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Scandal in Sweet Side #4
By the Book
I moved to Sweet Side intending to mind my own business. Literally.
Luckily I do it well.
My bookstore is one of the most popular places on the strip. Unfortunately that has little to do with the books lining the shelves, and more with what I stock in the back room.
But whatever pays the bills, right?
Business is buzzing along when the stupidly handsome jerk next door decides his personal training location should take over my tiny corner of Florida, sealing his spot as my mortal enemy.
Noah Hicks is tall, ripped, and successful. He’s got muscles on his muscles.
Not that I’ve been looking.
He’s also a complete twat. Gym bro and fork boy extraordinaire.
If you know what I mean.
I should be able to outsmart him no problem.
Unfortunately, my scheme lands me headfirst in his hot tub, mostly clothed and slightly drunk.
But it turns out Noah is more than a pretty face, and when he steps in to save me from a mess I thought was behind me, I’m forced to either eat my words—
Or lose this bench-pressing, Shakespeare-spewing hunk for good.
Luckily I do it well.
My bookstore is one of the most popular places on the strip. Unfortunately that has little to do with the books lining the shelves, and more with what I stock in the back room.
But whatever pays the bills, right?
Business is buzzing along when the stupidly handsome jerk next door decides his personal training location should take over my tiny corner of Florida, sealing his spot as my mortal enemy.
Noah Hicks is tall, ripped, and successful. He’s got muscles on his muscles.
Not that I’ve been looking.
He’s also a complete twat. Gym bro and fork boy extraordinaire.
If you know what I mean.
I should be able to outsmart him no problem.
Unfortunately, my scheme lands me headfirst in his hot tub, mostly clothed and slightly drunk.
But it turns out Noah is more than a pretty face, and when he steps in to save me from a mess I thought was behind me, I’m forced to either eat my words—
Or lose this bench-pressing, Shakespeare-spewing hunk for good.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
314 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 31, 2023
Janice Whiteaker never ceases to amaze me. When writing as Josie Watts, she creates hilarious storylines yet keeps true to her craft developing characters with strong backstories that help develop their positive and/or negative personality traits.
Jillian has, let’s just say, negative thoughts about the male species so she decides to open up a bookstore that allows you to create the romance in your own life.
Through the typical suspense that you usually find in Whiteaker’s books, Jillian runs into the gym owner that she believes is trying to occupy her business’s space. So clearly she has to dislike him.
Noah, the golden retriever gym owner, has a lot of pent up segsual frustration but the close proximity has forced them to confront their differences, and of course end up in his bed.
By the Book will have you rooting for each of the characters individually and as a couple to get the HEA they deserve.
Jillian has, let’s just say, negative thoughts about the male species so she decides to open up a bookstore that allows you to create the romance in your own life.
Through the typical suspense that you usually find in Whiteaker’s books, Jillian runs into the gym owner that she believes is trying to occupy her business’s space. So clearly she has to dislike him.
Noah, the golden retriever gym owner, has a lot of pent up segsual frustration but the close proximity has forced them to confront their differences, and of course end up in his bed.
By the Book will have you rooting for each of the characters individually and as a couple to get the HEA they deserve.
April 14, 2023
Cute reverse grumpy/sunshine
Sweet and low-angst which is what I was looking for.
I appreciated that Noah was so vulnerable and not at all what you would expect of a guy like him (stereotypes am I right). He was such a great guy and I wanted to give him a hug and be his friend. I also liked how he complimented Jillian quite well and that she was able to open up to him.
The mystery was quite intriguing and didn’t turn out how I thought it would but I enjoyed all of it. Great characters, funny banter, touching side characters who I hope will get their own stories (I’m looking at you Blake and Elana). A great read for sure.
Sweet and low-angst which is what I was looking for.
I appreciated that Noah was so vulnerable and not at all what you would expect of a guy like him (stereotypes am I right). He was such a great guy and I wanted to give him a hug and be his friend. I also liked how he complimented Jillian quite well and that she was able to open up to him.
The mystery was quite intriguing and didn’t turn out how I thought it would but I enjoyed all of it. Great characters, funny banter, touching side characters who I hope will get their own stories (I’m looking at you Blake and Elana). A great read for sure.
July 15, 2023
Overall, I really liked the book but first I had to get over my dislike of the MFC. The heroine was hard even to tolerate.
I'll start by saying that she's a woman who's a definition of "knows what she wants". In life, in career, in sex. That's great, as great as it is not to be sure of all those things. However, due to an incident when she was a kid, with her father leaving their family and her mother forcing her newfound logic that all men suck made her a man-hater. What made it worse was the MMC because he was possibly the opposite of the 'typical' man which are often stereotypes bundled into a male character. The heroine, Jillian, a bookstore owner/sex-toy-seller, assumes all men are selfish in and out of bed, especially in. That they all have some horrible character flaw, eg. wife beater (there is a mention and a brief appearance of such a monster in this book). In her eyes, they're all liars that only care about their own physical satisfaction and their own success. And though that is no doubt a truth about some of them, as well as women, she was so deeply stuck in her belief that it made it hard to read her POV. Although pettiness can be funny, and I've watched plenty of those YT videos, her behavior is just her, putting her insecurities and her past hurt on any and every man. And by doing that, she's basically acting like the men she claims are the true evil.
Take the hero, for example, Noah. Although his attempt at acting cool made the road to friendship and whatnot both harder and longer, it does not make him the devil (talking about Julian here, for those who already read the book). He owns his own business as well and it just happens to be right next door to the bookstore. Jillian is hostile to him, hostile overall, and every possible stereotype she could put on him, she does. Because he's handsome, he has to be arrogant, a man-whore, a player. Because he owns a gym, he must be stupid and not well-read. Because she suddenly has an obstacle in her way, he must be the cause of it. And so she acts horribly towards him - which is the reason I don't understand his attraction to her since it's supposedly deeper than the physical. Not once since they met has she been nice or even civil to him, she could tell by the way he walked that he was a player and selfish in bed - which he was neither.
For that fact alone I loved that he was the opposite of her stereotype of a man. It felt like karma, like "what do you have to say to that?!" kind of surprise. It made me smile every time she found out something about him that made her feel guilty for all her treatment of him.
The addition of mystery and action was nice and made the book better than it would have been without it. In the end, I'm glad the story addressed her actions, her behavior and her way of thinking by making her self-aware of her issues, of the need for therapy. And I loved the way Noah was portrayed because even though stereotyping is wrong, a lot of male characters in books lack normal human flaws, traits, problems such as weight gain/loss and its consequences, introversion, social anxiety, lack of sexual experience, and connecting with their own feelings. Many times it's the women that are more real while men are these god-like creatures that all have perfect bodies, oodles of confidence, abilities to make women come with barely a touch, are expert flirts, and always seem to either have the job of their dreams or simply a high paying, 'cool' job. Female characters more often carry the real-world side of the story by being imperfect, struggling with careers and dating life, insecurities before they meet the man that makes them slaw-jacked (so many times I've read that in a book) at first glance from being so handsome and sexy and drool-worthy, with a playboy aura, a thick black book of conquests in the back pocket, mind made up on being single and casual which will probably lead to that big fight down the road that will still end in a happy ending... so many stories like that. And although this does have a HEA that progressed quite fast, it seemed different, even if just for the fact that roles were changed here.
I'll start by saying that she's a woman who's a definition of "knows what she wants". In life, in career, in sex. That's great, as great as it is not to be sure of all those things. However, due to an incident when she was a kid, with her father leaving their family and her mother forcing her newfound logic that all men suck made her a man-hater. What made it worse was the MMC because he was possibly the opposite of the 'typical' man which are often stereotypes bundled into a male character. The heroine, Jillian, a bookstore owner/sex-toy-seller, assumes all men are selfish in and out of bed, especially in. That they all have some horrible character flaw, eg. wife beater (there is a mention and a brief appearance of such a monster in this book). In her eyes, they're all liars that only care about their own physical satisfaction and their own success. And though that is no doubt a truth about some of them, as well as women, she was so deeply stuck in her belief that it made it hard to read her POV. Although pettiness can be funny, and I've watched plenty of those YT videos, her behavior is just her, putting her insecurities and her past hurt on any and every man. And by doing that, she's basically acting like the men she claims are the true evil.
Take the hero, for example, Noah. Although his attempt at acting cool made the road to friendship and whatnot both harder and longer, it does not make him the devil (talking about Julian here, for those who already read the book). He owns his own business as well and it just happens to be right next door to the bookstore. Jillian is hostile to him, hostile overall, and every possible stereotype she could put on him, she does. Because he's handsome, he has to be arrogant, a man-whore, a player. Because he owns a gym, he must be stupid and not well-read. Because she suddenly has an obstacle in her way, he must be the cause of it. And so she acts horribly towards him - which is the reason I don't understand his attraction to her since it's supposedly deeper than the physical. Not once since they met has she been nice or even civil to him, she could tell by the way he walked that he was a player and selfish in bed - which he was neither.
For that fact alone I loved that he was the opposite of her stereotype of a man. It felt like karma, like "what do you have to say to that?!" kind of surprise. It made me smile every time she found out something about him that made her feel guilty for all her treatment of him.
The addition of mystery and action was nice and made the book better than it would have been without it. In the end, I'm glad the story addressed her actions, her behavior and her way of thinking by making her self-aware of her issues, of the need for therapy. And I loved the way Noah was portrayed because even though stereotyping is wrong, a lot of male characters in books lack normal human flaws, traits, problems such as weight gain/loss and its consequences, introversion, social anxiety, lack of sexual experience, and connecting with their own feelings. Many times it's the women that are more real while men are these god-like creatures that all have perfect bodies, oodles of confidence, abilities to make women come with barely a touch, are expert flirts, and always seem to either have the job of their dreams or simply a high paying, 'cool' job. Female characters more often carry the real-world side of the story by being imperfect, struggling with careers and dating life, insecurities before they meet the man that makes them slaw-jacked (so many times I've read that in a book) at first glance from being so handsome and sexy and drool-worthy, with a playboy aura, a thick black book of conquests in the back pocket, mind made up on being single and casual which will probably lead to that big fight down the road that will still end in a happy ending... so many stories like that. And although this does have a HEA that progressed quite fast, it seemed different, even if just for the fact that roles were changed here.
April 1, 2023
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Scandal in Sweet Side #4
Troupes- enemies to lovers, virgin-ish hero, bookish heroine, Grumpy sunshine,
CW-mentions of domestic abuse, attended kidnapping
If you need a refreshing easy to read, spicy AF, reverse grumpy sunshine book set around a smutty bookstore with a sexy hero who is locked into his emotional and mental heath. Then this book is for you!
The first book in this series was my first book ever from Janice Whitaker/Joise Watts and I loved it so much. These books are Rom Com with a dash of suspense, the hero is almost always a cinnamon roll and the heroine is always strong and independent, needing no man to save them! They are predicable and surprising at the same time but always a good time!
Jillian has my dream job, only I don’t want to stress and responsibility of own a business… So my fantasy job, anyway, the Smutty bookshop is her dream, and she has it. So when that dream is put on the line, her first thought is to blame the gym owner next door. Little does she know that said gym owner only wants one thing from her. Her satisfaction 😉.
Noah has come a long way from the overweight, unhappy nerd he was before, unfortunately he’s sexual experience hasn’t, so when he sees the grumpy sexy book store owner next door, he’s interested. And when she scowls and glares and accuses him for trying to seal her shop space, he’s a goner.
I love when there’s consent and honesty talk about how everyone can enjoy the spicy times! With Jillian’s hangups and Noah’s inexperience it was refreshing.
This was a fun cozy read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and as always am looking forward to the next in this series!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Scandal in Sweet Side #4
Troupes- enemies to lovers, virgin-ish hero, bookish heroine, Grumpy sunshine,
CW-mentions of domestic abuse, attended kidnapping
If you need a refreshing easy to read, spicy AF, reverse grumpy sunshine book set around a smutty bookstore with a sexy hero who is locked into his emotional and mental heath. Then this book is for you!
The first book in this series was my first book ever from Janice Whitaker/Joise Watts and I loved it so much. These books are Rom Com with a dash of suspense, the hero is almost always a cinnamon roll and the heroine is always strong and independent, needing no man to save them! They are predicable and surprising at the same time but always a good time!
Jillian has my dream job, only I don’t want to stress and responsibility of own a business… So my fantasy job, anyway, the Smutty bookshop is her dream, and she has it. So when that dream is put on the line, her first thought is to blame the gym owner next door. Little does she know that said gym owner only wants one thing from her. Her satisfaction 😉.
Noah has come a long way from the overweight, unhappy nerd he was before, unfortunately he’s sexual experience hasn’t, so when he sees the grumpy sexy book store owner next door, he’s interested. And when she scowls and glares and accuses him for trying to seal her shop space, he’s a goner.
I love when there’s consent and honesty talk about how everyone can enjoy the spicy times! With Jillian’s hangups and Noah’s inexperience it was refreshing.
This was a fun cozy read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and as always am looking forward to the next in this series!
March 31, 2023
I always have time in my life for a hilarious and upbeat romcom, and By the Book by Josie Watts was time beautifully well-spent. Not only does By the Book have heart and humor, it’s also got terrific smexy steamy moments, and is steeped in life lessons about the perils of first impressions.
Noah is a book boyfriend worthy of geek-girl fantasies. He’s adorable and hot and smart and kind and so incredibly swoonworthy. And once again, Watts creates a female lead character who is strong and independent and bff material, with wonderfully relatable vulnerabilities. Both characters have self defense mechanisms for days, and watching them confront and move past them is fun and engaging and so freaking authentic.
By the Book wouldn’t be a Sweet Side story without quirky octogenarians and an unusual animal instigator. In this case, Watts creates moments for both main characters to shine through the eyes of Ruth and Mr. Rigellio, both memorable in their own rights. Plus, Watts hits the nail on the head with the boisterous Barnaby the cockatoo. I love how the author takes such outlandish circumstances and makes you snortlaugh, giggle, and spit-take while also thinking, “huh, yep, I can see how that would happen.”
If you’re looking for a fantastic feel-good novel that will lift your spirits and make you say, “aaawww,” while also reaching for a cold glass of water and a fan, By the Book is the book. It is part of the Sweet Side series world, but is a complete standalone novel.
Noah is a book boyfriend worthy of geek-girl fantasies. He’s adorable and hot and smart and kind and so incredibly swoonworthy. And once again, Watts creates a female lead character who is strong and independent and bff material, with wonderfully relatable vulnerabilities. Both characters have self defense mechanisms for days, and watching them confront and move past them is fun and engaging and so freaking authentic.
By the Book wouldn’t be a Sweet Side story without quirky octogenarians and an unusual animal instigator. In this case, Watts creates moments for both main characters to shine through the eyes of Ruth and Mr. Rigellio, both memorable in their own rights. Plus, Watts hits the nail on the head with the boisterous Barnaby the cockatoo. I love how the author takes such outlandish circumstances and makes you snortlaugh, giggle, and spit-take while also thinking, “huh, yep, I can see how that would happen.”
If you’re looking for a fantastic feel-good novel that will lift your spirits and make you say, “aaawww,” while also reaching for a cold glass of water and a fan, By the Book is the book. It is part of the Sweet Side series world, but is a complete standalone novel.
April 16, 2023
As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What do you get when you mix a mystery with a steamy love story and a healthy dose of obnoxious animal and a geriatric girl gang? You get a Josie Watts novel.
By the Book is the latest in her Scandal in Sweet Side series and I absolutely adored this book! Josie has a way of making you fall in love with her characters, and I loved Jillian and Noah! I loved that she reversed the grumpy-sunshine trope and had the heroine take the role of the grump and the hero be the sunshine. It made for a very interesting and fun read that had me laughing and swooning at watching Noah break Jillian’s walls down and show her that he’s not like the men that she’s used to.
I identified a lot with Noah. He’s a people pleaser (a golden retriever) and when he’s invested in someone or something, he goes full throttle; jumping in with two feet. Unfortunately, not many people appreciate his enthusiasm, and it’s led to him closing himself off. Until he meets Jillian.
If you like a mystery, a steamy love story (seriously, the scenes were hot!!), and a cussing cockatoo, you need to read this book! I can’t wait to find out where Josie takes this series next, and what crazy animal she will decide to insert into that story!
Thank you Janice/Josie and Julie for the advance copy!
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What do you get when you mix a mystery with a steamy love story and a healthy dose of obnoxious animal and a geriatric girl gang? You get a Josie Watts novel.
By the Book is the latest in her Scandal in Sweet Side series and I absolutely adored this book! Josie has a way of making you fall in love with her characters, and I loved Jillian and Noah! I loved that she reversed the grumpy-sunshine trope and had the heroine take the role of the grump and the hero be the sunshine. It made for a very interesting and fun read that had me laughing and swooning at watching Noah break Jillian’s walls down and show her that he’s not like the men that she’s used to.
I identified a lot with Noah. He’s a people pleaser (a golden retriever) and when he’s invested in someone or something, he goes full throttle; jumping in with two feet. Unfortunately, not many people appreciate his enthusiasm, and it’s led to him closing himself off. Until he meets Jillian.
If you like a mystery, a steamy love story (seriously, the scenes were hot!!), and a cussing cockatoo, you need to read this book! I can’t wait to find out where Josie takes this series next, and what crazy animal she will decide to insert into that story!
Thank you Janice/Josie and Julie for the advance copy!
April 3, 2023
What happens when you bring together two complete opposites, one in unrequited lust and the other so not? By the Book is the result. It’s a hilarious story about two people that shouldn’t work out but do. The story was a slow start for me, but the plot twists and how the relationship develops made this a fun, unpredictable book that kept me interested.
Got to love a story that has a shop full of smutty books and sex toys as a setting! Jillian is an enlightened woman that owns the shop and not to be messed with, but Noah wants to…in a sexy way. Jillian’s grumpy nature stands in Noah’s way! Barnaby, a foul-mouthed bird, and tipsy Jillian are the ice breakers that begin the thaw between the two.
Romcom books are not my usual read, but the suspense angle and the self-realization the main characters go through grabbed my attention. The initial impression of Noah is quickly flipped, which is surprising and makes him relatable. I liked Noah more and more as we hear his inner thoughts. Jillian and Noah become more believable as a couple as they discover give and take are missing from their individual lives. The humor and snark is so good, but I truly enjoyed how much they grew together and developed a happy relationship
Got to love a story that has a shop full of smutty books and sex toys as a setting! Jillian is an enlightened woman that owns the shop and not to be messed with, but Noah wants to…in a sexy way. Jillian’s grumpy nature stands in Noah’s way! Barnaby, a foul-mouthed bird, and tipsy Jillian are the ice breakers that begin the thaw between the two.
Romcom books are not my usual read, but the suspense angle and the self-realization the main characters go through grabbed my attention. The initial impression of Noah is quickly flipped, which is surprising and makes him relatable. I liked Noah more and more as we hear his inner thoughts. Jillian and Noah become more believable as a couple as they discover give and take are missing from their individual lives. The humor and snark is so good, but I truly enjoyed how much they grew together and developed a happy relationship
April 3, 2023
I loved By the Book by Josie Watts. It had that perfect combination of suspense broken up by scenes filled with coming relief.
The book starts out with an appearance from our favorite senior, Sylvia, in all her inappropriateness trying to find a special "toy" to give to her grandson and future granddaughter. This scene set the tone for the rest of the book.
Noah is the cocky gun bro owner next door who started off on the wrong foot with Jillian. When her landlord sends a letter informing her he would not be renewing her lease on her book store/adult toy store, she instantly knew it was Noah's fault.
Fueled by tequila, Jillian decides to go find proof of Noah lying about the involvement of her losing her lease to expand his gym. One wrong move, and a cockatoo with a very colorful vocabulary, land Jillian in a very compromising position with Noah.
Will Jillian confirm that men are all jerks out for their own pleasure and personal gain, or will the secret cinnamon roll of a man Noah, show Jillian that some of her beliefs in men are misguided? And will they both find exactly what they need along the way?
Make sure you read this humor filled, with just a touch of danger, enemies to lovers book by Josie Watts! You won't be disappointed.
The book starts out with an appearance from our favorite senior, Sylvia, in all her inappropriateness trying to find a special "toy" to give to her grandson and future granddaughter. This scene set the tone for the rest of the book.
Noah is the cocky gun bro owner next door who started off on the wrong foot with Jillian. When her landlord sends a letter informing her he would not be renewing her lease on her book store/adult toy store, she instantly knew it was Noah's fault.
Fueled by tequila, Jillian decides to go find proof of Noah lying about the involvement of her losing her lease to expand his gym. One wrong move, and a cockatoo with a very colorful vocabulary, land Jillian in a very compromising position with Noah.
Will Jillian confirm that men are all jerks out for their own pleasure and personal gain, or will the secret cinnamon roll of a man Noah, show Jillian that some of her beliefs in men are misguided? And will they both find exactly what they need along the way?
Make sure you read this humor filled, with just a touch of danger, enemies to lovers book by Josie Watts! You won't be disappointed.
April 20, 2023
The right book for the right moment.
Sometimes you just need “that” book. It might be rom/comy, or swoony, or just a hint of mystery… or maybe all of that, and something a bit more. By The Book was “that” book for me in just the right moment. Josie Watts’ books are always that for me. They meet me where I am and lift me up, make me laugh, make me swoon, draw me in and just make the world right for a little while.
I could go into how amazing it is that the female lead, owns a bookshop that sells adult toys, but still has a thing or two to learn about love. Or that the male lead is a hotty who owns a gym but also loves to read (gasp) Shakespeare and is invested, really invested in pleasing his partner, but needs to learn to allow himself to be loved. I could mention that there’s a dirty talking Cockatoo and supporting characters that are just that—supporting, but that’s exactly the kind of things you can expect from Josie Watts stories. So, instead I’ll tell you what I didn’t expect. I didn’t expect to fall in love… well, now that’s a lie… I always fall in love with Josie Watt’s books, and I think you will too!
Read By the Book, today. It’s a lighthearted, easy low angst read, with enough of everything to be truly satisfying.
Sometimes you just need “that” book. It might be rom/comy, or swoony, or just a hint of mystery… or maybe all of that, and something a bit more. By The Book was “that” book for me in just the right moment. Josie Watts’ books are always that for me. They meet me where I am and lift me up, make me laugh, make me swoon, draw me in and just make the world right for a little while.
I could go into how amazing it is that the female lead, owns a bookshop that sells adult toys, but still has a thing or two to learn about love. Or that the male lead is a hotty who owns a gym but also loves to read (gasp) Shakespeare and is invested, really invested in pleasing his partner, but needs to learn to allow himself to be loved. I could mention that there’s a dirty talking Cockatoo and supporting characters that are just that—supporting, but that’s exactly the kind of things you can expect from Josie Watts stories. So, instead I’ll tell you what I didn’t expect. I didn’t expect to fall in love… well, now that’s a lie… I always fall in love with Josie Watt’s books, and I think you will too!
Read By the Book, today. It’s a lighthearted, easy low angst read, with enough of everything to be truly satisfying.
April 3, 2023
As with any of Josie Watts books there is a thread …. Outlandish mad older characters and the two main characters who go through scenario’s that the reader doesn’t expect. Noah and Jillian are the main characters and in some way stereotypes but then when you get to know and understand them and their situations they’ll have you laughing out loud!! Noah is a good-looking guy who runs a gym and is understandably into fitness and health. His neighbour in the shop next door Jillian is far from typical as she runs a shop of smutty books and sex toys! You’d never think they’d get together, but they do and their journey is unexpected, full of humour and misunderstandings, a foul-mouthed bird and a tipsy Jillian. (You need to read the book to appreciate the madness.) It’s a little slow to start but soon picks up and draws you in…wanting to find out how they work everything out and encompass some of the people they meet along the way.
April 1, 2023
By The Book by Josie Watts
I really enjoyed this book.
Noah is not who everyone thinks he is. He has secrets and secrets he can not reveal.
Jillian has been let down before so she doesn't trust easily. Men are only good for one thing, but even that can be claimed by something less .... annoying ... ;)
Did she judge him too soon? He has proven to be everything she never knew existed. Trusting him has become a little easier now. The events leading up to their first night have just shown her that Noah is not just like every other man, and just maybe her mom had it wrong all along. He is a man who can fulfil her every fantasy.
Will his secrets be revealed? Will it make or break them?
I laughed so much in this story. Barnaby is a total hoot and totally unexpected. 🦜
Great story with all the feels.
5❤️'s
I really enjoyed this book.
Noah is not who everyone thinks he is. He has secrets and secrets he can not reveal.
Jillian has been let down before so she doesn't trust easily. Men are only good for one thing, but even that can be claimed by something less .... annoying ... ;)
Did she judge him too soon? He has proven to be everything she never knew existed. Trusting him has become a little easier now. The events leading up to their first night have just shown her that Noah is not just like every other man, and just maybe her mom had it wrong all along. He is a man who can fulfil her every fantasy.
Will his secrets be revealed? Will it make or break them?
I laughed so much in this story. Barnaby is a total hoot and totally unexpected. 🦜
Great story with all the feels.
5❤️'s
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Another good edition to this series
This is another easy read, with characters that are fun to follow and cheer for, and the older residents we know and love make appearances here too.
Jillian has some definite issues to work through, and one judgment on what's on the surface almost has her missing out on the sweetest (and most focused on her happiness and pleasure) of a man!
I really appreciated how Noah enjoyed being able to protect and "care for" all of Jillian's needs. Their chemistry is steamy and organic, easy to connect with. While I didn’t love everything about this storyline... which is totally a me problem... it was 100% a page turner, one that I do recommend.
Please read in order for the best experience, and I can’t wait for my next read from this author.
This is another easy read, with characters that are fun to follow and cheer for, and the older residents we know and love make appearances here too.
Jillian has some definite issues to work through, and one judgment on what's on the surface almost has her missing out on the sweetest (and most focused on her happiness and pleasure) of a man!
I really appreciated how Noah enjoyed being able to protect and "care for" all of Jillian's needs. Their chemistry is steamy and organic, easy to connect with. While I didn’t love everything about this storyline... which is totally a me problem... it was 100% a page turner, one that I do recommend.
Please read in order for the best experience, and I can’t wait for my next read from this author.
April 4, 2023
Spicy Bookstore Owner/Fun Gym Owner
Josie Watts has done it again; I loved this book! I have to admit, I was a little leery when I found out this book was going to be about two new characters in Sweet Side because I have loved the Sweet Side stories that are all related. However, this book did not disappoint! The character development made you love the simple twist in the grumpy bookstore owner heroine and the fun loving, sunshiny gym owner hero. I literally laughed out loud in parts of this book and cried in others. These characters are so real and the plot twist was unexpected. You will fall in love with Noah and Jillian and what they will do next. And, you will also be happy to know that the granny gang is back in this book as well! This book is a must read right along with all of the other Sweet Side stories.
Josie Watts has done it again; I loved this book! I have to admit, I was a little leery when I found out this book was going to be about two new characters in Sweet Side because I have loved the Sweet Side stories that are all related. However, this book did not disappoint! The character development made you love the simple twist in the grumpy bookstore owner heroine and the fun loving, sunshiny gym owner hero. I literally laughed out loud in parts of this book and cried in others. These characters are so real and the plot twist was unexpected. You will fall in love with Noah and Jillian and what they will do next. And, you will also be happy to know that the granny gang is back in this book as well! This book is a must read right along with all of the other Sweet Side stories.
April 4, 2023
I loved revisiting Sweet Side! Janice Whiteaker writing as Josie Watts writes hysterical stories that have easy and fun to relate to characters, suspense and of course a HEA!
Jillian is a grump and not interested is the gym bro business owner next to her book (and sex toys!) store. Noah is adorably interested but awkward. First impressions aren’t always the truth and these two figure that out as they’re dealing with mysterious gun shots and break ins. Jillian and Noah find out more about each other and we are rooting for them! Throw in hilarious senior Sylvia and her gang and this book is a good time!
Jillian is a grump and not interested is the gym bro business owner next to her book (and sex toys!) store. Noah is adorably interested but awkward. First impressions aren’t always the truth and these two figure that out as they’re dealing with mysterious gun shots and break ins. Jillian and Noah find out more about each other and we are rooting for them! Throw in hilarious senior Sylvia and her gang and this book is a good time!
April 4, 2023
Jillian owns Spicy Stacks Bookstore.
Elena is Jillian’s employee at the bookstore.
Noah is the gym owner next door.
Jillian is happy everything is going well , until she receives a letter that her lease is not being renewed. Jillian is thinking that Noah is behind it, because he
Wants to expand his gym.
Jillian had a scary incident in the apartment manager’s office and when she
and Noah went to her apartment later on it was ransacked and had a nasty message on the wall.
Can Noah help Jillian and keep her safe and have a Happily Ever After.
This book has intrigue, humor, mystery, twists, turns,, romance,
drama and emotions.
Great Job Josie Watts you never disappoint !!!!!
Elena is Jillian’s employee at the bookstore.
Noah is the gym owner next door.
Jillian is happy everything is going well , until she receives a letter that her lease is not being renewed. Jillian is thinking that Noah is behind it, because he
Wants to expand his gym.
Jillian had a scary incident in the apartment manager’s office and when she
and Noah went to her apartment later on it was ransacked and had a nasty message on the wall.
Can Noah help Jillian and keep her safe and have a Happily Ever After.
This book has intrigue, humor, mystery, twists, turns,, romance,
drama and emotions.
Great Job Josie Watts you never disappoint !!!!!
April 2, 2023
Romantic humour with a twist!
I absolutely love the Sweet Side series and the new characters we are introduced to each time.
Noah and Jillian was a fantastic story, both had their issues but Noah is the more vulnerable of the two, making for a good read.
Then we get Barnaby, you don’t get Sweet Side without the mad animals and the even better chaos causing OAP’s. I love it.
Romantic humour with a twist!
Bring me more please. Hoping we will Elana’s story.
I absolutely love the Sweet Side series and the new characters we are introduced to each time.
Noah and Jillian was a fantastic story, both had their issues but Noah is the more vulnerable of the two, making for a good read.
Then we get Barnaby, you don’t get Sweet Side without the mad animals and the even better chaos causing OAP’s. I love it.
Romantic humour with a twist!
Bring me more please. Hoping we will Elana’s story.
April 18, 2023
Good book
4.5 stars. I enjoyed reading this book. It’s different in that the female MC is the grouchy one. Jillian had learned from her mother to think the words of men and Noah has insecurities since he was overweight majority of his life. They make a good couple and Noah is so sweet and attentive. Lots of steamy hot moments. There were tender ones also. There were numerous funny situations and I enjoyed their banter.
4.5 stars. I enjoyed reading this book. It’s different in that the female MC is the grouchy one. Jillian had learned from her mother to think the words of men and Noah has insecurities since he was overweight majority of his life. They make a good couple and Noah is so sweet and attentive. Lots of steamy hot moments. There were tender ones also. There were numerous funny situations and I enjoyed their banter.
May 22, 2023
Never disappointed.
I adore the Sweet Side stories and absolutely wish there were more because I cannot get enough. I want to read about the other characters from the last three books aside from Sylvia, but Jillian and Noah’s story is completely satisfying. I love the strong female and her vulnerable male characters. Noah is no unicorn, and I love that he makes Jillian happy. The bonus scene is fabulous and will leave you smiling.
I adore the Sweet Side stories and absolutely wish there were more because I cannot get enough. I want to read about the other characters from the last three books aside from Sylvia, but Jillian and Noah’s story is completely satisfying. I love the strong female and her vulnerable male characters. Noah is no unicorn, and I love that he makes Jillian happy. The bonus scene is fabulous and will leave you smiling.
April 4, 2023
I was not sure about this at first, with the main female lead with such an antagonistic attitude toward all men, I was afraid I would not get a happy ever after. However, this ended up being a really fun book. I have enjoyed all the books in this series that I have read so far. I did think the ending was a bit rushed, but other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
June 28, 2023
What a Ride!
Reading the latest offering from JW is always a treat. This one hits all the right notes, fun characters, and a romantic journey that ends in HEA. (Stick it, Mr. Sparks! You know what you do!)
Might make a few gals my age blush a little, but oh well, that's what fans are for!
Reading the latest offering from JW is always a treat. This one hits all the right notes, fun characters, and a romantic journey that ends in HEA. (Stick it, Mr. Sparks! You know what you do!)
Might make a few gals my age blush a little, but oh well, that's what fans are for!
February 14, 2025
What Fun!
A romcom and a mystery combines this novel into an edge of the seat funpacked novel.
Well written with believable characters that explore their pasts and find that they need to believe and trust that their past does not define their future and finding that special someone is possible.
A romcom and a mystery combines this novel into an edge of the seat funpacked novel.
Well written with believable characters that explore their pasts and find that they need to believe and trust that their past does not define their future and finding that special someone is possible.
August 13, 2025
This book was ok, but the mindsets of the main characters were extreme and it felt like an immature plot. For Jillian to lump all men in the same category and for Noah to be lacking so much confidence was just off-putting. Sure their romance was cute because Noah was a good guy and this series is intended to be more fun and goofy. Just not sure I’m feeling it.
March 29, 2023
I LOVE me some grumpy/sunshine! This story featured a grumpy bookstore owner and a sunshine personal trainer, plus a foul mouthed bird and a bunch of crazy grandmas, and I cannot even begin to express how much I loved it all. Honestly, this book checked all the boxes for my romcom loving heart.
March 30, 2023
This is a hilarious read. I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. I loved Noah! He’s a people pleaser and just what Jillian needs. At first I didn’t really like Jillian but I ended up loving her to. These two are made for each other but getting there makes for a great fun read.
March 31, 2023
Wonderful!
This was another awesome Sweet Side Story! I enjoyed reading Noah (sunshiney) and Jillian’s (grumpy) story. This was my favorite of the series. It has books, mystery, lots of laughs and spice!
This was another awesome Sweet Side Story! I enjoyed reading Noah (sunshiney) and Jillian’s (grumpy) story. This was my favorite of the series. It has books, mystery, lots of laughs and spice!
April 2, 2023
More fun in Sweet Side
This was such a sweet book! The characters are relateable and so funny. I love that we got to see some of our favorites from Sweet Side too. This is a nice light book, and an easy read!
This was such a sweet book! The characters are relateable and so funny. I love that we got to see some of our favorites from Sweet Side too. This is a nice light book, and an easy read!
April 13, 2023
by the Book
The 4th Scandals of Sweet-side book can be read as a stand alone - I love these books because they are delicious Rom-comes with depth but this book especially low-Mild angst .
The 4th Scandals of Sweet-side book can be read as a stand alone - I love these books because they are delicious Rom-comes with depth but this book especially low-Mild angst .
April 13, 2023
This is a cute read. Jillian and Noah are not your typical couple. Noah is a positive guy that has some insecurities. Jillian is a grump that doesn't care about being positive. It's an enjoyable read that you will enjoy.
May 9, 2023
worth the wait!
Love all these characters, Barnaby was a riot!
Every book in this series is a gem, fun reads
I sincerely hope we haven’t read the last about the residents of Sweet Side.
Elana needs a happy ending, hint hint😉
Love all these characters, Barnaby was a riot!
Every book in this series is a gem, fun reads
I sincerely hope we haven’t read the last about the residents of Sweet Side.
Elana needs a happy ending, hint hint😉
November 14, 2024
I liked the vulnerability of both Noah and Jillian. I was miffed at the poor character of the Detective, I wish there had been more said about his poor behavior cuz I was really thinking he was in cahoots with the shooter.
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