Sandy M’s review of Sweet Talk (Bakery Sisters, Book 1) by Susan Mallery
Contemporary Romance Audiobook published by Harlequin Books 1 Jul 08
I’ve already listened to the second book in this series, and when it comes to the heroine of that book, Nicole, I’m very glad I got to know her before this story. She’s one of those stubborn people who won’t let go of a grudge, and when her older sister, Claire, returns home, Nicole lets her have it with both barrels. Good thing Claire is sweet and learning to be just as stubborn as her sibling.
Claire is a very famous concert pianist who has recently suffered several panic attacks and has returned home to help Nicole run the family bakery while she recuperates from an injury. This is all thanks to their youngest sister, Jesse, and she’s also in the throes of her own issues. Claire has been away from the family for the last twenty-plus years, but not living the high life like Nicole thinks she has.Yes, she’s famous, makes scads of money, and has seen the world a few times over, but there’s so much in between all of that that isn’t fun at all.
Then there’s Wyatt, Nicole’s best friend. He’s heard all about Claire over the years and wants nothing to do with her either now that she’s back. But darned the chemistry with her that runs through him every time they meet. It’s best to just stay away from her, but when he’s in need of someone to stay with his deaf eight-year-old daughter, Claire is the one available. Soon he’s seeing a whole different side of the Claire he thought he knew.
I absolutely love Claire. Her innocence in everyday life is quite funny in the beginning. Everything is done for her when she tours, so driving for the first time is one thing, opening the trunk of the car is another and completely hilarious. Bless her heart, she tries so hard to help, from cooking for Nicole to assisting in the bakery, and while some things work out, others are disasters. But she’s nothing else if not a fast learner. Pretty soon she’s a pro at everything she’s never done before, including learning sign language to talk to a special little girl.
Wyatt doesn’t want a relationship, he’s a man who doesn’t allow women to spend the night. He’s especially upset when Claire gives him what he believes is the worst news while she thinks it’s the best thing to happen to her. But after a lot of sweet talking, these two definitely have a happily ever after in store. We can’t forget Jesse. She’s done something horrible and Nicole won’t forgive her, Claire tries not to take sides. This story arc does follow in the second book, Sweet Spot, to be concluded in Jesse’s story, Sweet Trouble. I’m really looking forward to that one.
Grade: A
Summary:
Is there anything sweeter than a first love?
Don’t ask Claire Keyes. The 28-year-old piano prodigy has never had a regular boyfriend, much less a real romance. Her music career has left little room for friends or family – which is just part of the reason she hasn’t seen the family bakery or her two sisters in years.
But now Nicole is sick, and Jesse is AWOL. Despite the fact that Claire can’t boil water, she’s determined to play caretaker. Connecting with her sisters tops her to-do list…along with falling in love, or at least in lust, for the first time.
Ruggedly sexy Wyatt just might fit the bill. Although he keeps saying that he and Claire come from entirely different worlds, he lights up hotter than a bakery oven whenever Claire is near. If this keeps up, she just might sweet-talk him into her bed…and her life.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
