by KB Meniado
Now more than ever, we need something good and filling, and Sweet on You: a Filipino Christmas romance by Carla de Guzman hits the spot. More so if you are, well, Filipino and have a sweet tooth like me because *wipes drools* this foodie romance is delicious and comforting in all the ways. (It’s a month out today! Always available on Amazon.)
The story is part food, part family, and of course, part feelings, and I enjoyed how it was able to knead that yummy kilig between cafe owner rivals turned lovers into a version of this festive season I’m familiar with—the traditions! Reunions! Bloodline drama! Parental issues! Mischief! Mga echoserang kapitbahay!
And have I mentioned the food? All the food that tell their own stories? All the food that make the romance more… Idk, mouth-watering? I mean, if it weren’t for the couple’s spark being so strong like coffee and tempting like a cupcake, I would make the food here the Star ng Pasko. (I even made ~art because I luv food, but who doesn’t.)
More seriously, though, this romance builds up in quite an endearing way, kind of like how it feels when you’re back home for Christmas? And I think any romance reader, regardless of residence or religious practices, would recognize and devour the solace and familiarity. I also liked how the individuality of the main characters here, Sari and Gab, is highlighted. It’s nice to know they both are a force on their own (so together, they can only be Power) because that’s the best romance, isn’t it? Two wholes, not two halves?
So if there’s any Christmas romance that should be #1 on your TBR pile, let this be it. I’ve read most, if not all, of this author’s book, and I can without a doubt say she’s getting better and better. All I want is for you not to miss out on this. ☁️
All’s fair in love and prank wars
For barista and café owner Sari Tomas, Christmas means parols, family and no-holds-barred karaoke contests. This year, though, a new neighbor is throwing a wrench in all her best-laid plans. The baker next door—“some fancy boy from Manila”—might have cute buns, but when he tries to poach her customers with cheap coffee and cheaper tactics, the competition is officially on.
And Baker Boy better be ready, because Sari never loses.
Foodie extraordinaire Gabriel Capras wants to prove to his dad that his career choice doesn’t make him any less a man. The Laneways might not be Manila, but the close-knit community is the perfect spot to grow his bakery into a thriving business. He wasn’t expecting a gorgeous adversary in the barista next door, but flirting with her makes his heart race, and it’s not just the caffeine.
It’s winner takes all this Christmas. And more than one competitor might just lose their heart for the holidays. Read reviews: Goodreads / Buy a copy: Amazon (for now)
Browse some of my highlights from the book in this thread below,
and watch this special short that stars Rachel Coates as Sari and Jef Flores as Gabriel on the #romanceclass YouTube channel. These actors are also the cover models, with shorter haircuts. Enjoy!
BOOKBED 
Anything to share? :)