Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
This had the right level of learning to communicate and individual growth and tension for me without making the lying part of a fake marriage too much. I would've liked a little more social commentary on the race and gender and social class and migration dynamics at play.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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:
Complicated
This is the second time I have read Cake for the Grump and it is one of my Sookh Kaur books. I love this book so much. Rita works for Luke Abbott, as his personal chef, even though they have never even seen one another until he brings her in to fire her (for reasons) but that ends up not happening because a cake she made was a hit with some people he was trying to impress.
Rita has a lot going on, a more than sub-par living situation, a father who she has a strained relationship because of his alcohol addiction, and her still trying to hold on to the dream of becoming a chef at a upscale restaurant.
Even though Luke is really rich, and there is a power imbalance, that is offset by how Rita holds her own with him. Their interactions are full of snark, and Luke is trying to become a better person. He admits his mistakes and it just is so satisfying how he tries to take care of her.
I really like how Rita's father's alcoholism was portrayed, as well as Rita's adultification and her feelings of guilt and anger. I liked how his problem didn't magically get better I like Rita and Luke as a couple, they complement each other, she stands up to him when she needs to but he is careful with her. I LOVE that he follows her and will live wherever she wants to live.
Another little thing that I found interesting about their dynamic is that, although Rita is this amazing chef and baker, Luke does not like sweets and prefers very bland foods. She loves cooking and baking for people but Luke resists her culinary charms, while still coming to appreciate how she approaches cooking.The scene where he goes to a cooking class that has one partner cooking while the other sits and drinks wine, and he makes pasta for her. Chef's kiss!
I will read this one again at some point, I love it that much!
Rita has a lot going on, a more than sub-par living situation, a father who she has a strained relationship because of his alcohol addiction, and her still trying to hold on to the dream of becoming a chef at a upscale restaurant.
Even though Luke is really rich, and there is a power imbalance, that is offset by how Rita holds her own with him. Their interactions are full of snark, and Luke is trying to become a better person. He admits his mistakes and it just is so satisfying how he tries to take care of her.
Another little thing that I found interesting about their dynamic is that, although Rita is this amazing chef and baker, Luke does not like sweets and prefers very bland foods. She loves cooking and baking for people but Luke resists her culinary charms, while still coming to appreciate how she approaches cooking.
I will read this one again at some point, I love it that much!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent
The alcoholism of Rita's father is described with care, but it is described unflinchingly, and without any magic cures or unrealistic outcomes. I think the author did a great job but readers should be aware. It also describes the parentification of children that comes with the addiction of a parent when the child is young.
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexual content, Grief, Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Vomit, Medical content, Dementia, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
I might pick this back up to finish it later. This is really funny, actually, and I almost wished it wasn’t a romance because I just loved watching the MCs hate each other.
The MC was very naïve, though, and it bothered me how much she struggled to process the most blatant information that the love interest gave her. And her debate over him being a bad guy was confusing because his actions weren’t matching his reputation.
The MC was very naïve, though, and it bothered me how much she struggled to process the most blatant information that the love interest gave her. And her debate over him being a bad guy was confusing because his actions weren’t matching his reputation.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I think this author has great promise. However, I think this particular book had some pacing issues in terms of my preferred experience.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Loved it so much. Both MCs stole my heart, and they both grew so much over the course of the book. Super love story. I recommended it to all my friends!