Maple Sugar Crush by Beth Labonte
Author: Beth Labronte
Published: 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sweet Romance
Book Two: Autumnboro Sweet Romace series
Synopsis From Goodreads:
Powerball winner Josie Morgan has learned the hard way that dating, in her financial situation, will only lead to heartbreak. She’s been perfectly happy living the single life and running the Pumpkin Everything country store. Too bad her mother can’t seem to take the hint. Unwilling to face another lineup of suitors and gold-diggers at this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, Josie opts to stay behind in Autumnboro to host a free meal for anybody without a place to go.
When Josie’s family turns up in Autumnboro, faking a relationship with funeral planner Riley Parker seems like the only way to make it through the holiday. Like every other man on Earth, Riley’s only interested in her money. So what if she has a teeny, tiny crush? If he agrees to help her out, she’ll gladly write him a check.
But as Thanksgiving draws closer, turkey and stuffing aren’t the only things heating up, and maybe money isn’t the only thing on Riley’s mind. Josie’s already hit the lottery once, dare she hope for anything more?
Set against the scenic backdrop of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, Maple Sugar Crush is a small town, sweet romance, and the perfect way to ease into the Thanksgiving season!
My Take:
Maple Sugar Crush is a continuation of the first book in Beth Labronte’s Autumnboro Sweet Romance series set in the small town of Auntumnboro, New Hampshire. This time, the main character is the quirky Josie Morgan from the first book. We revisit all the original characters and are introduced to some over-the-top new ones. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, you need to go back and read it first. The first book will be ruined if you don’t!
I enjoyed this book from the start. It gripped me right away, making it difficult to put down. Josie was one of my favorite characters from the first book, and I was delighted to discover that this story is told from her point of view. We learn much more about her and what has made her who she is. I will say that the book was emotionally intense most of the way through. I was engulfed in Josie’s distress and wanted things to work out for her. I hurt with her, hoped with her, cheered her on. I wanted to reach into the book and hug her!
This book was funnier than the first despite all of Josie’s troubles. Josie’s problems snowball with every decision she makes. Some characters were so outrageous they didn’t seem real. No one could be that short-sighted, crass, or obnoxious, but it worked well for the story. It was a real treat, and I’m sorry that this is the final book in the series.
If you are looking for a clean, quirky, sweet romance that will put you in a fall mood, don’t miss this one…after you read the first, that is!
Book one in series: Pumpkin Everything
Language:
None
Sexual Content:
Fairly clean but innuendos are frequent. Couples “shack up” and go on trips together, one night stands contemplated, bodily reactions to someones presence mentioned, there are a few kissing scenes and butt smacks, a couple disappears and it is obvious they had sex.
Drug/Alcohol Use:
Occasional wine use is mentioned, but it doesn’t play heavily in the book.
Violence:
None
Plot/Storytelling:
This was a quick and comical contemporary romance. Very engaging and well-written. The characters are deliberately absurd, which makes this a delightful read. The main character is someone you really get to know and care about.