Helena Rac

The book begins with a chance slam encounter between Tessa, who is too busy eating her cupcake, and a very handsome stranger. Then, things start to get sultry, wet and steamy. Suddenly events take a turn for the worse, and revenge is in the works. When that backfires, Luke and Tessa really start to heat it up. The passion is clearly undeniable. But what is to become of the couple when, in a few short days, Tessa's sister is about to be wed and the handsome Luke is to return to his new home show more in London, where his job is.

I did not know that this was an adult book when I first chose to read it. But the pleasant surprise intrigued me and held my attention like a hostage in a bank heist. My eyes were glued to the pages. Sometimes the pages got too hot to the touch. It is a steamy, yet romantic novel that keeps you wanting more; much more. The writing is pure perfection. I recommend this book to anyone in need of an unrated fix. This book will leave you very very satisfied and breathless

An advance copy was given to me by Tryst Books and Netgalley so that I may read it and give my honest review. show less

This debut novel by Helena Rac was my first read of 2016.
The blurb intrigued me, the whole contemporary romance with a cupcake bakery theme sounded yummy. Pun intended.
Tessa is in her late twenties and owns her own bakery in Chicago, cupcakes are her specialty. Her ex Jason abruptly dumped her three years ago so she has some trust issues she is still hanging onto. Her sister Clara is engaged to Marcus and Tessa will be the Maid of Honor.

One day Tessa literally runs into gorgeous Luke on the show more street and catches a case of insta-lust but never expects to see this stranger again. She’s wrong as a few months later, her sister takes Tessa out to the movies with one of her Marcus’s best friends. The mystery friend is none other than sexy Luke. Turns out Luke is part of the wedding party but he lives in London. What are the odds right?

The two remember their prior run in and one thing leads to another in the dark movie theater. Then after the sexy times at the movies, where Luke took charge of the situation only to never call or text Tessa again, Tessa decides she wants to get back at him and return the sexual favor then dump him. So that he can see what it feels like to have a sexy good time, then never to hear from her again.

So a few months later she exacts her revenge on Luke. She has planned this for months. Why on earth would Tessa want to ever see Luke privately again if he has not made any effort to contact her after he was all over her in the movie theater? Because she likes to obsess that’s why.

From then on Tessa really begins to act immature, plays games and lets her insecurities get the best of her. She would take one step forward, two steps back throughout the entire story.

Sweet Bliss had so much potential but the insta-lust-obsession Tessa has for Luke was over the top. Then the flip flopping back and forth with wanting to be with him, but being afraid of getting hurt was too much. Her obsessive inner monologue was too much to take.

Anyway, a few of their scenes together were sweet and sexy. Luke was actually a nice guy after all and I was surprised to see him putting up with Tessa’s drama. I liked the spatula scene, I’ll leave it at that.

Please do not let my review deter you from trying this one. What I didn’t enjoy, others did. This book has gotten some rave reviews on Amazon and on Goodreads and the cover is cute. Like I mentioned, I did enjoy some of the scenes between Tess and Luke when they weren’t playing mind games. Also, I craved cupcakes and tea while I was reading.

The author lists Sam Smith’s Stay With Me as one of the songs that inspired her book and during once scene Tessa and Luke slow dance to his music. Got to love Sam Smith.

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received my free copy of Sweet Bliss by Helena Rac via NetGalley.
https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/sweet-bliss-by-helena-rac/ show less

Sweet Bliss was an overall enjoyable (and delicious) read. It's quick, light and sexy. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars but I went with three because it just wasn't what I expected from reading the description.
Tessa first meets Luke by literally running into him. It's a while before they see each other again and that...doesn't end quite so well. Tessa comes up with an "Evil, Kick-Ass Plan" to exact revenge that naturally backfires on her. I loved the chemistry between them but for me there show more was just too much focus on the sexual aspect of their relationship. It would've been nice to read more romantic dialogue between them.

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. show less