Zoe had decided to cross the friends only line with Aiden to only be told a simple No? Ahhh, even I felt the humiliation she felt at the time, but poor her didn't understand Aiden's reasoning for stopping and what he truly wants from her. Forever! Such a cute little intro to Zoe and Aiden and the rest of the guys from Fluke, Inc. And since I've read Sugarcoated and know that Zoe and Aiden do get their HEA, this little insight to what really happened during Christmas was just like icing on the cake of their love story. So sweet and fun. Loved it. Now that I've revisited them I need to go back and reread Sugarcoated because it only feels right to keep reading about them. I absolutely love this Hot Cakes series!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so curious about what exactly happened between Zoe and Aiden that night. They each think about it in Sugarcoated, and they even discuss it. But I needed to see it happen for myself. I really enjoyed the humor in this and revisiting the events that start the series. Had I not already read the first three books in the series, this would have been a terrific introduction to the characters, the town of Appleby, and the style of humor in these books.

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

While this story is short and sweet, it has everything you need. A sassy heroine who goes for what she wants and a hero with a plan. Well, his plan may not be complete, yet. Zoe and Adian are what i would consider the best of the best friends sister trope. Erin Nicholas ropes you in with just 5 short chapters and made me feel i needed more. Thankfully, Sugarcoated is alreadynout so I can dive in.

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an introduction to the first book in the series and I’m glad that the author gave us a look into what happened between Zoe and Aiden. It really helps set the stage for Sugarcoated. I do have to admit that I wish it was in first person POV instead of third. But at least we are getting dual POV still. I think it will be fun to see Aiden fight for Zoe and I hope we get a lot of cute moments.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Rush is book .5 and prequel to the Hot Cakes series by Erin Nicholas and what a great back drop in finding out what happened with Aiden and Zoe before they meet up again in the first book in this series...Sugarcoated!

Meeting all the men from Fluke, Inc and wondering where life will take them all...short, sweet, funny, sexy and so much anticipation for this series!

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a witty & fun book!
I really enjoyed reading it!
Great characters in the story.
The prequel tells you a little bit
about each person.
Hot Cakes is a highly anticipated
new series by Erin Nicholas.
I can not wait to read it!!

[Britney Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this little short story, and rushing to dive into l the rest of Zoe and Aiden’s story right away! This series is going to be a great one! I can’t wait!

[Karla Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute little preview story that makes you want to jump into the next book. :)

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Good little prequel
I like getting an insight to the series
I can’t wait to dive in and see how this story continues

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Delight
A short and sweet prologue to Sugarcoated, Sugar Rush tells the story of what happened one night six months in the past that drove this couple to their own book.


Review
Sugar Rush is the story of the night that shall not be named. Ok, not that bad, but it is the night that Zoe decides to seduce Aiden to lose her virginity so she can get on with her love life. Aiden is her brother's best friend who at times seems to be her older brother as well. Zoe figures he can help her lose it, have fun for one night and never bring it up again or talk about it. That's not what happens.

Aiden is surprised and turned on when Zoe shows up in his bed in a teddy looking like his Christmas gift, but he knows he has stronger feelings that he can't just put into one night and go back to Chicago. Turning her down is the hardest thing to do, but the best thing to do? Right?

This is just a short story of what happened that night and it actually came out after their book did. Luckily I hadn't started the series yet, so I got to see the night this all went down and then read the story of how they fall in love. Win-win for me.


Challenges Met

Reading Challenge #141
Review Writing Challenge #50

About the Book

SUGAR RUSH BY ERIN NICHOLAS
The Hot Cakes series prologue!

He’s been her brother’s best friend all her life. He’s always been there for her, no matter what she needed.

He's loaned her money, let her borrow his car, and told her the truth about her bad haircuts.

Surely, he do her this one favor.

Yeah, it’s a big one. But she really needs to get rid of her V-card and she can’t ask just anyone to help her with that.

She needs one night and a little coaching from a guy she trusts. Heck, she'll take twenty minutes if that's all he's got.

She’s got the chocolate pie and the pink lingerie and…she really hopes he can take it
from there.

And that this isn’t the worst idea she’s ever had.

A prologue to the Hot Cakes series and Sugarcoated, book one!

Preview

This review was originally posted on Delighted Reader

[bella rhys (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Nicholas managed to write well written, interesting and fun characters. As well as pull me into the story from the first chapter. Great intro into the series. I cannot wait to read the first book now and get more of Aiden and Zoe’s story!

[Lindsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Rush by Erin Nicholas is the prequel to the incredibly delicious Hot Cakes series.

Just long enough to give you a mouthwatering taste of the cast of smart, funny, sweet, sexy, brilliant, warm, amazing characters and a peek at what might await them and you in the series, Sugar Rush starts by introducing us to Zoe and Aiden. He's her brother's best friend since kindergarten, and they've practically grown up together. They've never looked at each other that way...until that one time they bumped into each other after a shower.

Zoe knows Aiden would do anything for her. He'd get up at the crack of dawn even though he isn't a morning person, he'd loan her money, he tells her the truth. So when she really needs someone she can totally trust to help her with this one teensy thing--cough *hymen* cough...

This novella will leave you smiling AND will get you in the mood for MORE!

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the Hot Cakes series and why not start with Aiden and Zoe. Aiden is the CEO to the company called Fluke which him and Zoe's brother Cam and three other of their brothers from college in Chicago where they went to college together. Their is Aiden, and Cam and Dax and Grant and Ollie. Grant was the CFO, as I said Aiden is the CEO, Cam is the lawyer of the group, Ollie was the visionary and Dax was the graphic designer and computer geek. This prequel introduces us to all the people who will turn up in this series as the main character along with the lady heroine and or a supporting character. Can't wait to read Sugarcoated the first of the books in the series with Aiden and Zoe and a whole lot of begging going on.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this prequel to the Hot Cakes series. This book gives a bit more background to the relationship between Zoe and her brothers best friend Aiden. They've both been wanting to 'cross the friends line', but neither of them wanted to make the first move! Zoe takes the initiative and whew...lots of heat in a small book. Delicious! If you're looking for innuendo, go forth and purchase!

Sugar Rush is a quick, quirky, fun read, that comes under the heading of the 'brother's best friend' trope. It's a fun, quick noontime read. You also get to meet all of the men of Fluke Inc., they're hot, hunky, and looking for hot and sweet...pie, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and LOVE!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Prelude to Pie!

Love love LOVE the look at Zoe and Aiden's beginning! I've had the best time visiting Appleby throughout the Hot Cakes series, and this was no exception. It's a short prequel, but it gives so many great little tidbits to the Fluke, Inc. guys, and Aiden & Zoe's relationship in particular (they are book 1 of the series!). The premise and dialogue are exactly what you'd expect from an Erin Nicholas book (read: HILARIOUS, HOT, FUN...basically perfect). I think you'll enjoy this quick visit to Appleby - and be ready for more!

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to have been able to finally read about how things really went down between Zoe and Aiden prior to Sugar Coated. It definitely helps you understand Zoe’s feelings upon seeing Aiden when he returns to Appleby. It’s a great little short story that helps lay the ground work for what comes next. It also gives you some insight into Aiden’s business partners and their relationship. I absolutely loved it! This series is just so much fun!!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Read

I loved this book! As always Erin Nicholas is brilliantly funny. There is witty humor, some sexy and the best part, family in this series. The characters instantly became people i'd love to hang out with and I cannot wait to read how each of their stories unfolds. Read it! You won't be disappointed.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this for free on Amazon. I have to say I get really disappointed when the “free book” seems to just be a short story to get you to buy the sequels. It was short and clearly the story wasn’t over.

[xia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 cam and whitney wooo🥳🥳🙌

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novella

It’s just an intro to a series, it’s just a novella. Well if that’s the start I won’t hold my breath for the rest of the series.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice and short. I liked how it showed how the couple booth felt about each other