mermaidmomma's review
5.0
Wit, sexual tension, tortured pasts, and destiny come together is this comedic romance that kept me turning pages until I was done.
I have made a point of reading more books written by and involving POCs and this book did not disappoint. I marathoned this book in one night before I even realized it. The story progressed in such a natural fashion that I found myself completely drawn into the world in only a few pages. The first encounter between Aubrey and Landon was like something out of my past before I settled down, and I honestly think that is what hooked me so early on. Well that and the burning hot sexual tension combined with so much wit and humor that I found myself smiling and laughing at times.
I have made a point of reading more books written by and involving POCs and this book did not disappoint. I marathoned this book in one night before I even realized it. The story progressed in such a natural fashion that I found myself completely drawn into the world in only a few pages. The first encounter between Aubrey and Landon was like something out of my past before I settled down, and I honestly think that is what hooked me so early on. Well that and the burning hot sexual tension combined with so much wit and humor that I found myself smiling and laughing at times.
ammalek's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mommasaystoread's review
4.0
A Sweet Mess is a fun bit of romantic comedy with likable characters and terrific banter - I'm always a fan of the banter. The premise for this romance is great except that the whole time I was reading, I felt like I needed either a glass of wine or some baked good or other. Maybe both? Yeah, both would just about do it. Needless to say, this book was so not good for my diet. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story from start to finish. There is a bit of angst by way of a trope I'm not all that crazy about, but even that was okay with me since I enjoyed everything else so much. The book is well written, the characters are likable and have great chemistry, and the romance is a good combination of sweet and sexy. I read a book by Jayci Lee a few months ago and enjoyed it, so I was glad to see more of her, and I'll be looking forward to even more of that in the future.
rae_lum's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
khines213's review
2.0
I'm disappointed that I didn't like this book more. It's gotten some pretty great reviews and endorsements that are usually more reliable than it was for this.
I wasn't really a fan of the trope they introduced 75% of the way through. And the general feeling I had throughout the book was just meh. I didn't really care about the outcome for these characters, especially the hero. I get that they both had daddy complexes and trauma but he seemed like....still not great?
And I will say, I'm a little tired of the plot use of a baking and/or cooking show to change the course of a character's life. It seems like so many authors are using this now. And I get it. I will stan the GBB for all time. But come on guys, EVERYONE can't solve their problems by going on a cooking tv show.
I wasn't really a fan of the trope they introduced 75% of the way through. And the general feeling I had throughout the book was just meh. I didn't really care about the outcome for these characters, especially the hero. I get that they both had daddy complexes and trauma but he seemed like....still not great?
And I will say, I'm a little tired of the plot use of a baking and/or cooking show to change the course of a character's life. It seems like so many authors are using this now. And I get it. I will stan the GBB for all time. But come on guys, EVERYONE can't solve their problems by going on a cooking tv show.
lianareadsblog's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This is one of those books that gets so much promoted over the bookstagramm that I had to read it for myself and see why the hype.
Unfortunately, it’s not a favourite.
The first half of it was great and set up for a great story in my opinion, from the writing to the characters and interesting plot overall. But after a while, there are things happening that I couldn’t get over and it feels too rushed, too soon and a bit childish, especially the heroine and her mother conversation, I’m like: I thought she’s an independent grown-up woman that can make hard decisions on her own not taking them just because her mother said to do exactly that. I know I’m vague about it as I hate to give spoilers but that’s my honest opinion.
Many people will enjoy it but it’s not for me.
This is one of those books that gets so much promoted over the bookstagramm that I had to read it for myself and see why the hype.
Unfortunately, it’s not a favourite.
The first half of it was great and set up for a great story in my opinion, from the writing to the characters and interesting plot overall. But after a while, there are things happening that I couldn’t get over and it feels too rushed, too soon and a bit childish, especially the heroine and her mother conversation, I’m like: I thought she’s an independent grown-up woman that can make hard decisions on her own not taking them just because her mother said to do exactly that. I know I’m vague about it as I hate to give spoilers but that’s my honest opinion.
Many people will enjoy it but it’s not for me.
xiumeigolden's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
drowningfaithh's review against another edition
2.0
tropes/tags:
→ one night stand
→ baker x food critic/chef
→ Asian MCs (American Korean)
→ kinda forbidden romance
2 out of 5 stars
Couldn’t get myself to care about the main characters or their romance. I continued reading because it was short and I thought, maybe it gets better in the end. It does, a little.
The book begins with a one-night stand and misunderstanding in a food review, which I found interesting. But everything after that, the MCs were just a horny mess. The next time they meet, they’re so turned on with each other, like, keep it in your pants, please! Both the MCs just fell in love (or lust, take your pick) with each other after their torrid night together and I couldn’t get behind it.
Another thing is the characters felt a bit flat to me. Their backstories—which makes them who they are—felt like that, just background. For me, it seems hastily told in the end that they have these fears and traumas that hold them back from being together. I didn’t really feel it in the beginning because they were too horny for each other. I wanted to know more about Aubrey and Landon as individuals before seeing them together.
The end also felt a bit rushed on how they got back together and all of that.
In summary, I wanted more development from these characters! Development of their relationship and them as individuals. I didn’t feel much chemistry between them either. Thank goodness for Aria and Lucien.
→ one night stand
→ baker x food critic/chef
→ Asian MCs (American Korean)
→ kinda forbidden romance
2 out of 5 stars
Couldn’t get myself to care about the main characters or their romance. I continued reading because it was short and I thought, maybe it gets better in the end. It does, a little.
The book begins with a one-night stand and misunderstanding in a food review, which I found interesting. But everything after that, the MCs were just a horny mess. The next time they meet, they’re so turned on with each other, like, keep it in your pants, please! Both the MCs just fell in love (or lust, take your pick) with each other after their torrid night together and I couldn’t get behind it.
Another thing is the characters felt a bit flat to me. Their backstories—which makes them who they are—felt like that, just background. For me, it seems hastily told in the end that they have these fears and traumas that hold them back from being together. I didn’t really feel it in the beginning because they were too horny for each other. I wanted to know more about Aubrey and Landon as individuals before seeing them together.
The end also felt a bit rushed on how they got back together and all of that.
In summary, I wanted more development from these characters! Development of their relationship and them as individuals. I didn’t feel much chemistry between them either. Thank goodness for Aria and Lucien.
snslayer's review
Dialogue was too contrived and instant overwhelming attraction is not my bag.