Published by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op Genres: Contempory, Fiction, Romance
Format: ARC, eBook
Woohoo!!!!! Jess K. Hardy has delivered yet again! I love that Lips Like Sugar, as well as the first book in the Bluebird Basin series Come As You Are, features main characters in my age group!!!!! YAY! It is refreshing and exciting, plus this book works perfectly as a stand-alone. But trust me Come As You Are is awesome and I highly recommend it!
Mira Harlow has a lot on her plate. She has a teenage son, and her mother has mild cognitive impairment. She is also a small-town family business owner of the town bakery. It is where her ex walks in with his new wife. They are in town to attend Madigan and Ashley’s wedding. Not only is Mira attending the wedding she is also making the wedding cake. Flustered, she tells them she is going to the wedding with her boyfriend and quickly kisses a total stranger who goes along with it.
Cole Sanderson, a punk drummer who saw/experienced fame in the 90’s, lives in Seattle and is in town to attend Ashely and Madigan’s wedding. He and Madigan were in the same band and have been close ever since. When Mira kisses him, he goes along with it. When not kissing women in bakeries, he is a father and proud grandfather.
This was a terrific book that has Mira and Cole fake dating while dealing with real life issues. Both have things on their plate, both have responsibilities, and both have had unlucky experiences with love. I enjoyed their banter, their texts, their chemistry, their openness, and their vulnerability. Both characters are likeable, and I was rooting for them the entire book. I always say with romance books, it’s all about the journey and I loved the journey that Mira and Cole took individually and together.
Hats off to Jess K. Hardy for showing characters in their early 50’s being sexy, sensual, sexual, and fun loving. We are still hot and hot to trot! I also applaud her for showing the concern that Mira has for her mother who has mild cognitive impairment. She shows Mira’s worry, love, and concern that she feels for her mother. Hardy also shows her mother’s frustration, humor, and strength while dealing with her cognitive impairment.
I found this book to be a gripping and endearing read. This book also touches on many things: friendship, family, responsibility, addiction, menopause, love, aging parents, ex’s, etc. As I mentioned, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey the characters went on. It was a joy to go on the journey with them! Plus, the mention of movies and music had me feeling nostalgic and warm and fuzzy inside. This book gave all the feels.
If you have not read a book by Jess K. Hardy, what are you waiting for? I am a HUGE fan of this wonderful series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!!!!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.