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Sweet Love by Lauren AccardoSeries: Forever Adirondacks #2
Also in this series: Wild Love, Bold Love
Also by this author: Wild Love, Bold Love
Published by Penguin on September 28, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Small Town & Rural
Pages: 320
Format: eARC, Paperback
Source: Library, Publisher
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Goodreads
Falling for your best friend might be a recipe for disaster, but this small-town baker can't help jumping from her pie pan into the fire.
Mila Bailey has always had a special talent for creating unique, show-stopping pies. But until her great-aunt leaves her the entry fee to the Pine Ridge Spring Bake-Off, she's only ever shared them with friends and family. Thrust into the spotlight, Mila is determined to prove to everyone--but mostly herself--that she has what it takes to compete with top-level bakers. There's only one flaw in her plan: The not-so-half-baked feelings she's starting to develop for her best friend, Jared Kirkland.
Jared has always believed in Mila's gifts, but lately he's struggling not to fantasize about sampling more than just the spoon from the batter. No matter how much he tries to tell himself that Mila is not for him--his dreams have always reached beyond Pine Ridge--he can't deny this new spark between them.
Mila embodies Pine Ridge, and Jared wants to break free. How can either of them move on knowing the loves of their lives have been right under their noses all along?
I have to say, there is a certain appeal about a book set locally. Sweet Love by Lauren Accardo, book two in the Forever Adirondacks series, is set somewhat local to me. Granted, I am in Syracuse, but the Adirondacks is like a two hour drive depending on how fast you drive. I had liked the first book in the series, Wild Love. Although it was not my favorite of all time, I was still curious enough to pick up the second book. And well, it seems my feelings persist.
Sweet Love is about Mila who is a young waitress who has a real talent for baking and pastries. Mila, however, does not believe in herself just yet. She also always holds back from fear of trying and failing. Alongside Mila is Jared Kirkland, brother of the romantic lead from Wild Love. Jared is a real estate agent who is destined for bigger and better things beyond Pine Ridge. Jared has always believed in Mila and her abilities. He has been in denial of his feelings for her, but one day, the two just give into this feelings. Now the question persists — can it turn into anything beyond friends with benefits — especially when Jared wants to leave and Mila wants to stay in Pine Ridge. Oh, and also, there is a baking contest that is pretty big to the story as well.
I was more into Sweet Love than Wild Love. I am not sure if it was just phase of my life or what. However, I could relate to Mila and the whole holding back and lack of confidence thing. It felt like this book was so much more real to me. The pacing was really well done — it felt like I mostly zipped through this book. Additionally, the spice scenes were not cringe as well. And the setting! I loved the setting. I will say that the one douchebag character was a bit cheesy and one dimensional. Overall though, I thought this was a good book and I will be back to read the third in the series.
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