What do you think?
Rate this book
Bank Street Stories #8
The Sweetest Thing
A true to life fairy tale and happily ever after dream come true that will leave you feeling warm and happy long after it's over.
My mother wrote a young adult novel that eventually became a Hollywood blockbuster hit. Somehow, during production of the movie, I became friends with the star. Heath Vick was Hollywood's favorite leading man--a heartthrob, for sure.
We instantly hit it off, but he was in a long-term relationship, so we ended up being friends. Then, out of the blue, Heath decided to leave her and set his sights on me. He was rich and famous, and he assumed he would have my undivided attention the second he wanted it. But by the time that happened, my heart already belonged to someone else.
Katie Klein followed her brother, Mac, to Seattle, WA. She was enjoying her career and life there when a chance encounter connected her with super-star actor, Heath Vick. He was every girl's dream come true; famous, wealthy, handsome, and now--available. When Heath took an interest in Katie, she quickly realized that Heath didn't have much to offer beyond those temporary, worldly things.
Justin Teague was one of Mac's teammates on the Seattle Seahawks. Much like Heath, he had wealth, fame, and fortune. But he wasn't interested in women who were interested in that.
Katie and Justin had been friends for quite some time, but a simple sequence of events leads them to realize they both wanted something much more than a friendship.
My mother wrote a young adult novel that eventually became a Hollywood blockbuster hit. Somehow, during production of the movie, I became friends with the star. Heath Vick was Hollywood's favorite leading man--a heartthrob, for sure.
We instantly hit it off, but he was in a long-term relationship, so we ended up being friends. Then, out of the blue, Heath decided to leave her and set his sights on me. He was rich and famous, and he assumed he would have my undivided attention the second he wanted it. But by the time that happened, my heart already belonged to someone else.
Katie Klein followed her brother, Mac, to Seattle, WA. She was enjoying her career and life there when a chance encounter connected her with super-star actor, Heath Vick. He was every girl's dream come true; famous, wealthy, handsome, and now--available. When Heath took an interest in Katie, she quickly realized that Heath didn't have much to offer beyond those temporary, worldly things.
Justin Teague was one of Mac's teammates on the Seattle Seahawks. Much like Heath, he had wealth, fame, and fortune. But he wasn't interested in women who were interested in that.
Katie and Justin had been friends for quite some time, but a simple sequence of events leads them to realize they both wanted something much more than a friendship.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2021
93 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Brooke St. James
115 books955 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 23, 2021
(4.5 stars) - friends to more without the angsty melodrama
I wasn't quite sure which direction things were going when I started the story, & not being a big fan of love triangles, was a little worried but I should have known better - Brooke's stories are always big on romance & low on angstiness.
So Katie is used to being friendzoned, & she's easygoing enough that it doesn't bother her. Then a change in her friendship with one guy leads to a change in her friendship with another guy - and what started out seeming confusing and complicated instead leads to clarity. She just needs to know that it's real & lasting - not a brief flirtation or fling.
The story is like a real life fairytale where things happen believably, & yet it's still like a happily-ever-after dream coming true. Brooke's stories always leave me feeling happy long after I finish them, & this one is no exception!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: one point where a secondary character uses the Lord's Name trivially (ie in vain) but it's portrayed negatively & puts off the protagonist; Katie is a Christian & prays short, simple, from-the-heart prayers several times - nothing preachy or doctrinal
I wasn't quite sure which direction things were going when I started the story, & not being a big fan of love triangles, was a little worried but I should have known better - Brooke's stories are always big on romance & low on angstiness.
So Katie is used to being friendzoned, & she's easygoing enough that it doesn't bother her. Then a change in her friendship with one guy leads to a change in her friendship with another guy - and what started out seeming confusing and complicated instead leads to clarity. She just needs to know that it's real & lasting - not a brief flirtation or fling.
The story is like a real life fairytale where things happen believably, & yet it's still like a happily-ever-after dream coming true. Brooke's stories always leave me feeling happy long after I finish them, & this one is no exception!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Religion: one point where a secondary character uses the Lord's Name trivially (ie in vain) but it's portrayed negatively & puts off the protagonist; Katie is a Christian & prays short, simple, from-the-heart prayers several times - nothing preachy or doctrinal
June 23, 2021
When you know, you know
I can’t believe this series is on book 8 already! This one kept me guessing at the beginning who she would end up with because I couldn’t tell from the book description. I felt torn trying to figure out who should I be rooting for. It wasn’t until the story took the male POV did I know. I really liked the guy she chose. I like his laser focus to his goal. He knew what he wanted and went for it.
Rating: PG, clean
I can’t believe this series is on book 8 already! This one kept me guessing at the beginning who she would end up with because I couldn’t tell from the book description. I felt torn trying to figure out who should I be rooting for. It wasn’t until the story took the male POV did I know. I really liked the guy she chose. I like his laser focus to his goal. He knew what he wanted and went for it.
Rating: PG, clean
July 13, 2021
They Just Get Better and Better!
Katie Klein, daughter of Lucy and Drew Klein (Diamonds Are Video) and granddaughter of Abby and Daniel (The Trouble with Crushes),gets her own love story in The Sweetest Thing, number 8 in th for Bank Street Stories series set in Galveston and now in Seattle, coincidentally on another Bank Street.
Katie has spent time recently on set for the filming of her mother's young adult novel, and she has become friends with the film's star, Heath. She still love with her love brother Mac, and her housemates now include Morgan and Victoria, his new wife and her three year old child; Ozzy and Bri, other cousins with no specific connection stated; and Justin Teague, one of Mac's teammates on the Seahawks. It's Justin who draws Katie's attention.
The story begins when Heath breaks up with his longtime girlfriend, a famous actress, and begins giving Katie extra attention, to the point where it makes her uncomfortable. Justin is not only uncomfortable, he's jealous and angry. A conversation to that effect enlightens Katie to his feelings---and her own.
This is, by far, the most openly God-oriented book in the series, with one character finding another attractive upon hearing that person pray and, in contrast, losing interest in a different character after hearing that person take Jesus's name in vain. As a woman raised in church, I identified with someone who would check out the boys in church to find out who participated most strongly, making him more attractive to me! Admittedly, setting a series primarily in the Bible Belt South allows for greater freedom in portraying believing characters who my or may not have made wise, God-pleasing choices in the past. Single teen mom Lucy King (Diamonds Are Forever) is an obvious example, and some veiled references by a college football teammate hint at a sexual It,story for Evan King (Feels Like Home). The Sweetest Thing says directly that both Katie and Justin had made poor decisions before, so it's realistic that when they tell Mac that they have chosen to save themselves for marriage he is surprised. The concept of forgiveness and a clean slate is well illustrated here.
I love the series as a whole, with two reservations worth mentioning. First, most of the uses of "instinctually" are incorrect and should be"instinctively ". My notes get sneakier with every instance. Second, and I know the author doesn't have full control over the cover art,but some of the stock photos of glamorous couples and hot guys need to be checked for believability. Easy Does It takes place in1968, yet the cover couple are picture perfect for the 21st century. And in A King for Christmas, the cover man has touched hair and a scruffy chin... probably not a realistic look for Michael Elliot in the years before Miami Vice,but absolutely ridiculous
Katie Klein, daughter of Lucy and Drew Klein (Diamonds Are Video) and granddaughter of Abby and Daniel (The Trouble with Crushes),gets her own love story in The Sweetest Thing, number 8 in th for Bank Street Stories series set in Galveston and now in Seattle, coincidentally on another Bank Street.
Katie has spent time recently on set for the filming of her mother's young adult novel, and she has become friends with the film's star, Heath. She still love with her love brother Mac, and her housemates now include Morgan and Victoria, his new wife and her three year old child; Ozzy and Bri, other cousins with no specific connection stated; and Justin Teague, one of Mac's teammates on the Seahawks. It's Justin who draws Katie's attention.
The story begins when Heath breaks up with his longtime girlfriend, a famous actress, and begins giving Katie extra attention, to the point where it makes her uncomfortable. Justin is not only uncomfortable, he's jealous and angry. A conversation to that effect enlightens Katie to his feelings---and her own.
This is, by far, the most openly God-oriented book in the series, with one character finding another attractive upon hearing that person pray and, in contrast, losing interest in a different character after hearing that person take Jesus's name in vain. As a woman raised in church, I identified with someone who would check out the boys in church to find out who participated most strongly, making him more attractive to me! Admittedly, setting a series primarily in the Bible Belt South allows for greater freedom in portraying believing characters who my or may not have made wise, God-pleasing choices in the past. Single teen mom Lucy King (Diamonds Are Forever) is an obvious example, and some veiled references by a college football teammate hint at a sexual It,story for Evan King (Feels Like Home). The Sweetest Thing says directly that both Katie and Justin had made poor decisions before, so it's realistic that when they tell Mac that they have chosen to save themselves for marriage he is surprised. The concept of forgiveness and a clean slate is well illustrated here.
I love the series as a whole, with two reservations worth mentioning. First, most of the uses of "instinctually" are incorrect and should be"instinctively ". My notes get sneakier with every instance. Second, and I know the author doesn't have full control over the cover art,but some of the stock photos of glamorous couples and hot guys need to be checked for believability. Easy Does It takes place in1968, yet the cover couple are picture perfect for the 21st century. And in A King for Christmas, the cover man has touched hair and a scruffy chin... probably not a realistic look for Michael Elliot in the years before Miami Vice,but absolutely ridiculous
August 17, 2024
Katie has had a crush on Justin what seems like forever. But, years ago, he friend zoned her. Now, he seems to be rethinking his decision. In the meantime, an A-list actor, Heath Vick, who starred in a movie made from a book that Katie's mother had written, is all of a sudden showing interest in Katie, too. Just is very protective and a little alpha when it comes to Katie. Their relationship is sweet and swoon-worthy and of course, there is a happy ending, once Heath is no longer in the picture.
I really enjoyed this story very much. It was clean and a quick read with a happy ending, the very best kind.
I really enjoyed this story very much. It was clean and a quick read with a happy ending, the very best kind.
June 24, 2021
I love these books!!
I absolutely love all of these Bank Street books! I've been reading them since the beginning (and a ton of Brooke's other ones before that), and each new couple is my favorite. I love the writing style, how it's not perfect, but it's perfect in the everyday, normal way people think and talk. Katie and Justin are so adorable together, and I loved all of their swoon-worthy kisses. It just makes me so happy after I finish a Brooke St. James book, and this one was no exception. I can't wait for the next one!! You keep writing them and I'll keep reading them.
I absolutely love all of these Bank Street books! I've been reading them since the beginning (and a ton of Brooke's other ones before that), and each new couple is my favorite. I love the writing style, how it's not perfect, but it's perfect in the everyday, normal way people think and talk. Katie and Justin are so adorable together, and I loved all of their swoon-worthy kisses. It just makes me so happy after I finish a Brooke St. James book, and this one was no exception. I can't wait for the next one!! You keep writing them and I'll keep reading them.
February 4, 2024
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Katie Klein is living with her brother and working at a local High School as an athletic promoter. Her brother’s teammate Jason is also renting an apartment from her brother. She has been conversing weekly with actor Heath who starred in the movie of the book her mother wrote, and decides to go after her, but so does Jason and she must choose who her heart wants. An uplifting story of love, communication, and commitment.
June 25, 2021
I just love BSJs style. Her characters are always interesting, innocent and worth reading. The plot lines are unexpected and my heart just feels happy when I read any and all of her books. I love these kids and I want every one of their stories to be told (just like every other series, I don't ever want it to end)! Katie is funny and smart, Justin is masculine and swoon-worthy. They are head over heels once that light bulb turns on!!! Can't wait to read more Bank Street books. 5 stars!
July 21, 2021
Loved It
I really love this Author she creates a beautiful world with Characters you would love to have in your life. I could not put this book down. Her character development is wonderful she illustrates a beautiful story without putting her characters through the ringer. I am so glad I stumbled onto her faith-filled books.
I really love this Author she creates a beautiful world with Characters you would love to have in your life. I could not put this book down. Her character development is wonderful she illustrates a beautiful story without putting her characters through the ringer. I am so glad I stumbled onto her faith-filled books.
September 21, 2021
Super sweet clean romance, very focused on the good we can be in another's life. Clean romance, prayer and God mentioned, really nice friends to more story. Highly enjoyed, recommend as a light fast read and a great addition to the series.
November 8, 2021
Such a good, clean love story!!
I just can’t say enough nice things about Brooke St James writing!! Her stories are interesting and so wholesome!! She is definitely an author I’ll be searching for again and again!!
I just can’t say enough nice things about Brooke St James writing!! Her stories are interesting and so wholesome!! She is definitely an author I’ll be searching for again and again!!
July 19, 2022
Brooke is SO good!
Oh man. Her easy, relatable characters. The fire you feel between the story! The 1st person accounts mixed in. Such a fast & fun read! Brooke’s quickly become a favorite!!
Oh man. Her easy, relatable characters. The fire you feel between the story! The 1st person accounts mixed in. Such a fast & fun read! Brooke’s quickly become a favorite!!
July 26, 2024
Brooke St James’ “The Sweetest Thing” is the sweetest story! This talented author knows how to write clean, sweet and swoony so beautifully!
I don’t often give 5 ⭐️s, but Ms St James deserves every one!
I would definitely recommend this enjoyable, feel-good book!
I don’t often give 5 ⭐️s, but Ms St James deserves every one!
I would definitely recommend this enjoyable, feel-good book!
June 23, 2021
The Bank Street Series is Fantastic!
So well written and full of God and love. Love this story and all of it's characters. They will pull you in and delight you.
So well written and full of God and love. Love this story and all of it's characters. They will pull you in and delight you.
June 26, 2021
Bank Street Stories
Amazing characters that make you feel like you truly know them. I love this Author!!!! You can read anyone of her books and feel pure joy.
Amazing characters that make you feel like you truly know them. I love this Author!!!! You can read anyone of her books and feel pure joy.
July 4, 2021
So sweet!
I love these books, they are so fun to read! The only thing I don’t like is that I finish them to fast.
I love these books, they are so fun to read! The only thing I don’t like is that I finish them to fast.
July 11, 2021
I really enjoyed Katie and Justin's story. I loved these big families and how they interacted. Katie is a strong, hardworking character that I loved. This is a sweet, clean romance.
July 26, 2021
The Sweetest Thing
Cute storyline, but it felt rushed and at times like it was written by a student. Clean and quick read.
Cute storyline, but it felt rushed and at times like it was written by a student. Clean and quick read.
October 17, 2021
There is no wow when i was reading this.
November 15, 2021
Amazing Romance
This is definitely an amazing and interesting little love story with endearing and charming characters that will have you rooting for their happily ever after .
This is definitely an amazing and interesting little love story with endearing and charming characters that will have you rooting for their happily ever after .
January 23, 2022
4* Main characters are cute together. This story lacked the more intense emotions of some of author’s other books. Sweet and enjoyable, and a definite worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews