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How Sweet It is
" How Sweet It Is will set your heart on fire" -- Robyn Carr, New York Times bestselling author
"One sweet read! Everything I love humor, warmth, emotions that pull at the heartstrings, characters that step off the page, and a wonderful love story." -- Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author
How Sweet It Is
Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"--high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!
Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance--no strings attached.
Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.
"One sweet read! Everything I love humor, warmth, emotions that pull at the heartstrings, characters that step off the page, and a wonderful love story." -- Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author
How Sweet It Is
Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"--high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!
Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance--no strings attached.
Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 9, 2011
2 ½ stars. People throw away money, do things they can’t afford, and refuse help – I couldn’t enjoy this thinking.
STORY BRIEF:
A year ago, Tay accidentally ran a red light and crashed into another car which killed Linda the other driver. Tay has suffered guilt ever since. Linda had so many debts that her daughter Candy received nothing. Candy has no other relatives to help her. She is a college student who will have to drop out due to lack of money. Tay owned and managed two rental properties. He sold everything he had and converted it into $200,000 cash. He kept his truck, his tools and some clothes. He meets with Candy and gives her the $200,000 in cash in a duffle bag. She tells him she doesn’t want it and that she will throw it off a bridge. He walks away not believing her. She throws it off a bridge. Tay then decides to search for the bag of cash. So he stays in town for a while to search.
Lizzie got pregnant in high school, was unmarried, and stayed with her parents to raise her daughter. Her parents died four years later and left their house to Lizzie. Lizzie supports herself and her daughter on her waitress’ salary, but she doesn’t have enough money to maintain the property. Many things are broken. She is talking to her friends at the diner, wishing a man would come and fix things around the house for her. Tay is in the diner and hears this. He can’t sleep much and is on a mission to do good for others (as part of his guilt issues). So he starts showing up to fix things like the broken gate, the broken porch light, etc. Lizzie is upset and doesn’t want his help due to pride. She only wants something if she can pay for it.
This book is the first in the Enemy Club series. Four girls didn’t like each other in high school. But now as adults they have become friends and meet once a week for coffee. They are different. I assume each book will be about one of them finding love. Lizzie is this book. Jill was a cheerleader and popular. She now sells real estate and wears expensive clothes. Nina teaches yoga classes, sort of a health nut. Georgia was a top student and very religious in high school. She felt Lizzie was a sinner for getting pregnant. Now she is a psychiatrist.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Lizzie does something at the end which really bothered me. Her parents gave her the house with no mortgage. It’s the only way she has been able to support herself and her daughter on a waitress’ income. Now she does something financially irrational, not necessary, and she could not afford it. Yes it was an admirable act, but it tainted the happy ending for me.
Earlier in the book, two people threw cash off a bridge. One of them was Candy who desperately needed the money. This turned my stomach. I’m a devotee of Susie Orman’s (financial planning) advice. I couldn’t take it. Give me a different plot please!!!
Also I wasn’t comfortable with Tay’s financial actions. He should never have left the money in a bag. He could have held the money for Candy and helped her in other ways over time. I also kept wondering why he didn’t keep a little money to pay for food and rent for himself and his dog. He cared about his dog. Yes he worked odd jobs for money – but it felt off for me.
And then Lizzie was weird. She didn’t want him to fix her home? He told her he wanted to do good deeds to help him get over his guilt. She was too uncompromising. She could have at least offered to feed him in return.
Aside from all the above uncomfortable feelings, the story was nicely written. If the plot and sources of conflict had been different I would have enjoyed the experience. But I give the author credit for the unusual. The meatier part of the story is Tay’s guilt and eventually learning to forgive himself. This may appeal to some readers. There are a few sex scenes, but not much sizzle.
DATA:
Story length: 387 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Total number of sex scene pages: 5. Setting: current day small town Galton, N.Y. Copyright: 2011. Genre: contemporary romance.
STORY BRIEF:
A year ago, Tay accidentally ran a red light and crashed into another car which killed Linda the other driver. Tay has suffered guilt ever since. Linda had so many debts that her daughter Candy received nothing. Candy has no other relatives to help her. She is a college student who will have to drop out due to lack of money. Tay owned and managed two rental properties. He sold everything he had and converted it into $200,000 cash. He kept his truck, his tools and some clothes. He meets with Candy and gives her the $200,000 in cash in a duffle bag. She tells him she doesn’t want it and that she will throw it off a bridge. He walks away not believing her. She throws it off a bridge. Tay then decides to search for the bag of cash. So he stays in town for a while to search.
Lizzie got pregnant in high school, was unmarried, and stayed with her parents to raise her daughter. Her parents died four years later and left their house to Lizzie. Lizzie supports herself and her daughter on her waitress’ salary, but she doesn’t have enough money to maintain the property. Many things are broken. She is talking to her friends at the diner, wishing a man would come and fix things around the house for her. Tay is in the diner and hears this. He can’t sleep much and is on a mission to do good for others (as part of his guilt issues). So he starts showing up to fix things like the broken gate, the broken porch light, etc. Lizzie is upset and doesn’t want his help due to pride. She only wants something if she can pay for it.
This book is the first in the Enemy Club series. Four girls didn’t like each other in high school. But now as adults they have become friends and meet once a week for coffee. They are different. I assume each book will be about one of them finding love. Lizzie is this book. Jill was a cheerleader and popular. She now sells real estate and wears expensive clothes. Nina teaches yoga classes, sort of a health nut. Georgia was a top student and very religious in high school. She felt Lizzie was a sinner for getting pregnant. Now she is a psychiatrist.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Lizzie does something at the end which really bothered me. Her parents gave her the house with no mortgage. It’s the only way she has been able to support herself and her daughter on a waitress’ income. Now she does something financially irrational, not necessary, and she could not afford it. Yes it was an admirable act, but it tainted the happy ending for me.
Earlier in the book, two people threw cash off a bridge. One of them was Candy who desperately needed the money. This turned my stomach. I’m a devotee of Susie Orman’s (financial planning) advice. I couldn’t take it. Give me a different plot please!!!
Also I wasn’t comfortable with Tay’s financial actions. He should never have left the money in a bag. He could have held the money for Candy and helped her in other ways over time. I also kept wondering why he didn’t keep a little money to pay for food and rent for himself and his dog. He cared about his dog. Yes he worked odd jobs for money – but it felt off for me.
And then Lizzie was weird. She didn’t want him to fix her home? He told her he wanted to do good deeds to help him get over his guilt. She was too uncompromising. She could have at least offered to feed him in return.
Aside from all the above uncomfortable feelings, the story was nicely written. If the plot and sources of conflict had been different I would have enjoyed the experience. But I give the author credit for the unusual. The meatier part of the story is Tay’s guilt and eventually learning to forgive himself. This may appeal to some readers. There are a few sex scenes, but not much sizzle.
DATA:
Story length: 387 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 4. Total number of sex scene pages: 5. Setting: current day small town Galton, N.Y. Copyright: 2011. Genre: contemporary romance.
January 26, 2018
Diane Holquist is Sophie Gunn. I have been looking for more books by Diane Holquist. I own and reread all of her books. I just recently discovered that she writes as Sophie Gunn. Who knew? Probably everyone, but I didn't. I love this story. The heroine is a single mom. She works hard as a waitress at local dinner. But saving for college has meant that her home is run down and in need of repair. When the long-absent father of her 14-year-old daughter sends a letter that he will visit on Christmas Day, Lizzie expresses her wish for a man who would repair her home and then disappear. To her shock, she finds a stranger doing repairs on her fence in the wee hours of the morning. Tay Giovanni did a terrible thing, and he seeks redemption. Overhearing Lizzie's wish, he starts repairing her house. In the end, there is plenty of forgiveness and redemption for everyone. No matter what name she writes under, Diane Holquist tells beautiful stories.
January 7, 2011
I won this book through GR's giveaways, thanks GR's!
I gave this one 2 stars only because the book started off being decent and then I don't know what happened but I had to force myself to finish it. Lizzie is a single mom trying to make a good life for her and her daughter. She got pregnant at 16 and the guy (Ethan) took no responsibility for his actions and never made an effort to see his daughter. Then suddenly Lizzie gets a letter in the mail from Ethan, saying he wanted to come back and meet his daughter. This throws them both into a tailspin. Lizzie starts wondering at the state of her house and wants to show Ethan she's made it. That's where Tay comes in. He is trying to make up for past sins and ends up in the same town as Lizzie. He overhears her making a wish for a man to show up and fix all of her house's ailments and he decides he will be that man for her. He sneaks over to her house at night and starts fixing her gate, Lizzie catches him and wonders who out of her friends paid him to go over. The two try to make a deal with each other, Tay wants to do a good deed and Lizzie wants her house fixed so they work together to accomplish the goal.
Again, the beginning started off great and then the book just took a downward spiral into "What the hell is going on?" territory. Lizzie's sister was annoying and I'm not really sure what the point of that storyline was. Tay and Lizzie seemed forced when they were together with Tay always yapping about how guilty he was and how Lizzie wasn't saying what she really wanted. It just became a bunch of nonsense. At the end I really wanted something dramatic to happen and that wish definitely wasn't fulfilled. Overall, I'd say go to the library for this book if you decide you want to read it. Don't waste your money.
I gave this one 2 stars only because the book started off being decent and then I don't know what happened but I had to force myself to finish it. Lizzie is a single mom trying to make a good life for her and her daughter. She got pregnant at 16 and the guy (Ethan) took no responsibility for his actions and never made an effort to see his daughter. Then suddenly Lizzie gets a letter in the mail from Ethan, saying he wanted to come back and meet his daughter. This throws them both into a tailspin. Lizzie starts wondering at the state of her house and wants to show Ethan she's made it. That's where Tay comes in. He is trying to make up for past sins and ends up in the same town as Lizzie. He overhears her making a wish for a man to show up and fix all of her house's ailments and he decides he will be that man for her. He sneaks over to her house at night and starts fixing her gate, Lizzie catches him and wonders who out of her friends paid him to go over. The two try to make a deal with each other, Tay wants to do a good deed and Lizzie wants her house fixed so they work together to accomplish the goal.
Again, the beginning started off great and then the book just took a downward spiral into "What the hell is going on?" territory. Lizzie's sister was annoying and I'm not really sure what the point of that storyline was. Tay and Lizzie seemed forced when they were together with Tay always yapping about how guilty he was and how Lizzie wasn't saying what she really wanted. It just became a bunch of nonsense. At the end I really wanted something dramatic to happen and that wish definitely wasn't fulfilled. Overall, I'd say go to the library for this book if you decide you want to read it. Don't waste your money.
December 30, 2010
I admit that I tend to judge books by their cover. When I opened the envelope containing How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn, my first thought was that I wouldn't like the book. Now that I've read the book, I still don't love the cover image (it reminds me of the teen romance books I used to read when I was 11 and 12), but I'm thankful to report that the content of How Sweet It Is, was much more to my liking.
Overall, I liked the main characters in the book. Sure, they had their own demons, but they seemed like generally pleasant people, living generally pleasant lives, and having generally pleasant sex. I wouldn't have minded a little more sizzle - in the bedroom as well as out, but overall How Sweet It Is, is a light, fast-paced read. Your brain won't strain, but it will be entertained, and sometimes that's all we really need from a book.
Overall, I liked the main characters in the book. Sure, they had their own demons, but they seemed like generally pleasant people, living generally pleasant lives, and having generally pleasant sex. I wouldn't have minded a little more sizzle - in the bedroom as well as out, but overall How Sweet It Is, is a light, fast-paced read. Your brain won't strain, but it will be entertained, and sometimes that's all we really need from a book.
January 24, 2011
Sophie is a writing genius. How Sweet It Is took my breath away and made me think about when my husband and I got together. He came along, out of nowhere and changed my life the same way Dante changed Lizzie's. This is one of my favorite love stories because of how real it is. Five stars!
October 22, 2016
All the characters were so damn depressing. Meh.
February 3, 2019
It's not that I didn't enjoy this book. it just starts off so slow, and obviously, I have never been in that situation so I have a hard time putting myself into Tays shoes. I just think the book was unrealistic, there is no way that Paige would act like that. I didn't think the book was all bad I loved the second half of the book and I definitely loved the happy ending. but during the whole story, I can't believe that Lizzie never put together that the money her sister hid was Tays missing money. Also its like she forgot that she found the money in the first place and was shocked that her sister had hidden it in her basement when she clearly found the money earlier in the book. What did she think happened to it? As a whole, I enjoyed the romance part, but Lizzie and Tay said I love you after the first time they have sex. For people who didn't want commitment, they sure committed to each other fast. And don't get me started about the whole Annie aspect in this book. It's like Annie is a stupid spoiled brat who wants all the attention no matter what. I just really didn't enjoy Annie's character and the way she acted throughout the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
Wow was this bad. Seriously, ridiculously bad. Somehow I had expected this to be a modern novel (written only 10 years ago) but it had neither sense nor a modern sensibility. The characters were preposterous. The concept of the enemies club? Cute, but not well carried out. The romance? Weird, meh, and definitely not steamy, which I thought was what people suffered through this level of writing for. And seriously, I cannot get over the fact that the main character owned two buildings in Queens and what does he get from the sale? $200,000. The fact that I finished is only testament to how desperate I am for a cheerful read.
July 17, 2011
Rating: 8 out of 10 - GREAT READ!
First line:
For over a week the envelope sat on the dining room table unnoticed, buried under a stack of birdseed catalogues and household bills like a bomb waiting to go off.
Memorable Scenes:
- The scene where Tay tells Lizzie about the accident > this scene hit an emotional button while the rest of the book was pretty lighthearted and fun
Lizzie Bea Carpenter is a single mom, trying to wing her way through life, supporting herself and her daughter, working as a waitress. I really liked Lizzie. Her relationship with her daughter Paige was depicted in a realistic way (as far as I can judge that from a daughter’s POV, as I’m not a mother).
Dante ‘Tay’ Giovanni caused a deadly accident by running a red light. He’s ran away from his life and is now trying to redeem himself by helping others, trying to escape his past and his memories. Tay is mysterious and guilt-ridden. He has a complicated past but he also has a big heart, is a fixer and wants to be helpful.
My first encounter with Sophie Gunn’s work was a truly pleasant one. I utterly enjoyed reading HOW SWEET IT IS. I was effortlessly pulled into the lives and problems of Lizzie and those who surround her. The easy, crisp writing style definitely contributed to my enjoyment but I also loved the premise and the depth in the characters, their background stories, the small town setting and the impact it had on the romance and story.
I loved the humor in this book. There was a layer of subtle humor throughout the entire book and sometimes that subtle romance would evolve into straight laugh-out-loud moment or put-a-big-grin-on-my-face moments.
Sophie Gunn had a knack for keeping you hooked and curious to know how certain events are going to turn out and I really liked that. The way she combined the main story with the multiple side-stories, without taking away the focus from the main characters, kept the book fast-paced and moving full steam ahead.
Though Tay’s guilt-ridden and self-punishing attitude started to get on my nerves a little at some point, it didn’t bother me immensely because it was needed to make the resolution believable and give it the power of impact it eventually had. It also contributed to the realistic feel of the book and separated it from the fluffy light contemporaries making it a little darker without losing its humorous tone.
Reading this book left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. HOW SWEET IT IS is a lovely, endearing and sweet contemporary romance that any contemporary romance reader can’t help but warm up to within a few pages. It’s about redemption, forgiveness, and the ability to let go and move on, about looking toward the future instead of back to the past. And when you flip the last page, you’ll emit a satisfied sigh, awaiting the HEA for the next member of The Enemy Club.
First line:
For over a week the envelope sat on the dining room table unnoticed, buried under a stack of birdseed catalogues and household bills like a bomb waiting to go off.
Memorable Scenes:
- The scene where Tay tells Lizzie about the accident > this scene hit an emotional button while the rest of the book was pretty lighthearted and fun
Lizzie Bea Carpenter is a single mom, trying to wing her way through life, supporting herself and her daughter, working as a waitress. I really liked Lizzie. Her relationship with her daughter Paige was depicted in a realistic way (as far as I can judge that from a daughter’s POV, as I’m not a mother).
Dante ‘Tay’ Giovanni caused a deadly accident by running a red light. He’s ran away from his life and is now trying to redeem himself by helping others, trying to escape his past and his memories. Tay is mysterious and guilt-ridden. He has a complicated past but he also has a big heart, is a fixer and wants to be helpful.
My first encounter with Sophie Gunn’s work was a truly pleasant one. I utterly enjoyed reading HOW SWEET IT IS. I was effortlessly pulled into the lives and problems of Lizzie and those who surround her. The easy, crisp writing style definitely contributed to my enjoyment but I also loved the premise and the depth in the characters, their background stories, the small town setting and the impact it had on the romance and story.
I loved the humor in this book. There was a layer of subtle humor throughout the entire book and sometimes that subtle romance would evolve into straight laugh-out-loud moment or put-a-big-grin-on-my-face moments.
Sophie Gunn had a knack for keeping you hooked and curious to know how certain events are going to turn out and I really liked that. The way she combined the main story with the multiple side-stories, without taking away the focus from the main characters, kept the book fast-paced and moving full steam ahead.
Though Tay’s guilt-ridden and self-punishing attitude started to get on my nerves a little at some point, it didn’t bother me immensely because it was needed to make the resolution believable and give it the power of impact it eventually had. It also contributed to the realistic feel of the book and separated it from the fluffy light contemporaries making it a little darker without losing its humorous tone.
Reading this book left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. HOW SWEET IT IS is a lovely, endearing and sweet contemporary romance that any contemporary romance reader can’t help but warm up to within a few pages. It’s about redemption, forgiveness, and the ability to let go and move on, about looking toward the future instead of back to the past. And when you flip the last page, you’ll emit a satisfied sigh, awaiting the HEA for the next member of The Enemy Club.
Favorite Quotes:
“You don’t know what I want.”
“Neither do you, obviously. But I have a feeling it has something to do with this place.”
“Here? Why?”
“I don’t know, but I think you do. Isn’t it kind of obvious, Liz? You do the opposite of what you want because you think it’s right. But I don’t give a shit about right or wrong. I don’t even believe in right or wrong. Just in the truth and being honest. Come on, talk to me Lizzie.”
Then she leaned down and kissed him ever so gently on the corner of his lips. He didn’t move. His eyes were on hers, intense and unreadable.
So she kissed the middle of his lips, softly, lingering on the warmth. She felt the presence of his body under hers, totally still, as if venom from her kiss had paralyzed him.
She stood up again and went back to her chair. They looked at each other across the room.
“Wow,” he said. “That was a surprise.”
“I did it because I wanted to do it,” she said. “And because I don’t give a crap about what you want. I’m going to fix you, Tay, whatever the hell you say. Because I want you. And I’ve decided to get what I want, no matter what it means to anyone else.”
For once he was speechless. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”
“I’m not so sure I care what you think.”
And then, to her utter relief, he smiled.
March 8, 2011
Originally featured at Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
3.5 stars
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
If you don’t live by this mantra now, after reading How Sweet It Is, you just might make it your daily chant.
Lizzie Carpenter and a band of three sworn enemies come together to form a bit of a nontraditional yet deeply caring group of friends. Their motto: “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Who better than your enemy to be brutally honest? While at the local diner during the weekly meeting of the Enemies Club, Lizzie Carpenter vents that the long lost biological father of her 14 year old daughter is stopping in for his first visit since he left Lizzie four-months pregnant. As a single mom, she’s provided for and loved her daughter dearly, but has completely neglected her home which is in shambles. Eager to make a good impression on Ethan Pond (aka Ratbastard), she tells her girlfriends that she longs for someone to fix her house before Ethan arrives.
Tay Giovanni, a handyman and a stranger in town from New York City, overhears her wish and visits her home in the middle of the night. Tay has not been able to sleep through the night in the past year. In fact, he hasn’t been able to feel much of anything. A year ago, he was involved in a tragic car accident that killed a young mom and left a teenage girl orphaned. Ever since, he has tried to do numerous good deeds to atone for his actions. Helping Lizzie seems like the perfect thing to do. One day, Lizzie catches Tay fixing her fence and vehemently refuses any further help or, what she calls, charity. She and her daughter have managed just fine on their own, proving they don’t need a man’s help. Despite a few initial missteps, the two work out an arrangement where he repairs her home and she tries to help him overcome his guilt. In the process, they both mend each other’s hearts.
This is a well written novel from first time author Sophie Gunn. What I enjoyed most about the story was Ms. Gunn’s use of realistic dialogue. The interaction and conversations between characters really brought the story to life. Ms. Gunn also used a duffle bag filled with $200,000 cash to link some of the subplots. While I thought the bag of money was a little cliché, it still played well into the overall storyline. Also, the primary and secondary plots were ones that you might imagine yourself or a friend having experienced. In this regard, the characters were all realistic, but not so unique that they were particularly memorable. Never the less, I truly liked Tay who was such a good man desperately seeking redemption and freedom. Though I was touched by his journey, it wasn’t so emotionally raw that the story didn’t remain optimistic and heart warming. And with side storylines about the Enemies Club, Lizzie’s sister (who suffers postpartum depression) and the missing money, I can see how the story would do well as a Lifetime Network or Hallmark channel movie.
How Sweet It Is, is a mild, heartwarming romance that’s sure to please any chick-lit reader and I would certainly choose more of Ms. Gunn’s work in the future.
3.5 stars
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
If you don’t live by this mantra now, after reading How Sweet It Is, you just might make it your daily chant.
Lizzie Carpenter and a band of three sworn enemies come together to form a bit of a nontraditional yet deeply caring group of friends. Their motto: “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Who better than your enemy to be brutally honest? While at the local diner during the weekly meeting of the Enemies Club, Lizzie Carpenter vents that the long lost biological father of her 14 year old daughter is stopping in for his first visit since he left Lizzie four-months pregnant. As a single mom, she’s provided for and loved her daughter dearly, but has completely neglected her home which is in shambles. Eager to make a good impression on Ethan Pond (aka Ratbastard), she tells her girlfriends that she longs for someone to fix her house before Ethan arrives.
Tay Giovanni, a handyman and a stranger in town from New York City, overhears her wish and visits her home in the middle of the night. Tay has not been able to sleep through the night in the past year. In fact, he hasn’t been able to feel much of anything. A year ago, he was involved in a tragic car accident that killed a young mom and left a teenage girl orphaned. Ever since, he has tried to do numerous good deeds to atone for his actions. Helping Lizzie seems like the perfect thing to do. One day, Lizzie catches Tay fixing her fence and vehemently refuses any further help or, what she calls, charity. She and her daughter have managed just fine on their own, proving they don’t need a man’s help. Despite a few initial missteps, the two work out an arrangement where he repairs her home and she tries to help him overcome his guilt. In the process, they both mend each other’s hearts.
This is a well written novel from first time author Sophie Gunn. What I enjoyed most about the story was Ms. Gunn’s use of realistic dialogue. The interaction and conversations between characters really brought the story to life. Ms. Gunn also used a duffle bag filled with $200,000 cash to link some of the subplots. While I thought the bag of money was a little cliché, it still played well into the overall storyline. Also, the primary and secondary plots were ones that you might imagine yourself or a friend having experienced. In this regard, the characters were all realistic, but not so unique that they were particularly memorable. Never the less, I truly liked Tay who was such a good man desperately seeking redemption and freedom. Though I was touched by his journey, it wasn’t so emotionally raw that the story didn’t remain optimistic and heart warming. And with side storylines about the Enemies Club, Lizzie’s sister (who suffers postpartum depression) and the missing money, I can see how the story would do well as a Lifetime Network or Hallmark channel movie.
How Sweet It Is, is a mild, heartwarming romance that’s sure to please any chick-lit reader and I would certainly choose more of Ms. Gunn’s work in the future.
February 2, 2011
Lizzie is a single mom working at the same diner she worked at in high school. Her closest friends have formed what they call the “enemy club”. Former enemies from high school who are now “best enemies forever”. When Lizzie receives a letter from the boy who knocked her up and ran in high school claiming he wants to meet their daughter, she asks the enemies for advice. This leads to a discussion where Lizzie says she wishes for a man that will show up, help fix her run down house, and leave.
Tay Giovanni is at the diner when Lizzie makes her wish. He has arranged to meet Candy who is the daughter of the woman killed when he ran a red light. He hopes she’ll accept a bag of cash so she can stay in college. Tay also hopes this will help him heal from the anxiety that he suffers as a result of the accident. Candy refuses the cash, but Tay leaves it anyway. Later he sees Candy who informs him she tossed the money in a gorge. Tay decides he’ll have to stick around to search for the money. His insomnia keeps him awake at night, so he takes to wandering the streets doing chores for people hoping to ease his guilt. Lizzie is one of those people. There is a spark between the two from first confrontation, but Tay finds it impossible to move past the guilt and Lizzie is determined to never rely on a man for anything.
After seeing the adorable cover for this one I had to read it. I was also totally intrigued by the concept of being best friends with the girls who were your enemies in high school. I liked main character Lizzie, but Tay didn’t really do it for me. He did it for Lizzie though so I guess that is all that matters. He isn’t a bad love interest, but I tend to like my book men a little more alpha and aggressive. Not sure what that says about me ;) Tay was dealing with a lot of guilt, and kind of had the Eeyore thing going on for him. He’s a good guy, but watching him wallow in anxiety and guilt through a large chunk of the book bothered me.
The author also branched off with a second storyline involving Lizzie’s sister and brother-in-law. Her sister, Annie, was supposed to be suffering from the “baby blues”, but she came off as borderline crazy. It all eventually came together, but I felt like there was too much going on. I would have liked to see the plot focus more on the interaction between not only Tay and Lizzie, but also the members of the “enemy club”. I did really enjoy the moments shared between Lizzie and her teenage daughter, Paige. I found those to be the highlights of the novel for me. I also liked the two furry cast members, especially White the stray cat. I would have loved to see a smaller cast of characters and a little less hijinks, and possibly more character development when it came to the primary cast.
I did appreciate the humorous dialogue in How Sweet It Is. Lizzie and Paige are both very sarcastic, and had plenty of clever one-liners that made me giggle. The author’s voice is enough to make me want to pick up the next book in this series when it is releases later this year. It also had the small town setting I always love to accompany a contemporary romance. I really feel this series has loads of potential, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes it next.
Tay Giovanni is at the diner when Lizzie makes her wish. He has arranged to meet Candy who is the daughter of the woman killed when he ran a red light. He hopes she’ll accept a bag of cash so she can stay in college. Tay also hopes this will help him heal from the anxiety that he suffers as a result of the accident. Candy refuses the cash, but Tay leaves it anyway. Later he sees Candy who informs him she tossed the money in a gorge. Tay decides he’ll have to stick around to search for the money. His insomnia keeps him awake at night, so he takes to wandering the streets doing chores for people hoping to ease his guilt. Lizzie is one of those people. There is a spark between the two from first confrontation, but Tay finds it impossible to move past the guilt and Lizzie is determined to never rely on a man for anything.
After seeing the adorable cover for this one I had to read it. I was also totally intrigued by the concept of being best friends with the girls who were your enemies in high school. I liked main character Lizzie, but Tay didn’t really do it for me. He did it for Lizzie though so I guess that is all that matters. He isn’t a bad love interest, but I tend to like my book men a little more alpha and aggressive. Not sure what that says about me ;) Tay was dealing with a lot of guilt, and kind of had the Eeyore thing going on for him. He’s a good guy, but watching him wallow in anxiety and guilt through a large chunk of the book bothered me.
The author also branched off with a second storyline involving Lizzie’s sister and brother-in-law. Her sister, Annie, was supposed to be suffering from the “baby blues”, but she came off as borderline crazy. It all eventually came together, but I felt like there was too much going on. I would have liked to see the plot focus more on the interaction between not only Tay and Lizzie, but also the members of the “enemy club”. I did really enjoy the moments shared between Lizzie and her teenage daughter, Paige. I found those to be the highlights of the novel for me. I also liked the two furry cast members, especially White the stray cat. I would have loved to see a smaller cast of characters and a little less hijinks, and possibly more character development when it came to the primary cast.
I did appreciate the humorous dialogue in How Sweet It Is. Lizzie and Paige are both very sarcastic, and had plenty of clever one-liners that made me giggle. The author’s voice is enough to make me want to pick up the next book in this series when it is releases later this year. It also had the small town setting I always love to accompany a contemporary romance. I really feel this series has loads of potential, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes it next.
September 15, 2013
I got this book because of the whole "Enemy Club" premise - four women, once high school enemies (or, at least, adversaries) now meet every Wednesday and have somehow become each others closest friends and support system. And that aspect of the book was a little bit less fleshed out than I would prefer (although, since this is the first in a series, I'm expecting the rest of the books will help with that).
But it's the two main characters of this book - single mom/waitress/stubborn as hell Lizzie & traumatized/drifting boy-scout Dante - that rightfully steal most of the attention (and praise) I've got for this story.
Dante killed someone - this is not a spoiler, since he tells you so in the first chapter. It was an accident, a horrible mistake that could have happened to anyone, but it he still did it - he caused a woman to no longer be alive. And trying to live with the guilt of that is what brings him into Lizzie's diner - and life - in the first place. He happens to overhear her discussion with the Enemy Club about how she has to fix up her house/property, just as he, coincidentally, is trying to lessen the guilt by living in savior mode.
So, naturally, he heads to her house and starts fixing her fence.
No? Right? One of the things I really liked was that Lizzie was like "um: NO! Stranger, stalker, what the hell?" I didn't so much appreciate that every single other person she talked to brushed off her very legitimate concerns and was just like "Let him help you ~ I'm sure he's harmless." A lot of head shaking right there. Of course, since it's a book, turns out, he was fine, and the plot could progress, but still: maybe the whole of the town could've acted like Lizzie had some brains instead of treating her like some overreacting child? (end mini-rant).
Anyways, aside from that, there was a lot of good in the book - there were people who weren't dopes (Dante recognizing Lizzie's sister's shiftiness long before anybody else, for example); there was PTSD reasonable portrayed (for the most part - although, again, at the end, ); characters with sweetness and secrets and sassiness (Lizzie's daughter Paige, for example), and some animals to play mascots and illustrate themes (which is always fun). So I'm going to be looking for the rest of the series, see if I can learn more about how you turn enemies into friends.
But it's the two main characters of this book - single mom/waitress/stubborn as hell Lizzie & traumatized/drifting boy-scout Dante - that rightfully steal most of the attention (and praise) I've got for this story.
Dante killed someone - this is not a spoiler, since he tells you so in the first chapter. It was an accident, a horrible mistake that could have happened to anyone, but it he still did it - he caused a woman to no longer be alive. And trying to live with the guilt of that is what brings him into Lizzie's diner - and life - in the first place. He happens to overhear her discussion with the Enemy Club about how she has to fix up her house/property, just as he, coincidentally, is trying to lessen the guilt by living in savior mode.
So, naturally, he heads to her house and starts fixing her fence.
No? Right? One of the things I really liked was that Lizzie was like "um: NO! Stranger, stalker, what the hell?" I didn't so much appreciate that every single other person she talked to brushed off her very legitimate concerns and was just like "Let him help you ~ I'm sure he's harmless." A lot of head shaking right there. Of course, since it's a book, turns out, he was fine, and the plot could progress, but still: maybe the whole of the town could've acted like Lizzie had some brains instead of treating her like some overreacting child? (end mini-rant).
Anyways, aside from that, there was a lot of good in the book - there were people who weren't dopes (Dante recognizing Lizzie's sister's shiftiness long before anybody else, for example); there was PTSD reasonable portrayed (for the most part - although, again, at the end, ); characters with sweetness and secrets and sassiness (Lizzie's daughter Paige, for example), and some animals to play mascots and illustrate themes (which is always fun). So I'm going to be looking for the rest of the series, see if I can learn more about how you turn enemies into friends.
January 11, 2011
Lizzie Carpenter’s just gotten a letter from Ethan, the father of her 14-year-old daughter – the man she hasn’t heard from in 15 years. He’s decided it’s time for him to meet his daughter, and he wants to come on Christmas Day. Lizzie doesn’t know what to do; on one hand, Paige should meet her father. On the other hand, does he deserve to meet Paige after so much time has passed? So she takes the letter to work with her and discusses the situation with her “Enemy Club” – Lizzie and three other women who hated each other in high school and are now…friends who tell each other the truth – always.
Paige is delighted that her father is coming. The letter is postmarked from Geneva, so she’s sure he’ll take her back with him so she can work on her snowboarding there. She wants to be a professional snowboarder, and is dreaming that he’s come to take her away from the small town of Galton. Lizzie is stuck trying to be supportive of the fact that he’s coming, while trying not to get Paige’s expectations up. Paige accuses her of trying to keep Ethan from being interested in Paige by living in a shabby house. Lizzie knows she’s let things go, but doesn’t know how to fix it all.
Tay Giovanni is in the diner when he overhears Lizzie’s wish for a man to help fix up the house. Tay is passing through town on his own mission: A year ago, he accidentally hit and killed a woman in an automobile accident. Although it was declared an accident and he was not punished, he can’t get over it. He sold his possessions and tries to do good works. His final act of kindness is to give all his money to the woman’s daughter, Candy, who is going to college in Galton. Things don’t end up like he anticipated, and he ends up spending some time in town, where he decides to fix Lizzie’s fence.
From there, all sorts of things happen all at once: We meet Lizzie’s sister Annie and her husband Tommy, who have their own set of problems, Lizzie and Tay begin a romance, there’s a secret inside The Enemy Club, and Paige takes matters into her own hands.
How Sweet It Is is a bittersweet, multilayered Contemporary Romance. I liked Lizzie and understood her reluctance to accept Tay’s help in an effort to teach her daughter not to depend on men, but it was still a bit frustrating to read over and over her refusal of help. The interaction between Lizzie and Paige was soooo true-to-life. As the mother of a teenager, I can attest to that, lol. Tay was definitely an anti-hero, and his self-flagellation made me crazy! And while the romance was sweet, it felt a bit rushed – the sex scenes were each about two paragraphs long. I also thought the ending was a bit of a stretch with the mystery being solved in an unbelievable way.
How Sweet It Is is the first book in the Enemy Club series.
Paige is delighted that her father is coming. The letter is postmarked from Geneva, so she’s sure he’ll take her back with him so she can work on her snowboarding there. She wants to be a professional snowboarder, and is dreaming that he’s come to take her away from the small town of Galton. Lizzie is stuck trying to be supportive of the fact that he’s coming, while trying not to get Paige’s expectations up. Paige accuses her of trying to keep Ethan from being interested in Paige by living in a shabby house. Lizzie knows she’s let things go, but doesn’t know how to fix it all.
Tay Giovanni is in the diner when he overhears Lizzie’s wish for a man to help fix up the house. Tay is passing through town on his own mission: A year ago, he accidentally hit and killed a woman in an automobile accident. Although it was declared an accident and he was not punished, he can’t get over it. He sold his possessions and tries to do good works. His final act of kindness is to give all his money to the woman’s daughter, Candy, who is going to college in Galton. Things don’t end up like he anticipated, and he ends up spending some time in town, where he decides to fix Lizzie’s fence.
From there, all sorts of things happen all at once: We meet Lizzie’s sister Annie and her husband Tommy, who have their own set of problems, Lizzie and Tay begin a romance, there’s a secret inside The Enemy Club, and Paige takes matters into her own hands.
How Sweet It Is is a bittersweet, multilayered Contemporary Romance. I liked Lizzie and understood her reluctance to accept Tay’s help in an effort to teach her daughter not to depend on men, but it was still a bit frustrating to read over and over her refusal of help. The interaction between Lizzie and Paige was soooo true-to-life. As the mother of a teenager, I can attest to that, lol. Tay was definitely an anti-hero, and his self-flagellation made me crazy! And while the romance was sweet, it felt a bit rushed – the sex scenes were each about two paragraphs long. I also thought the ending was a bit of a stretch with the mystery being solved in an unbelievable way.
How Sweet It Is is the first book in the Enemy Club series.
September 5, 2013
Despite what my husband says, I do not read romance novels! Except for on the occasions when I do pick up a romance novel that has caught my attention. To be perfectly honest, it was the cover of Sophie Gunn's How Sweet It Is that made me want to read it. I wanted to know more about Lizzie, the single mom waitress, and about Tay, the mysterious stranger who arrives in Dalton and seemed to be the answer to every prayer she had. And of course, that ice cream sundae (or shake, whatever it is) in the background on the cover didn't escape my notice, either.
I really liked Lizzie, the main character. She was strong, capable, and independent. But she's also a woman, and I don't know a single woman that hasn't ever wanted to fall head over heels in love. Lizzie doesn't want that, exactly. She was burned fourteen years earlier when she became pregnant in high school and Ethan, the father of her daughter Paige, walked out on them. Now he wants to be a part of Paige's life, and Lizzie wants a man for the time being so she can look good in front of Ethan.
Tay is a man haunted by a car accident that claimed the life of the other driver. Tay is in Galton to make it up to that woman's daughter, Candy. He stupidly thinks he can buy her forgiveness with $200,000, which Candy promptly drops into the nearest gorge. Tay swears he will leave town as soon as he finds where she dropped the money. But Lizzie's sister Annie finds the money one day, and hides it away, thinking she'll put it to good use.
I loved Tay and Lizzie together and wanted them to find their happily ever after. Tay was insistent he would leave town, and Lizzie was willing to let him go, with the promise he would one day come back for her. I wasn't fully understanding of why Tay thought he had to leave, and why either of them would let themselves fall for someone that wasn't able or willing to stay, but that's how love works sometimes.
The back of the book is written in a rather cheesy manner, and almost made me regret picking it up (even though I'd wanted to read the book). Overall, I liked the plot line, the characters, and the romance. It wasn't too dirty, and it wasn't too cheesy. I think my least favorite part of the book was Annie. I kept wanting to reach into the pages and smack her silly, even though a small part of me did have sympathy for her and her post partum depression. I'm glad in the end she was finally able to learn to love her sister again and put the jealousy behind her. Despite that, though, I still don't really like her.
Overall, I can recommend this book for readers who can't get enough of happily-ever-afters, second chances, the power of forgiveness, and redemption themes.
I really liked Lizzie, the main character. She was strong, capable, and independent. But she's also a woman, and I don't know a single woman that hasn't ever wanted to fall head over heels in love. Lizzie doesn't want that, exactly. She was burned fourteen years earlier when she became pregnant in high school and Ethan, the father of her daughter Paige, walked out on them. Now he wants to be a part of Paige's life, and Lizzie wants a man for the time being so she can look good in front of Ethan.
Tay is a man haunted by a car accident that claimed the life of the other driver. Tay is in Galton to make it up to that woman's daughter, Candy. He stupidly thinks he can buy her forgiveness with $200,000, which Candy promptly drops into the nearest gorge. Tay swears he will leave town as soon as he finds where she dropped the money. But Lizzie's sister Annie finds the money one day, and hides it away, thinking she'll put it to good use.
I loved Tay and Lizzie together and wanted them to find their happily ever after. Tay was insistent he would leave town, and Lizzie was willing to let him go, with the promise he would one day come back for her. I wasn't fully understanding of why Tay thought he had to leave, and why either of them would let themselves fall for someone that wasn't able or willing to stay, but that's how love works sometimes.
The back of the book is written in a rather cheesy manner, and almost made me regret picking it up (even though I'd wanted to read the book). Overall, I liked the plot line, the characters, and the romance. It wasn't too dirty, and it wasn't too cheesy. I think my least favorite part of the book was Annie. I kept wanting to reach into the pages and smack her silly, even though a small part of me did have sympathy for her and her post partum depression. I'm glad in the end she was finally able to learn to love her sister again and put the jealousy behind her. Despite that, though, I still don't really like her.
Overall, I can recommend this book for readers who can't get enough of happily-ever-afters, second chances, the power of forgiveness, and redemption themes.
December 19, 2010
Hot happenings in a small town make for a big storyline….
Lizzie Bea Carpenter has successfully lived life as a waitress and single mother with her daughter Paige for the last 14 years. She didn’t need the rat that deserted her as an unwed mother in a small town and she doesn’t need Dante “Tay” Giovanni either even though he is quite the handyman. What she needs are her friends who were enemies but now her closest confidents to talk to. Lizzie and her girlfriends rewrote the book on frenemies and truth being told all the time is not always in the best interest of anyone.
But Tay is doing penance for a poor decision that changed too many lives including his own and helping Lizzie around her broken down house helps. He gave up everything to try and correct his mistake and never thought that be the answer to a waitress’s prayer would be one of them. Lizzie works hard at her job and keeps life for her and Paige good but not great and all she needs is someone to help fix up her house before the past comes knocking on her door trying to wreak havoc and attempting to take her comfortable life away.
Lizzie lets Tay and his assorted menagerie of animals work on her property and he finds a way to finagle a place in her heart. Lizzie knows how to stay strong and tough but sometimes it does not hurt to let someone else mend the fence or fix the front porch light. No strings attached with men and surrounded by her friends was how Lizzie saw herself until Tay showed up and they were able to teach one another how to forgive and live life without guilt and try to let go of the burdens that weigh us down.
With money flying around, a man in her present stirring up long buried feeling, the past causing problems and a sister recovering from postpartum depression Lizzie has her hands full. She hopes that some of her prayers are answered but she knows what she really wants now is to find a way to convince Tay that showing your fears is not a weakness but a strength you grow from.
Lizzie and Tay are each bearing their own crosses in life and both of them are trying to figure out a way to put one foot in front of the other without tripping. They both have dreams but fear they are unrealistic and won’t hope enter into the picture yet they discover not only hope but faith and a belief that prayers are answered in one fashion or another. You just have to keep saying out loud what you want for it to happen.
Lizzie Bea Carpenter has successfully lived life as a waitress and single mother with her daughter Paige for the last 14 years. She didn’t need the rat that deserted her as an unwed mother in a small town and she doesn’t need Dante “Tay” Giovanni either even though he is quite the handyman. What she needs are her friends who were enemies but now her closest confidents to talk to. Lizzie and her girlfriends rewrote the book on frenemies and truth being told all the time is not always in the best interest of anyone.
But Tay is doing penance for a poor decision that changed too many lives including his own and helping Lizzie around her broken down house helps. He gave up everything to try and correct his mistake and never thought that be the answer to a waitress’s prayer would be one of them. Lizzie works hard at her job and keeps life for her and Paige good but not great and all she needs is someone to help fix up her house before the past comes knocking on her door trying to wreak havoc and attempting to take her comfortable life away.
Lizzie lets Tay and his assorted menagerie of animals work on her property and he finds a way to finagle a place in her heart. Lizzie knows how to stay strong and tough but sometimes it does not hurt to let someone else mend the fence or fix the front porch light. No strings attached with men and surrounded by her friends was how Lizzie saw herself until Tay showed up and they were able to teach one another how to forgive and live life without guilt and try to let go of the burdens that weigh us down.
With money flying around, a man in her present stirring up long buried feeling, the past causing problems and a sister recovering from postpartum depression Lizzie has her hands full. She hopes that some of her prayers are answered but she knows what she really wants now is to find a way to convince Tay that showing your fears is not a weakness but a strength you grow from.
Lizzie and Tay are each bearing their own crosses in life and both of them are trying to figure out a way to put one foot in front of the other without tripping. They both have dreams but fear they are unrealistic and won’t hope enter into the picture yet they discover not only hope but faith and a belief that prayers are answered in one fashion or another. You just have to keep saying out loud what you want for it to happen.
December 20, 2010
How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn
Contemporary Romance- Jan. 4th, 2011
3 1/2 stars
Lizzie Carpenter is a single mom who works at town’s local diner all the while raising a teenage daughter all by herself. Fretting about her house, which is falling apart, she wishes for a perfect guy - a man who shows up once a week to help fix her house and then leaves. A man who will not break her heart or disappoint her. Dante “Tay” Giovanni overhears her wish and begins to show up at her house to help. Stranded in the small town, Tay has nothing better to do and nowhere to go. After a horrible car accident, in which he killed another driver, Tay cannot sleep and is seeking a way to make amends. He came to Galton to seek forgiveness from the daughter of the woman he killed and make reparations. Slowly but surely, Tay earns Lizzie’s trust, but can Tay win over Lizzie’s heart? And can Lizzie help Tay forgive himself?
I don’t usually read contemporaries, but this is actually a really sweet and touching story. Tay is especially relate-able. How do you forgive yourself for the death of another? Tay is such a complex character that it is a pleasure to finally read the part where Tay forgives himself. Lizzie the heroine is also equally interesting. She has such a difficult time relying on others because she was forced to be independent when she was still very young. On the outside, she’s strong and can do it all, but in the inside, what she really wants is for someone to help carry her burden. It is rewarding to see these two slowly warm up to each other.
The rest of the characters in this book are also interesting to read. Lizzie’s daughter, Paige, is the quintessential teen - headstrong, stubborn, and insecure. You feel her disappointment when her biological dad does not show up for Christmas despite promising that he will. Annie, Lizzie’s selfish sister, pushed my buttons and made me mad. I really dislike her a lot. Tommy, Annie’s husband, who is the polar opposite of his annoying wife is the book’s Mr. Nice Guy. And, not to mention Lizzie’s three best friends from the Enemy Club. Even though there is a large cast of friends and family, Gunn juggles the subplots and all of them with ease and gives this book a lot of character.
If you prefer a weightier romance with a heavier tone, you will enjoy this latest story from Sophie Gunn.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Contemporary Romance- Jan. 4th, 2011
3 1/2 stars
Lizzie Carpenter is a single mom who works at town’s local diner all the while raising a teenage daughter all by herself. Fretting about her house, which is falling apart, she wishes for a perfect guy - a man who shows up once a week to help fix her house and then leaves. A man who will not break her heart or disappoint her. Dante “Tay” Giovanni overhears her wish and begins to show up at her house to help. Stranded in the small town, Tay has nothing better to do and nowhere to go. After a horrible car accident, in which he killed another driver, Tay cannot sleep and is seeking a way to make amends. He came to Galton to seek forgiveness from the daughter of the woman he killed and make reparations. Slowly but surely, Tay earns Lizzie’s trust, but can Tay win over Lizzie’s heart? And can Lizzie help Tay forgive himself?
I don’t usually read contemporaries, but this is actually a really sweet and touching story. Tay is especially relate-able. How do you forgive yourself for the death of another? Tay is such a complex character that it is a pleasure to finally read the part where Tay forgives himself. Lizzie the heroine is also equally interesting. She has such a difficult time relying on others because she was forced to be independent when she was still very young. On the outside, she’s strong and can do it all, but in the inside, what she really wants is for someone to help carry her burden. It is rewarding to see these two slowly warm up to each other.
The rest of the characters in this book are also interesting to read. Lizzie’s daughter, Paige, is the quintessential teen - headstrong, stubborn, and insecure. You feel her disappointment when her biological dad does not show up for Christmas despite promising that he will. Annie, Lizzie’s selfish sister, pushed my buttons and made me mad. I really dislike her a lot. Tommy, Annie’s husband, who is the polar opposite of his annoying wife is the book’s Mr. Nice Guy. And, not to mention Lizzie’s three best friends from the Enemy Club. Even though there is a large cast of friends and family, Gunn juggles the subplots and all of them with ease and gives this book a lot of character.
If you prefer a weightier romance with a heavier tone, you will enjoy this latest story from Sophie Gunn.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
February 5, 2011
Author Sophie Gunn is a pseudonym for award-winning author Diana Holquist, but while Diana writes fast-paced romantic comedies set in big cities, Sophie writes more down-to-earth, emotional stories set in small towns. Both of them, however, live just outside Philadelphia with two kids, two cats, and just one husband. This is the first title for Sophie Gunn, with Sweet Kiss of Summer as book two in this Enemy Club series coming soon. Titles for Diana Holquist include: How to Tame a Modern Rogue, Hungry for More, and Sexiest Man Alive.
Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that there was no white knight coming to save her. As a hard-working waitress in a local diner, she's trying to raise her teenage daughter to be as independent as she herself had to be. But part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, if for no other reason than to fix up her family's home, which is in dyer need of repairs. The "Enemy Club"-- high school rivals turned best friends, who promise to tell the truth and nothing but-- someone gets Lizzie to state her wish aloud. In steps Dante "Tay" Giovanni. He's aloof, sexy, and offers his assistance with no strings attached. But Tay is in her small town for one reason-- to try to overcome a recent tragedy in his past. But the past has a fierce grip, and unless they both learn to let go, neither will ever find true happiness.
I've enjoyed Diana Holquist's books in the past, and was curious to see the softer side in Sophie Gunn. I was not disappointed. This book was a lot slower paced than expected, but in no way was it boring. Rest assured for Diana's fans, her quick-witted humor does poke through.
There were two things about this book that stood out after reading. "The Enemy Club" for one. I love the idea alone, but put into action was downright funny, endearing, and intriguing. The second book, Sweet Kiss of Summer, follows Nina, and I am looking very forward to it. The other was the hero, Tay. For a guy with a traumatizing past, and now left with emotional baggage, he had humor without being over-broody. Very well done. I love the small town feel to this book, as the setting was perfect. The secondary characters made the book pop. And the subplot and secondary conflicts were just riveting. Highly recommended.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
December 1, 2011
Single mom Lizzie Bea Carpenter learned long ago that no white knight was coming to save her. A hardworking waitress at the local diner, she's raising her daughter to be like the independent women in her "Enemy Club"—high school rivals turned best friends, promising to always tell each other the whole truth and nothing but!
Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance—no strings attached.
Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.
My Take: This is a sweet story of healing from the past, righting wrongs or accepting what can't be changed.
What I liked:
Message of the story - forgiveness is not necessarily granted but it is possible to forgive yourself and move forward. Not everything revolves around the person who made the mistake. People have lives and their own crap to wade through. Concentrate on yourself and how to serve others.
Character development - of the main characters; Lizzie, Tay, and Paige. They were likeable characters with flaws and strengths. No big surprises and fairly even - keeled. The rest of the characters landed in a pile of nebulous non-people for me. Nobody really stuck but that is will be reconciled with further books exploring the lives and challenges of the other ladies in Lizzie's group.
Readability - Easy, enjoyable read.
What I didn't like:
The ending - can't say much about that. Except that it has something to do with $200,000. I realize money can't buy happiness but it does give a certain piece of mind.
Yet part of Lizzie wishes she did have a man's help, just for small stuff, like fixing up the house. Her fairy godmother must have been listening, because Dante "Tay" Giovanni soon appears. He's sexy, kind, and offering assistance—no strings attached.
Slowly, steadily, Lizzie's heart opens. But the grip of the past is fierce, and nothing in life is ever really free. Tay has his own tragedies to overcome, but if he can, he'll fix more than Lizzie's home. He'll show her just how sweet it is to be loved by him.
My Take: This is a sweet story of healing from the past, righting wrongs or accepting what can't be changed.
What I liked:
Message of the story - forgiveness is not necessarily granted but it is possible to forgive yourself and move forward. Not everything revolves around the person who made the mistake. People have lives and their own crap to wade through. Concentrate on yourself and how to serve others.
Character development - of the main characters; Lizzie, Tay, and Paige. They were likeable characters with flaws and strengths. No big surprises and fairly even - keeled. The rest of the characters landed in a pile of nebulous non-people for me. Nobody really stuck but that is will be reconciled with further books exploring the lives and challenges of the other ladies in Lizzie's group.
Readability - Easy, enjoyable read.
What I didn't like:
The ending - can't say much about that. Except that it has something to do with $200,000. I realize money can't buy happiness but it does give a certain piece of mind.
April 9, 2011
This was a very "cute" book. I don't know how else to describe it. It wasn't cheesy or anything, but it was a really nice book to read.
Lizzie and Paige are living like most mothers and daughters do. They love each other and are making their way, but there's a bit of a strain. And while I'd commit most of their issues to the fact that Paige is a teenager there's something more to the strain in their relationship. It makes me remember all the things I went through with my parents when I was a teenager... And how I always thought the world was going to end when I didn't get my way (if only someone would have told me, right? LOL)
Lizzie ends up falling in love with Tay, all the while trying to keep the peace with her daughter. So her love interest doesn't show up at the most opportune of times, but is love ever easy??? And it's not as if Tay is in the market either. He's dealing with his own issues and is scared of falling in love.
This was a pretty good story. It was so sweet, and even though Lizzie didn't want to fall in love with Tay I was really rooting for them. I really liked Lizzie, and her "Enemy Club" seems like it will be a great tie for more stories in the future. They all seem to be characters that could support their own stories. Lizzie was so down to earth, and I think she made a good introductory character for the rest of the series.
Gunn's writing was so easy to read. It flowed so smoothly, and even though there were a few different characters I was never really confused as to who they were and how they tied to the overall story.
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. This is not a paid review and is a truthful and honest review.
Lizzie and Paige are living like most mothers and daughters do. They love each other and are making their way, but there's a bit of a strain. And while I'd commit most of their issues to the fact that Paige is a teenager there's something more to the strain in their relationship. It makes me remember all the things I went through with my parents when I was a teenager... And how I always thought the world was going to end when I didn't get my way (if only someone would have told me, right? LOL)
Lizzie ends up falling in love with Tay, all the while trying to keep the peace with her daughter. So her love interest doesn't show up at the most opportune of times, but is love ever easy??? And it's not as if Tay is in the market either. He's dealing with his own issues and is scared of falling in love.
This was a pretty good story. It was so sweet, and even though Lizzie didn't want to fall in love with Tay I was really rooting for them. I really liked Lizzie, and her "Enemy Club" seems like it will be a great tie for more stories in the future. They all seem to be characters that could support their own stories. Lizzie was so down to earth, and I think she made a good introductory character for the rest of the series.
Gunn's writing was so easy to read. It flowed so smoothly, and even though there were a few different characters I was never really confused as to who they were and how they tied to the overall story.
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. This is not a paid review and is a truthful and honest review.
August 27, 2016
Lizzie, a single mother and waitress at the town diner, wishes for a man who can make all her dreams come true- by fixing her dilapidated home. Tay, an out-of-towner with a tragic past wants to grant that wish in the hopes that it will atone for his previous sins. How Sweet It Is had realistic, flawed characters, and some semi-sweet scenes. However, I didn't love it the way I thought I would. One big issue I had was Paige, the fourteen year old being raised by Liz. She was obnoxious, and not in a charming way.
Other than that, I didn't really feel any heat between Lizzie and Tay. They were comfortable, which is nice in a relationship, but in a romance I expect a little steam. Something was missing, but nothing concrete that I can pin down. Otherwise it's an enjoyable book with semi-charming friends. If anything, I recommend reading it just to see how the Enemy Club comes to be.
Other than that, I didn't really feel any heat between Lizzie and Tay. They were comfortable, which is nice in a relationship, but in a romance I expect a little steam. Something was missing, but nothing concrete that I can pin down. Otherwise it's an enjoyable book with semi-charming friends. If anything, I recommend reading it just to see how the Enemy Club comes to be.
February 2, 2011
What woman wouldn't want her wish to come true,? Lizzie is a single mom whose house is falling apart...literally: the paint is cracking, the porch is sagging, the gate is hanging off it's hinge. She wishes for a handyman who would just stop in an fix things for her. Welcome Tay, a handsome, do good, boy scout type who is just passing through town. As Tay tries to help Lizzie fix up her house, Lizzie tries to save Tay from his troubled past.
I liked that the characters in this book were flawed. They faced real problems and tried to make what they felt were the best choices, sometimes sacrificing their own wants and needs for others. The book held my attention but had some plot points where disbelief had to be suspended to buy into the story.
I'm not a huge romance reader but I did like this book, except for the few pages I had to skip because I don't read sex scenes. Thankfully this book wasn't full of them and was more sweet than steamy.
Content: I typically don't read "romance" unless it is Young Adult or clean stuff like Marcia Lynn McClures. I had been told this book was sweet without any graphic sex. There was sex, the book wasn't full of it and what there was wasn't describe in tons of detail but I had to skip portions of 3 or 4 pages throughout the book because it was too detailed for me. Also had some language.
Rating: 3 Stars
Source: From Publisher for Review
I liked that the characters in this book were flawed. They faced real problems and tried to make what they felt were the best choices, sometimes sacrificing their own wants and needs for others. The book held my attention but had some plot points where disbelief had to be suspended to buy into the story.
I'm not a huge romance reader but I did like this book, except for the few pages I had to skip because I don't read sex scenes. Thankfully this book wasn't full of them and was more sweet than steamy.
Content: I typically don't read "romance" unless it is Young Adult or clean stuff like Marcia Lynn McClures. I had been told this book was sweet without any graphic sex. There was sex, the book wasn't full of it and what there was wasn't describe in tons of detail but I had to skip portions of 3 or 4 pages throughout the book because it was too detailed for me. Also had some language.
Rating: 3 Stars
Source: From Publisher for Review
January 31, 2011
Throw together a waitress and single mom with an Italian handyman and a few cute critters and you have How Sweet It Is! If you're a fan of light-hearted romances you might enjoy this story. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it at first. I don't mind occasional mild language but didn't appreciate the use of the "f" word towards the beginning of the story. It was kind of an immediate turn off. I was a bit confused by the secondary storyline and why Tay forced money on someone who didn't want it especially since it was all he had left but overall it was a nice romance. However, as I continued I started to like it especially when I realized just how long it has been since I've read a book with an Italian hero like Tay! Really is there anyone out there who doesn't like tall, dark, and handsome? The last quarter of the book was my favorite part. While I didn't really feel the love between Tay and Lizzie, the end of the story took a more serious turn and made their relationship seem more realistic and seemed to cement their bond. Overall I liked the book and will check out the next in the series to see what happens with the "Enemy Club" gals. :-)
Judging by the excerpt and the absolutely adorable cover, Sweet Kiss of Summer looks like a winner. *fingers crossed*
Content note: Some strong language, mild love scenes. Older readers only
Judging by the excerpt and the absolutely adorable cover, Sweet Kiss of Summer looks like a winner. *fingers crossed*
Content note: Some strong language, mild love scenes. Older readers only
January 28, 2011
What woman wouldn't want her wish to come true? Apparently Lizzie, who says out loud that she wants a man who will fix up her house and leave her alone. That would be the perfect man for her. Her wish is granted and she isn't happy about it. In fact, she just wants him to go away. Tay however just wants something to do to keep his mind away from his thoughts and he wants to help people. Fixing up Lizzie's house is perfect for him.
This is an adorable story yet there is a lot going on. Tay is a troubled man. A year ago he caused an accidant and killed the driver leaving a daughter orphaned. He wants to be forgiven. He thinks doing things to help other people are just what he has to do since the daughter to the woman he killed wants nothing to do with him. He also just can't forgive himself.
Lizzie also has a lot more going on in her life then just wanting to chase away the man who wants to repair her home. She also has a teenage daughter who is getting ready to meet her father for the first time and the daughter is convinced she will be swept away to Europe to live her this great father. Lizzie's sister is having post partun depression and is jealous that her husband is always at Lizzie's beckoning call.
This book is packed full of plot that there doesn't ever seem to be a moment where nothing is going on, which will leave you feeling satisfied.
This is an adorable story yet there is a lot going on. Tay is a troubled man. A year ago he caused an accidant and killed the driver leaving a daughter orphaned. He wants to be forgiven. He thinks doing things to help other people are just what he has to do since the daughter to the woman he killed wants nothing to do with him. He also just can't forgive himself.
Lizzie also has a lot more going on in her life then just wanting to chase away the man who wants to repair her home. She also has a teenage daughter who is getting ready to meet her father for the first time and the daughter is convinced she will be swept away to Europe to live her this great father. Lizzie's sister is having post partun depression and is jealous that her husband is always at Lizzie's beckoning call.
This book is packed full of plot that there doesn't ever seem to be a moment where nothing is going on, which will leave you feeling satisfied.
January 30, 2011
First of all, I really enjoyed this one, but you must suspend your beliefs in order to truly get into the story. Thee were a few plot points that I had to take with a grain of salt. Lizzie gets pregnant and keeps the baby with her parents help and when they die, she inherits the property. Due to her small salary as a waitress, she can maintain the house and things are falling apart.
Enter Tay, a handsome and handy man who offers to help Lizzie fix the house asking nothing in return. Tay hears Lizzie in the diner mention that she need things fixed and in his guilt he offers help. Tay has immense guilt over an accident he caused killing Linda and leaving her daughter, Candy, penniless. Tay sells everything he owns and gives Candy the money which she promptly throws off a bridge. This is where the plot lost me. I can't imagine anyone throwing money away, especially someone who needs it.
So Tay and Lizzie work through their issues and resolve their conflicts. There are some sweet and humorous moments as well that will have you saying "AWWW". This story is the set up for a series of four(?) total books about the Enemy Club. I loved the author's writing so much that I will definitely want to read more from her. I received this book at no charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Enter Tay, a handsome and handy man who offers to help Lizzie fix the house asking nothing in return. Tay hears Lizzie in the diner mention that she need things fixed and in his guilt he offers help. Tay has immense guilt over an accident he caused killing Linda and leaving her daughter, Candy, penniless. Tay sells everything he owns and gives Candy the money which she promptly throws off a bridge. This is where the plot lost me. I can't imagine anyone throwing money away, especially someone who needs it.
So Tay and Lizzie work through their issues and resolve their conflicts. There are some sweet and humorous moments as well that will have you saying "AWWW". This story is the set up for a series of four(?) total books about the Enemy Club. I loved the author's writing so much that I will definitely want to read more from her. I received this book at no charge from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2011
I won this book on goodreads.
I don't like the title. And I don't like the cover. But that said, I thought that this was a sweet romantic book.
The man: We have Tay who accidently ran a red light a year ago and killed a woman. He feels enormous guilt and shows up in Lizzie’s town to meet with the dead woman’s daughter (Candy) to give her all his money ($200K).
Candy wants nothing to do with him and throws the money off a bridge. He stays in town to try to find the money.
The woman: Then we have Lizzie who got pregnant in high school and whose house is a mess. She wishes that a man would show up to fix things around the house for her. Tay hears this and he shows up at her house and starts fixing things.
At first Lizzie wants nothing to do with him. But then they start a romance. Only problem is Lizzie is a mess because the father of her daughter is planning to come to town for Christmas. And Tay is a mess because he can’t forgive himself.
I liked these characters and I also really liked the Enemies Club (Lizzie and a group of former enemy classmates turned best friends). It was very interesting to read about these women and their actions.
There were also something interesting twists with Lizzie's sister and daughter. All in all, I enjoyed this book and if you like this genre I think it will make you smile.
I don't like the title. And I don't like the cover. But that said, I thought that this was a sweet romantic book.
The man: We have Tay who accidently ran a red light a year ago and killed a woman. He feels enormous guilt and shows up in Lizzie’s town to meet with the dead woman’s daughter (Candy) to give her all his money ($200K).
Candy wants nothing to do with him and throws the money off a bridge. He stays in town to try to find the money.
The woman: Then we have Lizzie who got pregnant in high school and whose house is a mess. She wishes that a man would show up to fix things around the house for her. Tay hears this and he shows up at her house and starts fixing things.
At first Lizzie wants nothing to do with him. But then they start a romance. Only problem is Lizzie is a mess because the father of her daughter is planning to come to town for Christmas. And Tay is a mess because he can’t forgive himself.
I liked these characters and I also really liked the Enemies Club (Lizzie and a group of former enemy classmates turned best friends). It was very interesting to read about these women and their actions.
There were also something interesting twists with Lizzie's sister and daughter. All in all, I enjoyed this book and if you like this genre I think it will make you smile.
January 7, 2011
Won this as a First Reads - eagerly awaiting it to read and review!
Great book! Well -rounded characters, lots of plot twists and turns - fun read, I didn't want to put it down (in fact, I read it in one day). This book introduces us to the Enemies Club - a group of women who were enemies when younger, but have now become good friends. Their promise to each other is "The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!". This appears to be a first book with 3 more to follow (one for each of the members).
Lizzie is a single mother of a 14-year old with an absent father who suddenly wants to meet his daughter. She is stuggling with a run-down house, a sister who has post-partum depression, and a new guy in town who keeps fixing things on her house. Tay is a man with a wounded soul, who hears Lizzie's wish for the "perfect guy" and decides that helping her will help himself. He is looking for redemption for a past sin.
The book is set in fictional Galton, NY (with a LOT of resemblence to Ithica!). A small town with a lot of secrets, a lot of scandals, and basically normal life.
Great book! Well -rounded characters, lots of plot twists and turns - fun read, I didn't want to put it down (in fact, I read it in one day). This book introduces us to the Enemies Club - a group of women who were enemies when younger, but have now become good friends. Their promise to each other is "The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!". This appears to be a first book with 3 more to follow (one for each of the members).
Lizzie is a single mother of a 14-year old with an absent father who suddenly wants to meet his daughter. She is stuggling with a run-down house, a sister who has post-partum depression, and a new guy in town who keeps fixing things on her house. Tay is a man with a wounded soul, who hears Lizzie's wish for the "perfect guy" and decides that helping her will help himself. He is looking for redemption for a past sin.
The book is set in fictional Galton, NY (with a LOT of resemblence to Ithica!). A small town with a lot of secrets, a lot of scandals, and basically normal life.
June 9, 2012
This was an interesting book. There were some great parts and some parts that I disliked it.
The premise of The Enemy Club is great, I like the relationship between Lizzie and her friends. But it seemed that a lot of the time, in the manner of the honesty feature, Lizzie was berated or belittled, not just by her Enemy friends but by her sister and her daughter as well. To me, it made me dislike all the characters because they just didn't translate to being people I would want to know. None of it was mean-spirited but it's hard to root for characters when you find many things to dislike about them.
The hero Dante (or Tay as he's known) is very easy to love. The guilt he feels over the accident and how it's changed his character is very moving. Frankly, in parts I thought he was way too good for Lizzie and even Candy, the girl he was trying to make up to for causing the accident that killed her mother.
The book really picked up for me when Tay and Lizzie finally got together. The banter was fantastic and really made up for the lead-up and the crappy friends.
I will be checking out the rest of books in the series but hopefully the character development goes a little better.
The premise of The Enemy Club is great, I like the relationship between Lizzie and her friends. But it seemed that a lot of the time, in the manner of the honesty feature, Lizzie was berated or belittled, not just by her Enemy friends but by her sister and her daughter as well. To me, it made me dislike all the characters because they just didn't translate to being people I would want to know. None of it was mean-spirited but it's hard to root for characters when you find many things to dislike about them.
The hero Dante (or Tay as he's known) is very easy to love. The guilt he feels over the accident and how it's changed his character is very moving. Frankly, in parts I thought he was way too good for Lizzie and even Candy, the girl he was trying to make up to for causing the accident that killed her mother.
The book really picked up for me when Tay and Lizzie finally got together. The banter was fantastic and really made up for the lead-up and the crappy friends.
I will be checking out the rest of books in the series but hopefully the character development goes a little better.
July 15, 2011
single mom lizzie who got pregnant at 17 has been in the same small town waiting tables at the same diner since her daughter paige was born... she likes to think she's an independent woman who has a great group of friends even though they all used to be enemies in high school (the enemy club)... then comes a letter from ratbastard aka paiges dad ethan pond who decides he wants to meet his daughter on xmas... now all lizzie can think of is the run down house her parents left her and how much easier/nicer it would be to have a man around to help fix things up... in walks tay giovanni who is struggling through skeletons from his past and is only in town to try and fix his boy scout complex by making amends to candy the 19 yr old daughter of a woman he fatally wounded by absentmindedly running a red light one evening. he hears lizzie's "wish" and decides he might as well help her out too since he has nothing better to do... the two try and "fix" eachother and of course love wins out in the end.
February 17, 2011
3-1/2 stars out of 5 stars
How Sweet It Is was a pleasant surprise to read. The characters are likeable (albeit a bit stubborn) and the story and chemistry between the two leads is believable.
Dante Giovanni has had a rough year. He was involved in a accident that took the life of another person. He has given up on life and is trying to “redeem” himself by helping other people. Lizzie Carpenter became pregnant in high school and has been a single mother for the last 14 years. She works in a local diner to support herself and her daughter. Both
How Sweet It Is is a story of believing in second chances, forgiveness and friendship. A wonderful read from a new author for me. At times the characters stubbornness to change annoyed me since the same dialog kept being reiterated, but overall a good solid read. The next in the series, Sweet Kiss of Summer, is due out in August 2011.
How Sweet It Is was a pleasant surprise to read. The characters are likeable (albeit a bit stubborn) and the story and chemistry between the two leads is believable.
Dante Giovanni has had a rough year. He was involved in a accident that took the life of another person. He has given up on life and is trying to “redeem” himself by helping other people. Lizzie Carpenter became pregnant in high school and has been a single mother for the last 14 years. She works in a local diner to support herself and her daughter. Both
How Sweet It Is is a story of believing in second chances, forgiveness and friendship. A wonderful read from a new author for me. At times the characters stubbornness to change annoyed me since the same dialog kept being reiterated, but overall a good solid read. The next in the series, Sweet Kiss of Summer, is due out in August 2011.
January 5, 2011
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and the characters in this book. Parts of the book were a little bit off the wall and hard to swallow. I had a hard time believing in LIzzie and Tay falling in love so quickly/easily, in Tay selling off his life and basically stalking Candy (because frankly if I was Candy I would have called the police on him several times), and in the sister at all, because she honestly seemed like she was mentally ill. However, the good part is that the writing is descriptive and interesting and holds you in throughout the story, even though the parts that you aren't sure you could believe.
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