How Sweet It Is
by Dylan Newton
Pub Date 13 Jul 2021
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Description
Opposites attract in this charming debut romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Beach Read.
Event planner Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream weddings. So how is it that her best friend has roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch extravaganza? But the second Kate meets—or rather, accidentally maims—the drop-dead-hot Drake Matthews, her well-ordered life quickly transforms into an absolute nightmare.
Drake Matthews is tired of the spotlight and tired of his reputation as the Knight of Nightmares. He's really a nice guy! But he’s not prepared for Kate, a fearless agent of chaos in steel-tipped stilettos, or for that sweet sting of attraction he feels for her. She’s inspiring him to take his writing in a whole new direction—one that no one expects. Because now Kate and Drake are changing up the rules, and this plot twist might just surprise everyone . . . including themselves.
Opposites attract in this charming debut romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Beach Read.
Event planner Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream...
Description
Opposites attract in this charming debut romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Beach Read.
Event planner Kate Sweet is famous for creating the perfect happily-ever-after moment for her clients’ dream weddings. So how is it that her best friend has roped her into planning a bestselling horror writer’s book launch extravaganza? But the second Kate meets—or rather, accidentally maims—the drop-dead-hot Drake Matthews, her well-ordered life quickly transforms into an absolute nightmare.
Drake Matthews is tired of the spotlight and tired of his reputation as the Knight of Nightmares. He's really a nice guy! But he’s not prepared for Kate, a fearless agent of chaos in steel-tipped stilettos, or for that sweet sting of attraction he feels for her. She’s inspiring him to take his writing in a whole new direction—one that no one expects. Because now Kate and Drake are changing up the rules, and this plot twist might just surprise everyone . . . including themselves.
A Note From the Publisher
For media inquiries, please reach out to estelle.hallick@hbgusa.com.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781538754405 |
PRICE | $15.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB) |
Send To Kindle (MOBI) |
Download (EPUB) |
Featured Reviews

My Recommendation
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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. |
My Recommendation
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My Recommendation
|
|
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. |
My Recommendation
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My Recommendation
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|
What a delightful read! First of all I adored this cover. I have been reading rom-coms lately and 'How Sweet It Is' is EVERYTHING you would want in a rom-com. Dylan has crafted a funny, super hot, quirky hero and a cute, successful, driven heroine, who despite the dichotomy of their careers achieve a perfect happily-ever-after. I loved the fact that this book was very descriptive about the setting and how easy it was to visualize. Even though I'm not from NY I could still adore the tiny snippets of imagery that are beautifully laced throughout this book. Dylan had truly re-search for this because its evident in this book. I also appreciated the contrasting nature of the personalities of the two protagonists, as they each have varied personal struggles and strengths that I feel are broad enough for most people to relate to. I really loved Drake's relationship with his siblings and the mention of Marines. I would recommend this book to someone who loves light, medium paced, warm and cozy read. Thank You Netgalley and Forever Publications for this E-ARC |
My Recommendation
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My Recommendation
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|
Oh, this was good. This was so good. As soon as I read the description for How Sweet It Is, I added it to my ‘2021 releases’ goodreads shelf so I could keep an eye on it for when it comes out in July. But then it was added to NetGalley, and I could not wait to dive into this story. Both Drake and Kate are wonderful characters. Honestly, everyone in this book is. Dylan Newton did such a great job explaining everyone in a way that allowed me to form a visual of them in my mind (which I love to do as I read), and gave each character such a fun, unique personality that they all stood out so well. Specifically, I loved every moment with Drake’s brothers, Ryker and Zander, and would love if there were companion novels to go with this book just to see more about them. I feel like I don’t say this often with romance, but this book surprised me. It’s expected for a romance novel to involve a ‘complication’ before a happy ending, and I had a couple guesses on what could happen - I was wrong. And I love that I was wrong, because I loved the character development that happens because of the complication. Sometimes, it feels like a book just has a complication just to mix things up a little bit. That wasn’t the case here. I feel like it really helped define Drake as a character, in an extra way. I don’t mean to just gush this entire review, but I have to add one more thing - the romance. Oh, my word. I loved that it wasn’t rushed, but was clear from the beginning that Drake and Kate were intrigued by each other. I also really liked that despite that there obviously was a physical attraction, it was so much more than that. They truly brought out the best in each other, and parts of themselves that had been hiding away (knowingly or not) for so long. This was a fun, romantic, incredible read. I highly recommend picking it up when it comes out, and I know that I will be purchasing a physical copy for myself to keep on my shelf for rereads. I can’t wait to read more by Dylan Newton. Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book! |
My Recommendation
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My Recommendation
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This book y’all👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I can tell you this will be a favorite book of mine this month. How Sweet It Is is such a sweet romance novel. It’s definitely a more tender and sweet story as opposed to super steamy in my opinion, but I loved the plot of this book. It’s an opposite attracts romance and I love how Kate and Drake meet. Kate Sweet is an event planner - she mostly plans weddings. But when her best friend asks her to plan a book launch for one of her clients? How can she say no? Drake Matthews writes horror novels and his new novel is being adapted to a movie, hence the big book launch. But Drake has other ideas forming in his head that are only more inspired after he meets Kate. How will the Knight of Nightmares fare the plot twist of the Queen of Happily Ever Afters? This is Dylan’s debut novel and I’m already ready to read more of her books. This one will be published July 13 and were told another book of hers will be out summer🙌🏻 (Please tell me it’ll be about one of his brothers?🙏🏻🤞🏻) Thank you @netgalley and @readforeverpub for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review. Go preorder yours now👏🏻 |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Kate Sweet is an event planner known for creating dream weddings with the perfect “Aww!” moments. Drake is a novelist known by his fans as the Knight of Nightmares who needs someone to plan his next book launch. Their two world collide (literally and figuratively) and each day together takes them closer to their own happy ending. I loved the heartwarming intimacy and playful banter between Drake and Kate. Dylon Newton’s writing draws you in with each chapter and the story was a fun, romantic, sweet escape. Also, I can definitely see a set up for another book – Imani and Zander. Fingers crossed because I am so here for it! I was so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book. Once I started I couldn’t to put it down. I want to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you to the publisher, Forever, and Netgalley for the egalley of Dylan Newton’s novel How Sweet It Is. HOW SWEET IT IS to find a book you can’t put down, even at night walking the dog on the front lawn. 📚 First off, I love books about books! Our hero, Drake Matthews is a bestselling author known for writing horror novels and also known as the King of Nightmares. His newest book is about to be launched and he’s past due dates for drafts on his next book because he can’t get another ( & completely outside of his normal horror) story out of his head. 👠 Everyone loves a good meet cute right? Well this is more like a meet disaster. From the moment Kate Sweet, aka The Queen of Happily Ever Afters steps onto Drake’s property to plan his book launch, everything that can go wrong goes wrong. Seriously, she stabs him with her high heel! It’s hilarious and I got a little second hand embarrassment for Kate. It felt super relatable and like something that would happen to me. 😂 ♥️ This was a fun romcom full of heart and hilarity. In Kate’s business of event planning she likes to give her clients an “Aww moment” that they’ll never forget. I think The author gave a couple aww moments of her own in the story that makes this book stand out for me. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars Such a cute, breezy romance with an excellent storyline. How Sweet It Is is about Kate Sweet, a rising event planner who is asked to help with the book launch event for the hugely successful horror writer, Drake Matthews (think Stephen King-level horror fame). Drake is tired of being known as the “Knight of Nightmares” and, after meeting Kate, finds himself inspired to write something completely different. I just loved this storyline. Also, the autumnal vibes combined with Halloween and old Victorian houses just spoke to me. This was a fun romance that was full of meet cutes, hijinks, grand gestures, and banter. Fans of Lauren Layne and Tessa Bailey will love this read! ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to be posted closer to release date. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This book is absolutely amazing. I genuinely smiled the whole time I was reading this! Dylan Newton absolutely has a hit here! If you're a fan of strong female characters, swoon worthy writer guys with adorable dogs, small town settings, fall and Halloween, fun stories, and fantastic side characters then this is the book for you! You honestly can't help but root for Kate and Drake, both together and separately. They are such fun characters who grow so much on their own that it's just so fun to watch them get to know each other and wonder if they can bring their very different lives together. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy! This story was so sweet and cute and a much needed break and distraction from my thriller type books I usually read. Kate is such a lovable character in this book and she seems so cute and fun. I loved watching the relationship develop between Kate and Drake throughout the book. I will definitely recommend this book to my romance novel lovers. |
My Recommendation
|
Additional Information
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781538754405 |
PRICE | $15.99 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB) |
Send To Kindle (MOBI) |
Download (EPUB) |
Featured Reviews

My Recommendation
|
|
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. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
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. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
What a delightful read! First of all I adored this cover. I have been reading rom-coms lately and 'How Sweet It Is' is EVERYTHING you would want in a rom-com. Dylan has crafted a funny, super hot, quirky hero and a cute, successful, driven heroine, who despite the dichotomy of their careers achieve a perfect happily-ever-after. I loved the fact that this book was very descriptive about the setting and how easy it was to visualize. Even though I'm not from NY I could still adore the tiny snippets of imagery that are beautifully laced throughout this book. Dylan had truly re-search for this because its evident in this book. I also appreciated the contrasting nature of the personalities of the two protagonists, as they each have varied personal struggles and strengths that I feel are broad enough for most people to relate to. I really loved Drake's relationship with his siblings and the mention of Marines. I would recommend this book to someone who loves light, medium paced, warm and cozy read. Thank You Netgalley and Forever Publications for this E-ARC |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Oh, this was good. This was so good. As soon as I read the description for How Sweet It Is, I added it to my ‘2021 releases’ goodreads shelf so I could keep an eye on it for when it comes out in July. But then it was added to NetGalley, and I could not wait to dive into this story. Both Drake and Kate are wonderful characters. Honestly, everyone in this book is. Dylan Newton did such a great job explaining everyone in a way that allowed me to form a visual of them in my mind (which I love to do as I read), and gave each character such a fun, unique personality that they all stood out so well. Specifically, I loved every moment with Drake’s brothers, Ryker and Zander, and would love if there were companion novels to go with this book just to see more about them. I feel like I don’t say this often with romance, but this book surprised me. It’s expected for a romance novel to involve a ‘complication’ before a happy ending, and I had a couple guesses on what could happen - I was wrong. And I love that I was wrong, because I loved the character development that happens because of the complication. Sometimes, it feels like a book just has a complication just to mix things up a little bit. That wasn’t the case here. I feel like it really helped define Drake as a character, in an extra way. I don’t mean to just gush this entire review, but I have to add one more thing - the romance. Oh, my word. I loved that it wasn’t rushed, but was clear from the beginning that Drake and Kate were intrigued by each other. I also really liked that despite that there obviously was a physical attraction, it was so much more than that. They truly brought out the best in each other, and parts of themselves that had been hiding away (knowingly or not) for so long. This was a fun, romantic, incredible read. I highly recommend picking it up when it comes out, and I know that I will be purchasing a physical copy for myself to keep on my shelf for rereads. I can’t wait to read more by Dylan Newton. Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book! |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This book y’all👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I can tell you this will be a favorite book of mine this month. How Sweet It Is is such a sweet romance novel. It’s definitely a more tender and sweet story as opposed to super steamy in my opinion, but I loved the plot of this book. It’s an opposite attracts romance and I love how Kate and Drake meet. Kate Sweet is an event planner - she mostly plans weddings. But when her best friend asks her to plan a book launch for one of her clients? How can she say no? Drake Matthews writes horror novels and his new novel is being adapted to a movie, hence the big book launch. But Drake has other ideas forming in his head that are only more inspired after he meets Kate. How will the Knight of Nightmares fare the plot twist of the Queen of Happily Ever Afters? This is Dylan’s debut novel and I’m already ready to read more of her books. This one will be published July 13 and were told another book of hers will be out summer🙌🏻 (Please tell me it’ll be about one of his brothers?🙏🏻🤞🏻) Thank you @netgalley and @readforeverpub for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review. Go preorder yours now👏🏻 |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Kate Sweet is an event planner known for creating dream weddings with the perfect “Aww!” moments. Drake is a novelist known by his fans as the Knight of Nightmares who needs someone to plan his next book launch. Their two world collide (literally and figuratively) and each day together takes them closer to their own happy ending. I loved the heartwarming intimacy and playful banter between Drake and Kate. Dylon Newton’s writing draws you in with each chapter and the story was a fun, romantic, sweet escape. Also, I can definitely see a set up for another book – Imani and Zander. Fingers crossed because I am so here for it! I was so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book. Once I started I couldn’t to put it down. I want to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you to the publisher, Forever, and Netgalley for the egalley of Dylan Newton’s novel How Sweet It Is. HOW SWEET IT IS to find a book you can’t put down, even at night walking the dog on the front lawn. 📚 First off, I love books about books! Our hero, Drake Matthews is a bestselling author known for writing horror novels and also known as the King of Nightmares. His newest book is about to be launched and he’s past due dates for drafts on his next book because he can’t get another ( & completely outside of his normal horror) story out of his head. 👠 Everyone loves a good meet cute right? Well this is more like a meet disaster. From the moment Kate Sweet, aka The Queen of Happily Ever Afters steps onto Drake’s property to plan his book launch, everything that can go wrong goes wrong. Seriously, she stabs him with her high heel! It’s hilarious and I got a little second hand embarrassment for Kate. It felt super relatable and like something that would happen to me. 😂 ♥️ This was a fun romcom full of heart and hilarity. In Kate’s business of event planning she likes to give her clients an “Aww moment” that they’ll never forget. I think The author gave a couple aww moments of her own in the story that makes this book stand out for me. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars Such a cute, breezy romance with an excellent storyline. How Sweet It Is is about Kate Sweet, a rising event planner who is asked to help with the book launch event for the hugely successful horror writer, Drake Matthews (think Stephen King-level horror fame). Drake is tired of being known as the “Knight of Nightmares” and, after meeting Kate, finds himself inspired to write something completely different. I just loved this storyline. Also, the autumnal vibes combined with Halloween and old Victorian houses just spoke to me. This was a fun romance that was full of meet cutes, hijinks, grand gestures, and banter. Fans of Lauren Layne and Tessa Bailey will love this read! ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review to be posted closer to release date. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
This book is absolutely amazing. I genuinely smiled the whole time I was reading this! Dylan Newton absolutely has a hit here! If you're a fan of strong female characters, swoon worthy writer guys with adorable dogs, small town settings, fall and Halloween, fun stories, and fantastic side characters then this is the book for you! You honestly can't help but root for Kate and Drake, both together and separately. They are such fun characters who grow so much on their own that it's just so fun to watch them get to know each other and wonder if they can bring their very different lives together. |
My Recommendation
|

My Recommendation
|
|
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy! This story was so sweet and cute and a much needed break and distraction from my thriller type books I usually read. Kate is such a lovable character in this book and she seems so cute and fun. I loved watching the relationship develop between Kate and Drake throughout the book. I will definitely recommend this book to my romance novel lovers. |
My Recommendation
|