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Sweet Nothings #1
The Cupcake Standard
FROM EXCITING ROMANCE AUTHOR MAREN JENNER Book one in the Sweet Nothings series.
Avery doesn’t believe in true love, so fake dating the man of her dreams should be a piece of cake.
Avery Milbourne will do anything to get out of dinner with her famous, overbearing mother. Even kiss a stranger. It doesn’t hurt that he’s tall, dark, handsome, and wearing a very grabbable tie.
Gearing up to finish college, along with everything else happening in her life, Avery has no time for a relationship. But when the stranger turns out to be wealthy billionaire Derek Elgin, she thinks twice. Accepting Derek’s offer to enter into a fake relationship and move in with him seems to solve all her problems. She doesn’t expect to fall for him, but within Derek’s quiet steadiness, Avery finds a retreat she is loath to give up.
But true love is a myth, and Avery’s relationship with Derek isn’t real, so where does that leave her?
Avery doesn’t believe in true love, so fake dating the man of her dreams should be a piece of cake.
Avery Milbourne will do anything to get out of dinner with her famous, overbearing mother. Even kiss a stranger. It doesn’t hurt that he’s tall, dark, handsome, and wearing a very grabbable tie.
Gearing up to finish college, along with everything else happening in her life, Avery has no time for a relationship. But when the stranger turns out to be wealthy billionaire Derek Elgin, she thinks twice. Accepting Derek’s offer to enter into a fake relationship and move in with him seems to solve all her problems. She doesn’t expect to fall for him, but within Derek’s quiet steadiness, Avery finds a retreat she is loath to give up.
But true love is a myth, and Avery’s relationship with Derek isn’t real, so where does that leave her?
- GenresRomance
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
7 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Maren Jenner
10 books65 followers*For trigger warnings in Maren's books, please visit her website at marenjennerbooks.com
Maren Jenner lives in Michigan with her supportive husband and spunky daughter. She loves writing, and, when she’s not working on her next book, she’s got her nose in a different one. Her summers are spent on any lake she can visit, but the beaches of Lake Michigan are her favorite.
The Cupcake Standard was her debut novel, though she’s been writing for as long as she can remember. It’s always been a dream to become a full time author. Her dreams wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of her family and friends. And, of course, her invaluable readers!
Sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive content, author updates, and promo information using the link below!
https://forms.gle/HudvGGpXvUTT9L2X7
Maren Jenner lives in Michigan with her supportive husband and spunky daughter. She loves writing, and, when she’s not working on her next book, she’s got her nose in a different one. Her summers are spent on any lake she can visit, but the beaches of Lake Michigan are her favorite.
The Cupcake Standard was her debut novel, though she’s been writing for as long as she can remember. It’s always been a dream to become a full time author. Her dreams wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of her family and friends. And, of course, her invaluable readers!
Sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive content, author updates, and promo information using the link below!
https://forms.gle/HudvGGpXvUTT9L2X7
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 7, 2023
You know that giddy feeling where something happens in the book and you just smile like your crazy and start doing a happy dance? Well... that book brought it all out. This was a cute book and I ate every word up (pun intended) & not to mention.. the name of the book and how it all made sense when you finished the book *chefs kiss*
January 17, 2024
So cute
This was so cute. It all started with a kiss, a kiss that was a diversion for her. Then she bumps into him again, and he introduces her as his girlfriend, which is his diversion.
From there, the fake dating starts, and I am rooting for them. The chemistry was melting. They were lovely, and I simply love a romance with a happy ending.
This was so cute. It all started with a kiss, a kiss that was a diversion for her. Then she bumps into him again, and he introduces her as his girlfriend, which is his diversion.
From there, the fake dating starts, and I am rooting for them. The chemistry was melting. They were lovely, and I simply love a romance with a happy ending.
July 29, 2023
I did not know what to expect but the blurb intrigued me .. WOW IS THIS GREAT. The characters are so well written you feel like you know them and watch each growth during the storyline. Which as no dull moment plus some spice(; ooohhh dang!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
January 14, 2024
How cute was this book! Sweet like a cupcake (pun intended) it was. This is a pretty lighthearted read; yes there are some emotional turmoil moments in it, but it bottles down to misunderstanding and just not knowing your own value. It is the fake dating trope, but that ends relatively quickly. They basically have the hots for each other right off the bat, and that’s okay! The book is mainly them exploring their feelings— Avery more so than Derek, as she has the tightest grip around her heart and relationship insecurities because of her parents— making it a He Falls First romance. Also I love what The Cupcake Standard comes to mean. I believe my boyfriend definitely measures up to it.
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the early copy of this one!
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the early copy of this one!
dnf
August 19, 2023DNF @9% - this is dumb. Awkwardly written with too many tropes. The heroine is silly running away from her mom and the hero weak hiding from his twin sister. Meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2023
The Cupcake Standard, book one in the Sweet Nothings Series-
My rating is 4 stars.
I wasn’t sure what to expect out of this fake-dating romance, as it’s the first book I’ve ever read by Maren Jenner but, I really enjoyed it. Maren writes extremely well and she gave me a well developed, easy to read story.
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Curvy FMC
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Billionaire
He Fell First
Found Family
Avery and Derek have a pretty unusual meet cute. Avery is trying to avoid dinner with her famous, overbearing mother. Attempting to hide in plain sight, she stops on the sidewalk, grabs a handsome stranger by his tie and pulls him in for a big, fat kiss. Once the coast is clear, she walks off, simply saying “Thanks for the diversion.” She figured she’d never see him again. A week later, she’s at her college library and bumps into a guy talking to a girl, when she looks at him, she recognizes him as the stranger she kissed the week before. Needing his own diversion, Derek puts his arm around her and introduces her to the girl as his girlfriend. Avery plays along and once Derek has extracted them from the awkward situation, he offers to buy her breakfast. They have breakfast together and Derek explains that his sister is always trying to set him up hence why he needed Avery to return the diversion favor. They end up having incredible banter and at the end of breakfast, Derek offers up a fake dating proposition to Avery. It turns out they both have a need to present a partner to their families. Avery accepts. She doesn’t believe in true love anyway so what could fake dating hurt?!?
And so their adventure begins…
This story had a strong plot with fairly smooth continuity from start to finish. It was an easy read, for me. Both the story and characters were well developed. I appreciate the backstory and details, it just helps with a clear overall picture of circumstances. The support characters were great and they really brought the found family trope to light. I loved Gina, Avery’s best friend and Greg, Derek’s driver. There were other characters to love but you also have the characters that just rub you the wrong way. (Piper, I’m looking at you!) It was nice to see Rhonda get to redeem herself. There are the twists and turns that you would expect to see with the fake dating trope but eventually Avery and Derek get to have their HEA. It was an interesting evolution from fake dating to realizing they’re falling in love. Avery was the sweetest girl and was always looking out for Derek, always sticking up for him and protecting him while Derek was a wonderful book boyfriend. He went out of his way to take care of Avery (in the ways that she would let him.)
Overall, this was a great romance and I’m grateful to Maren Jenner for sending this book to me. I enjoyed the read and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I’m really hoping that Liam and Gina get their own book!!
My rating is 4 stars.
I wasn’t sure what to expect out of this fake-dating romance, as it’s the first book I’ve ever read by Maren Jenner but, I really enjoyed it. Maren writes extremely well and she gave me a well developed, easy to read story.
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Curvy FMC
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Billionaire
He Fell First
Found Family
Avery and Derek have a pretty unusual meet cute. Avery is trying to avoid dinner with her famous, overbearing mother. Attempting to hide in plain sight, she stops on the sidewalk, grabs a handsome stranger by his tie and pulls him in for a big, fat kiss. Once the coast is clear, she walks off, simply saying “Thanks for the diversion.” She figured she’d never see him again. A week later, she’s at her college library and bumps into a guy talking to a girl, when she looks at him, she recognizes him as the stranger she kissed the week before. Needing his own diversion, Derek puts his arm around her and introduces her to the girl as his girlfriend. Avery plays along and once Derek has extracted them from the awkward situation, he offers to buy her breakfast. They have breakfast together and Derek explains that his sister is always trying to set him up hence why he needed Avery to return the diversion favor. They end up having incredible banter and at the end of breakfast, Derek offers up a fake dating proposition to Avery. It turns out they both have a need to present a partner to their families. Avery accepts. She doesn’t believe in true love anyway so what could fake dating hurt?!?
And so their adventure begins…
This story had a strong plot with fairly smooth continuity from start to finish. It was an easy read, for me. Both the story and characters were well developed. I appreciate the backstory and details, it just helps with a clear overall picture of circumstances. The support characters were great and they really brought the found family trope to light. I loved Gina, Avery’s best friend and Greg, Derek’s driver. There were other characters to love but you also have the characters that just rub you the wrong way. (Piper, I’m looking at you!) It was nice to see Rhonda get to redeem herself. There are the twists and turns that you would expect to see with the fake dating trope but eventually Avery and Derek get to have their HEA. It was an interesting evolution from fake dating to realizing they’re falling in love. Avery was the sweetest girl and was always looking out for Derek, always sticking up for him and protecting him while Derek was a wonderful book boyfriend. He went out of his way to take care of Avery (in the ways that she would let him.)
Overall, this was a great romance and I’m grateful to Maren Jenner for sending this book to me. I enjoyed the read and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I’m really hoping that Liam and Gina get their own book!!
no-way-jose
September 7, 2023DNF 8%.
Too cringeworthy for me to take it serious and be engaged with the story at all. I had so many “why?!” moments in just the first 8%, not a good sign.
First, the whole scene of the heroine running away from her cartoonish mother at the coffee shop was ridiculous. It reeked of immaturity and I questioned how old our heroine was…
Second, the way she bailed out of the taxi because she didn’t know her parents new address by heart yet was also ridiculous. All she needed to do was open her phone and look at her contact list info, viola! But supposedly this taxi driver couldn’t wait 10 seconds for that and the heroine starts panicking…? And then once the heroine finds the address info 10 seconds later and gets a patient Uber driver to show up (eye-roll) the heroine then complains to her parents housekeeper/cook about being upset that she wished her parents hadn’t moved to a new house because she can’t memorize their new address (?) Are these real-life problems?!?! So ridiculous.
Too many mentions of how curvy and plump our size-16 heroine is, about her mothers Boy Toys, and then the meet up with the hero in the library was uninspiring. As they walked off to go get lunch with their fingers intertwined/holding hands. Lame.
Read like a high school story actually.
Too cringeworthy for me to take it serious and be engaged with the story at all. I had so many “why?!” moments in just the first 8%, not a good sign.
First, the whole scene of the heroine running away from her cartoonish mother at the coffee shop was ridiculous. It reeked of immaturity and I questioned how old our heroine was…
Second, the way she bailed out of the taxi because she didn’t know her parents new address by heart yet was also ridiculous. All she needed to do was open her phone and look at her contact list info, viola! But supposedly this taxi driver couldn’t wait 10 seconds for that and the heroine starts panicking…? And then once the heroine finds the address info 10 seconds later and gets a patient Uber driver to show up (eye-roll) the heroine then complains to her parents housekeeper/cook about being upset that she wished her parents hadn’t moved to a new house because she can’t memorize their new address (?) Are these real-life problems?!?! So ridiculous.
Too many mentions of how curvy and plump our size-16 heroine is, about her mothers Boy Toys, and then the meet up with the hero in the library was uninspiring. As they walked off to go get lunch with their fingers intertwined/holding hands. Lame.
Read like a high school story actually.
March 30, 2024
The Cupcake Standard by Maren Jenner is book 1 in the Sweet Nothings trilogy. A forced proximity, strangers to lovers, fake relationship romance, full of cute banter, an intriguing story line and undeniable chemistry. Maren Jenner kicks off the series creating a group of characters with depth and detailed storylines, getting you invested as a reader until the last page of the book and wanting to jump right to book 2.
FMC Avery had to learn to depend on herself from a young age, because her mother quickly taught her everything has a price. Her mother was self-made after her 'How to Catch a Husband' book took off, but the shmoozing and pretending never stopped. Avery didn't want that world, she'd be completely content just spending time at home with her dad when she wasn't working or in school, even if being with him broke her heart because he didn't know who she was anymore. In an effort to get out of another dinner with her mother, Avery runs to the nearby college campus and kisses a guy to create a diversion to get away, but she had no idea how one kiss would completely change her life. MMC Derek was a math protégée and was going to make a difference in the world. His family had money and the world was his oyster, but that didn't keep Derek from feeling lonely. Easily past over by his parents and sister, he often was more a fixture in the room at a party than a actual guest. When a beautiful stranger kissed him that day on campus, Derek knew instantly he had to get to know her better. So when it turned out she was the roommate of a friend of his and they were being evicted from their apartment Derek took the opportunity to make Avery an offer. Be his roommate and fake girlfriend. Avery had ever intension of keeping this strictly platonic, because someone like Derek would never be interested in her but quickly lines blurr when trying to pretend to be a fake couple starts to feel very real for both of them. Will Derek be able to convince Avery there could really be more between them? Will Avery learn that not all relationships are like her parents that true love is possible? Read The Cupcake standard and find out if Avery and Derek will become the next 'it' couple you'll want to be like.
FMC Avery had to learn to depend on herself from a young age, because her mother quickly taught her everything has a price. Her mother was self-made after her 'How to Catch a Husband' book took off, but the shmoozing and pretending never stopped. Avery didn't want that world, she'd be completely content just spending time at home with her dad when she wasn't working or in school, even if being with him broke her heart because he didn't know who she was anymore. In an effort to get out of another dinner with her mother, Avery runs to the nearby college campus and kisses a guy to create a diversion to get away, but she had no idea how one kiss would completely change her life. MMC Derek was a math protégée and was going to make a difference in the world. His family had money and the world was his oyster, but that didn't keep Derek from feeling lonely. Easily past over by his parents and sister, he often was more a fixture in the room at a party than a actual guest. When a beautiful stranger kissed him that day on campus, Derek knew instantly he had to get to know her better. So when it turned out she was the roommate of a friend of his and they were being evicted from their apartment Derek took the opportunity to make Avery an offer. Be his roommate and fake girlfriend. Avery had ever intension of keeping this strictly platonic, because someone like Derek would never be interested in her but quickly lines blurr when trying to pretend to be a fake couple starts to feel very real for both of them. Will Derek be able to convince Avery there could really be more between them? Will Avery learn that not all relationships are like her parents that true love is possible? Read The Cupcake standard and find out if Avery and Derek will become the next 'it' couple you'll want to be like.
August 15, 2023
Avery has a lot going on: an overbearing mother with Boy Toys, trying to finish college while holding down a job as a barista, and her dad, who sometimes can't remember who she is. :(
Through situations beyond (and totally in) her control, she begins to fake-date and live with Derek Elgin, a perfectly gorgeous and perfectly rich guy who will get her mother off her back.
You guys, he is also THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND. Their chemistry is actual fire! Both characters are richly developed and given problem after problem, which only makes their eventual HEA so, so satisfying.
Romance readers, converge! This book is worth your time!
Through situations beyond (and totally in) her control, she begins to fake-date and live with Derek Elgin, a perfectly gorgeous and perfectly rich guy who will get her mother off her back.
You guys, he is also THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND. Their chemistry is actual fire! Both characters are richly developed and given problem after problem, which only makes their eventual HEA so, so satisfying.
Romance readers, converge! This book is worth your time!
August 9, 2023
Avery Milbourne doesn’t believe in true love, so fake dating the man of her dreams should be a piece of cake….right?
Avery has an incredibly overbearing mother, who also happens to be incredibly famous and image conscious. One day in an effort to escape (literally) dinner with her mother she grabs a stranger and kisses him to hide in plain sight….so yeah he happens to be tall, dark and handsome. They share a moment but she is off without even getting his name. Avery is trying to finish school and hold down a job. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend.
Derek Elgin has a problem. He is trying to finish school and his twin sister Rhonda keeps trying to set him up with her friends. Derek isn’t particularly close to his family and as he is trying to dodge yet another set-up, he runs into Avery. With the rolls now switched, he pretends she is his girlfriend to get Rhonda off his back.
There is one more thing about Derek - he and his family are incredibly wealthy. They are type of people Avery’s mother would love to get to know.
Derek makes Avery a deal. He will be her fake boyfriend and help be a buffer with her mom and Avery will be a buffer for Rhonda and the rest of his family.
When Avery ends up in the hospital and her apartment building is condemned, fake boyfriend Derek offers her a room in his apartment. It is the perfect cover!
Avery and Derek are so good at faking being in a relationship they have all their friends and family fooled. But they are just friends right? As the walls around Avery’s heart start to crumble, the lines between friendship and relationship start to blur. The problem is, Derek has a secret. What will Avery do when she finds out? Will their relationship be able to last?
This was a really sweet book! Avery and Derek were so easy to fall in love with. They both brought a lot of baggage to their “fake” relationship and helped each other deal with their family drama. Derek was so sweet to Avery and she was a real spitfire when it came to Derek’s family. Their two BFF’s Liam and Gina were hilarious.
My heart broke for Avery and the situation with her father. No spoilers but Derek really came through for her.
I hope there is more to this series because I want to see what happens with Liam, Gina, Greg and Rhonda!
🩷Tropes
🧁Fake Dating
🧁Cinnamon Roll MMC
🧁Billionaire
🧁College Romance
🧁Curvy FMC
🧁Found Family
Avery has an incredibly overbearing mother, who also happens to be incredibly famous and image conscious. One day in an effort to escape (literally) dinner with her mother she grabs a stranger and kisses him to hide in plain sight….so yeah he happens to be tall, dark and handsome. They share a moment but she is off without even getting his name. Avery is trying to finish school and hold down a job. She doesn’t have time for a boyfriend.
Derek Elgin has a problem. He is trying to finish school and his twin sister Rhonda keeps trying to set him up with her friends. Derek isn’t particularly close to his family and as he is trying to dodge yet another set-up, he runs into Avery. With the rolls now switched, he pretends she is his girlfriend to get Rhonda off his back.
There is one more thing about Derek - he and his family are incredibly wealthy. They are type of people Avery’s mother would love to get to know.
Derek makes Avery a deal. He will be her fake boyfriend and help be a buffer with her mom and Avery will be a buffer for Rhonda and the rest of his family.
When Avery ends up in the hospital and her apartment building is condemned, fake boyfriend Derek offers her a room in his apartment. It is the perfect cover!
Avery and Derek are so good at faking being in a relationship they have all their friends and family fooled. But they are just friends right? As the walls around Avery’s heart start to crumble, the lines between friendship and relationship start to blur. The problem is, Derek has a secret. What will Avery do when she finds out? Will their relationship be able to last?
This was a really sweet book! Avery and Derek were so easy to fall in love with. They both brought a lot of baggage to their “fake” relationship and helped each other deal with their family drama. Derek was so sweet to Avery and she was a real spitfire when it came to Derek’s family. Their two BFF’s Liam and Gina were hilarious.
My heart broke for Avery and the situation with her father. No spoilers but Derek really came through for her.
I hope there is more to this series because I want to see what happens with Liam, Gina, Greg and Rhonda!
🩷Tropes
🧁Fake Dating
🧁Cinnamon Roll MMC
🧁Billionaire
🧁College Romance
🧁Curvy FMC
🧁Found Family
January 15, 2024
I volunteered for this ARC at the last second, and boy, am I glad that I did! I gobbled this baby up! Thank you, Maren and RR Booktours for giving me a chance to read it!
Derek and Avery are to die for. I adored these two, and they gave us a fabulous fake dating, strangers to lovers story. Avery is a great, curvy FMC who is really trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life, and really is a great person who is fiercely loyal and trying to take care of her dad. She is hilarious and isn't shy, so her humor really catches people off guard sometimes and it's awesome. Derek is a fantastic golden retriever, cinnamon roll MMC.
Avery's mom is a famous writer, has climbed the social latters, and expects Avery to be available to go to these gatherings whenever she pleases. Avery has a difficult relationship with her mom, and hates these stuffy parties, so when the publisher shows up at her work to pick her up unexpectedly for one, Avery takes off through her university campus.
She runs into a very attractive guy, grabs his tie, and uses him to hide her and kisses him. She tells him thanks and runs off. A few weeks later she runs into him in the library, where he claims her as his girlfriend. They later make a deal that they will fake date in order to help each other out with their families and getting them off each other's back.
They fall for each other HARD and it takes them awhile to figure out that's where they really want to be. They are really good for each other and it was so fun to watch their relationship develop.
Spice:🌶🌶.5
Derek and Avery are to die for. I adored these two, and they gave us a fabulous fake dating, strangers to lovers story. Avery is a great, curvy FMC who is really trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life, and really is a great person who is fiercely loyal and trying to take care of her dad. She is hilarious and isn't shy, so her humor really catches people off guard sometimes and it's awesome. Derek is a fantastic golden retriever, cinnamon roll MMC.
Avery's mom is a famous writer, has climbed the social latters, and expects Avery to be available to go to these gatherings whenever she pleases. Avery has a difficult relationship with her mom, and hates these stuffy parties, so when the publisher shows up at her work to pick her up unexpectedly for one, Avery takes off through her university campus.
She runs into a very attractive guy, grabs his tie, and uses him to hide her and kisses him. She tells him thanks and runs off. A few weeks later she runs into him in the library, where he claims her as his girlfriend. They later make a deal that they will fake date in order to help each other out with their families and getting them off each other's back.
They fall for each other HARD and it takes them awhile to figure out that's where they really want to be. They are really good for each other and it was so fun to watch their relationship develop.
Spice:🌶🌶.5
December 3, 2023
ARC Review: Yes I know this book has been out for a while, but I did thankfully receive it so I am up to date on this Sweet Nothing Series!!! Also to prep for the 2nd book that is coming out on the 26th of December!!!
This is one of the first books I have ever read from this author and omg I’m falling in pure love with this SWEET world!!! I love that this book is based on the fake dating trope and that the MFC is curvy and oh-so-gorgeous! When I was reading the blurb, I knew that I would just fall in love with her and that I kinda speed through it on my Kindle. And can I just say it was such an amazing read, that I just flew through it and straight into book 2 (this review will be out in either the same time as this or in a few days). Okay but back to this story, I really did fall in love with Avery and Derek, and how their relationship grew and blossomed. I enjoyed seeing them go through the twists and turns of fake relationship life and when that blossomed into reality omg, I swooned! The way they both were always there for one another no matter what was going on, really brought in an awe moment for me because that is true love.
Overall, this was just a super duper sweet romance, and it brought all the feelings of love and joy together for me, and I just loved every second of it! Maren Jenner is for sure an author that I will be reading from again and recommending to others. Thank you again for a beautiful story ❤❤❤❤
This is one of the first books I have ever read from this author and omg I’m falling in pure love with this SWEET world!!! I love that this book is based on the fake dating trope and that the MFC is curvy and oh-so-gorgeous! When I was reading the blurb, I knew that I would just fall in love with her and that I kinda speed through it on my Kindle. And can I just say it was such an amazing read, that I just flew through it and straight into book 2 (this review will be out in either the same time as this or in a few days). Okay but back to this story, I really did fall in love with Avery and Derek, and how their relationship grew and blossomed. I enjoyed seeing them go through the twists and turns of fake relationship life and when that blossomed into reality omg, I swooned! The way they both were always there for one another no matter what was going on, really brought in an awe moment for me because that is true love.
Overall, this was just a super duper sweet romance, and it brought all the feelings of love and joy together for me, and I just loved every second of it! Maren Jenner is for sure an author that I will be reading from again and recommending to others. Thank you again for a beautiful story ❤❤❤❤
January 15, 2024
I really loved this book! I like the way Maren wrote it. The characters flowed together nicely. I was really hoping to see more of the man Avery kissed to get out of the dinner with her mother.
I was not a fan of her mother at all. It’s awful what she’s done to Avery’s dad.
I thought it was sweet how Avery had a meal with her dad unbeknownst to her mother. Even though he didn’t realize who she was.
I was so happy to see that Avery and Derek met up again. The proposal for them to be a fake couple, I knew was going to turn into them falling for each other. At first I wasn’t sure if the food poisoning was real or not to just get chuck off Derek’s back but then seeing that it was true, I felt bad for Avery.
Seeing Derek step up and help out Avery when she had no place to go after the apartment she shared with Gina was condemned was amazing. He isn’t your typical guy with money. He genuinely seemed to care that Avery had somewhere to go and food to help her feel better.
I could keep writing but I don’t want to give any more of this amazing book away! I definitely cannot wait to read more of the books within the series!
Thank you @rrbooktours for allowing me to review this book.
@marenjenner @rrbooktours
#rrbooktours #rrbtthecupcakestandard #thecupcakestandartd #marenjenner #newadultromance #billionaireromance #contemporyromance #sweetnothingstrilogy #romancereads #romancebookstagram
Tour organized by @rrbooktours
I was not a fan of her mother at all. It’s awful what she’s done to Avery’s dad.
I thought it was sweet how Avery had a meal with her dad unbeknownst to her mother. Even though he didn’t realize who she was.
I was so happy to see that Avery and Derek met up again. The proposal for them to be a fake couple, I knew was going to turn into them falling for each other. At first I wasn’t sure if the food poisoning was real or not to just get chuck off Derek’s back but then seeing that it was true, I felt bad for Avery.
Seeing Derek step up and help out Avery when she had no place to go after the apartment she shared with Gina was condemned was amazing. He isn’t your typical guy with money. He genuinely seemed to care that Avery had somewhere to go and food to help her feel better.
I could keep writing but I don’t want to give any more of this amazing book away! I definitely cannot wait to read more of the books within the series!
Thank you @rrbooktours for allowing me to review this book.
@marenjenner @rrbooktours
#rrbooktours #rrbtthecupcakestandard #thecupcakestandartd #marenjenner #newadultromance #billionaireromance #contemporyromance #sweetnothingstrilogy #romancereads #romancebookstagram
Tour organized by @rrbooktours
August 6, 2023
I adored this book. The storyline was perfect, and the couple was easy to fall in love with. I loved the side characters and how thoughtful and protective Avery was. It is a nice change from the typical possessive man trope in most romance books. I do hope this is a series because I need to know about Gina and Liam and Rhonda and Greg. I would have liked a bit more solid closure with Piper, though.
Overall, I enjoyed the authors writing style. It was straightforward and to the point. There were a few issues with continuity that I encountered, but they were not big enough issues that it detracted from my general appreciation of this story and all of the hard work this author put into the development. I'm a sucker for dual POV, and I think I would have really liked it here, but again, that's my personal opinion it wasn't needed at all. For a general rating, I would give a 4.5 star, but I like to round up. And a 1.5 pepper rating for spiciness.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to readers who like:
🩷 Billionaire Boy Friend
🩷 Young Adult Romances
🩷 Rom- Com
🩷 Curvy FMC
🩷 Possessive FMC
🩷 Cinnamon roll Book Boyfriends
🩷Cinderella story
🩷Difficult family dynamics
🩷Found Family
There is some discussion of alzheimers in the father figure and manipulative behaviors from the other parental units, so if you're sensitive of that, you can go into this fully aware.
Overall, I enjoyed the authors writing style. It was straightforward and to the point. There were a few issues with continuity that I encountered, but they were not big enough issues that it detracted from my general appreciation of this story and all of the hard work this author put into the development. I'm a sucker for dual POV, and I think I would have really liked it here, but again, that's my personal opinion it wasn't needed at all. For a general rating, I would give a 4.5 star, but I like to round up. And a 1.5 pepper rating for spiciness.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to readers who like:
🩷 Billionaire Boy Friend
🩷 Young Adult Romances
🩷 Rom- Com
🩷 Curvy FMC
🩷 Possessive FMC
🩷 Cinnamon roll Book Boyfriends
🩷Cinderella story
🩷Difficult family dynamics
🩷Found Family
There is some discussion of alzheimers in the father figure and manipulative behaviors from the other parental units, so if you're sensitive of that, you can go into this fully aware.
January 11, 2024
“You can’t fall without taking the leap.”
The Cupcake Standard by Maren Jenner is honestly such an adorable read! If you’re a fan of fake dating, cutesy nicknames, and flirty banter, this book might just be the one for you!
Avery and Derek have such good chemistry. Readers can tell from their meet cute that they’re destined to be together. What starts off as a fake relationship turns into something more (honestly it was something more from the start)! As individuals, both characters are similar in that they have some family issues. Throughout the story, readers can see how they work through them both alone and with the help of one another.
The plot was pretty good and the drama was fun to read. I loved the side characters so much. Not only do we get a glimpse of the next couples relationships but we also get some character development for them. Rhonda, Derek’s twin sister, in my opinion goes through the most character development!
Overall, this story was cute and interesting to read!
The Cupcake Standard by Maren Jenner is honestly such an adorable read! If you’re a fan of fake dating, cutesy nicknames, and flirty banter, this book might just be the one for you!
Avery and Derek have such good chemistry. Readers can tell from their meet cute that they’re destined to be together. What starts off as a fake relationship turns into something more (honestly it was something more from the start)! As individuals, both characters are similar in that they have some family issues. Throughout the story, readers can see how they work through them both alone and with the help of one another.
The plot was pretty good and the drama was fun to read. I loved the side characters so much. Not only do we get a glimpse of the next couples relationships but we also get some character development for them. Rhonda, Derek’s twin sister, in my opinion goes through the most character development!
Overall, this story was cute and interesting to read!
January 21, 2024
Now you know that I love a billionaire fake dating trope, and the Cupcake Standard certainly delivered! I immediately admired Avery for her love for her father, and for her determination to be independent despite her mother’s treatment of her. And as soon as Derek was introduced, he became one of my top book boyfriends! With his curly hair, sweet demeanour, and assertiveness, who wouldn’t adore him? There is also a great amount of character development and spice in the book, which are both usually requirements for me to love a romance novel.
I found that the book started off strong at the beginning, but lost some of my interest near the end - but I have been finding that recently with sweet romances, so that’s just my preference.
Overall rating: 3.5/4 (rounded up)
Spice rating: 2.5/5
I was provided with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review, and the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
I found that the book started off strong at the beginning, but lost some of my interest near the end - but I have been finding that recently with sweet romances, so that’s just my preference.
Overall rating: 3.5/4 (rounded up)
Spice rating: 2.5/5
I was provided with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review, and the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
August 13, 2023
A sweet treat is what I found in this story. A love at first sight mixed with he falls first is always a recipe for goodness. Now when you add a touch of forced proximity and a pinch of fake dating, you have just taken the sweetness to the next level. This story has it all. I could not put this book down once I was able to read uninterrupted (like from chapter 4 to the end in one sitting, couldn’t put it down). I think my favorite part is all the banter between the two MC’s. It is so sweet yet sassy with just the right amount of flirting.
As for your hot and spicy moments, there is not a lot. But the one ones that are there, are hot. There is more flirting and stolen kisses then anything. Now this in no way makes the book less, it’s just the right amount.
Overall, I give this a 4.25 star rating and a 2.50 pepper rating.
As for your hot and spicy moments, there is not a lot. But the one ones that are there, are hot. There is more flirting and stolen kisses then anything. Now this in no way makes the book less, it’s just the right amount.
Overall, I give this a 4.25 star rating and a 2.50 pepper rating.
August 15, 2023
The Cupcake Standard by Maren Jenner is part of the Sweet Nothings Series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it! I’ve always been drawn to books with the fake dating trope and the curvy female main character so when I read this book's blurb, I knew this had to be added to my kindle immediately. What an amazing read! I flew through reading this, not once did the thought ever occur to me to put my kindle down. What an amazing story, I was immediately drawn in from the first chapter. I really loved reading about Avery and Derek. I enjoyed seeing them navigate this fake relationship to something real. The way they were both there for one another was great. This was just a sweet romance that just brings the feels and I loved it. Maren Jenner is definitely an author I will be reading more books from.
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
Final review:
5 out of 5 stars
August 13, 2023
This books brings both the sweetness and the spice to romance! I am always a sucker for a good “fake dating” story, and this one absolutely delivers. Avery is a main character you instantly connect with/root for, and she will have you smiling and laughing out loud from the very first chapter! And I love that’s she’s a curvy heroine - we need more body positivity rep in stories. Derek is appropriately swoon worthy - tall, dark, and handsome with a heart of gold hiding underneath his very grab-able ties.
If you’re looking for a satisfying romance that will bring both the heat and heart pangs, look no further! A great debut, can’t wait to see what this author publishes next.
(This review is from an ARC read provided by the author/publisher. All thoughts/opinions are my own)
If you’re looking for a satisfying romance that will bring both the heat and heart pangs, look no further! A great debut, can’t wait to see what this author publishes next.
(This review is from an ARC read provided by the author/publisher. All thoughts/opinions are my own)
November 14, 2023
Stumbled upon an absolute gem of a story! It's got that irresistible he falls first vibe, with the guy falling head over heels first - always a win! Mix in some forced closeness and pretend dating, and you've got yourself an epic love cocktail. This tale has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic read.
The playful banter between the two main characters is my absolute favorite - it's sweet, sassy and flirty. As for those sizzling moments, they're few but oh-so-hot. More of stolen kisses and flirtatious exchanges than anything else - just the right amount to keep things interesting.
All in all, this one gets a solid 4-star rating from me and a spicy 2.75 pepper rating for those hot moments!
The playful banter between the two main characters is my absolute favorite - it's sweet, sassy and flirty. As for those sizzling moments, they're few but oh-so-hot. More of stolen kisses and flirtatious exchanges than anything else - just the right amount to keep things interesting.
All in all, this one gets a solid 4-star rating from me and a spicy 2.75 pepper rating for those hot moments!
May 12, 2024
Avery and Derek meet thru Avery's means to an end, getting away from her overbearing mother for whom her relationship is strained for more reasons than one. Derek in turn, uses this chance meeting to his advantage for similar reasons, but this time his sister and her quest to "set him up" with one of her friends.
Avery is not the typical socialite, in fact, no one would think that of her, at first glance, unless they took the time to get to know her, which Derek and the plan he proposes, has him doing just that.
It is mild on the spice, and is a beautiful cute story of a couple who find themselves needing each other under what may have started as unusual, but necessary. Throw in there equally interesting friends and you have an easy read story.
Avery is not the typical socialite, in fact, no one would think that of her, at first glance, unless they took the time to get to know her, which Derek and the plan he proposes, has him doing just that.
It is mild on the spice, and is a beautiful cute story of a couple who find themselves needing each other under what may have started as unusual, but necessary. Throw in there equally interesting friends and you have an easy read story.
August 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was a cute romance with some sizzle!
There was a little clunkiness with character development. I think Avery's character stayed pretty consistent through the book, but Derek had a few moments where it seemed like his personality was completely different than it had been up to that point. Also, I understand that the author is trying to create interest in the other relationships for her next two books in the series, but there was a little too much "neither of them were taking about it" in relation to things that happened out of the main characters view.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the writing style of the author.
There was a little clunkiness with character development. I think Avery's character stayed pretty consistent through the book, but Derek had a few moments where it seemed like his personality was completely different than it had been up to that point. Also, I understand that the author is trying to create interest in the other relationships for her next two books in the series, but there was a little too much "neither of them were taking about it" in relation to things that happened out of the main characters view.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the writing style of the author.
May 22, 2024
Sweetly Cute Love
This was such a cute read. It started out with a kiss and took us on a heartfelt and emotional journey. This romance story had its up’s and downs, but it was also heartfelt, beautiful, sassy and spicy in all the right places. The pacing was perfect for them, and the way he treats her and loves on her had me swooning. I also absolutely loved the side characters, their sass, charm, how they all banded together as a family, and just the overall vibes of this group. This story was so cute and I ate it all up, Avery and Derek are beautiful together and I need more from them. I can't wait for more from this story.
This was such a cute read. It started out with a kiss and took us on a heartfelt and emotional journey. This romance story had its up’s and downs, but it was also heartfelt, beautiful, sassy and spicy in all the right places. The pacing was perfect for them, and the way he treats her and loves on her had me swooning. I also absolutely loved the side characters, their sass, charm, how they all banded together as a family, and just the overall vibes of this group. This story was so cute and I ate it all up, Avery and Derek are beautiful together and I need more from them. I can't wait for more from this story.
August 2, 2023
The Cupcake Standard 💕 by Maren Jenner had me feeling all the emotions! Derek and Avery’s story had me laughing, feeling joy, angst and I found myself thoroughly immersed in their world. The book definitely lives up to its title; it’s sweet, savory, and has the perfect amount of spice 🌶️! This romance sets the cupcake standard for book boyfriends. If you’re looking for your next binge worthy read…..look no further. Run and add this book to your TBR. No cliffhangers here but I’m impatiently awaiting the next two books in the Sweet Nothings series.
August 23, 2023
The Cupcake Standard is an adorable fake-dating romance. 🧁 After Derek and Avery both benefit from chance encounters with the other, they strike a deal that will serve them both. What they didn't bargain for is how perfectly matched they are. This story is much more plot heavy than other fake-dating books I've read. And I LOVE that about it!!! Author @marenjenner has taken this trope and made it into a wonderful story! I can't wait to see what's next for the side characters that she set up for their own stories. 👀
November 16, 2023
Derek is an immediately cute, impossibly perfect, book boyfriend. I like the speed of the story. It's goes fast, as fake dating usually does, but it doesn't feel 'flying off the railways' fast. I jive with Avery's mentality. She's very quick on her toes and gives Derek a run for his money. The back and forth between the 2 is absolutely phenomenal. The spice is just enough and believable that you aren't trying to figure out if these are people or contortionists.
This books is an absolute must if you like
✅️ Nicknames
✅️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
✅️ He falls first, immediately
✅️ Curvy FMCs
This books is an absolute must if you like
✅️ Nicknames
✅️ Cinnamon Roll MMC
✅️ He falls first, immediately
✅️ Curvy FMCs
December 7, 2023
I haven't had a book bring me to tears falling down my cheeks in forever, but this book did that to me. It wasn't even the main storyline. It was a subplot, but it got me. Maren Jenner is a truly talented author. She writes in such an engrossing way. I devoured this book. I didn't want to put it down. Now maybe I'm just a sucker for love but Avery and Derek are just so pure it fills my heart. Their friendship and love and hardships are just so real and relatable. This was one of the easiest five star reviews I've ever given.
January 8, 2024
Gosh…the way I LOVED this book. The plot and the characters were so well developed and the pacing was so great. Avery and Derek…I just swoon. They each have their issues but together they just know what each other needs in the moment.
Avery is a handful but Derek is so patient with her and kind I just wish they didn’t have to go through so much for her to see it.
Their friends are amazing and I love that they have that support and back-up but also tell it like it is when they need to hear it.
This is a first for me from this author and I can’t wait to start the next one!
Avery is a handful but Derek is so patient with her and kind I just wish they didn’t have to go through so much for her to see it.
Their friends are amazing and I love that they have that support and back-up but also tell it like it is when they need to hear it.
This is a first for me from this author and I can’t wait to start the next one!
January 18, 2024
The Cupcake Standard is a fake-dating romance. Avery needs to find a way to get out of dinner and decided the guy wearing the tie is her way out. Derek lays on the girl running towards him and falls. The meet cute between these two was so good. The way Avery stood up for her man anytime she felt he wasn’t being unheard or was being used was delicious. Derek is the perfect book boyfriend, the banter between the two of them was perfect. The characters are well written and supporting cast was also well done they all need their own books.
August 28, 2023
I received an eARC of THE CUPCAKE STANDARD to review, and I can say without a doubt I will definitely be picking up future books from this author! I absolutely adored Avery's sass and spunk, and Derek is such a freaking SWEETHEART. Best billionaire romance I've read because he's so damn sweet! I finished this read so fast-it was such a fun and sexy book.
If you love fake-dating, banter, a sexy MMC who's also a cinnamon roll, and a sassy FMC, definitely give this book a try!!!
If you love fake-dating, banter, a sexy MMC who's also a cinnamon roll, and a sassy FMC, definitely give this book a try!!!
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