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Cake.
Welcome to The Tent.
Every year twelve contestants travel to the British countryside to compete for the fabled title of "Britain's Next Best Baker," but only one can emerge from The Tent victorious.
Xander was absolutely certain that this season, the winner would be him. He'd studied his competition, laid out his plans, and spent nearly a year meticulously plotting a path that would lead him to precisely where he stood plastering a fake smile across his handsome face as he did his very best to appear normal, his left eye twitching erratically at the effort, mouth straining to fake a smile, all the while pushing himself to do what he did win.
Rowan anxiously awaited the judges. This contest had been his favorite show growing up. He'd never missed a single season, and as the competition began, it felt surreal being here now in front of the very judges he'd viewed on his grandmother's old television each Christmas season growing up. Those memories were among the very few bright spots in his otherwise dismal childhood…
But troubling and inexplicable things begin to occur right from the start, and the tension under The Tent is only going to grow more and more strained as the days pass by, contestant after contestant sent home in confused disgrace as a series of spectacular upsets leaves Rowan wondering just what his rival Xander might truly be capable of…
Connect with an unlikely duo as they battle to overcome the ferocious and cutthroat competition of "The Annual British Baking Show,” and discover for yourself that the rarest ingredient of all is love.
Ovens aren't the only thing that's heating up in this Contemporary MM Romance…Forced ProximityRivals to LoversHEASize DifferenceSlow BurnGrumpy / Sunshine
Every year twelve contestants travel to the British countryside to compete for the fabled title of "Britain's Next Best Baker," but only one can emerge from The Tent victorious.
Xander was absolutely certain that this season, the winner would be him. He'd studied his competition, laid out his plans, and spent nearly a year meticulously plotting a path that would lead him to precisely where he stood plastering a fake smile across his handsome face as he did his very best to appear normal, his left eye twitching erratically at the effort, mouth straining to fake a smile, all the while pushing himself to do what he did win.
Rowan anxiously awaited the judges. This contest had been his favorite show growing up. He'd never missed a single season, and as the competition began, it felt surreal being here now in front of the very judges he'd viewed on his grandmother's old television each Christmas season growing up. Those memories were among the very few bright spots in his otherwise dismal childhood…
But troubling and inexplicable things begin to occur right from the start, and the tension under The Tent is only going to grow more and more strained as the days pass by, contestant after contestant sent home in confused disgrace as a series of spectacular upsets leaves Rowan wondering just what his rival Xander might truly be capable of…
Connect with an unlikely duo as they battle to overcome the ferocious and cutthroat competition of "The Annual British Baking Show,” and discover for yourself that the rarest ingredient of all is love.
Ovens aren't the only thing that's heating up in this Contemporary MM Romance…Forced ProximityRivals to LoversHEASize DifferenceSlow BurnGrumpy / Sunshine
- GenresM M RomanceRomanceGay
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2024
14 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Nando Gray
11 books26 followersNANDO GRAY is a DARK ROMANCE AUTHOR based in the misty Olympic National Forest in Washington State’s wilderness.
When he's not evading his local Sasquatch, Nando Gray is crafting intense, heart-pounding love stories. His characters are put through the wringer, promising a thrilling adult adventure in each novel. Rest assured, a satisfying happily ever after awaits in every M/M Romance, regardless of the category.
When he’s not drenching his keyboard with coffee or preparing feasts for an audience of two, Nando Gray cherishes moments with his two canine companions, who provide all the love he needs.
Happy reading.
-Nando
When he's not evading his local Sasquatch, Nando Gray is crafting intense, heart-pounding love stories. His characters are put through the wringer, promising a thrilling adult adventure in each novel. Rest assured, a satisfying happily ever after awaits in every M/M Romance, regardless of the category.
When he’s not drenching his keyboard with coffee or preparing feasts for an audience of two, Nando Gray cherishes moments with his two canine companions, who provide all the love he needs.
Happy reading.
-Nando
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 8, 2024
2.5*
A story that doesn’t work as a short story.
Let me explain the header of my review. Cake is not a bad book, it actually has an interesting character, two opposite but working POVs and a great setting, but when you decide to write a short story or a novella instead of a novel, you have to decide in which storyline you want to focus. And you have to be sure to make the “right decision” so the reader doesn’t feel like something was missing.
In this book a lot was missing.
I love “cooking reality shows” and that is what interested me the most when I read the summary of this book, and I really would’ve loved if the author had explored this setting as it deserved to be explored. I’m not saying the storyline is bad, but the setting and the idea needed more attention and detail. More development.
Now, the book is way shorter than the page count says. Why? Because it has a long preview from other of the author’s book.
And I think that’s the major issue. As I said, the setting is already interesting, the characters could be interesting, and the overall romance plus the “could this relationship even work?” question could be interesting as well. But there isn’t enough development in any of this. Maybe this could’ve worked better as a novel instead of a short story.
Apart of the romance plot, there were two subplots that I was looking forward to read, but the author cut away: the competition and Xander’s psychological problems. Of course, the two of them have a conclusion, but the author didn’t take the time and effort to write the transition that led into those conclusions.
The Best: I’ll say it again: Cake is not a bad book, I even read the whole thing within 3-4 hours, and the narrative voices are not bad, but…
The Worst: …it does feel rushed and heartless.
Also, the editing is somehow weird, and there’s too many periods and new paragraphs where I think there shouldn’t be any. I know the author did the editing (and bookcover) himself and I respect that, but it’s something to point out.
I received this for free via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
A story that doesn’t work as a short story.
Let me explain the header of my review. Cake is not a bad book, it actually has an interesting character, two opposite but working POVs and a great setting, but when you decide to write a short story or a novella instead of a novel, you have to decide in which storyline you want to focus. And you have to be sure to make the “right decision” so the reader doesn’t feel like something was missing.
In this book a lot was missing.
I love “cooking reality shows” and that is what interested me the most when I read the summary of this book, and I really would’ve loved if the author had explored this setting as it deserved to be explored. I’m not saying the storyline is bad, but the setting and the idea needed more attention and detail. More development.
Now, the book is way shorter than the page count says. Why? Because it has a long preview from other of the author’s book.
And I think that’s the major issue. As I said, the setting is already interesting, the characters could be interesting, and the overall romance plus the “could this relationship even work?” question could be interesting as well. But there isn’t enough development in any of this. Maybe this could’ve worked better as a novel instead of a short story.
Apart of the romance plot, there were two subplots that I was looking forward to read, but the author cut away: the competition and Xander’s psychological problems. Of course, the two of them have a conclusion, but the author didn’t take the time and effort to write the transition that led into those conclusions.
The Best: I’ll say it again: Cake is not a bad book, I even read the whole thing within 3-4 hours, and the narrative voices are not bad, but…
The Worst: …it does feel rushed and heartless.
Also, the editing is somehow weird, and there’s too many periods and new paragraphs where I think there shouldn’t be any. I know the author did the editing (and bookcover) himself and I respect that, but it’s something to point out.
I received this for free via Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2024
3.5 stars
I found this to be a strange book that I had some trouble following at first. It concerns Xander, rich, to the manor born, driven to win, no matter the cost, with his entire sense of self tied up in that goal, and Rowan, an ordinary man from not the best parts of London, still living with the grandmother who raised him, hoping to win the Britains Next Best Baker contest to set up his own bakery, and a man pretty content in his own skin. Xander is determined to win at all costs, and Rowan suspects Xander doesn’t always go about it fairly, but as he learns more about the man and his background, he begins to see the man hidden inside. As the contest gets closer to the end, Xander must make a choice, then live with the consequences, especially if he has any hope of time with Rowan again.
There were some unexpected twists, Xander wasn’t very likable at the beginning, but he grew on me the more he realized about himself, and Rowan was pretty perfect the way he was. The situation had elements of believability, especially considering the drive of some contestants to win, no matter what, and it did definitely remind me of some of the British baking shows I have seen. The book grew on me the further I got into and, and I found the ending satisfying.
I had previously read the partial book at the end, and liked that one, too. I think this writer is a bit different than others I have read, but he is beginning to grow on me. An interesting take on the competition baking shows.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this to be a strange book that I had some trouble following at first. It concerns Xander, rich, to the manor born, driven to win, no matter the cost, with his entire sense of self tied up in that goal, and Rowan, an ordinary man from not the best parts of London, still living with the grandmother who raised him, hoping to win the Britains Next Best Baker contest to set up his own bakery, and a man pretty content in his own skin. Xander is determined to win at all costs, and Rowan suspects Xander doesn’t always go about it fairly, but as he learns more about the man and his background, he begins to see the man hidden inside. As the contest gets closer to the end, Xander must make a choice, then live with the consequences, especially if he has any hope of time with Rowan again.
There were some unexpected twists, Xander wasn’t very likable at the beginning, but he grew on me the more he realized about himself, and Rowan was pretty perfect the way he was. The situation had elements of believability, especially considering the drive of some contestants to win, no matter what, and it did definitely remind me of some of the British baking shows I have seen. The book grew on me the further I got into and, and I found the ending satisfying.
I had previously read the partial book at the end, and liked that one, too. I think this writer is a bit different than others I have read, but he is beginning to grow on me. An interesting take on the competition baking shows.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2024
Cake - ‘It Had Always Been Love’
‘One of those hands reached around and grabbed a hunk of the cake, forcing it into Rowan’s willing mouth. It was his very favorite, and he’d saved it for last, just in case. He moaned as Xander grabbed a bite for himself, thrusting into him as he forced him against the counter with renewed vigor.’
What a delicious thrill to read Nando Gray for the first time. I look forward to reading many more books by this expressive author!
Cake is a journey that two men take, not knowing where they will land, but each finds a recipe that comes together perfectly. Xander has such deep, deep internal emotional concerns, he has placed himself on a pedestal, always attempting to be in the top spot, no matter what he is doing. Rowan is a sweetheart, raised simply by his loving grandmother, yet struggles to believe the best in himself.
While competing against each other in the well-known British Baking Contest, success comes in an entirely different form of sweetness for the winner! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘One of those hands reached around and grabbed a hunk of the cake, forcing it into Rowan’s willing mouth. It was his very favorite, and he’d saved it for last, just in case. He moaned as Xander grabbed a bite for himself, thrusting into him as he forced him against the counter with renewed vigor.’
What a delicious thrill to read Nando Gray for the first time. I look forward to reading many more books by this expressive author!
Cake is a journey that two men take, not knowing where they will land, but each finds a recipe that comes together perfectly. Xander has such deep, deep internal emotional concerns, he has placed himself on a pedestal, always attempting to be in the top spot, no matter what he is doing. Rowan is a sweetheart, raised simply by his loving grandmother, yet struggles to believe the best in himself.
While competing against each other in the well-known British Baking Contest, success comes in an entirely different form of sweetness for the winner! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 11, 2024
I wasn't too sure about this when I started but carried on none the less, thank goodness as it ended up a marvelous tale. Xander is a complex character, right off the bat he seems extremely unlikable, during the first round of the competition he qualifies our beliefs with his actions. He's nice and helpful one minute and then downright nasty the next confounding us, but then at times it's like there's a little lost child buried inside him just longing to get out. Rowen is the only one to try to get close and figure him out. I absolutely loved this story and also the writing style, there is an intensity in the writing, like the author really wanted this story to make an impact, which it did for me.
March 11, 2024
sweet as cake!
I want more of Xander and Rowan! 🖤 I loved the true feelings this story evoked. I felt connected to the characters and I found myself hoping it wouldn’t end. Check it out. You won’t regret it!
I want more of Xander and Rowan! 🖤 I loved the true feelings this story evoked. I felt connected to the characters and I found myself hoping it wouldn’t end. Check it out. You won’t regret it!
March 31, 2024
Every year twelve contestants travel to the British countryside to compete for the fabled title of “Britain’s Next Best Baker,” but only one can emerge from The Tent victorious.
In this era of Reality TV, it was inevitable that we’d be reading books about the relationships between the contestants. Xander and Rowan are young and ambitious, though for very different reasons. What starts out as rivalry between the pair mellows their behaviour. With the contestants attracted to each other, the reader knows that romance will likely be on the cards.
An enjoyable M/M romance with pleasant characters and an engaging storyline. Those who are used to television cooking shows will enjoy the behind-the-scenes chicanery, where all that counts for some contestants is winning.
I happily recommend ‘Cake’ as an entertaining read for all who enjoy this genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this era of Reality TV, it was inevitable that we’d be reading books about the relationships between the contestants. Xander and Rowan are young and ambitious, though for very different reasons. What starts out as rivalry between the pair mellows their behaviour. With the contestants attracted to each other, the reader knows that romance will likely be on the cards.
An enjoyable M/M romance with pleasant characters and an engaging storyline. Those who are used to television cooking shows will enjoy the behind-the-scenes chicanery, where all that counts for some contestants is winning.
I happily recommend ‘Cake’ as an entertaining read for all who enjoy this genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2024
CAKE- AN INTERESTING ANOMALY!
I was sceptical about finishing this book as Xander as an overachiever and scheming manipulator put me off but I persevered and boy am I glad I did!
Rowan was exactly what Zander needed- someone empathetic and loving to smother his darkness in sunshine and light!
He did eventually redeem himself by his later actions in the baking competition and further more uplifted Rowan who was feeling insecure and belittled by the judges…
The judges- three imposing personalities that will entertain and shock the reader throughout the competition…
A sweet rounding off epilogue follows a timespan of six months where anything can happen….
I enjoyed the story it was sweet, short and steamy in parts that will entertain and amuse the reader!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was sceptical about finishing this book as Xander as an overachiever and scheming manipulator put me off but I persevered and boy am I glad I did!
Rowan was exactly what Zander needed- someone empathetic and loving to smother his darkness in sunshine and light!
He did eventually redeem himself by his later actions in the baking competition and further more uplifted Rowan who was feeling insecure and belittled by the judges…
The judges- three imposing personalities that will entertain and shock the reader throughout the competition…
A sweet rounding off epilogue follows a timespan of six months where anything can happen….
I enjoyed the story it was sweet, short and steamy in parts that will entertain and amuse the reader!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2024
This was a great, fast read without unnecessary angst and strife. I like Nando Gray's style of writing, and it contrasts with Alexis Hall. "Paris Daillencourt Is About to Crumble" is written by Alexis and it is thick, detailed and fun. It is full of extraordinarily descriptive people and the cast of characters is impressive.
Nando's take on the British Baking show that we've watched many times, was rich with detail and seemed to follow some research on how the 'tent' works.
Nando Gray's action centers on the characters, the two main characters almost exclusively. We learn only about the back story of the two main characters as we need.
Alexis Hall's trip seems to follow a more traditional account of how the show works, whereas Nando Gray's account seems to use it as a background with much of the action away from the 'tent.' Both have their benefits, and Nando Gray's is shorter with much more attention on the two main characters.
This is a great book and I will continue to read Nando Gray's creations.
Nando's take on the British Baking show that we've watched many times, was rich with detail and seemed to follow some research on how the 'tent' works.
Nando Gray's action centers on the characters, the two main characters almost exclusively. We learn only about the back story of the two main characters as we need.
Alexis Hall's trip seems to follow a more traditional account of how the show works, whereas Nando Gray's account seems to use it as a background with much of the action away from the 'tent.' Both have their benefits, and Nando Gray's is shorter with much more attention on the two main characters.
This is a great book and I will continue to read Nando Gray's creations.
October 24, 2024
I love the British and Canadian versions of this baking competition...
Xander was so angry, ruthless and competitive; he was quite hard to like. He just focused on winning at any expense. Rowan, on the other hand, truly enjoyed baking.
These 2 don't get along until all of a sudden, Xander does a 180 and completely switches personality. I couldn't really connect; although the chemistry and sex scene were pretty hot...although no condom; what the hell!
Some things are just left hanging...like what happened to the creepy cameraman; who was behind all the sabotage?
Everything happened so fast and I don't agree with what Xander did at the end.
Xander was so angry, ruthless and competitive; he was quite hard to like. He just focused on winning at any expense. Rowan, on the other hand, truly enjoyed baking.
These 2 don't get along until all of a sudden, Xander does a 180 and completely switches personality. I couldn't really connect; although the chemistry and sex scene were pretty hot...although no condom; what the hell!
Some things are just left hanging...like what happened to the creepy cameraman; who was behind all the sabotage?
Everything happened so fast and I don't agree with what Xander did at the end.
March 16, 2024
Xander is a competitor in the Annual British Baking Contest. He is unpleasant and overcompetitive with practiced warmth. He despises everyone else including Rowan, a personable guy who is kind to everyone. Rowan is a sweetheart through the whole book while Xander is hard to like though his eventual personality change is welcome. I enjoy the Great British Baking Show so this was fun and it did have the reality of not everyone being nice to everybody. I felt Nando's writing has improved as he continues in his career. I received a copy of this book through Booksirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
March 11, 2024
This is a short cute read. It has lots of laughs and chaos at the baking competition and the beginnings of a romance too. I liked that Xander was smart enough to know he had some problems that he needed help with, so he could live a full life. He was strong enough to get that help. Kudos. He took a huge gamble coming back to see Rowan. Will it pay off confronting his past???
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
August 14, 2024
Cute love story
Opposites attract, I really loved how the two main characters differed so much, not just in looks but mannerisms, thoughts, and characters... It was really well done and I loved the character development.
It was slower burn, semi enemies to lovers, and not as spicy as I was anticipating. The ending could have been more drawn out and I wouldn't have minded another spicy scene lol
But it was a really fun read with enjoyable characters and a good love story.
Opposites attract, I really loved how the two main characters differed so much, not just in looks but mannerisms, thoughts, and characters... It was really well done and I loved the character development.
It was slower burn, semi enemies to lovers, and not as spicy as I was anticipating. The ending could have been more drawn out and I wouldn't have minded another spicy scene lol
But it was a really fun read with enjoyable characters and a good love story.
March 22, 2024
This was definitely a slow burn, nothing happens until 50% into the book and the writing could have been better for sure but this was a fast read. Very spicy and I loved this. It's the first book I read about baking with an MM romance but holy it was very much enjoyable and I loved the spice! If you love spicy and gay I highly recommend!
March 26, 2024
I really didn't like Xander at first. He was sneaky and self absorbed. He was all about winning at any cost. Rowen is really sweet and there to win to better his life.
This is a slow burn that makes you want more. Xander realized that he needs to work on himself if he is to have any relationship with Rowen.
They do get their HEA
This is a slow burn that makes you want more. Xander realized that he needs to work on himself if he is to have any relationship with Rowen.
They do get their HEA
April 5, 2024
Finished Too Soon
MM, Forced Proximity, Rivals to Lovers, Size Difference, Grumpy/Sunshine, Slow burn, Contemporary, Romance. Standalone Read, I feel that the story needed a few more chapters as there's only one chapter where Zander was anywhere near likeable and there just needed to be more info. Guaranteed HEA.
MM, Forced Proximity, Rivals to Lovers, Size Difference, Grumpy/Sunshine, Slow burn, Contemporary, Romance. Standalone Read, I feel that the story needed a few more chapters as there's only one chapter where Zander was anywhere near likeable and there just needed to be more info. Guaranteed HEA.
April 3, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author and hopefully won't be the last. This is a short, grumpy/sunshine story about Xander and Rowan. The only negative I have about this book is that I want more!
April 3, 2024
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. Xander is not a nice person and it is proven by his sabotaging. However meeting and falling in love with Rowan inspires him to change for the better.
November 20, 2024
Britain's Next Best Baker Competition Reality Show mixes win at all costs and unexpected love as the best prize of all for Xander and Rowan.
Well written love story!
Sexy cover!
A+++++
Well written love story!
Sexy cover!
A+++++
August 8, 2024
This could have easily been a 5 star book for me if it was about 50 pages longer. Xander starts off so cold and calculating we don't really get enough time to warm up to him by the time we are supposed to believe the romance between him and Rowan. Rowan was so sweet, and eventually ended up bringing out a better version of Xander. I just wanted a little more!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews