I am all about some cutesy holiday romances so when Piper Collins reached out to me about reviewing her book, The Sugarplum Fairy, I said yes. This is an adult, contemporary romance and I typically go for historical romances so it was fun to change things up. This review will be spoiler free.
I like to give a heat level rating for all books with romance. If you’re curious about my rating system, you can check it out here.
Synopsis:
Alaska has it all. It’s charming, spacious, and a glorious three thousand miles away from my overbearing family. Acclimating to the unyielding, harsh winters is supposed to be my biggest hurdle. Moving to a small town, settling in, and discovering myself anew are supposed to be my focus. Unfortunately for me, once I arrive, I have a new king-sized mattress to move by myself. Oh, did I mention that I purchased food but overlooked buying a single pot or pan? I also inadvertently make the wrong assumption regarding the adorable little bakery in town. How was I supposed to know the gorgeous, tall, blonde, well-muscled man whose shirt threatened to burst at the seams from his bulging biceps was actually THE Sugarplum Fairy, aka the town’s baker?
But when the former Army, Viking-God is everywhere I turn—always with a kind and helpful offer—my resolve crumbles like a pie crust. Especially when Zac takes me on an unconventional date that ends with me pinned under his stormy gray eyes. And his lips slanted against my own. The desire and need between us is more decadent than anything Zac bakes. And a hell of a lot more delicious. I finally feel like I belong. Like I’ve found home. But as beautiful as that notion is, it doesn’t last. With the busiest time of the year quickly approaching, I can’t fathom the idea of not spending it with Zac. I might just need to concoct a Christmas miracle to show him how sweet things can be.
My Thoughts:
- Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Heat Level-
The Sugarplum Fairy is like a Hallmark movie with a whole lot of spice. This book did many things right. I love the big city girl falling in love with the small town guy trope. I love that Zac is a tough veteran but also loves to bake and runs his grandmother’s bakery. I also loved the romance and felt the spice was well written. There were a few things that I wasn’t crazy about, though.
Almost none of the humor worked for me. The elderly side characters were obviously supposed to be funny but I found them to be corny and I skimmed most of the scenes with them in it. Ava also fell a bit flat for me. She claimed multiple times to be self sufficient and yet she moved to Alaska in the middle of the winter and didn’t buy snow boots or most of the things she needed for her home. Most of her goofy mishaps were to make her the damsel in distress for Zac and I don’t typically enjoy characters written in that way.
I also think there was a missed opportunity to bring things full circle. In the beginning of the book, child Ava is trying to convince her (horrible) family to get her a dog. They don’t because they’re the worst. I think it would have been so sweet for Zac to get her a dog at the end of the book but he doesn’t and because he doesn’t, that beginning scene only serves to show how awful her family is. There is also no resolution with her family so the beginning feels pointless.
It may sound like I didn’t enjoy this book but I really did. I loved Zac and Ava’s relationship. I also thought the ending was really good and I wouldn’t mind reading another book about Zac and Ava’s life together.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for an adult holiday romance with a happy ending, you should pick this book up. I’d love to know if this sounds like one you’d enjoy or what you’re reading right now! Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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