The Sugar Queen

An emotionally gut-wrenching second-chance romance! Brandi set Trapper free ten years ago so he could pursue his pro hockey career without entanglements. Now he's back, retired after a knee injury, and he not only wants answers about why she cut him loose, he also wants to know what it will take to get her back. The lost years just melted away for both of them, and it was simply beautiful. I was thoroughly charmed by the inclusion of all the history that connected today's Emerson Pass to the town's beginnings in The School Mistress. The journals, the genealogy, the family traditions, all of it blended beautifully to bridge the 110 year gap and anchor all the new characters to their family roots. The writing is instantly captivating, welcoming, and heartwarming. The conflicts keeping these two apart attack on two fronts. First, a wildfire wipes out a good portion of the town, forcing Brandi and Trapper to camp out with friends while they await word on the aftermath. Then, Brandi's secret is revealed, causing Trapper to reevaluate everything he thought about their relationship. The contrast between his and her parents explained a lot, and my heart was so very glad to see that they found the support they needed to face the past and forge their future together. Their HEA was absolutely perfect. As the first contemporary story in the series, we're treated to a thorough introduction to a wide ranging cast of characters who will no doubt be featured in later books in the series. There is not just one couple to fall in love with; it's an entire town full of wonderful characters who embody all the best of small town living. If you love small town romances, this book - the entire series - was written for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Tess Thompson’s The Sugar Queen of Emerson Pass (Emerson Pass #2) is a sweet read. In this story NHL star, Trapper Barnes returns home after an injury shortens his career. He pursues his childhood sweetheart, Brandi Vargas, who broke his heart, discovering the reason she let him go. This second-chance romance is suitable for adult readers. It takes place in Emerson Pass, Colorado. Tess Thompson does a nice job with the characters. Brandi owns the town bakery which she named The Sugar Queen. My heart broke for her and the things she endured. Her mom is a piece of work. She has secrets that she needs to reveal to Trapper is she decides to give him a second chance. Trapper is a good guy. I like that he was open-minded and a romantic. I appreciated how the characters found their ancestors past relevant to their own. Compelling things happen in the story that brought the character’s together. There were times at the beginning of the book that I felt it was a little slow, usually when they were reading the journals or letters. I do feel that the history played an important part in this story and that the journal/letters were necessary for the success of the book. The Sugar Queen of Emerson Pass had a wonderful ending that left me wanting to read more of the series. This is the first book that I have read by Tess Thompson. I am interested in the other character’s stories. I recommend this book to people who enjoy second chance romances that include history. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

My first read by this author. It's a second chance story with Brandi and Trapper as the main characters. at times we get taken back in history to the generations before and, the history between Brandi and Trapper, where this story begins. It's important to understand what drives people to make decisions and which the author was successful in achieving. Conflicts keep both Brandi and trapper apart. Her mother being the biggest one and a fire that destroys part of the town, Emerson Pass. They spend time with friends camping whilst waiting for the fire to pass through, giving them time to connect without much interference from others. Brandi knows she has to tell Trapper the truth. When she does he looks at their relationship differently. Brandi's story is heartbreaking. The love and support they both get from friends and Trapper's family explains a lot and we know the two will be supported from here on. The ending is swoon and tear worthy. A worthwhile and recommended read.