He’s the kind of guy that keeps me up all night, but only in my dreams. And it’s agony, sweet agony.From the moment I laid eyes on Brantley Cardwell, I knew he was too good to be true—sexy, southern and charming.There are some guys that are just too everything for their own good.I should’ve kept my distance that summer, but I didn’t.I should’ve known better than to fall for someone like him. But … didn’t.
I should’ve known better than to fall for someone like him. But at seventeen, taking control of my heart wasn’t so easy.
I thought he’d be my first kiss. I thought he’d be my first everything.
He became my first crush. And then he crushed me.
Twelve years later he’s back in town and there’s no way I’ll fall for that sexy southern drawl, irresistible smile and all that charm.
No matter how well he fills out a pair of old faded Levi’s.
Maybe it’s the taste of bourbon on his lips that burns so good. But the bourbon holds a secret igniting a firestorm neither one of us can stop.
Now Brant is risking his legacy, his family, his heart—all for me.
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Sweet Agony by Christy Pastore is a second chance, contemporary, small-town romance told in first person, dual POV that takes place in the fictional town of Mayfield, Kentucky.
Caroline Stratton is not pleased when she learns Brantley Cardwell is back in town. He shattered her heart on her eighteenth birthday, and he’s the reason she doesn’t eat cake anymore. But Brant seems to be everywhere, and try as she might, Caroline just can’t avoid him. And it doesn’t help matters that he’s sexier than she remembered. With a rumored history of bad blood between the Strattons and Cardwells, and a town full of nosey gossips keeping the rumors alive, things are bound to get complicated.
It was fun to return to Mayfield and revisit characters from Beautiful March as I got to know Caroline and Brant. Both were fantastic characters. Caroline is honest, down to earth, and a dependable friend. Brant is a dirty-talker who conducts himself with honor and integrity. Some surprising twists are revealed along the way, but overall, the story is relatively low on drama and angst. An enjoyable romance read with warmth, steam, and a pinch of mystery.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
The bourbon books are an addicting series. This book is centered around small town living where everyone know everyone. I highly recommend an ice cold beverage when you start reading Caroline & Brant’s love story.This is a slow burning romance that will have you blowing out the flames on your kindle.
Sweet Agony is a second-chance, contemporary romance told in dual POV and can be read as a stand-alone. However, I highly suggest reading book one, Beautiful March, to enhance and embrace all that Mayfield, Kentucky has to offer.
Caroline Stratton is a strong, no nonsense, independent women who helps run the family business at Cranberry Ridge, while also helping other friends out when needed. Brantley Cardwell broke her 17 year old heart when he just up and left with no word as to the why.
Brantley Cardwell, that swoon worthy, son a buck has returned back to Mayfield to take over the Cardwell Bourbon Business after being gone for 12 years.
Caroline and Brant keep running into each other and they both can still feel that there is something still brewing between them. Caroline still doesn’t trust Brant with her heart and he is trying everything he can to win that trust back.
When the rumors start to spread about Caroline and Brent will the Cardwell/Stratton bourbon war start up again? Or will the family secret that is brought to light be the end of all ends? Pick up this book and find out for yourself!
I found this to be an enjoyable read, low on angst, packed with all the feels Christy’s books are known for and let’s not forget about the steamy sex scenes!
Oh….Brantley Cardwell can “sugar” me anytime he wants!
This small town romance feels like home. Caroline and Brant are the perfect match. After experiencing unrequited love, they get a second chance that is so worth the wait! I admire how these two work through the hiccups in their relationship. It is refreshing!
This book was not at all what I expected based on the blurb. There was very little angst and was more second chance or friends to lovers. I did like Brant and Caroline and their friends and family.
Wow…what a read!! Loved Brant and Caroline!! Lots of feels and emotions with this one!!
Bourbon filled secrets and hot nights in Kentucky bring this second chance romance to life!
Caroline and Brant sizzled off my kindle pages with the chemistry they share when faced with each other again. Truly Sweet Agony.
Brant Cardwell made me swoon immediately with his willingness to take things slow and do everything right. Having experienced his own mishaps, he doesn’t take anything for granted…except maybe monopolizing Caroline Stratton’s thoughts and time. And does he ever.
Caroline was such a strong character with her independence and unwillingness to settle for anything less. It isn’t until Brant comes back into her life she realizes how much she has grown and what she sees in her future (which apparently is lots and lots of cake).
I love that we got to visit with Tyler and Haven as well and one can only hope we may get a story out of Maybelle and Sawyer (hint hint).
My adoration for Brant started when I read the first book Beautiful March. He was such a sweet, doting brother to Haven. I couldn’t wait to find out if Brant and Caroline would end up together. The two have such good chemistry. I loved their fun and flirty interactions. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and grow as they work through their issues.
Their story is charming and full of emotion. I definitely recommend giving it a read.
I can’t wait to see what will happen next in Mayfield.
Christy Pastore has quickly become an automatic one-click author for me. She never fails to entertain with her wonderfully written words and allows me to get lost in the worlds she creates.
Sweet Agony is one of those stories. It’s a beautiful story that gave me all the feels. Brant was the epitome of a swoon-worthy southern gentleman. And Caroline was a smart, determined and witty woman who was as kind as she was beautiful. The angst and chemistry between the two of them was so …. I don’t even have words to describe it. You’ll just have to read it for yourself to understand what I mean.
I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to what’s to come as well as reading Christy’s other stories.
Review by Antonette
Trouble Maker’s Library Book Blog
non spoiler review….
A sweet romantic charming knock your sox off with a sexy cowboy smile. He’s swoon worthy with his sparkling smirk and sexy cowboy ways. Brant is what I would call a man. A man with fire in his eyes when it comes to Caroline. I could feel the heat, he’s definitely someone who gets what he wants and his ways about getting it are all kinds of swoon worthy.
I really liked Caroline she’s relatable and sweet. She’s Independant and funny. Shes easily likable. The two of them together heat up the pages.
I adored all the characters in this book. They’re all so relatable. The story flowed with ease and had just enough of everything you want in a story.
Sweet Agony by Christy Pastore is a sweet and charming second chance romance with all the feels. Brant and Caroline have history and not all of it good. They were young and faced so much and yet it wasn’t their time. Now years later he is back and determined. There are obstacles in their way, but together, can they overcome them?
Brant and Caroline shared amazing chemistry and connection. But he left her once, can she trust him with her heart again? I loved Brant. He was caring and sweet. Caroline was so likable and smart. Their journey was delightful and left me feeling happy!
4.5-stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
He’s the kind of guy that keeps me up all night, but only in my dreams.
And it’s agony, sweet agony.
From the moment I laid eyes on Brantley Cardwell, I knew he was too good to be true—sexy, southern and charming.
There are some guys that are just too everything for their own good.
I should’ve kept my distance that summer, but I didn’t.
I should’ve known better than to fall for someone like him. But at seventeen, taking control of my heart wasn’t so easy.
I thought he’d be my first kiss. I thought he’d be my first everything.
He became my first crush. And then he crushed me.
Twelve years later he’s back in town and there’s no way I’ll fall for that sexy southern drawl, irresistible smile and all that charm.
No matter how well he fills out a pair of old faded Levi’s.
Maybe it’s the taste of bourbon on his lips that burns so good. But the bourbon holds a secret igniting a firestorm neither one of us can stop.
Now Brant is risking his legacy, his family, his heart—all for me.
Loved Brant’s and Caroline’s story. Their story was so well written. Their chemistry was hot! There was a twist that I definitely didn’t see coming. Nsuch a great read. (less)
Sweet Agony is a second chance romance that will capture your heart from the very first chapter. Brant and Caroline always had a connection but age, timing and unspoken words stood in their way. When Brant returns to his hometown, he and Caroline realize that time has not cooled their attraction. As a family secret is brought to light Brant will risk everything for Caroline. A passionate love story that is heartwarming and uplifting that will leave you with a full heart and a huge smile. A story filled with characters that will feel like you are surrounded by old friends. Not only is their story sweet, beautiful and heartfelt but has some seriously steamy scenes that will warm you from the inside out.
“I’ve been waiting for . . . for what seems like a lifetime,” I confess. “I’ve wondered what it would feel like to have your hands on me. Your mouth on me. You inside me.” -Caroline
If that doesn’t just about say it all. A sweet & strong heroine and an alpha& growly hero make for all the sparks. Another great trip along the Bourbon Trail.
Sweet Agony is a Sweet Surprise!!! Brant and Caroline spent the summer flirting around before she started her senior year and he went to graduate school. They flirted hard and crushed harder but their age gap caused Brant to put on the brakes. Flash forward and Brant returns home to take over the family bourbon business and running into Caroline is inevitable. The sparks they had are still there and as they learn, they never died, as they get a second chance. Their fun, flirty attraction is the stuff that will make you swoon hard and grab a fan and cold drink. This novel also provides a secondary story of their family’s long-standing bourbon rivalry and a bit of small-town mystery.
This slow burn, low angst, ultra-sexy read is another hit in the Christy Pastore stable of hot, steamy HEA’s. Beautifully written and the extraordinary descriptions of the beautiful Kentucky Bourbon trial set the mood and make you feel like you’re there and know Brant, Caroline and the others like they were old friends. Another HIT!!!
I truly connected to this book in so many ways that it is just to hard to put into words. I have so many feels with this book. I felt as if I was in the book with the characters living life with them. Absolutely a must read.