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ellabynight's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
maureen2506's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
4.0
A very cute romantic book. I like very much, that the adult lovers act like adults and not do stupid shit like teenagers in their mid 30s. Also like the dynamic between Sylvie and Dominic - grumpy and sunshine is always very funny and endearing.
monarchsandmyths's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The cover and the title of this book do not even begin to encompass how deep and beautiful this book is. I was absolutely in awe at the depths we saw of both characters, of how natural and incredible this story and this book was, and I genuinely could not put it down. Really the only thing that works against it is that there were some moments of writing that were a little more uncomfortable to read, and the neat and tidy happily ever after was a little bit less realistic. In all honesty though I am more than happy to push those things aside because this book is just such a fun read, but there’s also so much nuance and meaning artfully worked in, I could rave for ages.
Without a doubt, the absolute best part of this book is the characters, and there are so many good ones. To start with, Sylvie Fairchild is just so incredible, not only in her resoluteness of character but in the depth of her arc. Throughout this book we see her ultimately grow even deeper into herself, not as a way of rejecting the Sugar Fair esque version of herself, but more resolutely into it. Lucy Parker does a truly incredible job of taking two characters that ultimately look very different and crafting them into a couple that only betters their individual selves. The same is true for Dominic as he learns and grows in the rearview of past traumas. Neither of them are perfect but their characters are so stunning, and they work together so well it’s incredible. I was never unaware that this book was not about blushing young adults or those newly coming into their own, but of two people who had been through life and continued to weather it, but the most obvious indicator was that despite the inherent tension of the relationship as rivals, these two work so well together. They communicate like actual adults and their love story is all the better for it. Lucy Parker never relied on needless tension between the two to ramp up the story, instead focusing on blossoming something beautiful. I could genuinely talk foever about how good and healthy of a relationship this is, but I’d be loathe to miss talking about all the other wonderful characters and moments in this story.
A mark of a truly wonderful book, and one this book possesses, is that the supporting characters are just as incredible as its main characters. And while not every character was as deeply fleshed out as Sylvie and Dominic, they still came alive on the page. Pet, as Dominic calls her, was such a lovely extension to Dominic’s story (and one I expect we’ll be seeing more of in the continuance of the Palace Insiders series), and the story overall. Her pain and love was as clear on the page as anything else, and I am genuinely so excited to see her story continue in the future, and her character become even more vivid. I have to mention Mabel, who I both fear and want to meet in person, such a resolute person in the midst of chaos. She’s not a central focus but I can picture her as clear as day. The same can be said for Mariana, or Liam, Rosie, Johnny, or Jay. This book introduces you to so many wonderful characters and all their little stories along the way, whether their love stories tragic as Patrick and Jessie, or beautiful as Rosie and Johnny’s.
This all to say, this was a great book, and I so loved reading it. There’s drama and tension in just the right amounts, but ultimately the most love is put into the essential part of this book, the romance. There are very few things about this book I would change, and none of them are in the essential story or the characters, who now hold a special place in my heart.
The cover and the title of this book do not even begin to encompass how deep and beautiful this book is. I was absolutely in awe at the depths we saw of both characters, of how natural and incredible this story and this book was, and I genuinely could not put it down. Really the only thing that works against it is that there were some moments of writing that were a little more uncomfortable to read, and the neat and tidy happily ever after was a little bit less realistic. In all honesty though I am more than happy to push those things aside because this book is just such a fun read, but there’s also so much nuance and meaning artfully worked in, I could rave for ages.
Without a doubt, the absolute best part of this book is the characters, and there are so many good ones. To start with, Sylvie Fairchild is just so incredible, not only in her resoluteness of character but in the depth of her arc. Throughout this book we see her ultimately grow even deeper into herself, not as a way of rejecting the Sugar Fair esque version of herself, but more resolutely into it. Lucy Parker does a truly incredible job of taking two characters that ultimately look very different and crafting them into a couple that only betters their individual selves. The same is true for Dominic as he learns and grows in the rearview of past traumas. Neither of them are perfect but their characters are so stunning, and they work together so well it’s incredible. I was never unaware that this book was not about blushing young adults or those newly coming into their own, but of two people who had been through life and continued to weather it, but the most obvious indicator was that despite the inherent tension of the relationship as rivals, these two work so well together. They communicate like actual adults and their love story is all the better for it. Lucy Parker never relied on needless tension between the two to ramp up the story, instead focusing on blossoming something beautiful. I could genuinely talk foever about how good and healthy of a relationship this is, but I’d be loathe to miss talking about all the other wonderful characters and moments in this story.
A mark of a truly wonderful book, and one this book possesses, is that the supporting characters are just as incredible as its main characters. And while not every character was as deeply fleshed out as Sylvie and Dominic, they still came alive on the page. Pet, as Dominic calls her, was such a lovely extension to Dominic’s story (and one I expect we’ll be seeing more of in the continuance of the Palace Insiders series), and the story overall. Her pain and love was as clear on the page as anything else, and I am genuinely so excited to see her story continue in the future, and her character become even more vivid. I have to mention Mabel, who I both fear and want to meet in person, such a resolute person in the midst of chaos. She’s not a central focus but I can picture her as clear as day. The same can be said for Mariana, or Liam, Rosie, Johnny, or Jay. This book introduces you to so many wonderful characters and all their little stories along the way, whether their love stories tragic as Patrick and Jessie, or beautiful as Rosie and Johnny’s.
This all to say, this was a great book, and I so loved reading it. There’s drama and tension in just the right amounts, but ultimately the most love is put into the essential part of this book, the romance. There are very few things about this book I would change, and none of them are in the essential story or the characters, who now hold a special place in my heart.
eyre_apparent's review against another edition
5.0
I've been in a reading slump, but I persisted in slowly reading this delightful book. Lucy Parker never disappoints me and this was no exception. The characters have such deep feelings and to me their romance made sense.
I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had ever watched Great British Bake Off, but even without that context I still loved it. Made me tear up and squee with happiness.
I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had ever watched Great British Bake Off, but even without that context I still loved it. Made me tear up and squee with happiness.
mclark224's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
desertlover's review against another edition
4.0
I am a huge fan of Parker and could not wait to read the first installment of her new series. When I am not reading, I am usually watching Food Network, so this synopsis was right inline with my favorite things. The banter and slow burn romance between Dominic and Sylvie was entertaining. I found myself constantly giggling at their antics and banter.
"I genuinely can't tell if you're pissed about something or if that's just your face now."
The baking and reality TV aspect were engaging, and I wanted to see even more. Even though there was much humor, there were many emotional moments too. I found myself tearing up often. The secondary characters, especially Pet, were adorable and they added much depth to overall story.
I am not interested in the "Royal Family", but I did not mind the minor plot involving them. I look forward to the next couple/installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for my review copy.
"I genuinely can't tell if you're pissed about something or if that's just your face now."
The baking and reality TV aspect were engaging, and I wanted to see even more. Even though there was much humor, there were many emotional moments too. I found myself tearing up often. The secondary characters, especially Pet, were adorable and they added much depth to overall story.
I am not interested in the "Royal Family", but I did not mind the minor plot involving them. I look forward to the next couple/installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for my review copy.
openandhostile's review against another edition
2.0
The romantic relationship fell flat for me. Their recent connection aside, there's no basis for Sylvie and Dominic being so in love so quickly. It's not believable. This could've been two separate stories: one about the royal wedding and one about the reality cooking competition. But they both come out half baked. And Pet getting the royal family gig after getting stabbed by the "crazy lady" that has been stalking Johnny. Wow.
jenndunfee's review against another edition
2.0
I tried to like this book but I just couldn't. There is a good way to do sunshine and grump and this was not it. Dominic was TOO unlikeable and there was zero chemistry between him and Sylvie. Add in a slew of side characters, it was so hard to keep track of, and I just didn't care or connect with anyone. Add in the fact it was following a very "hating game" outline, I just spent the entire book comparing the two and getting more and more cranky.
the_illustrating_reader's review
challenging
emotional
funny
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
4.0
This book made me hungry. I love all the nods to GBBO!