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jkneebone's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
3.0
Paris Daillencourt is a young man with extreme anxiety (although he isn’t aware of it at the beginning of the book), who is entered by his best friend/housemate for the competition show Bake Expectations (essentially GBBO). While on the show, he meets and develops feelings for fellow competitor Tariq, but at the same time his anxiety spirals, threatening both his success on the show and his new relationship.
This was an engaging, quick read. The descriptions of Paris’s anxiety were tough to read and almost constant for the first 2/3 or so of the book -which I say more as a warning if that’s the kind of thing that will bother you. I felt for Paris and it didn’t impede my reading experience, but I wished that we’d been able to see Paris get help sooner. While the way the book was structured made sense with the conceit of the show, the pacing felt a little skewed to me. I spent a bit too much of the first bit wondering why no one had ever suggested Paris find helpand why Tariq was still with him despite not seeming to get much from the relationship, although obviously his patience ran out eventually - one of my biggest pet peeves in romance is when you can’t understand why both characters want the other, even if one is objectively more of a mess. , and wished that we’d gotten a bit more of Paris (and especially his interactions with Tariq) once he got his shit together. Still, it was hard to watch - read? - Paris clearly suffering and not knowing that he could get help. Some of this was addressed (I appreciated the explanation that Morag thought him going on the show would help build his confidence, misguided as it was) but I was still confused as to why no one had suggested it to him sooner, especially after Tariq suggested that he might have anxiety.
I loved all the side characters that filled up the Bake Expectations cast and crew - they were so funny and fun, as were Tariq’s family (in the one scene we got to meet them, lol). Tariq himself was so sweet and brightened up every page he was on. I really enjoyed the arc of the baking competition, even if I wish we had spent more time with the characters after it had filmed. I didn’t realize that the MCs were 20 when I bought the book and probably wouldn’t have bought it had I realized, but I managed to suspend my disbelief where necessary 😂 Final spoiler-y quibble:how did no one realize who Paris’s parents were once he was on the show?? I was expecting some internet troll or super fan to turn that up and use it against him, and/or for that to become a catalyst for his parents to finally contact him - wouldn’t you think that their son going on a well regarded reality show is the kind of thing these presumably very image-conscious people would want to know about and/or manage? But I digress.
Despite my complaints about the plot/pacing, I really did enjoy this book! I read it in a few days because I wanted to know what happened. If you like baking (and won’t be triggered by the descriptions of anxiety) this is definitely one worth checking out!
This was an engaging, quick read. The descriptions of Paris’s anxiety were tough to read and almost constant for the first 2/3 or so of the book -which I say more as a warning if that’s the kind of thing that will bother you. I felt for Paris and it didn’t impede my reading experience, but I wished that we’d been able to see Paris get help sooner. While the way the book was structured made sense with the conceit of the show, the pacing felt a little skewed to me. I spent a bit too much of the first bit wondering why no one had ever suggested Paris find help
I loved all the side characters that filled up the Bake Expectations cast and crew - they were so funny and fun, as were Tariq’s family (in the one scene we got to meet them, lol). Tariq himself was so sweet and brightened up every page he was on. I really enjoyed the arc of the baking competition, even if I wish we had spent more time with the characters after it had filmed. I didn’t realize that the MCs were 20 when I bought the book and probably wouldn’t have bought it had I realized, but I managed to suspend my disbelief where necessary 😂 Final spoiler-y quibble:
Despite my complaints about the plot/pacing, I really did enjoy this book! I read it in a few days because I wanted to know what happened. If you like baking (and won’t be triggered by the descriptions of anxiety) this is definitely one worth checking out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Moderate: Abandonment and Islamophobia
hobbithopeful'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Alexis Hall has written an exceptionally funny story where queer romance meets The Great British Bake Off, and added delightfully messy characters that you can't help but love.
When Paris's self professed fat Glaswegian sex goddess roommate, Morag, enters him into Bake Expectations, he doesn't expect do well at all. Except he does. He does really well. And then he meets fellow competitor sparkly Tariq, with his beautiful varnished nails and assured sense of style. If only Paris had any self esteem and could stop worrying himself in circles about well, everything.
Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble follows Paris's journey through competing on the nations favorite bake show, while he tries to push past his crippling anxiety.
Favorite Moments: The character banter, food descriptions, Grace Forsythe!
Least Favorite: All the baking talk made me so hungry! I would have loved some closure on Paris's parents. (Though I understand it is more realistic this way.)
I have seen so many mixed reviews in regards to Paris, his general personality, and mental health struggle. I must admit dear reader, that I do have biases towards his overall character and growth. I have struggled with what ifs and the paralyzing anxiety that comes with it. It is incredibly draining to be around someone who needs constant emotional support and reassurance, especially when they haven't gotten any help for them problems. I think that a lot of people are missing that Paris did get help. More important he is trying. Trying to do better, and quite honestly he is in a much better place mentally then at the beginning of the book. I really liked how Hall depicted Paris and Tariq's relationship and how Tariq established boundaries. I also thought the microaggressions that Tariq faced were masterfully well done, microaggressions are always so frustrating because it feels impossible to call people out on them.
This is the second book in the Winner Bakes All series and the second book of Alexis Hall's that I have read. Easily read as a standalone, I didn't read the first book and had no trouble following. Alexis Hall is an extremely talented writer, no matter the pov or character you always feel like you are experiencing what the character is, be it a regency era romance, or a light hearted baking story. He now stands as one of my current favorite authors(I love consistency), I can't wait to read more by him.
The Cover
I overall think that this is a good composition, and I do like it, though there are a few elements I don't love.
First the overall use of a rainbow sliced cake is a great nod to the fact that this is a queer book. (Sometimes I go to a bookstore and it's hard to tell if a book is apart of the LGBT or not!) I think it is really cute how Tariq and Paris are both leaning against it, each standing in a way that conveys their personality.
The polka dot background seems a bit messy, and I feel it could have easily been a solid color or less busy.
I adore how the font follows the cake lines and seems to be going in and out, it adds depth and great character.
With how many times Tariq's fashion and overall style is mentioned, it would have been nice to see that conveyed through his outfit. While he is dressed nicely, it is missing his flamboyant and colorful sense of style present in the book. ALSO! Tariq's nails are our first introduction to his character, and a defining point throughout the story. I can't believe his nails aren't painted his signature rainbow color, or another bold pattern.
Paris is taller then Tariq but his art seems less like he was drawn tall and more like he was enlarged to be bigger, with some of his proportions looking a bit off as a result.
Overall I think it is a very cute cover, and works so well with the story and theme.
Cover design and illustration by Elizabeth Turner Stokes
When Paris's self professed fat Glaswegian sex goddess roommate, Morag, enters him into Bake Expectations, he doesn't expect do well at all. Except he does. He does really well. And then he meets fellow competitor sparkly Tariq, with his beautiful varnished nails and assured sense of style. If only Paris had any self esteem and could stop worrying himself in circles about well, everything.
Paris Daillencourt is About to Crumble follows Paris's journey through competing on the nations favorite bake show, while he tries to push past his crippling anxiety.
Favorite Moments: The character banter, food descriptions, Grace Forsythe!
Least Favorite: All the baking talk made me so hungry! I would have loved some closure on Paris's parents. (Though I understand it is more realistic this way.)
I have seen so many mixed reviews in regards to Paris, his general personality, and mental health struggle. I must admit dear reader, that I do have biases towards his overall character and growth. I have struggled with what ifs and the paralyzing anxiety that comes with it. It is incredibly draining to be around someone who needs constant emotional support and reassurance, especially when they haven't gotten any help for them problems. I think that a lot of people are missing that Paris did get help. More important he is trying. Trying to do better, and quite honestly he is in a much better place mentally then at the beginning of the book. I really liked how Hall depicted Paris and Tariq's relationship and how Tariq established boundaries. I also thought the microaggressions that Tariq faced were masterfully well done, microaggressions are always so frustrating because it feels impossible to call people out on them.
This is the second book in the Winner Bakes All series and the second book of Alexis Hall's that I have read. Easily read as a standalone, I didn't read the first book and had no trouble following. Alexis Hall is an extremely talented writer, no matter the pov or character you always feel like you are experiencing what the character is, be it a regency era romance, or a light hearted baking story. He now stands as one of my current favorite authors(I love consistency), I can't wait to read more by him.
The Cover
I overall think that this is a good composition, and I do like it, though there are a few elements I don't love.
First the overall use of a rainbow sliced cake is a great nod to the fact that this is a queer book. (Sometimes I go to a bookstore and it's hard to tell if a book is apart of the LGBT or not!) I think it is really cute how Tariq and Paris are both leaning against it, each standing in a way that conveys their personality.
The polka dot background seems a bit messy, and I feel it could have easily been a solid color or less busy.
I adore how the font follows the cake lines and seems to be going in and out, it adds depth and great character.
With how many times Tariq's fashion and overall style is mentioned, it would have been nice to see that conveyed through his outfit. While he is dressed nicely, it is missing his flamboyant and colorful sense of style present in the book. ALSO! Tariq's nails are our first introduction to his character, and a defining point throughout the story. I can't believe his nails aren't painted his signature rainbow color, or another bold pattern.
Paris is taller then Tariq but his art seems less like he was drawn tall and more like he was enlarged to be bigger, with some of his proportions looking a bit off as a result.
Overall I think it is a very cute cover, and works so well with the story and theme.
Cover design and illustration by Elizabeth Turner Stokes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Homophobia, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
michfiske5's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Islamophobia and Xenophobia
amberinpieces's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Homophobia, Antisemitism, Medical content, Racism, Alcohol, Bullying, and Islamophobia
lportilla's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Islamophobia
theallmightyme's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Homophobia, and Islamophobia
historic_wince's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
3.75
I think the overall format of the "Winner Bakes All" series works really well. It’s this perfect situation in which unlikely people are grouped together (forced proximity) with one common interest/goal, but since they only compete on the weekends, for a set number of weeks, there’s a delicious slice of life quality to both books. But Hall also really gets to play with his characters. While while the main characters of Rosaline Palmer were in their late 20s and early 30s, Paris and Tariq are university students, still figuring themselves out, and that gives Paris Daillencourt a distinctly ‘new adult’ feel than the previous book.
That being said, I think some readers won’t enjoy this ‘season’ of Bake Expectations, both because the protagonists are younger and due to the nature of their character arcs. While there are some humorous scenes sprinkled throughout, I agree with other reviewers that this book is not a romcom. It does, however fit the bill of being a romance novel by having HFN/hopeful ending.
Our titular character Paris is suffering from an undiagnosed anxiety disorder, and, I would argue, severe depression. He is severely lacking a support system and has developed unhealthy coping mechanisms over the past several years. Within the very stressful situation of being on Bake Expectations, his condition understandably worsens. Readers get trapped with Paris in his anxiety, excessive worries, and catastrophizing. He’s hitting all the standard distorted thinking tropes. For readers with anxiety and/or depression, these scenes (which are numerous) may be very difficult to read, may be triggering, may seem all too relatable. As clear in other reviews, many readers might find Paris irritating and annoying—mirroring exactly in universe social media users who label Paris a twat.
And while at times Paris is selfish and hurtful to those close to him, he’s also a young kid, with a still-developing prefrontal cortex in a brain that has trained itself to sabotage all of his positive experiences.
The relationship at the center of this novel is also a bit of a disaster, but that seems fitting for the context and ages of Paris and Tariq. Is it a good idea to start dating your co-star/competition within the narrow context of a reality tv show? No, absolutely not, but they’re fucking 20 years olds. We’re not making our best choices at that age.
The many comments about Paris’s temperament and whether or not Tariq was too forgiving or not patient and understanding enough of Paris’s condition are marginally understandable. But also make me empathize with anyone in their lives that might be suffering with a mental illness. Because we both need to give Tariq and Paris some grace. Tariq thought he could fix his boyfriend, but severely underestimated the extent of Paris’ distorted thinking. Paris Daillencourt is that scene in Rosaline Palmer when Rosaline suggests to Harry that he might have anxiety, but with less mature main characters. Characters who are still growing and in different stages of defining their values, and that’s okay!
While it wasn't my favorite Alexis Hall reading experience, I'll still be picking up the next book in this series.
While it wasn't my favorite Alexis Hall reading experience, I'll still be picking up the next book in this series.
Other things:
Paris’ parents are completely absent from the story despite Paris texting them weekly. They are negligent and emotionally abusive. And probably huge narcissists.
I loved the dynamic between Tariq and his family.
I also really enjoyed that Tariq was both firm and proud of his many identities. Many, many people view religion and homosexuality as incompatible. It is a spot of contention in both religious and queer communities. So, it was nice to see a queer man with a positive relationship with his faith, even though I am not a particularly religious person.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Homophobia and Islamophobia
Minor: Religious bigotry
daughterofthesungod's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble... and after reading this book so am I.
Spoilers ahead.
Well, this book was a ride, just not a good one.
Let me be straight: this book is not for everyone. If you struggle with your mental health or, like me, suffer from anxiety this probably isn't for you because it can be really *super* triggering. As a person who has also worked very hard to get better when it comes to anxiety I can tell you this book was too exhausting and it triggered me to many times. — And yes I know it had a trigger warning at the beginning, yet I don't think that was even enough —. Moreover of you are looking for a cute romance book THIS IS NOT IT. The romance is barely there and I'm not gonna lie I wish there wasn't any.
To be honest I'm not so sure how I didn't DNFed it. I guess I just really needed to know if there was going to be some progress at the end. Spoiler alert: there was, I just think that happened a bit too late.
Now there are some things that I can't ignore. First of all, Paris is a crap person. I know he has crippling anxiety and I know how horrible and exhausting that is, but I'm sorry, not everything can be excused on that. He has a lot of awful behaviors, he's cultural insensitive and snobbish. He just hurts people and a lot of the time it cannot be excused. Moreover his development (like I said) just happened too late for me, if that would've happened a lot earlier then this book could've been better. It would've been so good to read more about him dealing with getting better. I do have to say that I felt sad and bad for him at times and I even wanted to protect him from the world when it came to his personal life. And a lot of times his anxiety (which was really well portrayed l, so props for that) made me want to be there for him and help him.
Still there are things he should be more aware of. Specially when it comes to religion, beliefs and race.
That is another thing: THE AMOUNT OF RACISM THIS BOOK HAS! And I know it has a warning about it too but there are times in which there seemed to be racism written just to fill in. Like somebody said 'oh this is just a blank space where we could add more Islamophobia *that will not contribute to the story* it's fine.' I think some of that didn't do much to the story. It would've added to it if maybe there would've been a dual POV and that was more focused from Tariq's view.
Now, there were some things I liked tho.
I will start saying that the first thing I loved about this book was the cover. It's just too beautiful and of course it caught my eye.
Secondly, I loved Tariq and I can say he deserved better. He's not perfect, he made his mistakes too but he tried a lot too and owned everything he did, he also stood for himself too and God I wish I had as much self love as him.
Thirdly, I really loved the format of the book. The whole bakimg show and the book divided in weeks and days and then in episodes it was just really good. I did not read Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake and I don’t know if it has the same format but I'm definitely curious about it. The whole baking show was my favorite thing.
And talking about the show I have to say that the people involved in it were EVERYTHING. They gave me the best moments in the book and were just pure comedy. Marianne, Wilfred, Colin, Jennifer were just so good, but Grace Forsythe was my absolute favorite, she had me laughing hysterically at times.
Overall it's not a book I'd reread or recommend but if you read it I really hope you have a better experience than me reading it.
Spoilers ahead.
Well, this book was a ride, just not a good one.
Let me be straight: this book is not for everyone. If you struggle with your mental health or, like me, suffer from anxiety this probably isn't for you because it can be really *super* triggering. As a person who has also worked very hard to get better when it comes to anxiety I can tell you this book was too exhausting and it triggered me to many times. — And yes I know it had a trigger warning at the beginning, yet I don't think that was even enough —. Moreover of you are looking for a cute romance book THIS IS NOT IT. The romance is barely there and I'm not gonna lie I wish there wasn't any.
To be honest I'm not so sure how I didn't DNFed it. I guess I just really needed to know if there was going to be some progress at the end. Spoiler alert: there was, I just think that happened a bit too late.
Now there are some things that I can't ignore. First of all, Paris is a crap person. I know he has crippling anxiety and I know how horrible and exhausting that is, but I'm sorry, not everything can be excused on that. He has a lot of awful behaviors, he's cultural insensitive and snobbish. He just hurts people and a lot of the time it cannot be excused. Moreover his development (like I said) just happened too late for me, if that would've happened a lot earlier then this book could've been better. It would've been so good to read more about him dealing with getting better. I do have to say that I felt sad and bad for him at times and I even wanted to protect him from the world when it came to his personal life. And a lot of times his anxiety (which was really well portrayed l, so props for that) made me want to be there for him and help him.
Still there are things he should be more aware of. Specially when it comes to religion, beliefs and race.
That is another thing: THE AMOUNT OF RACISM THIS BOOK HAS! And I know it has a warning about it too but there are times in which there seemed to be racism written just to fill in. Like somebody said 'oh this is just a blank space where we could add more Islamophobia *that will not contribute to the story* it's fine.' I think some of that didn't do much to the story. It would've added to it if maybe there would've been a dual POV and that was more focused from Tariq's view.
Now, there were some things I liked tho.
I will start saying that the first thing I loved about this book was the cover. It's just too beautiful and of course it caught my eye.
Secondly, I loved Tariq and I can say he deserved better. He's not perfect, he made his mistakes too but he tried a lot too and owned everything he did, he also stood for himself too and God I wish I had as much self love as him.
Thirdly, I really loved the format of the book. The whole bakimg show and the book divided in weeks and days and then in episodes it was just really good. I did not read Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake and I don’t know if it has the same format but I'm definitely curious about it. The whole baking show was my favorite thing.
And talking about the show I have to say that the people involved in it were EVERYTHING. They gave me the best moments in the book and were just pure comedy. Marianne, Wilfred, Colin, Jennifer were just so good, but Grace Forsythe was my absolute favorite, she had me laughing hysterically at times.
Overall it's not a book I'd reread or recommend but if you read it I really hope you have a better experience than me reading it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Islamophobia, Mental illness, Xenophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, and Antisemitism
hannahollihan's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Islamophobia and Racism
wardenred's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You did fine last week. You are going to do fine this week. You just need to get out of your own way and stop being such a titanic fucking prick to yourself.
Well... This was even less of a romcom than Rosaline's book had been. :D I have honestly no idea why these series is marketed the way it is.
Anyway, here's what I liked about this book:
- The cat with the name I won't mention for fear of messing it up with typos;
- All the baking;
- The supporting cast, although they were all far less realized than the contestants from the first book (but that makes sense—Rosaline paid a lot more attention to other people than Paris);
- The really accurate and detailed depiction of what extreme anxiety feels like. Because, yeah. All the catastrophizing and second-guessing and getting so caught up in trying to avert all the worst-case scenario that you create an even worse scenario? That's exactly what this shit is like.
It's worth noting, though, that while Paris initially seemed like the kind of person who tries to get to a good place but is constantly hindered by his undiagnosed, untreated anxiety, he is... not quite that. Anxiety makes him more self-absorbed, sure, because, well, all the endless exhausting fears *are* absorbing. But it doesn't seem to be the root cause at all. He's fortunate to have people in his life who both care for him and call him out on his bullshit, but it sure takes him a lot of time to start actually doing something about his problems.
And here's what I really didn't like about the book, by the way: most of the story depicts Paris sinking closer and closer to rock bottom, making two steps back for every step forward, coming very close to messing up even the parts of his life that were okay/his safe haven at the start. And then, um, there's a gap, and afterward, we see him already having started on the journey to getting better. I honestly keep feeling like my copy of the novel has a bunch of pages missing, because honestly, wtf? After spending so long accompanying Paris down to that botom, I felt like I deserved to witness some of his actual journey back up. As it was, I feel kind of cheated.
As for the romance, I really, really liked Tariq and would love to see more of his life, especially once he starts his own BBC show. I liked how ready he was to give Paris chances, and how ready he was nevertheless to set and protect his own borders, and how he took a step back when the relationship between them began harming him. I'm not sure I liked Tariq and Paris as a couple even for a hot minute, too, and it was almost funny how I found myself, even while witnessing the story through Paris's POV, rooting for Tariq against the relationship. Which ones gain brings me to the point I started with: this is so not a romcom. It's not even really an angsty romance. Why, marketing people, why? Why do you lie to me?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Antisemitism