Member Reviews
*I read this thanks to Netgalley and the publisher
Going into this book I had low expectations, the title honestly gave me the ick. BUT I was pleasantly surprised! This was a slow romance, I thought at first that it wouldn’t be given their was heavy making out right away, but that slowed considerably. I think if you are wanting just a nice, sweet, love story then this is a good book. It’s nothing crazy or unpredictable and I liked that! A solid 3.5 stars
Georgia Beers is a writer I will pick up every time...when I think about feelgood romance with great characters and often a cute animal in there, she's on the top of that list. I always love the way she lets the main characters communicate, the romantic settings she manages to write and well...you just won't get a bad book from her.
This is a spin on You've got mail with the clash between a big ice cream chain coming into the city where Adley is trying to keep her artisan icecream shop above water.
Adley and Sabrina meet without knowing they work for the "enemy" and hit it off immediately. This book is slightly different in the way that they meet, spend a lot of time together right off the bat, but after the big working place reveal there's also a lot of time spent apart. Which adds to the emotional depth of the story I think since both characters grow through their time apart and the HEA is more believable this way.
In short: romance, ice cream and a cute puppy. Go get this book!
***Thank you Netgalley and BoldStrokeBooks for the chance to read and review this book***
All Adley ever wanted was to successfully run her grandfather’s ice cream shop, but unfortunately business is anything but booming. Sabrina wants another successful opening for the next branch of the ice cream chain Sweet Heaven. When the two meet at a bar and want to keep work off limits as a topic, they never could have imagined what a significant impact this would have on their lives. How will their budding relationship fare when their professional lives threaten to cross paths?
This was a tough one for me because I loved the characters and I loved the story, but something about the pacing really threw me off. I felt like there were some areas where too much time was spent on some unnecessary descriptions or that certain events or conversations dragged on too long. This could just be a function of the differences from what I’ve been reading a lot of lately stylistically. Overall, it’s one I’d absolutely read again at some point, but not one I’d feel compelled to immediately reread. If you want a fun sapphic rom-com with the absolute cutest dog and mouthwatering ice cream descriptions then you should give this a try!
CW: alcohol, infidelity
A good romance novel typically has a combination of several key ingredients, and Georgia Beers always manages to measure out the correct amounts of each every time. Peaches and Cream, her latest novel, is no different. It is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth scoop of goodness. Bursting with tasty characters in a scrumptious story world, Peaches and Cream is simply irresistible.
As usual, Beers knocks it out of the park with her character development. Adley and Sabrina are strong, independent women with a passion for what they do. Readers find their zest for their careers—and ice cream— very engaging. Together they have a chemistry that’s almost palpable. It not only fuels the romance but the storytelling as well. Beers capitalizes on this and builds the tension like a pro, keeping readers engaged and invested until Adley and Sabrina’s much anticipated union. The end result is one engrossing, investment-worthy romance.
Beers is a seasoned writer with over 30 books under her belt. However, she always strives to give her readers something new. They certainly get that with Peaches and Cream. She gets high marks for taking an old trope and coming up with something new. It’s fun and solidly constructed. Her keen eye for storytelling yields a narrative that’s not only well-plotted but well-paced. A lot of this has to do with Beers’s ability to balance the big and little moments of romance. Because she can, readers will find that Peaches and Cream has an emotional depth that feels authentic and genuine, making it very satisfying in the end.
Final remarks…
Peaches and Cream is a fresh, new spin on the classic rom-com You’ve Got Mail—except it’s even better because it’s all about ice cream! Readers will find Adley and Sabrina’s romance is completely engaging; there’s no way they won’t be enchanted by these lovely women. Their romantic journey is alluring and irresistible; readers will quickly lose themselves in the story. If you love a well-designed romance, then I’d suggest picking this one up.
Strengths…
Well-developed, likable characters
Fantastic character chemistry
Well-paced and well-plotted storytelling
Believable conflict and obstacles
Satisfying romance with a satisfying resolution
I didn't want to stop reading until I was done! Peaches and Cream is such a sweet love story.
Sabrina is traveling for work when she meets Adley in a bar. Sparks fly right away and they agree to keep it casual. But they have more in common than they thought - ice cream, in fact. It could tear them apart or bring them closer together.
I loved the support systems both characters had and that they seemed to bring out the best in each other. Not to mention Sprinkles is just the cutest! This book is as sweet as a good scoop of ice cream!
This was a well-written and engaging read. The small-town setting was adorable and so were the two main characters together. The ice cream flavours sounded so delicious I was left with cravings! I really related to the characters’ inner struggles and dilemmas, and rooted for them. A very good romance.
Adley Purcell has dreamed of owning the family ice cream shop, Get the Scoop, since she was a kid. Now that it's in her hands, though, the business is struggling. Her specialty is creating unique artisan ice cream flavors, not long term business plans. And the bottom line is starting to show that.
Sabrina James doesn't ever stay in the same place very long. She works for Sweet Heaven, a national ice cream shop, and she's the one who comes into a new town, scopes out the competition, then puts them out of business with her mom's national brand. Now she's come to Adley's town.
When Adley and Sabrina meet in a bar one night, the sparks fly. They agree not to talk about work (because it stresses them out and they need the break), and start a casual thing. Until one morning, when Sabrina is walking Adley out to her car, she realizes that Adley is the owner of one of the local ice cream shops she is probably putting out of business. Not good, especially since both of them are starting to catch feelings.
I loved this book. The chemistry between Adley and Sabrina is delicious, and I love the friendships with Scottie and Teagan highlighted in this book. The first third of the book was a little slow and a little awkward in a few places, but once the story hit that spot, things got much more interesting. The middle and the end made up for the slow beginning, for sure. If you like ice cream, food themes, and sapphic summer romcoms, you will enjoy this one!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
When I wrote my review for Dance with Me (April 2023) I concluded it by saying I hoped with fingers crossed that Adley Purcell (the MCs best friend) gets her own story. It’s as if Georgia Beers granted me a wish and I’m happy as a clam about it. Peaches and Cream is a stand alone book but takes place in the fictional town of Northwood, NY which is the setting for some of Beers novels. And as an added bonus some favorites from the Swizzle Stick series also makes brief appearances.
Adley runs an artesian ice-cream shop. She loves to mix and create new flavor combinations that she sells in the shop that once belonged to her grandparents. But business isn’t great and now a national chain called Sweet Heaven is going to open just a few blocks away. While meeting friends at Martinis Bar she meets Sabrina James. Sabrina is only in town for a few months but attraction sizzles between the two. Throwing caution to the wind they end up doing something neither would normally do and make out in the bar bathroom. But their passion is going to be short lived as Sabrina is in town to open new ice-cream shop.
The pacing is a little different in this story as they get together early and then spend a lot of time apart. I never ever skip to the back to cheat to see how things work out but, at the 65 percent mark my fingers were itching to see how Beers was going to solve their dilemma. I resisted and let the tension build because I cared and wanted a HEA. I love the best friends for both and the family connections are realistic. Loving but not always giving you what you need or want. When I finished I had a sense of contentment. And a craving for good ice-cream.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Revisiting the town of Northwood, New York and the lovely ladies that live there warms my heart. Adley Purcell knows ice cream. She grew up helping her grandpa run the Get the Scoop ice cream shop and a few years ago bought it after his passing. While she loves creating new flavors and providing cold deliciousness to the people of Northwood, business is dwindling.
Sabrina James, VP of new stores for Sweet Heaven, never sits still. She travels to cities all over the country overseeing the construction and implementation of each new store. Her latest city is Northwood, NY where the two ice cream shops in town probably won't live to see another year when her new store opens, and that's fine with her. It's just business...it's not personal.
When Adley and Sabrina meet at Martini's bar, their connection is instantaneous and a steamy first kiss in the bathroom leaves both women craving more. Shew, that first kiss is epic! The fact that they decide to keep their jobs separate from their conversations opens the door to them getting closer without realizing who the other really is.
I really enjoy Adley and Sabrina's story. While it's on the theme of You've Got Mail, Georgia Beers' spin is original. Sabrina's character arc is compelling and Sprinkles...he's the perfect addition to her life! The story remains really sweet (pun totally intended) despite the angst and it all works so well together.
If you're looking for an adorable sapphic romance set in a delightful town, grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream and settle in for a wonderful time!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a delight to read. What more do you need than a book that revolves around an artisan ice cream shop and the evil corporate ice cream shop that comes to town. Oh I guess I should mention the MC’s that have some crazy chemistry and hot make out sessions. Then there is a stray puppy and I have reached book nirvana.
I don’t know what else needs to be said, it's Georgia Beers doing what Georgia Beers does best. I had a hard time putting this book down and wished I would have had a free weekend to devour this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Adley is Georgia Beers ice cream shop owner and best friend of Scottie from Dance With Me and she is about to have her whole world turned upside down when Sabrina buys her a drink one night in Martini’s Bar. They both feel the instant chemistry and spark but have no idea how this chance meeting will change both their lives.
Beers has an array of past protagonists make fleeting appearances in this romance as Adley and Sabrina have a somewhat unconventional path to romance. Beautifully written, filled with Beers brand of humour, a touch of the I’ve Got Mail with a queer twist, a cute puppy and has plenty of interesting ice cream flavours that had me craving one, even though it’s winter in the southern hemisphere. This story has it all and some. Thank you to NetGalley of loved this follow up story.
Another winning romance from Georgia Beers. This story is set in Northwood, New York, and features Adley as an artisan third generation ice cream maker who is fantastic at creation but not too great with the books.
The story has a “You’ve Got Mail” theme when Sabrina and Sweet Heaven, which is under construction nearby, will likely shut down the little guy with their corporate ties. Sweet Heaven is also located on Fox (I kept wanting to spell out F-o-x), as another shout out to “You’ve Got Mail”.
Since Sabrina is only in town for about two and a half months, but highly attracted to Adley, they mutually agree to start a physical only relationship.
This book was highly enjoyable. What’s not to love about ice cream, romance, and a cute dog who goes MIA though for the last part of the story, and some Swizzle Stick series characters who pop into the storyline. 4 stars
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
I just couldn’t get into the book.
Between the instant chemistry between the perfect characters. Couldn’t connect to either and lost interest 25% in.
Maybe it was a decent read but couldn’t hold my interest long enough for the inevitable plot of big ice cream store jeopardizes little ice cream shop to shake out
This was a fun read until everything started to become all Adley's fault.
Hey, I knew the shit was going to hit the fan (and then that it was gonna rehit the fan), and, honestly, that was sort of exciting at the beginning. How was Beers going to have the other shoe drop. But, once it dropped, and then through a giant portion of the novel, somehow it was Adley instead of Sabrina, the corporate VP of the stealing soul sucking ice cream shop, that was 'wrong'? No. Just no.
The end repaired all the hell a little bit, but overall it was a 1/2 awesome, 1/2 meh book. Which is a bummer because I really liked all the ice cream stuff. Especially explaining the art of it, which was great. And, now I need to eat some ice cream, which is impressive, since I haven't eaten ice cream or frozen yogurt for... more than a decade at this point? Yum.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Adley owns an ice cream shop called Get the Scoop that been in her family since her grandfather open it. Adley not only good at what she does with ice creams she actually loves it which I love because you should always love what you do and add it bonus gets to share with the world. Sabrina is Vice-President of New Markets for Sweet Heavens where she works with her mother who is CEO she likes what she does but lately she wonders if she loves it. Adley and Sabrina meet and sparks fly but both are too busy for anything more then a no strings attached but that easier said and done when feelings starts to emerge especially when they learn what they do for living and Adley worries she might have to close her shop because of popularity of Sweet Heavens being open few blocks from her and because she been struggling with staying open despite how well receive everyone loves of her ice creams. A sweet romance with little bit of angst.
When I am looking for a romance, my go to is Georgia Beers. She writes such wonderful stories with for the most part likable characters. The stories are fun, interesting and enjoyable. Sabrina James, Vice-President of New Markets for Sweet Heavens and her mother, Tilda James is CEO. In general, Sabrina likes what she does but deep inside does she really. Adley Purcell, owner of a ice cream shop called Get the Scoop which was opened by her grandfather in the early eighties. Adley is not only good at what she does but she loves what she does. When Adley took the shop over she changed it into an artisan ice cream shop. People waited in line and it was very successful but now it is struggling and even more in danger because a chain ice cream shop, Sweet Heaven is coming to town.
Adley and Sabrina meet in a bar (how cliche) and there is instant attraction. The story unfolds mainly from Adley's perspective as she deals with the possibility of closing the store. As the story is written, the reader is taken on an emotional roller coaster watching Adley attempt to figure out what to do. Sabrina is also dealing with stuff and she self-reflects on what is important in her life and is she happy. Is not that something most of us can relate to. I sure can. Wonderful story with interesting and supportive secondary characters (Scottie, Teagan and Sprinkles).
Glad Georgia Beers wrote this book, because when I read Dance with Me I had compliant there were few unfinished business there, which are happily resolved in this book, so I would recommend you read that first. I also recommend having some ice cream nearby because you are going to need it when reading this, especially if you are doing like me and doing so over the summer.
Obviously, a book about ice creams is always going to be on the top of my list and this one didn’t disappoint. Even when I enjoy slow burn romance, it’s good going the other way round and having that physical attraction that is impossible to stop even if you want to. This is more like lust at fist sight than love at first sight but the romance between Adley and Sabrina evolved wonderfully, add a cute little dog and a winner for me.
First off, you can't go wrong with a Georgia Beers book.
Alley Purcell owns an ice cream shop that's been in her family for years but it's struggling to make ends meet and it gets worse when a massively popular ice cream shop comes to town.
Sabrina James works for Sweet Heaven and travels to different cities to establish them and moves on, but it's starting to weigh on her when she meets Adley.
They meet at a bar and sparks fly. It's supposed to be no strings attached but rarely is it the easy especially with their jobs that they refuse to discuss.
Once Adley finds out just who Sabrina is, there's hell to pay.
Beer's writing is superb and made me crave ice cream with every chapter. Wonderful story and I would highly recommend.
I'm a huge fan of Georgia Beers stories. I admit that they are sometimes excessively sweet, but almost always they manage to move me, I don't know if it's because of my personal situation when I read them or if it's her thing. I'm also quite critical of formula writers in general, and she's arguably one of them, but she has an extra something that makes up for other things that I consider less positive at other times.
This current story does not have many surprises since you can more or less predict how it will unfold, but the truth is that the timing has been a bit different from what is usual, since the dramatic event does not occur as late as it normally does and perhaps due to Adley's personality, said drama has not been as much. In short, although expected and inevitable, it has been bearable and even acceptable.
It's not in any book series, this one, but you can find characters from other books previously published by her, Dance with me and the Swizzle Stick Romances series.
A classic love story from Georgia Beers, to be enjoyed with an ice cream. Adley and Sabrina come from different backgrounds and while one is struggling to carry the family business the other is working the corporate world on behalf of hers. But Beers doesn't disappoint and writes a classic romance with banter and ice cream.
Free ARC via NetGalley.