Sweet Inspiration Book Review *Penny Watson*

Penny Watson’s Sweet Inspiration is chock full of Christmas cheer. This is an adorable, sexy story that should be wrapped in a big red bow and given to any reader as a present. Penny takes the Santa Claus myth and gives is a nice sexy twist where Santa is jolly, but not with a belly that looks like it’s filled with jelly. Nick Sr. has five strapping sons who would make any woman swoon. The first in what looks to be an annual holiday series showcases Santa’s eldest son, Nicholas, last name Klaus, who loves to bake. Poor Nick Jr. is expected to take over to role of Santa, one he doesn’t want since he feels his calling is making sweet treats for children and adults alike.

Nick is taking some time off before he returns to the North Pole, better known as Glasdorf. While in the “charming little town of Easton, New York”, a woman catches his eye. Lucy Anne Brewster owns a bakery/cafe in Easton called Sweet Inspirations, and the moment he tastes this freckled, blushing redhead’s sugar cookies, Nick is lost. He wouldn’t mind tasting Lucy (you know I just had to throw that in there) and plans to seduce the adorable baker. Nick isn’t too thrilled with his attraction to Lucy. He’s the type who sees most things cut and dry, and doesn’t like surprises. But Lucy has gotten under his skin and he must fix this before his lust becomes too hard to control.

Lucy has noticed the huge, towering bearded aloof Nick. Oh, and he wears wire-rimmed glasses as well. At first she thinks he may be a food critic from the way he analyzes everything he buys and eats from her. Finally they talk, and Nick decides to go out of his way to help Lucy after her Goth wearing assistant, who loves to listen to Celine Dion, ups and leaves her to and elope with her boyfriend. With Lucy in a bind from all her holiday orders, Nick and her team up to bake together. That’s when the sparkles really fly between the two.

After a night of baking, and where Nick makes her a romantic dinner, they engage in some TLC. This is where we find out how much of a giver Nick is. Lucy can’t get enough of his beard… mouth… hands.Nick is full blown in awe of Lucy, and he comes to the conclusion that he never wants to let her go. And then an unspeakable tragedy occurs where Lucy will be introduced to the top secret world where Santa and his elves are a reality. Now Nick has to figure out a way to keep Lucy with him in Glasdorf, and find a way for someone else to take over the Santa Claus role because his heart and soul is in baking.

Sweet Inspiration is a delightful read, and one of the best holiday romances in my recent memory. Penny sure can write steamy love scenes with Nicholas and Lucy. Both are complete opposites, except for baking. Through their love of cooking and eating, these two come to the conclusion they are each other’s soul mates. Lucy has so much love to give since she has no family. Nick gives her the best present ever by taking her back to his home and welcoming her into a world where everyone is always happy and very accepting of anyone.

I also enjoyed Penny’s elfin vocabulary such as the word- Sudlanders, to denote the people not born in Glasdorf, and Sundwelt for the outside realm. The story really shines when Lucy meets Nickolas’s family and elfin community. The elves will give you a good laugh, including Nick’s brothers who are all very different with their unique personalities. Watching Lucy sneak into the hearts of the elves, and the way they admire her in return, brings out the true meaning of Christmas. The way the stoic and straight-laced Nick falls hard for Lucy makes for even better reading. These two really steam things up, and I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed with Penny’s writing skills in regards to what goes on in the bedroom (and on a sled) between these two.

Sweet Inspiration exceeded my expectations. It gave me the warm fuzzies. You can’t go wrong with a dark, semi-brooding bearded baking hero and his sugary sweet pixie heroine who has enough love and cheer for everyone she comes in contact with.

Looking for a holiday romance that will leave you with a big smile on your face and have you salivating for gingerbread and sugar cookies? Sweet Inspiration is one I heartily recommend in slaking your appetite. (Available for only $3.15 at Wild Rose Press)

Final Grade: B+

A few other Sweet Inspiration reviews:
Bitten by Books
Got Holiday Romance Reviews
Smexy Books


And... we have a winner in the Sweet Inspiration giveaway! The winner is:

Sherry!