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Honey Acres #1
The Sweetest Thing
"Buzzing with charm and as sweet as a honey-comb. I was captivated." — USA TODAY bestselling author Teri Wilson
A stolen family recipe has all the ingredients to turn a rivalry into romance…
For Tansy Hill, nothing is sweeter than honey from her farm—except maybe revenge on the man who broke her heart and humiliated her all those years ago. Dane “The Viking” Knudson has been Tansy’s rival since childhood, and though he’s grown into a frustratingly handsome charmer, he’s also standing between her and the best honey award at the Honey Bee Festival, which Honey Hill Farms desperately needs to stay afloat.
Fanning the sparks that have forever flown between them, the competition is on. Sure, Tansy and Dane have plenty in common—more than they’ll admit—but Dane’s plans to expand Viking Honey are also on the line. When buried family secrets come to light, they’ll have to decide whether taking a chance on each other is worth risking the happiness they’ve been longing for.
Bonus novella!
Camellia Hill had long since given up any hope of finding true love. But now she has two suitors vying for her hand and is faced with a decision only her heart can make.
Honey Acres
Book 1: The Sweetest Thing
A stolen family recipe has all the ingredients to turn a rivalry into romance…
For Tansy Hill, nothing is sweeter than honey from her farm—except maybe revenge on the man who broke her heart and humiliated her all those years ago. Dane “The Viking” Knudson has been Tansy’s rival since childhood, and though he’s grown into a frustratingly handsome charmer, he’s also standing between her and the best honey award at the Honey Bee Festival, which Honey Hill Farms desperately needs to stay afloat.
Fanning the sparks that have forever flown between them, the competition is on. Sure, Tansy and Dane have plenty in common—more than they’ll admit—but Dane’s plans to expand Viking Honey are also on the line. When buried family secrets come to light, they’ll have to decide whether taking a chance on each other is worth risking the happiness they’ve been longing for.
Bonus novella!
Camellia Hill had long since given up any hope of finding true love. But now she has two suitors vying for her hand and is faced with a decision only her heart can make.
Honey Acres
Book 1: The Sweetest Thing
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 28, 2022
34 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Summers
137 books833 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sasha Summers writes stories that celebrate the ups and downs, loves and losses, ordinary and extraordinary occurrences of life. Sasha pens fiction in multiple genres and hopes each and every book will draw readers in and set them on an emotional and rewarding journey. When not writing, she’s reading or spending time with her family somewhere in the Texas Hill Country. With a puppy on her lap and her favorite Thor mug full of coffee, Sasha is currently working on her next novel.
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 7, 2022
The Sweetest Thing by Sasha Summers
Honey Acres series book 1. Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe.
Tansy and Dane have been neighbors and rivals since they were children. Both farms are dedicated to bees and processing honey which also turns to competition. Secrets and lies and life have a way of disrupting the calm.
For Tansy and Dane, it’s time to revisit the past and decide what they really want.
Old issues and problems ramp up the differences between the farm and the families. There’s resentment but there is also love, both for family and potentially of the heart.
Dane is always straightforward and clear which I liked a lot. He is true hero material putting his life and reputation and money on the line for family and his dream. And while the teen brother is a handful, Dane is there for him. Truly heartwarming.
Loved the grand gesture at the end.
Sweet romance. Plus I learned a lot about bees!
Honey Acres series book 1. Contemporary romance. Enemies to lovers troupe.
Tansy and Dane have been neighbors and rivals since they were children. Both farms are dedicated to bees and processing honey which also turns to competition. Secrets and lies and life have a way of disrupting the calm.
For Tansy and Dane, it’s time to revisit the past and decide what they really want.
Old issues and problems ramp up the differences between the farm and the families. There’s resentment but there is also love, both for family and potentially of the heart.
Dane is always straightforward and clear which I liked a lot. He is true hero material putting his life and reputation and money on the line for family and his dream. And while the teen brother is a handful, Dane is there for him. Truly heartwarming.
Loved the grand gesture at the end.
Sweet romance. Plus I learned a lot about bees!
May 22, 2022
I’ve been looking forward to this book since the author first mentioned it. Bees are so important to our planet, but I realized that I didn’t know of many fiction books with bees/beekeeping as a central theme in which the story is built around. I was thrilled when given the opportunity to read an ARC.
Main Premise – While The Sweetest Thing is absolutely a romance, the multi-generational family story is just as strong. The Hill and Knudson families operate neighboring Honey Farms and were once friends before misunderstandings and tragedy sour their relationship. Their rivalry intensifies as both vie for the top spot at the Honey Bee Festival. When the story opens, Tansy Hill and Dane Knudson spend more time needling each other than listening. Dane is trying to parent his teenage brother and manage his outlandish father. Tansy’s close relationship with her sisters and aunts is a triumph, but a family secret still has the potential to shake her world. I appreciated how both our main characters navigated the family dynamics. We see mistakes as well as successes. I love that everything wasn’t perfect. I’m glad that this part of their lives wasn’t relegated to background details or filler. Not only did their families enrich this story, but everyone feels like fully formed characters to root for in future installments. I’m already invested.
Bees – I know nothing about beekeeping so this part of the story came alive for me. It was easy to understand as written, but I lost count of how many times I pulled up something online to see (in real time) the action or process described in the book. So fascinating. It made me want to visit a local honey farm to see one in person.
Romance – Dane and Tansy’s romance is a second chance for them. As a result of a jealous high school prank, both have been living for years under the misunderstanding that they were wronged by the other, and for years their interactions were a source of great entertainment for anyone who happened to be around at the time. ‘The Great Thawing’, as I like to call it, happened in such a realistic way that I was completely charmed. Their attraction was obvious from the start, so the key was to get them in the same spot for longer than it took to trade a few insults back and forth. Once they were forced to really talk and clear the air, staying away from each other became near impossible, which, considering the family issues both were dealing with, having each other as support made for some sweet moments. And I liked that their on-page affection remained rated G/PG. It felt more fitting to the overall tone of the story.
Writing Style – Sasha Summers has an easy-breezy style of writing that feels like you’re right there with the characters as the story is unfolding. The language is conversational, and the natural cadence makes for a fast read regardless of the actual page count. Reading a Sasha Summers book is like visiting with friends. 10/10, highly recommend.
Main Premise – While The Sweetest Thing is absolutely a romance, the multi-generational family story is just as strong. The Hill and Knudson families operate neighboring Honey Farms and were once friends before misunderstandings and tragedy sour their relationship. Their rivalry intensifies as both vie for the top spot at the Honey Bee Festival. When the story opens, Tansy Hill and Dane Knudson spend more time needling each other than listening. Dane is trying to parent his teenage brother and manage his outlandish father. Tansy’s close relationship with her sisters and aunts is a triumph, but a family secret still has the potential to shake her world. I appreciated how both our main characters navigated the family dynamics. We see mistakes as well as successes. I love that everything wasn’t perfect. I’m glad that this part of their lives wasn’t relegated to background details or filler. Not only did their families enrich this story, but everyone feels like fully formed characters to root for in future installments. I’m already invested.
Bees – I know nothing about beekeeping so this part of the story came alive for me. It was easy to understand as written, but I lost count of how many times I pulled up something online to see (in real time) the action or process described in the book. So fascinating. It made me want to visit a local honey farm to see one in person.
Romance – Dane and Tansy’s romance is a second chance for them. As a result of a jealous high school prank, both have been living for years under the misunderstanding that they were wronged by the other, and for years their interactions were a source of great entertainment for anyone who happened to be around at the time. ‘The Great Thawing’, as I like to call it, happened in such a realistic way that I was completely charmed. Their attraction was obvious from the start, so the key was to get them in the same spot for longer than it took to trade a few insults back and forth. Once they were forced to really talk and clear the air, staying away from each other became near impossible, which, considering the family issues both were dealing with, having each other as support made for some sweet moments. And I liked that their on-page affection remained rated G/PG. It felt more fitting to the overall tone of the story.
Writing Style – Sasha Summers has an easy-breezy style of writing that feels like you’re right there with the characters as the story is unfolding. The language is conversational, and the natural cadence makes for a fast read regardless of the actual page count. Reading a Sasha Summers book is like visiting with friends. 10/10, highly recommend.
July 1, 2022
I have never been disappointed by a Sasha Summers book and I'm pleased to add another soon to be loved series to my bookshelf! Sasha writes more than just a great romance story. She creates families and towns that you'll love to get lost in and never want to leave. If you think you don't like to read about small towns, sweet romance, and kids I bet a Sasha Summer's book would change your mind!
Tansy and Dane were wonderful characters and I loved how much they got under each other's skin. Rivals who have to work together are the best stories! The bee club kids were another highlight to the story. At times, they seemed more mature than the adults around them. Speaking of bees, the Sweetest Thing was filled with fun bee facts that made me feel smarter after finishing it. I love being able to learn while escaping into a good book.
Overall, a super sweet romance that at its heart is also about family. I can't wait to escape back to Honey Hill Farms soon!
Tansy and Dane were wonderful characters and I loved how much they got under each other's skin. Rivals who have to work together are the best stories! The bee club kids were another highlight to the story. At times, they seemed more mature than the adults around them. Speaking of bees, the Sweetest Thing was filled with fun bee facts that made me feel smarter after finishing it. I love being able to learn while escaping into a good book.
Overall, a super sweet romance that at its heart is also about family. I can't wait to escape back to Honey Hill Farms soon!
June 25, 2022
The Sweetest Thing introduces us to Tansy Hill, one of the Bee Girls from Honey Hill Farm and Dane “The Viking” Knudson, who is running the family owned, Viking Honey. Dane and Tansy are sworn enemies based on things that happened when they were children and into highschool, things we learn about in the story. Both businesses are in financial difficulty, and both are counting on winning the award for the best honey and the Honey Bee Festival. Dane has come home to save the family farm and take care of his brother after his father disappears, yet still retains control of the farm and honey business. He has sunk most of his 401K into upgrades, as well as planning to expand Viking Honey into a tourist destination. Tansy and her family are not happy with the plans as any changes to the land and vegetation will endanger the bees. Throw in some secrets and misunderstandings and both families are in for some surprises that just might bring about positive change and save both businesses.
I really enjoyed The Sweetest Thing. This was a sweet, clean, family story that made me want to go to the Honey Bee Festival. I liked how "family" was such a huge part of this book. Both farms/businesses were family run and operated, at least by the end of the book. Dane and Tansy were both great characters, but for me, Dane stole the show. He was a "Thor" lookalike who had some great scenes, especially with young children. Watching Dane and Tansy become friends after being forced to work together with the Junior Beekeepers was heartwarming. Tansy's aunts were a hoot, especially as they fought over the antics of Lord Byron, Aunt Camellia's bird, who is constantly stealing things and hiding them, and her sisters are so important to her and the business. Dane's family is very different. His mother died when he was young and his father has been married several times. At present, he has left the farm while Dane struggles to save it, not really knowing what he is up against. His younger, teenage brother is struggling. He is getting into trouble and wants nothing to do with the farm or the bees, at least at the beginning. So many of the characters in the book change and grow in such positive ways that I really liked. Sasha Summers has an easy to read, comfortable writing style. The story made me feel like I was a fly, or should I say bee, in the room listening to conversations and watching the story play out. Overall, this is a romance, second chances, a family saga and a story where you learn about bees and how important they are to our world. I definitely recommend The Sweetest Thing. I was fortunate to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Courtney Patterson. I have listened to other books she has narrated and I enjoy her voice and presentation. She uses tone, intonation and accents to give voice to the various characters. Listening to this book added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoyed The Sweetest Thing. This was a sweet, clean, family story that made me want to go to the Honey Bee Festival. I liked how "family" was such a huge part of this book. Both farms/businesses were family run and operated, at least by the end of the book. Dane and Tansy were both great characters, but for me, Dane stole the show. He was a "Thor" lookalike who had some great scenes, especially with young children. Watching Dane and Tansy become friends after being forced to work together with the Junior Beekeepers was heartwarming. Tansy's aunts were a hoot, especially as they fought over the antics of Lord Byron, Aunt Camellia's bird, who is constantly stealing things and hiding them, and her sisters are so important to her and the business. Dane's family is very different. His mother died when he was young and his father has been married several times. At present, he has left the farm while Dane struggles to save it, not really knowing what he is up against. His younger, teenage brother is struggling. He is getting into trouble and wants nothing to do with the farm or the bees, at least at the beginning. So many of the characters in the book change and grow in such positive ways that I really liked. Sasha Summers has an easy to read, comfortable writing style. The story made me feel like I was a fly, or should I say bee, in the room listening to conversations and watching the story play out. Overall, this is a romance, second chances, a family saga and a story where you learn about bees and how important they are to our world. I definitely recommend The Sweetest Thing. I was fortunate to listen to the audiobook, narrated by Courtney Patterson. I have listened to other books she has narrated and I enjoy her voice and presentation. She uses tone, intonation and accents to give voice to the various characters. Listening to this book added to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 28, 2022
Thank you to the publisher, HQN Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Sweetest Thing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Anyone who has read one of my previous reviews of the summer romance genre, might have noticed that romance isn’t really my thing right now.
This has not changed, but I am pleasantly surprised by The Sweetest Thing.
You see, I don’t have to be a huge, or moderate, fan of romance in order give a positive review.
Let me explain.
The Details
Even though I am not totally convinced by the protagonist, I can see that the author actually cared about this story and put a lot of effort into it.
I find the protagonist a little stand-offish. I have the feeling she thinks she deserve a whole lot and doesn’t care to treat people nicer. There is a certain degree of arrogance to her that kept me from connecting with her.
And although the “love interest” isn’t really my type, I sided more with him than with her.
I don’t particularly like the enemies-to-lovers plot and some of the teasing in this story feels a little juvenile.
The writing is very good, though. I can tell that Summers cares about this story, the characters and the quality of writing she produces.
The focus on the honey bees and bringing some well-deserved attention to the fact that they are a dying species and that it would be detrimental to everyone, is very much appreciated.
Generally speaking, this gives me the feeling of an all-is-well-at-the-end type story. You know the type where everybody laughs at a light-hearted joke and then the credits roll.
The Verdict
Overall, this is a cute little romantic story with the typical Hallmark Channel feel to it.
I would recommend it.
July 30, 2022
The Sweetest Thing is the first book in the Honey Hill Series written by Sasha Summers. I haven't read a lot of Sasha summers book.but the book I have read have never left me with any regret. I have loved every single one so far and can't wait to pick up the next book in the series which I already have and it next in my read.
Tansy and Dane where my favorite characters. They are rivals from different farms that are unwilling to admit there feeling for each other. I have loved their story and was happy with their ending. tansy has many important people in her life she has her Aunt Mags and her Aunt Camellia. She has two sister by the name Astrid and Rosemary who she runs Honey Hill Farms with. Dane has his brother Leif who he loves and kinda help raises. He runs the Honey farm with his dad and let's just say they don't have the best of relationship.
I can't wait to get my hands on like bees to honey and see what story awaits me in the next book.
I Highly recommend any book by Sasha Summer. She has a way of writing the small town love stories, that just keep me coming back everytime.
Tansy and Dane where my favorite characters. They are rivals from different farms that are unwilling to admit there feeling for each other. I have loved their story and was happy with their ending. tansy has many important people in her life she has her Aunt Mags and her Aunt Camellia. She has two sister by the name Astrid and Rosemary who she runs Honey Hill Farms with. Dane has his brother Leif who he loves and kinda help raises. He runs the Honey farm with his dad and let's just say they don't have the best of relationship.
I can't wait to get my hands on like bees to honey and see what story awaits me in the next book.
I Highly recommend any book by Sasha Summer. She has a way of writing the small town love stories, that just keep me coming back everytime.
June 11, 2022
Book: The Sweetest Thing
Author: Sasha Summers
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, HON Books, for sending me an ARC.
I am once again one of the few who did not enjoy a book. It wasn’t even the fact that this book was poorly done or anything like that. I just could not get into it. It was a little too wholesome and a little bit too much like a Hallmark movie for my liking. While there were secrets in the book, I just felt that this wasn’t my cup of tea when it comes to romance. The romance I tend to enjoy has a little bit less emphasis on romance and more on daily life. this book also contained a romance trope that I enjoy: enemies to lovers.
We follow Tansy and Dante who are both beekeepers. They have known each other their whole lives and are bitter enemies. They will stop at nothing to bring the other down. This, to me, is a great set-up. Like I said in the previous paragraph, I do enjoy enemies to lovers stories. The fact that is set on a bee farm is something different. I was hooked by this setup. However, the more I read, the more I didn’t like it. The characters, I thought, were very immature and fake. I don’t know how else to put it. I know that a lot of the other romance books I read do have immature characters. However, immaturity fits them. It fits the story that those authors are trying to tell. I didn’t get that here. We have two highly successful people and, yet, they act like four-year-olds. The way they are written doesn’t make them seem human. Tansy felt like she was above everything and everyone else, while Dante just wasn’t likeable at all. I didn’t feel any kind of bond or connection with them. They were just there.
The writing was solid, but it was missing something to give it that edge. Both of the characters are about saving their farms and homes. They much win the local honey competition to do so. Great…Great set up again…However, this urgency did not come across the page. I didn’t know why I was supposed to care. I didn’t know why the stakes were high. The emotional impact of this situation was missing. To keep your reader engaged, you have to give them a reason to care about what is going on. You have to get them invested in the story. The stakes felt cookie-cutter. Never once did I think that things were going to backfire on the characters. I knew that everything was going to work out and things were going to be fine. You have to make your readers feel worried or else the whole story is going to be lost on them.
Again, I am one of the few who did not enjoy this book, so don’t let my review be your deciding factor on whether or not you pick this book up.
This book comes out on June 28, 2022.
Author: Sasha Summers
Rating: 2 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, HON Books, for sending me an ARC.
I am once again one of the few who did not enjoy a book. It wasn’t even the fact that this book was poorly done or anything like that. I just could not get into it. It was a little too wholesome and a little bit too much like a Hallmark movie for my liking. While there were secrets in the book, I just felt that this wasn’t my cup of tea when it comes to romance. The romance I tend to enjoy has a little bit less emphasis on romance and more on daily life. this book also contained a romance trope that I enjoy: enemies to lovers.
We follow Tansy and Dante who are both beekeepers. They have known each other their whole lives and are bitter enemies. They will stop at nothing to bring the other down. This, to me, is a great set-up. Like I said in the previous paragraph, I do enjoy enemies to lovers stories. The fact that is set on a bee farm is something different. I was hooked by this setup. However, the more I read, the more I didn’t like it. The characters, I thought, were very immature and fake. I don’t know how else to put it. I know that a lot of the other romance books I read do have immature characters. However, immaturity fits them. It fits the story that those authors are trying to tell. I didn’t get that here. We have two highly successful people and, yet, they act like four-year-olds. The way they are written doesn’t make them seem human. Tansy felt like she was above everything and everyone else, while Dante just wasn’t likeable at all. I didn’t feel any kind of bond or connection with them. They were just there.
The writing was solid, but it was missing something to give it that edge. Both of the characters are about saving their farms and homes. They much win the local honey competition to do so. Great…Great set up again…However, this urgency did not come across the page. I didn’t know why I was supposed to care. I didn’t know why the stakes were high. The emotional impact of this situation was missing. To keep your reader engaged, you have to give them a reason to care about what is going on. You have to get them invested in the story. The stakes felt cookie-cutter. Never once did I think that things were going to backfire on the characters. I knew that everything was going to work out and things were going to be fine. You have to make your readers feel worried or else the whole story is going to be lost on them.
Again, I am one of the few who did not enjoy this book, so don’t let my review be your deciding factor on whether or not you pick this book up.
This book comes out on June 28, 2022.
August 26, 2022
The story of Tansy and Dane and their second chance at love is as sweet as the honey they both make. Dane and Tansy have a rivalry going that is one for the record books, revolving around who can make the best honey and come away with the coveted prize from the local Honey Bee Festival. Both of them are desperate to capture the prize money in order to keep their respective business going, and the competition is not helped by the fact that Tansy and Dane have a history together going back to high school. The book had me laughing out loud, telling the realistic characters what to do and rooting for them to overcome their differences. I enjoyed how the plot was woven around family for each of the main characters. Dane’s brother Levi was a favorite character of mine. He’s just a teen who is lost in the world of not really being understood or accepted and is very relatable. I also enjoyed reading about Tansy’s aunts who raised her, both of them with their own past that is revealed in the book, much to my delight. This is such a well-written story that I got to the end before I was ready for the story to conclude. Although it is a predictable romance, getting there was so entertaining and a lot of fun! The book is also very informative about bees and bee keeping and I was enamored with the idea of decorating the bee houses with themes. It was kind of like a Disney World for beekeepers, and I totally wanted to visit the Alice in Wonderland one even if it would mean wearing a beekeeper’s suit. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it can definitely be read as a standalone. Fans of light and humorous romance will enjoy this journey into the buzzing world of bees and honey.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
August 1, 2022
I can already tell, I will want to revisit Honey Acres to find out about the other characters in this series. At its heart, The Sweetest Thing is a strong second chance romance. High school sweethearts fall apart due to serious communication fouls, problems that have continued into adulthood. (I was screaming at them to learn how to talk to each other as I read the story.) However, by working through their problems due to some forced proximity situations (LOVE the Junior Beekeepers) and being decent humans, they find their way back to each other.
The story dragged in a couple of spots, and I almost abandoned it once because I was JUST SO MAD that they weren't communicating better, but I did remind myself that if all was smooth sailing, the author wouldn't have a book. I'm looking forward to revisiting Honey. I want to know more now.
The story dragged in a couple of spots, and I almost abandoned it once because I was JUST SO MAD that they weren't communicating better, but I did remind myself that if all was smooth sailing, the author wouldn't have a book. I'm looking forward to revisiting Honey. I want to know more now.
June 28, 2022
How sweet it is...
Tansy has an enemies to more with Dane, her nemesis. Their banter is rather immature.
I liked the bits about the bees and the honey way more and that was solid.
I especially enjoyed Camellia's bonus short story. Very sweet indeed.
Tansy has an enemies to more with Dane, her nemesis. Their banter is rather immature.
I liked the bits about the bees and the honey way more and that was solid.
I especially enjoyed Camellia's bonus short story. Very sweet indeed.
July 31, 2022
I found this to be pretty boring. And one of the main points of contention between the MCs just isn't a thing - bees are not hurt by thoughtful building expansion. And sadly, there wasn't any sizzle between the MCs.
June 26, 2022
This is the promising start for a new series: small town, lots of humour, fleshed out characters, believable and sweet romances.
The author delivers a compelling and entertaining story that made me root for the characters.
It's a well researched book and I loved how detailed the parts about bees were.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The author delivers a compelling and entertaining story that made me root for the characters.
It's a well researched book and I loved how detailed the parts about bees were.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 5, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
A very sweet story and second chance romance!
I loved listening to this book. Courtney Patterson did a great job performing this romance. I’m very picky about female narrators but she is really good. She does great male voices and has very distinctive voices for each character so that you always know who is speaking.
The story has all of the ups and downs that a romance needs. It’s not too angsty but there are things that happen to make the romance between Tansy and Dane interesting and had me listening to the audiobook straight through with barely a pause.
There was a misunderstanding between Tansy and Dane when they were in high school. That misunderstanding, as well as the rivalry between their two families, turned them into enemies. So not only was this a great second chance story, it was also a great friends-to-enemies-to-lovers one. I was so happy for them that they got their second chance at an HEA.
I enjoyed all of the information about bees and found it very interesting. I’m looking forward to listening to the next book in this series!
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
A very sweet story and second chance romance!
I loved listening to this book. Courtney Patterson did a great job performing this romance. I’m very picky about female narrators but she is really good. She does great male voices and has very distinctive voices for each character so that you always know who is speaking.
The story has all of the ups and downs that a romance needs. It’s not too angsty but there are things that happen to make the romance between Tansy and Dane interesting and had me listening to the audiobook straight through with barely a pause.
There was a misunderstanding between Tansy and Dane when they were in high school. That misunderstanding, as well as the rivalry between their two families, turned them into enemies. So not only was this a great second chance story, it was also a great friends-to-enemies-to-lovers one. I was so happy for them that they got their second chance at an HEA.
I enjoyed all of the information about bees and found it very interesting. I’m looking forward to listening to the next book in this series!
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
January 9, 2024
I almost stopping reading this book after the first few pages in. It overwhelms with an instant introduction to 5 characters with little to no storyline or backstory of who these characters are and why they’re there, in relation to the main character. All of this made it a little overwhelming from the get-go.
I’m happy to say that I kept reading on and I’m glad I did! This book is so cute! Following two bee-keeper enemies who fall in love over a series of awkward and cute meetups and run ins. The settings are cozy and comforting and the added bee-keeper businesses made this book an easy and enjoyable read. I loved all of the characters and the writing was descriptive and inviting, bringing you into a cozy little world of these sisters and their Aunts, all who have their own little lives that leave you wanting to know more.
It’s not my usual type of read and I’m happy I forged through to read this to the end.. I’m also really enamored with all the recipes at the end of the book and I’m excited to try some of them! I’ve already pre-ordered the second book from this series and I’m looking forward to reading on!
I’m happy to say that I kept reading on and I’m glad I did! This book is so cute! Following two bee-keeper enemies who fall in love over a series of awkward and cute meetups and run ins. The settings are cozy and comforting and the added bee-keeper businesses made this book an easy and enjoyable read. I loved all of the characters and the writing was descriptive and inviting, bringing you into a cozy little world of these sisters and their Aunts, all who have their own little lives that leave you wanting to know more.
It’s not my usual type of read and I’m happy I forged through to read this to the end.. I’m also really enamored with all the recipes at the end of the book and I’m excited to try some of them! I’ve already pre-ordered the second book from this series and I’m looking forward to reading on!
October 9, 2023
"The Sweetest Thing" by Sasha Summers was a super cute read. It is about two people who have had a rival over their honey for years. Tansy is trying to win the Honey award to keep her (all women runned) Honey Farm running, while Dane wants to win so he can expand his Honey Farm. They both find out that someone has stolen the family recipe years ago and have to work through that. It was a fun read with learning about bees and honey, what the outcome will be with the stolen recipe, and if Tansy and Dane could overcome things to finally be together. Definitely would recommend this book, and it also comes with a bonus read. Who doesn't like a bonus book?
June 29, 2022
The premise of this book was a sweet summertime romance but in actuality it was a sweet multi family drama with some romance. The drama of trying to keep farms afloat, navigating sticky family relationships and long held family secrets coming to light are what the majority of this book is about. There was a romance between Tansy and Dane but it took me half the book to even like them together and then we only got a few moments of them here or there. The majority of their romance was a lot of telling and not showing and I really didn’t enjoy the dynamic between them for a long time. The only thing that kept me engaged in this story, before the pieces starting falling into place, was Dane’s little brother, Leif. He was so such a lovable character that you can’t help but feel for and I adored his character arc.
Trigger warning: mention of rape
*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Trigger warning: mention of rape
*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2022
2.3 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The moment Tansy saw him, he was hard-pressed not to grin. The reaction was a long-standing pattern. She'd glare. He'd smile. She'd fume. He'd laugh. It was the way they worked. Oil and water.
Known as the Bee Girls of Honey Hill Farm, Aunts Mags and Camilla, older sister Tansy, Astrid, and youngest Rosemary are working to keep their family farm going. Weather has ruined a lot of their hives hurting their honey output and the annual Honey Festival with, their cash prize and contract offer with Healthy and Wholesome Markets for best honey, looks to be their only hope to save the farm. Tansy knows they'll be competing with their neighbors Texas Viking Honey, the family farm of her nemesis. Dane and Tansy were childhood rivals who almost had a thing in highschool until a misunderstanding separated them and they now can't stop spitting and clawing at each other. As family issues keep coming up and Tansy and Dane are forced to work together, that misunderstanding might finally be solved.
“I think it would be in everyone's best interest if we---you and me---call a truce.”
The Sweetest Thing is the start to the Honey Acres series set in Honey, Texas and focuses on the small town and in particular the families of the two bee farms. This was tagged as romance but the story seemed to want to focus on everything but that, I would call this family fiction or even small town fiction. Tansy is dealing with the financial struggles of the family farm, there's a good amount of backstory given to the Aunts and even a later big surprise character reveal tied into them, and then dancing around the outside of the core family are her feelings of animosity towards Dane. Dane is pretty much dealing with the same issues, family farm in trouble, his dad plays the villain, and his younger brother Leif is struggling and looking for guidance and love. Their beginning interactions are fairly immature with Dane trying to play the cool unaffected guy and riling Tansy up by annoyingly teasing her. Readers aren't immediately let in on what happened between them in highschool but it's obvious both think the other one is at fault.
“Your eyes. They say what your mouth won't.”
Around 30% a truce is called between the two because they have to work together to teach and monitor a club called the Junior Beekeepers, this helped immensely with making them more likable to read about. There were still all the other characters and their issues and backstories taking the focus though. Even though there were some high-stakes issues brought up, losing homes and when one of Tansy's aunts discusses the surprise character, they aren't quite emotionally felt and delivering impacts because of all the other characters getting their issues in there; it was a little first in a series with making sure all the characters were fully introduced. At 65% Dane was saying he loved Tansy and I couldn't really see why because all we really got from them was that Dane thought her smile was beautiful. The 70% mark then gave us the finally talking about the misunderstanding and for something that kept these two hating each other for years, it took about a paragraph to bring realizations and because of how Tansy should have figured it out, felt like a complete dud moment.
It terrified him to admit it, but Tansy's laugh was the sweetest thing...ever.
The whole story just had a very muted tone for me, there were some high-stakes issues but not really any emotion breathed into them. Dane's younger brother Leif's little secondary romance delivered more tingles than what was supposed to be the main romance. It was brought up over and over how Dane looked like Thor and had great muscles that his tight t-shirts showed off well, Tansy had a beautiful smile and pretty green eyes and that was basically the chunk of why they fell in love with each other (even with a Thor like looking lead, this was a kisses only romance). I wouldn't read this for the romance as it was more of an afterthought but if you're looking for a small-town fiction story, that focuses more on the whole family of the leads, this had a larger amount of characters, a muted tone not diving too deep into these issues and even 180 degree turn around by the “villain”, and the small-town gossip.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The moment Tansy saw him, he was hard-pressed not to grin. The reaction was a long-standing pattern. She'd glare. He'd smile. She'd fume. He'd laugh. It was the way they worked. Oil and water.
Known as the Bee Girls of Honey Hill Farm, Aunts Mags and Camilla, older sister Tansy, Astrid, and youngest Rosemary are working to keep their family farm going. Weather has ruined a lot of their hives hurting their honey output and the annual Honey Festival with, their cash prize and contract offer with Healthy and Wholesome Markets for best honey, looks to be their only hope to save the farm. Tansy knows they'll be competing with their neighbors Texas Viking Honey, the family farm of her nemesis. Dane and Tansy were childhood rivals who almost had a thing in highschool until a misunderstanding separated them and they now can't stop spitting and clawing at each other. As family issues keep coming up and Tansy and Dane are forced to work together, that misunderstanding might finally be solved.
“I think it would be in everyone's best interest if we---you and me---call a truce.”
The Sweetest Thing is the start to the Honey Acres series set in Honey, Texas and focuses on the small town and in particular the families of the two bee farms. This was tagged as romance but the story seemed to want to focus on everything but that, I would call this family fiction or even small town fiction. Tansy is dealing with the financial struggles of the family farm, there's a good amount of backstory given to the Aunts and even a later big surprise character reveal tied into them, and then dancing around the outside of the core family are her feelings of animosity towards Dane. Dane is pretty much dealing with the same issues, family farm in trouble, his dad plays the villain, and his younger brother Leif is struggling and looking for guidance and love. Their beginning interactions are fairly immature with Dane trying to play the cool unaffected guy and riling Tansy up by annoyingly teasing her. Readers aren't immediately let in on what happened between them in highschool but it's obvious both think the other one is at fault.
“Your eyes. They say what your mouth won't.”
Around 30% a truce is called between the two because they have to work together to teach and monitor a club called the Junior Beekeepers, this helped immensely with making them more likable to read about. There were still all the other characters and their issues and backstories taking the focus though. Even though there were some high-stakes issues brought up, losing homes and when one of Tansy's aunts discusses the surprise character, they aren't quite emotionally felt and delivering impacts because of all the other characters getting their issues in there; it was a little first in a series with making sure all the characters were fully introduced. At 65% Dane was saying he loved Tansy and I couldn't really see why because all we really got from them was that Dane thought her smile was beautiful. The 70% mark then gave us the finally talking about the misunderstanding and for something that kept these two hating each other for years, it took about a paragraph to bring realizations and because of how Tansy should have figured it out, felt like a complete dud moment.
It terrified him to admit it, but Tansy's laugh was the sweetest thing...ever.
The whole story just had a very muted tone for me, there were some high-stakes issues but not really any emotion breathed into them. Dane's younger brother Leif's little secondary romance delivered more tingles than what was supposed to be the main romance. It was brought up over and over how Dane looked like Thor and had great muscles that his tight t-shirts showed off well, Tansy had a beautiful smile and pretty green eyes and that was basically the chunk of why they fell in love with each other (even with a Thor like looking lead, this was a kisses only romance). I wouldn't read this for the romance as it was more of an afterthought but if you're looking for a small-town fiction story, that focuses more on the whole family of the leads, this had a larger amount of characters, a muted tone not diving too deep into these issues and even 180 degree turn around by the “villain”, and the small-town gossip.
June 30, 2022
Tansy Hill and Dane Knudson are longstanding rivals. Tansy is convinced that Dane’s charming good looks hide a heart that dances with glee every time he can do something to benefit his family’s honey operation and get in the way of hers. And right now, they’re both aiming to win the best honey award at the upcoming Honey Bee Festival. Can Honey Hill win and keep the business going?
The Sweetest Thing is a treat! Sasha Summers creates a lovely small town in Honey, Texas, and she populates it with characters you can love (and love to hate). Tansy assumes the worst of Dane based on their shared past, and Dane seems to delight in allowing her to make those assumptions, even as he finds himself attracted to her. They alternate between bickering and drawing closer, back and forth, and they’re simply adorable even when they’re infuriating. (Because I did occasionally want to reach into the book and shake them and tell them to get over themselves already!) It was fun seeing them thrust together to work with the Junior Beekeepers.
In addition to the competition for the best honey award, there is also multigenerational family drama. Dane is trying to keep Viking Honey going while his father hides out after his latest failed marriage. This includes trying to keep his younger brother, Liam, on the straight and narrow. Tansy’s aunts, Camellia and Magnolia, each have a secret of their own. What happened between Camellia and Harald Knudson? Who is the red-haired woman seen with Magnolia, and why isn’t Magnolia talking? The side stories in addition to the main plot really kept things buzzing.
Dane’s brother Liam was an especially appealing character. I’m a boy mom. I know what teenage boys are like, particularly when their older brother is trying to keep them in line and they’re interested in exactly none of it. Liam was just about perfectly drawn as a young man heading for a heap of trouble, and I loved that Dane didn’t just give up on him.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the details on beekeeping! I know very little about the care and keeping of bees, so all the information Summers included was fascinating to me. It was clear she’d done a lot of research, and if we had room, I might like to try keeping a hive or two of my own after reading the book.
A second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance, the tension of waiting to see whether Honey Hill will survive, some surprise plot points that I didn’t see coming, and a fascinating look into the world of apiary care and management made this a solid four-star book for me. It’s a quick, engaging read, and would be perfect for road trip reading or for reading while you’re outside swinging in a hammock. The recipe for lavender-honey lemon poppyseed muffins is a tasty bonus. I can’t wait to try those out!
The Sweetest Thing is a honey of a story! Buzz on down to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. You’ll be glad you did!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.
The Sweetest Thing is a treat! Sasha Summers creates a lovely small town in Honey, Texas, and she populates it with characters you can love (and love to hate). Tansy assumes the worst of Dane based on their shared past, and Dane seems to delight in allowing her to make those assumptions, even as he finds himself attracted to her. They alternate between bickering and drawing closer, back and forth, and they’re simply adorable even when they’re infuriating. (Because I did occasionally want to reach into the book and shake them and tell them to get over themselves already!) It was fun seeing them thrust together to work with the Junior Beekeepers.
In addition to the competition for the best honey award, there is also multigenerational family drama. Dane is trying to keep Viking Honey going while his father hides out after his latest failed marriage. This includes trying to keep his younger brother, Liam, on the straight and narrow. Tansy’s aunts, Camellia and Magnolia, each have a secret of their own. What happened between Camellia and Harald Knudson? Who is the red-haired woman seen with Magnolia, and why isn’t Magnolia talking? The side stories in addition to the main plot really kept things buzzing.
Dane’s brother Liam was an especially appealing character. I’m a boy mom. I know what teenage boys are like, particularly when their older brother is trying to keep them in line and they’re interested in exactly none of it. Liam was just about perfectly drawn as a young man heading for a heap of trouble, and I loved that Dane didn’t just give up on him.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the details on beekeeping! I know very little about the care and keeping of bees, so all the information Summers included was fascinating to me. It was clear she’d done a lot of research, and if we had room, I might like to try keeping a hive or two of my own after reading the book.
A second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance, the tension of waiting to see whether Honey Hill will survive, some surprise plot points that I didn’t see coming, and a fascinating look into the world of apiary care and management made this a solid four-star book for me. It’s a quick, engaging read, and would be perfect for road trip reading or for reading while you’re outside swinging in a hammock. The recipe for lavender-honey lemon poppyseed muffins is a tasty bonus. I can’t wait to try those out!
The Sweetest Thing is a honey of a story! Buzz on down to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. You’ll be glad you did!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.
June 23, 2022
I'm always so glad when an author I enjoy starts up a new series. When I saw the cover for The Sweetest Thing I just couldn't wait to give it a try. I mean, look at the great summer cover it has. Not only did I like the cover I also enjoy the small-town and family business part.
The sweetest thing is a little busy in the beginning and I think that's due to the fact that the author is trying to get as much information about the characters and their lives out there for us. I get it and see this happen a lot with the first book in a new series.
Once I learned who's who and everyone's part was in the story, it started taking off for me. Up first you have Tansy and Dane's story. Right away you see how much support Tansy gets from her family. They are close and stand for each other. They all have a close relationship and that's good since they all live together.
I loved the scenes where the family talked about everything bees. And believe me, when you read this you'll feel like you're learning all they know about them too. I liked Tansy, she wanted too badly to be cold to Dane but she was such a nice person that she really couldn't be. Over and over again you'll see her helping him even when she doesn't want to.
You'll really love Dane. He's the greatest guy that knows one knows is great. He works so hard for little credit and has a father that is such a jerk at times. He spends half his time trying to keep his little brother out of trouble and be there for him. Not that his brother is a bad kid, just sad and scared.
I felt for Dane and all he goes through in the story. He really is put through the wringer. Not to worry, Dane has Tansy on his side even if neither of them knows it. The Sweetest Thing is a cute romance we some shocking moments within it. It's a wonderful story to enjoy your summer with.
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June 29, 2022
Small town romance fans will be enchanted by Sasha Summers’ heartwarming new novel, The Sweetest Thing.
Tansy Hill’s entire life revolves around honey. With the Honey Bee festival fast approaching, Tansy is determined to win the top prize and she cannot wait to show everyone that the honey from her farm is the best there is. Tansy can almost taste victory, however, there is somebody standing in the way of her dreams. Somebody who had broken her heart years and been a thorn in her side ever since – Dane “The Viking” Knudson who also happens to be one of the most good-looking man Tansy has ever clapped eyes on. Tansy would like nothing more than to make Dane pay for what he’d done to her all those years ago – and claiming the Best Honey award at the festival is just how she intends to do it. However, nobody knows better than Tansy that Dane is a very worthy opponent…
No one is going to get in the way of Dane’s plan to win the prize for Best Honey – not even Tansy Hill. Dane has big dreams for the future which he is determined to bring to fruition – and he needs to win the award in order to expand Viking Honey. Dane is not about to let Tansy swoop in and win his prize from under his nose – or their red-hot attraction which simply cannot and will not be denied!
Tansy is putting her all in order to secure first place. Winning is the only thing that will rescue her farm from the brink and she cannot let anything – or anyone – distract her from her goal. However, when old secrets come to light, Tansy finds herself forced to make an impossible decision. One that could end up putting all of her hopes and dreams in jeopardy.
Can Tansy and Dane find a way to ever be happy? Or will they just end up disappointed and heartbroken?
Sasha Summers’ The Sweetest Thing is a gorgeous romantic read that sparkles with humor, heat and heart. Tansy and Dane are two lovely characters that draw readers into the story and keep them eagerly turning the pages with their zingy banter, red-hot chemistry and heart-melting charm.
Delightful, uplifting and deliciously feel-good, Sasha Summers’ The Sweetest Thing is an enjoyable romantic read that is simply delectable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tansy Hill’s entire life revolves around honey. With the Honey Bee festival fast approaching, Tansy is determined to win the top prize and she cannot wait to show everyone that the honey from her farm is the best there is. Tansy can almost taste victory, however, there is somebody standing in the way of her dreams. Somebody who had broken her heart years and been a thorn in her side ever since – Dane “The Viking” Knudson who also happens to be one of the most good-looking man Tansy has ever clapped eyes on. Tansy would like nothing more than to make Dane pay for what he’d done to her all those years ago – and claiming the Best Honey award at the festival is just how she intends to do it. However, nobody knows better than Tansy that Dane is a very worthy opponent…
No one is going to get in the way of Dane’s plan to win the prize for Best Honey – not even Tansy Hill. Dane has big dreams for the future which he is determined to bring to fruition – and he needs to win the award in order to expand Viking Honey. Dane is not about to let Tansy swoop in and win his prize from under his nose – or their red-hot attraction which simply cannot and will not be denied!
Tansy is putting her all in order to secure first place. Winning is the only thing that will rescue her farm from the brink and she cannot let anything – or anyone – distract her from her goal. However, when old secrets come to light, Tansy finds herself forced to make an impossible decision. One that could end up putting all of her hopes and dreams in jeopardy.
Can Tansy and Dane find a way to ever be happy? Or will they just end up disappointed and heartbroken?
Sasha Summers’ The Sweetest Thing is a gorgeous romantic read that sparkles with humor, heat and heart. Tansy and Dane are two lovely characters that draw readers into the story and keep them eagerly turning the pages with their zingy banter, red-hot chemistry and heart-melting charm.
Delightful, uplifting and deliciously feel-good, Sasha Summers’ The Sweetest Thing is an enjoyable romantic read that is simply delectable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2022
Sasha Summers’ newest book The Sweetest Thing is a delightful journey into the Texas Hill Country and a world of love and bees and honey.
Tansy Hill and her sisters come from a long line of beekeepers on their farm. But their farm and livelihood and are on the line with the upcoming Honey Bee Festival and they’re putting their hopes on winning the top prize in order to stay afloat. But her nemesis and childhood rival Dane Knudsen is also vying for the prize to help the expansion of their own honey farm, and he keeps getting in her way. It doesn’t help that he’s a Thor look-a-like, striding around as if he’d jumped off the big screen and right into Tansy’s path. He broke her heart years ago, and she’d never forgiven him.
But when some past truths come to light, they have to decide if they can forgive and forget and work together, or let it destroy them.
I’ve long been a fan of Sasha Summers, and this charming book is now my top favorite of her stories. It was such a pleasure to immerse myself in this book, replete with a cup of tea and honey. Although it left me craving honey chocolate fudge, honey orange cupcakes and lavender honey lemon muffins! At least there are recipes at the end of the book so I can make my own.
The author has a way of writing so you feel what the characters feel, deep down in your own soul. Ms. Summers writes with her whole heart, and truly believes in happy ever afters. The characters are believable, and makes you want to be friends with them…or in the case of the witchy gossip in town, that you want to smack her!
The setting is written so well that I feel as if I were in the Texas Hill Country on a lovely farm with bees and beehives.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and be part of the Honey Acres series again.
Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read an advanced copy, and am happy to share my review.
Tansy Hill and her sisters come from a long line of beekeepers on their farm. But their farm and livelihood and are on the line with the upcoming Honey Bee Festival and they’re putting their hopes on winning the top prize in order to stay afloat. But her nemesis and childhood rival Dane Knudsen is also vying for the prize to help the expansion of their own honey farm, and he keeps getting in her way. It doesn’t help that he’s a Thor look-a-like, striding around as if he’d jumped off the big screen and right into Tansy’s path. He broke her heart years ago, and she’d never forgiven him.
But when some past truths come to light, they have to decide if they can forgive and forget and work together, or let it destroy them.
I’ve long been a fan of Sasha Summers, and this charming book is now my top favorite of her stories. It was such a pleasure to immerse myself in this book, replete with a cup of tea and honey. Although it left me craving honey chocolate fudge, honey orange cupcakes and lavender honey lemon muffins! At least there are recipes at the end of the book so I can make my own.
The author has a way of writing so you feel what the characters feel, deep down in your own soul. Ms. Summers writes with her whole heart, and truly believes in happy ever afters. The characters are believable, and makes you want to be friends with them…or in the case of the witchy gossip in town, that you want to smack her!
The setting is written so well that I feel as if I were in the Texas Hill Country on a lovely farm with bees and beehives.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and be part of the Honey Acres series again.
Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read an advanced copy, and am happy to share my review.
June 27, 2022
Back in high school Tansy Hill had been humiliated by Dane “The Viking” Knudson. Today, they find themselves rivals in the honey and bee world. Dane has grown into an extremely handsome man but Tansy isn’t interested. All she cares about is saving her family’s Honey Hill Farms. The one thing standing in her way is Dane’s family’s Viking Honey Farm. To make matters worse, the Hills’ recipe has been stolen and she’s sure it’s Dane’s family doing the stealing.
As Tansy and Dane compete in the honey and bee world, they can’t help feeling old attractions for each other. Old family secrets are uncovered as Tansy and Dane fight for their livelihoods.
This is a sweet romance with realistic characters. I really found myself caring what happened to them. It’s a fast-paced romance with an intriguing storyline. I hope to read more. Perhaps the next stories will involve Tansy’s sisters. I’m sure they have their own stories to tell.
Also included in the E-ARC was a novella titled “Like Bees to Honey”. This is a sweet romance involving Tansy’s Aunt Camillia. She is finding herself the object of two men’s affections. Will she choose a love from her past or start a new romance?
I loved this insight into a character from The Sweetest Thing. I already cared about her from the first book and this one made me care and love her even more.
Both books were quite enjoyable for me.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As Tansy and Dane compete in the honey and bee world, they can’t help feeling old attractions for each other. Old family secrets are uncovered as Tansy and Dane fight for their livelihoods.
This is a sweet romance with realistic characters. I really found myself caring what happened to them. It’s a fast-paced romance with an intriguing storyline. I hope to read more. Perhaps the next stories will involve Tansy’s sisters. I’m sure they have their own stories to tell.
Also included in the E-ARC was a novella titled “Like Bees to Honey”. This is a sweet romance involving Tansy’s Aunt Camillia. She is finding herself the object of two men’s affections. Will she choose a love from her past or start a new romance?
I loved this insight into a character from The Sweetest Thing. I already cared about her from the first book and this one made me care and love her even more.
Both books were quite enjoyable for me.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 27, 2022
Sweet as honey!
This was a delightful story of Tansy and Dane, each raised on their own family's honey farm, hating each other since a misunderstanding in high school. Years later, they're competing at a local Honey Festival and winning the purse and business contract is essential for both, but only one farm can win.
The story goes deep into both families' history and extended family members. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially another (more successful) high school romance, and there are plenty of secrets that come spilling out to keep the tension high and the families close.
There are a few references to a certain John Cusack movie, so if you aren't familiar with Say Anything you'll want to at least read up on its cultural influence. The writing is charming and completely captivating, and I was fully invested in the outcome right from the start.
There was a sweet bonus story at the end, showcasing a later-in-life romance, bringing an HEA to just about everyone. Tansy and Dane are perfect together, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This was a delightful story of Tansy and Dane, each raised on their own family's honey farm, hating each other since a misunderstanding in high school. Years later, they're competing at a local Honey Festival and winning the purse and business contract is essential for both, but only one farm can win.
The story goes deep into both families' history and extended family members. I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially another (more successful) high school romance, and there are plenty of secrets that come spilling out to keep the tension high and the families close.
There are a few references to a certain John Cusack movie, so if you aren't familiar with Say Anything you'll want to at least read up on its cultural influence. The writing is charming and completely captivating, and I was fully invested in the outcome right from the start.
There was a sweet bonus story at the end, showcasing a later-in-life romance, bringing an HEA to just about everyone. Tansy and Dane are perfect together, and I thoroughly enjoyed their story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 3, 2022
This was such an enjoyable book perfect to read for this summer. I loved the slight battle of wills between Tansey and Dane. Both of which had history but things got in the way and they are both on opposite ends and I enjoyed seeing how they interacted with one another. Then there was a bit of a troubled teen that Dane was looking after since clearly his father isn't interested in parenting him. Then theres the whole contest both of which are entering to make things a bit more complicated. There was so much going on that I was hooked. When you see how they are with eachother you can't help but root for the two. This was such a nice contemporary romance and I really enjoyed it. Highly Recommend!
August 19, 2022
If you like books where the main characters have a bit of a history, are currently enemies, and figure out they love each other - this is the book for you! Add in a lot of information about bees and honey. This small town has a lot of gossip and both families have secrets that eventually come out.
This is the book you should take to the pool to read and relax. It is a simple, easy to follow story with a lot of characters ( not too many to keep track of ) that you will enjoy getting to know. Since this is the first in the series, I am sure we will learn more about each of these characters in the coming books.
I liked that when Dane and Tansy admitted to their attraction to each other, it stayed sweet - like their honey!
This is the book you should take to the pool to read and relax. It is a simple, easy to follow story with a lot of characters ( not too many to keep track of ) that you will enjoy getting to know. Since this is the first in the series, I am sure we will learn more about each of these characters in the coming books.
I liked that when Dane and Tansy admitted to their attraction to each other, it stayed sweet - like their honey!
June 23, 2022
A second chance/enemies to lovers romance - no steam but there are bees! Tansy and Dane are both beekeepers who met and were romantic in high school but there was, ahem, an incident and they've been rivals ever since. Now there's the big Honey Bee Festival and competition and they're going head to head. Each of them has a back story- Dane cares for his brother and dad while Tansy has her sisters and aunt Camilla- and a secret. There's no big drama here but more of a gentle story that I enjoyed as much for the info about bees as for the characters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A nice read.
June 26, 2022
Small town, family, second chances, and secrets. Add in some pretty great characters, and it's a good combination for a new series. Then, there are the bees, and honestly, the parts about the bees and honey were just as interesting to me as the romance between Tansy and Dean. The banter between these two as they try to stay enemies is great, and it didn't take long before I was invested in their HEA. There are also some secondary characters that rounded out the story very well, and I'll be interested to see more of them as the series continues. This first in the series is a good way to while away a couple of evenings and it's perfect for the summer season.
June 28, 2022
Nothing can stand in Tanzy’s way of winning the “best honey” award @ the honey bee festival…except maybe her arch rival, ultimate nemisis, Dane & his dastardly good looks.
The worst part? He too has a honey farm & it’s good…real good honey.
But Tanzy needs this win to save the farm & she refuses to back down.
This is a laugh-out-loud funny story full of Sasha’s signature wholesome family fun. I loved the banter between Dane & Tanzy but the aunts…oh Gosh, I laughed so much my husband gave me a side eye.
As an added bonus, I truly enjoyed learning about the Bees & all it takes to run a farm. Who knew one lil jar of honey took so much work…& a story this much fun might be behind it?
I adore this story & look forward to reading the next in the series.
The worst part? He too has a honey farm & it’s good…real good honey.
But Tanzy needs this win to save the farm & she refuses to back down.
This is a laugh-out-loud funny story full of Sasha’s signature wholesome family fun. I loved the banter between Dane & Tanzy but the aunts…oh Gosh, I laughed so much my husband gave me a side eye.
As an added bonus, I truly enjoyed learning about the Bees & all it takes to run a farm. Who knew one lil jar of honey took so much work…& a story this much fun might be behind it?
I adore this story & look forward to reading the next in the series.
July 3, 2022
This book was such a pleasure to read. It made me so happy. I loved all the characters. Zane and his Thor manbun. I loved when at the honey festival a little girl came up to him because she was lost and she knew Thor would help her find her family. I loved how Zane was so in love with Tansy. You can tell that Sasha Summers did a lot of research into bees and the honey process. I loved Tansy’s passion for the bees.
June 21, 2025
I have a copy of the book but decided to listen, and I'm so glad I did. The narrator was really good and made the story for me. I love a friend to lovers, second chance story, but this also had an enemy to friend to lovers. Tansy and Dane were friends in high school until they became enemies. Once they started working together and listening to each other, what drove them apart was a nasty rumor. I did enjoy learning more about bees.
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