This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.







Published by Carina Press
Released on October 19, 2020
Pages: 263
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
Rivals, family, food, and Filipino holiday traditions all blended deliciously well in this sparkling contemporary romance. Cover cuteness and curiosity about another culture’s holiday celebrations had me reaching for this bit of mischief that turned out to be my favorite holiday read of the season.
Review
Sari owns a cafe and world is well-ordered, but when the baker moves in next door, she doesn’t plan on losing the competition that springs up between them. Gabriel has bigger goals than a successful bakery, but the chance to prove to his father that he can be a man and a baker of delicious treats. If only the fiery and cute barista didn’t tempt him to flirt along with his ploys to one up her.
Sweet on You delivers on the sweet romance. There is a rivalry at the beginning and it sizzles with attraction that the romance pair are the last to figure out as they pull not-to-serious pranks on each other that they are obviously trying to get the other’s attention. They quickly tumble into love so this was an easy-going, adorable story with moderate conflict as Sari must get past her issues with change and Gabriel has something to prove and they learn that they are good together as a couple and furthering their chosen careers.
I have enjoyed Filipino food in the past, but I was seriously drooling and especially over Gabriel’s baked goods and the meals mentioned. I had close Filipino American friends and Filipino neighbors, but as a kid I didn’t pay attention much so getting the cultural background felt all new and exciting to me in Sweet on You. It was fun to get the scenes with friends and family. I would love stories about them all as their characters were just as engaging as Sari and Gabriel.
This was uncomplicated and fun through and through. It read so fast for me and I was feeling a good sort of holiday hangover. This is standalone and I can recommend it to those who want a cute and easy holiday romance possibly from a culture not your own.
I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #188
Books N Tunes #46 Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit Medley
HoHoHoRAT #5
About the Book
SWEET ON YOU BY CARLA DE GUZMAN
“A holiday escape as fluffy and sinful as a Christmas pastry.”—Entertainment Weekly
All’s fair in love and prank wars
For barista and café owner Sari Tomas, Christmas means parols, family, and no-holds-barred karaoke contests. This year, though, a new neighbor is throwing a wrench in all her best-laid plans. The baker next door—“some fancy boy from Manila”—might have cute buns, but when he tries to poach her customers with cheap coffee and cheaper tactics, the competition is officially on.
And Baker Boy better be ready, because Sari never loses.
Foodie extraordinaire Gabriel Capras want to prove to his dad that his career choice doesn’t make him any less a man. The Laneways might not be Manila, but the close-knit community is the perfect spot to grow his bakery into a thriving business. He wasn’t expecting a gorgeous adversary in the barista next door, but flirting with her makes his heart race, and it’s not just the caffeine.
It’s winner takes all this Christmas. And more than one competitor might just lose their heart for the holidays.
Preview
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This one sounds fun. I’ve been in a cooking mood too. Fantastic review!
Yes! You would have a good time with this one for a holiday read.
I love good food in a book. Makes me hungry, though, lol! Glad to hear this was a holiday hit! 🙂
Yeah, this one had my drooling. 🙂
This sounds like a fun read! I do like a sweet romance with a bit of rivalry from time to time. Great review!
These two cracked me up. I thought their one-upping was cute the way they flirted at the same time.
That cover is adorable!
Total cover love for me, too.