Book Marks
Published January 31, 2005

Kallmaker crafts her fiction ­ 20-plus romance, fantasy, and erotica titles, and counting — at a prodigious rate (three books are scheduled for 2005). Given her fan base, she's review-proof. Damning a Kallmaker won't hinder sales. Kudos won't sell more copies. Nevertheless, praise is due. Sugar is a literary snack as delectable as the fabulous desserts created by struggling—and, sadly, single—Seattle chef Sugar Sorenson.

Life is dire for Sugar, forced from her illegal rental by fire, badgered by her three straight sisters because of her fecklessness, and dependant on her homophobic aunt for refuge. True to the tradition of Kallmaker romances, however, all ends well. Jesus has spoken to her aunt, who has taken tolerance to heart. Sugar's sisters are more sympathetic to her plight — and to her lesbianism—than expected. And, lo,life is suddenly sweet for Sugar. She has three sultry suitors: an aggressive TV producer, a sympathetic social worker, and a hunky female firefighter. It's a given that one of the three fans the flames of love, though the able author quite skillfully keeps readers guessing.

Lambda Book Report, Volume 13.09-10

The author dwells flavorfully on Sugar’s own work sculpting with cake layers, ganache, and fondant; the detailed descriptions of baked good had me ready to bike immediately to the local café for a triple-chocolate-chip cookie.

Kallmaker also aptly describes the lesbian dating dance’s mixed signals—are these women asking Sugar out for coffee to express concern because her home just burned down, because they’re interested in her career, or because they’re attracted to her? Sugar’s interior monologue about her suitors’ intentions is amusing and real, if bordering on obsessive at times. And the book contains one of my favorite descriptions of a bad romantic experience, when Sugar says to Charlie:

“She said you two dated.”
Charlie’s eyes flew open. “We did not. We met at agreed-upon places and argued.”

Despite its occasionally sticky prose and fem-bot cover, which looks like something stolen from a bestseller on the chick lit list, Sugar is a sweet little read.

WomanSpace, June 2006

Sugar is an apt title for this little book of fluff from author Kallmaker. It's light, sweet and easily read. That's not bad praise for an upbeat romance that begins with a house fire that threatens a woman's livelihood... This book doesn't pretend to be anything other than fluff, but sometimes, that's what you want and it's okay.

Wishing Well, August/September, 2005

This cute novel held me entralled wondering who cake designer Sugar Sorenson would end up with — beautiful TV producer Emily Dorsett, hunky butch firefighter Charlie Bronson, or wonderful Goddess-child Tree Racine. Though plagued with a run of bad luck, events transpire to bring Sugar a sense of her own worth as a woman and as a family-member and put her in the sights of these three enchanting women.

Books To Watch Out For!
Les Fic Edition #14, April 14, 2005

Even when Karin Kallmaker tries to whip up some bit of frothy dessert — as in Sugar — she still spins out a sweet — but not saccharine — story.

MegaScene
March 11, 2005

Sugar is another delightful romance from a great lesbian romance writer. Kallmaker has won the Lambda Literary Award for Maybe This Time (also published by Bella Books). With Sugar she gives the reader a light, frothy story that is just possibly as light as the cakes made by the main character.

Sugar, the youngest of four sisters, has started a business of her own. She makes one of a kind three dimensional cakes that take any form requested. She has made cakes that look like beloved cats, fishing lures, and everything in between. Unfortunately, her home and bakery burn down, along with her lap top computer and her recipe file.

Note from the author

Sugar was inspired years ago by a specialty cake decorator featured in a program about women entrepreneurs. I was fascinated by her artistry and the wedding and party cakes she designed. When the Food Network began airing "Ace of Cakes" I was thrilled — it would be Sugar's dream job, wielding fondant and a sharp knife to create works of art that happen to be really tasty cakes.