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Love in Swans Cove #3

#Sweets for Love

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Are you ready to meet your next book boyfriend?

A baking competition for the Happily Ever After channel could bring success to my small-town bakery... and one night of toe-curling passion that would keep me warm for years to come. But could it bring me love, too?

Alessandro Torre marches back into my life with the same tattooed broad shoulders, half-grin and smoldering-dark eyes that had me melting like butter almost a year ago. I was never supposed to see him again. To me, he was Thor (because of his hammer). But now, we're stuck together with the best sugar glue in town. A former grumpy bodyguard (and so stubborn!), he's the head of security of Sweets For Love, the baking show I have to join if I want to save my bakery. This time around, I won't throw caution to the wind. Maybe, except for one night. Just one. Right? Right.

Jamie Bond, or should I say Aisling O'Connor? Here we are. Again. For months, I dreamed about seeing her again. Touching her again. Finishing what we started almost a year ago in that elevator. But now, there are rules in place. She has a daughter, and she's even more stubborn than I am. Plus, I learned the hard way I can't trust anyone. All I need to do is finish this stupid assignment with my dickhead of a brother and move on. I promised my men I wouldn't let them down. Nope. Not happening. Except maybe for one night. No feelings. I don’t do relationship and love isn’t on her agenda.

No one else can know. Because if they do, we might lose everything.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2022

132 people are currently reading
654 people want to read

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Elodie Now

11 books15 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for ShelfishlyKelly📚.
302 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2025
This book is the fourth in the Love in Swan’s Cove series and, quite honestly, probably the last one I’m willing to read. That said, I think this one might actually be my favorite of the series—but not without its fair share of issues.

At this point, after reading four books by this author, I have to wonder if she has an editor. Or if she does, I’m sorry to say they’re not doing a great job. While the errors weren’t as overwhelming as in the previous books, there were still enough spelling, grammatical, and flat-out incorrect word choices to be distracting. If I had to read walking pantry instead of walk-in pantry one more time, I might’ve lost it.

The biggest issue, though, was the timeline. And I don’t just mean one or two inconsistencies—I mean a whole mess of them. The epilogue of The Leftover Bride sets up this book’s premise, with Grant and Alessandro ending up in Aisling’s bakery due to the baking competition. In The Leftover Bride, Ryan leaves the bakery where the film crew is, has an unofficial proposal moment with Sorcha, and they decide they want to be together forever. But in Sweets for Love, before the film crew even arrives, everyone somehow already knows Ryan and Sorcha are engaged—despite nothing in the previous book suggesting that.

Then there are the time jumps. The book opens at a Christmas in July event, then jumps ahead seven months—which should land us in February, but Aisling mentions it being March. Later, we jump forward again: we go from another Christmas in July event to “one month later,” then an epilogue “three months later.” Which would be November. And yet…it’s suddenly Christmas again.

Even the contest’s timeline doesn’t add up. The production crew arrives at Aisling’s bakery in February/March, but the first HEA Channel update promotes Christmas in July, saying: “Every week, starting May 28th, we’ll showcase two bakers…” and then says voting will determine which contestants join in July. If voting starts at the end of May, that’s not a lot of time to finalize competitors. Also, we’re told there are eight bakers competing… until suddenly, there are ten… until it’s cut down to five.

There were other inconsistencies, but these were the ones that stuck out the most.

So why, despite all that, is this my favorite of the series? The chemistry. The romance in this one is scorching. Maybe it’s the tall, dark, tattooed, and dangerous energy. Maybe it’s the one night only, so we’re giving it everything we’ve got vibe. Maybe it’s both. Either way, this was the first couple in the series I actually found myself invested in—though I still don’t buy him willingly watching rom-coms, nor do I understand how he always has three-day stubble. And her stubborn refusal to accept help from her family was frustrating at times.

I’m torn on my rating. Part of me wants to give it a four because I was more engaged, read it faster than the others, and genuinely liked the romance. But the poor editing and timeline inconsistencies are hard to overlook. I think, in the end, I’m settling on a 3.5—but rounding down. This book was better than the others, but not quite good enough to make me want to keep going with the series. And honestly? I feel a sense of relief that I don’t have to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,531 reviews53 followers
October 26, 2022
# Sweets for Love is the second book in the Swans Cove series. This is a set of companion novels that don't require you to have read the previous ones for understanding.

This book was adorable. I liked Aisling and Alessandro. They were I also really liked the references to romance novels, and "book boyfriends". I thought it was very tongue in cheek, especially since Alessandro seemed like a pretty awesome book boyfriend. I loved the characters and their chemistry, they were absolutely sizzling. Not only that, both characters were holding a lot inside, thinking they were taking care of their family. They were two people that seemed to fit together so well. This book has a good exploration of roles and the roles we fill in our families and in society as a whole. I thought the exploration really lent itself to both of these characters.

The side characters were excellent, especially Aisling's daughter, Ava. She was absolutely adorable! I also loved seeing the relationship between Ava and Alessandro develop. Their interactions were so cute and precious.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books set in Swans Cove. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Sarah  Bittel.
914 reviews25 followers
October 1, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this 2nd book in the Swan's Cove series. I have been a fan of this author for years and I am so happy that she has written another fun to read adult novel. Full of sass and sizzle, she brings romance in a small town with reality TV twists and turns. I absolutely love the characters and all of the book boyfriend references. This is a holiday romance sprinkled with A LOT of sizzle.
Profile Image for Samantha Clair.
265 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2022
This book was adorable! I loved it and flew through it. I loved the book boyfriend jokes/references. Loved the 2 povs that we get from Aisling & Alessandro..it really helped in seeing their relationship develop! I can’t wait to go back and read the first book in this series now!
Profile Image for Judith Miguel.
Author 4 books35 followers
October 30, 2022
OMG This book! Absolutely amazing!
The attraction between Alessandro Torre and Aisling O’Connor in Vegas is strong and impossible to resist. After an encore in an elevator, they meet again in Sweets For Love, a baking show she joined to save her family’ bakery. Now the former grumpy bodyguard finds himself falling for the sweet, smart woman he couldn’t forget and her adorable daughter.
They promised it was going to be just one night, because if anyone finds out, they might lose everything.
These characters are great. Aisling thinks she has to be strong and put together all the time because that’s her role in the family’ dynamics. His ex-husband accused her of being a robot, someone with no feelings or deep emotions and she straggles all the time during the baking show with the way everybody sees her. I really like that about her. She is authentic and loyal to herself.
Alessandro Torre comes from a popular family and since he was a kid suffers from the exposition and the cameras in his life. He wants to forget of all of that but first he has to help his grandma and his brother with the new baking show.
When they find each other again months after they have a moment in an elevator in Las Vegas, sparks flight and Christmas bells ring. The pull between these two is something out of this world. The insta-lust is absolutely authentic and real. It’s impossible not to feel it in your skin. The sexy times are sooo good and the tension every time they are in the same room is unbelievable. And Ava, her daughter, is really cute.
This story is sexy, sweet and addictive. I couldn’t stop reading it or smiling. I loved it. LOVE IT.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
54 reviews
October 26, 2022
This is a great addition to the Swans Cove romance series. Aisling was a minor character in the first book and gets a chance to shine in her own story. She’s incredibly relatable as the self-proclaimed “responsible” sibling who feels it’s her responsibility to save the family bakery. On top of that, she’s trying to find the right balance between work and taking care of her young daughter.

The book uses dual narration and while that definitely made the romance steamier (oh so steamy!), what I appreciated most about having Alessandro’s perspective was the way he saw Aisling. She’d spent years building a wall around herself in order to focus on taking care of others, and her ex-husband once called her a “robot” (meaning: unfeeling). But Alessandro saw her for the strong, kind, beautiful talented woman she was.

Just like in the first novel, I loved the focus on family, the Christmas tie-in, and the lead characters’ journeys. The fictional baking competition and behind-the-scenes drama were a great spin on a few real-life shows and networks. It was also fun to catch up with Sorcha and Ryan from the first Swans Cove book.

A fun and sexy romcom.
Profile Image for ♡Chee♡.
113 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2022
I totally cherished this book. I adored little Ava, a lot of her charming little declarations to "Thor" were simply so entertaining. Her relationship with her mother was totally exquisite as well. It had the ideal measure of sentiment flavor and amusing editorial for sentimental sweethearts. Aisling's relationship with her sister was an incredible piece of the story too as family was a significant subject. Alessandro's relationship with his grandma was so sweet I simply needed to embrace them both. I really enjoyed reading this second book in the Swan's Cove series. I'm so glad Elodie wrote a fun-to-read adult novel! Filled with sizzle, it brings the romance of a small town with twists and turns of reality. I love the characters and all the references to boyfriends in the book. This is a Christmas love story topped off with a LOT of sizzle. The book a bit slow for me, and the romance felt rushed without backstory and details. However it picked pace in the 4th chapter and I'm glad how it turned out! Cheesy rom coms are my type :).
556 reviews
October 9, 2022
Absolutely ADORED this! It did seem like a relatively long book for what it covered, and at times I felt like it was slowing down a pinch too much, but for solidly 90% of the book I was reading more than I realized. To me, that's how I know a book has captured my attention when I can go from something like 40% to 85% and not really notice. There were two moments in the book that I really wanted to highlight, but on BookFunnel I can't highlight, so now I only remember one.

The one that actually brought tears to my eyes was when Ava was talking to Alessandro;
"Ava whispers, "Do you like dogs and cats?"
"I do." My tone is very serious.
"Good," Ava replies like I have passed a very important test. "And do you love my mommy?"
"I do."
Aisling's cheeks flush, and I want to brush my lips to hers.
Ava continues, "Good. I think I can love you too."

I'm telling you I had to put the book down for a minute because this was too dang cute! Loved this so much. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jericho.
17 reviews
October 8, 2022
I received a copy of this book as ARC. But wow. What a good read. Sweets For Love was a light, happy read that caused zero work to be done until I finished the book. It truly was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend to anyone who likes single mom/small town/instant connection types of books. Alessandro proves that he is certainly better than book boyfriends, I know he's exactly what I'd want in a book boyfriend.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
235 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2022
Wow! This book was amazing! I am usually not a fan of romance books that involve kids, but this one did it perfectly. I loved both of the main characters from their first encounter to the next and the next and the next… I defiantly felt for both of them and the crazy situation they were in - I mean a reality baking competition with a whole lot of twists, but is it a recipe for love or disaster?! Highly recommend!

🧁🧁🧁🧁
Profile Image for Baylee.
33 reviews
October 31, 2022
I received an ARC for this sweet story! And oh man!! I devoured it in a single day. Aisling is the responsible sibling who feels like she has to hide all of her faults. Until she meets Alessandro. These two were so incredibly sweet for each other and Ava was an absolute blast to get to know. As a mom to a 4 year old, I can commiserate with all the Ava fun lol. Got a sweet tooth?? Then this book is for you!
Profile Image for Kay.
60 reviews
November 9, 2022
Will the book boyfriend win?

Aisling has the chance to rescue her bakery in a baking contest. It means the world to her to win as she won't let her family down.

Will she win the contest? Does she find anyone to have a happily ever after with? Does she let her family down? Is the book boyfriend the best?

A truly sweet tale with some spice to it one the reader won't want to put down!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
139 reviews
November 9, 2022
Will the book boyfriend win?

Aisling has the chance to rescue her bakery in a baking contest. It means the world to her to win as she won't let her family down.

Will she win the contest? Does she find anyone to have a happily ever after with? Does she let her family down? Is the book boyfriend the best?

A truly sweet tale with some spice to it one the reader won't want to put down!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,375 reviews140 followers
December 30, 2022
Great addition to the Swans Cove series. It's a sweet and sexy romance between Aisling and Alessandro. The author adds in a strong cast of supporting characters. I especially loved Aisling's four year old daughter . Ava who steals every scene she's in. Family plays a huge role in the storyline. It's well written and moves fluidly with perfectly painted scenes. I loved reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Buttercup1201.
560 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2022
If you have book OCD like I do, this is book 2. Must read book one first! A great rom com to read over a weekend. Security and a single mom. Enjoyed how they try to deny their feelings. A wonderful couldn’t put down story.

Love Alessandro and Aisling!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,986 reviews
November 11, 2022
# Sweets For Love
Swans Cove
Elodie Nowodazkij

Loved it! The story and characters, Allessandro and Aisling, are well written and developed. Loved the journey and chemistry. I couldn't put it down. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
468 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2024
enjoyed this book

I enjoyed the first book so much that I purchased the series. I did accidentally read the last book so going back now to pick up the middle of the series. Even though I read it out of order, it made sense and could totally be a stand alone. I look forward to the next book and am now following this author.
Profile Image for Kabe Ryan.
179 reviews
October 12, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. These characters are two broken pieces fitting together perfectly in the end. I loved little Ava so much her cute little announcements to “Thor” were just so funny. Her relationship with her mom was absolutely lovely too. It had the perfect amount of romance spice and hilarious commentary for romance lovers.
Aisling’s relationship with her sister was a great part of the story too as family was a major theme. I myself have a brother so seeing this kind of relationship was just fun to read.
Alessandro’s relationship with his grandmother was so sweet I just wanted to hug them both.
The storyline was really interesting too, I myself can’t bake so reading it being worked into a contest for a chance to remodel Aisling’s bakery and then being featured in the channel’s Christmas movie was a fun story to be in. You wanted to root for her, you also really wanted to root for Alessandro too, because his story was really worked in well with hers. It made their story coming together that much more important to me.
Profile Image for Robin.
2,518 reviews20 followers
October 11, 2022
OMG! I just adored this story! Alessandro and Aisling have chemistry right from the very beginning. I giggled throughout this story and just plain enjoyed myself. It’s a fun romance and an easy, lighthearted read. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,189 reviews85 followers
October 29, 2022
An amazing romantic comedy! I loved it! It's so sassy and steamy, with very endearing characters and a heartwarming ending..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,612 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2023
Love the humor!

This was so sweet pretty hot wonderful characters. The dialogue was awesome. When she was broken hearted in her hotel room and her sister came that was so sad and hilarious. It's not really a spoiler.
29 reviews
October 6, 2022
I adored this book! The sugar and spice between the main characters was only made better by her being an amazing single mom. 10/10 I would definitely recommend:)
Profile Image for Jade's.
48 reviews
October 16, 2022
ARC REVIEW

This book was very cute and sweet (pun intended)
This starts with a chance meeting on a night in Vegas. Two strangers meet up using fake names Thor and Jamie Bond and end up going back to their hotel together things get heated in the elevator only for them to be interrupted and the night come to an end early.
Luckily they meet again by chance of a televised baking competition where Aisling (Jamie Bond) is a competitor and Alessandro (Thor) is the head of security and the host of the shows brother.

This book has everything for a sweet small town romance with a nice dash of spice.

Alessandro is sweet and kind and loves Aislings daughter. Aisling has had a hard time since her divorce and feeling attractive to anyone is not on her top priorities in life Alessandro makes her feel that and so much more.
Alessandro is someone you would definitely think of as a great book boyfriend.
Who doesn't love a great HEA. ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Laura Carter-Alexander.
562 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2022
Alessandro and Aisling’s chemistry is intense and sparks fly from the moment they meet. What starts as a one night stand slowly becomes more as they get to know each other.

Profile Image for Elizabeth.
431 reviews17 followers
February 3, 2024
I loved this! It involves a baking challenge show, had Hallmark movie energy and a lot of spicy scenes if you catch my drift. I’ll definitely read the others in this series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,737 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2024
While this was an interesting premise, I felt like it was too forced and the dialogue wasn't amazing. I could not really get into the story and the characters did not interest me overall.
866 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2024
A cute romance; so refreshing to read about people for whom it's not their very first love
Profile Image for Lindsay.
133 reviews
May 10, 2024
Felt kinda rushed, especially the start and the end. A cute story overall but had a lot of cringey parts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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