I liked Sweet as Pie by new to me author Brisa Starr. This is the love story between Aspen Kingsley and Ryker Miles. Aspen and Ryker met in high school, and due to some miscommunication, Ryker has despised Aspen ever since. Now years later, Aspen and her mom own a bistro, and Ryker is a non-practicing lawyer and a billionaire thanks to Bitcoin. Aspen is an ambitious woman hoping to purchase a local bed and breakfast. Ryker is a bit lost, and is hopeful that returning to his hometown for the summer will give him some insight into his future. Once the air is cleared, and due to Ryker's constant persistence, they fall into lust and love.

This was an engaging read. I loved the swear jar that Aspen and her mom paid into regularly. Popster, Aspen's grandfather, is a clever man and a real hoot. The sexy times between between Aspen and Ryker were hot, however the dialogue between them was sometimes a bit juvenile. This is the first book from the Spring Hills series and it can be read as a standalone.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

2.5 stars rounded down.

This book had a lot of potential. I love the idea of a billionaire who made his money practically by fluke (cryptocurrency mining), wandering around all day and trying to find his purpose in life. Same with the heroine, who’s terrified of relying on a man for anything (especially money) after watching her mom’s string of failed marriages.

The supporting character of Popster was fantastic. I had such a clear vision of him in my head — this chain-smoking, elderly man who sits around the diner and meddles in his granddaughter’s love life. Wonderful!

But now for the problems. Both the hero and heroine were unable modulate their emotions or think rationally about anything. They swung wildly from highs to lows without pausing to actually consider what was going on or the other person’s perspective. 95% of the conflict in this book could have been avoided if they had taken half a second to think and communicate.

But then on the other side of that, they forgave and fell in love way too quickly too. At one point the heroine says “I’m not the same person anymore.” Despite all of her actions being exactly the same at the beginning. Hmmmm.

In conclusion: the writing was fine and the potential was there, but I wanted to slap both main characters upside the head.

Copy provided by NetGalley.

3.5 stars

This is the first book I've read by this author, and it's clear it's not her first foray into writing. With that said, the amount of times characters are referred to by name in dialogue drove me to distraction. People do not use each other's name in every other sentence when having a conversation. ("It's good to see you, Dee. You too, Mom. I've been wondering, Dee. What's that, mom?" Not word for word, but that type of thing)

Quibble aside, the first 50% of the book had me riveted to the pages. I liked the premise and I loved that Aspen and her mom had such a positive relationship. Aspen's character and her reluctance to become involved with a man, her determination to make something of herself, by herself, were both believable and inspiring.

Then we met Ryker. He's a self-entitled a$$hole. He wasn't painted that way, but that was my opinion of him. What he did wasn't chivalous, it was him being a typical alpha-hole and not being able to accept a woman is more than capable of making her own way in the world.

Sure, he wore her down, and I'm sure others will be gaga over him, but he seriously dragged down the story for me.

I did like the pie baking and the hotel aspects. Kudos for having a bunny as a pet too.

Copy received via NetGalley

This is my first book by this author, and I wasn’t disappointed! Aspen and Ryker managed to take me on a ride full of humor, some angst, anger and their stubbornness, and happiness when they finally found their way. While Ryker was a tad heavy-handed with his determination to help Aspen, Aspen was just as bullheaded in her insistence that she absolutely did not need a man for anything. Witnessing their ups and downs and having to eat their words when they realized that support and help from a partner isn’t the same as using someone made for some very entertaining times for me. I’d definitely read more from this author!