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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
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:
No
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was utterly delightful. I had expected a light and fluffy book snack, but it had so many beautiful layers, Great character developments, interesting story lines, and a satisfying resolution. I would absolutely come back for seconds
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OHMYGOSHYOUGOTTAREADTHISBOOKNOW.
That is all.
OK, OK--I suppose I can *try* and write a review, even though there's no way it will at all adequately portray the fabulousness of this book.
Sylvie and Dominic do *not* have a meet cute. Instead, there is almost an instantaneous intense dislike between the two--a dislike that is not at all alleviated when Lucy's spectacular cake fail (helpfully televised for all of Britain to see) happens, well, essentially to Dom.
(I'm not even going to attempt to describe what actually happens beyond that. You truly have to read it yourself. Have I already mentioned that you NEED to read this book?)
Fast forward a few years, and not only are Sylvie and Dominic businesses competitors who work across the street from one another, but they're both competing for the commission of the century--to create the cake that will be seen around the world at the royal wedding. Princess Rosie and her fiance have a few unusual requests, though, that will soon have Sylvie and Dom working together to solve some intriguing puzzles. The more time they spend together, the more they are forced to rethink their preconceived notions, and...
You can guess where this is going, right? ;)
Except you really can't, because even though yes, of course this is a romance and Sylvie and Dom are on their way to a (spectacular) HEA, there is so much more to this book than just a competitors-to-lovers story. One of the mysteries that they investigate--OMG, I'm getting a little teary right now just thinking about it. SO MANY FEELS. I'm not kidding. I can't even tell you how many times I got a little weepy while reading this. OK, maybe it was a bit more than "a little" at times.
This is why I wear waterproof mascara every day, clearly.
Besides that plot thread, there were others, including: another (far lesser) competitor stealing recipes from Sylvie's store, Dom trying to forge a relationship with his (OMG, so sweet) younger sister, employee and personal drama at both Dom and Sylvie's shops, and oh yeah, the excitement of the baking-themed reality show that they are both judging--the same show where they once met so memorably.
All of that's not even the best part of this book--the slow burn, absolutely delightfully layered relationship that develops between Sylvie and Dom, and Ms Parker's portrayal of it. Goodness, the depth of it, on top of the OTT steam factor? Beyond delicious. (See what I did there? #sorrynotsorry)
I closed my ereader when I finished this with a happy sigh--and maybe a little bit of a delighted cackle. You'll understand why when you get to the last page.
I can't even begin to express my delight when I went to Goodreads to see that the next book will apparently be Pet's--AND I AM HERE FOR IT.
It doesn't even have a title yet, but surely it will be out soon, yes? ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
That is all.
OK, OK--I suppose I can *try* and write a review, even though there's no way it will at all adequately portray the fabulousness of this book.
Sylvie and Dominic do *not* have a meet cute. Instead, there is almost an instantaneous intense dislike between the two--a dislike that is not at all alleviated when Lucy's spectacular cake fail (helpfully televised for all of Britain to see) happens, well, essentially to Dom.
(I'm not even going to attempt to describe what actually happens beyond that. You truly have to read it yourself. Have I already mentioned that you NEED to read this book?)
Fast forward a few years, and not only are Sylvie and Dominic businesses competitors who work across the street from one another, but they're both competing for the commission of the century--to create the cake that will be seen around the world at the royal wedding. Princess Rosie and her fiance have a few unusual requests, though, that will soon have Sylvie and Dom working together to solve some intriguing puzzles. The more time they spend together, the more they are forced to rethink their preconceived notions, and...
You can guess where this is going, right? ;)
Except you really can't, because even though yes, of course this is a romance and Sylvie and Dom are on their way to a (spectacular) HEA, there is so much more to this book than just a competitors-to-lovers story. One of the mysteries that they investigate--OMG, I'm getting a little teary right now just thinking about it. SO MANY FEELS. I'm not kidding. I can't even tell you how many times I got a little weepy while reading this. OK, maybe it was a bit more than "a little" at times.
This is why I wear waterproof mascara every day, clearly.
Besides that plot thread, there were others, including: another (far lesser) competitor stealing recipes from Sylvie's store, Dom trying to forge a relationship with his (OMG, so sweet) younger sister, employee and personal drama at both Dom and Sylvie's shops, and oh yeah, the excitement of the baking-themed reality show that they are both judging--the same show where they once met so memorably.
All of that's not even the best part of this book--the slow burn, absolutely delightfully layered relationship that develops between Sylvie and Dom, and Ms Parker's portrayal of it. Goodness, the depth of it, on top of the OTT steam factor? Beyond delicious. (See what I did there? #sorrynotsorry)
I closed my ereader when I finished this with a happy sigh--and maybe a little bit of a delighted cackle. You'll understand why when you get to the last page.
I can't even begin to express my delight when I went to Goodreads to see that the next book will apparently be Pet's--AND I AM HERE FOR IT.
It doesn't even have a title yet, but surely it will be out soon, yes? ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
THIS BOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK *SCREAMING*
Sylvie first met Dominic 4 years ago when she was a contestant on the hit baking show Operation Cake. After a disastrous incident involving a unicorn cake, Dominic, one of the judges, voted Sylvie off the show. Now 4 years later, Sylvie and Dominic are rival bakers and their shops are located directly across the street from each other. And this time, they are both competing to bake the cake for an upcoming royal wedding.
Battle Royal is a tropetastic rivals to lovers romance. Sylvie and Dominic are opposites in personality and their baking styles reflect that disparity: Sylvie is all sunshine, colours, and sparkles, while Dominic is all starchy, classic, and tradition. Reader, the build up of tension and chemistry is a work of art. So. Freaking. Delicious. Dominic is blunt and emotionally distant. He has trouble expressing himself emotionally, especially through touch. I love how the author developed the emotional and physical intimacy between Sylvie and Dominic. The simple, but beautiful focus on HANDS. I am screaming just thinking about it. The romance completely swept me off my feet. I am so in love with Dominic and Sylvie 🥺
Another thing I loved about Sylvie and Dominic is that they are both in their mid to late thirties. Dominic even has strands of silver at his temples, which killed me by the way 🥵 And UGHHHHHHHHH the dialogue. The banter. The touches. The looks. THEIR STUPID HANDS. I am not okay!!!!! It's not often I lose my shit over books LOL. I will not apologize for all the fangirling.
Furthermore, I really enjoyed the supporting characters! From the judges and contestants of Operation Cake to Sylvie's staff and friends, to Dominic's staff and younger sister, to the royal couple. In terms of plot, there was a lot going on, which at times affected the pacing of the story. The supporting characters had their own mini arcs that directly involved Dominic and Sylvie. I think the author did a great job converging all these plotlines at the climax. These mini arcs also added depth to Sylvie and Dominic's character and relationship development. One of the plotlines did feel a bit contrived and overdramatic, but the resolution was well-written and it didn't detract from the romance. So, while at first it felt like there was too much going on, ultimately, the resolution for all these small arcs was well-written and fit in the overall story organically.
We also find out whose book is next!! I NEED Pet and Matthias's story now OMG!!!!!!!!
P.S. I will also add as a side-note that this book deals with some heavier topics like child neglect and the death of loved ones. It doesn't get super dark, but those topics are an integral part of the character and relationship development.
THIS BOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK *SCREAMING*
Sylvie first met Dominic 4 years ago when she was a contestant on the hit baking show Operation Cake. After a disastrous incident involving a unicorn cake, Dominic, one of the judges, voted Sylvie off the show. Now 4 years later, Sylvie and Dominic are rival bakers and their shops are located directly across the street from each other. And this time, they are both competing to bake the cake for an upcoming royal wedding.
Battle Royal is a tropetastic rivals to lovers romance. Sylvie and Dominic are opposites in personality and their baking styles reflect that disparity: Sylvie is all sunshine, colours, and sparkles, while Dominic is all starchy, classic, and tradition. Reader, the build up of tension and chemistry is a work of art. So. Freaking. Delicious. Dominic is blunt and emotionally distant. He has trouble expressing himself emotionally, especially through touch. I love how the author developed the emotional and physical intimacy between Sylvie and Dominic. The simple, but beautiful focus on HANDS. I am screaming just thinking about it. The romance completely swept me off my feet. I am so in love with Dominic and Sylvie 🥺
Another thing I loved about Sylvie and Dominic is that they are both in their mid to late thirties. Dominic even has strands of silver at his temples, which killed me by the way 🥵 And UGHHHHHHHHH the dialogue. The banter. The touches. The looks. THEIR STUPID HANDS. I am not okay!!!!! It's not often I lose my shit over books LOL. I will not apologize for all the fangirling.
Furthermore, I really enjoyed the supporting characters! From the judges and contestants of Operation Cake to Sylvie's staff and friends, to Dominic's staff and younger sister, to the royal couple. In terms of plot, there was a lot going on, which at times affected the pacing of the story. The supporting characters had their own mini arcs that directly involved Dominic and Sylvie. I think the author did a great job converging all these plotlines at the climax. These mini arcs also added depth to Sylvie and Dominic's character and relationship development. One of the plotlines did feel a bit contrived and overdramatic, but the resolution was well-written and it didn't detract from the romance. So, while at first it felt like there was too much going on, ultimately, the resolution for all these small arcs was well-written and fit in the overall story organically.
We also find out whose book is next!! I NEED Pet and Matthias's story now OMG!!!!!!!!
P.S. I will also add as a side-note that this book deals with some heavier topics like child neglect and the death of loved ones. It doesn't get super dark, but those topics are an integral part of the character and relationship development.
emotional
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
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
This book was very disappointing. I went into it thinking it would be an angsty romance centered around a cake competition, and while it did have those things, it was nothing like I expected. That’s on me. However, the plot was boring, the romance was sub-par and the sub-plot about Sylvie’s recipes being stolen was closed in a very unsatisfactory way.
I kept reading, hoping the ending would make up for the rest of the story, but unfortunately it did not. I wish I hadn’t wasted my time.
I kept reading, hoping the ending would make up for the rest of the story, but unfortunately it did not. I wish I hadn’t wasted my time.
I absolutely loved this book. I sped through it. All of the characters, even the d list side characters seemed fully fleshed out and realized people. I laughed, I cried (several times), I will probably reread soon!