Sweet on You

Laurel Heights #6

by Kate Perry

A Laurel Heights Novel, Book 6

Sugar and spice and everything…naughty?

Pastry-chef-to-the-stars Daniela Rossi wants one thing: the abandoned building South of Market. Turning it into a soup kitchen for the homeless is the only thing that's excited her in months. And Daniella needs to feel again. Until she finds herself feeling too much - for the man who's competition for the property.

Ruthless entrepreneur Nico Cruz wants one thing: the abandoned SOMA building he grew up in, where his brother was killed. Destroying it is the only thing that will set his brother's soul at peace. And Nico always gets what he wants. But Daniela's sweet temptation makes him question what it will take to soothe his own soul.

Fortunately, in this bidding war, all's fair...

The rest of Kate Perry's fun, sexy Laurel Heights series is available now:
Book 1: PERFECT FOR YOU
Book 2: CLOSE TO YOU
Book 3: RETURN TO YOU
Book 4: LOOKING FOR YOU
Book 5: DREAM OF YOU
Book 6: SWEET ON YOU

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Adult, Ebooks, Fiction

Paperback

First published December 16, 2012

About the author

With over 6 million books sold (and counting), Kathia’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world. They’ve received starred reviews from Booklist, have consistently earned Editor’s Picks for Best Romance, and have been featured by O, The Oprah Magazine and Entertainment Weekly.

Kate (aka Kathia) has written over 50 romcom and paranormal books so far, as well as a couple romantasy screenplays and various poems (her ode to the color orange is particularly moving). Full of hope and bonds of found family and friendship, her stories feature sassy, independent women who just want love and earthy men full of heart who are more than able to rise to the occasion.

Reviews

[Maja (The Nocturnal Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Sweet on You is the perfect read for slow, rainy weekends when you just want to have a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a relaxing story. It’s the sixth book in Kate Perry’s Laurel Heights series, but it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the previous books, and while I didn’t know the back story of some secondary characters, it didn’t bother me in the least.

This very short book contains not one, but two love stories, each of them adorable in its own way. On the one side, there are Daniela and Nico – a famous pastry chef and a real estate mogul, both bidding for the same property, each with very different things in mind. On the other are Marley and Brian – Daniela’s assistant with a passion for superheroes and photography and the charming, funny guy she simply refuses to date.

The points of view aren’t cleanly cut, chapter to chapter. Instead, they switch seamlessly between Daniela, Nico and Marley, sometimes mid chapter, sometimes at the beginning of one. I suppose that might sound a bit messy, but it worked in this case. It made the connection between the characters more obvious, tangible even, and it made me like them that much more.

Now, to quote Mary Murphy, Nico Cruz is one hot tamale. He is your typical romance hero – obscenely rich, gorgeous and with a dark past – but that doesn’t make him any less appealing. If anything, Perry took the mold that’s been used so many times and managed to breathe into it some creativity and charm. So yes, while Nico is exactly like a trillion other heroes out there, something about him, something I can’t quite put my finger on, still made him stand out.

Like in all feel-good romances, the dark and brooding hero was just waiting for the right woman to turn him into a caring, thoughtful man. But all that means is that this story is practically angst-free, and that’s my favorite kind, thank you very much.

Just as soon as I find the time, probably on the very first rainy weekend that comes along, I will buy and read the previous five books of this series. Judging by this one, each can be read as a standalone, which suits me well.

[Joy (joyous reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so pleasantly sweet – not saccharine sweet but just enough to induce a goofy smile on my face for pretty much the entire time I spent reading it. It was just the kind of book that distracted me from some of the stuff that’s going on in my life right now. God's honest truth? It probably saved me from committing a felony - no word of a lie. Life doesn't really suck right now per se, but I've always hated changes and we're about to go through one. Anyway, enough about me. I love it when I find a book like that; the type that can whisk me away from the worries of life if only for a couple of hours. I think that's why this book rated so high. It did its job; it entertained me and made me happy.

From the uphill streets of San Francisco, Sweet on You is the sixth book to Kate Perry’s Laurel Heights series; small town vibe with stories of sweet romance and big hearts. This isn’t my first Kate Perry book but from what I’ve read so far, girl’s got a knack for writing romance novels with unique flare – unprecedented, considering her area of expertise is overpopulated by writers vying to write the next big thing in romance. It’s a genre that’s literally saturated, in my opinion. But man, she manages to make her characters and story lines stand out, padded with sub-stories that’s sure to make your heart melt.

This book for instance, features two stories: Daniella and Nico, Marley and Brian – equally heartfelt, funny, sweet with a hint of sour and would make you forget that you were only supposed to read the book on your lunch break. Ms. Thang ended up spending half the day reading this thing.

I love how distinct each of the characters’ voices were. The book switches POVs but it will not confuse you in any way. Nico may be your typical filthy rich, dark handsome hero but I love his background story. Daniella is a spunky, assertive heroine who doesn’t play any games. Girl’s got chutzpah and goes for what she wants full bore. She didn’t play the insecurity game.

Marley and Brian’s story is cute and sweet. Marley’s trepidation to give Brian a chance roots from the fact that she’s been in love with Daniella’s brother forever. So Brian bided his time by playing the friend card. Yes, we've heard this all before but it's lovely and - I know, I sound like a broken record but - ridiculously sweet.

Take it from me: if you want to temporarily take a vacay from real life, Kate Perry has your ticket.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect title for this book. I forgot how sweet this series was. Sweet but not sappy.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet On You is a cute story that had me laughing and crying. I loved how Kate put this story together. Two people put together in a situation where they are willing to fight to the end to get what they want. Both people have legitimate reasons for wanting what they want and neither one backing down. What a show down and funny till the end.

Daniella Rossi's life is going great. She loves cooking pastries for the stars. That is until one day she hits a slump and sees a homeless girl hungry. She decides she would like to help the homeless and get her cooking spark back by opening up a soup kitchen. She has found the perfect abandoned building but she has competition for the building. Her competition is none other than Nico Cruz. Nico has his reasons for wanting the building and he plans on destroying it because his memories of that building are not good. Plus Nico always gets what he wants and he will stop at nothing to get rid of that dam building and it's bad memories.

What happens when you put two like minds together? Nico will not back down but will Daniella back down? Will Daniella give in or will she get her building and cook for the homeless? This is such a cute story I read it one sitting and wanted more. I needed more because the chemistry between these two was off the hook and at times they could see it and at other times they could not.

Give this story a go and you will be happy you did!

[Brandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. You can see my reviews at www.wavesoffiction.blogspot.com

What an adorable story! It's perfect for curling up under a blanket on a snowy day with some hot chocolate, which is exactly what I did when I started reading this book! And it was so good that I was sucked in immediately and unable to put it down.

Sassy and witty - Daniela Rossi is a famous pastry chef who's at a crossroads in her life. After the loss of her beloved grandmother the previous Christmas, and her over-bearing brother/business manager breathing down her neck, she feels lost and unsure of her future. She gets an idea to open up a soup kitchen/homeless shelter and puts in a bid on an old abandoned building that she's stumbled upon. But even though her intentions are good, her plans will be derailed by a controlling real estate mogul who's determined to get his hands on the same building.

Enter Nico Cruz.

If he were cake, he'd be Devil's Food - rich, dark. Forbidden. A guility pleasure you wanted to indulge in secretly.

Sexy as hell and used to getting everything he wants, while doing whatever it takes to make it happen. He's made it his life's ambition to be successful and overcome the shady past that still haunts him. But when Daniela enters his life, he starts seeing things differently.

These two have a connection that sizzles from their first meeting. It seemed so right that never once did I feel like it was rushed or unrealistic. They just clicked and I loved their banter back and forth.

"A woman would have to be stupid not to want to get into your pants. But I'm busy right now."

Daniela knew how to handle Nico and wasn't willing to back down. And he needed someone strong like her to push him and make him feel. They were a perfect match and I loved them together.

But what surprised me most about this book wasn't the story between Daniela and Nico, although it was sweet and satisfying in itself. It was the side story about her assistant Marley. Normally, I'd get really annoyed when another story is tossed into the book that throws me off from the main characters. And I'll be honest - in the beginning, when the book kept going to Marley's story, I had the inclination to skim because I was irritated and wanted to just get back to Daniela and Nico. Had I done that - I would have missed out on my favorite parts of the book!!!!!

Marley is a wallflower who lives to please others while never having the courage to be who she wants to be. She wears black so she won't be noticed, has a geeky obsession with super heroes, and harbors a major crush on her boss Daniela's brother. As a favor to a friend who's starting a matchmaking service, she agrees to be set up on a date.

This is where she meets the sexy, yet slightly geeky Brian. An accountant with a mutual love of super heroes, who rides a motorcyle. I know it sounds like a weird mix, but I absolutely adored Brian and his personality. He was determined to get Marley to come out of her shell and prove to her that she's wasting her time with fantasies about her boss' brother. They built a friendship that slowly started to become more and it was so sweet and swoon-worthy that I found myself reading faster just to get to THEIR parts of the book.

Marley - "Do you think there's one right person for everyone? Or do you think there are people who are good enough?"
Brian - "There's not one right person. I think we find someone who clicks and then have to work to make it right. When you stop working, it falls apart. Most people are lazy and just want it to be perfect, but a relationship takes effort." (AMEN - I loved this!)

My only major issue was at the end of the book, when Brian and Marley find their way together again, we don't get the pleasure of reading about their first time and I was really hoping for that. I felt somewhat cheated after investing so much emotion in their story.

The book wasn't without a little angst to make you keep reading to see if both of these ladies would get their happy ever after. A very sweet and romantic book, with a dash of spice and pinch of humor!

[Lisseth (Read-a-holicZ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Originally on Read-A-holicZ, HERE!**

Sweet On You is everything and more than what I expected. It was romantic, sweet, heartbreaking, and completely hooked me from page one ! I devoured this book in one sitting and could not stop reading, i don't even think I ate, I was that engrossed in it! It had the perfect ingredients for a PERFECT contemporary adult romance! :D

This was the first book I've read by Kate Perry and honestly it didn't matter that it was #6 in the series because you can read it as a stand alone. It had two love stories in one and done in various point of views, which i always love in a book. One part of the book focused on Daniela & Nico and there struggle with acquiring the same building for different reasons. The second is about Daniela's assistant Marley and her overcoming her insecurities and falling in love with Brian, a hot nerdy accountant.

Both were stories that caught my attention, made me laugh, smile, and cry. I have no idea how Kate managed to blend them into the book so it worked out but I could NOT get enough of either story! Especially since Marley had batman, justice league, comics, and a batcave...seriously HOW IT WORKED OUT WAS SWEET! :)

Daniela & Nico's story was fast & explosive, I LOVED there relationship. They were both witty and flirty but had some unresolved issues that only each other could fix. I always had a smile when they talked and interacted. Marley on the other hand was HILARIOUS, subtle, and witty in her way with Brian, whom i WISHED was real ;)

Ah, but not ALL is sweet, there comes a time in the book where problems arise and this book had dual heartache. AH! I cried at the betrayal and the heartbreak. I was just as broken as Daniela & Marley. But oh how it worked out! Sweet does not even begin to describe how i felt once everything was forgiven. I LOVED the ending and wanted even MORE!

Overall, this was a sweet romance filled with attraction, love, heartbreak, and healing. I LOVED the story and the characters. I am SO going to read her other books in the series & I DEFINITELY know they will be just as awesome! 5/5 CRAZY STARS!

[Sana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I last picked up an adult contemporary romance so when I came across Sweet On You, it sounded just what I needed to get back into the genre. And it was. Sweet On You begins with Danielle who is all but had it with her choice of career. She might have been the best at being a pastry chef but lately, it's been all work. She's had enough of people treating her more like a pastry chef and less like a person.

Call it a pre-midlife crisis or call it a change of heart, Danielle knows she won't be ever going back to her former glamorous life once she spots a kid giving her sister a teddy bear from the trash bin. She's never known life on the other side of the tracks but she does know she needs to feed the homeless kids. And maybe buy the building they're living in so that she could turn it in a soup kitchen. It sounds perfect. However, that's where Nico comes in, he's had his sights set on the building just so he could buy and have it demolished in order to fulfill the promise he made to his brother. Thus, starts a battle between Danielle and Nico.

Despite what started as a surprising first chance meeting, the instant attraction and the heavy flirtation kind of felt off. Still, it was easier to see how Danielle and Nico fit together and hot to read about. I could see where both of them were coming from and it was easy to predict how it would all end, but it was fun reading about it. Sweet On You is definitely all it promised to be, sugary, spicy and naughty.

Even though I wasn't expecting Danielle's assistant Marley to have a story of her own, it was nice reading it. It definitely gave a much clearer insight inside the world of Danielle. What I really liked about Sweet On You is how much Danielle and Marley grow in just over a hundred pages. The pace is fast and the chapters are arranged in multiple perspectives of Nico, Danielle and Marley. It's refreshing to read them because you get the know-how of what's everyone thinking and doing but it also leaves space for the reader to be left guessing a little.

Sweet On You is the sixth book in the Laurel Heights series but it can be read as a stand alone. I would totally recommend it as a light read which can be finished in a single sitting. A guilty pleasure read, if you must. I would definitely be reading more from Kate Perry and I think I can guess who the next book in the series will be about.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pastry Chef Daniela Rossi is feeling empty inside. After her last birthday her passion for baking has fizzled until she happens upon a homeless child and is inspired to try and pay it forward. Wanting to buy a building she feels would be perfect renovated into a soup kitchen. Everything seems to be going as planned, until the building she wants has another offer.

Nico Cruz has his own personal reasons he wants the building. He knows Daniela Rossi's reputation for being a live wire, but nothing is going to stop him from acquiring the building. Meeting Daniela in person though is an experience he will never forget, she is passionate, seductive and has him anxious for their next meeting. It is a battle of the wills for the building, but all is fair in love and war.

Humorous story, the chemistry between Daniela and Nico is off the charts hot. I loved Daniela and her hot tempered Italian blood, she had me laughing out loud on her reactions to things she didn't like. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book out of the series so far! Simply put, I just loved everything that was going on... :)

[Ewa ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

...and we have another winner!! ♥♥♥

I don't know how she is doing it, but in every next book she is better than before.

[Esther David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this nasty habit of starting all series books in their exact order. Most of the times the first book gives me an idea of the rest of the series and then I decide whether or not to complete the rest. Usually I don't read another book in the series if I hate the first one. This book? Well for probably the first time I'm wrong. I picked on the book as a take - a - break book between reading a very hard core history book. Amidst the gunshots I decided I deserved a break and what a surprise the book turned out to be. Its just that, a book you read to refresh and maybe sob a little. The story is about a chef who has lost inspiration and a real estate owner who wants retribution. So here I was thinking not again blood, I found that the story is a smooth read. It hurts you a little but I suppose the reader can survive. There were certain scenes that tickled me really well and some that touched my feminine heart deeply. There is another love story between the actual love story which was equally sweet. Overall I'm glad I just went with my instinct and read it.

P.s I'm adding a portion that told me it was a good choice to read. And I'm gonna share just so that I can tempt you to read it.


Those eyes narrowed, and she marched toward him, putting her hands on her hips when she stopped right in front of him. "Don't even think about it," she said, her voice low with warning.

He couldn't help it—he smiled. "I'm already thinking of it."

The man in front of her looked like a thug in sheep's clothing.

He had all the ingredients for danger: powerful build, dark hair, expensive clothing. The barest hint of sweetness, with his curious gaze. And a dash of spice: the sort of five o'clock shadow that'd rasp the skin of your inner thighs.

He was a recipe for ecstasy.

If he were cake, he'd be Devil's Food—rich and dark. Forbidden. A guilty pleasure you wanted to indulge in secretly.

Daniela licked her lips. Delicious, really.

And insane. Here she was: in a dark, condemned building, at dusk, and she was getting it on with him in her head. Tony would have ripped her a new one over her lack of sense.

But she couldn't help it. Something inside her went gooey looking at the stranger.

She shook her head. "I have a death wish."

He tipped his head, watching her carefully. "Why do you say that?"

"You're obviously a threat, but I'm mentally undressing you." She looked him over thoroughly. "Silk."

He blinked once, as though she'd taken him off guard. "Excuse me?" he said in rough voice that was street with a thin veneer of Park Avenue.

"Boxers. You've got rough edges, but I bet you like silk underneath."

He smiled like a wolf. "Want to find out?"

"A woman would have to be stupid not to want to get into your pants." She sighed regretfully. "But I'm busy right now."

"Busy doing what?"

"None of your business," she said tartly, pushing past him and climbing out the window.

She'd expected him to follow her, but he just leaned in the window and watched her.

She lifted a box of small quiches. She'd gone overboard with the food, making way too much for just three people, especially since she doubted they had a way to store any of it. But maybe they'd share it, and she'd wrapped the bread so it'd keep regardless.

Her arms complained as she carried the smaller box back to the window. She glared at the mystery man. "You could help."

"I could, if I knew what I was helping to do." But he took the box from her anyway.

She studied him. "You won't call the police?"

"Why would I?" He sniffed the quiches. "Have you baked pot into these?"

"Of course not. I'm leaving food for the homeless."

He was silent for a long moment, staring at her. His gaze was probing and direct, but it didn't bother her—Tony looked at people the same way. Besides, she had nothing to be ashamed of.

Finally he said, "You're here in the dark, leaving food for homeless people?"

"It's not completely dark, and don't say it like I'm a fool."

"You are a fool, to risk your safety. This is a dangerous neighborhood."

"Please." Pushing her hair over her shoulder, she made a dismissive noise. "I grew up in New York."

He looked like he wanted to argue, but he just said, "Hand me the rest of what's in your box."

She did, quickly, before he changed his mind. When he had it piled in his arms, she told him to go down the hall and leave it where she'd already set the loaves of bread.

He was back quickly, crawling through the window with a grace and ease she wouldn't have expected from a man his size. He brushed off his hands on his expensive jeans and then gestured toward the street. "Let's go."

She sighed, disappointed that he didn't take her hand. "Are you leading me to your lair?" she asked hopefully.

"I'm taking you to a cab." He glanced at her. "You have no sense. You should be scared of me."

"I can't help it. You're all bark. I think you're a marshmallow inside."

He scowled as if the description were distasteful. "No one's ever called me a marshmallow."

"Then no one's ever really looked at you." If they did, they'd notice the sadness under the intelligence and steadiness of his eyes.

Who cooked for him? For some reason, she doubted he'd had a grandmother who taught him about life as she fed him.

It made her sad, too.

She cleared her throat. "What do you like to eat?"

"What?"

"Your favorite food? I bet it's something warm and mushy, like you are on the inside."

He glared at her.

"See?" She grinned. "I was right, wasn't I?"

"You're playing with fire, baby," he said in what was probably his best gangster's voice.

Daniela rolled her eyes. "Please don't say I'm going to get burned. Besides, I know how to handle heat. I'm a chef."

He said nothing, silently contemplating her.

"This is where you say who you are and what you do," she prompted as they walked around the corner, away from the building and onto Mission Street.

"You didn't tell me who you are."

"Daniela." She held her hand out.

He took it and pulled her closer.

Her breath caught as she steadied herself against his chest. Her senses overloaded, with the hot feel of her hand engulfed in his and the hardness of his pecs under her palm. She knew she probably looked like she was caught in headlights.

She had no idea what to do.

It wasn't like she didn't get hit on. A few of her customers, and sometimes their guests, tried to corner her. But she'd never wanted to be cornered quite as badly as she did now.

She'd never felt as wild.

She hadn't felt so much like herself in—

Well, definitely since her birthday, but possibly since her grandmother had died a year ago. Feeling that old cockiness went to her head.

It was such a rush that it made her feel reckless. She closed the distance between them. "Tell me now if you're a serial killer or something, because I'm about to be very foolish, and I want to be warned if I'm making a big mistake."

"I'm in real estate," he said in his dark voice.

Ah—he was here to scope out the building then. Or else he was the one selling it. Either way, now she could do this without worry.

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.

It was slow and deliberate, deep and hot. She suddenly knew what melting icing on hot cinnamon rolls felt like.

"Yum." She sighed and nuzzled his scratchy cheek with her nose. "I knew buying this building was a good thing, but I had no idea it'd be this good."

"You aren't buying that building."

"Yes, I am."

He lifted her face. "What the hell would you want that dump for?"

"To turn it into a soup kitchen."

He gazed at her like she was insane. Then he shook his head, took her hand, and flagged a taxi.

"Despite appearances, I'm not really that kind of girl," she said, following him to the curb. "I'm not going home with you, but I wouldn't mind kissing again."

He muttered something that sounded like Spanish under his breath. "I'm putting you in a cab before you cause more trouble."

"You liked my brand of trouble a moment ago," she said, disappointed when a taxi veered and stopped directly in front of them, like it knew better than to defy him.

He opened the door, but before he stuck her inside, he searched her face one more time. Then he shook his head and practically pushed her in.

She told the cab driver to wait a second as she lowered the window. "You should have kissed me again like you wanted to," she said to the stranger.

"Maybe."

He looked so alone, standing there with his hands shoved in his pockets. Her heart wept for him. She wished she could take him home and make him pasta. A la arrabiata, hot and spicy, the way she liked it. She had a feeling he liked it the same way.

"Aren't you going to tell me your name?" she asked.

"What difference would it make?"

"Because I'm going to daydream about your silk boxers, and you wouldn't want me to call you Nigel in my fantasies, would you?"

He grinned despite himself. "Nico."

"Nico." She liked it. Simple. To the point. Strong.

He leaned his forearms on the window, a breath away from her lips.

Would he kiss her? Goose bumps rose all over her body in anticipation.

But he just whispered, "No boxers, baby. I go commando."

He patted the roof of the car, nodding at the driver, who took off.

Daniela sat back and fanned herself. "Nico," she repeated, wondering when she'd see him again. She knew one thing for certain: he'd find her. And she was loo king forward to it

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I, for the most part, love this series - I have been disappointed a couple of times but this was not one of those occasions. This was a really sweet read with the two couple finding their HEA. This was one of the best in the series in my opinion.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still just 3 stars

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved!

[Autumn Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet On You was exactly as the title implies. It was a really sweet story with a little bit of spice thrown in. I have a few of the books from this series that I snagged on Amazon for free, but hadn't had a chance to read them yet. So, I was excited when the tour came up for this one. Now, you don't need to read the other books in the series in order to read this one. Sweet On You is the sixth book and I had no trouble at all. In fact, it read like a stand alone. However, I am even more excited about checking out the other books that I already own.

On to the characters. Daniela Rossi is a famous chef looking to make some changes in her life. She's relocated to San Francisco looking for something new. She stumbles across an interesting building after following a homeless kid. She immediately comes up with a philanthropic idea to turn the building into a soup kitchen and a place for the homeless to recover and learn new skills. She hits a snag when real estate mogul Nico Cruz also goes after this particular building. These two have chemistry that's off the charts. Daniela and Nico are both head strong and determined. They're both used to getting what they want. Neither one expected to fall in love while fighting over a building.

There's no denying that Nico had sex appeal. And I admired Daniela's ambition. However, the characters I really connected with were Marley and Brian. Marley is Daniela's assistant. Now, she's been in love with Daniela's brother, Tony, for a long time. He doesn't return her affections though, so when she meets Brian, while reluctant at first, sees that she really does deserve to find happiness too. I loved them.

Overall, I really liked this book. It was fun, flirty, and definitely had some sexy scenes. They weren't over the top or too graphic, but definitely Adult. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I enjoyed Kate Perry's writing style. If you're looking for a great contemporary, check this one out.

Quotes:
~"I'm not sweet."
"No, Marley, you really aren't. You're more like dark chocolate, bittersweet and murky." He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. "But I love chocolate."-Loc 544

~"Maybe it's time to step out of the shadows, Marley." Brian Benedict stood, settling his gasses higher on his nose. "Maybe it's your time to shine."-Loc 551

[McGee Magoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won Sweet On You through Goodreads and was a little wary of starting this book, the sixth in a series, without having read the previous novels. But aside from secondary characters with interesting back stories, you wouldn't know you were missing any pieces. This did well as a standalone, so I was very happy.

The primary story in this is of Nico Cruz a very wealthy man who has a background of poverty and tragedy. He has a personal interest in acquiring a building that is up for sale for the purpose of tearing it down. The only person standing in his way of buying the building is a famous and very in-demand pastry chef, Daniela Rossi. Daniela is unhappy with the current state of her professional and personal life and sees this building as a way to use her life and talents in a more constructive and satisfying way. Both of them are set on having this building and despite their attraction and budding feelings for each other, neither are willing to relent in the war for this property.

I felt like Nico and Daniela's relationship, were it not for this building, would be smooth sailing and have no hiccups, so it just seemed like I was waiting for Nico to just go ahead and give it up. I didn't really think of it as such a big hurdle or worthy of angst or worry about these two. I didn't feel so much invested in Nico and Daniela's relationship as I did in her plans for the building. I wanted her to win because her plans were better.

I finished the book feeling like Daniela's and Nico's story really wasn't overly romantic. I loved their story, loved their personalities, but the romance of this book really came, for me, from Marley (Daniela's assistant) and Brian (motorcycle-driving, converse-wearing all-around good guy, hottie). These secondary characters had a story line and relationship that had me feeling anxious and I even yelled at the book a few times. I would have loved to have had more of Marley and Brian in this book, or better yet, had them have a novel of their own.

All in all, this was a very quick and enjoyable read for me and it made me look forward to reading more of the Laurel Heights series.

[Tabby - Shattered Hearts Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review & more @Insightful Minds Reviews

I adore the Laurel Heights novels :) This one was no different. While this one wasn’t my favorite of the novels – it still came through for me :) This one felt more like it was out on it’s own, rather than part of the series – but it didn’t takeaway from the overall story.

I love me some Daniela. She is a very kindhearted person. I love that she wants to turn this old abandoned building into something beneficial for the less fortunate. Her plan, however, comes to a screeching halt when she learns she isn’t the only one bidding on the building. Who else is bidding, you might ask? Why, the amazingly sexy man she met outside that very building! The set back? These two are used to getting what they want, so you can pretty much see the ups and downs that are going to come from this!

Nico.. Dude, just his NAME is enough to make me have a gush fest. Then, to read a description of him – Sweet Goodness! The two of them together is something to read. I’m not even going to lie though; I thought some of the most interesting times between them happened when they were going against each other – rather than when they were “together.” I know it sounds all cliche and stuff, but I loved watching them “fall in love despite everything that was going on between them.” I KNEW it was going to happen, but it happened in a sweet way (:

I do want to touch on one of the secondary characters, Marley. She is Daniela’s assistant and I LOVE her! Seriously – I think I connected more with her than Daniela, which isn’t a bad thing – just kinda happened. I kind of watched as she dealt with loving someone who doesn’t return her affections, to possibly finding happiness of her own. It was Sweet :) Overall, this book was a cute – romantic read. Like I said before, I love this series and I cannot wait to read more of them! If you haven’t already, I suggest you def start reading them! Totally, totally worth it!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrity chef Daniella Rossi is depressed. Ever since her beloved grandmother passed away her love and desire to bake (skills taught to her by her grandmother) is at a stand still. To make matters worse, her best friend, her brother Tony, is treating her like a business instead of his sister. One day as Daniella is wandering the streets, trying to clear her head she encounters an old abandoned building with a family squatting in it. She gets an idea to make the building into a soup kitchen and instantly her attitude changes. She has something to live for, work towards.

Unfortunately, the building is desired by someone else: Nico Cruz, a real estate magnate. He has horrible memories of that building and wants nothing more than to knock it to the ground. When he and Daniella meet by chance they become competitors for the building…and also discover an instant attraction. Daniella is happy to share her ideas for the building but Nico keeps his reasons for wanting it secret, a secret that eventually threatens to tear them apart.

I enjoyed this light hearted romance. The characters of Daniella and Nico were passionate and fun to read. I was annoyed with Nico for not being completely honest with Daniella but if he had, you wouldn’t really get any conflict :) There are also a few sideline stories in this novel. One involves Daniella’s assistant and her own journey to find real love. The other involves Daniella’s brother Tony and his realization that business isn’t everything. Family should always come first, specifically happiness in the family.

Overall, a great story that satisfies. I’ll definitely read more novels by Kate Perry.

4 out of 5 stars

I was provided a copy of this novel for an honest review

[a · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I've never read any books by Kate Perry and especially haven't read the previous five books to this book but after reading Sweet on You, I'll have to get them asap!

I wasn't really sold on Danielle at first. Honestly, I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the things she said. She just came off as this whiny, rich girl who has everything and yet she's still unhappy and bitchy. I know she's written off as being feisty which she is, but I just had a hard time connecting with her. But as I kept reading and getting to know her my opinion did change. She really isn't as bad as I originally thought she was. I still think she's whiny and unappreciative at times but not nearly as much as she was in the beginning.

Nico has a dark past. And even though he tries to act like he's moved past it, he really hasn't. I liked Nico. He seems so real to me. And he's the complete opposite of Danielle. I loved that he came from nothing and worked really hard to get where he is and doesn't take anything for granted. Sometimes it's easier to appreciate what you have when you once had nothing. I think Nico helped Danielle see that.

I loved the supporting characters, especially Marley. She really kept my interest. At times I found her story line more interesting then Danielle's. She's creative, sweet, fun and I loved her attitude about things.

Overall, I liked this book. I'd recommend this if you have a free evening and looking for something to keep you busy for a few hours.

*Received copy for blog tour.
**This review also appears on my blog World of Books

[Diayll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally Reviewed At:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 5 out of 5 Sweet Controllers
Review Source: Blog Tour
Reviewer: Heather



Sweet is exactly how you’ll feel after reading this duel romance, Sweet on You. It is essentially two love stories in one that keeps your toes curling page after page. The pace is also very quick, so it’s a great weekend read.

Because it is shorter than usual, I’ll allow the synopsis to do most of the talking. I’ll jump right into my likes/dislikes of the story as a whole, but in all, I really enjoyed this contemporary romance as is, and I look forward to picking up more of the author’s works. If they are written like this one, I know I will love them too.

Likes:

-Two story lines meant double the romance.
-Descriptive without being erotic.
-Loved the food analogies and felt it really pulled the story along.
-Fell in love with the soup kitchen struggle.

Dislikes:

-I felt horrible for Tony (Antonio) in the end because he instantly became a third, erm… fifth wheel. Granted he deserved it after his behavior toward his sister, and to an extent the woman who he ignored but had drooled over him for years. However, with that said, maybe he’ll get his own book in the future.
-Finally, I wanted more, so I purposely put the book down because I knew the story would end, and i didn’t want it to….Ok so this isn’t really a bad thing, but I wanted to keep reading!

Overall, Sweet On You is a real scrumptious treat that I highly recommend! It’s cute, charming, and a food loving good time.

[Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for The Boyfriend Bookmark
Click here for review


I adored this book. I would never leave it at that though...
First of all, I love to bake and I love the Food Network, so I found a natural connection to pastry chef Daniela Rossi. Well, I felt a connection until she randomly kisses a stranger in front of an old scary building. Who does that? Well, I might, if the guy was as hot as Nico Cruz appeared to be.
Daniela and Nico have a common goal, an old building. Daniela wants to buy it and turn it into a soup kitchen after seeing a sweet little homeless child. Nico, wants to destroy the building as well as his bad memories of the building. This bidding war gets hot and steamy when Nico and Daniela find a major attraction...to each other.
But if you think that's the only thing going on in this book. Hold up a minute... there is a second love story in this book that proves to be a little love triangle. Marley has been in love with Daniela's brother, Tony, for years but, then she meets Brian. Brian and Marley are perfect for eachother, but what happens when Tony shows up in town?
It just adds another little spice to the sweet story.
I thought this book was sweet and flirty and full of love. And all three guys in this book... whew! Who knew a sweet romantic novel could have such amazing sex appeal...
Kate Perry did an amazing job with this book and I am so glad I had the chance to read it!

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet and romantic story that was more than just romance. The family dynamics were every bit as compelling as the romance, if not more so. I like that the community is so supportive and friendly and makes me want to read more from this series. You could tell from certain characters that there 19ve been previous stories, but they don 19t tie together in such a way as to make you feel like you 19ve missed something important. It 19s more like a tease to make you want to check out the previous books if you haven 19t already read them.

I do have to say that while I liked Daniela and Nico and thought each of their intentions were noble and all, I actually liked the secondary romance and drama better than the primary one. Marley and Brian are adorable and I got so attached to them that it broke my heart when the core of their conflict came to a head.

My only complaint is that the primary romance felt a little superficial at first, which is probably why I liked Marley and Brian 19s story better than Daniela and Nico 19s. Ultimately though, the drama was heartbreaking and held me riveted, and the ending was sweet and cute and left me intrigued about the next book.

Don 19t miss out on this sweet romance that will tug at your heart strings and make you very sentimental. There are times Sweet on You might even have you tearing up. Worth a read.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet and romantic story that was more than just romance. The family dynamics were every bit as compelling as the romance, if not more so. I like that the community is so supportive and friendly and makes me want to read more from this series. You could tell from certain characters that there’ve been previous stories, but they don’t tie together in such a way as to make you feel like you’ve missed something important. It’s more like a tease to make you want to check out the previous books if you haven’t already read them.

I do have to say that while I liked Daniela and Nico and thought each of their intentions were noble and all, I actually liked the secondary romance and drama better than the primary one. Marley and Brian are adorable and I got so attached to them that it broke my heart when the core of their conflict came to a head.

My only complaint is that the primary romance felt a little superficial at first, which is probably why I liked Marley and Brian’s story better than Daniela and Nico’s. Ultimately though, the drama was heartbreaking and held me riveted, and the ending was sweet and cute and left me intrigued about the next book.

Don’t miss out on this sweet romance that will tug at your heart strings and make you very sentimental. There are times Sweet on You might even have you tearing up. Worth a read.

[Angieleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review copy in exchange for my participation in the book tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have really got to do better research when I choose books to read and review for book tours. Sweet on You is the sixth book in the Laurel Heights series and I really want to read the rest of them now!

One of my favorite things about this book is how Nico and Daniela didn't beat around the bush. Marley and Brian did, but their story is so very different from Daniela and Nico.

I love when authors add in touches from every day life; like the mention of the Food Network and Giada de Laurentiis. I am also a huge fan of dual storylines; in this case there was Daniela and Nico, Marley and Brian.

I have to confess, when I first saw Nico's name I immediately pictured the actor {Scott Cohen} who plays Nico on USA's Necessary Roughness. I loved the chemistry between Nico and Daniela; they didn't beat around the bush. Honestly, other than how obtuse Daniela's brother is, I enjoyed all of the characters in this book.

If you have a free weekend with no one to bother you, curl up with this series; you won't regret it.

[Sharreb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniella & Nico really sizzles. Their chemistry is awesome. Both struggled in their life on different things but they seem to be two different puzzles that fit perfectly.

Daniella is another wonderfully different character. In fact she has CHARACTER. She knows what she wants, she speaks her mine, she can be forward, uninhibited with Nico, and even brazen. Did i mention Nico's name is cute. I love her soup kitchen idea and to do baking for a good cause, not just money and fame.

I love Marley and Brian's story too. Marley is the type of woman who would throw away anything for the man of her dreams. And she did that for Tony. Working for him. Except he's the man of her dreams in a make belief way, something she carved out in her head. He ticks all the attibutes she wanted in a dream man, someone broodinngly handsome Batman-esque. Then came Brian who likes her quirks, who finds everything she says interesting who shares in her love for comics and Justice league. Who looks like the dorky Peter Oarker, Clark Kent. Wonderful right?

So both couples are wonderful reads and before i knew it, i came to the last page of the book. 5 stars for great characters and great chemistry!

[Sania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet On you is Daniella and Nico's love story. Their chemistry was electrifying and interactions were cute. The author's plot line was interesting, both Daniella and Nico challenging and fighting each other for an old, dilapidated building. I loved Daniella. She is really a very sweet girl, so caring but equally feisty! A perfect match for dangerous (in a very good way, wink!) Nico. What to say about Nico, i felt for him, for his brother and why he wanted to destroy the old building! I could understand his reasons for everything he was doing! But, it was wonderful to read how he fall hard for Daniella. And the best part is , not any big emotional conflicts, just small glitches and that is the same scenario in all of Ms. Perry's books and thatsy i like her books. What could i say, i love to read light romances without worrying much about the conflicts between the characters. Hmmm...i forgot to mentioned the secondary romance plot between Marley and Brian. I loved how Brian was with Marley, he was so caring n sweet! But Marley, she was an ok character, but a very slow learner! Anywas, everything ended well, and i got my happily ever after for both couples.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best developed of the series so far.

Daniela Rossi (who we met in Close to You) is a celebrity baker moves to LH to start a west coast branch of her bakery. She's still mourning the loss of her beloved grandmother and a deteriorating relationship with her brother. She stumbles upon an abandoned bldg/motel for sale and has an idea to turn it into a soup kitchen and workforce training center. Nico Cruz is a real estate mogul who also wants the bldg but he also wants her. Essentially this is about how far he will go to get what he wants.

The secondary story line is great -- Marley is Daniela's assistant who thinks she's in love with Tony, D's bro. Marley meets Valentine a matchmaker (and star of the next book in the series) who matches her with Brian. She develops feelings for Brian (who I LOVED, btw) and gets confused because of Tony. I did not necessarily love a scene that takes place between M, B and T... it felt like something was missing in that scene.

The ladies from the other books are in this one. Olivia is very pregnant and Sophie from Olivia's story shows up at the end of this one.

Still so much fun to read!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fluffy story. Heroine is a baker who is a celebrity, suffering from malaise since her grandmother's death. Right now, she's mad at her brother who is treating her more like he's her business manager than her brother. She stomps out for a long walk and comes across a boy scavenging food from trash bins. She follows him to the building where he and his mom and sister are squatting, and realizes it would make a perfect soup kitchen. But the hero wants to buy it too, to tear it down, because his brother was murdered there, and he's richer than the heroine. They meet at the building when he helps her take food into the building to leave for the homeless family squatting there, and are immediately drawn to each other. I didn't get the immediate attraction to such an extent. That's probably why Perry had the subplot romance move more slowly. I'm not sure I like the double romances in these books, because it feels like Perry doesn't give either one the complete attention it deserves. Still, it's an entertaining read. I liked it.

[Barbara Jent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never written a review before. So I'm not exactly sure what to write...
I read this book after receiving it from winning a giveaway. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. I liked the story and how both women had a happy ending. How they both ended up getting everything they wanted and were working toward following their dreams instead of doing what others wanted and/or expected. It was a great story involving love, friends, family, and a woman who wanted to make a differance and help others.
This was the third book of the series that I have been able to read and I cna't wait to read the other books.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniela and Nico both want to buy the same building, but with very different outcomes. She dreams of running a homeless shelter/kitchen out of it, but if Nico has anything to do with it.....it will no longer exist. Who is more powerful and can get the bid? Can they explore the strong attraction they have for each other, despite knowing that they are working against each other? These two have a lot of sparks flying between them, and I really enjoyed their character development. They each have a compelling back story that leads to their current situation. These were two people that I wondered if they could make it work, despite the fact that they were perfect for each other.