Mainer Farms is steeped in family history, but it’s also deep in debt from the effects of the ever-changing farming industry. Not about to let his family’s legacy go under, Colt Mancinkus is willing to do anything he can to save the farm. Darby Culhane is the new farmer in Whynot, North Carolina, and she’s proving to be quite the forbidden temptation for Colt. Darby isn’t looking for anything but … anything but a fresh start, and she’s got it all figured out. Get settled in? Check. Apply for the rural county grant? Check. Confrontation with the steaming mad, smoking hot local farmer? Well, that wasn’t on the agenda.
As pretty as she is sweet, Colt can’t help but be drawn to Darby’s…peaches. No really, she’s a peach farmer. Get that mind out of the gutter, and get on down to the farm to see what happens when circumstances force Colt and Darby to team up. They may just find that the peach trees aren’t the only things in bloom.
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Definitely swoon worthy! Colt is just amazing in every way and Darby is extremely brilliant with an adorable daughter Linnie. Hard not to love them.
It’s extremely attractive how much Colt is taken with Linnie. Instantly having her open up, being there for her and stepping up as her protector. How can your heart not melt!
Of course we get to see the rest of the Mancinkus Family. I just love Pap and his constant devious meddling. He needs his own happily ever after.
There was some inconsistent detail with Linnie’s age and Colt’s Dad’s name. Linne was Three and a half in the last book, this book starts about a month later and she is suddenly Seven years old. Colt’s Dad is Gerry in all the other books except he is Jerry in this one.
Outside of those two inconsistencies it was another awesome story of Sawyer Bennett’s.
I feel like the end gives us an exciting sneak peek of what is to come in the last book of the series.. Larkin’s story!
3.5 ’s
I enjoyed this book and the happily ever after we finally got but I did have a hard time getting to the end. It was much more of a slower burn romance which was fine, but it didn’t have me running to want to read every night. It took me a lot longer to read this than the previous 3 books in the series.
We briefly met Darby in book 3, she is the ex-sister-in-law of Jake. She moves to Whynot, NC to work on her thesis for her PhD, with her daughter. As part of her continuing education, she had to apply for a grant that gets awarded to one farm in the county… which normally Mainer Farms receives. Colt Mancinkus is livid when he finds out they have competition this year!
Colt and Darby quickly become friends though and work through hurdles throughout the book. Some of which make me so mad that they even have to deal with! They’re such sweet souls and shouldn’t have to deal with that negativity!
I loved the continuation of this family and how their town comes together when it’s needed most. While the Mancinkus clan is big, everyone in that town is like family and it makes me so happy they’re accepting of “outsiders” too.
If you’re into a slow burn, small town romance, this is a book for you!
I am absolutely enjoying this series. This story was sweet, adorable, and heartwarming. I loved it!
If you’re a fan of sweet romances, this book – and this whole series – really hits the spot!
This time it’s Colt’s turn to be smitten, and smitten he is. I loved Colt. He may by the quietest of the Mancinkus brood, but this man has a whole lot of heart. There’s nothing worth more to him than family and friends. And though he’s not too fond of the out-of-town peach farmer before he meets her, he quickly changes his tune.
I loved Darby just as much. She’s so strong and independent. I loved how she wanted to do whatever she could to make a better life for her and her daughter. She fit right in with the eclectic inhabitants of Whynot and it was fun to watch her come into her own as she re-introduced herself to life on the farm.
I really enjoyed Colt and Darby’s journey. Add in all of our other favorite characters from stories past and our favorite Whynot residents and you’re going to thoroughly enjoy their story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Book no. 4 and this series is still going strong. This story sets apart for the rest in the series; it’s such a complex slow burn that really allows the characters to get to know each other before they fall head over heels in love.
“This is the South, and everything is done slow. Slow is better. It makes every discovery special, so I’m good with that.”
I loved how much Darby and Colt have in common. I loved how he managed to win over her daughter with such a simple gesture. I absolutely loved how much he respected her and wanted to wait until she was a free woman in order to finally explore to the fullest what kind a relationship they want to have.
“Do you love me today?” “Every day and twice on Tuesday” I reply, which is how I always answer him. “Love you too, babe.”
It was just one of those books that have you sitting on your sofa enjoying yourself and not caring what is going on around you. And that teaser at the end? OMG I can not wait for the book 5 to come out. I have a feeling Larkin and Locke just might turn out to be my favorite couple. I don’t think anybody deserve to let loosen up more as much as Larkin does.
If you’re looking for a great read then this is the book for you. As with any of the books from the Sex and Sweet Tea Series, this book sucks you in with the laughs, drama and love from all the wonderful characters. Definitely one-click this must read book!
Pretty as a Peach is a love story that is as charming as it tender. Poe creates smart and sassy characters who reside in a quaint North Carolina town that you’ll want to come back and revisit time and again. If you’re looking for a sweet romance, look no further.
Small town romances are one of my favorite types of stories because the angst is low and there are plenty of laughs and heartwarming incidences to indulge in when it comes to the story line. AND, there’s no better place to experience all that small towns have to offer than Whynot, North Carolina. Not only do readers get to experience residents’ joys and horrors of living in a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business, but we also get to truly know the townspeople and one crazy and loving family in particular, the Mancinkus family.
Pretty as a Peach is Colt’s story with Whynot newcomer, Darby Culhane – a single mom vying for the same grant that Colt wants/needs to save his family’s farm and keep the legacy alive, which is a definite point of contention for the long-time resident and the newcomer. But it’s pretty obvious from their initial encounter that Darby and Colt are both dealing with contradictory feelings for one another…because as much as they seem to dislike each other, there are also indications that they want to get down and dirty with one another in the most delicious ways.
I love the fact that Juliette Poe usually pairs one of the residents of Whynot with a newcomer to the town who, at first glance, doesn’t seem to fit the town or the person they end up with, but as the story continues, it becomes crystal clear just how good these two would be together regardless of their differences or the extenuating circumstances that may pit them against each other.
Readers can’t help but wear a huge smile on their face as they read Darby and Colt’s story because even when they’re not getting along, the underlying sexual tension is always there and just waiting for Darby and Colt to finally give into what’s been simmering just beneath the surface.
Pretty as a Peach is a sweet and romantic read that allows readers to feel like they’re honorary members of the town of Whynot, and as things heat up between Colt and Darby, getting both of their perspectives helps readers to truly understand what’s at stake for both of them and also what their feelings for one another mean for them both personally and professionally.
4 Poison Apples
Pretty as a Peach by Juliette Poe is the fourth book in her Sex & Sweet Tea series. A romantic, light-hearted series about the small town of Whynot, North Carolina and it’s residents. This story is focused on Colt Mancinkus and his new competitor in town, Darby McCulhane.
Colt is relying on an agriculture grant to expand his family’s farm business and the only solid competitor is a woman who doesn’t even technically need the grant other than for the process of applying for her thesis. He is annoyed and determined to not like her on sight. That flies out the window the second he finally lays eyes on his “arch-nemesis”. Now he finds himself enamored instead.
Darby is coming to Whynot for a fresh start. Divorcing her cheating husband and working on her PHD in agronomy, she settles in at her ex brother-in-laws farm with her seven year old daughter and begins work on her peach orchard. She knows that the other person in the running for the agriculture grant is here in Whynot but never expects to feel the attraction for him when she first meets him.
I absolutely adored reading the story, watching these two characters slowly embrace a friendship and romance, getting more glimpses of characters we have met before in previous books in the series, and even a glimpse at what is, hopefully, to come still. Told in dual POV, the emphasis is heavy on the romance and interaction and has very little actual steamy scenes but the story is just as fulfilling without it, more realistic in fact. Enjoy!
Darby is willing to begin again and start her life from where she left off. After moving with her daughter to the town of Whynot in order to run the farm of her friend and former brother-in-law Jake, she encounters Colt, the Hot cowboy who battles her for a grant to save his family. But Darby also needs this land for her peach orchand.
Colt never imagined that his enemy would be such a sweet, gentle and loyal girl. Willing to know her better, he approaches this incomplete family willing to help Darby start again.
The book brings a light and dynamic narrative as in the previous books and I caught myself several times with a smile on the face and hearts in my eyes because all the affection and romanticism of Colt. He is very cute and careful as well as attentive and very handsome. Complete package!
It was delightful to accompany the journey of this couple towards the happily ever after with the participation of the characters from the previous books besides the residents of the city.
I loved the cover too much, it’s perfect for the book and I already want Larkin’s book.
4/5 stars
*4.5 – 5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series. I have enjoyed each and every book so far, and this one was no different. I knew from the little snippets of Colt previously, that I was going to be intrigued by him, and most likely really like him.
Colt was a fantastic man main lead, and as typical with the Mainer-Mancinkus clan, has a heart of gold and a lot of community spirit, high values and morals, and is just plain hard working. Darby was also a fantastic main female lead, and as soon as you find out her circumstances at the beginning of the book, you can’t help but like her. She’s a strong female lead, and I really liked watching her and Colt get to know each other and work together.
Of course we have our fave’s back from the previous books in the series, with the addition this time around of Darbys daughter Linnie. All of these people make this story what it is, and I always fall in love with the town of Whynot, all over again.
There are some serious issues surrounding Darby which are dealt with in the storyline, and I found it was done in a good way. This all lends to the strength of Darbys character as well. I don’t want to say what, because I want everyone to get the chance to read this for themselves.
I am also really excited for the next book, because we’ve had a glimpse into what is sure to be Larkins story, and I am so keen for that. How long do we have to wait? Can I just have it now please?
Another fab addition to this series, and highly recommend.
I won an ARC copy of this book and I am providing my honest review. I had high expectations of this Sawyer Bennett written book (writing as Juliette Poe), and my expectations were superseded! I loved this book!!
The beginning of the book shows Darby in conflict with Colt over a grant for a peach farm and a wine farm respectively. In the final interview of the grant process, Darby recognizes that Colt’s need for the grant and the benefits it will provide him and the Whynot community is greater than her requirement for the grant for her PhD and she pulls out. This magnanimous move clears the way for the two to start communicating.
Darby has moved to Whynot to escape her soon-to-be-ex-husband, who wants a 50s wife, stay at home mother and oblivious mate. That’s not Darby! She is a strong woman following her heart and making the best future for her daughter who initially is not happy to move away from everything she knew with her father. But the people of Whynot and the slow burning relationship between Darby and Colt endure a HEA for Darby, her daughter and Colt!
I was provided with an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review.
Sweet to the max
I was fortunate enough to win an ARC of Juliette Poe’s upcoming release Pretty as a Peach which is out March 15. Because of that win, I’ve been binge reading the first three books in the series, so I’d be all caught up to date and I have to say I’m so very glad I did! Knowing that it is Colt’s then at a HEA, I was glad to know all the backstory from his three other sibling who have all found their loves.
Initially, this book could’ve been a lot like Lowe and Mely’s story in Stubborn as a Mule, with the two leads in conflict over something important to them both – in this case, a grant for their respective farms. Darby is new to Whynot and to farming, taking up the operations manager position at Jake’s newly purchased Farrington Farms to grow her peach trees for her doctorate’s thesis. The grant application process is an vital part of her thesis and the money could definitely come in handy. While Colt is desperate for the grant so he can work on saving his family farm and expand into a new area that will hopefully become financially viable and profitable.
However, the grant business is resolved fairly quickly and Darby’s main reason for moving to Whynot with her seven year old daughter Linnie takes centre stage – that reason being escaping from her controlling ex-husband Mitch. Darby is hesitant to act on her obvious attraction to Colt, fearing it may be “too soon” after her separation. And Colt feels the same. But their chemistry is too potent to ignore and so the two embark on the slow process (emphasis on SLOW) of getting to know one another through dating and introducing Darby to life in Whynot.
For me, Pretty as a Peach is missing some of the vital features that made the previous three books a 4.5/5 heart rating for me. First up, the “sexiness” I would expect from a series titled “Sex and Sweet Tea” is sorely lacking – Colt and Darby don’t share a kiss until well over halfway into the story. Secondly, there’s no additional POVs from Paps (my favourite Whynot stalwart) or from any other Whynot character – and this was something I came to love in this series as it gave the stories that something different and original which made them stand out. And finally, the storyline in Colt and Darby’s story is a tad predictable, lacks the conflict and drama of the other books (which provides something to keep me hooked and wanting to know if the characters will get their HEA) and where there was the potential for some relationship issues, it happened so late into the story that everything was resolved rather quickly and neatly.
In saying that, I’ll definitely be keen to read Larkin’s story (the final book in the series) as the introduction of “Jax Teller lookalike” (ie biker) Locke has me equal parts fascinated and hoping for a bit more sexiness with this hot new guy on the scene.
nicandbooks
Amazon/Goodreads
Pretty As A Peach is the 4th book in Juliette Poe’s Sex and Sweet Tea series. I enjoyed it just as much as the first three books. This book centers around Colt and Darby. Colt has farming in his blood and doing everything he can to keep the 8 generations family farm going. Enter Darby. She is soon to be divorced from her douche bag husband and has uprooted herself and 7 yr old daughter, Linnie, and moved to Whynot, NC to start a Peach orchard. They start out kinda like enemies but pretty quickly a friendship forms and turns into a sweet, slow burn. Let me add that Colt is completely swoon worthy! I highly recommend a this trip to Whynot!
Pretty as a Peach is book 4 in the Sex and Sweet Tea Series and sweet and swoony is what this book is all about, it’s a fun sweet, hot read. I love my visits to Whynot and I love catching up with the Mancinkus clan and their friends because that’s how this author makes me feel, like I am on holiday visiting old friends with every book i read in this series.
This is Colt and Darby story, two people who try to fight their attraction to each other, they don’t want to be attracted to each other but sometimes your heart needs to win the fight. Colt is very much set in his ways, he knows and wants what is best for the town of Whynot and at first he is not sure Darby wants the same thing but as they get to know each other they realise maybe they aren’t so different after all.
This is a feel good factor book, it’s a romance with plenty of humour and some real laugh out loud moments. Love this series and can’t wait for more from Whynot and the Mancinkus gang.
I totally love this Sex and Sweet Tea series taking place in Whynot, NC. I mean, I want to live there and be friends with all of these characters!
Pretty as a Peach features Darby and her daughter Linnie. Darby is escaping a bad marriage and looking for a new start. Unfortunately, her daughter’s not interested in moving and making it difficult for Darby. Not to mention that the ex isn’t willing to let her go even though he’s had a mistress on the side for a while. I should also say that Darby is Jake’s ex-sister in law but Jake gets along well with his ex as well as Darby. He likes her so much that he has a farm down in Whynot that Darby is going to take over and run in an effort to finish her PhD.
But from the moment she arrives, all is not well with Colt who needs the grant that Darby’s trying to get to help get his family farm back on track. It’s an instant battle between the two of them but sometimes the biggest blowouts lead to the best love stories. They are truly a perfect match and Linnie is a huge plus in this story. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without some drama as Darby’s ex isn’t going away without a fight and more fireworks.
Can they survive the heat? You can’t help but want to move to this city! Another great addition to this wonderfully sweet series!
This book is as sweet as the tea in the south. Where Poe’s books are normally on the nice side, this book is over the top southern gentleman. I really enjoyed the break from what seems like hormone packed storylines. This would been the perfect book to read on a porch swing sipping tea on a beautiful spring day.
Whynot, NC, and Darby and Colt…. SIGH!!! What can I say. Pretty as a Peach is the fourth book in Juliette Poe’s The Sex & Sweet Tea Series. I have been a fan of this series by Ms. Poe (aka, Sawyer Bennett) since the very first book. They are just as phenomenally written just sweeter. The characters are just as loving just a little more laid back, in that southern slow and eaaaasy way.
I am not going to rehash the description of this wonderful book. I will say I loved the way Darby and Colt came together first as enemies (at least on Colts end), then to friends the more Colt becomes more familiar with Darby, and finally to love interests. However, Colt is a true southern gentleman, and is taking this relationship to the next level in the true southern way, SLOW and EAAASY, which is starting do drive Darby crazy. Then, Darby’s soon to be ex catches wind of what is developing and then…….. STOP!!! NOOOOO spoilers. Let me say this, what happens next makes me want to move to Whynot too!!
Ms. Poe, has proven to me, yet again, SHE CAN WRITE SOME SERIOUS ROMANCE!!
I was gifted with a copy of this wonderful book for my reading enjoyment for which I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for reading my review. This wonderful book released on March 15th and is available at all outlets.
I love being taken back to this charming southern town of Whynot. The way they all help each other and embrace newcomers and the sense of acceptance and family one can find there is wonderful, especially the Mancikus family and their friends. This is something Darby and her 7 year old daughter Linnie find out from the moment they arrive on the heels of her separation from her husband. She is there for a fresh start and when she runs into Colt Mancikus there is an instant palpable chemistry between them. They have so much in common and a wonderful connection because of it. But Darby’s wounds are fresh and Colt is just fine with the slow burn between them until the time is right to fuel the flames. They definitely have some interference to deal with but it’s worth it. Colt won my heart over completely when his protective wings come out to shield both Darby and Linnie. Taking them both on a “date “ may have just sealed the deal for me though.
I just adore this sweet and charming love story so much! I sure hope Larkin and the sexy new biker are up next!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Darby McCulhane’s having to do the hardest thing she’s ever done. You can feel her daughter’s attitude coming off the page. Colt Mancinkus also has an attitude. Seems that he has something in common with someone. It was interesting to watch this story progress and how Colt seemed to do a 180 compared to when we’re first introduced to him. You really get a sense of family in this story. So it was not hard to sit back bundled in my blanket as I follow Darby on her adventure – oh, and watch her daughter come out of her shell. Now I’m not forgetting about Colt but there was just something about Darby and her daughter that spoke to me.
This story reminds me of what I love about farms. Growing up, I used to have a farm at the end of my street. But progress intervened and now I have houses where the farm used to be. It was nice remembering what it was like to wake up to the sound of a rooster outside your window. Now if I want to see a farm, I have to travel quite a ways. One thing this story did was making me hungry for peaches. I wanted to have some sweet tea as I eat a nice juicy peach as I re-read this story. If you’re a Colt fan, you might want to have a glass of wine. One thing you might want to do is play some country music softly in the background – you don’t want to get distracted while enjoying this story.
Pap is still the man here but I didn’t feel that he took on the narrator role like he did in the last book. Here it was more about town gossip. Not living in a small town like Whynot, I felt like I was missing out on a lot – but it did give me a giggle or two. It was interesting to watch Darby as she becomes immersed in this little town. And how the town accepted her into the fold.
Besides Pap, there are other characters that appear here. You could read this book without having read the first three. But if you want to immerse yourself into the town of Whynot, than I would start from the beginning. I still have the urge to go down to North Carolina and go exploring. I may not find Ms. Poe’s town but I may find something that comes close. If I ever do get down there, I know for sure that this series is coming with me.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.