Nothing Sweeter by J.K. Rivers is now live!

Celebrity pastry chef, Yuri Z, comes to terms with the cancellation of her television show based on an indiscretion with a co-worker while trying to navigate the pressure her parent’s place on her to be the ideal daughter.

Finding her own way is a struggle.

An impromptu girls trip spurs Yuri into action to finally come to terms with what she wants out of life. But she never expected to meet Sven Anders, the photojournalist with a killer smile and a voice that reminds her of chocolate covered in melted marshmallows.

Both Yuri and Sven have their own set of issues, but find together the two of them can conquer anything. Secrets, fears, and all that comes with trying to navigate a relationship neither of them thought they wanted.

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At the mention of dark chocolate and melted marshmallows, normally S’mores and friends hanging around a campfire would come to mind. Not anymore. Now, it’s Sven Anders with a voice that can make your insides melt and your panties wet.

I wouldn’t call it love-at-first-sight. More like lust and attitude with a dollop of misunderstanding and accusations. Nothing a relaxing swim, and a few days in paradise can’t overcome, right?

The characters have depth. Their foibles make them real, even endearing. The story-line is an engrossing journey of growth and discovery, littered with moments of laughter, tears, and heartache. Both theirs and mine.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary, island or vacation romance.

Disclaimer: I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt:

The empty glass of Crown and Coke reminded Yuri she needed this vacation. They’d only landed an hour ago, and she’d already downed two glasses, was anticipating a third, and hoping by number four, she’d be numb to all the drama. The constant ringing of her cell phone triggered resentful emotions she normally wouldn’t feel towards her father. She needed space, and he refused to give it to her. Taking a deep breath, Yuri shoved her phone into her carry-on bag. I’m not going to spend this trip drowning my sorrows. She’d tackle her demons and make life-changing decisions after her trip. Right now, she needed to get the room key, change, and get her day started.

The sun’s rays kissed her skin, lending to the tropical atmosphere. A blend of coconut oil, salt water, fresh fruit, and the unique scent of fragrant blooms invaded her senses. Peace. Yuri took a deep breath as she walked into the front lobby of the resort. Dark browns with touches of orange gave the place a welcoming feel. There was the perfect amount of light highlighting the entrance. A curtain of water showered the side walls, decorated with a tropical mural. Yuri typically retreated to her room upon arriving. Not this trip. Exploring hit the top of her list while she vacationed. She had no intention of remaining behind closed doors.

“This is what I needed.”

Both of her friends, Naima and Leah, walked ahead toward the concierge. Only one room for the three of them. A junior bungalow suite that sat atop the water with its own ocean pool.

“Excuse me,” a deep voice boomed behind her. She didn’t turn around and refused to look. Instead, moved out of the man’s way. That his voice evoked images of dark chocolate drizzled over melted marshmallows meant one thing: bad news. Any time a man’s voice reminded Yuri of food, one of two things happened. Either she created the flavor, or she took a taste. It’s what had happened with her last relationship. Thomas reminded her of caramelized sugar and butter. Yeah, and where did that get you? This man’s voice led to thoughts of simple ingredients. Two. Dark chocolate and marshmallows. A Bitter-sweet flavor melted over a cloud of decadent bliss. The perfect combination of sex and sin.

“Yuri, the room sleeps three,” Naima’s voice pulled her back to reality.

“If you can work with it, so can I. Otherwise, I can grab a separate room.”

“Girl, don’t be crazy, we’ve all slept in tight spaces, we can make this work. Besides, I don’t plan on living in my room. Do you?”

No, she didn’t.

She’d already made plans.

“I have an appointment for snorkeling, in,”—Yuri gazed at her Fitbit for the time— “an hour and a half. I’m gonna change out of my travel clothes and head on over to meet with the group.”

“All right, here’s the key card.” Naima walked over and placed the card in her hand.

“Thanks.”

Snorkeling, hiking, and the chance to eat at Rudy’s held top spots on her to-do list. Time was her main ingredient.

JK Rivers is Tigris Eden’s alter ego. Her softer side. She is a military brat who’s done her fair share of travelling, thanks to her Army father. She’s married to the infamous LL and has three boys. She currently resides in Houston and is actively seeking a book-buddy for the end of the world.

You can find JK on Twitter, Facebook, and at her website and newsletter.

Twitter: @AuthorJKRivers