This was a fun weekend read that stayed pretty lighthearted throughout. There are quite a few things that one might expect from a rom-com such as a slightly silly first meeting, many misunderstandings, embarrassing situations, and of course romantic moments. The side characters are very much on the side, but that does mean you get a focus on the main characters. The premise is really fun with an event planner and a horror writer. That allowed for some clever scenes and details. On the surface, Kate and Drake seem to have nothing in common, but over time, they find more and more to appreciate about each other. There were no huge surprises, but that's what can be comforting about reading a rom-com--anticipating the smiles and kisses that are most certainly on the way.

How Sweet it Is by Dylan Newton is a pretty classic meet-cute romantic comedy. Kate Sweet is an event planner-extraordinaire, an up-and-coming, career focused professional with big dreams--the most immediate one of which is to win a prestigious award for her business. The problem is, weddings don't usually make the cut, and that's her stock in trade. (The Met Gala won the previous year. Quibble: wouldn't the Met Gala win, like, every year?) Drake Matthews is a moody, reclusive horror novelist--think Stephen King, but young and hot. Kate's bff works for his publisher, the person in charge of his huge, splashy book launch quits, and voila! Kate is on the job!

The story itself moves along at a pretty brisk pace, and the humor and romance are done well. I found it lacked some tension. I'm not altogether clear why these people couldn't get together from the jump. She's trying to stay professional, ok, sure, but she doesn't ACTUALLY work for him. He got burned in his past relationship so he's wary, ok. Still, I'm not sure I was convinced at the barriers and misunderstandings. The Big Misunderstanding at the end I also felt was a bit of a misstep. I think it's a fine line for one character to say things to the other character that lead to "we're broken up for good" without crossing a line and saying unforgivable things. I kind of thought some unforgivable things were said, to be honest.

I believe this is the author's first book. I think she can work those problems out with more experience and, unless I'm picking up something that she wasn't actually laying down, this is the first in a three brother series. I look forward to reading more.

I'm excited to share my very first review of an ARC! I have to admit, I have always been an avid reader of ratings and reviews before I devote any money or time towards a book. I've often joked that I should be able to add @Goodreads to my Goodreads list with the amount of time I've spent reading the wealth of information and recommendations there. That being said, I was a little nervous to read a book with a promising enough description but very few reviews.

I needn't have worried, and I'm happy to lend my own feedback to this one to help other readers choose it in the future. How Sweet It Is by @authordylannewton is a solid contemporary romance/romantic comedy perfect for readers looking for a quick, light-hearted romance like Beach Read by Emily Henry. It's the story of an upscale event planner who finds herself roped into planning a last-minute book launch for a successful horror novelist who struggles with being pigeonholed as the "Knight of Nightmares." It's lighthearted, sweet, and funny in a way that is awkwardly hilarious but also totally believable. The angst is low, the readability is high, and maybe I'm a sucker for a hot author hero.

How Sweet It Is will be available July 13th. Check it out!

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How Sweet It Is by Dylan Newton is an awesome contemporary romance that is fun, sassy, breezy, and entertaining. I really liked this book, and it is an impressive debut!

I really liked Kate and Drake. An event planner and writer respectively, they come together for Drake’s book launch and chemistry is evident from the get go. The wit, the banter, but also the awwwww factor round everything out nicely. I also loved the Halloween-themed add-ins. Anything Halloween-ish automatically increases my interest.

I really loved following along as their relationship progressed and I am really looking forward to future books from this author.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/13/21.

Everyone needs stories like this!

Stories that make you feel good and happy and have two really cute characters that fall in love with each other, yes please! And the fact that it's based around Halloween is just so much fun and spooky at the same time. I love how the author's love of Stephen King and romance translated into this book, you can tell there is a real love of horror books and historical romance while reading it.

I always enjoy reading debut novels, they really set the tone of the writing style of the author and give you a glimpse of their future books, and right from the beginning, I really enjoy Dylan Newton's writing. The characters, the story, the setting, I felt like I was right in that mention with them on the first visit! And there was a vintage theme that reoccurred throughout the entire story which I love to see! Anything vintage that has to do with remembering the past is so special.

The characters in this book are so fun and entertaining. You have Kate, the event planner. Outgoing and loud and always brings a party where she goes. And then you have Drake, a horror writer that's trying to branch out, is super awkward but super cute at the same time. You'll fall in love with these characters and their personalities, just like I did!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publication for the earc in return for an honest review.

What an adorable rom-com! This was a delightful and fun read set in an idyllic small town in upstate New York. Event planner Kate Sweet has an opportunity to plan a book release for a popular horror writer, Drake Matthews, but must travel to his home town of Wellsville, in order to do so. Right from the start, Kate and Drake have chemistry and excellent banter. Filled with adorable moments, Kate works hard to make her book launch event a success and Drake works hard to complete his secret writing project. Finding inspiration through his moments spent with Kate, this unlikely pair truly complement each other. So many fun and romantic moments make this a quick read and a great escape novel. Newton gives her readers a perfect glimpse of small town living while crafting two very entertaining characters with depth. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, I will definitely be looking forward to the next romantic read by Dylan Newton. Thank you netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

When the Queen of Happily Ever After meets the Knight of Nightmares, things are bound to get interesting. Event planner Kate Sweet is given the opportunity to step in and put together the upcoming book launch event for best selling horror author Drake Matthew. , Kate’s skills are put to the test in some funny and unexpected ways as the two work together. While Kate is trying to keep things professional, Drake wants to use Kate as a muse for his secret writing project.

How Sweet It Is is a well written enjoyable story. The characters were likable and well developed which made it easy to root for them. The situations that Kate and Drake found themselves were often hilarious. I appreciated that Drake and his mom both had charities that were important to them which were discussed in the book. The secondary characters were interesting and real. I would definitely recommend this fun read!
I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

4 stars

An intrepid event planner makes an...unfortunately memorable first impression on her best-selling writer client. They hang out in a mausoleum, have some chaotic adventures, & find a lovely romance together—sweet but with good chemistry. The beginning is...a bit slapstick & unrealistic, but it does get better quickly.

[What I liked:]

•This was cute & sweet without being annoyingly cloying or insufferably fluffy. No insta-love, & no massive “big misunderstanding that would be solved by actually talking”, neither!

•I like both Drake & Kate. They’re mature, self reliant, honest about & in touch with their emotions, respectful of boundaries, & have some pretty good chemistry. All good things for characters in a love story. They also have interesting quirks & personal histories that give depth to their characterizations.

•There are some really creative scenes! Like the mausoleum one! & Kate meeting Patty.

•There’re some great side characters who add flair: Patty, the mischievous side kick brothers, & even Mr. Petty! (Oh yeah, & guess what—Mr. Petty is a super petty party pooper, & there’s a back stabbing b*tch named Ms. Lackey, ahaha 😹)


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Okay, the meet-cute scene is absolutely, utterly ridiculous & unrealistic & so so cliché. But I forgive it anyway because the rest of the book isn’t.

•Why, oh why, does there have to be a giant (mechanical) spider?? Why?? I hate giant spiders. Loathe them. There shoulda been a content warning in the blurb for that.

CW: mentions of suicide, giant 20 ft mechanical spiders wtaf

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

the “beach read” comp title was perfect with a heroine known for her happily ever afters and the love interest known for his nightmare inducing books. the details were perfect with some pop culture references to add a sense of reality. this was definitely light hearted and sometimes broke the “fourth wall” in a sense of romance novel arcs. kate’s bubbly and serious personality when necessary reminded me of lucy hutton in sally thorne’s “the hating game” which is my absolute favorite and this book takes the next spot. this was a very quick read for me and i loved it

3.5 stars

Initially picked this book up because the cover is adorable but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters as well as the overall plot, even though is low key insta.
As like the title the book is also sweet and if you’re looking for an charming read with some feels, check out How Sweet It Is.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.