Sugar and Spice

The Austin Armadillos #1

by Kat Baxter

All she wants is a weekend rendezvous…

I love the small town I’m from. I love having so much extended family close by and I love my mail order chocolate company. But what what I don’t love is being everyone’s favorite aunt. It’s like being cock-blocked by the entire town. So when I win first prize in a contest that takes me to New York City for the weekend, I know just what I’m going to do--hook up with the first hot guy I meet who doesn’t aunt-zone me.

I think I've got it all figured out, until I meet an enormous, growly professional football player, trying to seduce me and realize I'm loving every minute of it.

All he wants is the chance to prove one weekend will never be enough...

The world thinks I’m a player on account of my job and that’s okay because people are going to think whatever the hell they want to think. Truth is, I’m not, nor have I ever been a player—that’s not how my parents raised me. They have the forever kind of love and I want that too.

I’m not a one-night-stand kind of guy but this feisty curvy beauty has already stolen my heart and makes me want to break all of my rules.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports, Novella, Football, Sports Romance, Contemporary

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her “The Queen of Adorkable.” and her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” and “hot enough to melt your kindle.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.

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Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This woman has effectively destroyed me for anyone else so I guess it’s a good thing she’s my one.”

Ok, where can I get some of Isabel’s chocolate? I confidently recommend Sugar and Spice by Kat Baxter, the first book in the Le CRV Magazine Women of the Year series. They are interconnected standalones by different authors.

This book was truly a fun, quick read. Isabel was an awesome character. I usually shy away from outgoing heroines but Isabel was just such a great lead, I really enjoyed how forward she was. One of my favorite things about her is that she seems truly confident in her body. So much of the time with these “curvy girl” romances the woman angsts about her size and how the hero can’t really want her because of that. Isabel knows she looks good. She isn’t hesitant when it’s time to get naked and cover up. She goes for what she wants.

Sam can totally be my new book boyfriend. A huge, hot, rather modest NFL player? Who believes in romance and finding “the one”? Sigh. Me. Up. He has his possessive ways which I always want in my hero’s and he’s just so sweet!

Lastly, I wanted to mention the comedy in this book. No, it’s not a romantic comedy per se, but Kat Baxter’s writing is just so clever that she gives you these unexpected giggles by her characters inner dialogue and how they react to every day situations. I hate it when humor feels forced and shoe horned into a book but this was really natural and just added to my enjoyment of the story.

[Lyrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb! Isabel is the NYC for the first time and looking for fun. People assume Sam's a playboy because of his status as an NFL player, but really he's a romantic at heart. He overhears Isabel's plan for the weekend and decides he's the man for the job. Only problem is he isn't the one night stand kind of man. Their time together is fun and flows naturally. There is some under-communication from Sam about his intentions, but his sister sets him straight in a hilarious way.

Perfect sweet and sexy story featuring a hulking man and confident lady.

[thenerdybookworm_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Isabel gets the chance to go to NYC, she’s determined to have a fun and steamy rendezvous. Sam is a growly football player and he’s looking for forever. Sparks fly when these two meet. Can Sam change Isabel’s mind and have forever?

This was a cute read. I loved Sam and Isabel. I loved how he took one look at her and just knew. Kat Baxter always brings the sugar and spice.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat can definitely write a terrific short and steamy instalove romance. I have loved everything that I’ve read by her and this has made it to the top for the list for me!

I LOVED Isabel and Sam!! Sam isn’t your typical football character. He’s not a player but a romantic and he’s looking for his one. He meets Isabel while they are both in New York City and falls for her. When he finds out she’s looking for a weekend fling, he makes it his mission to not let that happen. He will be what she needs and hope he can convince her that they are more than a one and done.

I loved Sam’s casual approach to wooing Isabel. When he posts a picture of the two of them to social media and then acts like it’s no big deal, I loved it! When these two do hook up, it’s incredibly romantic and super steamy! The ending of their story is perfection! I loved the humor and the steam that comes so naturally to this couple!

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Te he deseado desde el momento en que te vi'.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




Sugar and spice de Kat Baxter serie Austin Armadillos libro 1

Argumento:

Todo lo que quiere es una cita de fin de semana...

Me encanta el pequeño pueblo del que soy. Me encanta tener tanta familia cerca y me encanta mi empresa de pedidos de chocolate por correo. Pero lo que no me encanta es ser la tía favorita de todos. Es como estar bloqueada por todo el pueblo. Entonces, cuando gano el primer premio en un concurso que me lleva a la ciudad de Nueva York durante el fin de semana, sé exactamente lo que voy a hacer: conectarme con el primer chico atractivo que conozca que no me trate como mi tía.

Creo que lo tengo todo resuelto, hasta que conozco a un jugador de fútbol profesional enorme y gruñón, que intenta seducirme y darme cuenta de que disfruto cada minuto.

Todo lo que quiere es la oportunidad de demostrar que un fin de semana nunca será suficiente...

El mundo piensa que soy un jugador debido a mi trabajo y eso está bien porque la gente va a pensar lo que quiera pensar. La verdad es que no soy ni he sido nunca jugador; así no me criaron mis padres. Tienen el tipo de amor para siempre y yo también quiero eso.

No soy el tipo de chico que tiene aventuras de una noche, pero esta belleza luchadora y con curvas ya me ha robado el corazón y me hace querer romper todas mis reglas.



Mi humilde opinión:

Un romance instantáneo, rápido, dulce y sexy con un jugador de fútbol profesional y una chocolatera curvilínea que creen en las almas gemelas.

Me gustó la historia de Isabel y Sam, se enamoran instantáneamente en NY pero tras pasar una noche de pasión ella lo abandona en el hotel.

Los protagonistas eran agradables y románticos. Isabel era una mujer que abrazaba orgullosa su talla grande y me encantaba su personalidad atrevida y segura. Lo que me resultó tonto es que dejara a Sam, después de que él le dijo que no hacía aventuras de una noche, con la idea de que no podía amar por segunda vez! Una señora en el avión tuvo que hacerle ver qué sí se puede tener más de un amor. Sin embargo nunca contactó a Sam? Esperaba que él fuera por ella?

Sam sí que fue a buscarla pero la ve abrazando a un hombre que después se descubre que es el hermano. No entendí cómo pensó eso por un abrazo, fue ridículo la verdad su suposición.

Lo bueno es que el tonto malentendido no me hizo sufrir tanto y las cosas se esclarecen rápido.

Dentro de todo disfruté leyendo la historia del Vikingo y Cookie.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am a sexy, single woman looking to horizontally mingle.”

I’m on a Kat Baxter binge and I don’t think I’ll be able to stop any time soon.
I just fell in love with her writing style, her witty humor and the fact that most of the characters from her books are interconnected, makes me devour one book right after the other!

Isabel is Alex’s sister.

She’s a sexy, independent woman, that apparently can’t get a date at her small town of Starlight Bay. People see her always as their favorite aunt and not as the charming, available woman that she is.

“I want to teach History at the local high school and come home to one woman for the rest of my life. I want to fill her belly with my babies and then I want us to drive our fucking minivan to Disney World for summer vacation.

Sam is a professional football player.
And he knows exactly what he wants in the long run.
Even tho Sam is in the Great Apple for business and not to fall in love, he can’t control his caveman instincts when it comes to cockblock Isabel and make sure, no one slides into her sheets - except for him, that is.

“My job doesn’t matter either, if we’re talking about stuff like curing cancer or digging clean-water wells in third world countries. But I provide entertainment for the people who do do those things. And I try to make sure I donate a chunk of my income to support those causes. You make chocolates and everyone knows that chocolate releases endorphins. So that doctor who has had a really rough day can take a break with some of your candy and get enough happy hormones to get up and go save a life. What you do has merit. Don’t sell yourself short.”

I loved their romance and love story.
Sam and Isabel was super cute and insecure in their own way. I loved how they came to be in the end.

[Geeky Girl Review Cafe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Sweet As Candy

I'd been excited to read this book ever since I saw the cover and read the blurb, it's a total ME story!

I love a FMC who's got a bit of fire in her and can hold her own with the MMC. Plus anytime there is a giant man who makes her feel tiny and cherished, swoon.

This story had sprinkles of humor that I found absolutely delightful (go look for 80's romance book references!).

This was a yummy tasty quick read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Mate

Isobel can't believe the feelings crashing into ber when she locks eyes with Sam. Her whole body is telling her she needs him but can she find a second soul mate? Can love happen that quickly with just one look? She's about to find out.

[MandyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate and instant love

This is a cute I stand lust story that stars a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants, who also happens to be a chocolatier and a hunky football player. This is a quickish read, that will leave a smile on your face and a cute HEA.

[Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Sweet story about Isabel, a chocolatier and a football player. They have a one night stand, fall in love and live HEA

[Deborah Wheat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam, The Viking

This is a cute story about how Belle and Sam meet. I wanted a bit more. I so enjoyed how Sam just kinda bullied his way into Belle’s weekend plans and they had chemistry just dripping off the page, right up to the last past. Although I feel like something was missing, I just am not ready to leave them yet and want more.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, I absolutely love this one. It was a nice, quick, short read.

Sam meets Isabel when she goes to New York City to be featured as Women of the year. Sam is there because he’s being wooed for different endorsements. She is waiting in line at the hotel when one of Sam’s teammates has to step out of the line. She offers to watch his daughter, Sam comes up and asks her who the lady is. After their father comes back Isabel calls her sister in law Laurel. She tells Laurel how she’s wants a one night stand, a one and done. When she turns she sees Sam scowling at her with his arms crossed. She gets to her room and heads to the elevator. Sam slips the front desk clerk a hundred to get the room next to Isabel. He makes sure she doesn’t leave the first night. He hangs out in the lobby all afternoon until she returns then waits until he hears her door open to meet her at the elevator. He slips his hand in the door to stop the elevator from closing and climbs in with her. He thinks she is going to call him out on stalking her but she doesn’t. She tells him she knows he’s judging her for wanting a weekend fling. He tells her he doesn’t have a problem with it. She tells him she’s not hitting on him but he could introduce her to some guys. He know she is the one for him so they head to their parties. He tells her he’ll put her name as her guest and to meet him later. He tries to set his own interest in Isabel aside and look for guys who would be interested in her. She shows up at his party and she wants to be introduced so he does. They talk about her party and the other women at the magazine photoshoot. After a while of chatting Isabel grabs his tie and pulls him to a quiet corner. She tells him she knows what he is doing, he’s only introduced her to married or gay men. She tells him she is going back to the hotel and he tells her he’ll walk with her. The next day Isabel heads out to go sightseeing when she sees Sam leaning up against her car. The driver gets out to open her door but Sam isn’t moving. She asks him what his problem is and if he’s going to follow her all over. He tells her she is going sightseeing so and he figured they could go together. The driver takes them to The High Line Park and they walk around. He asks her about her photoshoot and stops to take pictures. Sam takes her phone and post their picture on social media, immediately Isabel is getting messages about the picture. The first one comes from her sister in law Laurel asking who the giant is. She then gets a message from her brother asking her how she knows the Viking. She finds out he plays football in the NFL. They head to the car ready for the next stop, at the Empire State Building. They are looking out over the city talking about how romantic it is and Sam cups her face and kisses her. Sam threads his fingers with her and tells her they should go. He kisses her in the elevator ride up to their floor, he tells her he doesn’t do one night stand when they reach her door. He tells her he’s wanted her since he laid eyes on her and she tells him to have her. She opens the door and holds it to give him room to enter. When the door closes they are on each other, he lifts her so she can wrap her legs around him. They pull at each other clothes until they’re off. They are both naked and he tells her to get on the bed. He runs his hands over her curves and asks her what she wants him to do first. He licks her slit and then he tells her to roll over. She tells him she wants more and he slides his fingers into her. She shatters and then he crawls up her body tells her she’s beautiful. He slides inside her inch by inch and she tells him to kiss her. He flips he over and thrust into her. The next morning Isabel sneaks out before Sam wakes up, she leaves him note. The flight home she stares at the pictures of them, she spends the fight thinking about Sam. She doesn’t know how he feels about her he only told her he doesn’t do one night stands. A week later Sam needs to get it together all he thinks about is Isabel, he carries the note around with him. His twin sister Stella comes to his house because he isn’t answering her calls. She wants to know what is going on with him. She sits on the couch with him and tells him to talk or she is telling their mom he has the flu. He tells her he met someone when he was in New York City. He tells Stella she’s the one that left, she tells him to find her and tells her he wants more. He tells her he went to see her but she was hugging another guy so he left. Stella tells him she hugs him and her best friends brother, Ben. Stella asks him if he talked to her and he didn’t. She tells him to go get her and talk to her. Stella sit with Laurel, it’s her brother’s Alex’s last day in their hometown, he’s moving to Austin Texas. Laurel asks her to come with them, and she tells her she can’t. Isabel tells Laurel her and Sam hooked up. She can’t stop thinking about him. Isabel thought Matt was her one true love, but he died in the war, she lost her chance at happiness. She can’t see her and Sam together they live separate lives, they don’t match. Isabel hears Sam’s voice she turns to see him coming through the crowd of people. She asks him what is he doing. He tells her he has some questions, he wants to know who the guy was she was hugging, she tells him it was her brother. He tells her she is it for him and wants to know if she feels the same. She tells him she is scared, he gives her hope. She tells him she loves him and that’s what scares her. He tells her he not going anywhere except Austin. He asks her to come back with him. They walk to the Taco truck and she introduces him to her brother. He asks her to come live with him in Austin and be his forever. She tells him she’d like to be his forever. Six months later she gets the magazine she’s on the cover. Sam pulls a ring out of his pocket and tells her he doesn’t want to wait any longer. He tells her she is the love of his life and if she’ll be his wife. She tells him yes she’ll marry him.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Le CRV Magazine Women Of The Year series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Kate sweet, loved by everyone, makes some really great sweets (chocolates 😊) and owns a mail order chocolate company (who doesn’t love chocolate) in a small town. She is chosen as one of five women of the year and requested to come to NY for the photoshoots, a little parting, maybe take in some sights and maybe just maybe meet a nice guy. Sam sexy as all get out overhears a conversation (wanting to hook up with a random guy) about of the most beautiful curvy women he ever laid eyes on, but the issue is he doesn’t do randomness or one-night stands nor do he want with this curvy beauty and for some reason she is bring all the protective instincts (he doesn’t want another man looking or touching or anything for that matter). The chemistry is instant and intense from the moment they meet, the magnetic pull can’t be ignored and Sam will do what he needs to convince her she is it for him, will she give him a chance, can they make it work long distance and can they find happiness?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle is a successful chocolatier.  She runs her business from her home.  She has been recognized by an influential magazine as one of women's top in business.  She is traveling to New York for a photo shoot and get together with the magazine.  Being from a small town, everyone knows her and knows her business and Belle feels as if she cannot have a hook up with no strings attached without the whole town finding out.  Now that she is headed to New York, she is determined to scratch that itch.  Having lost the love of her life when she was young, she believes that she is doomed to be single the rest of her life.  No one finds their soulmate twice, do they?  Sam in a football player in the NFL.  He is in New York to schmooze with his sponsors and potential sponsors.  He happens to be in line behind Belle while she informs her best friend of her weekend plan.  Sam is determined that he will be the one to catch this beauty's attention.  The only problem, Sam is not a one night stand kind of guy? 

This is another fun and entertaining read from Kat Baxter.  She knows how to write characters with depth and a story to go along with them.  She adds in some sass, witty conversation, and heat  along with growly alpha male and it's a story to read all in one sitting.  I love that Sam is a strong confident male but is unsure of himself with Belle.  Thank goodness for his sister. 

I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy chocolate for the touchdown

Sugar and Spice is the first book in the multi-author Le CRV Magazine Women of the Year series. If you are single and going out of town why not have some fun while you are there. At least the is what Isabel thinks. The only problem is that it does not quite work that way when your heart gets involved, without you even wanting it to. Isabel is a chocolatier who travels to NYC for a photoshoot for the Le CRV Magazine as one of the their Women of the Years recipients. When she is checking into her hotel for the weekend her paths cross with Sam. Sam is a football player in the NFL who is one big, handsome, built and white hot sexy man. He is in NYC for some time with his sponsors, and to make some more contacts with potential sponsors. As he is waiting to check in at his hotel he overhears a curvy beauty in front of him on the phone. Let's just say that between what he sees and what he hears he knows exactly what he wants....her. But there is one slight issue as Sam does not do one-night or a quick fling. Nope he is about to tackle the beauty and make sure she is his forever. Sam is going to have to come up with a few game plans as Belle does not believe she will find love again after losing her soulmate early in life. Can he convince her that they are meant to be?

This is a delicious, sweet, romantic, fast-paced, insta-love short story. I enjoyed the story-line and liked the characters.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Le CRV Magazine Women of the Year series and focuses on Sam and Isabel. Isabel is one of the chosen cover models for Le CRV magazine and is in NYC for the photoshoot and subsequent events for it. She is wanting to have a weekend fling when she meets Sam in the hotel and immediately thinks he is way out of her league. He overhears her discussing her plans with Laurel, her almost sister-in-law, and is determined to prevent her from getting with anyone else because he already knows she is meant to be his. He hijacks her day of exploration in the city and falls even harder for her. Isabel has deep feelings for Sam but doesn't think she would be lucky enough to have 2 loves in her life after losing her first love in the war. I absolutely loved Sam and Isabel together and am so happy that they got their HEA! I loved being able to see Alex and Laurel from Let’s Taco ‘Bout Love and can't wait to read about Maddox! This was such a great story! It is definitely up there in my favorites.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabel s a successful indie chocolatier who lives in a small New England town but is one of the 5 winners of a Le CRV contest and goes to New York for photos and a party. While checking in to her hotel she meets Sam who overhears her telling a friend that she is looking for a no strings hook-up in NY. She doesn’t recognize Sam but he is a big and handsome professional football player and he is attracted to her. He blocks her from other guys at a party that night and goes with her on her planned sightseeing trip the next day. They are both attracted but will she get her one night hook-up or will he get the more lasting relationship that he wants.

I enjoyed this story with the curvy Isabel who meets the big, attractive, and fun football player but they each want a different kind of relationship. The author did a great job explaining why Isabel felt she would not find love again so she was only looking for a hook-up and how Sam was looking for more than just one night. I enjoyed seeing characters again from other books in this story. The epilogue was a great ending for their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat Baxter joins the multi-author Le CRV Magazine Women of the Year series with absolutely awesome Sugar and Spice. In NYC for a weekend of parties and photo shoots after being named one of Le CRV Magazine's Women of the Year for her entrepreneurial chocolatier business, Isabel is determined to find herself a man for a one-night stand. Sam, an NFL linebacker in town for some endorsement parties, meets Isabel in the hotel lobby and is instantly enamoured with the curvy beauty. He is a hopeless romantic and wants more than one night, but when he overhears his plan he is determined to protect her from a random hookup. Isabel and Sam's story is a beautiful, steamy and romantic love story. Getting to know Isabel and understand why she is only looking for a one and done has you instantly rooting for her to see what is standing right in front of her; and Sam is as swoon-worthy as they come, a scowl-y, growl-y overprotective guy with a heart the size of Texas. This is an absolute must-read novella penned by the brilliant Kat Baxter!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Isabelle back in Kat's book Let's Taco 'bout love (her brother Alex's story). She owns a mail order chocolate company in the small town of Starlight Bay in Massachusetts . She is chosen as one of the five Le CRV Magazine's Women of the Year and travels to NYC weekend of photoshoots, parties and sightseeing. She is hoping to have a good time and hook with a hot guy, being from a small town there really are no options.

Sam sees the beauty in and hears her conversation with her girlfriend about finding a random guy. He is not a one night guy but this curvy girls makes him want to break his rules, plus he does not want anyone else touching her.

The chemistry between the two is hot and leads to some steamy scenes. Kat's books never disappoint, no cheating and HEA. Le CRV Magazine Women of the Year Books are five standalones by different authors that tell the story of each winner and their men.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooooh hawtness!! Give me a man who knows what to do with beard…. Mmmm’kay?!

I totally love Sam (The Viking) and Isabel (Cookie)… football player meets chocolatier. When they first meet… his was insta-crush and hers was insta-irritation with a side of hot dang!! Isabel thinks that the soulmate ship has sailed for her… so she’s only after a quick hook up with no strings attached. Sam may be ruff and gruff, but he’s a total romantic at heart and doesn’t do “one and done”. These two’s road to HEA will make you smile, then fan yo’self… coz they be bringing the heat!!

It was another fun read from the Queen of Adorkable, Kat Baxter. Enjoyed this story very much!!

This is a stand-alone book, but part of the Le CRV Magazine Women of the Year series. 5 interconnected books by different authors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My star system: 4 1/2 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Storyline kept me entertained. Gave me the feels and aaaaaaalmost made me cry in some parts.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy from the Author for an honesty review.
Isabel, a small town business owner travels to New York to be the cover model of a Magazine. She has decided that she will make sure she attends all of the meetings, but at night, she wants to have adult fun. While she is talking with her sister-in-law about her plans, she is overheard by American Football player Sam "the Viking". Sam sees her and he sees his future life. Sam, being a big guy and famous, is considered a player and people think what they want to think. But Sam isn't like that, he wants to retire, coach high-schoolers, and come home to his lovely wife every night until he dies.
Isabel thinks Sam is out of her league, so she gets him to introduce her to his friends (but he is only introducing her to his married friends). One thing leads to another, Isabel runs back to her small town, Sam follows, a misunderstanding and some groveling later, Sam returns to Isabel asking the right questions.
A sweet and spicy story about two lovely people, Isabel a sassy Latina, and Sam, a cinnamon roll - looking for his HEA. I wish Ms. Baxter would turn these incredible stories into full-length novels. I love her stories!

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUGAR & SPICE: A One Night Stand to Instant Love/Curvy Girl Romance by Kat Baxter. This author is my favorite short-story writer! She never disappoints in her hot love stories or to have a happy ending.

Isabel Every is a successful business woman. She has won one of Le CRV's award of woman of the year. She is the owner of one of the nation's most successful indie chocolatiers. Visiting in New York to get her award and be chauffeured around for sightseeing. She has no idea that the man in the next room of her hotel is a famous linebacker in the NFL. She just knows him as Sam and that the only sightseeing he is doing as watching her. Isabel is definitely playing hard to get with smitten Sam. His dad had always told him that when he met the right girl, who was his one then he'd know. She thinks this is going to be a one and done night, but doesn't realize that Sam is playing for keeps!

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read Insta-love romantic comedy.

Isabel owns a mail order chocolate business in small town Starlight Bay. She is curvy and sassy. She has been aunt zoned and has a hard time finding local single men to date. She wins a contest and gets a weekend in NYC. She decides it is the perfect time to have a weekend rendezvous.

Sam, known as The Viking, is a linebacker in the NFL. He is in NYC to meet with his agent about endorsement deals. He overhears Isabel's phone conversation about her weekend plans and decides to pursue her. He thinks she is his one. He invites himself on her sightseeing excursions and they end up hooking up. She leaves before he wakes up. He goes to her hometown and they get together. Six months later they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story grabs you at the first page. Isabel is in New York City to shoot a magazine cover for her chocolatier business. She is feisty, sassy, friendly and curvy. She is thinking about having a one night stand while there. Sam is a pro football player and he is big, hunky, handsome and funny. The characters are lovable, funny, entertaining, enjoyable and they are just HOT and just so cute and sweet. They connect when standing in line to check in at their hotel. There are sparks! One wants a one night stand and one is looking for forever. Guess which? The story is dynamite, sizzling, sexy, humorous, passionate. The characters really click and make for an amazing read. It’s a sweet sweet romance. It is a fantastic read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaneBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sugar and Spice
Calificación: 3.2

Isabel es una linda chica de una pequeña ciudad que gana un premio en un concurso, el cual es un viaje a Nueva York por un fin de semana. Así que lo único que desea es tener un fin de semana loco y poder estar con un chico guapo que seguramente no volverá a ver jamás, el problema es que conoce a Sam. Sam es un jugador de fútbol profesional que tiene un genio tan impresionante como su físico, pero que cae totalmente ante la bella Isabel aunque no esta de acuerdo con dejar la diversión por un fin de semana sino más bien que tal ¿Para toda la vida?. Este libro me gusto mucho para ser un insta love, creo que tengo una debilidad por hombres grandes y amorosos como osos de peluche jejeje. Le doy 3 estrellas de 3 y es bueno para lectura ligera después de entrar en bloqueo lector.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabel wins a contest and is flown to NYC for Le CRV magazine to do as part of their series on plus-size business owners. She decides she is going to have a one-night fling while there since everyone at home sees her as an aunt. She meets Sam who is instantly attracted to her while she thinks he is being judgmental after overhearing her plans. Will Isabel get her one-night fling? Will the two of them be more than a quick weekend meet-up?

I enjoyed this story. The plot needed fleshed out as I felt the story moved very quickly. But I liked Sam and Isabel. Sam was a hoot! Isabel did not follow football and was surprised that everybody at home knew him. I liked Sam's sister's kick in the butt attitude.

This was a sweet quick read. I'll read more of this series as well as the Le CRV series.

[Adrienne Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute, short, insta love story filled with hot football players, chocolate and all the feelings one can handle.

Isabel is in New York City for a photo shoot after winning a contest. She decides while she’s in the city to have her own weekend fling. A Viking of a man is waiting in line at the same hotel and despite her best efforts cannot get rid of him. He’s like a bad rash...if a rash was a good looking behemoth of a man.

Sam is in town for some events his agent has him attending. When he overhears the knockout in front of him discussing her weekend plans, he decides he needs to be that fling. He conveniently times it to always be where she is. She won’t be able to resist for long...

Kat Baxter has another hit on her hands. Loved the banter between these two and the chemistry they both share is explosive. Both characters were perfectly written.

[Aliama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written read in The Woman of the Year series. We met Isabel in her brother Alex’s book, Let’s Taco about Love. Isabel is in NYC for the magazine promo weekend. She’s also looking for a ONS. Sam is in NYC to meet with his agent when he’s standing in line to check in to his hotel when he first sees Isabel. He over hears her conversation and makes it his mission to change her mind and become his. An enjoyable story with some funny moments between these two characters who have great chemistry. Isabel tries to fight her attraction to Sam because of previous heartbreak but Sam tries to win her over proving he’s a romantic at heart. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Viking and his Cookie"
Oh this story made me swoon and I absolutely LOVED these two... I wanted more and did not want this story to end.. I will for sure go back and read Isabel's brother Alex's story. What starts off as two people being new friends and hanging out turns out to be way much more.
Sam is this sweet romantic guy who believes in romance and true love, he knows right from first sight that Isabel is something special. She has no idea he is a famous athlete and she treats him like a normal guy.
Isabel is on a weekend trip and hopes to meet someone she can have a night of fun with, not expecting to have feelings for the guy she gets to know.
This is a must read for all... you will definitely fall in love with these two.

[See Julia Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curvy chocolatier Isabel is looking for a weekend of sexy fun. Football player Sam is a player both on and off the field with a sweet romantic side. When a chance meeting in a hotel lobby has Sam giving Isabel heart eyes, he stops at nothing to ty an convince her she is the one for him.

I absolutely loved this story! Isabel and Sam’s banter and personalities compliment perfectly. The story even though being an insta love story, runs at a great pace and is an easy and light read. It also introduces other character for stories from Kat Baxter. After reading I had to recommend it to my curvy besties!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

💟Sweet scale: 5/5
🌶Spicy scale: 5/5
🛏Tropes: instalove, grumpy hero/sunshine heroine
⚠️Trigger Warnings: none