This is the story of Emma Maron and Lucian Osmond, both broken after major life changes and seeking refuge at Rosemont, a California estate. Emma has just lost her 3-year starring role in a hit cable series and busted her boyfriend cheating. While Lucian, the estate's grandson, has been struggling to find his identity for the last twelve months after losing his fiancée and his career as a star hockey player, the sport that has been his life's passion.

Lucian. Sigh. There's so much emotion in this story, mainly stemming from Lucian's battle to regain his footing. You feel his pain as he fights to find purpose in life again and his self loathing when his temper surges or a migraine kicks in due to his concussion syndrome. He feels as if he's a shadow of the man he once was, and I felt that as I read and just wanted to hug him. He seeks comfort in baking. The act gives him purpose and the joy others take in eating his treats makes him feel the love he denies himself.

The chemistry between Lucian and Emma sizzles from their first encounter, but they both resist coming together. The tension mounts but when the romance kicks in, it's as sweet as Lucian's treats. He loves the way she teases him and even though there were a few instances where the dialog seemed a little unnatural, I often found myself smiling with their banter and silly nicknames.

The story is packed with emotion, vivid descriptions, and beautiful scene setting, so much so you feel the spirit of Rosemont and can taste each sweet treat Lucian makes. But I'll admit, I stumbled a little with the foodie stuff. There's a lot of talk of Lucian's baked treats. A lot. The baked goods are a core element to this story. How they looked, their taste, and their French names. So many French names that I often found myself wishing for layman's terms rather than formal names I'll never remember. The pacing remained steady but slowed a little nearing the three-quarter mark with a few scenes I didn't think pushed the plot forward. Just as I was ready to skip along, the storyline picked right up again and had me flipping the digital page until I reached the end and finished with the epilogue that was just as sweet as these two.

In spite of any stumbling blocks while reading, this is a beautiful heartfelt tale of two people's journey toward self-actualization.

/I received an advanced edition of this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book or content of my review./

I loved this one very much!
These characters both just spoke to me and were well written. I could truly feel Lucian’s pain and Emma’s fears. There relationship meshed well and has me wanting more of them. I enjoyed the supporting characters and I’m so happy to learn there is a previous story to this series. (I’ll be reading that one next.)
I did feel a few parts were kinda slow, but I did still enjoy them. Overall I am giving this one 5 stars.

This author has quickly become one of my favorites! I read this book in a day because I could not get enough! The hero and heroine were so perfectly developed and well written, this story made me fall in love with the romance genre all over again. Amazing!

I wasn't a huge fan of this. I think it was just written a bit too simply and I didn't find myself drawn in by the story or the characters.

Unfortunately, I skimmed the last 25% or so.

From the first chapter I was won over by the way Kristen Callihan described the hockey arena… I could feel it, I could smell it, it felt like I was there. There was so much to like in this book about a former hockey player and an actress just axed from the role that she’s become known for, but I feel like the description almost became too much that it overshadowed any potential plot. If I try to parse out what made this book just okay for me, I felt we just spent too much time in their heads, tasting the food, talking about their attraction, that they didn’t really end up doing much and the relationship itself felt like it didn’t really have an opportunity to develop. I think there are people who are going to love those things that didn’t work for me (especially if you do like a slower book), and I definitely want to try another by this author to see if there’s a happy medium.

Make it Sweet is a follow-up to Dear Enemy (with some recurring characters - we get to see Macon and Delilah's wedding). If you're not a fan of rebound romances, this book may not be for you. I enjoyed it, as there was enough time after his breakup (yes, it's a double rebound) and she realized that while she was mortified by her cheating ex, she didn't miss him.

Emma's the star of a Game of Thrones-like television series, Luc is a retired hockey player. Both of them are running from their pasts, finding solace in his grandmother's luxurious estate. There is more than a little of a Beauty and the Beast theme here (the house is even referred to as a caretaking character of a sort). This creates an escape for the reader as well.

Like its predecessor, this is a book that will make you very, very hungry. Luc's hobby is baking - not just baking, but French patisserie. Beautiful, delicious things are described in every chapter, and the way Luc learns Emma's likes and dislikes is the kind of romantic attention I love to see. Overall, I enjoyed this respite from the garbage fire that is 2020.

I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Emma and Lucian have intense chemistry, it was palpable throughout the entire. I have yet to read a Kristen Callihan book that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed, and I think this is the most unabashedly romantic one of all. There's angst in the form of life changes and ending/evolving careers, but their connection is so obviously deep that you never question these two will figure it all out. Callihan didn't hold back on this one, scorching relationship, and very descriptive sensual moments, both in their physical interaction as well as the decadent deserts that Lucian kept whipping up at a moment's notice. "Make it Sweet" was not subtle, is was sweet, rich, over the top at times, in the funnest way possible If your in for a full on romantic fantasy, Emma and Lucian will not disappoint.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As soon as I see the upcoming work of brilliant romance author Kristen Callihan who can write humorous, tempting sports romance novels ( “Game on series” are my favorites and but she can also write amazing contemporary series about musical industry- I highly recommend her VIP series as well) , I wanted to read it ASAP!
I was soooo excited!

Her new work is still good. Even though I was expecting hot, smoking, sizzling, sexy, angsty romance but this book’s genre was more like sweet, soft, entertaining rom-com. There are still some personal heavy burdens characters carry over shoulders. The emotional, heartwarming parts are still there but I couldn’t find so delicious, pant melting chemistry between the characters. It was still intriguing with lovely plot , easy to read and enjoy your time! It was just a little different and lighter than her previous works.

Let’s check the plot line together: Emma is young, promising actress who plays at “ Dark Castle”, highly praised TV series. She is also lucky to have a handsome, loving boyfriend but fairy tal-ish beautiful life suddenly changes.

The screenwriters of her show lose their minds and turned her into mad queen and her character gets killed by her brother/ lover. And three eyed raven gets the crown! Oh, my bad, that’s another disastrous screenplay f*ck up!
Poor Emma is the only victim of the show! The vengeful writers killed her character and she cannot tell to anyone that she’s jobless till the last episode she played will air six months later.

She needs her boyfriend support but she finds out the bastard decided to support sexually to another woman. Busted!

Our broken hearted heroine leaves the town to spend her time at a gorgeous old villa of grandmothers’ friends. She’s going to pull herself together, enjoying scenery, reading books. Till she meets with deliciously handyman next door.

Okay, let’s tell the truth, handyman next door has a name: Lucian. Only calling his name gives you sexy vibes, doesn’t it? He’s successful hokey player who is forced to be retired after his sports injury. He hides in his grandmother’s villa, licks his wounds and improves his culinary skills. Yes my friends, our hero cooks hell of dishes. The plot cannot get so much better!

Then he bumps into Emma who thinks he’s driver- handyman- pool cleaner whatsoever! Too many awkward, absurd misunderstandings and hero’s rude manners later, they start to form a friendship and of course friends to lovers theme start to play out as a cue of their starting summer fling.

As I said before this book didn’t rock my world or affected me like the author’s previous works I mentioned before. But I still have really wonderful time during my read. So I still recommend this book to the romcom and author’s fans.

I’m giving 3.5 and rounding up 4 great British baking show stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this review copy in exchange my honest opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The best description I can come up with for this book is: food porn. I LOVED it.

I would recommend if you're looking for

-close proximity
-only one bed
-friends to lovers
-vacation romance
-a delicious slow burn and sexual tension that heavily involves food
-sports romance (I love my hockey romances)
-a grumpy hero who is as good in the kitchen as he is in the bedroom
-some skinny dipping voyoreuism
-a fantasy show a la Game of Thrones

I can't say enough good words about this book. Consent is hot and Lucian is all about the consent, Emma too. Both Emma and Lucian have hit a crossroads in their life, feeling down on their luck and trying to figure out their next path. Neither wants to rely on each other, but as their relationship builds they help build each other back up in a beautiful romance that is also steamy as all heck.

The real star of the story for me was Lucian, who may be my next book boyfriend, husband, lover, however he will have me. The grumpy, ex-hockey playing man of our dreams, he enjoys taking care of people through food, has a soft spot for his grandmother, and is just so wonderful. He tries to stay away from Emma believing she deserves better than him, I really enjoyed his POV and his inner turmoil. And the steam and sexual tension was done so well. I cannot wait for Kristen Callihan's next book.

Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 4

Totally sweet read. I soooo enjoyed it. I loved both characters and all though there are ups and downs none of it feels forced or false drama. I felt I got under the skin of them both, I loved how natural they were with each other and with others. She understood him and gave him space to make his own decisions, he needed that. The way they supported each other was lovely.

I thought the story was wonderful, loved all the extra characters. There were a few hints of books to come esp with Brommy. There could be some real delight to come! I liked it more than Saint and Delilah’s book, and that was also a good one.

Three and a half stars.

Emma has got it great, a starring role in Dark Castle as Princess Anya (I thought of Daenerys Targaryen from GoT) with a hot boyfriend. Then in the season finale her character is killed and she goes home to find her boyfriend and another woman. Unable to tell anyone she's unemployed until after the episode airs in six months, Emma goes to stay with one of her grandmother's friends in a gorgeous old villa where she intends to do nothing but read books and relax.

Lucian was an amazing hockey player, team captain and at the height of his abilities when a tackle leaves him badly concussed and forces him to retire. Now he has hidden himself away at his grandmother's villa where he acts as general handyman and distracts himself by baking.

When Emma first meets Lucian she thinks he is the driver/handyman. Although the two of them start off on the wrong foot (awkward 'no selfies' comment) they enjoy sparking off one-another. But is this a holiday fling or something more?

I liked this but I didn't love it and I can't quite put my finger on the reason. maybe because Emma and Lucian came across as old souls? How to describe Lucian, a beta male, a renaissance man? A star athlete who is accepting of others, a talented pastry chef and handyman who gives generously to charity. He might be a bit grumpy to begin with but that soon fades away.

Probably my biggest issue with Lucian and Emma is that they didn't grab me by the heart in the same way as, say, Ethan and Fiona in The Game Plan or Gabriel and Sophie in Managed, both of which I loved. But I am marking Kristen Callihan on a curve - her okay is still miles better than so many other books out there, I swear I put on four pounds just reading about all that lovely pastry!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A great read, the story of Emma and Lucien.
They are both hiding out at Rosemont, an estate owned by Luciens grandmother. Neither of them knew each other and are hiding for their own reasons. They grow closer, but what will happen when they have to return to real life?

This book was super good. It was super original and I flew through it. It didn't feel like anything I've read in the past. Can't wait to read more from the author!! This book was unputdownable.

This story had me tore in 2 reading it. I was agonising with the things Lucian was saying and doing but then the next minute swooning over how sweet and caring he was being towards Emma. The story started off with such obvious tension between the main characters but it was a lovely progression to see their relationship bloom. What I didn't like is that from about halfway through this story purely became about sex. There were entire chapters on what they were doing to each other but very little in terms of story progression. I appreciated the story being told from 2 different points of view as you could really see the emotional journey of each character but then it was ruined when out of nowhere (sometimes literally in the middle of an argument with their relationship in serious jeopardy) they'd suddenly start going at it like rabbits then the argument would continue when they'd finished. I felt all the sex scenes detracted from the story as they were put in willynilly (excuse the pun) in the middle of crucial parts of the plot, and to be honest it for really tiring skipping through paragraphs just to get back to the story. If the author released a version without all this in (maybe just implying what they'd been doing instead of writing it all down and taking valuable space to do so) or even just removed quite a few of them so that it was only the relevant bits that were included rather than feeling like you'd started reading a romance novel, only to have the 2nd half of the book replaced with a cheesy porno that made no sense, this book would be amazing. As it stands I wouldn't recommend this book

“𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝑬𝒎. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒎 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒐.”

Make It Sweet is such a lovely story, I enjoyed it so much!
I enjoyed Emma and Lucian, their banter, the chemistry and the emotions. Both are a bit or a lot broken inside for various reasons from their past. They are so perfect for each other really, but they think they have to hate each other. I loved seeing them slowly fall for each other.
The banter between these two was entertaining and the chemistry was amazing. 
Also what I liked was it was set in same universe as Dear Enemy, it was awesome to see Macon and Delilah (give North a book) again.
All supporting characters were amazing especially and this book make ship Tate and Brommy I'm manifesting their book is next.
If you are looking for a romance story with entertaining plot, endearing characters and delightful banter, look no further.


*𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

I love Kristen Callihan and this book didn't disappoint. The connection between Lucien and Emma was palpable.

I really enjoyed this book! I've only read one other book by Kristen Callihan and went into this one with no expectations. Well, I loved Lucian, I loved how he cared for people through food, and I really bought the feelings between him and Emma. It was a bit of a slow burn, but not in a bad way, and the banter between the characters made me smile. It was nice seeing Lucian's relationships with his family/friends, as well as a little of Emma's friendship with Tate. I did feel like some parts didn't serve much of a purpose--showdowns with both exes, for example, didn't seem all that necessary or really move the story forward. But overall I loved this and hope to have more books with some of the side characters!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an arc.

OMG I just loved,loved this book.
I love the story, the plot.
Love the connection. Love the sweets.
Love everything.

What did for me was that there wasn't break up then make up.
She understood him. A that was a deal breaker. So this is a 5 stars read.

I read it in one sitting, and the story just flows... So, so nice.

Thank you for this ARC.

Lucian learned to play hockey when he was younger. I really liked rhpycian and his love for the sport.Emma is struggling to make it as actress. Really liked emma