Jess K Hardy proves once again that romance is not strictly for the 40 and under crowd with an emotional read that will have you pulling for the characters just as much as you want to scream at them to see what is simply in front of their face.

Lips like sugar was a really cute romance read! I have not had the pleasure of reading the first book in this series, but had no issues jumping into this as book #2! I loved that the main character owned a bakery! I love to bake. Also loved the way that the two characters met in her shop! I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels! Thank you NetGalley, Jess K. Hardy and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review!

As a Gen Xer, this book captures exactly what it feels/felt like to fall in love for me and my generation. There are some great contemporary romances out there, don't get me wrong, but so many are written about late 20s/early 30s characters. Even the ones for older millennials don't land the same way. But this book and Jess K Hardy, get it.

Staying up late *talking* (not watching Netflix or playing on phones), sharing what your favorite song means to you and why, accidentally keeping a piece of clothing so you have a reason to see the person again, being (mostly) open and honest and somewhat (to a point) vulnerable worth the other person... all of that resonated SO DAMN MUCH with me. I felt like I was in 1995 (and 2003) all over again with the butterflies at discovering this new person, how they made me feel, and eventually, deep love.

I read romance bc I like how it makes me feel, the hope in love and humanity, watching two people find joy. And I don't have to be them to enjoy the book. It's like watching a movie, still entertaining. But omg this book. THIS BOOK!!! I felt it on a cellular level. I felt that I could be Mira and knew exactly (!!!) how she felt when she was around Cole. I loved it. I loved it so so so much.

Thank you Jess K Hardy for this lovely amazing unique unforgettable book.

I found Jess K Hardy when I read Come As You Are and as soon as I saw Lips Like Sugar I grabbed it like it was my job. I love everything about this series, but I especially love that our couples appear to be older adults. These aren't characters just starting out in life, in their early 20s trying to figure things out; no, these are people in their 40s or older and have *some* things figured out and are still figuring out other things...just like actual people.

In this novel, we have Mira, a single mom + caretake to her mom + owner of a bakery, and Cole, dad to an adult daughter + famous drummer + owner of a music studio. Their meet cute is adorable but it's the relationship that follows that makes this novel impossible to put down. They get to know each other through in person dates and texting and phone calls so that when they go to their friends' wedding, them dating will seem believable. Their chemistry is palpable and the way they interact at the wedding, and other dates, just screams that they should be together in real life.

Both Mira and Cole bring some issues to this potential relationship, which seems natural, considering their age and experiences. Mira has some serious abandonment issues, as does Cole--though they impact them in different ways. And while those issues could definitely ruin things between them, thankfully they have people in their lives that make them see how foolish it would be to let this happen.

I hope there are more books in this series because it's quickly becoming one of my favorites; if you haven't tried it, pick it up today.

Just overall a very wholesome romance, exactly what i was looking for right now. Its easy to read, has loveable characters, the right amount of issues, perfect amount of cuteness and a delicious amount of smut. Storyline is good, its not at all superficial, but still manages to keep the focus mostly on the cute romance.

I also really relate to Mira, the fmc, since she has some abandonment issues and it simply felt good to read about that as well!

Recommend!!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

Oh my goodness I think I've found a new favorite author. Jess K Hardy does it again!

If you're looking for a romance with a hero and heroine in their late 40s/early 50s, small town romance, Gen-X references and incredible side characters/family members, look no further. This is a hot and tender romance. I love seeing older protagonists in romance because it shows you're never too old to find love, to self-actualize and understand yourself better. Mira is the owner of the town bakery who ends up fake dating Cole, Madigan's best friend and former band mate. Mira has a teen son and an aging mother and the weight of owning a small business. Mira has her guard up because she's worried she'll be too much, ask for too much or expect too much from others. She's not prickly, just guarded. Cole is a bisexual grandpa drummer who is truly the biggest softie. There's a lovely section of the book after they fake date at Ashley and Madigan's wedding that they begin a text friendship which turns into calling/facetiming and then they are reunited in person as circumstances bring Cole back to Bluebird from Seattle. The third act breakup makes sense and the grand gesture is a pop culture reference that should make you at least smile.

I want to have romances for all the other characters in this town! More of this world please!

A fantastic follow-up to Come As You Are. Jess K Hardy is SO good at friendship in romance! I really just adore her writing style, she's got a fan for life in me.

It's really cute and clever how the relationships develop and blossom. Our main characters are not only each others love interests, they fully formed individuals who have entire lives separate from each other--that they manage to merge beautifully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC i nexchange for an hoenst review.

I'm just going to go ahead and say it -- this is my favorite Jess K. Hardy book to date! That statement aside, I'm a fan of this author and her stories. Lips Like Sugar did not disappoint. Dare I say it was a revelation. Gen X rep brings me JOY, y'all.

Boy walks into bakery. Girl kisses boy. They fake date. Spectacularity ensues.

I love Mira's devotion to her family and love of the town. Cole has such depth, isn't afraid of showing emotion, and understands the value of doing right by those around him. Together, they have great banter.

Between the Gen X rep, protectiveness, golden retriever MMC, fake dating, and small town vibes, this book delivered. And the will they-won't they is strong in this one!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

Thanks to Victory and Netgalley for this advanced copy.

I cannot express how much I adored Hardys first book in this series, Come As You Are, and it was so great to pick up at Ashley and Madigans wedding with Cole and Mira.

Cole and Mira are so great. I love them together. Cole is such a live wire of open communication and emotion and Mira is just GAME and I love it. This was fun and lovely and just what I wanted.

Mira Harlow, a bakery owner and single mother, is at her wit's end. Her life is in chaos, balancing a 14-year-old son, a demanding business, and caring for her mother. When her ex-boyfriend plans to attend a high-profile wedding, she decides to show she's moved on by asking a stranger, Cole Sanderson, to be her fake date. Cole, a former rock musician, agrees, and the two embark on a weekend filled with unexpected chemistry, humour, and ultimately, the potential for real love.

It is a delightful romcom that brings together two characters at a crossroads in their lives. Mira Harlow, the overworked single mom and bakery owner, is a relatable protagonist whose life is a balancing act. Her stress peaks when she learns her ex-boyfriend will be at a wedding in their small ski town, leading to a wild scheme where she kisses a stranger and asks him to be her date.

Cole Sanderson, the stranger and ex-rock musician, is the perfect counterpart to Mira's chaos. He's seeking a new direction in life, and the fake dating setup provides the spark they both need. Their chemistry is electric from the start, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments.

The narrative is driven by the humorous situations that arise from fake dating, but it doesn't shy away from exploring deeper themes of family, resilience, and personal growth. Mira's dedication to her son and mother is touching, while Cole's journey from rock star to someone seeking stability adds depth to his character.

The relationship between Mira and Cole evolves naturally, with moments of vulnerability and tenderness that build toward a satisfying conclusion. Jess K Hardy skillfully balances humour with heartfelt emotion, creating a story that feels both light-hearted and meaningful. By the end of the wedding weekend, the question becomes whether this fake romance can turn into something real, and the journey to that answer is both entertaining and endearing.

Tropes/Themes:
*Fake dating
*Single mother
*Wedding drama
*Second chances
*Small-town romance
*Humorous misunderstandings

Overall, Lips Like Sugar is a charming and engaging romantic comedy that will leave readers smiling. Jess K Hardy's skilful storytelling and memorable characters make this book a must-read for romance fans.

I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I ended up buying the first book but couldn't wait to read this one. I'll read it after, now that I know how adorable the other characters are.
I'm a few of years younger than the MCs, but I was astonished by how accurate everything was. For example, the teenage son and his moods (100%), worrying about your parents whilst still looking after your kids. Being unsure about whether or not your life has the time to accommodate another person, let alone love them. and the issues with menopause. Just so real, all of it.
Definitely keen to read more in this series.

OMG, I loved Lips Like Sugar so much! Cole and Mira have such a strong and instant chemistry and, according to me, the author did an amazing job at making readers feel it. Their love story is sexy, fun, swoony, spicy, and totally dreamy. And, at the same time, it is realistic and relatable. Basically, It's the story of two people who have to overcome their fears in order to find their way to each other. And I loved every single moment of it!
Plus, let me tell you what a joy it was to go back to Bluebird and meet its residents once again. Seriously, I love these characters so much that I wish this series would go on forever.

Lips Like Sugar is a Gen X romance which is a fresh twist to the fake dating trope that brings this couple together. The first book in this series, “Come as You Are”, is still my favorite and I highly recommend checking it out, but this sequel was still a good read! Mira and Cole’s relationship develops naturally as they navigate long distance, their children, and their personal goals. I think both characters were well written and helped each other grow and realize that even as adults they are allowed to do things for themselves. One of my favorite parts of Jess Hardy’s writing is that she thoughtfully touches on hard topics. The first book talked a lot about addiction and while that was mentioned in this book, I appreciate how she openly portrayed dementia development in Mira’s mother. Overall, I think both books in this series are worth the read!

Fake dating is one of my favourite romance tropes. I just can't help myself! The fact that the main characters were older than the usual romance books that I read was really refreshing and I just loved it. I haven't read the first book in the serires yet, but you can bet I'll be rushing to pick it up now!

I didn’t think Jess Hardy could improve on “Come As You Are”. I was so wrong! This series fills a void in the genre, one GenXers like myself are craving. This book has it all: romance, nostalgia, angst, rare honesty, great supporting characters, chemistry, & a fabulous build.

I received this ARC in exchange for a review, but loved it so much that I’ve since purchased it in all formats.

Romance doesn't have an age limit or standard or any guidelines to follow. Jess K. Hardy proves that very well with Mira and Cole. Captivating, heartwarmingly sweet love story from a perspective that would otherwise be overlooked. Mira and Cole will forever be stamped on my heart. Beautifully written, inspiring, and I can't wait to read more Bluebird Basin stories.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for the ARC.

5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

Jess seriously knows how to write a good small town romance. I loved everything about this book and loved the little bits we got of Madigan and Ashley and Murphy!!

Cole and Mira meet one day when he walks into her bakery and then she proceeds to try to make an ex jealous! I loved Cole’s shock in that moment. He was seriously one of the best MCs I’ve read this year. I loved how emotional and confident he was. I loved how event though he’s in his 50s he still believed in love and happy endings. His soul was portrayed so beautifully in these pages. I love when an MC is obsessed with the FMC and Cole was the obsessed head over heels golden retriever I never knew I needed.

Mira’s character was fantastic and I loved her. She’s quirky, but isn’t afraid of being honest with Cole with her se&ual wants. The fact that he could give her more than one O was chefs kiss 💋 I loved that he showed her how beautiful she truly was and how he supported her throughout all of her struggles with her mom and son. The third act broke my heart for both of them, but I was really happy with the way things worked out. Jess you did a fantastic job with this story and I can’t wait for more from this world!

This was a great next installment in the series and really felt like a continuation of the first book. Because of that, I did feel a little lost at times before my memory would get triggered and I'd remember who some of these side characters were. I'd recommend reading book 1 for sure before starting this one and I'd say the shorter the time between the two, the better. I've only read a handful of older MC romances and I'm really enjoying them and the slightly different dynamic of either being a second chance at love or, as is the case here, a chance to go all-in. Mira and Cole have a great depth of character and I love how much we get to see of them outside the main relationship dynamic. We get to see family and friends as well as their own thoughts and worries. I do wish we got to see a little more of Cole's internal thoughts on paper because there were a few places where it felt like the book was missing that extra layer of character development.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC. Publication date was March 28, 2024

Absolutely loved this story! I appreciate Jess Hardy for writing extremely sweet, extremely hot romances about men and women who are middle aged and ACT LIKE THEY ARE MIDDLE AGED but still have personalities, quirks, and worries while they are falling in love. More please!!!

4 stars! Highly recommend it I love fake dating to get back at an ex lol Add a rock star and older characters hell ya! I had no idea what the book was about the cover drew me in and I was all for it. I love a silver fox and pictured Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers as our main character! #LipsLikeSugar #NetGalley