Sylvie StewartCríticas

After finally settling into life after her divorce and with the help of her sister, Jill, school teacher Jenna Watson thinks she might finally be able to restart her love life. After a few misteps, she meets Officer Sam Martinez. Sam seems to pop up everywhere, but that is because he is interested in Jenna. With her daughters visiting her ex for a month and with school on Christmas break, Jenna decides to take the plunge with Sam.

Then Again is a fun, cute romance without much depth or substance. The plot revolves around Jenna and Sam's growing relationship that is encouraged by Jenna's sister, supporting character, Jill. There is very little conflict in the novel. The only real stumbling block is Jenna's reluctance to get involved in anything other than a fling. The dialogue in this novel is snappy, adding humor to this rom-com. However, Sam is a little disturbing early in the book, as it seems as though he is stalking Jenna. Overall, though, Then Again is a light entertaining romance.

Olivia hasn't given much thought to her ex's love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter's life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate - or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children - Olivia and Roman's worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I've read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I'm definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!

Merged review:

Olivia hasn't given much thought to her ex's love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter's life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate - or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children - Olivia and Roman's worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I've read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I'm definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!

Rough-around-the-edges male lead? Check. Runaway bride? Check. Throw in a few issues and the forced close-proximity and you have the perfect elements to a great story. This book was a lot of fun to read with lots of humor and banter to keep the reader thoroughly entertained. I deeply enjoyed the chemistry between Maisy and Miller, their relationship and interactions felt so natural. The main characters aside, I also fell in love with the side characters and their depth. Now I feel like I need to read the other two books since this one was so good.

Rough-around-the-edges male lead? Check. Runaway bride? Check. Throw in a few issues and the forced close-proximity and you have the perfect elements to a great story. This book was a lot of fun to read with lots of humor and banter to keep the reader thoroughly entertained. I deeply enjoyed the chemistry between Maisy and Miller, their relationship and interactions felt so natural. The main characters aside, I also fell in love with the side characters and their depth. Now I feel like I need to read the other two books since this one was so good.

Olivia has no intention of attending her ex-husband's destination wedding in Belize until her kids basically guilt her into going and her daughter Holly and her college roommate Hannah tell her they will make sure she has a date to the event. She tells them she doesn't need a date, but the girls don't listen and set her up with Hannah's single dad who happens to be an older professional hockey player who makes it his mission to be the best fake date ever for Olivia and give her a needed boost to her self-esteem.

I've been on the lookout for romances with older characters. Both Olivia and Roman are in their forties and they are both dealing with issues related to aging. Roman is looking retirement from hockey in the face and Olivia is dealing with perimenopause. I don't normally go for such a quick connection in romance books. The bulk of this story takes place over one week in Belize. That being said, for some reason I have an easier time believing an almost instant connection when the characters are older. I really enjoyed Roman and how he really gave his job of dating Olivia his all. I also loved his effort to get spend quality time and get to know his daughter better. This is open door and once the characters cross that line, they aren't shy about their physical connection. I am not one that needs steam in a romance. I didn't mind this.

One of the better romances I've read through KU. I plan to check out the next book in the series.

Olivia hasn't given much thought to her ex's love life since the divorce, remaining cordial at family events, and overall moving on with her own life. What could be worse than discovering your ex is not only seeing someone but getting married? Maybe being invited and coerced into attending said wedding. Roman, an older professional hockey player has been on the outskirts of his estranged daughter's life for a while but wants to get closer to his only child. In a twist of fate - or more specifically the meddling of well-meaning children - Olivia and Roman's worlds collide. I loved this book! The dynamics between the characters felt real, closer to reality than any fiction work I've read all year. The pace was fast throughout, but I felt more grounded while reading the book and easily lost track of time because I was so engrossed in the plot. I'm definitely going to be looking for book two of the series!

Well, f*ck. I now need to buy this Author’s back list because this book was beyond a delightful and funny and sexy read.

Single mom, awkward kid, hilarious family & friends.
He is helping his dad, kinda input himself into her life.

This book took you through all the emotions, I’m glad that the author introduced more of their lives prior to meeting too, so many books go boom you’ve never met these people or what they are about but let’s make them fall in love!

Delightful romance and shenanigans
5 Stars

Smooth Hoperator is the second book in Sylvie Stewart’s Love on Tap series about a family who own a brewery in a small town. We met Carter in the first book in the series, Ale’s Fair in Love and War - well, he skulked a bit in the background in that story - but this book stands completely alone so you don’t need to read that one before this one. But if you love this book - and I think you will - you’ll want to go and snap up that book right after this.

We first meet Sunny the librarian and she really lives up to her name. She’s fun, quirky, loving and loveable - and I adored her from the very first. Sylvie Stewart writes the best kind of quirky heroines as they’re also very real. They’re never caricatures but layered, likeable and oh so relatable. Sunny’s desire to love and be loved was delightful and I was cheered by her optimism rather than be annoyed by it.

If Sunny is, well, the sunshine, then Carter is definitely the grump. But I just adored him, too. He cut a mysterious figure in the first book and in this book we find out why. Although he’s going through some serious fallout from his political career, it’s still clear what kind of man Carter is. And we get to know right alongside Sunny. He’s grumpy but protective and hides a sweet side to him. It’s when he’s with Sunny - and how she brings out the best in him - where he really shines.

Sunny and Carter have great chemistry as can be evidenced from even before their first kiss. We do get some sexy moments but it’s not until the epilogue that the deed is finally done. I would have liked something to have happened earlier in the story but it actually worked out perfectly - and perfect for Sunny and Carter as a couple.

There is a lot of shenanigans going on in the story but it’s never difficult to follow. I hate a story where things get so convoluted that it’s hard to follow so thankfully that’s not this one. And although the skullduggery does involve threats, corruption, homes being broken into, cars being tampered with, etc, it’s dealt with on a level that never becomes scary or upsetting. While still treated with the reverence it deserves. But it’s all fun and games that adds to the romance and helps make the story a full one.

Sylvie Stewart is a writer I can always rely on to lift my spirits, make me laugh and bring me a romance that makes me smile. I’m loving this series and can’t wait to read the next book about Miller, which is teased in the epilogue of this book. But if you’re looking for a fun romance with a road trip, some sunny and grumpy goodness, mixed with some cloak and daggerism - then I would recommend this lovely romance to you. 5 stars.

Hollis Hayes has finally found where she belongs when she opens her dog grooming shop until her next door neighbor, Cash Brooks, who runs his family's brewery and bar begins pulling pranks on her. Even though the pranks get a little nasty, both remain professional until Hollis's dad gets upset with Cash's brother, Miller, and calls in a health inspector that cite's the brewery for several major violations. Hollis's guilt gets the most of her as she tries to help Cash get the bar out of trouble, but their growing attraction to one another keeps getting in the way.

Ale's Fair in Love and War is a cute romance that could have benefited from a little more substance. Not a whole lot happens in this story, and most of the issues could have been settled with better communication. The banter is witty and snarky but is occasionally over the top and unrealistic. Also, there are lots of characters, some of which are well developed and some are not, making the plot difficult to follow at times. Overall, however, Ale's Fair in Love and War tells a light, fun story that makes for a mostly enjoyable read.½

*This is a review of Playing By Heart by Sylvie Stewart - part of the Holiday Heart-On Anthology.

Cute and sweet
5 stars

I’m a big fan of Sylvie Stewart - she’s great at filling her stories with a combination of comedy and likeable, relatable characters. While this is the first short story of hers I’ve read - she still manages to make it everything I hoped and expected. But that’s not to say it didn’t leave me wanting more - but in the best possible way.

At a Christmas in July pet pageant (I mean, why the hell not?) Kat luck turns around when her crush turns up with his adorable dog. Better yet, he’s in a bind and the only one who can help him out, is Kat! And cue the music!

I liked both our characters instantly and they have the cutest chemistry. It’s quite nice to read a story with such innocent smittenness. It’s not that the story is innocent (although there’s only kissing), it’s just that they’re so totally adorable that it feels fresh.

For such a short story, I still definitely believed in their connection. Of course I wanted more. And of course I wish it was longer. But I was sucked in immediately and was left satisfied and with a smile on my face. I couldn’t ask for much more.

—-

Playing By Heart is Sylvie Stewart’s contribution in the larger Holiday Heart-On anthology. This set of 18 festive stories has been pulled together to raise money and awareness for women’s heart health. 100% of proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement. There’s a whole set of different stories (averaging around 40 pages each) with different styles, tones and steam levels.

In this anthology you’ll also get:

🎅🏻 Playing by Heart by Sylvie Stewart
🎅🏻 Better than Christmas by Brenda St John Brown and Serena Bell
🎅🏻 Hang Your Heart by Arell Rivers
🎅🏻 Hockey Hotties Heart-On by Piper Rayne
🎅🏻 Hell of a Heart-On by Marika Ray
🎅🏻 Hardware Hard-On by Tracey Pedersen
🎅🏻 Christmas Eve with KXBZ by Roxie Noir
🎅🏻 Heartly in Love by MK Meredith
🎅🏻 Love by Chance by Claire Marti
🎅🏻 Christmas Cabin by Elizabeth Lynx
🎅🏻 Mistletoe Wishes by Stina Lindenblatt
🎅🏻 Rock Hard Around the Christmas Tree by Tawdra Kandle
🎅🏻 Always Be My Babka by Melonie Johnson
🎅🏻 Hooking Her Heart by Sophia Henry
🎅🏻 Santa Claus is Coming by Hope Ellis
🎅🏻 Heart-On for Her Beaver by Dylann Crush
🎅🏻 Heart Healthy Hot Sticky Buns by Kameron Claire
🎅🏻 Ants in Santa’s Pants by Amy Award

Hilarious yet sweet
5 stars

If you’ve been reading through the Carolina Connections series (of which this is the 6th book) you will know of both Jax and Ari as they both popped up in several of the previous books in the series. But don’t worry if this is your first foray into Carolina Connections or indeed Sylvie Stewart, as this book stands completely alone with its own HEA.

At first, our heroine Ari comes across as a bit of a party girl - reeling men in with her pin-up girl good looks and then discarding them when they no longer served a purpose for her. But as we get to know her, we realise that nothing could be further from the truth. She’s actually an overly sensible girl (yes, still with the pin-up girl good looks) who is very unlucky in love and works damn hard so her dreams can come true. I liked her immensely. She was sassy, mouthy but still sensible - I think I might have fallen in love.

In the audiobook, Ari is portrayed by Reagan West and a great job she does of her, too. Her tone and inflection are just as I would suspect Ari’s would be. She got the nuances and she was a joy to listen to. I did feel that Ms West’s accent when depicting Mr and Mrs Amante - Ari’s parents who are supposed to be Italian immigrants - was suspiciously Indian sounding. But the meaning was there so it didn’t affect my rating.

Jax is our hero and never a more laid-back, Southern charmer of a man was there. His drawl was delightful and the push and pull between him and Ari was really fun to listen to. Part of the background for Jax’s character was his sudden fatherhood. While children are never a plus point in romances, for me, Lola was a peach and the growing and changing relationship between father and daughter really added to how much I liked Jax. And Lola, too.

Jax is voiced by Matt Hicks and if slow talking, shucks y’all, laid back men are your thing, darlin’, then you will adore this listen. He is the perfect Jax and portrayed him well.

This book reminds me of the first two books in the Carolina Connections series. It’s got that sparkle and joy about it and it’s also ridiculously funny. Ari and Jax are the perfect pairing. They love hard and they bicker and banter just as hard. This is a delightful book and the perfect showcase of Sylvie Stewart’s romcom expertise. I laughed out loud on many occasion - an actual LOL. This book reminds me why I’ve come to love Ms Stewart’s writing style and why I’m rating another of her books with 5 stars.

First grade teacher Sofie, preparing for her first day, meets cartographer Cal as he brings Phoebe to school. There’s an instant attraction, but Sofie knows better than to put her brand-new teaching job in jeopardy by dating a student’s father. What’s a girl who’s wishing for a bit of romance to do?

By turns funny, a bit sarcastic, and definitely cute, this novella packs an overabundance of clever charm into a few pages. The characters are well-drawn and believable, as is the situation in which they find themselves. [And there’s even a moral here: always communicate with each other and never make assumptions.]

As the story unfolds, Sofie makes a heartbreaking decision and it looks as if there will not be a happily ever for her. But there’s a surprise for Sofie [and for the reader] in this endearing novella that is part comedy, part romance, and entirely unputdownable.

Highly recommended.

Who knew that I would learn to love Sweet Tea?

I am always looking for a book that is a breath of fresh air. I find a lot that I really enjoy but rarely do I find one where I truly lose myself in the magic. This was one of those ones that I can say mesmerized me. It couldn't have happened at a better time, considering I finished it well into the wee hours of my birthday. To discover a book that truly reinforces why I love to read is truly one of the best gifts that I could ever ask for.

From the first chapter, I fell in love with Poppy and all of her Southern charm. I could just picture her as a Reese Witherspoon character (Combine Legally Blonde and Sweet Home Alabama) and that made it even more perfect. She was infectious and genuine and ever so sassy. Her naivete was touching as it was hilarious. Her intentions were pure even if she had no idea how different things would be in a big city like New York. Her inner monologues with herself were so funny. I cannot count the number of times that I laughed out loud. I am generally not a huge highlight person when I read (largely because getting my degree in literature almost killed me annotating everything), however, this book I had so many laugh out loud moments or sweet moments that I had to change that. Her connection with" King Kong" didn't stand a chance. Mac. Sweet Lord. This godsend of a man. He might not have said much with his words but what he did say and do with his actions was HOT. Together these two were delightful.

Add in funny side characters from the South and this book became the best birthday present ever. Were there a few things that didn't seem plausible. Absolutely, but did I look past them because the book was that good? ABSOFREAKINGLUTLY. For me, just having a book hit all the feels and leaving a mark on me is a sign of a good book. Bravo, to this author. You just made me a fan.

4 stars

Interesting and unusual storyline that isn't seen very often in romance. Loved the idea of this story. It was reminiscent of Coming to America with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall only in this story Malcolm and Leo are Twins. Ruby was great and feisty. It does end on a cliffhanger for Leo and Ruby though.

I get the feeling the next couple in this series will be Malcolm and Alice or possibly Sadie. I shall see...

4.3 stars

Snarky and sweet. The perfect combination. The humor, the banter, and the characters made this story come to life. I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting. My only real complaint was about Rocco. I wanted to understand him more and what he was going through.

Definitely interested in continuing this story as the characters were all intriguing.

It was a cute story.. We meet Haley who has had a crush on her neighbor Ted since she moved it, but these two did not know how to speak to each other, honestly they acted more like high schoolers, but the story was still cute not life changing but cute. So a misunderstanding occurs which allows Ted to finally be able to speak to Haley without mumbling like an imbecile so it did take them a little longer to act out on their attraction than I would have liked but it is what it is..Loved her friend and plan on reading that book..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.