Sweet Honesty: The Sweet Series, Book 1

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 317 ratings

Price: 19.95

Last update: 02-05-2025


About this item

Atlanta, Georgia, 1950–Michael can’t believe his eyes as he watches the man he loves marry a woman from the back row of Mount Zion Baptist Church. When the beautiful couple is pronounced man and wife, he leaves his home in Georgia for the chance of a better life in New York City.

Alexander is just trying to exist in Queens, New York. Although his family is aware of his unnatural attraction to men, they adore him. The price of hiding his true identity from the rest of the world leads to a deep and painful loneliness for Alex, even in the bosom of a loving family.

When Michael’s life collides with Alexander’s world, both men are afraid to trust. Sweet Honesty is an African American M/M romance that provides a glimpse of black love from a different lens and time.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Vonn
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Sweet Honest Review
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
    Joan Vassar's "Sweet Honesty” is a gem of a novel, set in the tumultuous 1950s, and is a heartfelt exploration of love in its many forms. From the innocent and pure to the strong and secure, the narrative captures the essence of what it means to truly love and be loved.

    Love in a World of Challenges
    "Sweet Honesty" is more than just a love story; it's a tapestry woven with threads of authenticity, vulnerability, and resilience. The story centers on Michael and Alexander, two individuals whose love for each other is as profound as it is challenging. Against the backdrop of a society grappling with racism, redlining, and the stigmas surrounding homosexuality, their journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

    Characters That Captivate
    Michael and Alexander are not just characters; they are embodiments of strength and vulnerability.

    Their love story is a testament to the power of secure masculinity, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of family support. The emotional depth, raw openness, passionate sensuality, and eroticism shows honest and beautiful toe curling sex scenes, belonging, devotion and the innocence of exploring life through new experiences is captivating, drawing readers into their world and making their struggles and triumphs feel incredibly real.

    A Deeper Exploration of Personal Growth
    Joan Vassar skillfully transitions the narrative from a same-sex romance to a broader exploration of personal growth and overcoming obstacles. As I read, the story became less about two males and more about the love between two individuals that encourages readers to embrace love in all its forms and challenges societal perceptions about acceptance. Through her masterful storytelling, Vassar fosters a message of change and love, inspiring readers to open their hearts and minds. "Sweet Honesty" takes readers on a journey through a bygone era, reshaping perspectives and revealing the truths of its characters' experiences. Vassar's narrative prowess immerses readers in this period, making the historical context as vivid and compelling as the love story itself.

    Themes of Family, Friendship, and Acceptance
    This poignant love story doesn't just focus on romantic love; it also delves into the dynamics of family and friendship. The genuine affection portrayed within the family unit is truly heartwarming, emphasizing the importance of support and acceptance from loved ones. "Sweet Honesty" prompts readers to reflect on these relationships in their own lives, encouraging a more accepting and loving worldview.

    Final Thoughts
    Reading "Sweet Honesty" is like embarking on a rollercoaster of emotions pondering the power of love and acceptance. Joan Vassar's storytelling exceeds expectations, creating a rare and cherished bond between Michael and Alexander that resonates deeply.

    If you're looking for a book that not only entertains but also inspires and challenges you to think differently about love and relationships, "Sweet Honesty" is a must-read. Let it sweep you off your feet. It's a love-infused journey that will leave you wishing for a world as accepting and beautiful as the one depicted in the book. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
  • Sip then Read
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sip Approved ✅
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024
    Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:

    Sweet Honesty by Joan Vassar

    Drink: Georgia Peach Cocktail

    Music: Stand By Me by Ben E. King, So Good by J. Howell

    Michael “Mike” Glover: If, “on to the next,” was a person it would be Mikey. My man didn’t let the fear of the unknown stop him from doing what’s best for him.

    Alexander “Alex” Smith: If, “Casanova,” was a person it would be Alex. My man had the juice, and everybody knew it.

    It’s no secret that my sister and I are super fans of Joan Vassar’s writing. Ms. Joan never fails to deliver an awe-inspiring story that’ll have us talking about it long after it’s over. This isn’t our first M/M story, but it is the first one we’ve read together, and Ms. Joan made it a purely delightful experience for us. Mike and Alex had such a beautiful love story. We were enraptured from beginning to end. They had us bickering with each other and giggling like schoolgirls lol. The added effect of the story being set in a different time really heighten the experience. We felt like we were there with Michael and Alexander living life in the 1950s as gay black men. The story was set up in a way that you got to live the highs and lows of that era. The fear and struggles of not only being black, but also a Friend of Dorothy. We’re so thankful Ms. Joan wrote this story and gave a voice to a lot of people who don’t have one. Reading about our history in this way gave us a whole new perspective and respect for those who came before us. There’s nothing better than reading about our history from someone who took the time to learn it and who can relate to it. Black stories by black authors matter, and we felt so blessed to be able to be in the moment while reading Sweet Honesty. We loved this story and didn’t want it to end. Ms. Joan’s writing is so descriptive and all consuming. This was the kind of love story that we live to read about. It was laugh out loud funny, heartbreaking, suspenseful, exciting, and steamy all at once. Ms. Joan can hold us captive with her words anytime lol. We hope to get more of these types of romances from her in the future. This story is a must read for sure.

    This recipe was found on Google by Texanerin
  • Lisette
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet&Honest
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
    Joan Vassar has written a story so sweet, so true, so beautiful that you can't help but to fall in love with love.
    This was my first M/M romance and I was surprised at how I was so immersed into the story of Michael and Alex, I didn't look at them or consider them as a "gay" couple. They were just 2 young men in the 1950's trying to make their way in a world that barely accepted them due to their race and didn't accept their preference.
    If you took away the spicy scenes, this was one of the most wholesome books I've read. The feelings these two shared were so pure and true. Michael began to discover real love, real acceptance, and real commitment, while Alex discovered what it meant to be true. He was such a free spirit that he just floated around the city, breaking the people off while breaking hearts as well, as unintentional as it was
    The family dynamic was the bind that held this book together.
    If you give this book a try and read with a lens of acceptance, you will find an incredible love story that radiates Black Joy.

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