To me, this wasn't really much of a mystery...I figured it out right away and I'm puzzled about the name of the book. I thought it was good but I thought it should have been called something completely different. I don't know...just different for me.

I am a fan of second chances romances. Harper finds herself the main suspect in her bosses murder. Wouldn't you know it, the man who is investigating is the same man that broke her heart years ago, Noah Slade with the FBI. Harper is bold and brash in comparison to Noah's more cool and calm persona. And the sparks were still there while they joined forces to prove Harper's innocence.
The story is fresh and breezy with good suspense. I love the humor and sexy chemistry between two people getting their second chance at love. I will definitely read more by Ms Smith in the future.

The Sweetheart Mystery is the 4th book in the Brash & Brazen series and can be read as a stand alone. The chemistry between Harper & Noah is electric & the mystery was entertaining. Best of all there was a fainting goat!!

Looking forward to reading more by Cheryl Ann Smith

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

What can you say about a book that makes you laugh at every page turn and, in addition, it adds a dose of mystery to it all? I had a lot of fun reading it and it is a book that I would recommend any time you want to just sit back, have a cup of smiles and put that tension away.

Cheryl Ann Smith’s book opens up with quite a murder scene and a suspect by circumstances. Harper is found next to her boss’s body and her big mouth is of no help. These two elements land her in jail and asking help from her high school sweetheart. Noah Slade is reluctant to help, especially if he takes into account how last argument (more than 10 years ago) ended. But, with a guilty conscience and Harper’s good looks, he gives into it.

The story is so funny, with so many come backs from the characters. The mystery surrounding the murder is also well created and it had me reading to the end to find out who did it, since we know for sure that our main character is innocent. The author has created great characters that are a match to one another.

Harper Jane Evans has had her heart broken and unfortunately, the guilty guy is apparently the only one that could take her cries for help. However, she stands tall in front of all the accusations and fights for justice. And fights the attraction for Noah. He, on the other hand, wants more from her. But there are other important tasks at hand, like keeping her out of prison. The attraction is obvious from the first pages and goes on throughout the book, increasing.

Now, while there were elements that did make me laugh and did push me to the end of the book, I feel that the combination between, laughter, murder, love and other elements was a little too much at times. The author wanted to create a book that was of liking to a wider audience and the efforts are visible. Also, sometimes the irony of the events and dialogue it’s too much.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read and I had fun spending a few hours in the company of Harper and Noah, seeing as I’ve read it in one sitting. My final rating is 3.5 stars (4, rounded) and I am ready to pick up the next book by this author.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. This was the first book from this author I have ever read. I liked this book, but I wanted more character depth. I really liked how this book started off with the murder. Harper was a strong independent heroine and I really admired that about her.  The romance between Noah and Harper was cute. I would have liked to see more of their past and chemistry. There were many times where the author just talked about their chemistry instead of showing it. This part of writing is where I would ask the writer to show and not tell aspects about their current relationship. I was intrigued by the murder aspect and I was surprised with who did it. I also really liked the goat side storylone. This is part of a series and I think if I would have read the other books in the series I might have liked this book more.  If you are looking for a light hearted mystery this book is for you. Even though I didn't love this book I would read another book by this author.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth in the series and I really would recommend that you start at the beginning. These books are fun, have crazy plots, and satisfyingly lovely romances too. I was a little confused initially that the lead, Harper, was not a member of B&B, but Ms. Smith makes it all work out in the end, and it made perfect sense!

The descriptions of Harvey are hilarious, and Harriet... well just wait and find out. The strength of this book lies not only with Harper and Noah, although they are a great team, but with the rich array of crazy and mixed-up side characters who keep the plot moving apace, and ensure that there is a smile on the face of the reader.

If you are looking for something lighthearted, fun, and happily romantic, then this is perfect (it does start with a murder, but only as a key plot device).

This was the first book I have read by Cheryl Ann Smith and I can't wait to read more of her work. Even though I started in the middle of the series I understood everything with all the side characters. I will for sure go back and read the previous books in the series. Loved the mystery and the romance (HEA). The characters were really well developed. I enjoyed this second chance at romance.
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I jumped into the middle of the series and while most readers can start at book 4 after finishing this book I can't wait to start reading the first in the series.
The Sweetheart Mystery is laugh out loud fun that will have readers smiling. The author descriptions of the different characters is cute and fun which will bring a smile to readers.
The story is a cute blend of mystery and romance which will have readers falling in love with Cheryl Ann Smith Characters wanting to read more.
The Sweetheart Mystery is a laugh-out loud funny romantic mystery that will bring a smile to readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lyrical Shine Publishing for the advance copy

Cheerleader Harper Evans is having the worst day of her life when she discovers her team's manager dead and then finds herself arrested for the crime. Luckily, she has someone she can call on to help her out of the mess she finds herself in. However, the more time Harper spends with her ex, the more Harper finds herself doing the one thing she swore she'd never do -- fall for Noah all over again. Will Noah be able to win back the woman he loves, or will they lose their second chance at happy ever after?

The first three books of this series are wonderful reads, but this fourth book of the series is the best by far. Really, the main characters are fantastic; the dialogue was a wonderful mix of intense moments and teasing banter that had me smiling or laughing a lot; and everything the heroine goes through because of the bad guy had me continually wondering if Harper would ever be able to untangle herself from the web of blame pointing to her as the killer. Will Noah be able to discover the truth before Harper finds herself in prison for good? The way this story started opened the story brilliantly, as Harper finds herself in trouble and not knowing how to find a way out, especially with how Noah reacts initially to her needing his help. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time that had me wondering if the hero would ever be able to make things right with Harper because of what she discovers in that moment that takes her back to the past.

As for the dialogue, it was intense and compelling and I loved every moment between the main characters. They had me laughing at times, especially when it came to a friendly goat that was a tad obsessed with one of the main characters or when they were in places that made it uncomfortable in getting up close and personal together. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to clear her name since it seems the police aren't doing much to help her. I also liked how Harper handles everything she goes through, especially when it comes to Noah and whether she can give him a second chance. While the hero, he's been through a lot in his life and it's understandable why he reacts the way he does to the heroine when they first come face-to-face. He's also confident, smart, protective of the heroine and I liked how determined he was to help Harper because he knows she's innocent. Will Noah be able to find the proof Harper needs to clear her name?

Overall, Ms. Smith has penned a superb read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance full of heat and heart, proving that these two still have strong feelings for each other; and the ending wrapped this story up perfectly, as the hero is determined to fight for a future with the heroine. Besides, how could she possibly turn Noah down with the surprises he has in store for her? I would recommend The Sweetheart Mystery by Cheryl Ann Smith, if you enjoy romantic suspense, second chance romances or books by authors AJ Nuest, Lee Kilraine, Cynthia Tennent and Elisabeth Naughton.

Harper Jane Evans is a sassy, stubborn, speaks her mind, take me as I am kind of woman. Which is how she ended up accused of murder.

Noah Slade is a former FBI agent and Harper Jane’s high school boyfriend. He broke her heart eleven years ago, but with no one else to turn to, she shows up on his doorstep asking for help.

The two come to a reluctant truce and start investigating the murder together. There is sexual tension, flirty banter and laugh out loud moments. I didn’t guess the murderer until well into the book.

The goat is hilarious! As is Harper Jane’s attachment to that clunker rental. Noah’s grand gestures at the end were a perfect ending for the story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

This is a new to me series. Entertaining dialog between the two main characters. The critters provided additional humor. The vehicles became beloved characters as well. Wonderful ending. Enjoyed the sexual tension for the two former lovers. Skipped over the sex scene, as a personal preference. Great agency name.

3.5☆
This is my first book by Cheryl Ann Smith.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Harriet
Part of a series: Brash and Brazen
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author.

For me personally, Noah made this story with his entertaining banter and sometimes naughty ways. But while second chances are all good and well, issues from the past are always going to be front and centre and get in the way of smooth sailing.

The Sweet Mystery is another great addition to this fun and enjoyable series, with great characters and a laugh out load, captivating storyline. Hopefully there is still more to come.

Harper, a cheerleader, finds herself accused of the murder of her boss, and out of a job. She has convinced Noah, her former lover and FBI agent, to help her find the real murderer. A great story with wonderful characters, including a goat. This has humor, romance and an interesting plot.

Really enjoyed this novel! There was no let-down like I have had with previous authors form this publishing company, I really did enjoy this novel from start to finish and would definitely recommend this novel and this author. Phenomenal story.