Sweetheart (The Busy Bean)

Deals well with mental health issues, and the whole thing is about coffee. What’s to lose?Really- it’s great. Haley and Beck are a fun couple and the artisan details and third wave coffee just take it over the top.

Sarah Mayberry is a “new-to-me” author, and I stumbled upon her through “Sweetheart,” a book in the Busy Bean series, which I’m reading because it includes two books by LB Dunbar, a favorite author of mine. Have to say that I’m very glad that I’ve found Sarah! First, I’m astonished that her bio has her in Australia, because she nails small-town Vermont (I lived there for decades, so I say this with confidence!). In “Sweetheart,” Sarah gives us the story of Haley and Beck, who happens to be the ex of Haley’s sister, Jess. Its poignant, steamy, and has the requisite HEA, but it’s also a compassionate look at how mental health issues can affect individuals and families. I was so impressed with this book that I’ve also read two more of Sarah’s books (“Satisfaction” and “Anticipation”) and recommend them as well.

Such a great book to kick start this series! The Busy Beans series is another branch from the World of True North. And this book, Sweetheart by Sarah Mayberry was a great one to start it off. For those who have read Sarina Bowen's True North series, then you recognize the Busy Bean as Zara and Audrey's cafe. Plus you will recognize Roddy after reading Bowen's The Roommate. Plus a bunch of other familiar faces from that world. Mayberry does an amazing job of adding another member to the Busy Bean family when Haley is hired. Haley has quite a lot of experience in the cafe world and it is the perfect set up as she works on her side job which is an Etsy store for her custom made leather boots, belts, and so much more. Her artistic talent is one that blows everyone away. And just as she starts her new job, she finds herself in the path of Daniel Beck. AKA her sister's ex from years ago and by the expression on his face, he isn't too pleased to see her. And she can't blame him. She knows her sister is destructive, she could only imagine how their break up really ended. But what's worse is that she always had a crush on Beck and for him to look at her like that...well, it isn't great. However, it isn't long until something changes and they realize the chemistry and attraction between one another is unlike anything either felt before. And Haley begins to wonder if it is not too crazy to have a relationship with him. Beck is definitely confused at first when it comes to Haley. The opposite of her sister in every way and though he promises himself to stay clear of that family, there is something about Haley that just draws him in. And he soon learns that Haley might be just the one he was looking for all along. Loved their story so much. Their relationship has so many complications but despite those challenges, the chemistry between Haley and Beck is undeniable. You were rooting for them to find their happily ever after, especially with everything the two of them have been through. Great start to this series and I cannot wait for more!I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked it. But didn't love it. I felt like it was so slow to get them together and then it was a purely physical connection followed with some major issues with Hailey's sister and boom, ILY. I didn't really feel them get to the point of being together for a full-on ILY relationship and not just for sex. I never felt Beck make that move from Jess's ex to Hailey's BF. He was present and there with her but there wasn't that "oh man, he is ALL in for sure!" feeling.Beck was meh. He didn't strike me as a take-charge type of guy. Apparently he's built and a bit of a hunk, but that took the backseat for me when he came across as rude, indecisive, and a bit of a pushover. There just wasn't that alpha trait I was looking for. He wasn't quite the underdog, but he wasn't top dog either. He's walled off from his issues with Jess and has finally mentally moved on. He's more of the go-with-the-flow and don't disturb the peace kind of guy. Dude, step it up. When he finally goes and talks to Hailey and Jess's parents and told them to fix it because HAILEY mattered, I was like, YES, this is the guy!I liked Hailey. A lot. She's endured so much and is such a gentle soul with a huge heart. With always getting shorted and taking backseat to Jess, there doesn't seem to be a mean bone in her body. And I love that. Having to deal with the constant ups and downs with a mentally ill family member, watching them always be put first with their issues, is trying and very difficult. I feel like Hailey has suffered a lot but she navigates it so well. She's so strong!It was a happy story for sure but not really the swoon worthy type of forever I'm looking for in a story.

It was ok. Sooo, we have the female character which was close to awesome but not quite: cute, short, plush hips, nice calves and pretty eyes. 25 y o but mature. Unfortunately she didn't win me even when she speaks and thinks as older and wiser woman. More humour maybe would have made her better or if she was getting education or I don't really know what. He, Beck wasn't bad either. Both of them were nice enough to make me keep reading. The other reason that I didn't give up was that I like Sarah Mayberry writing and characters and I was hoping to change, become better. But here I felt that the sister of the heroine took huge space. I understand why, but because the main characters were not able to blow me away, the sister's problem became central in the plot.

This author is new to me but I really loved this book and can’t wait to read other books from this author!

Haley is a shoemaker by trade who needs to work at the Busy Bean to supplement her income while building up her business. Beck owns his own business roasting coffee to sell to surrounding businesses. He also used to go out with Haley's "unstable" sister and she really put him off relationships . When these two meet again their is an instant attraction but because of her sister he refuses to have anything to do with her and initially refuses to sell coffee to the bean. The more encounters they have they begin to get closer and eventually begin a relationship but the shadow of her sister always lingers. Words can't express how much I LOVE this book. It's beautifully written and is truly a perfect addition to the series.

I picked this series as Claire Hastings (very much a favourite of mine) is a part of it so I started at the beginning and I'm so glad I did. I've never read Sarah's work before but I thoroughly enjoyed Beck and Haley's story. It's got it all - laughter, romance, some tearful moments and it's pretty scorching in places too! I'll be reading more of Sarah's books for sure.

Started off slowly and picked up really quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved becks even though he was a dipstick at the beginning but boy did he make up for it later. Families are a challenge and Haley certainly put up with a lot from hers. Good read and I’d recommend

I'm not sure how to start this review. I finished this book last night but decided against reviewing immediately as my emotions were in turmoil. I have a sister just like Haley's sister, so to say this romance hit a nerve would be an understatement. This storyline is where the book triumphs. The conflict that made their HAE more difficult was genuinely refreshing and intriguing.Haley and Beck were a great couple. Two people getting on with their lives and have an immediate connection. What I loved about this story was how hot they were for each other. Sometimes authors worry too much about sensational sex in varied places. Sarah just had these two having sex because they simply could not stay away from each other and the bedroom. I loved it. Why four stars. This is a top-notch romance, but for me, not a keeper as I liked Haley and Beck, but I don't see me dipping back into their world. However, compared to the multitudes of romantic dross available, this is well worth the investment of money and time.

Love this series so much. Beautifully written characters, each with their own happily ever after. Small town romance at its best!