Cake with A Slice of Vengeance

by Johnna Dee

Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Author Johnna Dee is a fantasy romance writer who has three series out at the time of publication. Initially, her creative journey began with poetry, where she honed her skills in crafting evocative and lyrical verses. As her passion for storytelling grew, she ventured into the realm of novels, weaving intricate plots and enchanting worlds that transport readers to extraordinary realms.

For more exclusive content and other goodies, sign-up for Johnna Dee’s newsletter https://linktr.ee/johnnadee or check out her website https://alstroemeriapub.com/.

Reviews

[Brittany Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

My actually rating is 3.8. I received this book free as an Advanced Reader Copy from Booksirens, and this is review is voluntary and my own thoughts and opinions.

First off, I really did enjoy the storyline behind this short read. It was fun and witty. I thought the Female Main Character was a hoot. I mean she really just went all out there with her cake and wanting her relationship with Delano. The way she knew what she wanted and went after it was admirable. I loved her putting Delano's brother in his place and scaring the living daylights out of him....hilarious!

That being said, the reason it's not a 4 or 5 for me was because sometimes the romance felt a bit forced and the dialogue was a bit stiff at times. I think the author has all the good makings for a promising book, the writing was good. It just needed a bit of fine tuning.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you're wanting a fast, get to it romance with age gap trope and some witchy woo magic!

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a quick sweet story about a witch who works in a magical bakery who bakes potions into the sweets she sales. She hasn't been working there for long so she does make mistakes. Alita makes a vengence potion baked in a cake for Delano's brother but she puts an extra ingredient in and he turns into a chihuahua. Needless to say the rest of the book is how to change him back and Alita and Delano's relationship. This book took me by surprise as I couldn't put it down and really like the characters. The author hooked me from the start with the storyline and very likeable characters. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating and entertaining story. The title doesn't sound like it, but it is a true paranormal romance/love story . Alita was a sweet bubbly little witch and her paramour Delano was a talk dark drink of water with some sadness and pain due to past baggage. This story was much better than I expected and the perfect foil to the end of a long day for me. I loved it. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion .

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a funny and quick read story with lots of giggles. Alita made beautiful cakes (recipes at back of book) and knew exact who/what she wanted with Delano. Alita also put Delano brother, Drake, in his place

[Carina Nice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lively easy little read. Something every woman can relate to and throughly enjoyed it.

[The Book and Bubble · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a delicious mix of magic, romance, and a dash of vengeance, Cake with a Slice of Vengeance by Johnna Dee is your next must-read!

🍰Alita, a 22-year-old hearth witch, works at a bakery that serves up both sweet treats and spells. When Delano, seeks her help for a vengeance spell on his deceitful brother, things take an unexpected turn—his brother gets turned into a tiny Chihuahua! 🐕🍰

What follows is a hilarious and steamy adventure as Alita and Delano try to fix the magical mishap. As they uncover the truth behind the betrayal, their chemistry is off the charts! 🔥 From spellbinding mishaps to family secrets, their journey is filled with passion, laughter, and a sprinkle of heartwarming moments.♥️🍰




I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karidad Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cake with a Slice of Vengeance is a fast paced small town story with some spice in between. An age gap romance between a sassy student witch that works on a spell bakery and a vlogger that is not looking for a relationship due to his past and work.

This book has a good story line that keeps you entertained throughout the ending; With romance, magic, betrayal and heartache, this story goes straight to the point, which makes it a cozy short read. The fact that the spells are connected to a dessert is very unique. The author did a great job using that mode of spell casting. I loved that the recipes are included at the end of the book, will have to try them out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

actual rating: 1.5 stars

tbh, I had very high hopes for this book. it has the witchy vibes mixed with baking and a cute romance with an age gap. I was hooked and placed a request for an arc.

I got barely any of that.

for starters, I thought the romance was lacking, and I couldn't really feel a spark with the two characters. it felt forced and went into a romance so quickly. I know we tend to make fun of romances where they only met for like three days, and they're already saying they love each other, and unfortunately, this was it. maybe it's me. maybe I realized I'm not a fan of insta love at first fuck.

the writing was... fine? the dialogue felt stilted and a little unnatural. I'm sorry, I don't believe a 22 year old would claim that she wants whisky to the ml's mother of all people and then be disappointed that she didn't get any. it just didn't sound believeable and made me cringe a little with how awkward the dialogue was throughout the book.

I also wasn't a fan of the characters. I would write more, but I just didn't get a sense that I got to know them. I understand it's a shorter story than I'm used to *stares at all the volumes of books I have on my shelf* but it's not really an excuse where we get to know the characters, even the minor ones. and it would be even nicer if we got the characters to know one another. like sitting down, having a chat, enjoying some nice cake that the local witch made, perhaps.

it felt disjointed, but I'm sure a little more editing can really help the book and maybe fleshing out the characters a little more. and adding more witchy bakes. those are always fun.

[Lumie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Johnna Dee for the ARC.

Plot 2.5/5
Characters 3/5
Ending 2.5/5
Interest 3/5

Overall 2.5/5

-I really liked the premise with witches baking cakes with spells and curses. The main character making a cursed cake for the love interest to use and it backfiring to then trying to undo it. I was hoping that the whole book would revolve around this really solid idea of cursed magical treats and Alita learning how to navigate around them and figure everything out. Instead it was half the book the backfiring treat and then easily making the antidote. The rest of the book was just Alita and Delano figuring out their relationship. I felt like it lacked a real plot relating to the fantasy elements.

-The characters were alright. Alita was fun and kind of quirky. She was definitely head strong and I liked that about her. Delano was interesting but I didn’t feel like we really knew anything about him. Their relationship isn’t one that I particularly felt drawn to. After only their second meeting they sleep together and then from there Alita claims to have feelings even though they don’t know each other. And the whole romance was a bit meh. I would preferred it being more of a side thing rather than the whole story.

-I really didn’t like how Delano finished things off and then suddenly turns around to regret it, asks for forgiveness and she grants it. He still leaves, which at least that leaves a small degree of realism but it all felt a bit rushed. I also still don’t really get why the whole situation with the family happened. It happened and then was forgotten a page later.

Side note: love the fact that there re recipes

[Liz Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐

TROPES
🍋 Age Gap
🍋 Instalust
🍋 Small Town

After learning there was a sister series of Magickal Moursels under another author, it immediately jumped to the top of my reading list. I loved Spellbound Scones, it was my first 5 star read of the year, as I was excited to dive back into that universe.

This one follows Alita, the roommate of Spellbound Scones’s Netti, as she has a chance encounter with an older vlogger she follows. A chance encounter and a fudged cake recipe result in them seeing more of each other. While I love how clear it is from the beginning that Alita would be interested in Delano, his characterization feels like it was put on the backburner. Sure, it’s obvious he can’t stop thinking about her, but there aren’t enough interactions between them to believe that’s changed from lust to love.

There were also instances where Alita acted seemingly out of character. While it certainly could be how she is for people she cares about, because it wasn’t presented in other circumstances, it just felt a touch jarring when it happened. It took me out of the story a bit as I wondered why she acted that way. As a whole, I love the story, but there are some things with characterization that didn’t hit the mark for me.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did while reading this. Honestly, Alita is beautiful and charming in her clumsiness. Delano is… Well, he's Delano. He took a minute (and a couple of re-reads) to grow on me, but I eventually understood his appeal to Alita. The age difference, his quest for revenge, and the ensuing chaos made this story an unexpected delight.

Oh, and who has a tarantula for a familiar? That was the strangest (and coolest) familiar I've encountered in all my years of reading, but it made absolute sense with Alita.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Trigger Warnings:
Magic
Lies/Betrayal
Vengeance
On page sex

A scrumptious bite!

Cake with a Slice of Vengeance is the perfect literary bite. It is short, sweet, with hints of betrayal, notes of humor, and a sprinkle of spice. Johnna does a wonderful job with character development. I love Alita and her tarantula familiar, Skitter. It is definitely one you'll want to read again!

[Stephanie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much!! It's short and sweet...with just the right amount of spice! One of my favorite things about this book is that it's such an great representation of the infatuation stage of a relationship. Everything is heightened, and a bit magical. I don't know if the author intends to continue the story, but I sure hope they do! I would love to see what's in store for Alita and Delano in the future!!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute fantasy romance novella between a witch and her high school celebrity crush. I had hoped there would be more to the spell gone wrong but, that's wrapped up pretty quickly and primarily becomes a romance at that point. Alita is a spitfire and I loved her attitude and boldness. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, sweet and esay to enjoy - and like a great piece of cake I want more.
The story was short and entertaining - and with spice ;)

If you are looking for a quick piece of romance, this migth be for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. A thanks to booksirens for the ARC.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnna Dee

Cake with A Slice of Vengeance: In the small town, where magick whispers through the air like a sweet scent, Alita crafts a delicious slice of vengeance. (Magickal Morsels)

Alita and Delano

This was a sweet and spicy book! I loved the characters in this story, and the main characters chemistry!

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and funny

I'm sure a magic bakery would be handy in any neighborhood. Especially perfect for a college job like this story. The recipe for a love that changes ones mood and intentions.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a a cute book! I loved Alita and Delano. She was so sweet. Just what Delano needed. This was a perfect grumpy/sunshine romance. This was the first book I've read from Johnna and I'd definitely read more.

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun and witty. This book is a quick sweet story about a witch who works in a magical bakery who bakes potions into the sweets she sales. I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating and entertaining story. Cake with a Slice of Vengeance by Johnna Dee is your next must-read!

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cute fast read!

I loved Alita she was so bubbly and upbeat! I going to make the lemon cake for thanksgiving dinner it sounds delicious.

[Kylee Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Alita and Delano. It's a short and sweet read with just the right amount of spice! Bonus you get recipes which I love because I like baking new things. 100% recommend this book

[Shakella "The Singing Bibliophile" Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

This book was charming and funny! The momentum started in chapter one and never let up! This is an absolute romance book with a solid storyline, likable MFC and MMC, and a good supporting cast.

A quick entertaining palette cleanser.

I have never read from this author but I will look for her backlog.

Thank you Booksirens for the ARC of this delightful book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book!! I loved the spider as a familiar! Great intro to this author can't wait to read more by her!!

[Art Hoe Phase · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m really grateful for the chance to read Cake with a Slice of Revenge as an ARC! It was a light, easy read, which made it decent for a quick Halloween read. However, I found myself wishing for a bit more substance. The story felt a little rushed, especially in the resolution, and I would have loved to see more depth and development in the characters. Still, it was a decent read, and I can see it being a fun pick for anyone looking for something light and a bit spicy!

[Carolyn Schaeperkoetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Impression: Alita is a witch who works in a magical bakery that works to craft spells. She meets her teenage crush who wants a revenge spell for his brother for reasons unknown to her. The spell goes wrong, however, and now Alita has to fix it. Along the way, Alita and Delano fall in love...but can it last through Delano's hangups and the fact that they belong in two different worlds, or will they overcome?
9/16
So far, the premise seems cute enough. Magical bakery with a tarantula familiar (Skitter). Hot vlogger who's ten years older than Alita. Not too much of an age gap. I like anything with food in it personally because I love cake so much. It's pretty funny when Alita turns Delano's brother into a dog, but the chemistry between the two is kind of lacking. Weird how he just kisses her after she curses him out. Oh well. Good fun read for Halloween. The sex scene does feel really sudden, so there's no real development or tension built, but it's a novella. It's funny and entertaining enough.
9/17
Funny and entertaining at least. I liked the part where Drake is turned back into a human and their interaction, but Alita and Delano seem so mean here. Yes, the sex scenes are written well, but there's not much in terms of chemistry, making everything seem a little underdeveloped and underbaked here. We're about to figure out Delano's past, of which I barely care about at this point.
9/18
Okay, now the secret is out of the bag. Alita and Delano have their first date, which was fine. The sex scenes are pretty well done, but overall the write tends to be a bit repetitive. I've read something being compared to a "symphony" a lot here, for example, which is a beautiful word and comparison, but to see it a lot...i don't know. I also read "fiber of his/her being" a lot. The big reveal about what his brother did and Delano's past love was kind of anticlimactic. The part where Delano pushes Alita away...ugh. Of course, they both do some soul searching and decide to go for what they both want.
The Verdict:
Overall, great premise, even if it does seem slightly undeveloped at times. I understand this is a novella, but still the writing was a times repetitive and the conflicts goes too quickly. Still, the story itself is good and gives a nice fall, spooky vibe perfect in time for Halloween. The spice scenes were well written too, and a I appreciate the descriptions of cake throughout this little book.

[Aria Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, quick read that's cozy and comforting.
This book is quirky and fun. A super easy, light read that's sure to make you have a giggle or two. I'm a pastry chef, and so when I heard there was a witchy book with some baking thrown in the mix, I knew it would be right up my street! Alita is a wee vixen in her own right and I love that for her.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast fun read!

[Nisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read with loads of spice and sass. A young witchcraft student, Alita, is a hearth witch. She bakes a vengeance cake for an older blogger Delano on whom she has a crush. And since she is smitten with Delano she goofs up the cake while she is busy flirting with him. And now she has to undo the damage.

Cake with a slice of vengeance is a fun and fast read.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from BookSirens. My feedback and review is voluntary.


This was the perfect book to start off the Fall season!
The story takes place in a mystical small town where it follows the FMC Alita who is a Witch that works in a magical bakery. Our love interest Delano appears when he enters the shop to purchase a revenge spell for his brother.
Alita ends up baking a “vengeance cake” for him but ends up messing up the recipe. This leaves the two of them to start working together and make everything right.

Alita was a great FMC ! I loved her bubbly and fiery personality and the way she was able to stand up for Delano to his family.
However, I didn’t care too much for Delano. I thought he was pretty mean to Alita! And I felt like their relationship was overall very rushed.

I was also a bit disappointed at the big reveal on why Delano wants to get revenge on his brother and found that section to be a bit anti-climactic. Although I did enjoy Alita’s response to Delano’s family.


Overall, the book had a great premise and gives a nice, autumnal feeling. I loved Alita’s quick wit and the scenes between her and Delano’s brother. The recipes at the end of the book were such a special touch too!! Great read !!

[Jane Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast, fun, read for the holiday season. Spells gone wrong mixed with a good chunk of spice.