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Honey Hill #2
Sweeter Than Honey
A talented baker and a small-town sheriff forced into a fake relationship decide whether to take a chance on love in this delectable romance from Joy Avery.
Baker extraordinaire Rylee Harris has a recipe for everything—except love. It’s been five years since she lost her husband, but romance is still a struggle for Rylee. In her small hamlet of Honey Hill, North Carolina, Rylee knows she’ll be the talk of the town when she finds someone new.
To ease her mother’s worries about her love life, Rylee impulsively invents a fake relationship with the only man who’s caught her eye: the town sheriff, Canten Barnes. It’s supposed to be a secret, but secrets don’t last long in Honey Hill. One bit of gossip leads to another, and soon the whole town thinks Rylee and Canten are an item.
As Rylee and Canten embark on a make-believe relationship to save face, they slowly realize that their feelings for each other aren’t fake at all. Can Rylee and Canten keep the charade going—or will the town’s prized baker and respected lawman take a real chance on love?
Baker extraordinaire Rylee Harris has a recipe for everything—except love. It’s been five years since she lost her husband, but romance is still a struggle for Rylee. In her small hamlet of Honey Hill, North Carolina, Rylee knows she’ll be the talk of the town when she finds someone new.
To ease her mother’s worries about her love life, Rylee impulsively invents a fake relationship with the only man who’s caught her eye: the town sheriff, Canten Barnes. It’s supposed to be a secret, but secrets don’t last long in Honey Hill. One bit of gossip leads to another, and soon the whole town thinks Rylee and Canten are an item.
As Rylee and Canten embark on a make-believe relationship to save face, they slowly realize that their feelings for each other aren’t fake at all. Can Rylee and Canten keep the charade going—or will the town’s prized baker and respected lawman take a real chance on love?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
About the author
Joy Avery
31 books210 followersBy day, Joy Avery works as an engagement manager. By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds—creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen.
Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you’ll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
September 5, 2022
⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ sweeter than honey was amazing. it is set in a small town and features two people who have to embark on a pretend relationship just to save themselves.
this book is hilarious, i love the writing, the dialogue between characters, the romance, the friendships. THIS SMALL TOWN IS WONDERFUL. the people living there are so fun and it seems they have the best of days living there. the heroine, rylee, is the town baker who creates the sweetest baked goods. while the hero, canten, is the sheriff who we meet when a power wheels car sort of crashes into him. it's that sort of town where everyone is in everyone's business so when they start to pretend (only for her parents), obviously the secret gets out and now they have to pretend they're dating in front of EVERYONE. the cute part is that everyone immediately believes them because they have insane chemistry since yearsssss.
i think everyone should grab this book. but also the first book! i feel like if you love the small town trope, you'd love this series. even though i havent yet read the first book, i got to meet the main couple in this second book and I LOVED THEM SO MCUH?? it's single mom and i think he was her crush years ago? im not sure but i loved them here so now i obviously need to read the first book. there's going to be a third book THERE HAS TO i mean.--- im very intrigued by these two characters who are sort of teased in this book and yeah sign me up.
also this is very steamy! DAMN.
this book is hilarious, i love the writing, the dialogue between characters, the romance, the friendships. THIS SMALL TOWN IS WONDERFUL. the people living there are so fun and it seems they have the best of days living there. the heroine, rylee, is the town baker who creates the sweetest baked goods. while the hero, canten, is the sheriff who we meet when a power wheels car sort of crashes into him. it's that sort of town where everyone is in everyone's business so when they start to pretend (only for her parents), obviously the secret gets out and now they have to pretend they're dating in front of EVERYONE. the cute part is that everyone immediately believes them because they have insane chemistry since yearsssss.
i think everyone should grab this book. but also the first book! i feel like if you love the small town trope, you'd love this series. even though i havent yet read the first book, i got to meet the main couple in this second book and I LOVED THEM SO MCUH?? it's single mom and i think he was her crush years ago? im not sure but i loved them here so now i obviously need to read the first book. there's going to be a third book THERE HAS TO i mean.--- im very intrigued by these two characters who are sort of teased in this book and yeah sign me up.
also this is very steamy! DAMN.
August 20, 2022
Special thanks to Montlake for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars
This was my first book by Joy Avery and the cover and synopsis are what prompted me to want to pick it up. There was a lot about this small-town romance between the sheriff and the baker that I really enjoyed, but certain aspects made it a little difficult for me to really get into. While I definitely had fun with all of the characters and our main couple, I'm bummed that I didn't enjoy this one more; although I do feel like I'm in the minority with this feeling. Sweeter Than Honey had:
- Brother's BFF/BFF's little sister
- Friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Small-town setting complete with meddling parents and gossiping elderly
A huge part of what made this such an entertaining read was the small-town setting, the townsfolk and the friendships Rylee and Canten have with everyone. I especially loved that these other relationships weren't pushed to the side and just mentioned in brief in place of the "new" albeit fake relationship established between Rylee and Canten. Rylee's bestie and town mayor Lunden and her son Zachary were great additions to the story. Zach in particular absolutely stole the show for me. This kid and all the things his elusive friend Johnathan would say had me in absolute fits—kids really do say the darndest things?! It was hilarious! 😂
Rylee and Canten were pretty much an inevitable couple. They were kind-hearted and genuine characters and it wasn't hard to see why they were so well-loved in the community. They both had great relationships with their parents/families and I always love to see those strong familial relationships in romances; though I do wish that we got to see more of the friendship between Canten and his supposed BFF and Rylee's brother, Sebastian, especially since I have a feeling that his story is next! Rylee and Canten have a very natural and easy connection that stemmed from their close friendship and their interactions and banter were pretty cute. The way that they supported and boosted one another was really sweet and warmed my heart! The reasons for the fake dating were a little flimsy and if I'm being honest, I thought of them as actually dating because they acted like a real couple the whole way through. I have to say that I felt that there was a lot more "tell" than "show" when it came to their chemistry, especially since the story begins with us being told repeatedly that they are attracted to each other but I personally never saw or felt that romantic spark. That's not to say that I didn't like them together cos I did think they were good together but I never became fully invested because of that lack of spark!
I also found the pacing in the latter half especially slow and I feel it dragged down the momentum of the story. The 'back and forth' reasons for why they wouldn't admit their feelings for each other became a little tiresome as well. They both were married before and those marriages ended tragically and sadly, but I feel like there was never any real tension there. They also have a strong foundation of friendship from the beginning but in their fake relationship they've struck up a "friends with bennies" deal too and so the original reasons for why they wouldn't date seemed all but irrelevant and again, a bit of a weak excuse. I wished that more focus had been given to them working through these hangups, instead of just saying "we'll not let the past hold us back" and then having them continue to go back and forth without ever really addressing or discussing these issues further. It would've made for a stronger story overall!
That said, Sweeter Than Honey *was* sweet, pretty cute cheesy at times and had a satisfying HEA that made me smile! I'm glad that I gave this a read and that I've discovered a new romance author I wouldn't mind reading more from in the future.
This was my first book by Joy Avery and the cover and synopsis are what prompted me to want to pick it up. There was a lot about this small-town romance between the sheriff and the baker that I really enjoyed, but certain aspects made it a little difficult for me to really get into. While I definitely had fun with all of the characters and our main couple, I'm bummed that I didn't enjoy this one more; although I do feel like I'm in the minority with this feeling. Sweeter Than Honey had:
- Brother's BFF/BFF's little sister
- Friends to lovers
- Fake dating
- Small-town setting complete with meddling parents and gossiping elderly
A huge part of what made this such an entertaining read was the small-town setting, the townsfolk and the friendships Rylee and Canten have with everyone. I especially loved that these other relationships weren't pushed to the side and just mentioned in brief in place of the "new" albeit fake relationship established between Rylee and Canten. Rylee's bestie and town mayor Lunden and her son Zachary were great additions to the story. Zach in particular absolutely stole the show for me. This kid and all the things his elusive friend Johnathan would say had me in absolute fits—kids really do say the darndest things?! It was hilarious! 😂
Rylee and Canten were pretty much an inevitable couple. They were kind-hearted and genuine characters and it wasn't hard to see why they were so well-loved in the community. They both had great relationships with their parents/families and I always love to see those strong familial relationships in romances; though I do wish that we got to see more of the friendship between Canten and his supposed BFF and Rylee's brother, Sebastian, especially since I have a feeling that his story is next! Rylee and Canten have a very natural and easy connection that stemmed from their close friendship and their interactions and banter were pretty cute. The way that they supported and boosted one another was really sweet and warmed my heart! The reasons for the fake dating were a little flimsy and if I'm being honest, I thought of them as actually dating because they acted like a real couple the whole way through. I have to say that I felt that there was a lot more "tell" than "show" when it came to their chemistry, especially since the story begins with us being told repeatedly that they are attracted to each other but I personally never saw or felt that romantic spark. That's not to say that I didn't like them together cos I did think they were good together but I never became fully invested because of that lack of spark!
I also found the pacing in the latter half especially slow and I feel it dragged down the momentum of the story. The 'back and forth' reasons for why they wouldn't admit their feelings for each other became a little tiresome as well. They both were married before and those marriages ended tragically and sadly, but I feel like there was never any real tension there. They also have a strong foundation of friendship from the beginning but in their fake relationship they've struck up a "friends with bennies" deal too and so the original reasons for why they wouldn't date seemed all but irrelevant and again, a bit of a weak excuse. I wished that more focus had been given to them working through these hangups, instead of just saying "we'll not let the past hold us back" and then having them continue to go back and forth without ever really addressing or discussing these issues further. It would've made for a stronger story overall!
That said, Sweeter Than Honey *was* sweet, pretty cute cheesy at times and had a satisfying HEA that made me smile! I'm glad that I gave this a read and that I've discovered a new romance author I wouldn't mind reading more from in the future.
November 17, 2023
Even though I read them out of order, I loved SWEETER THAN HONEY (#2), the best out of the series!
First, my favorite 7 1/2 year old, Zachary, was back and kept the laughs coming throughout the story. And of course, Sheriff Barnes and Baker Rylee were absolutely perfect together. Unfortunately, they both carried guilt over the deaths of their loved ones. His wife was killed by neighborhood gunfire and Rylee's husband was killed in the military.
However, it took their friends and neighbors to remind them that life is too short to ignore the chance to love again. But will they be brave enough to?
What a beautiful story!
March 28, 2022
This is the first book by Joy Avery that I've read, and I really enjoyed it. I loved how this book will kick you in the emotions over and over. It brings you up, down, and sideways. Loved the story and truly enjoyed the journey.
thanks netgalley for my arc copy for exchange for an honest review.
thanks netgalley for my arc copy for exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2022
3.5 wholesome starts ✨✨✨✨✨
⁃ Brothers best friend
⁃ Friends to lovers
⁃ Small town
⁃ Baker gf/ Cop bf
⁃ Second chance at love
⁃ Fake relationship
Canten and Rylee were honestly super cute. They were both pretty smitten with each other but I hated how slow the book was.
Honestly, I was just dreaming about opening my own little bakery/bookstore while reading this book AND THAT PUT ME IN SUCH A WHOLESOME MOOD AHHH.
Reading about Rylee creating those little snacks, or when she expanded the menu for her bakery, god, I was just in a “me when” state.
That said, at some points, it used to pick up the pace but at most part, it was pretty slow and I hate it when a book actually feels slow iykwim.
But apart from, I would definitely give them 10/10 for their wholesomeness. 💗
⁃ Brothers best friend
⁃ Friends to lovers
⁃ Small town
⁃ Baker gf/ Cop bf
⁃ Second chance at love
⁃ Fake relationship
Canten and Rylee were honestly super cute. They were both pretty smitten with each other but I hated how slow the book was.
Honestly, I was just dreaming about opening my own little bakery/bookstore while reading this book AND THAT PUT ME IN SUCH A WHOLESOME MOOD AHHH.
Reading about Rylee creating those little snacks, or when she expanded the menu for her bakery, god, I was just in a “me when” state.
That said, at some points, it used to pick up the pace but at most part, it was pretty slow and I hate it when a book actually feels slow iykwim.
But apart from, I would definitely give them 10/10 for their wholesomeness. 💗
April 13, 2022
EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO CRY IN THE CORNER A LITTLE LONGER.
This book was perfect. This is my first book by Joy Avery and I will be rushing to go read everything else she writes. I didn't realize this was book 2 in the Honey Hill series so I'm excited to read about Quade and Luden and I can't wait to read about Sebastian and Happi. My emotions were every where the entire time I was reading this. I laughed, I cried, I got annoyed they wouldn't just admit their feelings mostly but I loved every second of it. I am invested in their story and the side characters. Speaking of side characters, Zachary is the best kid on the planet. The entire thing was just so sweet and loving and also steamy. Rylee and Canten are just my fave couple right now.
- small town romance
- baker & sheriff
- fake dating
This book was perfect. This is my first book by Joy Avery and I will be rushing to go read everything else she writes. I didn't realize this was book 2 in the Honey Hill series so I'm excited to read about Quade and Luden and I can't wait to read about Sebastian and Happi. My emotions were every where the entire time I was reading this. I laughed, I cried, I got annoyed they wouldn't just admit their feelings mostly but I loved every second of it. I am invested in their story and the side characters. Speaking of side characters, Zachary is the best kid on the planet. The entire thing was just so sweet and loving and also steamy. Rylee and Canten are just my fave couple right now.
- small town romance
- baker & sheriff
- fake dating
July 2, 2022
There has been an enjoyable adventure coming back to Honey Hill. Canten and Raylee's journey is indeed sweeter than honey with a bit of spice, as it has been a slow burn that starts in book one. On our first visit to the small town, we left captivated by the mystery of the town's sheriff and his connection to Raylee, baker extraordinaire.
Canten is known for being firm on upholding the law but fair, willing to lend a helping hand with a good understanding of the town's people. So, of course, he does not hesitate to oblige when a friend gets in a bind and asks him to play a role that will put his heart in the crosshairs. Knowing this could open a box, he thought better left closed, he agrees.
Raylee is good at what she does, and no one else for miles can compare. She is secure in her career but in love not so much, which is why her mother feels it her duty to play cupid. In good faith, she is getting older and wants to see her daughter happy...grandkids. Raylee's parents announce their surprise visit, and she knows she needs to get boo'd up fast or be grilled and mated with a prospect of her mother's choosing.
Coming back to Honey Hill was so much more than I expected. The storyline of #whenfakebecomesreal fills us with an array of emotions, from seriousness-happiness-all out funny. This romantic comedy will have you booking the trip back before you even leave. The secondary characters, including the town itself, are always a bonus and keep the story moving along. It will have you reaching out to ask for their individual stories.
Joy Avery has given us another shelf-worthy read.
Canten is known for being firm on upholding the law but fair, willing to lend a helping hand with a good understanding of the town's people. So, of course, he does not hesitate to oblige when a friend gets in a bind and asks him to play a role that will put his heart in the crosshairs. Knowing this could open a box, he thought better left closed, he agrees.
Raylee is good at what she does, and no one else for miles can compare. She is secure in her career but in love not so much, which is why her mother feels it her duty to play cupid. In good faith, she is getting older and wants to see her daughter happy...grandkids. Raylee's parents announce their surprise visit, and she knows she needs to get boo'd up fast or be grilled and mated with a prospect of her mother's choosing.
Coming back to Honey Hill was so much more than I expected. The storyline of #whenfakebecomesreal fills us with an array of emotions, from seriousness-happiness-all out funny. This romantic comedy will have you booking the trip back before you even leave. The secondary characters, including the town itself, are always a bonus and keep the story moving along. It will have you reaching out to ask for their individual stories.
Joy Avery has given us another shelf-worthy read.
November 4, 2022
Very cute love story. I enjoyed every page
June 20, 2022
3.75⭐
Sweeter Than Honey returns readers to Joy Avery's eccentric small-town Honey Hill.
As sheriff Canten Barnes and Baker Rylee Harris get a second shot at love. But both have lost loved ones before and value the friendship they have. So their path is a rocky one especially when circumstances dictate they fake a romance.
And with a town full of larger than life characters and errant animals and lots of laughs this was a charming read. That although a little formulaic did have me engaged. But honestly it was just a few chapters too long. Which is why I couldn't quite give it four stars.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Sweeter Than Honey returns readers to Joy Avery's eccentric small-town Honey Hill.
As sheriff Canten Barnes and Baker Rylee Harris get a second shot at love. But both have lost loved ones before and value the friendship they have. So their path is a rocky one especially when circumstances dictate they fake a romance.
And with a town full of larger than life characters and errant animals and lots of laughs this was a charming read. That although a little formulaic did have me engaged. But honestly it was just a few chapters too long. Which is why I couldn't quite give it four stars.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
August 25, 2023
Talented, successful Baker Rylee Harris and town sheriff, Canten Barnes pretend to be in a relationship and unexpectedly fall for each other, complicating their friendship In Joy Avery’s friends-to-lovers romance Sweeter Than Honey (Honey Hill #2). I don’t know why I’m always surprised when books I’m about to start are friends-to-lovers and fake dating. I choose them for that very reason because, as we all know by now, I love each trope alone, but combined, I am totally weak! I love it when you have two characters pining for each other, and then you introduce fake dating into this shaky ground where they’re already fighting their emotions to keep the status quo. It makes for the perfect book! Avery’s vivid and descriptive writing, natural sounding and authentic dialogue and language, and complex, relatable, and likable characters drew me into the novel from the first scene.
Baker Rylee has been unlucky in love. A widow for five years, she hasn’t dared take another chance on romance. On impulse, however, she invents a fake relationship with her friend Sheriff Canten—the only man who’s caught her eye—to ease her mother’s worries about her non-existent love life. Canten agrees to uphold the ruse to help Rylee out when her parents come to town and also keep his overzealous suitors at bay. However, their secret gets out and is spread along the town’s gossip grapevine, and before they know it, the whole town believes Rylee and Canten are an item. To no one’s surprise but Rylee and Canten, real feelings surface and deepen, changing their relationship. Will Canteen and Rylee surrender to their feelings and take a real chance on love?
Avery develops Rylee and Canten’s relationship through sweet, steamy, emotional, humorous, intimate, angsty, and sexy banter, interactions, and love scenes, which help develop and evolve their characters, relationship, and Avery’s entertaining love story. Rylee and Canten have much more in common than they know. Neither can move on from their prior marriages and spouses’ untimely deaths. They’re traumatized by how their first marriages ended and are burdened with guilt, unwilling to forgive themselves and move on with living. They have a close friendship and deep connection with a simmering attraction that both ignore and deny until Rylee’s fake dating plan throws them into each other’s company more often in intimate situations. I love their friendship and how smoothly they transition from friends to lovers. However, it is surprisingly fast when it does happen. Their friendship is sweet, supportive, one of a kind, and neither knows what they would do without it.
Rylee’s kind-hearted, selfless, sexy, beautiful, and impulsive. She harbors secret feelings for Canten, but she’s not ready to risk love again after how things turned out with her marriage. She blames herself for her husband’s death. And she also thinks she’s not enough for Canten as is. Caring, stubborn, and generous with his time, Canten’s carrying a ton of baggage from his marriage and his wife’s murder. He punishes himself for her death, the choices he made, and the secrets he kept. He has a crush on Rylee, but he’s kept his feelings under wraps because he cherishes his friendship with Rylee and refuses to do anything that would change or ruin it. Her presence soothes him. Plus, she’s his best friend’s little sister.
Avery wonderfully captures small-town life and the closeness and interconnectedness of the citizens’ lives. I love their small town and fascinating residents. She skillfully brings the characters to life, giving them distinct personalities. Rylee and Canten’s interactions with friends, family, and townsfolk are hilarious. I love her nephew. He’s a bright, sweet little boy, and his scenes with Rylee and Canten are among my favorites, along with the scenes in the town diner.
I look forward to reading the other books in the series. The novel’s quick pacing and mostly lighthearted, humorous tone, with a bit of angst, combined with her description, characters, and natural-sounding dialogue, make it a page-turner. Sweeter Than Honey is charming, steamy, emotional, funny, sexy, romantic, and slightly angsty. Perfect for friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and small-town romance fans, it explores themes of grief, guilt, letting go of the past, secrets, following your dreams, wedding planning, small-town life, friendship, and family.
Advanced review copy provided by Montlake via Netgalley for review.
Baker Rylee has been unlucky in love. A widow for five years, she hasn’t dared take another chance on romance. On impulse, however, she invents a fake relationship with her friend Sheriff Canten—the only man who’s caught her eye—to ease her mother’s worries about her non-existent love life. Canten agrees to uphold the ruse to help Rylee out when her parents come to town and also keep his overzealous suitors at bay. However, their secret gets out and is spread along the town’s gossip grapevine, and before they know it, the whole town believes Rylee and Canten are an item. To no one’s surprise but Rylee and Canten, real feelings surface and deepen, changing their relationship. Will Canteen and Rylee surrender to their feelings and take a real chance on love?
Avery develops Rylee and Canten’s relationship through sweet, steamy, emotional, humorous, intimate, angsty, and sexy banter, interactions, and love scenes, which help develop and evolve their characters, relationship, and Avery’s entertaining love story. Rylee and Canten have much more in common than they know. Neither can move on from their prior marriages and spouses’ untimely deaths. They’re traumatized by how their first marriages ended and are burdened with guilt, unwilling to forgive themselves and move on with living. They have a close friendship and deep connection with a simmering attraction that both ignore and deny until Rylee’s fake dating plan throws them into each other’s company more often in intimate situations. I love their friendship and how smoothly they transition from friends to lovers. However, it is surprisingly fast when it does happen. Their friendship is sweet, supportive, one of a kind, and neither knows what they would do without it.
Rylee’s kind-hearted, selfless, sexy, beautiful, and impulsive. She harbors secret feelings for Canten, but she’s not ready to risk love again after how things turned out with her marriage. She blames herself for her husband’s death. And she also thinks she’s not enough for Canten as is. Caring, stubborn, and generous with his time, Canten’s carrying a ton of baggage from his marriage and his wife’s murder. He punishes himself for her death, the choices he made, and the secrets he kept. He has a crush on Rylee, but he’s kept his feelings under wraps because he cherishes his friendship with Rylee and refuses to do anything that would change or ruin it. Her presence soothes him. Plus, she’s his best friend’s little sister.
Avery wonderfully captures small-town life and the closeness and interconnectedness of the citizens’ lives. I love their small town and fascinating residents. She skillfully brings the characters to life, giving them distinct personalities. Rylee and Canten’s interactions with friends, family, and townsfolk are hilarious. I love her nephew. He’s a bright, sweet little boy, and his scenes with Rylee and Canten are among my favorites, along with the scenes in the town diner.
I look forward to reading the other books in the series. The novel’s quick pacing and mostly lighthearted, humorous tone, with a bit of angst, combined with her description, characters, and natural-sounding dialogue, make it a page-turner. Sweeter Than Honey is charming, steamy, emotional, funny, sexy, romantic, and slightly angsty. Perfect for friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and small-town romance fans, it explores themes of grief, guilt, letting go of the past, secrets, following your dreams, wedding planning, small-town life, friendship, and family.
Advanced review copy provided by Montlake via Netgalley for review.
June 21, 2022
When two people are so bound and determined not to fall in love, what is a romance novel to do but force them together at every opportunity? I loved the angst, the sexual tension, the hilarious cast of secondary characters...it had me wishing the story would move along faster so that I could find out who it all turns out. There was a lot of push-pull in the relationship, so a lot of the book you are literally feeling the conflicting emotions of the characters. At first I felt like this book might be too long, but then I realized it's actually paced in such a way as to make me feel the tension they feel. This is not a light read, but it's not really meant to be. It's about love, loss, second chances and forgiveness...of yourself and others. Both main characters are widowed, one due to war and the other due to murder, and the story tackles the accompanying survivor's guilt they experience. The beauty in the story comes from the healing journey, so if you can bear with the pain they must experience first, you will be rewarded.
The small North Carolina town of Honey Hill is home to a community of people who are truly there for each other - sometimes to console, sometimes to meddle, and sometimes to be as annoying as possible. You know, the typical environment of small town living. Sheriff Canten Barnes is no stranger to all three of these personality types, and things have been getting increasingly difficult to ignore lately as his feelings for resident baker, Rylee Harris, keep pushing to the surface. But Rylee is off limits as his best friend's little sister, and he is still grieving with guilt over his late wife's death. Love is not in the cards for him a second time. However, life has other plans for him, when he goes to visit Rylee, who happens to be his neighbor, and he find himself wrangled into a fake relationship with her. It's supposed to only be for a few days...until it spirals into a much bigger mess, and now they not only have to fool her parents but the entire town. No worries, they can handle this...but when they have to get more intimate to seem realistic, the line between fake and real blurs. Their time is limited, they know this, but maybe they can give love a second chance after all.
Canten and Rylee were so conflicted, and it make the tension in this fake relationship so palpable. I was getting anxious just reading the story, wondering how they were going to heal so they could find happiness with each other. Canten had his inner demons from his wife's death, and he denied his attraction to Rylee as much as he could. Rylee too had concerns after blaming herself for her husband's death overseas, but she was a bit more open to having a relationship with Canten...if only he would let her in. Their relationship did get physical fairly quickly, so while the title may be "sweeter," the story is "spicier." Their physical chemistry was through the roof, and it was apparent quickly that they could satisfy each other well. What I found sad though was that they were so resistant to seeing how compatible they were emotionally. It was there, but they refused to acknowledge it. They certainly did act like a real couple, but then Canten was planning for a future without Rylee, making things seem like they may never resolve. Safe sex flew out the window early on as well, which I found interesting since neither of them had any interest beyond this "friends with benefits" arrangement. It was clear to me that their attraction to each other drove out common sense...and maybe that's why it took them so long to admit to themselves and to each other that it had gone beyond a fake relationship. You'll want to shake them. I did.
I really enjoyed this author's writing style, and I look forward to reading more romance in this cute town! You'll want to move there immediately.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
The small North Carolina town of Honey Hill is home to a community of people who are truly there for each other - sometimes to console, sometimes to meddle, and sometimes to be as annoying as possible. You know, the typical environment of small town living. Sheriff Canten Barnes is no stranger to all three of these personality types, and things have been getting increasingly difficult to ignore lately as his feelings for resident baker, Rylee Harris, keep pushing to the surface. But Rylee is off limits as his best friend's little sister, and he is still grieving with guilt over his late wife's death. Love is not in the cards for him a second time. However, life has other plans for him, when he goes to visit Rylee, who happens to be his neighbor, and he find himself wrangled into a fake relationship with her. It's supposed to only be for a few days...until it spirals into a much bigger mess, and now they not only have to fool her parents but the entire town. No worries, they can handle this...but when they have to get more intimate to seem realistic, the line between fake and real blurs. Their time is limited, they know this, but maybe they can give love a second chance after all.
Canten and Rylee were so conflicted, and it make the tension in this fake relationship so palpable. I was getting anxious just reading the story, wondering how they were going to heal so they could find happiness with each other. Canten had his inner demons from his wife's death, and he denied his attraction to Rylee as much as he could. Rylee too had concerns after blaming herself for her husband's death overseas, but she was a bit more open to having a relationship with Canten...if only he would let her in. Their relationship did get physical fairly quickly, so while the title may be "sweeter," the story is "spicier." Their physical chemistry was through the roof, and it was apparent quickly that they could satisfy each other well. What I found sad though was that they were so resistant to seeing how compatible they were emotionally. It was there, but they refused to acknowledge it. They certainly did act like a real couple, but then Canten was planning for a future without Rylee, making things seem like they may never resolve. Safe sex flew out the window early on as well, which I found interesting since neither of them had any interest beyond this "friends with benefits" arrangement. It was clear to me that their attraction to each other drove out common sense...and maybe that's why it took them so long to admit to themselves and to each other that it had gone beyond a fake relationship. You'll want to shake them. I did.
I really enjoyed this author's writing style, and I look forward to reading more romance in this cute town! You'll want to move there immediately.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
September 28, 2022
I'm officially in love with Honey Hill!
In order to assure her mother that her ok love life is a-okay, Honey Hill's resident baker Rylee suddenly blurts out that she is dating Sheriff Canten Barnes, aka the same sheriff she's had the hots for since forever. As an act of friendship, Canten accepts and rides along with her claim. Thus, a fake dating arrangement begins. This proves to be pretty easy at first because of an already established friendship (and hidden mutual attraction). But then things take a more difficult route when attraction blossoms into affection, and affection morphs into something more.
Tested by past scars and seemingly sensible decisions, what is supposedly a ruse may actually be for real after all.
I really loved this! Even though the previous book wasn't as satisfying as I expected it to be, this succeeding one definitely gave the cozy small town romance that I craved. This book also gave me a new perspective on Lunden and Quade that I learned to love them like I should have in their own book. And their little boy Zachary! That kid and his stories about his interesting friend Jonathan gave a layer of humor that made me enjoy reading even more.
The main star of this book has got to be the angst between our main couple. The gradual buildup of them coming to terms with their feelings for each other and their internal battle with such feelings brought so much toe-curling tension that pushed me to continue on.
However, that same angst came with its downsides. As much as I loved watching all the push and pull, it got to the point where it began being exhausting. I swear I wanted to scream "Just spit it out already!!!!" when they still remained reluctant in admitting what they felt right at the end. I also think that their friends-with-benefits agreement wasn't all that believable since they kept 'making love' (and casually dropping the exact term) while acting like inseparable magnets, even in private. Forget 'friends'; they were more like a married couple if you ask me.
All in all, the small town romance lover in me gives this a big two thumbs up. If you're looking for an angsty, well-written yet easy read set in a wonderful small town and delivers on the swoon and steam, this may be the book to pick up.
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tw: death of a loved one (past)
In order to assure her mother that her ok love life is a-okay, Honey Hill's resident baker Rylee suddenly blurts out that she is dating Sheriff Canten Barnes, aka the same sheriff she's had the hots for since forever. As an act of friendship, Canten accepts and rides along with her claim. Thus, a fake dating arrangement begins. This proves to be pretty easy at first because of an already established friendship (and hidden mutual attraction). But then things take a more difficult route when attraction blossoms into affection, and affection morphs into something more.
Tested by past scars and seemingly sensible decisions, what is supposedly a ruse may actually be for real after all.
I really loved this! Even though the previous book wasn't as satisfying as I expected it to be, this succeeding one definitely gave the cozy small town romance that I craved. This book also gave me a new perspective on Lunden and Quade that I learned to love them like I should have in their own book. And their little boy Zachary! That kid and his stories about his interesting friend Jonathan gave a layer of humor that made me enjoy reading even more.
The main star of this book has got to be the angst between our main couple. The gradual buildup of them coming to terms with their feelings for each other and their internal battle with such feelings brought so much toe-curling tension that pushed me to continue on.
However, that same angst came with its downsides. As much as I loved watching all the push and pull, it got to the point where it began being exhausting. I swear I wanted to scream "Just spit it out already!!!!" when they still remained reluctant in admitting what they felt right at the end. I also think that their friends-with-benefits agreement wasn't all that believable since they kept 'making love' (and casually dropping the exact term) while acting like inseparable magnets, even in private. Forget 'friends'; they were more like a married couple if you ask me.
All in all, the small town romance lover in me gives this a big two thumbs up. If you're looking for an angsty, well-written yet easy read set in a wonderful small town and delivers on the swoon and steam, this may be the book to pick up.
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tw: death of a loved one (past)
June 28, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Joy Avery for this arc.
This was a perfect read-in-one-day book that gives you a whirlwind romance you can really get stuck into.
I'm struggling to put into words how much I loved this story. It's friends to lovers, fake dating, second chance, and I swooned so hard. Canten is definitely swoonworthy and Rylee is just an absolute delight. I devoured this book within a day, I couldn't get enough.
A little synopsis. Both struggling with a death of their loved one, and of course, inevitably moving on,, Rylee and Canten struggle not only with their grief but with the guilt that comes with it. Both blame themselves for their deaths and battle with their emotions as well as their culpability and faithfulness. In their battles, they find each other. Canten is Rylee’s brother’s best friend and also happens to be her neighbour. They dance around each other, offering friendship and comfort, until it blossoms into more, and then begs the question: could they find it within themselves to forgive their mistakes and move on together, or will they continue to shoulder their blame and destroy their second chance at happy-ever-after?
It’s a beautifully romantic story that brought laughter and joy, as well as pain, into my reading day. I devoured this, and honestly, it surprised me how into it I got. The main characters are sweet and you root for them wholeheartedly, the side characters like Rylee’s best friend, the Mayor, and her wise husband, you can’t help but love (and their son kills me with his questions and stories), and it’s family-oriented, which i loved. These are strong and well-developed characters, in a quaint and dramatic small town, with a good storyline and ending. It’s righty paced, not too fast, not too slow, not too dense or light, it’s combination of storytelling and plot building is just right.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and will be rereading it eventually. It’s a big yes from me!
(Currently sticking with a rating of 4.5/5★)
This was a perfect read-in-one-day book that gives you a whirlwind romance you can really get stuck into.
I'm struggling to put into words how much I loved this story. It's friends to lovers, fake dating, second chance, and I swooned so hard. Canten is definitely swoonworthy and Rylee is just an absolute delight. I devoured this book within a day, I couldn't get enough.
A little synopsis. Both struggling with a death of their loved one, and of course, inevitably moving on,, Rylee and Canten struggle not only with their grief but with the guilt that comes with it. Both blame themselves for their deaths and battle with their emotions as well as their culpability and faithfulness. In their battles, they find each other. Canten is Rylee’s brother’s best friend and also happens to be her neighbour. They dance around each other, offering friendship and comfort, until it blossoms into more, and then begs the question: could they find it within themselves to forgive their mistakes and move on together, or will they continue to shoulder their blame and destroy their second chance at happy-ever-after?
It’s a beautifully romantic story that brought laughter and joy, as well as pain, into my reading day. I devoured this, and honestly, it surprised me how into it I got. The main characters are sweet and you root for them wholeheartedly, the side characters like Rylee’s best friend, the Mayor, and her wise husband, you can’t help but love (and their son kills me with his questions and stories), and it’s family-oriented, which i loved. These are strong and well-developed characters, in a quaint and dramatic small town, with a good storyline and ending. It’s righty paced, not too fast, not too slow, not too dense or light, it’s combination of storytelling and plot building is just right.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and will be rereading it eventually. It’s a big yes from me!
(Currently sticking with a rating of 4.5/5★)
June 30, 2022
Sweeter Than Honey is the second book in Joy Avery's Honey Hill series and it was a lovely addition.
Honey Hill Sheriff Canten Barnes and baker Rylee Harris have known one another for years and value the friendship they have developed. Both Canten and Rylee have suffered losses in previous relationships, so neither is looking to enter into another one.
Rylee gets put into a position where she ends up telling her Mom that she and Canten are in a relationship to get her Mom off her case. She thinks it will be easy to make it work because her parents don't live in town and they can "end" the relationship before her brother's wedding and no one will be any wiser. When her parents end up coming to town to stay for months prior to the wedding, things spin out of control pretty quickly. Now that Rylee and Canten are pretending for a longer period of time, will real feelings develop or will they be outed as a fake couple before they're ready?
I enjoyed Canten and Rylee's story and I also enjoyed getting to see other members of the Honey Hill community. They are an eccentric bunch, but always entertaining! I look forward to the next book in this series!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Honey Hill Sheriff Canten Barnes and baker Rylee Harris have known one another for years and value the friendship they have developed. Both Canten and Rylee have suffered losses in previous relationships, so neither is looking to enter into another one.
Rylee gets put into a position where she ends up telling her Mom that she and Canten are in a relationship to get her Mom off her case. She thinks it will be easy to make it work because her parents don't live in town and they can "end" the relationship before her brother's wedding and no one will be any wiser. When her parents end up coming to town to stay for months prior to the wedding, things spin out of control pretty quickly. Now that Rylee and Canten are pretending for a longer period of time, will real feelings develop or will they be outed as a fake couple before they're ready?
I enjoyed Canten and Rylee's story and I also enjoyed getting to see other members of the Honey Hill community. They are an eccentric bunch, but always entertaining! I look forward to the next book in this series!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
June 29, 2022
OMG I’m a sucker for a good small town romance and fake dating is one of my favourites so when I saw this book I knew I HAD to read it and Joy Avery did not let me down! These two were HOT and their friendship and family connections definitely added a small tinge of forbidden to their romance creating the best recipe for some beautiful tension.
I loved the way this book opened and the way these two characters were set up with complicated pasts and intricate connections to the town and each other had me on the edge of my seat. And the room painting scene had me howling with laughter.
Then the way these two selflessly helped each other as friends and the way that developed through a relationship and how they both helped each other overcome the things that were holding them back. It was perfection.
These two grew together so beautifully and helped each other be the best version of themselves, reclaiming bits of their identities they hadn’t realized they’d lost. Their chemistry was amazing in every respect and they worked together beautifully.
I really loved this story and I’m so glad I picked it up.
I received an advance copy of this book through netgalley. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the way this book opened and the way these two characters were set up with complicated pasts and intricate connections to the town and each other had me on the edge of my seat. And the room painting scene had me howling with laughter.
Then the way these two selflessly helped each other as friends and the way that developed through a relationship and how they both helped each other overcome the things that were holding them back. It was perfection.
These two grew together so beautifully and helped each other be the best version of themselves, reclaiming bits of their identities they hadn’t realized they’d lost. Their chemistry was amazing in every respect and they worked together beautifully.
I really loved this story and I’m so glad I picked it up.
I received an advance copy of this book through netgalley. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2022
The Long Way home ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I was fun being back with the good people of Honey Hill ,as I had been looking forward to visiting again. I enjoyed the comic relief provided by the citizens of Honey Hill, as well as being updated on Lunden and Quades relationship from book 1. As in book one ,Little Zachary stole my heart once again. He just about took me out with his “orgasma “question 🤣🤣🤣
Now Let me say Rylee and Canten wore me the heck out. 🤦🏽♀️ These two were perfect for each other and they both knew in their hearts that what they felt for each other was more than just friendship. They both had experienced heartbreak in previous marriages due to death. Rylee’s husband had died in Afghanistan and Canten ‘s wife was murdered. So they each struggled with the idea of being in a meaningful relationship.
I think I was more annoyed with Canten than with Rylee. He knew how he felt about Rylee and kept suppressing his feelings. He was given the perfect opportunity to prove to himself as well as Rylee that what he felt was love. Yet it took ,what I refer to as,taking the long way home , to let her know that what he felt was way beyond friendship.
This was an entertaining read. I wouldn’t mind finding out more about Sebastian or Ezekiel’s love life
I was fun being back with the good people of Honey Hill ,as I had been looking forward to visiting again. I enjoyed the comic relief provided by the citizens of Honey Hill, as well as being updated on Lunden and Quades relationship from book 1. As in book one ,Little Zachary stole my heart once again. He just about took me out with his “orgasma “question 🤣🤣🤣
Now Let me say Rylee and Canten wore me the heck out. 🤦🏽♀️ These two were perfect for each other and they both knew in their hearts that what they felt for each other was more than just friendship. They both had experienced heartbreak in previous marriages due to death. Rylee’s husband had died in Afghanistan and Canten ‘s wife was murdered. So they each struggled with the idea of being in a meaningful relationship.
I think I was more annoyed with Canten than with Rylee. He knew how he felt about Rylee and kept suppressing his feelings. He was given the perfect opportunity to prove to himself as well as Rylee that what he felt was love. Yet it took ,what I refer to as,taking the long way home , to let her know that what he felt was way beyond friendship.
This was an entertaining read. I wouldn’t mind finding out more about Sebastian or Ezekiel’s love life
February 25, 2023
Sweeter than Honey is a book you just need to read. I fell in love with Rylee Harris, a baker in Honey Hill, North Carolina and sheriff, Canten Barnes. Both have lost a spouse and though not ready to move on romantically they "secretly" have been attracted to each other. Rylee's mother tries to set her up with other people, so she tells her she is dating, Canten. Canten agrees to it for his own reason, the ladies in town just won't leave him alone. The sexual tension is there when they are together. Will this "fake" relationship last much longer before it becomes "real." The book is filled with humor. I loved seeing the camaraderie between Rylee and her best girlfriends. Talking about laughter, oh the things these ladies talk about and get into. The book is so charming, I just loved the characters. You've got to love Canten, as the sheriff he arranges his schedule so he's able to drive past the bakery when Rylee is working at 4:30 a.m. just to be sure he safe. Canten and Rylee each have a dynamic relationship with their parents and each other's parents. This couple is sweet, sassy and everything in between and I will now need to read more by this author.
Pub Date 28 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 28 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2022
Storyteller extraordinaire, Joy Avery, has caused me to fall in love with her fictitious town of Honey Hill, North Carolina. The second story of this series features Rylee Harris, “Honey Hill’s baker extraordinaire “, and Sheriff Canten Barnes, “Honey Hill’s Top Cop”. This story gives the reader a wonderful take on the “fake relationship” trope.
This story is funny, heart-tugging, and engaging. From the opening page, you just know that there is not going to be a dull moment. The storyline is tight and well-written with intriguing sub plots that come through at just the right time. Rylee and Canten each has to come to grips with their past. It’s not going to be easy, but love triumphs !
The denizens of Honey Hill, great minor characters, lend their unsolicited support, and advice to the main characters. We also get to be present for the marriage of the town’s mayor, Lunden, and the love of her life, Quade (SOMETHING SO SWEET). The adorable Zachary is also present in this story.
I highly recommend SWEETER THAN HONEY for your reading pleasure. It’s a captivating and engaging story that will resonate with your romantic spirit!
This story is funny, heart-tugging, and engaging. From the opening page, you just know that there is not going to be a dull moment. The storyline is tight and well-written with intriguing sub plots that come through at just the right time. Rylee and Canten each has to come to grips with their past. It’s not going to be easy, but love triumphs !
The denizens of Honey Hill, great minor characters, lend their unsolicited support, and advice to the main characters. We also get to be present for the marriage of the town’s mayor, Lunden, and the love of her life, Quade (SOMETHING SO SWEET). The adorable Zachary is also present in this story.
I highly recommend SWEETER THAN HONEY for your reading pleasure. It’s a captivating and engaging story that will resonate with your romantic spirit!
May 28, 2022
Small town. He’s the sheriff. She’s owns the bakery. Pining. His best friends sister.
All the ingredients of a good story, right?
Rylee & Canten
Are pining for each other but they are both stuck in the past with self inflicted guilt. They are friends and have known each other forever. Rylee’s mom tries to set her up on a blind date so she tells her mom she’s seeing someone. Who? The sheriff. Ekk. Her mom is so happy. Pause, mom it’s a secret and you can’t tell any one. Ok, ok. There, problem solved until her parents show up a month early so Rylee asks Canten to be her fake boyfriend. He agrees with out hesitation.
How to pretend to be together in front of her parents but keep everyone else in the small town from finding out? How to fake a break up once her parents leave? How to keep their friendship normal? Whew, they have a lot to figure out. One thing they don’t have to figure out or fake is the attraction and chemistry.
Little Zachary is my favorite character in this.book. This book is apart of a series. You can read as a standalone. I have not read the first book and it was not a disconnect.
I recommend this book. The characters are well developed. The story flows from the first book of the series but you aren’t missing out if you haven’t read it. The story if full of pining, jealousy and protection. Rylee and Canten are both stuck in the past they don’t realize that their future is together. They both feel like they don’t deserve to move on and be happy but neither had shared that with the other. They both have feelings beyond friendship and neither had shared it with the other. This gives the story a little anticipation and trepidation add the small town town and you have a great story.
All the ingredients of a good story, right?
Rylee & Canten
Are pining for each other but they are both stuck in the past with self inflicted guilt. They are friends and have known each other forever. Rylee’s mom tries to set her up on a blind date so she tells her mom she’s seeing someone. Who? The sheriff. Ekk. Her mom is so happy. Pause, mom it’s a secret and you can’t tell any one. Ok, ok. There, problem solved until her parents show up a month early so Rylee asks Canten to be her fake boyfriend. He agrees with out hesitation.
How to pretend to be together in front of her parents but keep everyone else in the small town from finding out? How to fake a break up once her parents leave? How to keep their friendship normal? Whew, they have a lot to figure out. One thing they don’t have to figure out or fake is the attraction and chemistry.
Little Zachary is my favorite character in this.book. This book is apart of a series. You can read as a standalone. I have not read the first book and it was not a disconnect.
I recommend this book. The characters are well developed. The story flows from the first book of the series but you aren’t missing out if you haven’t read it. The story if full of pining, jealousy and protection. Rylee and Canten are both stuck in the past they don’t realize that their future is together. They both feel like they don’t deserve to move on and be happy but neither had shared that with the other. They both have feelings beyond friendship and neither had shared it with the other. This gives the story a little anticipation and trepidation add the small town town and you have a great story.
June 19, 2022
I fell in love with Joy Avery's books when I read Something So Sweet.
So reading Sweeter Than Honey and seeing that it picked up at the end of the first book made it so easy to read. Riley and Canten are such a cute couple. I loved reading about the town of Honey Hill, makes me want to plan a trip to visit there and see if I can see some good looking men like she describes.
The story of Riley and Canten both having lost their spouses is one that a lot of people could relate to. I enjoyed how their relationship as friends was able to blossom into something more. Even if neither of them wanted to admit their feelings to each other. Them being their for each other long before they decided to "date" made it easy to see them become more than friends.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the scenery, and developing the characters. I was able to see the characters fully in my mind as read the book. At one point she describes a sunset and I was able to see that sunset.
I can't wait to read more by Joy Avery. Everyone should definitely read this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
So reading Sweeter Than Honey and seeing that it picked up at the end of the first book made it so easy to read. Riley and Canten are such a cute couple. I loved reading about the town of Honey Hill, makes me want to plan a trip to visit there and see if I can see some good looking men like she describes.
The story of Riley and Canten both having lost their spouses is one that a lot of people could relate to. I enjoyed how their relationship as friends was able to blossom into something more. Even if neither of them wanted to admit their feelings to each other. Them being their for each other long before they decided to "date" made it easy to see them become more than friends.
The author does a wonderful job of describing the scenery, and developing the characters. I was able to see the characters fully in my mind as read the book. At one point she describes a sunset and I was able to see that sunset.
I can't wait to read more by Joy Avery. Everyone should definitely read this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2022
I love returning to Honey Hill. I really enjoyed this story between the town Sherrif Canteen and Rylee , who are friends, but secretly in love with each other but won't admit it. Rylee decides to ask Canteen if he would pretend to be her significant other while her mother is in town to stop her from fixing her up with some of the other men in town. Canteen agrees to do it, but their fake relationship just might turn into something more.
I laughed during the first book, but Even more with this one between the antics of some of the seniors of the town (really, a big wheel) and Zachary (his mother is the town mayor and her story is the first book in the series). This was such an engaging story, and I loved the characters in the book. It combied some of my favorite troupe which include fake dating, friends to loves, black love and a small town romance. I am hoping we'll get a book three and I hope it features Sebastain and Hopi. I could see this as a tv series.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
I laughed during the first book, but Even more with this one between the antics of some of the seniors of the town (really, a big wheel) and Zachary (his mother is the town mayor and her story is the first book in the series). This was such an engaging story, and I loved the characters in the book. It combied some of my favorite troupe which include fake dating, friends to loves, black love and a small town romance. I am hoping we'll get a book three and I hope it features Sebastain and Hopi. I could see this as a tv series.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
June 1, 2022
Sweeter than Honey is a really sweet second chance at love for both our heroes, Rylee and Canten start the tale in similar places, still grieving over the loss of their spouses. They also, however, are harboring a secret crush on one another. When Rylee accidentally blurts out that she’s secretly dating the small town sheriff Canten to her mom it’s the start of a fake relationship that quickly starts feeling all too real for both of them. With regular shenanigans from the other Honey Hill residents to keep the pair on their toes (including our hero getting run over by a kids power wheel jeep) the story is light hearted and fun. The romance between Rylee and Canten is somehow both sweet and red hot once they give into the physical desire simmering between them.
If you’re a fan of small town romance with a side of laughter and passion, this is a fun, light hearted read.
This book will be released June 28, 2022
I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley
If you’re a fan of small town romance with a side of laughter and passion, this is a fun, light hearted read.
This book will be released June 28, 2022
I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley
July 3, 2022
Second Chances Are The Best!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Honey Hill is the place to be! You never know what’s going to happen, such as good ole Elmo taking a joyride in his granddaughter’s Power Wheels Jeep causing havoc and “coming in hot” towards poor Sheriff Canten!! I laughed so much throughout the book, even at the beginning with Rylee and her waxing experience!!
I felt like I was right there in Honey Hill watching how Canten and Rylee navigated through their “relationship” while trying to stay one step ahead of her matchmaking mother!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as much as the first one!! It kept me enthralled from the beginning throughout the end!! This is a great book and series!! If you haven’t read either, now’s the time to grab your copy, sit back and enjoy this weekend with some excellent reading!! You’ll be glad you did! And…if you enjoy Audiobooks, this book is available there, as well, and it’s awesome!! I can hardly wait to see what’s next in Honey Hill!! Joy, as Always…Kudos!! 💜💜
Honey Hill is the place to be! You never know what’s going to happen, such as good ole Elmo taking a joyride in his granddaughter’s Power Wheels Jeep causing havoc and “coming in hot” towards poor Sheriff Canten!! I laughed so much throughout the book, even at the beginning with Rylee and her waxing experience!!
I felt like I was right there in Honey Hill watching how Canten and Rylee navigated through their “relationship” while trying to stay one step ahead of her matchmaking mother!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as much as the first one!! It kept me enthralled from the beginning throughout the end!! This is a great book and series!! If you haven’t read either, now’s the time to grab your copy, sit back and enjoy this weekend with some excellent reading!! You’ll be glad you did! And…if you enjoy Audiobooks, this book is available there, as well, and it’s awesome!! I can hardly wait to see what’s next in Honey Hill!! Joy, as Always…Kudos!! 💜💜
May 2, 2022
This second book in the small town of Honey Hill is sweet and touching. To keep her mother from setting her up on dates town baker Rylee Harris tells her that she's in a relationship with the towns sheriff Canten Barnes. When she reveals thus to Canteen he agrees to help her and the two put a fake relationship in motion.
Both Rylee and Canten are dealing with issues and guilt from the loss of their spouses, 0these issues and feelings of guilt keep them from acting on feelings that they have for each other.
This was a sweet friends to lovers as well as forbidden/off limits romance as Rylee was the younger sister of Canten's best friend. I enjoyed my second visit to Honey Hill Joy Avery has created a great community filled with colorful characters in this small town. I can't wait to read the next romance from this community.
I received this as an ARC on thd terms that I would leave an honest review.
Both Rylee and Canten are dealing with issues and guilt from the loss of their spouses, 0these issues and feelings of guilt keep them from acting on feelings that they have for each other.
This was a sweet friends to lovers as well as forbidden/off limits romance as Rylee was the younger sister of Canten's best friend. I enjoyed my second visit to Honey Hill Joy Avery has created a great community filled with colorful characters in this small town. I can't wait to read the next romance from this community.
I received this as an ARC on thd terms that I would leave an honest review.
June 29, 2022
A sweet small-town romance with a hilarious opening scene. It has been five years since Rylee lost her husband and her mother decides to set her up with a blind date. Unfortunately, she knows the man and has no intention of dating him. She needs a name; someone her mom would believe that she is dating, so she tells her that she is “seeing” Canten. Sheriff Canten Barnes has been friends with Rylee for years, is attracted to her, but has never told her how he feels. When she confesses what she has done, Canten decides why not. This will keep women from assuming that he is available and give him a chance to spend time with her. Will their time together blossom into love? I enjoyed the story, but at times it seemed more like high school romance instead of two adults trying to move on from the past. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
July 8, 2022
In book 2 of this series, Rylee gets close to Canten. I liked both of their characters. It waa nice that we got to revisit Quade, Lunden, and Z. I thought this was a sweet, romantic friends to lovers story. Once again, Z stole the show as far as humor goes.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I felt like the back and forth between Canten and Rylee went on a little to long. How many different ways could they decide they couldn't be together. The fact that they had issues from previous marriages were somewhat understanding. Irritating, but understanding. I felt like they each spent way too much time on their inner dialogue. I honestly could not imagine, as an author, trying to figure out how long is too long to deal with certain issues.
A nice mix of romance, fun, steamy scenes, eccentric small town characters/life, and an HEA. I am hoping for another book with Sebastian and Happi. I also listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I felt like the back and forth between Canten and Rylee went on a little to long. How many different ways could they decide they couldn't be together. The fact that they had issues from previous marriages were somewhat understanding. Irritating, but understanding. I felt like they each spent way too much time on their inner dialogue. I honestly could not imagine, as an author, trying to figure out how long is too long to deal with certain issues.
A nice mix of romance, fun, steamy scenes, eccentric small town characters/life, and an HEA. I am hoping for another book with Sebastian and Happi. I also listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
July 24, 2022
I wanna move to Honey Hill!!
I listened to this story and absolutely LOVED IT!!! Canten and Rylee are great together. He was just helping a friend in need, but it turned into their perfect HEA.
The supporting cast of zany Honey Hill residents make their encore appearance. Funny at times and heartwarming always, I loved engaging more with their parents and Lunden and Quade. Zachary stole the show for me by being adorably naive, asking inappropriate questions (Aunt Rylee, are you having an orgasma?) and so sweet (Sheriff Canten, I told Senior I would tell your kids all about him if he dies before you and Aunt Rylee have babies.). Mr. Herbert, the Jamisons, Happi, Sebastian. The list goes on and on. Honey Hill is my new favorite town. Next, please....While I wait, I'll just start on this one again.
I listened to this story and absolutely LOVED IT!!! Canten and Rylee are great together. He was just helping a friend in need, but it turned into their perfect HEA.
The supporting cast of zany Honey Hill residents make their encore appearance. Funny at times and heartwarming always, I loved engaging more with their parents and Lunden and Quade. Zachary stole the show for me by being adorably naive, asking inappropriate questions (Aunt Rylee, are you having an orgasma?) and so sweet (Sheriff Canten, I told Senior I would tell your kids all about him if he dies before you and Aunt Rylee have babies.). Mr. Herbert, the Jamisons, Happi, Sebastian. The list goes on and on. Honey Hill is my new favorite town. Next, please....While I wait, I'll just start on this one again.
February 14, 2022
:::3 stars:::
🌶🌶
This story was a simplistic small town romance that gives off very warm and fuzzy vibes. The MCs were two people that had similar damaged backgrounds from past relationships. The common tropes in the book were fake relationship and forbidden love (best friends sibling). The whole premise of the fake relationship seemed a little unnecessary. There was no true reason behind the need to fake it, so that was a little annoying. The story also started to drag towards the end. I loved some of the side characters such as the old lady gang, the barbershop cronies, and little Zachary. This book felt old school and took me back to the days I would sneak and read romance novels.
Thank you kindly to Joy Avery, Montlake publishing, and NetGalley for this advanced review copy.
🌶🌶
This story was a simplistic small town romance that gives off very warm and fuzzy vibes. The MCs were two people that had similar damaged backgrounds from past relationships. The common tropes in the book were fake relationship and forbidden love (best friends sibling). The whole premise of the fake relationship seemed a little unnecessary. There was no true reason behind the need to fake it, so that was a little annoying. The story also started to drag towards the end. I loved some of the side characters such as the old lady gang, the barbershop cronies, and little Zachary. This book felt old school and took me back to the days I would sneak and read romance novels.
Thank you kindly to Joy Avery, Montlake publishing, and NetGalley for this advanced review copy.
June 22, 2022
This was my second trip to Honey Hill and I loved every minute. What better second chance romance than one with the town baker and the sheriff. Rylee and Canten both are having a hard time getting over the loss of their spouses and are long-time friends. They've secretly had a crush on each other for years. Rylee convinces Canten to go along with a fake relationship to stop her mother from setting her up on dates. We met some of the colorful town folks in the previous Honey Hill book and they were still at it in this book. I really enjoyed this sweet hometown romance and highly recommend it. I've read many books by this author and she's failed to disappoint me yet. I was given this ARC for an honest review.
July 1, 2022
Love Honey Hill!!!
I love that Ms. Avery has brought us another story from Honey Hill. Canten is the sheriff of Honey Hill and Rylee owns the bakery in town. Unbeknownst to each other, they both have secret feelings for one another. They end up falling for each other more when they decide to fake a relationship when Rylee's mother starts meddling in her love life. This fake relationship book also has a friends to lovers element which is one of my favorite tropes. The characters, humor and passion contained in this book were so well-written. I was so engrossed in this book that I could hardly put it down. I hope Ms. Avery takes us back on another visit to Honey Hill because it's a place I want to journey to over and over again.
I love that Ms. Avery has brought us another story from Honey Hill. Canten is the sheriff of Honey Hill and Rylee owns the bakery in town. Unbeknownst to each other, they both have secret feelings for one another. They end up falling for each other more when they decide to fake a relationship when Rylee's mother starts meddling in her love life. This fake relationship book also has a friends to lovers element which is one of my favorite tropes. The characters, humor and passion contained in this book were so well-written. I was so engrossed in this book that I could hardly put it down. I hope Ms. Avery takes us back on another visit to Honey Hill because it's a place I want to journey to over and over again.
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