Sometimes you make up a fake boyfriend when your ex walks into your bakery and then this random dreamboat walks in and plays along and then he's kind of great and you don't want to fall in love with him because it would hurt too much to lose him. It could happen to anyone, really. It definitely happens to Mira when Cole (who was the drummer in a top 80s band) stops in to pick up some tarts.

Jess K. Hardy is so good at what she does. This and the previous book, Come as You Are, are both spectacular. Mira is strung so tight, taking care of her mother whose memory is failing and her teenage soon, who's a teen boy, plus running a bakery. Her walls are built so high, Cole can barely see over them. Cole has no walls. He'll pretend to have them to not freak Mira out, but he wants inside her heart so bad. But Mira can't see how they can make it, when Cole lives in Seattle (with his daughter and tiny granddaughter) and she's in Montana.

I really appreciated how both characters are over 50, both have full lives and backgrounds, and they're both into each other so bad. The spicy scenes are SO strong. Jess makes it clear how much they connect physically.

You don't have to have read Come as You Are to enjoy this one, but it does give you a fuller picture of life in Bluebird Basin.

But yeah, I loved it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After an adorable meet cute with instant chemistry, Mira and Cole engage in a little fake dating for their friends’ wedding. Then, because that wasn’t enough, they decide to try some “just sex, no feelings”. Long distance and responsibilities at home keep them apart but they can’t deny how right they feel together.

I really really enjoyed this one! Cole is top tier. As the wife of a drummer, “fucking drummers” is right😏 He was so caring, with everyone in his life, and so damn charming! I loved the story arc for Mira and could really relate to the family dynamics she was struggling with. As an elder millennial, I absolutely LOVED that these characters are older. In the Author’s Note, Hardy wrote that “romance readers age up, so romance stories should, too.” *slow clap* I caught myself grinning at the screen several times while reading this. Absolutely recommend.

We meet these characters briefly in book one, Come As You Are, but Mira and Cole’s story is very much a standalone. That said, reading the first book will really help you understand all the side characters.

📚✨Book Review✨📚

Lips Like Sugar
Author: Jess K Hardy

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What I Liked:
🥁Another winner from Jess K Hardy that features main characters who are in their 40s and 50s. I truly cherish these stories because I love seeing more mature couples finding love and happily ever afters. There are only so many stories about 23 year old heroines I can take. What really sells me on these is that not only do they find love and happiness, but these books show that you can also have a little spicy fun too!

🥁Cole as a grandpa was absolutely freaking adorable!!! 🥰

🥁Catching up with Madigan and Ashley and seeing their wedding was a beautiful addition to the story!

What I Didn’t Like:
🥁 I wasn’t thrilled with the third act breakup. I honestly felt that this story didn’t need one. I understand using it to get them to the end, but I would have been happy with one additional romantic scene vs the miscommunication.

Final Thoughts:
🥁 Anything from Jess K Hardy has become an auto read for me. This series is a blast….I love the town, the ski resort, the band, even Little Timber! I hope the next book includes more members of the Makers moving to join the crew. 🥰





#bookreview #reviewsneedlovetoo #readforeverpub #unpopularopinion #booktok #bookstagram #bookfriend #books #bookish #booklover #instablog #romancereader

Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Did I drop everything to read this when I got approved for the ARC? Yes. Was it worth it? Definitely yes!

Mira Harlow has a lot on her plate. Not only is she trying to keep her family's bakery in business (while dreaming of doing her own thing on wedding cakes), but she also has a 14-year-old son who has suddenly decided to call her Mother and a mom who is demonstrating the early stages of memory loss and dementia. Like she always has, she's just trying to keep those around her safe and happy.

When her ex and his bubbly new wife show up at her bakery, she makes a horrible decision. Of course, she has a boyfriend, she tells them, and he'll definitely join them at the upcoming Bluebird Basin wedding. Who is it? Well...it's the handsome man that just walked in the door.

Cole Sanderson is happy to play the role of doting boyfriend to Mira. His best friend Madigan is desperately happy and it's starting to make him feel a little...envious and lonely. And if the sparks that flew from their surprise kiss are any indication, maybe Mira is the one to help him.

Like the first book in the series, Come As You Are, this is a love story between two absolutely grown-ass adults. They are both in their fifties, and the realities of dating and living at that age are integrated well into the story. Yes, there's talk of menopause, and body aches, and being a grandparent. There's also, quite possibly, the funniest and sexiest exchange about Tiger Balm that has ever existed.

Seriously...

"Where do you rub it?" the bar went silent, the screeching kind of silence after someone jerked a needle of a record.

"Where...do I--"

"Rub it?" There was no doubt that he was staring at her throat now even through the veil of his lashes. "The Tiger Balm?"

Her eyes burned, likely because she'd forgotten how to blink. "On my neck." She trailed her fingers from just below her ear to the tip of her shoulder, his eyes following the path they made. "And my low back."

He hummed, and never had the application of a beloved topical counterirritant felt so pornographic like they'd unlocked some secret level of old people foreplay."

Honestly, it feels great to see me (at a slightly sprier 40 years old) reflected in a book. I read plenty of romance, and love plenty of books, but there's something different about Hardy's series.

As the description notes, this is part of the Bluebird Basin series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. There are references back to the couple from the first book--Ashley and Madigan--but there are enough context clues to understand who they are so that you won't miss anything. However, that book is also great, so if you have the time, go back and read it!

* Thank you to the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for access to the eARC in exchange for my honest review! *

I’m so happy I’ve been chosen to be in on Jess’s arc review team. I’ve read all of her books and will continue doing so. Cole is a swoony dream and Mira is delightful. I can’t wait to see where Davis and Kev take us next. Thanks to Jess and NetGalley for the arc to read/review for free.

Jess K Hardy has done it again. Lips Like Sugar is not only funny, adorable & sexy… it’s also creative, relatable, entertaining and an absolute winner.
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It’s so refreshing to explore the lives of people who have life experiences. Mira and Cole may live wildly different lives in different cities. I’m so glad that fate found a way to put them in each other’s path. They compliment each other, they make each other better and are just so special to watch on screen together.
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I don’t know if anyone could possibly dethrone Madigan as my Bluebird Basin Number 1, but if anyone comes close, it’s Cole Sanderson!

ANOTHER BANGER! i love the bluebird basin series! he may be 30 years older than me… but DAMN, i’m in love with cole. a drummer mmc? who’s a softy?! come on!! loved the lovely mira as well, and ESPECIALLY loved them together. i can’t recommend this book, and its series enough!

#netgalley

Why I read it: I read (and loved) Come As You Are, the first book in the Bluebird Basin series. When my friend Kelly told me that book 2 had landed on NetGalley, I immediately pounced. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy; this is my honest review.

Review #insixwords: Another solid Gen X, contemporary romance.

More:

Why are Jess K Hardy’s books sooooo good? Actually, I know: it’s characters who feel real and complex and flawed but who also still find their way to each other.

Cole is an aging rocker who’s now a grandpa. Mira is struggling between caring for her teenage son and her mother (whose memory is beginning to fail her) and keeping her bakery (named Glazed and Confused) afloat.

When faced with her happily married ex and no date to an upcoming wedding, Mira invents a relationship with the stranger who walks into her bakery: Cole. Cole, conveniently, plays along. Fake dating shenanigans ensue.

After the wedding, Cole returns to his home (states away) but he and Mira continue to communicate and fall for each other through text.

What unfolds is a sweet and lovely romance, where Cole helps Mira realize that she doesn’t have to hold everything together herself; it’s okay to ask for help. Being with Mira helps Cole realize how unhappy he is with life, mired in the past, and starts dreaming about what the future could be.

I can’t wait to read whatever Jess K. Hardy writes next.

Recommendation: Lips Like Sugar is a wonderful small town, contemporary romance featuring older main characters. This one has fake dating (real feels) shenanigans as well as real, complex characters who fuck up but find a way to come back together. Read it if you like any of those things! If you liked Come As You Are, you don’t want to miss this one!

I adored Come As You Are and have been really eagerly anticipating the second book in the series, and Lips Like Sugar absolutely satisfied!

I love to read deeply developed characters, and Jess is crushing it on that count. Both Cole and Mira are self-aware and self-reflective, and we see the ways that their thinking are both strength and limitation through their story.

I also really appreciate that they’re just a few years apart in age but having somewhat different generational experiences within their families - Cole has just become a grandparent, while Mira is feeling the squeeze between her teenage son and her aging mother. This piece of their story seemed so authentic and added color to them individually and to their relationship, and I loved how accepting they were toward each other’s roles.

Another detail that really adds to my enjoyment of a book is the integration of music, and real song titles and bands, and this book sent me to Spotify several times to enhance the vibe while I read. Their heart songs? 😭😭😭

The fan service weaving Ashley and Madigan lightly through this book was spot-on - not so much that they took over, just enough to keep loving their relationship, too. And my interest is perfectly piqued for book 3 - though I love love love stories about fully adult characters and the next book sounds like it will center 20-somethings, I will read whatever comes next in this series based on my love for the first two books!

❤️❤️❤️ “Fake date. Real feelings.” ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!

The second book in Hardy’s Bluebird Basin series reminded me so hard why fake dating is one of my favorite tropes. Beside herself when her former boyfriend shows up in her bakery with his new wife, Mira makes up a boyfriend to save face. When Cole walks in moments later to pick up an order for his best friend, he’s more than happy to play along and be her wedding date the next day. Sparks fly, but they’re both left wondering what will happen when he returns home.

What makes Lips Like Sugar different from most fake dating books is the main characters are both in their 50s and dealing with challenges and baggage that are inevitable at this age. Long distance is so much more complicated with all of their other obligations. In addition to running her bakery, Mira is trying to be a good mom to her teenage son while also helping her mother deal with cognitive impairment. Cole has stepped in to help his adult daughter while she’s adjusting to being a single mother.

While the instant connection between Mira and Cole is the stuff of romance novels, the beautiful way they create their backstory resonates. There is truth in the stories they’ve both believed about themselves, even while the real truth comes in letting go and moving forward. Hardy understands that this is such a core part of what it is to be an (older) adult, and she perfectly captures what it is to be part of Gen X.

Lips Like Sugar is standalone, but it will be so much more satisfying when you read Come As You Are first.

I have been eagerly waiting for this book from the minute I read (and fell in love with) Come As You Are, and let's just say there was some excited screeching when I got a copy. Not only are these characters gloriously dimensional, nuanced, and utterly lovable, it's so satisfying seeing "older" main characters getting their spotlight. I might be younger than Mira and Cole but as the parent of teens, it all feels so perfectly relatable. Jess K. Hardy is a hero of an author, bringing these stories to life, giving these characters the happily ever after they deserve.

Book 2 in the Bluebird Basin series

It’s nice to read about characters that are older and in their 50s.

It starts out with a fake date to a wedding and then turns into the real deal. I liked that the FMC Mira is a really strong, independent woman. She is raising her teenage son and looking after her mum who has early dementia by herself, all whilst running a bakery. The chemistry and romance between her and Cole is funny, sweet and genuine.

This was a fun easy read, with a lot of character development which I really liked. The book also deals with aging issues like menopause and dementia, as well as addiction since Cole comes to Bluebird Basin to help look after an addiction recovery group whilst his friend goes on honeymoon.

This can be read as a standalone. I have read the previous book about Madigan and Ashley whose wedding Mira and Cole are attending, however it’s not necessary to enjoy the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jess K Hardy and Victory Editing NetGalley Coop for the ARC

Title: Lips Like Sugar

Author: Jess K Hardy

Rating: 4/5

"Lips Like Sugar" by Jess K Hardy is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that sweeps readers off their feet with its charming characters and sweet storyline.

Mira Harlow finds herself in a whirlwind of chaos as she juggles the responsibilities of running her bakery, parenting her teenage son, and caring for her mother. When she impulsively kisses a handsome stranger and convinces him to be her date to a wedding, little does she know that this decision will lead to unexpected twists and turns in her life.

Cole Sanderson, a former rocker from Seattle, finds himself drawn into Mira's world when she asks him to play the role of her long-distance boyfriend. Despite his initial reluctance, Cole agrees, setting off a chain of events that challenge both his and Mira's perceptions of love and relationships.

What sets "Lips Like Sugar" apart is its endearing characters and genuine chemistry between Mira and Cole. Hardy skillfully develops their relationship, blending humor, passion, and tenderness to create a captivating romance that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Mira's vulnerability and Cole's laid-back charm make them relatable and likable protagonists, while their interactions brim with palpable tension and undeniable attraction.

Hardy's writing is engaging and lighthearted, with witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the small town of Red Falls, Montana to life. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of comedic moments and heartfelt scenes that balance out the romance beautifully.

While "Lips Like Sugar" is the second book in the Bluebird Basin Romance series, it can be read as a standalone novel, making it accessible to new readers. However, fans of the series will appreciate the opportunity to revisit familiar characters and settings.

In conclusion, "Lips Like Sugar" is a charming and entertaining read that will leave readers with a smile on their faces and a warm feeling in their hearts. Jess K Hardy delivers a delightful romantic comedy that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating her next book.

📣 hot + sweet contemporary with two 50+ leads

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

📖 what’s one of your Monday numbers? Mine are: 6 hours of sleep, 1 game I turned back on to watch the last few minutes of, 2 books I’m currently reading.

The pure excitement of reading a steamy 🔥 & heartwarming romance that features leads that are in their fifties! As someone who is about to bid her 30s hasta la vista, I love seeing older leads having fun & falling in love.

Booksta Loves, Lips Like Sugar by Jess K Hardy has it all:

Aforementioned steam, including a sizzling FaceTime moment

A charmer hero who’s a famous drummer & also marvels over his granddaughter.

A lovely, strong “baker goddess” heroine who’s got a lot on her mind. She is so cool.

References to hot flashes and other references to hot bodies that are also aging.

This book is so heartfelt & delightful—it’s so cute to watch them fall in love—& it also wrestles with tough topics like addiction & parental memory loss.

I definitely, absolutely rec this contemporary if you’re looking for something that will satisfy your sweet tooth *drum roll* (sorry it just came to me).

5 ⭐️. Out 03/28.

Please see a trusted reviewer’s list of CWs.

[ID: Jess’s white hand holds the ebook in front of a brick wall painted purple, pink, & green]

I'm a big fan of the growing visibility of later-in-life romances. Hardy's characters have real, relatable complications in their lives that get in the way of their big, exuberant love story. The reality of this story is as believable as the messy emotions at the heart of it. That's a tough balance to pull off, but Hardy makes it look effortless here. This is a fast read that is so sweet it almost gave me a sugar high, yes, but there's a lot of substance grounding the happy ending.

This was an okay read. Lots of character development. It moved slow for me though. It is a. Very steamy book. Well written but slow moving.

4/5✨

Huge thank you to Jess K Hardy & NetGalley for allowing me to be an ARC reader!

I read Come As You Are in August and when I heard there was gonna be a second book in the series I was super excited to see who would be next! I really enjoyed my trip back to Bluebird and I just loved Cole and Mira. One thing I really appreciated about the book was how the author did not hide or try to eliminate the hardships that come with growing older. Both the physical and mental struggles were a big player in the book and I really appreciated the realism that was present in the plot.
I also just loved how much Cole cared about Mira and how hard he worked for their relationship. He also was so so good with communication and recognizing when he’s in the wrong which I really loved.
Mira was such a strong woman working hard to make things with her business and family all work. I loved her development through the story and recognizing her faults and working to make them better.

If you’re a fan of romance, spice, insta chemistry, and don’t mind the MCs being older I would definitely recommend checking out this series! I would recommend reading Come As You Are first to understand some of the plot points in this book :)

In a moment of desperation, Mira Harlow lies to her ex and his new wife about having a date for their friend's wedding and she lays a kiss on the first guy who walks into her bakery, who turns out to be former 90's rock star, Cole Sanderson, who plays along like a pro. Their "fake date" pretty quickly leads to real attraction, but has to be limited to texts and phone calls because Mira and Cole live in different states. Lips Like Sugar is the perfect follow-up to Come As You Are. Having main characters in their 40s and 50s continues to feel like such a treat among the youth-obsessed romance genre. Mira's struggle to juggle her business while caring for a teenager and an aging parent feels super relatable, and I loved seeing Cole as a hot hands-on grandpa. Jess K. Hardy is great at funny dialogue while also ripping your heart out with some hard-won life lesson throat punches. And I find myself so invested in her cast of characters, caring about their well-being long after I've turned the last page. I just want to live in Bluebird Basin.

Lips like Sugar brings us back to Bluebird Basin, the Montana ski town we first encountered in Come As You Are. This romance features Mira the town baker and Cole, the drummer buddy of the hero from book one. This was a great romance in the same way the first was, focusing on Gen X-aged characters in their 50s going through the stage of life with children and aging parents but still having a great romance. We got to see the couple and sober recovery group from book 1 again (and I think got an inkling of perhaps book 3?) as a wedding and a chance encounter with Mira's ex makes our hero and heroine collide in a fake dating scheme that Cole is extremely enthusiastic about. I really enjoyed this book!

4 stars!
Heat level: 4🌶️

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. This book comes out March 28.

Another fantastic edition to the Bluebird Basin series. One of the things I loved from the first book was learning about the men staying at the lodge, so I was really pleased that whilst they were not as big of a focus in this book, we still got to spend some time with them. Jess is really great at letting us feel the characters emotions, and I particularly loved how emotional Cole was, and that he was unafraid to show it. I absolutely recommend this series, particularly if you want to read about older characters, rather than 20 somethings.

Crossing my fingers and toes for a Kev and Davis story <3