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nobeliumreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for providing an ALC.
When Shireen gets accepted into the Junior Irish Baking Show, it’s a dream come true and a way to bring some attention to her parents’ donut shop. But finding out her ex-girlfriend Chris is on the show and getting close to the outgoing rival contestant Niamh means all sorts of complicated feelings--which is NOT what Shireen needs when the stakes are already so high.
When Shireen gets accepted into the Junior Irish Baking Show, it’s a dream come true and a way to bring some attention to her parents’ donut shop. But finding out her ex-girlfriend Chris is on the show and getting close to the outgoing rival contestant Niamh means all sorts of complicated feelings--which is NOT what Shireen needs when the stakes are already so high.
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Another really sweet contemporary romance from Adiba Jaigirdar and personally my favourite of the three. It might have something to do with the fact that I’m more attuned with what to expect this time around, but regardless, I did enjoy this book! Did I also crack a smile at every pun? Yes, yes I did. I’m a simple person and puns make me weak (personal favourite if I’m recalling it correctly was ‘I knew you were truffle when you walked in’).
I found myself getting quite invested, especially around the competition. Some elements were predictable, but it was still engaging even when I did know what to expect. Shireen deals with some tough things whilst going through the competition but her determination and love for baking had me as invested as she was and really wanting to try every dessert in the book. She shares some cute moments with the love interests, and whilst I do admit that I found some of Shireen’s actions frustrating, I was able to understand why she dealt with things the way she did or jumped to the conclusions she jumped to.
I can’t speak on the representation personally, but I thought it was well done. Fat Bangladeshi MC, Taiwanese LI, ginger LI (this is a joke lmao, iykyk). The narrator was also really good, and I think definitely helped the reading experience like in The Henna Wars.
Overall, though it does touch on heavier topics, it was still a fun read that I recommend for anyone who enjoys contemporary sapphic romances, baking, reality TV, or puns.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racial slurs
katiemack's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this better than the other book of Adiba Jaigirdar's that I've read--A Million to One--and I'm glad to see she returned to contemporary YA romance with this because it works well!
As an avid Great British Bakeoff fan, I loved the spin-off Jaigirdar creates and appreciated all the thinly veiled references to the show and other folks within the celebrity cooking sphere. I'm also glad she addresses the cyberbullying and racism inherent in reality TV, even a cozy cooking show. Love triangles can become annoying quickly, but I liked how this one resolves (and was not expecting the twist or secret motivations of a particular character!); my main qualm is that the book doesn't really address the reason Shireen and Chris broke up before the show. It feels like an oversight, but maybe it's a lesson in closure and expectations.
This book doesn't have a fairytale ending, and that's to its merit. Grab it if you're a fan of cooking shows and want something light and romantic.
I liked this better than the other book of Adiba Jaigirdar's that I've read--A Million to One--and I'm glad to see she returned to contemporary YA romance with this because it works well!
As an avid Great British Bakeoff fan, I loved the spin-off Jaigirdar creates and appreciated all the thinly veiled references to the show and other folks within the celebrity cooking sphere. I'm also glad she addresses the cyberbullying and racism inherent in reality TV, even a cozy cooking show. Love triangles can become annoying quickly, but I liked how this one resolves (and was not expecting the twist or secret motivations of a particular character!); my main qualm is that the book doesn't really address the reason Shireen and Chris broke up before the show. It feels like an oversight, but maybe it's a lesson in closure and expectations.
This book doesn't have a fairytale ending, and that's to its merit. Grab it if you're a fan of cooking shows and want something light and romantic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Bullying
caseythereader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Macmillan for the free copy of this book.
- THE DOS AND DONUTS OF LOVE is a joy. It's a pun-filled queer rom-com that still touches on important issues.
- Shireen's parents are not the "typical" immigrant parents often portrayed in coming of age stories, and I love that we are getting a different narrative here.
- I won't spoil anything, but I'm a big fan of how the romantic element of this story played out. Again, it's a bit atypical for a YA novel, and it's great. I continue to be a huge Jaigirdar fan!
- THE DOS AND DONUTS OF LOVE is a joy. It's a pun-filled queer rom-com that still touches on important issues.
- Shireen's parents are not the "typical" immigrant parents often portrayed in coming of age stories, and I love that we are getting a different narrative here.
- I won't spoil anything, but I'm a big fan of how the romantic element of this story played out. Again, it's a bit atypical for a YA novel, and it's great. I continue to be a huge Jaigirdar fan!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Racial slurs
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