Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden

"Easy isn't worth doing." As Luca's Nonna would say. - Sweet as Pie

From the blurb:

Luca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness.

Luca expected his aunt’s stubbornness—she’s a Moretti, isn’t she?—and his cousin’s resistance to actual work, but the last thing he expected is the absolute ball of sunshine known as Oliver Billings.

Oliver loves Indigo Bay. Loves owning his small artisan bakery, Sweetie Pie’s. Helps nice old ladies cross the street. Even volunteers for the local Sweethearts Festival.

Sweet isn't really Luca's style, or so he thinks. But when he discovers Oliver can be a little spicy too, his prickly exterior begins to crumble like a well-baked crust.

If Luca isn't careful, he's going to develop a taste for sweets—and a particular baker’s pie.

And one or two servings will never be enough.

Angel's Review:

I'm a sucker for books where the character is a baker, so Sweet as Pie having a baker and cook was a win win. I'm going to be honest, Luca did not impress me much to begin with. I did not like his character AT ALL in the beginning, he was so gruff and harsh to people, especially his family members. However! Throughout the course of the story I saw a different side of him. Yes, he's a bit full of himself at times, but he says what he means, the truth, and that's not what people always want to hear. I got to understand Luca's character better the more the story went on. 

Now Oliver was my favorite! His character was just so sweet! (Pun intended!) He was thoughtful, considerate, understanding, and is passionate about his business the same way Luca is.

I loved the amount of detail that went into Oliver baking and Luca when he was cooking. It made me want to make the things they were making, the details were that good! The side characters were nice additions, and added contrast to the story. Especially Giana, she was pushing back on Luca's suggestions at every turn. I liked the moments where she argued with Luca. 

The story just flowed so nicely and was full of depth and so many details. I love, love, loved, the history of Indigo Bay, that was so special. It made me awe out loud. 

 I definitely recommend this book, along with the bonus scene! 

Oh! And I want to add that I haven't read the food truck series yet, but I enjoyed this one so much as a standalone. 

Rating: 5 Stars

SNik's Review:

Standalone, but is connected tangentially to the author’s Food Truck Warrior’s series. Dual POV. 

Luca has been managing all of his family’s restaurants for years, and now he has to travel across the country to help his aunt’s deli, he might have time for a short term fling with the fiery and sexy baker that almost runs him over. 

Oliver owns a bakery in his hometown and has bigger ambitions, and meeting handsome and successful Luca could be a good time as long as neither of them catches feelings before Luca returns to California. 

Strong feelings and attraction are immediate, and Luca and Oliver find a special kind of connection and understanding of each other that brings all the swoon. 

The importance of family is a driving theme, but also that your individual happiness should not be put on hold either, and your passions and finding that special person can make life even more fulfilling. 

Oliver is the sweetest and Luca’s edges are softened when he falls for Oliver and accepts the love that they feel is the most important thing to him. 

I enjoyed all their interactions, getting to know each other, communicating honestly, and all the steam. A really fun read.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Heather's Review:

Sweet as Pie is a spin-off from the Food Truck Warriors series and helps us get to know Luca, Gabe's overbearing brother that we meet in On A Roll, and see again in Ride or Die, which is Ren's story... dominant, forceful and always right, he takes on the challenge of helping to turn things around at his aunt's restaurant on the other side of the US... and finds the sweet baker who will stand up to his overbearing ways...

This book is a low angst, small town, sweet romp with just enough spice both in and out of the kitchen and a pair of men that realize they're better together than apart...  it was a great read with honest communication and a really lovely way to get to know both men...

Now, I need Enzo's story!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Sweet as Pie is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.