THE SWEETHEART DEAL is the first book in Miranda Liasson’s “Blossom Glen” series. This is a good book for romance fans who enjoy the “enemies-to-lovers” and “marriage of convenience” tropes. Tessa Montgomery and Leo Castorini are two chefs with a prickly past that dates from their high school days. Since then, there has been no communication since Leo hasn’t been in town and their families have a low key feud. Now Leo’s back to help his family’s flagging restaurant, and he thinks marriage is the key to fixing things for his restaurant and Tessa’s family bakery. It’s a little bit of convoluted thinking, but the ends wind up justifying the means since they find love.

I love stories with a marriage of convenience theme, and this one works. Leo’s reasons for marrying Tessa are to appease his father, thus giving him more creative and financial control of the family business. That Tessa makes amazing baked good just next door that can be used in his restaurant doesn’t hurt either. For Tessa, she wants to help her family financially as well so that she can pursue her own dreams guilt-free. This story has heart, and all the characters are well-written and three-dimensional. For me, however, the character that I resonate more with is Leo. He’s a realistically flawed hero, but he cares about people and he’s charming without being too slick and smarmy. Tessa takes a lot on her shoulders that she doesn’t really have to. I like her, but her insecurities and tendency toward self-sacrifice have her sisters and others saving her from herself on occasion. In that way, Tessa and Leo are a good match and balance each other well. The chemistry between these two characters is what make this book so special. Rather than a grand seduction, Tessa and Leo slowly and unintentionally enchant each other. Sublime.

THE SWEETHEART DEAL is about family, realizing your dreams, and falling in love. I like how Tessa and Leo each had their own support system. Tessa had her sisters acting as her cheerleaders, and Leo had his buddies to offer advice. It was ironic to me how much importance was initially put on the feud between these two families but, in the end, that wasn’t the thing that almost succeeded in tearing this couple apart. Miranda Liasson gives a good balance between the drama and angst, and the magic of falling in love. I look forward to the next book in this series.