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Island Bites #1
Sweethand
Love is a piece of cake, right?
For the first time in forever, lifelong rivals Cherisse and Keiran are back in Trinidad at the same time. And while Keiran may have the most swoonworthy smile, he's also the most annoying man Cherisse has ever met. Unfortunately, avoiding him is impossible. With Keiran's close friend getting ready to marry Cherisse's sister, he's just been made the best man to her maid of honour . . .
Keiran doesn't know what to make of Cherisse. She might now be a successful pastry chef but to him she's always been a stuck-up brat who seeks attention, even as he secretly harboured a crush on her. Now it seems he can't escape her. But despite their antagonism towards each other, things turn heated after one rainy night and the pair are forced to figure out if they can survive the countdown to wedding day, without this turning into a recipe for disaster . . .
For the first time in forever, lifelong rivals Cherisse and Keiran are back in Trinidad at the same time. And while Keiran may have the most swoonworthy smile, he's also the most annoying man Cherisse has ever met. Unfortunately, avoiding him is impossible. With Keiran's close friend getting ready to marry Cherisse's sister, he's just been made the best man to her maid of honour . . .
Keiran doesn't know what to make of Cherisse. She might now be a successful pastry chef but to him she's always been a stuck-up brat who seeks attention, even as he secretly harboured a crush on her. Now it seems he can't escape her. But despite their antagonism towards each other, things turn heated after one rainy night and the pair are forced to figure out if they can survive the countdown to wedding day, without this turning into a recipe for disaster . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2021
254 people are currently reading
17786 people want to read
About the author
N.G. Peltier
7 books303 followersN.G. Peltier is an anime watching, book reading, video-game playing, story writing kinda girl.
A devourer of words and books from a young age, she enjoys writing romance and creeping people out with the Caribbean folklore stories she grew up hearing.
A Trinidadian born and raised, she currently lives in Trinidad with her mountain of ideas and characters battling each other for whose story get told next.
A devourer of words and books from a young age, she enjoys writing romance and creeping people out with the Caribbean folklore stories she grew up hearing.
A Trinidadian born and raised, she currently lives in Trinidad with her mountain of ideas and characters battling each other for whose story get told next.
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September 15, 2020This cover 😍😍😍 more illustrated covers like this please
May 14, 2022
First of all, look at that cute cover!!
Cherisse and Keiran don’t like each other, and unfortunately, they have to attend the same wedding of Keiran’s best friend and Cherisse's sister. As maid of honor and best man!! Have I piqued your interest already? Will they be able to put their differences aside and do this for their loved ones?
The characters in this one were very fun. Cherisse owns a bakery and Keiran is in the music business. I always love when authors delve deeper into the individual characters to let us learn more about them before blasting us with the romance, like their basic likes and dislikes. We also get some lines discussing their past experiences and how that has made them into who they are today. They both have these perceptions of each other due to bad encounters. The drama between them was really there and some of their petty behaviors had me cracking up. Peltier does a great job in the classic enemies to lovers transition. This was funny, sexy, and so sweet, and I loved the really positive female friendships!! There's a second book coming out so I’m looking forward to catching my hands on that.
Cherisse and Keiran don’t like each other, and unfortunately, they have to attend the same wedding of Keiran’s best friend and Cherisse's sister. As maid of honor and best man!! Have I piqued your interest already? Will they be able to put their differences aside and do this for their loved ones?
The characters in this one were very fun. Cherisse owns a bakery and Keiran is in the music business. I always love when authors delve deeper into the individual characters to let us learn more about them before blasting us with the romance, like their basic likes and dislikes. We also get some lines discussing their past experiences and how that has made them into who they are today. They both have these perceptions of each other due to bad encounters. The drama between them was really there and some of their petty behaviors had me cracking up. Peltier does a great job in the classic enemies to lovers transition. This was funny, sexy, and so sweet, and I loved the really positive female friendships!! There's a second book coming out so I’m looking forward to catching my hands on that.
June 14, 2021
This is a dual pov story that follows Cherisse "Cherry", a pastry chef running her own catering business and Keiran, a local music producer. They've know each other since they were kids but never gotten along despite having the same friend group. With Cherry being the maid of honor in her sister's wedding and Scott being the best man they're forced to spend time together to help with planning. Cherry has sworn off dating men in the music industry after a bad breakup and very public meltdown with an ex but that doesn't mean she's against being friends with benefits.
I really enjoyed this one. Keiran and Cherry have a very easy chemistry and it helped that we see them building a genuine friendship first before acting on their attraction. They're both also very passionate about their respective careers. I also like that Keiran is very sensitive because you don't often see Black men written like this and within the culture it's expected for men to put up a tough front at all times. I'm very used to the man being more hesitant about his feelings but he was very sure of how he felt and there was more of a concern that Cherry would break his heart.
The story takes place in Trinidad and Tobago and I'm a little more biased in that regard. Author N.G. Peltier doesn't water down her characters identifies or overexplain phrases or terms that the non Trinidadian audience may not be familiar with. There's also plenty of mentions of good food that had my tummy rumbling.
I enjoyed the group dynamic as well and I'm curious to see who the next book will be about. And as a small town romance lover it was giving me those vibes. This funny and steamy read was perfect snowy afternoon read.
The author and I are in the same reviewer circles and I received an arc from the author in exchange for honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
I really enjoyed this one. Keiran and Cherry have a very easy chemistry and it helped that we see them building a genuine friendship first before acting on their attraction. They're both also very passionate about their respective careers. I also like that Keiran is very sensitive because you don't often see Black men written like this and within the culture it's expected for men to put up a tough front at all times. I'm very used to the man being more hesitant about his feelings but he was very sure of how he felt and there was more of a concern that Cherry would break his heart.
The story takes place in Trinidad and Tobago and I'm a little more biased in that regard. Author N.G. Peltier doesn't water down her characters identifies or overexplain phrases or terms that the non Trinidadian audience may not be familiar with. There's also plenty of mentions of good food that had my tummy rumbling.
I enjoyed the group dynamic as well and I'm curious to see who the next book will be about. And as a small town romance lover it was giving me those vibes. This funny and steamy read was perfect snowy afternoon read.
The author and I are in the same reviewer circles and I received an arc from the author in exchange for honest review
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
April 14, 2021
I am ASTONISHED and appalled that this book doesn’t have many ratings. Ok first, the cover ! Who isn’t in love with this cover !? Second, the premise: maid of honor and best man who don’t like each other are forced to work together. This was perfect to me. It’s a Black romance set in Trinidad. The maid of honor, Cherisse, has her own baking business and has been burned previously in her dating life. She dated a guy who was a local musician and turned out to be a cheating jerk. Keiran, best man, is also in the music industry but more behind the scenes- like writing & producing music. They’ve known each other almost all their lives and have never liked each other. Flash forward to adult days, Cherisse’s sister Ava is getting married and her fiancé, Eric’s best man is Keiran. Let the banter ensue.
I loved everything about this. Even though I’m not from Trinidad, I love that the author included phrases and words that someone from Trinidad would know and recognize. I love the descriptions of what Cherisse bakes and there she was independent and ran her own business. I love her platonic soulmate relationship her bestie, Remi. I loved that all characters had their own personality and stood out. I loved the banter between Cherisse and Keiran and their angst as the book went on. I loved the humor. I appreciated the family dynamic of Cherisse’s mom trying to set her up and find her a man - bc relatable.
As the book progressed, it was so refreshing to see such clear consent on page. For instance, she texts him to come over and she’s drunk. He recognized this and refuses to have sex with her bc she isn’t sober. Before he does anything, he asks if it’s ok. Omg, yes ! The sex scenes were steamy and thank the Lord the author didn’t make up a word for his penis, it was just written out as ‘dick’, amen. The queer rep was so natural. The pop culture references felt natural and there weren’t too many. When they were mentioned, they made sense to what was going on.
What can I say, I loved this book. The characters had real chemistry, they took time to recognize their feelings and reveal them to one another. They had ups and downs. I just — loved. This. Book. Ok, please read it. This deserves more hype !!!!
I loved everything about this. Even though I’m not from Trinidad, I love that the author included phrases and words that someone from Trinidad would know and recognize. I love the descriptions of what Cherisse bakes and there she was independent and ran her own business. I love her platonic soulmate relationship her bestie, Remi. I loved that all characters had their own personality and stood out. I loved the banter between Cherisse and Keiran and their angst as the book went on. I loved the humor. I appreciated the family dynamic of Cherisse’s mom trying to set her up and find her a man - bc relatable.
As the book progressed, it was so refreshing to see such clear consent on page. For instance, she texts him to come over and she’s drunk. He recognized this and refuses to have sex with her bc she isn’t sober. Before he does anything, he asks if it’s ok. Omg, yes ! The sex scenes were steamy and thank the Lord the author didn’t make up a word for his penis, it was just written out as ‘dick’, amen. The queer rep was so natural. The pop culture references felt natural and there weren’t too many. When they were mentioned, they made sense to what was going on.
What can I say, I loved this book. The characters had real chemistry, they took time to recognize their feelings and reveal them to one another. They had ups and downs. I just — loved. This. Book. Ok, please read it. This deserves more hype !!!!
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April 2, 2021A zizzy and charming Trinidad set contemporary romance that absolutely hits the spot. Cherisse swears and drinks like a bitch, catapulting her instantly into Favourite Heroines. (And it is so nice to read a romance where the heroine isn't punished for drinking to excess. *side eyes much US romance*) Kieran is bisexual and he *cries*, oh my god I love him. The enjoyable supporting crowd are fun, and heavily queer, and I know who I'm shipping for the next book.
And the romance doesn't rush it! It's enemies to lovers, with a slow burn start, a lengthy time scale, and no rapid flip to "I love you", and as such it's intensely convincing. Add in a lot of funny lines, great banter, well drawn settings and salivatory food description, and this is a storming romance. Does the illustrated cover thing right, as well. Delighted there will be more.
And the romance doesn't rush it! It's enemies to lovers, with a slow burn start, a lengthy time scale, and no rapid flip to "I love you", and as such it's intensely convincing. Add in a lot of funny lines, great banter, well drawn settings and salivatory food description, and this is a storming romance. Does the illustrated cover thing right, as well. Delighted there will be more.
April 25, 2021
Sigh. Another book I was really really really excited about that just didn't live up to my expectations.
I'll start with the good. Sweethand is an #ownvoices romance novel set in Trinidad. As a Caribbean person, I am always looking for more stories set in the West Indies. I am so happy to see more Caribbean stories being published; and this one was self-published, at that! I love that the book is, in a way, a love letter to Trinidad and Trinidadian culture. One of the MCs is also bisexual, and there are several other secondary characters who are also queer (one of whom I suspect will be the focus of one of the future books in this series). I loved that inclusion and the way that the MC's bisexuality was discussed and handled throughout the book. Lastly, I think the cover art of this book is so adorable and well done.
While I enjoyed the setting and the inclusion, that is really where my enjoyment ended, unfortunately. Here's what did not work for me:
1) Enemies to lovers is probably my favourite romance trope, but this book fell flat for me on that front. It's never really fleshed out why the MCs Cherisse and Keiran despise each other. Without that crucial information, their tension doesn't really feel justified...which is kind of central to the whole trope.
2) Where is the BANTER? I feel like this book was missing good banter between Cherisse and Keiran. It was nonexistant, and the dialogue felt really corny at times. For two people who hated each other and were forced to work together, I was craving some spicy dialogue back and forth to set the scene for their impending attraction.
3) The main character Cherisse was incredibly unlikeable to me. She was just...so goddamn miserable?! Lmao. She was uptight, and mean as hell. And not in the cute "insulting you because I am actually crushing on you" way. Just in an uncomfortable and unnecessary way. Nothing about her was pleasant to read about.
4) This book was entirely too long. The plot really dragged and the book could have been much more tightly written. Frankly, it needed another good round of edits, in my opinion. There was so much filler writing here, the author over-explains every interaction and thing that happens and it gets boring really quickly (because a lot of this was unnecessary in driving the plot or character development forward). On that note, there was also far too much telling and not enough showing, which is one of my personal pet peeves in books.
5) It was not clear to me what the MCs actually liked about each other (beyond their sexual attraction). I was not completely sold on their chemistry/compatibility, which I think is due to the lack of moments in the book where they are getting to know one another and warm up to one another, personality-wise. Overall, there were very few moments that assisted my understanding of how they went from enemies -> FWBs -> actually liking one another as people and potential partners.
6) I have come to expect the dreaded third act breakup in romance novels. I have never read one that I liked or that felt justified to me, and this book is no exception. Sorry, but it just did not make ANY sense for them to have a conflict so late in the book (that was speedily resolved without any real tension). What drove the conflict was just so silly. Hated it. *jumps on rickety milk crate that will have to double as a podium, taps mic twice*: PLEASE ROMANCE AUTHORS, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE PLEASE LET US RELINQUISH THE THIRD ACT BREAKUP. LET US FREE OURSELVES FROM THE SHACKLES OF POORLY CONCEIVED, ILL-TIMED, PREDICTABLE LAST MINUTE CONFLICT JUST FOR CONFLICT'S SAKE.
Overall, this romance novel left me pretty cold, and I felt none of the warm, syrupy feels I usually get after a good romance book. Not sure if I will continue with this series, but I am definitely happy I gave this one a shot in any event.
2.5 stars.
I'll start with the good. Sweethand is an #ownvoices romance novel set in Trinidad. As a Caribbean person, I am always looking for more stories set in the West Indies. I am so happy to see more Caribbean stories being published; and this one was self-published, at that! I love that the book is, in a way, a love letter to Trinidad and Trinidadian culture. One of the MCs is also bisexual, and there are several other secondary characters who are also queer (one of whom I suspect will be the focus of one of the future books in this series). I loved that inclusion and the way that the MC's bisexuality was discussed and handled throughout the book. Lastly, I think the cover art of this book is so adorable and well done.
While I enjoyed the setting and the inclusion, that is really where my enjoyment ended, unfortunately. Here's what did not work for me:
1) Enemies to lovers is probably my favourite romance trope, but this book fell flat for me on that front. It's never really fleshed out why the MCs Cherisse and Keiran despise each other. Without that crucial information, their tension doesn't really feel justified...which is kind of central to the whole trope.
2) Where is the BANTER? I feel like this book was missing good banter between Cherisse and Keiran. It was nonexistant, and the dialogue felt really corny at times. For two people who hated each other and were forced to work together, I was craving some spicy dialogue back and forth to set the scene for their impending attraction.
3) The main character Cherisse was incredibly unlikeable to me. She was just...so goddamn miserable?! Lmao. She was uptight, and mean as hell. And not in the cute "insulting you because I am actually crushing on you" way. Just in an uncomfortable and unnecessary way. Nothing about her was pleasant to read about.
4) This book was entirely too long. The plot really dragged and the book could have been much more tightly written. Frankly, it needed another good round of edits, in my opinion. There was so much filler writing here, the author over-explains every interaction and thing that happens and it gets boring really quickly (because a lot of this was unnecessary in driving the plot or character development forward). On that note, there was also far too much telling and not enough showing, which is one of my personal pet peeves in books.
5) It was not clear to me what the MCs actually liked about each other (beyond their sexual attraction). I was not completely sold on their chemistry/compatibility, which I think is due to the lack of moments in the book where they are getting to know one another and warm up to one another, personality-wise. Overall, there were very few moments that assisted my understanding of how they went from enemies -> FWBs -> actually liking one another as people and potential partners.
6) I have come to expect the dreaded third act breakup in romance novels. I have never read one that I liked or that felt justified to me, and this book is no exception. Sorry, but it just did not make ANY sense for them to have a conflict so late in the book (that was speedily resolved without any real tension). What drove the conflict was just so silly. Hated it. *jumps on rickety milk crate that will have to double as a podium, taps mic twice*: PLEASE ROMANCE AUTHORS, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE PLEASE LET US RELINQUISH THE THIRD ACT BREAKUP. LET US FREE OURSELVES FROM THE SHACKLES OF POORLY CONCEIVED, ILL-TIMED, PREDICTABLE LAST MINUTE CONFLICT JUST FOR CONFLICT'S SAKE.
Overall, this romance novel left me pretty cold, and I felt none of the warm, syrupy feels I usually get after a good romance book. Not sure if I will continue with this series, but I am definitely happy I gave this one a shot in any event.
2.5 stars.
June 3, 2021
this smut in this books? omg!! also kieran was so sweet and sensitive which i love when authors write black men like that! not to mention the pinning he did for Cherisse, although i do think she was a bit of bitch to him and it was uncalled for. can’t wait for the next book, i loved the small town vibes in this book.
June 15, 2021
This was so cute! I've seen a few friends from the book community love this, so I was excited to get into it. From the start, Cherisse cannot stand the hero of the book. She had a very publish breakup with a musician and she'd rather focus on herself and her pastry business, which is doing very well. Cherisse's sister is getting married, and she asks Cherisse to be her maid of honor. Little does she know that Keiran King is going to be the best man, meaning Cherisse and Keiran are going to have to spend a lot of time together. They butt heads at the beginning of the wedding process, months leading up to the wedding, but the more time the two spend together, the harder it is to deny that they are attracted to one another. And Cherisse realizes that Keiran isn't as bad as she's made him out to be.
I loved all of the wedding shenanigans going on and how much the other characters were involved in this story. Most wedding romances focus on the big day, but this one focused on the months leading up to the wedding, which involved the bachelor/bachelorette party, making favors and props for the wedding, and normal things like birthday parties and girls' nights out. I also loved how Cherisse was a baker and took her job seriously. I love seeing a successful, professional woman in my romances! There was some drama with Cherisse's ex, which I didn't mind. It was fun how they both have big-ish social media platforms, so that played into their romance as well. If you love hate to love and wedding romances, you should pick this up!
I loved all of the wedding shenanigans going on and how much the other characters were involved in this story. Most wedding romances focus on the big day, but this one focused on the months leading up to the wedding, which involved the bachelor/bachelorette party, making favors and props for the wedding, and normal things like birthday parties and girls' nights out. I also loved how Cherisse was a baker and took her job seriously. I love seeing a successful, professional woman in my romances! There was some drama with Cherisse's ex, which I didn't mind. It was fun how they both have big-ish social media platforms, so that played into their romance as well. If you love hate to love and wedding romances, you should pick this up!
March 18, 2022
finally some good fucking food! y’all i absolutely LOVED this book. it had the perfect mixture of angst, fluff, and smut. i literally couldn’t have asked for a better pick me up romance. thank god i read this for the brown girl book club because if i didn’t, i would’ve definitely been on my way to a reading slump 😌
March 2, 2021
Holy moly. Sweethand was just what I needed! Super fun, romantic, sexy, and entertaining. Nat, I'm so so happy for you. Thank you for publishing your romance novel! I had the best time, and as you could see in my tweets and DMs, I was so into Cherisse and Kieran *heart eyes* I love them soo much.
Childhood enemies get the news that both are going to be the maid of honor and the best man for the upcoming nuptials of Cherisse's sister and Kieran's best friend. They hate each other. They cannot be in the same room without arguing, without bickering non-stop. They are definitely not looking forward to this new thing they have to, and spend lots of time together. But spending a lot of time together brings them new realizations like maybe they aren't that bad after all.
I also really love the friendship aspect of this book. Cherisse and Kieran's friends were HILARIOUS. I love them supporting their besties and always being there for them. I love the scenes where the whole crew was together and messing around. They were so cute! Best friend group.
If you also like the foodie side, this romance features a baker heroine! Cherisse is a well-known baker in her island and everyone wants to hire her. And with reason! Because all her delicious treats just sounds INCREDIBLE. I was craving macarons when Cherisse did them, I wanted cupcakes whenever they were mentioned. I mean, this book will make you 10/10 hungry, so be ready.
Childhood enemies get the news that both are going to be the maid of honor and the best man for the upcoming nuptials of Cherisse's sister and Kieran's best friend. They hate each other. They cannot be in the same room without arguing, without bickering non-stop. They are definitely not looking forward to this new thing they have to, and spend lots of time together. But spending a lot of time together brings them new realizations like maybe they aren't that bad after all.
I also really love the friendship aspect of this book. Cherisse and Kieran's friends were HILARIOUS. I love them supporting their besties and always being there for them. I love the scenes where the whole crew was together and messing around. They were so cute! Best friend group.
If you also like the foodie side, this romance features a baker heroine! Cherisse is a well-known baker in her island and everyone wants to hire her. And with reason! Because all her delicious treats just sounds INCREDIBLE. I was craving macarons when Cherisse did them, I wanted cupcakes whenever they were mentioned. I mean, this book will make you 10/10 hungry, so be ready.
November 1, 2022
3.5 stars
This book was good but I got a bit bored halfway through.
Cherisse had a pretty good personality and her relationship with not only Keiran but also her sister and the other girls was fun to read about.
I liked her little teasing and tension with Keiran but after they first kissed I got less interested in the plot especially then with the third act break up because of what Keiran did that I full honestly had forgotten about.
I liked Cherisse more than Keiran not only because she had just more personality but also because I really liked her when she was single. She was fun and the baking part of her was great to read about. I also thought her mother was really funny.
Do I get why they are nemesis? No not really.
And even though I knew that Keiran had a childhood crush on Cherisse, he started caring very very quickly (a bit too quickly in my opinion) which was probably the reason why the story got a bit boring for me after a while.
There were one too many back and forths between them but overall it was still good.
I did however like the last final reveal of Keiran. I thought it was a really nice add to the story that really showed me that they had a connection and made me respect Cherisse more (especially after in the beginning where she listened to rumors and judged extremely).
Honestly I would love to have a story about the married couple of this book because they had so much tension and chemistry for the few times they were mentioned that I would love to read about them.
This book was good but I got a bit bored halfway through.
Cherisse had a pretty good personality and her relationship with not only Keiran but also her sister and the other girls was fun to read about.
I liked her little teasing and tension with Keiran but after they first kissed I got less interested in the plot especially then with the third act break up because of what Keiran did that I full honestly had forgotten about.
I liked Cherisse more than Keiran not only because she had just more personality but also because I really liked her when she was single. She was fun and the baking part of her was great to read about. I also thought her mother was really funny.
Do I get why they are nemesis? No not really.
And even though I knew that Keiran had a childhood crush on Cherisse, he started caring very very quickly (a bit too quickly in my opinion) which was probably the reason why the story got a bit boring for me after a while.
There were one too many back and forths between them but overall it was still good.
I did however like the last final reveal of Keiran. I thought it was a really nice add to the story that really showed me that they had a connection and made me respect Cherisse more (especially after in the beginning where she listened to rumors and judged extremely).
Honestly I would love to have a story about the married couple of this book because they had so much tension and chemistry for the few times they were mentioned that I would love to read about them.
January 26, 2022
What a wee snack of a read - plz don't pick this up hungry cos 🍩🤤🎂🤤🍰🤤🍪 as well as amazing sounding food at MCs birthday that I do not have emojis for but yup...my stomach is grumbling again 😅
3.5-3.75* as altho it plays with one of my least fav tropes (lack of communication) I just really enjoyed the vibe & the friendships - loved all their interactions + wanted moar 🤩
Enemies/dislike-to-steamy-lovers brought together by scheming friends who bet on them as they have to plan wedding events that force them repeatedly into each others orbits & out of their respective comfort zones to challenge what they think they can do. The ending was almost eye-rolling'ly OTT, but thankfully Cherisse also thought so which made it enjoyable rather than count against the book 🤭
Lowkey wish Remi and her hinted at love interest was up next, but Reba will also be fun 👍
Either way I cannot wait to see what other stories this debut author shares 🙃
I stumbled upon this read after catching a bit of an IG live chat between Talia Hibbert & N.G. and then HELLO beautiful cover...so y'all know I just had to right? 🥰
3.5-3.75* as altho it plays with one of my least fav tropes (lack of communication) I just really enjoyed the vibe & the friendships - loved all their interactions + wanted moar 🤩
Enemies/dislike-to-steamy-lovers brought together by scheming friends who bet on them as they have to plan wedding events that force them repeatedly into each others orbits & out of their respective comfort zones to challenge what they think they can do. The ending was almost eye-rolling'ly OTT, but thankfully Cherisse also thought so which made it enjoyable rather than count against the book 🤭
Lowkey wish Remi and her hinted at love interest was up next, but Reba will also be fun 👍
Either way I cannot wait to see what other stories this debut author shares 🙃
I stumbled upon this read after catching a bit of an IG live chat between Talia Hibbert & N.G. and then HELLO beautiful cover...so y'all know I just had to right? 🥰
May 3, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- The cover of this book is literally perfect! I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I loved the description of the food in this book and it literally made me hungry hahahaha.
- The pacing of this book felt a little off to me, mostly because the argument they had was so close to the ending that it felt like it was just added for dramatic effect. Especially because it was so drawn out.
- Love that there was so much culture of Trinidad and queer representation! This book good!!
- The cover of this book is literally perfect! I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. I loved the description of the food in this book and it literally made me hungry hahahaha.
- The pacing of this book felt a little off to me, mostly because the argument they had was so close to the ending that it felt like it was just added for dramatic effect. Especially because it was so drawn out.
- Love that there was so much culture of Trinidad and queer representation! This book good!!
June 29, 2022
"It was a mistake."
"Your mouth´s saying one thing, but Cherry, the way you´re staring at my mouth is singing a different tune."
This is a two POV book told by the POVs of Cherisse and Keiran.
Keiran was such a nice MMC and such a gentleman. He always treated Cherry with respect and owned up to his own mistakes. I liked how bossy Cherry was in contrast to him, their sexual tension was amazing. I liked the enemies to lovers vibes in this book, I liked the transition from enemies to slowly being friends to being lovers, it wasn´t done too quickly. I felt like they had some great chemistry in the first 3/4 of the book, but sadly in the last quarter it wavered a bit for me.
I liked the side characters in this, they all had their own background story and depth to them. Remi and Reba were especially hilarious to me as well as Ava. I loved their friendships and their group in general, they were all so supportive of each other.
The plot idea was great, I loved that Cherry is a pastry chef and has her own baking company. Somehow I really like good food descriptions in books, and the cookies and cakes in this one sounded mouthwatering. I felt like the romance was well executed and the pacing of the book was good, although the pacing of the last quarter of the book felt different to the rest of the book. I liked that he fell for her first, but I feel like the romance dragged a bit towards the end.
Overall it was a cute and funny read that I really enjoyed. I look forward to the next book in the series.
trigger warnings: mentions of cheating (not caused by the love interest)
"Your mouth´s saying one thing, but Cherry, the way you´re staring at my mouth is singing a different tune."
This is a two POV book told by the POVs of Cherisse and Keiran.
Keiran was such a nice MMC and such a gentleman. He always treated Cherry with respect and owned up to his own mistakes. I liked how bossy Cherry was in contrast to him, their sexual tension was amazing. I liked the enemies to lovers vibes in this book, I liked the transition from enemies to slowly being friends to being lovers, it wasn´t done too quickly. I felt like they had some great chemistry in the first 3/4 of the book, but sadly in the last quarter it wavered a bit for me.
I liked the side characters in this, they all had their own background story and depth to them. Remi and Reba were especially hilarious to me as well as Ava. I loved their friendships and their group in general, they were all so supportive of each other.
The plot idea was great, I loved that Cherry is a pastry chef and has her own baking company. Somehow I really like good food descriptions in books, and the cookies and cakes in this one sounded mouthwatering. I felt like the romance was well executed and the pacing of the book was good, although the pacing of the last quarter of the book felt different to the rest of the book. I liked that he fell for her first, but I feel like the romance dragged a bit towards the end.
Overall it was a cute and funny read that I really enjoyed. I look forward to the next book in the series.
trigger warnings: mentions of cheating (not caused by the love interest)
July 12, 2021
For an enemies to lovers romance, I never really got why the MCs here hated each other. I loved the Caribbean setting with the wedding and the foodie aspect (the heroine is a baker) but sadly wasn't all that engaged with the romance, which was slow and dragged out.
March 14, 2021
Charged with chemistry and cuteness! I was here for it!
This was such an enjoyable read and I think I am definitely enjoying the romance books I have been reading lately. Of course, it does help that it is a #ReadCaribbean self-published book, set in Trinidad, I am here for it!
Sweethand is told from two perspective, that of Cherisse, a locally renowned pastry chef and Keiran King who is locally known as a top producer. Cherisse became somewhat of a local celebrity after dating a Soca Artiste, finding out he was cheating on her and having a full on meltdown in public. Yeah…. Cringe! Cherisse is trying to keep a low profile while growing her pastry business. She is currently the single older sister, and about to be the maid of honour for her younger sister who is getting married, while having her mother constantly set her up on blind dates.
Kerian has always had a crush on Cherisse, how does he show her this? By butting heads, not tasting her pastry, ignoring her and always having a snarky comment that rubs her the wrong way. They must now work together to plan a shower for the wedding, the wedding playlist and a party. Yes, they both don’t want this but must put aside their grudges for their friends. It is during one of their late night planning that things get spicy!
Friends! I could feel the sexual chemistry between Cherisse and Kerian, it was palatable. I think the author did a great job by having it told from the perspective of the two characters, we got a more rounded look into their relationship and internal monologue. Yes, there were some parts where the plot dragged and I felt like it could have been a bit tighter. I also kept saying, “Get on with it already!” but I do believe the author did a great job of keeping you interested while rooting for them.
I am not a big romance reader but this one was thoroughly entertaining and that is all to the writer’s credit.
This was such an enjoyable read and I think I am definitely enjoying the romance books I have been reading lately. Of course, it does help that it is a #ReadCaribbean self-published book, set in Trinidad, I am here for it!
Sweethand is told from two perspective, that of Cherisse, a locally renowned pastry chef and Keiran King who is locally known as a top producer. Cherisse became somewhat of a local celebrity after dating a Soca Artiste, finding out he was cheating on her and having a full on meltdown in public. Yeah…. Cringe! Cherisse is trying to keep a low profile while growing her pastry business. She is currently the single older sister, and about to be the maid of honour for her younger sister who is getting married, while having her mother constantly set her up on blind dates.
Kerian has always had a crush on Cherisse, how does he show her this? By butting heads, not tasting her pastry, ignoring her and always having a snarky comment that rubs her the wrong way. They must now work together to plan a shower for the wedding, the wedding playlist and a party. Yes, they both don’t want this but must put aside their grudges for their friends. It is during one of their late night planning that things get spicy!
Friends! I could feel the sexual chemistry between Cherisse and Kerian, it was palatable. I think the author did a great job by having it told from the perspective of the two characters, we got a more rounded look into their relationship and internal monologue. Yes, there were some parts where the plot dragged and I felt like it could have been a bit tighter. I also kept saying, “Get on with it already!” but I do believe the author did a great job of keeping you interested while rooting for them.
I am not a big romance reader but this one was thoroughly entertaining and that is all to the writer’s credit.
June 3, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up
This was such a cute romance! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author in the future. Set in Trinidad, this is an enemies to lovers story where the characters aren't truly enemies, they just dislike each other. Cherisse is a talented baker who makes much sought after sweets. Keiran works in the music industry, which is an immediate count against him for Cherisse. Her ex-boyfriend was a musician and she now wants nothing to do with men in that industry. But they are the best man and maid of honor in a wedding, forced to work together.
This has great banter, funny moments, solid side characters, and steam. Pretty much exactly what I want from a light contemporary romance! We get involved families (like Cherisse's West Indian mom determined to matchmake her daughter into marriage) and casual queerness. Keiran is bisexual (love to see that normalized in men!) and their friend group has other queer characters as well. I really hope we get more stories in this world! It was a whole lot of fun. The only slight downside for me was I thought the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly. I prefer a slightly more drawn out ending once the characters are finally together, ideally with an epilogue. This felt a bit rushed. But I still had a great time with it and definitely recommend. I received an audio copy for review (great narrator!) all opinions are my own.
This was such a cute romance! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author in the future. Set in Trinidad, this is an enemies to lovers story where the characters aren't truly enemies, they just dislike each other. Cherisse is a talented baker who makes much sought after sweets. Keiran works in the music industry, which is an immediate count against him for Cherisse. Her ex-boyfriend was a musician and she now wants nothing to do with men in that industry. But they are the best man and maid of honor in a wedding, forced to work together.
This has great banter, funny moments, solid side characters, and steam. Pretty much exactly what I want from a light contemporary romance! We get involved families (like Cherisse's West Indian mom determined to matchmake her daughter into marriage) and casual queerness. Keiran is bisexual (love to see that normalized in men!) and their friend group has other queer characters as well. I really hope we get more stories in this world! It was a whole lot of fun. The only slight downside for me was I thought the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly. I prefer a slightly more drawn out ending once the characters are finally together, ideally with an epilogue. This felt a bit rushed. But I still had a great time with it and definitely recommend. I received an audio copy for review (great narrator!) all opinions are my own.
April 23, 2023
DNF 47%
I was sooo excited about this book because look at that cover! 🌸💕
In terms of looks, it's definitely one of the cutest books I own.
Story-wise, it's a bit bland.
There's nothing necessarily wrong with the characters, I just didn't really care.🤷🏼♀️
The writing style also didn't work for me.
It was between a 2 and 3 star read for me, but then we got to slurping on the fish eye bit.
I was just grossed out and haven't picked the book up since.
After falling into a 3 day reading slump, I decided not to finish it.
I was sooo excited about this book because look at that cover! 🌸💕
In terms of looks, it's definitely one of the cutest books I own.
Story-wise, it's a bit bland.
There's nothing necessarily wrong with the characters, I just didn't really care.🤷🏼♀️
The writing style also didn't work for me.
It was between a 2 and 3 star read for me, but then we got to slurping on the fish eye bit.
I was just grossed out and haven't picked the book up since.
After falling into a 3 day reading slump, I decided not to finish it.
Want to read
March 9, 2021I am nothing if not a sucker for a pretty cover, and this, my dears, is one of the prettiest I've ever seen
Read
April 5, 2021This! Was! So! Cute!
and fun!
and hot!
and sexy!
and fun!
and hot!
and sexy!
March 16, 2022
3.5 stars - This was really just a feel good kind of romance, and I was here for it! Lots of great family vibes, friendship dynamics, and of course, yummy pastries. I found the pacing a little off at times, but overall, I really liked both Kieran & Cherry and was rooting for their love story
March 1, 2022
2.5
too long. not enough banter. could have been really good if we got more convos with our love interest
too long. not enough banter. could have been really good if we got more convos with our love interest
April 16, 2021
On my blog.
Rep: Trinidadian cast & setting, bi mc, lesbian & gay side characters
Galley provided by publisher
You know those books which are good, but without ever quite making it to great for you? For me, Sweethand falls into that category. I enjoyed reading it, for definite, but I never quite loved it (possibly not helped by pacing issues, which I’ll come to).
The story follows Cherisse and Keiran, two people who don’t really get along, but who are forced together as maid of honour and best man, to plan various wedding activities. And, lo and behold, they each discover that perhaps they didn’t quite have the right idea of the other when this all started.
Let me start with what I liked about this book and that was the characters. Particularly, I liked that you got both of their POVs. Sometimes I feel like, with hate to love especially, getting a single POV doesn’t help (me, specifically) because I’ll always end up hating the guy. It can be done well, sure, because sometimes dual POV just tells you that the enmity is stupid (thankfully, not the case here), but this was a case where I was glad to get dual POV so I could properly enjoy the romance.
It’s not just the main characters of this book that you’ll love: the side characters are all each wonderful (and I’m eagerly awaiting Remi and Maxine’s book. Like. It has to happen, I’m begging). I love book series where all of the characters are going to get their time to shine, and this one is no different for that.
In all honesty, what let me down in the end was the pacing. I’m mostly resigned to romance books having third act break-ups which are, to put it kindly, somewhat stupid. Here, it wasn’t so much, although it also was something that I personally wouldn’t have been that bothered about. (Actually like a lot of the strife in this one.) But I could shrug that off. Or, I could have, if it hadn’t happened only 30 pages from the end. I just think, if you’re going to throw an argument like that in there, you have to show me that the couple can work past it. Instead, it got resolved within about 5 pages (after a judicious 20-page break-up), so it just felt like it was in there for the sake of being in there, not because it made sense. Although the motivations for it may have made sense, if they were allowed space to breathe.
Also, minor side note, but I wasn’t sure why Keiran had to make the first move after Cherisse had basically told him not to contact her. I mean. I do get why in the sense that he messed up, so it’s on him to apologise. I don’t get that she’s told him to go away and yet she’s expecting him to come to her? But perhaps this was just another case of “I wouldn’t react like this myself, so I’m confused”. I would have just assumed it meant that Cherisse would get in contact first.
But those little issues aside, I did enjoy reading this book. So if you’re looking for some romance to pick up this Easter weekend, let it be this one.
Rep: Trinidadian cast & setting, bi mc, lesbian & gay side characters
Galley provided by publisher
You know those books which are good, but without ever quite making it to great for you? For me, Sweethand falls into that category. I enjoyed reading it, for definite, but I never quite loved it (possibly not helped by pacing issues, which I’ll come to).
The story follows Cherisse and Keiran, two people who don’t really get along, but who are forced together as maid of honour and best man, to plan various wedding activities. And, lo and behold, they each discover that perhaps they didn’t quite have the right idea of the other when this all started.
Let me start with what I liked about this book and that was the characters. Particularly, I liked that you got both of their POVs. Sometimes I feel like, with hate to love especially, getting a single POV doesn’t help (me, specifically) because I’ll always end up hating the guy. It can be done well, sure, because sometimes dual POV just tells you that the enmity is stupid (thankfully, not the case here), but this was a case where I was glad to get dual POV so I could properly enjoy the romance.
It’s not just the main characters of this book that you’ll love: the side characters are all each wonderful (and I’m eagerly awaiting Remi and Maxine’s book. Like. It has to happen, I’m begging). I love book series where all of the characters are going to get their time to shine, and this one is no different for that.
In all honesty, what let me down in the end was the pacing. I’m mostly resigned to romance books having third act break-ups which are, to put it kindly, somewhat stupid. Here, it wasn’t so much, although it also was something that I personally wouldn’t have been that bothered about. (Actually like a lot of the strife in this one.) But I could shrug that off. Or, I could have, if it hadn’t happened only 30 pages from the end. I just think, if you’re going to throw an argument like that in there, you have to show me that the couple can work past it. Instead, it got resolved within about 5 pages (after a judicious 20-page break-up), so it just felt like it was in there for the sake of being in there, not because it made sense. Although the motivations for it may have made sense, if they were allowed space to breathe.
Also, minor side note, but I wasn’t sure why Keiran had to make the first move after Cherisse had basically told him not to contact her. I mean. I do get why in the sense that he messed up, so it’s on him to apologise. I don’t get that she’s told him to go away and yet she’s expecting him to come to her? But perhaps this was just another case of “I wouldn’t react like this myself, so I’m confused”. I would have just assumed it meant that Cherisse would get in contact first.
But those little issues aside, I did enjoy reading this book. So if you’re looking for some romance to pick up this Easter weekend, let it be this one.
Want to read
September 16, 2020
September 15, 2021
About to scream on booktOk
May 29, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook!
_____
Cherisse and Keiran are childhood nemeses. So when Cherisse's sister Ava gets engaged to Keiran's best friend, she should have known he's be involved in the wedding. But she never would have guessed he'd be the Best Man to her Maid of Honour. Now they have to plan all the pre-wedding activities together, and the tension from their childhood rivalry has morphed into something more... sexual.
WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!! Okay, I loved the first, like, 80% of this book. It was sexy. It was fun. The chemistry was great, the island was atmospheric, the Caribbean culture was vibrant, and the side characters were fun.
But then the "big conflict" that tears everything apart comes around and it's so... boring. Like, the main point of contention was laughable. I won't spoil anything, because I really do feel like it's a sweet read (lol) but man, all that amazingness comes to a halt... for that. It was hardly even a big deal.
But let's talk about the good: That cover is GORGEOUS. Our MCs were fun. We got ✨pining✨. The smut was tame but still pretty hot. The characters were fleshed out, strong, and meshed so well together. That wedding slumber party seemed like a BLAST. The cast of characters is also so diverse, with not only queer rep, but a bi main character!
The narrator of the audiobook was SO GOOD (if a bit slow; I ended up listening in 1.5x speed just for the audiobook to sound normal. However, I don't think that's an issue with this reader, since I've noticed that ALL the audiobooks I've listened to sound really slow when it's on default speed). I've noticed narrators will try to change their voice for every character in a book, and I LOVED that Chrystal Bethell didn't do that. I had no problem following who was talking, and honestly it's always a bit off-putting when a narrator will change their voice to be more masculine or feminine based on the character speaking in the novel.
3.5 stars rounded down. It's listed as "Island Bites #1 and I definitely enjoyed the book enough to continue the series when it's out :)
_____
She’d never hated the nickname she’d been dubbed with by her fellow foodies on the island. Sugar Queen. She liked it. The print and online magazines she’d been featured in used it all the time. Hell, she’d rolled with it all the way and plastered the damn nickname all over her bio on her website and social media accounts.
Except when Keiran said it in that smirky, condescending tone—then she hated it.
Cherisse and Keiran are childhood nemeses. So when Cherisse's sister Ava gets engaged to Keiran's best friend, she should have known he's be involved in the wedding. But she never would have guessed he'd be the Best Man to her Maid of Honour. Now they have to plan all the pre-wedding activities together, and the tension from their childhood rivalry has morphed into something more... sexual.
WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!! Okay, I loved the first, like, 80% of this book. It was sexy. It was fun. The chemistry was great, the island was atmospheric, the Caribbean culture was vibrant, and the side characters were fun.
But then the "big conflict" that tears everything apart comes around and it's so... boring. Like, the main point of contention was laughable. I won't spoil anything, because I really do feel like it's a sweet read (lol) but man, all that amazingness comes to a halt... for that. It was hardly even a big deal.
But let's talk about the good: That cover is GORGEOUS. Our MCs were fun. We got ✨pining✨. The smut was tame but still pretty hot. The characters were fleshed out, strong, and meshed so well together. That wedding slumber party seemed like a BLAST. The cast of characters is also so diverse, with not only queer rep, but a bi main character!
The narrator of the audiobook was SO GOOD (if a bit slow; I ended up listening in 1.5x speed just for the audiobook to sound normal. However, I don't think that's an issue with this reader, since I've noticed that ALL the audiobooks I've listened to sound really slow when it's on default speed). I've noticed narrators will try to change their voice for every character in a book, and I LOVED that Chrystal Bethell didn't do that. I had no problem following who was talking, and honestly it's always a bit off-putting when a narrator will change their voice to be more masculine or feminine based on the character speaking in the novel.
3.5 stars rounded down. It's listed as "Island Bites #1 and I definitely enjoyed the book enough to continue the series when it's out :)
May 15, 2024
25.07.2021 Dnf 70%.
I wanted to love it, having read the high praise from an author I love. I loved the synopsis, and really tried to enjoy this novel. But Cherry was totally unlikeable for me: she is constantly behaving like a child (sorry, children) rather than an adult, she complains constantly, speaks ill of Keiran, can't even forgive him when he apologizes deeply. She is insufferable. No idea why Keiran liked her so much, because she really behaved 90% of the time like no well behaving adult would. I also didn't like the scene when Keiran was fighting with Cherry's ex at a wedding where she worked and Keiran was invited. I get that her ex was rude to her and Keiran wanted to defend her, but beginning a fight was surely the wrong way to do that.
Another thing, they were at a house tour, the manager had to excuse himself to take a call, and what did they do? She dragged him in a closet to have a quickie? Really??
I especially didn't like how Cherry through the whole book kept thinking "what the hell am I doing?", gave herself some silly explanations (her needs were being met, so was it so bad to want more of that?) and continued as if her acts where just lapses in judgement and shortly after kept insisting she wouldn' have sex with him again.
All to keep the story going it seemed...
After all this complaining, one more: I don't like it when authors I love, authors who write intelligent books with beautiful storylines recommend books like this one, but it's clear (otherwise they wouldn't praise it so highly) that they either haven't read the book they recommend, or they recommend it because they want to help the author, as a favour. This is really annoying and misleading for readers.
I wanted to love it, having read the high praise from an author I love. I loved the synopsis, and really tried to enjoy this novel. But Cherry was totally unlikeable for me: she is constantly behaving like a child (sorry, children) rather than an adult, she complains constantly, speaks ill of Keiran, can't even forgive him when he apologizes deeply. She is insufferable. No idea why Keiran liked her so much, because she really behaved 90% of the time like no well behaving adult would. I also didn't like the scene when Keiran was fighting with Cherry's ex at a wedding where she worked and Keiran was invited. I get that her ex was rude to her and Keiran wanted to defend her, but beginning a fight was surely the wrong way to do that.
Another thing, they were at a house tour, the manager had to excuse himself to take a call, and what did they do? She dragged him in a closet to have a quickie? Really??
I especially didn't like how Cherry through the whole book kept thinking "what the hell am I doing?", gave herself some silly explanations (her needs were being met, so was it so bad to want more of that?) and continued as if her acts where just lapses in judgement and shortly after kept insisting she wouldn' have sex with him again.
All to keep the story going it seemed...
After all this complaining, one more: I don't like it when authors I love, authors who write intelligent books with beautiful storylines recommend books like this one, but it's clear (otherwise they wouldn't praise it so highly) that they either haven't read the book they recommend, or they recommend it because they want to help the author, as a favour. This is really annoying and misleading for readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
This book is so sweet! Pun intended. It’s a fluffy cute contemporary romance set in Trinidad between two people who swear they hate each other but, ya know, don’t. It’s definitely enemies to lovers but it the cutest way. There’s no serious animosity other than them trying to prove themselves to the other.
Kieran is a music producer and Cherisse is a baker and they both happen to be forced together before a wedding of her sister and his friend. Between the wedding preparations and them attempting to prove that their careers are worthy to each other, they are forced to work together and obviously chemistry starts a-brewin’. I loved the representation in not only the main characters but the whole side cast as well. Also can we talk about this cover? It’s precious!
Kieran is a music producer and Cherisse is a baker and they both happen to be forced together before a wedding of her sister and his friend. Between the wedding preparations and them attempting to prove that their careers are worthy to each other, they are forced to work together and obviously chemistry starts a-brewin’. I loved the representation in not only the main characters but the whole side cast as well. Also can we talk about this cover? It’s precious!
September 14, 2024
3 stars
I was excited to read this one as I loveeeed the cover (I mean baked goods, cute couple, and a cat!) plus I am an enemies-to-lovers fan. I wanted to love it so much, but it was just okay for me. I liked the ending more than the first part, but overall I didn’t feel the love/chemistry in this one.
I was excited to read this one as I loveeeed the cover (I mean baked goods, cute couple, and a cat!) plus I am an enemies-to-lovers fan. I wanted to love it so much, but it was just okay for me. I liked the ending more than the first part, but overall I didn’t feel the love/chemistry in this one.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Chrystal Bethell
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 33m
May 31, 2022
[dnf at 20%]
honestly, no one is more disappointed by this than i am… the cover and the synopsis seemed so tempting but i could not get into this book! i might pick it up again someday, but for now i’m trying to avoid a reading slump 😭
honestly, no one is more disappointed by this than i am… the cover and the synopsis seemed so tempting but i could not get into this book! i might pick it up again someday, but for now i’m trying to avoid a reading slump 😭
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