Scan barcode
booksthatburn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ROSALINE PALMER TAKES THE CAKE features Rosaline, a single mom on a British baking show, falling for her fellow contestants and doting on her anglerfish-obsessed daughter. She needs the money, and hopes the resulting spotlight will lead to a lucrative cookbook-writing career. This is the first book in a series which seems slated to have different protagonists in each entry, with a fictionalized version of a particular British baking show as the connecting thread. This means that while I'm sure some sort of connecting lore will develop, I can, at least, assess this as if it's a stand-alone book. It isn't trying to leave anything in particular to be resolved later (except that there will be another season of the show), and this story wraps up on schedule.
I was very glad to read about a bisexual protagonist who gets a narrative which doesn't treat her identity as a spectacle. Rosaline does, however, have to deal with some biphobia and some truly awful behavior. One of the potential love interests slowly becomes more and more unpleasant as the show continues, in a way which allows for several possible moments where a reader can realize that something is wrong and this isn't just a choice between two perfectly fine relationship options. I don't want to spoil how things go, but the slow escalation of toxic behavior is a really great example of how this kind of person can stay in someone's life well past the first warning sign, depending on what other pressures and stressors are in play. I've seen some other reviews which were upset at Rosaline for not realizing how bad this person was much earlier, and this frustrated me, because they seemed to not understand the narrative arc and her growth as a character. The book would have been dull and half the length if she'd immediately known who to end up with and just gotten there fast. Instead, her slow realization highlights how insidious classism can be, particularly the way that this person got past her guard because he engaged in the "acceptable" forms of bigotry. By not having Rosaline perfectly clock this person as a socially-adept asshole, there's room for her to have an arc of realization and struggle over how to deal with this new information.
Part of Rosaline's story off-camera is renegotiating her relationship with her parents. They have this idea of who she could have been which is incompatible with who she is, and she's felt bad that she didn't have the career they envisioned because she had Amelie instead. She doesn't regret her daughter, and doesn't particularly seem to long for a career in medicine, but it's hard to be settled and confident in the life she actually has when there's never enough money and her parents don't let her forget for an instant how much they've done to help her make both ends meet.
Things I love, in no particular order: Amelie and her various interests (I also loved anglerfish when I was a kid); the process of filming the baking show; the other cast members; Rosaline's relationship with her ex-girlfriend/best friend.
I was very glad to read about a bisexual protagonist who gets a narrative which doesn't treat her identity as a spectacle. Rosaline does, however, have to deal with some biphobia and some truly awful behavior. One of the potential love interests slowly becomes more and more unpleasant as the show continues, in a way which allows for several possible moments where a reader can realize that something is wrong and this isn't just a choice between two perfectly fine relationship options. I don't want to spoil how things go, but the slow escalation of toxic behavior is a really great example of how this kind of person can stay in someone's life well past the first warning sign, depending on what other pressures and stressors are in play. I've seen some other reviews which were upset at Rosaline for not realizing how bad this person was much earlier, and this frustrated me, because they seemed to not understand the narrative arc and her growth as a character. The book would have been dull and half the length if she'd immediately known who to end up with and just gotten there fast. Instead, her slow realization highlights how insidious classism can be, particularly the way that this person got past her guard because he engaged in the "acceptable" forms of bigotry. By not having Rosaline perfectly clock this person as a socially-adept asshole, there's room for her to have an arc of realization and struggle over how to deal with this new information.
Part of Rosaline's story off-camera is renegotiating her relationship with her parents. They have this idea of who she could have been which is incompatible with who she is, and she's felt bad that she didn't have the career they envisioned because she had Amelie instead. She doesn't regret her daughter, and doesn't particularly seem to long for a career in medicine, but it's hard to be settled and confident in the life she actually has when there's never enough money and her parents don't let her forget for an instant how much they've done to help her make both ends meet.
Things I love, in no particular order: Amelie and her various interests (I also loved anglerfish when I was a kid); the process of filming the baking show; the other cast members; Rosaline's relationship with her ex-girlfriend/best friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual assault, and Classism
Moderate: Confinement, Alcohol, Biphobia, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Minor: Racism and Infidelity
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Classism, Biphobia, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Mental illness, Alcohol, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Panic attacks/disorders
bzliz's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Boyfriend Material series wasn’t my favorite but I liked it well enough that when I saw this at the library, I thought I’d give it a try. I really like the backdrop of a Bake Off style program that gives a lot of structure to the story. It feels so comforting to read and limits the amount of stress. I think cozy readers will love this book.
Rosaline’s growth is due to her defiance of what others want for her. Firstly her parents, who’ve been pretty controlling her whole life. Then Alain, whose control is more subtle because it seems like he’s presenting options but really he just ignores the reality of her life and discounts her child as a huge responsibility but also her greatest source of joy. Rosaline starts standing up for herself and it’s a good moment that I think most quiet people secretly want. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finally saying everything you’ve been thinking and agonizing over. I was also frustrated with Rosaline because she wastes her time on this dude who might as well be saying “I own a Red Flag manufacturing plant and business is booming!” However, I would lay my life down for Harry even though I only understood about 75% of what he was saying.
Finally, it needs to be mentioned that there is a sexual assault scene. When I was looking for more information prior to starting the book, I couldn’t easily find a description of the event. If you’re sensitive to this subject and want to know what happens prior to reading, see my note below with the content warnings.
Rosaline’s growth is due to her defiance of what others want for her. Firstly her parents, who’ve been pretty controlling her whole life. Then Alain, whose control is more subtle because it seems like he’s presenting options but really he just ignores the reality of her life and discounts her child as a huge responsibility but also her greatest source of joy. Rosaline starts standing up for herself and it’s a good moment that I think most quiet people secretly want. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finally saying everything you’ve been thinking and agonizing over. I was also frustrated with Rosaline because she wastes her time on this dude who might as well be saying “I own a Red Flag manufacturing plant and business is booming!” However, I would lay my life down for Harry even though I only understood about 75% of what he was saying.
Finally, it needs to be mentioned that there is a sexual assault scene. When I was looking for more information prior to starting the book, I couldn’t easily find a description of the event. If you’re sensitive to this subject and want to know what happens prior to reading, see my note below with the content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Cursing, Sexual content, Classism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Mental illness, Biphobia, and Homophobia
Minor: Body shaming and Fatphobia
The sexual assault scene happened much later in the book than I expected it would. What happens isatamano's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Cursing
Moderate: Sexism, Biphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcohol and Alcoholism
rockyroadbutch's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Biphobia, Alcohol, Sexual assault, and Classism
Moderate: Gaslighting, Homophobia, Mental illness, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Fatphobia, Homophobia, and Pregnancy
fromthefoxhole's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I mean it's just a scrummy book! I was outwardly chuckling for like 80% of the book, I got a therapy session, and the leads are insanely hot. Wins all across the board.
Hall does a really excellent job with pacing, everything is whip smart and witty, especially our MC Rosaline. She's honestly a badass (I will never understand how people have the energy to do anything on top of being a parent, it's such involved and hard work) but she's also so genuine. She's balanced, both flawed and fleshed out enough to feel human, like I could pop down the street and she'd greet me with a cup of tea.
Harry, our burly cinnamon roll love interest, is a man of few words who really goes all out with acts of service for those he cares about. There are so many times in this book that I highlighted and my comment is just "😭😭" because he's such a gentle and kind man.
Also, Amelie is the love of my life, and I hope one day she becomes a marine biologist who focuses on deep sea exploration.
Hall does a really excellent job with pacing, everything is whip smart and witty, especially our MC Rosaline. She's honestly a badass (I will never understand how people have the energy to do anything on top of being a parent, it's such involved and hard work) but she's also so genuine. She's balanced, both flawed and fleshed out enough to feel human, like I could pop down the street and she'd greet me with a cup of tea.
Harry, our burly cinnamon roll love interest, is a man of few words who really goes all out with acts of service for those he cares about. There are so many times in this book that I highlighted and my comment is just "😭😭" because he's such a gentle and kind man.
Also, Amelie is the love of my life, and I hope one day she becomes a marine biologist who focuses on deep sea exploration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexism, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Cursing, Classism, and Biphobia
Minor: Abortion
kaitlinnoodles's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Classism, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual content, Biphobia, Sexual assault, and Alcohol
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Ableism, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Fatphobia, Violence, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Abortion, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Medical content
nefariousbee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this is the second time Alexis Hall got me from what threatened to be a big old reading slump. i swear you can't go wrong with his romance novels. it's witty and fun, the characters feel alive, you get the romance and the life lessons. the plot is barely there but I like it that way so I can't complain. this was a f/m romance and so bisexual at the same time. just delightful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Classism, and Alcohol
cluckieduck's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Biphobia, and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Bullying, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Emotional abuse
aimzthereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVED this book and felt sooo seen by it . This book represents a lot of the bisexual experience, the good and the bad. I love that the author was not afraid to call out a lot of shit that lgbtqia+ community has to deal with .
I loved the writing style. I loved the plot especially the setting of it being on the Great bake which is the Great British bake off 100%. It was I reretibg to hear about the competition while having a romance happen at the same time. This id also a story of friendship. The power of standing up for yourself and being your true self and being fine with that and making others realize they need to be accepting and respectful.
The daughter in this is also super cute and that’s a great storyline of seeing Rosaline as a single mother and all the experiences that go along with that.
There were many many moments where I found myself snapping/clapping along at this book, nodding my head and smiling and also getting mad at certain characters. This book also made me watch the great British bake off and I highly recommend that for a
Multimedia experience.
I will read many more books by Alexis hall because to me this book was perfection .
I loved the writing style. I loved the plot especially the setting of it being on the Great bake which is the Great British bake off 100%. It was I reretibg to hear about the competition while having a romance happen at the same time. This id also a story of friendship. The power of standing up for yourself and being your true self and being fine with that and making others realize they need to be accepting and respectful.
The daughter in this is also super cute and that’s a great storyline of seeing Rosaline as a single mother and all the experiences that go along with that.
There were many many moments where I found myself snapping/clapping along at this book, nodding my head and smiling and also getting mad at certain characters. This book also made me watch the great British bake off and I highly recommend that for a
Multimedia experience.
I will read many more books by Alexis hall because to me this book was perfection .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Homophobia, Cursing, Biphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
Minor: Body shaming, Violence, and Medical content