Publishers Weekly
03/20/2017
Adair fails to convince with her second Destiny Bay contemporary (after Last Kiss of Summer), set in tiny Destiny Bay, Wash., which can’t decide whether its central couple are friends becoming lovers or have always been meant for each other. Ali Marshal, an artist working with salvaged metal, is on the cusp of her big break, with a piece featured in Architectural Digest, when her social-climbing, limelight-stealing sister Bridget comes back home and announces her engagement to a wealthy Seattle developer. Ali sets out to comfort Bridget’s ex-husband, former pro hockey player Bradley Hawk, and they impulsively start a fake romance. But both Ali and Hawk, whose career-ending injury also ended his marriage, quickly start to feel like the romance might be real. Readers will struggle to believe in the speed with which Ali’s family, including Bridget, and the gossipy townspeople come to accept and cheer on the ex-sibling-in-law couple. Adair is better at capturing the competing demands on Ali (of career, childhood divorce issues, and caring for her diabetic father) than she is at making Ali and Bradley’s confession of long-held crushes match their earlier behavior. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (May)
From the Publisher
"4 stars! Adair's second book in the Destiny Bay series is touching, and oh-so-tantalizing!"—RT Book Reviews on Feels Like the First Time
"A darling romance delivered in her charming downhome style...Adair skillfully blends spicy romance with humor and tenderness. The resolution is both satisfying and charming, with the characters earning their happiness together."
—Publishers Weekly on A Taste of Sugar (starred review)
"The third book in the sexy and fun Sugar, Georgia series keeps the romance nice and sweet. The small-town quirkiness is as amusing as ever. This take on the familiar tale of the town bad boy and the good girl who love each other against their better judgment will make romance fans swoon."
—RT Book Reviews on A Taste of Sugar
"4 stars! Just as sexy and full of sassy humor as [Sugar's Twice as Sweet], Sugar on Top is a tasty treat. The characters are likable and fun, and the romance is hard fought for with a satisfying conclusion."—RT Book Reviews on Sugar on Top
"Marina Adair writes with heart and sizzling heat. Sugar's Twice as Sweet will charm you!"
—Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
"A can't-miss read with small town sweetness, endearing characters and a unique quirky flair."
—Carly Phillips, New York Times bestselling author on Sugar's Twice as Sweet
"In this delightful kickoff to the Sugar, Georgia contemporary series, Adair invokes small-town charm and all its perils...The sensual and satisfying conclusion feels solidly earned and leaves the door wide open for a strong continuing series."
—Publishers Weekly on Sugar's Twice as Sweet
"First in a new series, readers will find all the sweetness of small-town magic in Sugar, Georgia. As with all the best small towns, there are some quirky characters adding to the charm and romance, but it's the heart and heat that make this story a page-turner. Keep an eye on this series."
—RT Book Reviews on Sugar's Twice as Sweet
JUNE 2017 - AudioFile
Ali Marshal has always had a secret crush on her sister’s ex-husband, Bradley Hawk. Narrator Helen Wick captures Ali’s feelings as she attempts to hide them from Hawk. Life gets more complicated when Ali’s sister, Bridget, blows back into town to celebrate her new engagement. Ali tells a little lie, and she and Hawk end up in a fake romance. Wick does a good job distinguishing between the two sisters, giving Ali a light, pleasant tone and Bridget a more strident one. Characterizing the girls’ father in an affable voice, Wick ensures the listener’s sympathy for him and his attempts maintain peace between his daughters. Wick keeps the pacing moving, allowing the listener to be swept up in the romance. S.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
