I have never read this author before but after reading the blurb and the wonderful reviews for Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan, I am so glad I did. I was invested in Emma and Lucian’s story from the beginning, and loved how these two broken souls were brought together through different but similar circumstances.Lucian voluntarily ended his professional hockey career for medical reasons, and was staying at his grandmother’s estate in California and helping her with renovations. Emma was a successful actress recently let go from her long-running series in which she was the star and escaped to Lucian’s grandmother’s estate as well for healing and privacy before the news let out about the status of her character. From their first meet cute when he picked her up at the airport, I smiled. I just love a growly alpha who is standoffish for a reason, vulnerable and sweet, and Lucian was the total package.Emma did not recognize him nor know of his career status and I loved the slow-burn as they really didn’t even start off as friends. They were reluctantly thrown together as per their living arrangements, and even though they were physically attracted to each other, they kept their distance while admiring each other from afar.As humans we all need to feel loved, desired, and a physical connection with someone and these two were such a perfect match. Through many different scenarios, they came together and I loved being part of their journey. They have such wonderful banter and she is so sassy, and I couldn’t get enough. I loved how they became each other’s confidants and helped each other heal and grow. It was only a matter of time before their intense attraction to one another became physical and it was super steamy!This book was very emotional at times as they struggled with their self-worth and identity after losing their careers, and I admired how they persevered and brought out the best in each other. They were friends and lovers, each other’s biggest supporters, and even when they hurt each other or made mistakes, they were able to work through it and learn from it.An added note is the wonderful layering of all of the delicious baked goods that Lucian makes as a secret hobby. The author must have been a food critique or a professional chef at one time because the way the items are described is nothing short of masterful. It made me swoon that he showed her how much he cared by the items he would make from scratch with all the love in his heart, and when she found out who was behind her daily delicacies. It was very powerful to see that type of devotion to a craft and I loved how he shared his family’s history in the hospitality industry.My heart bleed for him as hockey was such an important part of his life from a young child, and I totally related to his dilemma whether to work again as a player. I just wished he would have considered coaching professionally or at the college level, or opening up a summer camp or hockey clinic, as he was obviously so talented, but am glad he was passionate about his career change. I knew Emma would bounce back on her feet as she was also talented at her craft as an actress and I admired how she held out and didn’t make concessions with her career.I really enjoyed all of the supporting characters, especially his wise grandmother, her friend from home, and his cousins and teammates, and thought they complimented each other beautifully as a couple.I felt so many feels when reading this book and routed for them the entire time. Loved it and highly recommend!