relzreviewz.com Sweet on You by Becky Wade

Synopsis:~

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who’s spent the past eighteen months traveling the world. He’s achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him–Britt’s heart.

When Zander’s uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle’s tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

My take:~

Like most people who have read the first two Bradford Sisters Romance novels by Becky Wade, I have been anticipating Britt and Zander’s story since meeting them in True to You. We know from True to You and Falling for You that Zander’s love for his childhood friend Britt is unrequited, with her clueless to his romantic devotion while being deeply committed to their longstanding friendship.

I approached this story with barely contained excitement and quiet dread. Pulling off an authentic and satisfying love story, that isn’t trite, saccharine, or predictable, is no small feat. I know this because I have read many that fall short, especially when it’s a slow burn romance with so much invested in beloved characters across a series. I should have known that in the very talented hands of Becky Wade, there was no need for concern – Sweet on You is a wonderful love story that honours the characters and gives the reader all the feels!

Zander is one heck of a hero, smart yet vulnerable, successful yet grounded, and fiercely determined to never undermine his unique friendship with the girl who showed him what family and belonging meant. Thankfully, Britt doesn’t have a lightbulb moment where she realises she’s always loved the boy she took under her wing. Her awareness of Zander as a man, rather than a buddy, comes slowly and genuinely, but I will say no more to allow you to savour the deliciousness of the story, the sweets, and the blossoming love. And while I’ve emphasised the romance, the mystery that is woven into the story, the appearances of John and Nora, Willow and Corbin, and the sisters’ martinet of a Grandmother, and the faith threads are penned with the same excellence and attention to detail.

It’s a rare thing that Becky has pulled off – when the stellar first novel is improved on by the second, and then the second by the third! The Bradford Sisters Romances are some of the very best contemporary romances I have read and will be ones I will reread many times over.

With thanks to the publisher for my review copy