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Sweeter Than Chocolate
Now a Hallmark Channel original movie!!!
Do the “Cupid chocolates” from Lucy’s shop
really help people meet their One True Love?
Dean, a TV reporter, has his doubts…
Lucy’s chocolate shop, How Sweet It Is, has been in her family for generations…along with the secret recipe for Cupid chocolates. Rumor has it that if you eat one on February 14, you’ll meet your soulmate. Lucy herself isn’t sure if it’s magic or just romantic optimism, but a family legend is at stake. Besides, with her grandmother to support and a rival bakery opening up across the street, it certainly doesn’t hurt to believe.
Dean, an ambitious and skeptical TV reporter, doesn’t like the idea of a business taking advantage of romantic desperation. He doesn’t count on Lucy joining him as he tracks down and interviews couples supposedly brought together by the chocolates. Together, they find that the truth can be complicated…especially when it comes to their own hearts.
Do the “Cupid chocolates” from Lucy’s shop
really help people meet their One True Love?
Dean, a TV reporter, has his doubts…
Lucy’s chocolate shop, How Sweet It Is, has been in her family for generations…along with the secret recipe for Cupid chocolates. Rumor has it that if you eat one on February 14, you’ll meet your soulmate. Lucy herself isn’t sure if it’s magic or just romantic optimism, but a family legend is at stake. Besides, with her grandmother to support and a rival bakery opening up across the street, it certainly doesn’t hurt to believe.
Dean, an ambitious and skeptical TV reporter, doesn’t like the idea of a business taking advantage of romantic desperation. He doesn’t count on Lucy joining him as he tracks down and interviews couples supposedly brought together by the chocolates. Together, they find that the truth can be complicated…especially when it comes to their own hearts.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2023
61 people are currently reading
2000 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie Shane
31 books270 followersContemporary romance author Lizzie Shane was born in Alaska and still calls the frozen north home, though she can frequently be found indulging her travel addiction. Thankfully, her laptop travels with her and she has written her way through all fifty states and over fifty countries.
Lizzie has been honored to win the Golden Heart Award and HOLT Medallion, and has been named a finalist three times for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award®, but her main claim to fame is that she lost on Jeopardy!
For more about Lizzie and her books, please visit http://www.lizzieshane.com. Happy reading!
Lizzie has been honored to win the Golden Heart Award and HOLT Medallion, and has been named a finalist three times for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award®, but her main claim to fame is that she lost on Jeopardy!
For more about Lizzie and her books, please visit http://www.lizzieshane.com. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
February 13, 2023
Knowing that this book was adapted into a Hallmark movie, I knew what to expect from the book. Not necessarily a bad thing because why not read something super cute and probably cheesy…..but mostly cute.
Lucy and Dean could be considered opposites yet were actually pretty similar in what motivates them in life. They are both passionate about certain things in their life to the point where it is unhealthy. I like how this element connected and brought them closer to each other.
The whole magic cupcake thing was over the top for me, but again, I knew what I was getting into so this is not necessarily a complaint.
If you’re looking for a sweet, light read, this is for you!
Lucy and Dean could be considered opposites yet were actually pretty similar in what motivates them in life. They are both passionate about certain things in their life to the point where it is unhealthy. I like how this element connected and brought them closer to each other.
The whole magic cupcake thing was over the top for me, but again, I knew what I was getting into so this is not necessarily a complaint.
If you’re looking for a sweet, light read, this is for you!
January 9, 2023
How Sweet it is!
Lucy's chocolate shop, How Sweet It Is, has been in her family for generations. So have the "Cupid Chocolates" Rumor has it if you eat one on Valentine’s Day, you will find love. They chocolate shop even has a wall of pictures showing those who have found a soulmate. Lucy isn't quite sure if it is magic or optimism which makes people fall in love, but she will keep making the chocolates. She is worried about competition on the street and prices increase.
Dean is a television report who does not believe in love. He has his reasons for being skeptical. When he is assigned to do a story on Lucy's chocolate shop, he sticks his foot in it, when he tells Lucy he believes the chocolates are a scam, not knowing who was talking with. Although a skeptic, he does stories on those who have found love with Lucy by his side.
Will they find the magic? Do the Cupid Chocolates really work?
Both Dean and Lucy are likeable characters. It's all about the journey and this was a sweet one. I enjoyed the stories of the couples on the wall as much as I enjoyed Lucy, her grandmother, Dean and his sister. The characters had me rooting for them when I wasn't shaking my head at some of them.
If you are looking for a sweet light romance (no steamy scenes here), this book will hit the spot. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration as much as I did the story.
This was a sweet book which will soon be a Hallmark movie.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Lucy's chocolate shop, How Sweet It Is, has been in her family for generations. So have the "Cupid Chocolates" Rumor has it if you eat one on Valentine’s Day, you will find love. They chocolate shop even has a wall of pictures showing those who have found a soulmate. Lucy isn't quite sure if it is magic or optimism which makes people fall in love, but she will keep making the chocolates. She is worried about competition on the street and prices increase.
Dean is a television report who does not believe in love. He has his reasons for being skeptical. When he is assigned to do a story on Lucy's chocolate shop, he sticks his foot in it, when he tells Lucy he believes the chocolates are a scam, not knowing who was talking with. Although a skeptic, he does stories on those who have found love with Lucy by his side.
Will they find the magic? Do the Cupid Chocolates really work?
Both Dean and Lucy are likeable characters. It's all about the journey and this was a sweet one. I enjoyed the stories of the couples on the wall as much as I enjoyed Lucy, her grandmother, Dean and his sister. The characters had me rooting for them when I wasn't shaking my head at some of them.
If you are looking for a sweet light romance (no steamy scenes here), this book will hit the spot. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration as much as I did the story.
This was a sweet book which will soon be a Hallmark movie.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
April 30, 2023
4⭐
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, small business owner, newscaster, kinda enemies~ish (maybe more off on the wrong foot) to friends to lovers, all around sweetness, slow burn, no steamage
Are Lucy's delectable cupid chocolates a myth or really magical? Dean is a skeptical newscaster doing a story on what he thinks is a scam.
Lucy & Dean were adorable. Neither were necessarily looking for love, but as they spend more and more time together their attraction inevitably grows. Absolutely no steamage for this sweet story.
Grandma was really a delightful character, as was everyone really. I wouldn't mind trying out some of the chocolate options they offered either. Overall, a light and easy read/listen with a pretty cute epilogue.
I don't watch Hallmark movies, but I'll totally be down with watching this one. Update ~ got it on my dvr, will add my thoughts after I watch it.
PS ~ how many reviews do you think include the word sweet? My guess is all of them 🤣
Narrated by Brittany Pressley and Andrew Eiden for 7 hours and 58 minutes. They did a fine job.
*Thanks to Lizzie Shane, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, small business owner, newscaster, kinda enemies~ish (maybe more off on the wrong foot) to friends to lovers, all around sweetness, slow burn, no steamage
Are Lucy's delectable cupid chocolates a myth or really magical? Dean is a skeptical newscaster doing a story on what he thinks is a scam.
Lucy & Dean were adorable. Neither were necessarily looking for love, but as they spend more and more time together their attraction inevitably grows. Absolutely no steamage for this sweet story.
Grandma was really a delightful character, as was everyone really. I wouldn't mind trying out some of the chocolate options they offered either. Overall, a light and easy read/listen with a pretty cute epilogue.
I don't watch Hallmark movies, but I'll totally be down with watching this one. Update ~ got it on my dvr, will add my thoughts after I watch it.
PS ~ how many reviews do you think include the word sweet? My guess is all of them 🤣
Narrated by Brittany Pressley and Andrew Eiden for 7 hours and 58 minutes. They did a fine job.
*Thanks to Lizzie Shane, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
January 11, 2023
Well dang, that was just too “Sweet!”
I was skeptical when I read this was Hallmark Original story, but I was pleasantly surprised! So much so, I will probably watch the movie. (Which is not a thing I do.)
The story is about a sweet chocolatier named Lucy, her Magic Cupid chocolates, and a viral post that lands her in a working relationship with the cynical Mr. News. (AKA Dean.)
They are both reluctant when it comes to love, even Miss. Sweet herself. But magic has a way of working itself out.
Only way it could have been better is if it was a little longer and had a little more meat to the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark publishing for the great read!!
I was skeptical when I read this was Hallmark Original story, but I was pleasantly surprised! So much so, I will probably watch the movie. (Which is not a thing I do.)
The story is about a sweet chocolatier named Lucy, her Magic Cupid chocolates, and a viral post that lands her in a working relationship with the cynical Mr. News. (AKA Dean.)
They are both reluctant when it comes to love, even Miss. Sweet herself. But magic has a way of working itself out.
Only way it could have been better is if it was a little longer and had a little more meat to the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark publishing for the great read!!
June 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Library Book 📕 (This book from Hallmark Publishing is satisfyingly sweet! -Pun Intended- The story is about a chocolatier and a news reporter who fall in love while working on a segment for his station about her Cupid Chocolates, which are supposed to help people find their true love on Valentine’s Day. The catch? He’s a skeptic who would rather be doing an exposé instead of a feel good puff piece. Recommended for anyone who loves Hallmark and romance books without sex.)
August 14, 2025
I watched the Hallmark movie before I finished reading the book so that gave away the ending. Kidding! You know exactly how this will end but it was sweet and fun.
January 14, 2023
This story was just as sweet as the title suggests.
I was excited to check this audio out when I noticed Andrew Eiden was one of the narrators.
Love that dudes voice!
I am not a big fan of miscommunication, and this had some of course.
Buuuut it also takes place in a chocolate shop, so much chocolate conversations, delicious.
I also loved the implication of magic without it actually containing magic.
Like life is magic for everyone if you want it to be?
Overall a good time!
Much love to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & Hallmark Publishing for my DRC.
I was excited to check this audio out when I noticed Andrew Eiden was one of the narrators.
Love that dudes voice!
I am not a big fan of miscommunication, and this had some of course.
Buuuut it also takes place in a chocolate shop, so much chocolate conversations, delicious.
I also loved the implication of magic without it actually containing magic.
Like life is magic for everyone if you want it to be?
Overall a good time!
Much love to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & Hallmark Publishing for my DRC.
March 14, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Lizzie Shane, and Hallmark Publishing for this ARC.
This was a cute and charming book.
I need one of those magical chocolates... 😂
🍫"Enemies to lovers"
🍫 Slow burn 🔥
🍫 Closed door romance
🍫 Small Town
If you love Hallmark Movies, you'll definitely love this.
The story was familiar and predictable but it was still fun reading.
Looking forward to watching the movie.
This was a cute and charming book.
I need one of those magical chocolates... 😂
🍫"Enemies to lovers"
🍫 Slow burn 🔥
🍫 Closed door romance
🍫 Small Town
If you love Hallmark Movies, you'll definitely love this.
The story was familiar and predictable but it was still fun reading.
Looking forward to watching the movie.
February 7, 2023
Grumpy sunshine, small town, misunderstanding each others feelings. This book has everything you want in a hallmark Christmas movie, but for Valentine’s Day. It turns out it feels like this because it is this and the movie was just released by the hallmark channel. I have no watched it, but I would like to. The book is always better though.
Lucy’s friends and family make up a cozy background cast that will have you looking up the shop to see if you can visit.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a light fun read that I couldn’t put down. Make sure you have some chocolate nearby when you read this book.
Lucy’s friends and family make up a cozy background cast that will have you looking up the shop to see if you can visit.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a light fun read that I couldn’t put down. Make sure you have some chocolate nearby when you read this book.
February 2, 2023
From the very beginning, this story flowed so well and was cute without being overly so that I thought it would make a great Hallmark movie - and it will (in production). At first I didn't warm to Dean; he was way too cynical for his own good but he starts to grow on you at the same time that Lucy starts to fall for him and it's exactly the way it should be. The story is perfect for Valentines Day. Highly recommended for fans of Hallmark movies and happy ever afters.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
January 26, 2023
If you're looking for a fluffy Valentine's Day romance, Sweeter Than Chocolate is the PERFECT choice. Lucy Sweet is the owner and chief chocolatier at How Sweet It Is chocolates. Every Valentine's Day, she creates and sells the Cupid Chocolate, which is rumored to magically help you meet your match if you eat it on February 14th. Dean, an ambitious local news reporter, has been assigned to record a piece on Lucy's chocolates when a social media post on the Cupid Chocolate goes viral, but he's skeptical about their supposed magic and about love in general.
When Dean is asked to record a multi-piece segment on Lucy and the chocolates, his cynicism is challenged as Lucy introduces him to different couples who have fallen in love over her magic chocolates. The two of them make chocolate together, laugh together, and challenge each other over their ideas of romance. He pushes her to believe in herself and her business and she demands that he cast aside his cynicism in the name of love. Sparks start to fly, both on and off camera, as Valentine's Day gets closer and closer, and they both start to believe in the magic of the chocolates that brought them together.
I was pretty skeptical of this story at first. It seemed cliché and overly sentimental, but as I kept listening, thanks to the great Netgalley ARC, it really won me over. This is the perfect sweet holiday romance. While it's not the deepest, and the characters are not the most well-rounded or deeply motivated, I loved the setting of the cute small-town chocolate shop and the cynical TV reporter. The best part of the book was the ending as it accelerated towards Valentine's Day. There were a few twists at the end that really surprised me and brought it to a sweet and adorable climax. I appreciate that this book was cleaner than most romances, and while sometimes it had super cliché lines, such as, "I felt safe with her" and "She was different than other girls," for the most part, it was a fluffy, adorable romance that I enjoyed. Recommended to all Hallmark holiday movie lovers!
3.5/5 rounded up
When Dean is asked to record a multi-piece segment on Lucy and the chocolates, his cynicism is challenged as Lucy introduces him to different couples who have fallen in love over her magic chocolates. The two of them make chocolate together, laugh together, and challenge each other over their ideas of romance. He pushes her to believe in herself and her business and she demands that he cast aside his cynicism in the name of love. Sparks start to fly, both on and off camera, as Valentine's Day gets closer and closer, and they both start to believe in the magic of the chocolates that brought them together.
I was pretty skeptical of this story at first. It seemed cliché and overly sentimental, but as I kept listening, thanks to the great Netgalley ARC, it really won me over. This is the perfect sweet holiday romance. While it's not the deepest, and the characters are not the most well-rounded or deeply motivated, I loved the setting of the cute small-town chocolate shop and the cynical TV reporter. The best part of the book was the ending as it accelerated towards Valentine's Day. There were a few twists at the end that really surprised me and brought it to a sweet and adorable climax. I appreciate that this book was cleaner than most romances, and while sometimes it had super cliché lines, such as, "I felt safe with her" and "She was different than other girls," for the most part, it was a fluffy, adorable romance that I enjoyed. Recommended to all Hallmark holiday movie lovers!
3.5/5 rounded up
January 21, 2023
For this to be the final Hallmark Publishing I will say, I think they went out with a bang. This was delightful. I adore that it’s a Valentine’s Day themed romance. I could totally imagine the aesthetic of this book, all pink hearts and Chocolate and I’m excited to see The film adaptation in Loveuary (Hallmark’s lineup for February)
This is a three star for me because my goodness I felt like it dragged on a bit. I listened and read this for days and it felt like I was making no progress which I hated feeling because I truly loved the first half of this book. While this isn’t the longest book ever, somewhere along the way the pacing began to feel a bit off and/or it truly could’ve been chopped of maybe 60 pages.
This is a three star for me because my goodness I felt like it dragged on a bit. I listened and read this for days and it felt like I was making no progress which I hated feeling because I truly loved the first half of this book. While this isn’t the longest book ever, somewhere along the way the pacing began to feel a bit off and/or it truly could’ve been chopped of maybe 60 pages.
February 15, 2023
Sweeter than Chocolate by Lizzie Shane
Plot: 'How Sweet It Is', a chocolate shop owned by Lucy Sweet at Warner Corner, has gone viral after her best friend, Lena, posted about how she met her 'One True Love' after eating 'cupid chocolates' on Valentine's Day.
Lucy Sweet has always been a bit skeptical about advertising and profiting from the cupid chocolates, as she feels the magic would backfire if she did so.
Dean, an investigative reporter at Channel Five, has been assigned to report a special Valentine's Day segment, to soften his image.
'Ambitious' Dean interviews people brought together by chocolates, even though he doesn't believe in it or even in 'love', along with Lucy, who wants to save the Family Legend, though she is not sure, whether it's magic or simply romantic optimism. And together they find out matters of the heart are not as simple as it seems!
My thoughts: I don't think any other story would be as suited for a Hallmark movie based on Valentine's Day as this one! 'Sweeter Than Chocolate' is a story for all hopeless romantics. The writing was effortless, which made it such an easy read. I loved Lucy and Dean as the main characters, and the conversations that they had with each other were pretty much insightful. I really liked the side characters; they were all so genuine and adorable. Overall, this was a sweet and fun read, and would be looking forward to more books from the author, as I genuinely enjoyed her writing style.
I'm grateful to NetGalley and Hallmark publishing for providing me with an eARC copy of this one!
I'm publishing this review on my GR right now and will post the same on my Instagram account, upon publication.
PS- This is an unbiased and honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Plot: 'How Sweet It Is', a chocolate shop owned by Lucy Sweet at Warner Corner, has gone viral after her best friend, Lena, posted about how she met her 'One True Love' after eating 'cupid chocolates' on Valentine's Day.
Lucy Sweet has always been a bit skeptical about advertising and profiting from the cupid chocolates, as she feels the magic would backfire if she did so.
Dean, an investigative reporter at Channel Five, has been assigned to report a special Valentine's Day segment, to soften his image.
'Ambitious' Dean interviews people brought together by chocolates, even though he doesn't believe in it or even in 'love', along with Lucy, who wants to save the Family Legend, though she is not sure, whether it's magic or simply romantic optimism. And together they find out matters of the heart are not as simple as it seems!
My thoughts: I don't think any other story would be as suited for a Hallmark movie based on Valentine's Day as this one! 'Sweeter Than Chocolate' is a story for all hopeless romantics. The writing was effortless, which made it such an easy read. I loved Lucy and Dean as the main characters, and the conversations that they had with each other were pretty much insightful. I really liked the side characters; they were all so genuine and adorable. Overall, this was a sweet and fun read, and would be looking forward to more books from the author, as I genuinely enjoyed her writing style.
I'm grateful to NetGalley and Hallmark publishing for providing me with an eARC copy of this one!
I'm publishing this review on my GR right now and will post the same on my Instagram account, upon publication.
PS- This is an unbiased and honest review, and all opinions are my own.
February 7, 2023
Sweeter Than Chocolate
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 1/17/23
Author: Lizzie Shane
GR: 4.05
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: Lucy’s chocolate shop has been in the family for generations. Lucy could not be happier being a chocolatier. Her shop is famous for the Cupid chocolate, the rumor is if you eat it on Valentine’s Day, you will find true love. Lucy isn’t convinced if it is actually magic or coincidence, but she makes the chocolates because it makes her happy. Dean is a reporter and his editor is making him do a human interest piece on the Cupid chocolate and he does not believe in love.
The story is narrated by Lucy and Dean, in third person POV. I love it when you get both sides of the picture. Lucy is fiercely independent, caring, and focused. Dean is a skeptic on love, would do anything for his sister, and career focused. The characters were developed well with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and creatively built around the Cupid chocolate. The author’s writing style was complex, swoony, funny, and engaging. The MCs are both likable and relatable. The supporting characters were also wonderful, I really enjoyed Lucy’s grandmother and Dean’s sister.
The narration was amazing, the narrators pull you into the story and you feel like your watching a movie. This was a cute, fun, sweet read that I really enjoyed. While reading this book, I had pictured a Hallmark actress as Lucy and I was right on the money as Hallmark just released the book in a movie featuring the actress. I would recommend reading the book first, then seeing the movie. I have not had a chance to watch the movie yet, but plan on it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 1/17/23
Author: Lizzie Shane
GR: 4.05
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: Lucy’s chocolate shop has been in the family for generations. Lucy could not be happier being a chocolatier. Her shop is famous for the Cupid chocolate, the rumor is if you eat it on Valentine’s Day, you will find true love. Lucy isn’t convinced if it is actually magic or coincidence, but she makes the chocolates because it makes her happy. Dean is a reporter and his editor is making him do a human interest piece on the Cupid chocolate and he does not believe in love.
The story is narrated by Lucy and Dean, in third person POV. I love it when you get both sides of the picture. Lucy is fiercely independent, caring, and focused. Dean is a skeptic on love, would do anything for his sister, and career focused. The characters were developed well with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and creatively built around the Cupid chocolate. The author’s writing style was complex, swoony, funny, and engaging. The MCs are both likable and relatable. The supporting characters were also wonderful, I really enjoyed Lucy’s grandmother and Dean’s sister.
The narration was amazing, the narrators pull you into the story and you feel like your watching a movie. This was a cute, fun, sweet read that I really enjoyed. While reading this book, I had pictured a Hallmark actress as Lucy and I was right on the money as Hallmark just released the book in a movie featuring the actress. I would recommend reading the book first, then seeing the movie. I have not had a chance to watch the movie yet, but plan on it.
February 16, 2023
Opposites attract
Grumpy/sunshine
This story is adorable! It follows a chocolate maker whose “Cupid chocolates” are said to help find love for whomever eats it on Valentine’s Day.
Once a post claiming they’re magical goes viral the shop is interviewed, and the reporter doesn’t believe in their “magic”.
Little do the owner, and reporter know that while they’re interviewing and filming for the story (which is in need of being saved) sparks will fly!
Grumpy/sunshine
This story is adorable! It follows a chocolate maker whose “Cupid chocolates” are said to help find love for whomever eats it on Valentine’s Day.
Once a post claiming they’re magical goes viral the shop is interviewed, and the reporter doesn’t believe in their “magic”.
Little do the owner, and reporter know that while they’re interviewing and filming for the story (which is in need of being saved) sparks will fly!
March 1, 2023
3.5 rounded up!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I don't know if it was my mood, the time of the year, or the fact that I was ferociously cleaning my house while listening to this book that made me devour it in a day! Think cute, hallmark, chocolate shop movie and this is exactly thay and more!
When the word is a magic chocolate can help you find true love on valentines day, handsome TV reporter Dean is sent to get the scoop. Lucy didn't mean for her "magic" chocolates to go viral, but now that it has, everyone wants to know more. Through interviews, forced proximity, and a little chocolate, Dean and Lucy can't help but fall for each other!
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I don't know if it was my mood, the time of the year, or the fact that I was ferociously cleaning my house while listening to this book that made me devour it in a day! Think cute, hallmark, chocolate shop movie and this is exactly thay and more!
When the word is a magic chocolate can help you find true love on valentines day, handsome TV reporter Dean is sent to get the scoop. Lucy didn't mean for her "magic" chocolates to go viral, but now that it has, everyone wants to know more. Through interviews, forced proximity, and a little chocolate, Dean and Lucy can't help but fall for each other!
December 22, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Lucy Sweet is the owner of How Sweet It Is, a chocolate shop that has been in her family for generations, one that is home to magical cupid chocolates. The legend says that if you eat one of the cupid chocolates on Valentine’s Day with an open heart, you will find true love. In comes Dean, a news reporter and cynic when it comes to anything love related. Their story starts with Dean being instructed to write a cute story about her shop and the chocolates, so they go on an adventure to discover the magic behind the magical chocolates.
This was a slow-burn romance, which is my favorite, and it was so wholesome. It was a perfect, no-drama, hallmark-inspired movie that I think anyone would enjoy. It was an easy read and one I would recommend to anyone who wants a love story that’s simple and sweet. I loved that there weren’t any real miscommunications between the couple and they were open about their feelings for the most part. I also loved how the couple's relationships with friends and family were clearly shown, it made you feel closer to all of the characters in the book.
Both Lucy and Dean have their reserves, but you see them grow as individuals, both together and separately, throughout the book. I am so excited to see how this book will translate on screen when the Hallmark movie comes out
Lucy Sweet is the owner of How Sweet It Is, a chocolate shop that has been in her family for generations, one that is home to magical cupid chocolates. The legend says that if you eat one of the cupid chocolates on Valentine’s Day with an open heart, you will find true love. In comes Dean, a news reporter and cynic when it comes to anything love related. Their story starts with Dean being instructed to write a cute story about her shop and the chocolates, so they go on an adventure to discover the magic behind the magical chocolates.
This was a slow-burn romance, which is my favorite, and it was so wholesome. It was a perfect, no-drama, hallmark-inspired movie that I think anyone would enjoy. It was an easy read and one I would recommend to anyone who wants a love story that’s simple and sweet. I loved that there weren’t any real miscommunications between the couple and they were open about their feelings for the most part. I also loved how the couple's relationships with friends and family were clearly shown, it made you feel closer to all of the characters in the book.
Both Lucy and Dean have their reserves, but you see them grow as individuals, both together and separately, throughout the book. I am so excited to see how this book will translate on screen when the Hallmark movie comes out
December 13, 2022
This charming rom-com novel (soon-to-be Hallmark movie) is the perfect lead up to Valentine’s Day.
Lucy Sweet is the proprietor and chocolatier of How Sweet It Is, a small candy shop that has been in her family for four generations. When her grandfather died, she assumed sole responsibility for maintaining the family legacy and bears the burden of making the business financially stable. As Valentine’s Day approaches, word gets out through social media of her “magical” Cupid chocolates, a secret recipe handed down from Lucy’s grandmother. Legend has it that eating a Cupid confection on Valentine’s Day leads to one’s true love…and there is a Wall of Love replete with photographs of couples who demonstrate the legend’s truth.
Enter Dean, the skeptical, (even cynical) investigative TV reporter who has built a reputation by debunking con artists. When he is assigned to do a “fluff” piece on the magical Cupid chocolates, he is sure he will find an unscrupulous owner taking advantage of gullible people who want love. Unsurprisingly, what begins as an antagonistic relationship between Lucy and Dean, turns into a romantic romp as each one bumps up against their respective baggage about love and commitment.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The author does a credible job of weaving wise, and sometimes profound, insights about love into the dialogues between the reluctant couple. Additionally, the supporting characters add interest and dimension to the storyline. My only criticism is that the story lagged at times due to the repetition of Lucy’s and Dean’s respective attitudes and backstories.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Lucy Sweet is the proprietor and chocolatier of How Sweet It Is, a small candy shop that has been in her family for four generations. When her grandfather died, she assumed sole responsibility for maintaining the family legacy and bears the burden of making the business financially stable. As Valentine’s Day approaches, word gets out through social media of her “magical” Cupid chocolates, a secret recipe handed down from Lucy’s grandmother. Legend has it that eating a Cupid confection on Valentine’s Day leads to one’s true love…and there is a Wall of Love replete with photographs of couples who demonstrate the legend’s truth.
Enter Dean, the skeptical, (even cynical) investigative TV reporter who has built a reputation by debunking con artists. When he is assigned to do a “fluff” piece on the magical Cupid chocolates, he is sure he will find an unscrupulous owner taking advantage of gullible people who want love. Unsurprisingly, what begins as an antagonistic relationship between Lucy and Dean, turns into a romantic romp as each one bumps up against their respective baggage about love and commitment.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. The author does a credible job of weaving wise, and sometimes profound, insights about love into the dialogues between the reluctant couple. Additionally, the supporting characters add interest and dimension to the storyline. My only criticism is that the story lagged at times due to the repetition of Lucy’s and Dean’s respective attitudes and backstories.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 15, 2022
"Dean Chase was about to become Lucy Sweet’s number-one customer. Right until he got his story."
This was a sweet, lighthearted and drama free book. The chapters were short and enjoyable. The flow of the story was satisfying and the setting was well plotted. Dean & Lucy had a palpable chemistry and made good main characters. Though some parts towards the end were cheesey and the change in Dean's opinions on love and relationships was sudden and came out of nowhere which is why it was a bit unbelievable to me. But I liked the overall vibes that the book radiated off. So it was a 3.5 star read for me.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
This was a sweet, lighthearted and drama free book. The chapters were short and enjoyable. The flow of the story was satisfying and the setting was well plotted. Dean & Lucy had a palpable chemistry and made good main characters. Though some parts towards the end were cheesey and the change in Dean's opinions on love and relationships was sudden and came out of nowhere which is why it was a bit unbelievable to me. But I liked the overall vibes that the book radiated off. So it was a 3.5 star read for me.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
January 12, 2023
This book was so cute. I enjoyed reading it. I love a good love story. Hallmark really knows how to yank a person’s heartstrings. This was the first book I read from hallmark publishing and it definitely won’t be the last one.
April 11, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
I'm not a romance girlie but this was pretty cute! I really enjoyed the idea of 'magic' chocolates.
It was kinda repetitive and it definitely lacked depth (the characters could've been fleshed out more) but overall it was a fun time, as expected from Hallmark :)
I'm not a romance girlie but this was pretty cute! I really enjoyed the idea of 'magic' chocolates.
It was kinda repetitive and it definitely lacked depth (the characters could've been fleshed out more) but overall it was a fun time, as expected from Hallmark :)
February 14, 2023
As cliche as this may be, I found this to be a sweet love story.
“There was nothing in the world so heavenly as the smell of fresh chocolate”
| Synopsis |
Lucy Sweet, owner of a family run chocolate shop, is too busy for love.
Dean, a scrupulous reporter, known for exposing fraud and the truth, is tasked with putting together a story about Lucy’s store and their magical Cupid chocolates.
“Love was a con…and no one was better at exposing fraud than Dean Chase.”
Legend has it that if you eat one on Valentines, you’ll fall in love.
“Never would have met if it weren’t for the Cupid chocolates. Your magic recipe led me to my true love.”
| Thoughts |
If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie as a book, this is it (it has literally been made into one). It includes all the trappings from the women too busy for love and the man whose is disillusioned by love. They’re supported by a lively bunch of characters who add some additional warmth to the story.
I did find the beginning of the book a bit difficult to get into but once they have their meet-cute, it starts to pick up.
Did enjoy the build up in this slow burn romance and they had some sweet moments (although they were conveniently interrupted one too many times).
“She closed the door on his ridiculous face. And was still smiling half an hour later”.
An ending to that will give you all the feels if you’re looking for a simple and cosy romance.
📚 dual pov
📚 enemies to lovers
📚 clean romance
📚 small town romance
Thank you to NetGalley, Hallmark Publishing and the author for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
“There was nothing in the world so heavenly as the smell of fresh chocolate”
| Synopsis |
Lucy Sweet, owner of a family run chocolate shop, is too busy for love.
Dean, a scrupulous reporter, known for exposing fraud and the truth, is tasked with putting together a story about Lucy’s store and their magical Cupid chocolates.
“Love was a con…and no one was better at exposing fraud than Dean Chase.”
Legend has it that if you eat one on Valentines, you’ll fall in love.
“Never would have met if it weren’t for the Cupid chocolates. Your magic recipe led me to my true love.”
| Thoughts |
If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie as a book, this is it (it has literally been made into one). It includes all the trappings from the women too busy for love and the man whose is disillusioned by love. They’re supported by a lively bunch of characters who add some additional warmth to the story.
I did find the beginning of the book a bit difficult to get into but once they have their meet-cute, it starts to pick up.
Did enjoy the build up in this slow burn romance and they had some sweet moments (although they were conveniently interrupted one too many times).
“She closed the door on his ridiculous face. And was still smiling half an hour later”.
An ending to that will give you all the feels if you’re looking for a simple and cosy romance.
📚 dual pov
📚 enemies to lovers
📚 clean romance
📚 small town romance
Thank you to NetGalley, Hallmark Publishing and the author for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2023
“Belief is a powerful force in the workings of the mind.”
I have been waiting for this book to release for so long and I’m so disappointed. Sweeter Than Chocolate originally had a publishing date for the beginning of 2021 but was pushed back for whatever reason.
As I began reading, I found myself rolling my eyes more and more. Now, this may be an unpopular opinion but there is a difference between being inclusive and being performative. There. I said it. ….and this book is 100% performative. There are only so many minorities you can shove into ~300 pages but then to give them secondary character spots, or even worse -a mention for the sake of a word count…..absolutely not. Zero percent. Thank you, next!
As for the story? Boy meets girl, girl makes chocolate, boy and girl fall in love -love me some good ‘ole fashion Hallmark romance, likely more than the average person but this was a bust.
100% going to be buying chocolate though. 🍫💁🏻♀️
I have been waiting for this book to release for so long and I’m so disappointed. Sweeter Than Chocolate originally had a publishing date for the beginning of 2021 but was pushed back for whatever reason.
As I began reading, I found myself rolling my eyes more and more. Now, this may be an unpopular opinion but there is a difference between being inclusive and being performative. There. I said it. ….and this book is 100% performative. There are only so many minorities you can shove into ~300 pages but then to give them secondary character spots, or even worse -a mention for the sake of a word count…..absolutely not. Zero percent. Thank you, next!
As for the story? Boy meets girl, girl makes chocolate, boy and girl fall in love -love me some good ‘ole fashion Hallmark romance, likely more than the average person but this was a bust.
100% going to be buying chocolate though. 🍫💁🏻♀️
January 16, 2023
Can chocolate be magic? Can love be magic? I personally believe the answer to both is yes as I am a devoted chocolate lover and will have been happily married for 30 years come this August. So, believing a chocolate shop can create a chocolate that helps boost love in your life is not outside the realm of possibility as love is a feeling, not a tangible item and belief is much the same. The author wove a wonderfully creative story of a sweet romance between a true believer and a definite non-believer. It is the perfect sweet story to listen to and be completely entertained by. The narrators do an amazing job of bringing the characters and their emotions to life so you will definitely want to put this book on your must listen list! I'd suggest grabbing some chocolate to enjoy with the story!
January 25, 2023
⭐️3,5
I really enjoyed this cute story.
I couldn’t stop listening. I currently tend to like no spicy romances better, so that was an amazing bonus as well.
I loved Lucy and Dean but all of the characters were a lot of fun, especially the grandma!
I loved the whole idea about a chocolate shop and how much time they actually spend in that setting as well.
All of the treats made me miss my fave chocolate shop in California tbh.
It bugged me a little that in the end Lucy never told Dean about the first cupid chocolate he had eaten before already but well, overall it was amazing!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this cute story.
I couldn’t stop listening. I currently tend to like no spicy romances better, so that was an amazing bonus as well.
I loved Lucy and Dean but all of the characters were a lot of fun, especially the grandma!
I loved the whole idea about a chocolate shop and how much time they actually spend in that setting as well.
All of the treats made me miss my fave chocolate shop in California tbh.
It bugged me a little that in the end Lucy never told Dean about the first cupid chocolate he had eaten before already but well, overall it was amazing!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
January 13, 2023
A cute, quick, Valentine's theme clean romance.
Lucy owns a chocolate shop with a magical Cupid chocolate, and legend is that eating one on Valentine's Day helps you find your true love. Dean is the anti-love investigative reporter for the local news and shows up ready to do an expose. Except his boss wants a feel-good piece. Then begins Lucy and Sean bantering as she tries to convince him the chocolates can work. They end up spending a bunch of time together, feelings, etc.
I enjoyed this, as it was less saccharine and cheesy than some of the Hallmark stories. It was a nice Valentine's focused book, and I liked the characters.
Lucy owns a chocolate shop with a magical Cupid chocolate, and legend is that eating one on Valentine's Day helps you find your true love. Dean is the anti-love investigative reporter for the local news and shows up ready to do an expose. Except his boss wants a feel-good piece. Then begins Lucy and Sean bantering as she tries to convince him the chocolates can work. They end up spending a bunch of time together, feelings, etc.
I enjoyed this, as it was less saccharine and cheesy than some of the Hallmark stories. It was a nice Valentine's focused book, and I liked the characters.
January 25, 2023
This was so sweet, pun intended! I loved Lucy, and grew to like Dean, though I found him a little…stuffy.
This would make the perfect Valentine’s Hallmark movie! After falling in love with Lizzie Shane’s writing in Pride and Puppies, I could wait to dive into this romance about a chocolatier and a news reporter. It was everything I wanted.
I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This would make the perfect Valentine’s Hallmark movie! After falling in love with Lizzie Shane’s writing in Pride and Puppies, I could wait to dive into this romance about a chocolatier and a news reporter. It was everything I wanted.
I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 29, 2024
Surprised with how much I liked this book. As a certified hater I felt a kinship with the MMC. Love the sprinkled in love stories and how diverse they were without it feeling like they are trying to hard. One star off because it was still rather repetitive. We get it FMC, you have anxiety and think you are going to be sued because your magic candies didn’t work. I would love to read the court transcript of that lawsuit.
January 4, 2023
This book is the perfect Valentine’s Day read and I believe it will make a brilliant Valentine’s Day movie too.
Lucy Sweet, currently owns and runs her family’s chocolate store ‘ How Sweet It Is’. The store has been in her family for four generations and she is so passionate about doing her family proud. An old family recipe for a cupids chocolate is famous for bringing people together with the magic on Valentine’s Day. This is something that cynic reporter Fran does not believe it. In fact he is so appalled that he has been given this story to report he vows to show that Lucy is conning her customers.
What he wasn’t banking on was the chemistry that this pair share and over time he slowly starts doubting everything that he has ever believed about love.
I adored this sweet book, it was charming and fun and just a lovely easy read to get stuck into. I really enjoyed Dean and Lucy and thought they were the perfect match. The side characters were all really great too, especially Nana Edda, what a character she was. Loved the setting in this cute small town.
If you want a zero drama book then I absolutely recommend that you pick this one up.
Thank a you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
Lucy Sweet, currently owns and runs her family’s chocolate store ‘ How Sweet It Is’. The store has been in her family for four generations and she is so passionate about doing her family proud. An old family recipe for a cupids chocolate is famous for bringing people together with the magic on Valentine’s Day. This is something that cynic reporter Fran does not believe it. In fact he is so appalled that he has been given this story to report he vows to show that Lucy is conning her customers.
What he wasn’t banking on was the chemistry that this pair share and over time he slowly starts doubting everything that he has ever believed about love.
I adored this sweet book, it was charming and fun and just a lovely easy read to get stuck into. I really enjoyed Dean and Lucy and thought they were the perfect match. The side characters were all really great too, especially Nana Edda, what a character she was. Loved the setting in this cute small town.
If you want a zero drama book then I absolutely recommend that you pick this one up.
Thank a you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.
March 6, 2023
It was a typical “Hallmark” love story. Fluffy, lightweight read. Good for a break in the doldrums of winter. Chocolate shop owner meets cynical news reporter, very predicable banter between them. It was a cute story, but don’t expect any drama or a surprise ending.
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