Books & Spoons Review A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR by Kate Hardy

14/2/2017

Tyler Carter is a healthy-eating gym owner who doesn’t bake. When his employees enter him into a bake-off contest to raise money for Harry’s House, an after school space for kids commemorating local first responder Harry Monroe, he needs to learn–fast!

Shy special needs teacher Stacey Allman loves to bake and often dreams of sharing her confections with her uber fit, gorgeous neighbor. So when Tyler sets off his smoke alarm and explains his dilemma, she can’t resist the temptation of playing pastry chef tutor. He offers boxing lessons in exchange. More time together? Yes please,

But when Tyler’s ex comes back to Marietta asking for his help, will it derail Stacey and Tyler’s chance at love, or will it make them see that they’re the perfect fit?

When I first heard about this series, mix of romance and baking and Marietta Montana, I mean - hello few of my favorite things! - I decided that no matter how full my reading schedule was, I need to slip these stories in somehow. And I am delighted that A Spoonful of Sugar is worth losing your sleep over!
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story, that were unique and well done. Firstly, when they are practicing baking, they actually do the steps required, and in a clever way, the author imparts information and the science behind the ingredients. Because baking is a science while cooking food is an art. Same thing as they are doing sports: I got the feeling from the story that they were actually exercising and sweating, and I knew what they did to get there and why it had that impact on them.
And then secondly, there's the romance, the attraction, and dating. Yes, there's actual dating, and several meetings before it gets physical, and I liked that. Yes, the attraction was strong, and there were passion and heat, but they had few dates before they took that step.
As characters, Tyler Carter and Stacey Allman have both a lot to bring to the story. They have depth, they are solid characters, in their imperfections perfect for each other. I found the support and encouragement they gave to each other uplifting and energizing. The openness between them was refreshing and their willingness to work on their weaknesses and issues admirable.
The whole story was filled with such a positive, joyful energy that left me smiling as I finished the tale. Yes, baking is my go-to stress relief, so that added to the glee for me, as well. Looking forward to reading the next bake-challenge story!
~ Four Spoons!