What do you think?
Rate this book
Bake Wars
Frisking is an interesting way to start a relationship. So is bonding over grief. Mix in an Italian mob, a hijacked ransom note, and two competing bakeries and you’ve got a war, a Bake War.
Former thief Bridge O’Niall needs to wipe her ledger clean. A new identity plus a fresh start are the perfect ingredients to create a guilt-free do-over.
FBI Agent Cowen Amaratti needs a change of profession, one where he doesn’t have to shoot anyone ever again. When the two meet, their lives are too incompatible, oil and water. But everything changes when they both move to the same tiny town to live their dreams as bakers.
Pilpil Bay, Oregon is hardly big enough to support one bakery, let alone two, so Bridge and Cowen duel in a bake-off. But competition isn’t healthy for a budding relationship, neither are ghosts from their past that endanger everyone. The only way to keep their friends and families safe is to do the things they’d vowed never to do again—steal and kill.
Former thief Bridge O’Niall needs to wipe her ledger clean. A new identity plus a fresh start are the perfect ingredients to create a guilt-free do-over.
FBI Agent Cowen Amaratti needs a change of profession, one where he doesn’t have to shoot anyone ever again. When the two meet, their lives are too incompatible, oil and water. But everything changes when they both move to the same tiny town to live their dreams as bakers.
Pilpil Bay, Oregon is hardly big enough to support one bakery, let alone two, so Bridge and Cowen duel in a bake-off. But competition isn’t healthy for a budding relationship, neither are ghosts from their past that endanger everyone. The only way to keep their friends and families safe is to do the things they’d vowed never to do again—steal and kill.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 27, 2024
Such a fun and entertaining read!
This book had a refreshing blend of themes— mystery, adventure, new starts, romance, and a baking competition.
The main characters, Bridge and Cowan, are well-crafted, each with their own unique voice and backstory. They’re the perfect odd couple - Bridge is feisty and independent, while Cowan is patient and kind. I enjoyed their banter and their interactions with each other. They’re both trying to escape their pasts, but they find themselves moving forward together.
The various twists and turns kept me entertained and engaged throughout the story. Overall, a delightful read that I would recommend to fans of kisses only romance and mystery.
This book had a refreshing blend of themes— mystery, adventure, new starts, romance, and a baking competition.
The main characters, Bridge and Cowan, are well-crafted, each with their own unique voice and backstory. They’re the perfect odd couple - Bridge is feisty and independent, while Cowan is patient and kind. I enjoyed their banter and their interactions with each other. They’re both trying to escape their pasts, but they find themselves moving forward together.
The various twists and turns kept me entertained and engaged throughout the story. Overall, a delightful read that I would recommend to fans of kisses only romance and mystery.
September 16, 2024
I don't typically read rom-coms. The two main characters felt so lived-in that it was easy for me to get attached. I've trended on the pickier side for books I give 5 stars, and I assumed I would give this 4. I'm glad I rested on my review before posting because, it turns out I find myself thinking about what might come next, or how I appreciated a particular character arc or the care some difficult situations were handled. I don't do that often with books, so it's earned its rating for me. Well done!
September 12, 2024
Loved this book! Starts off pretty light and fun, then gradually darkens at it goes -- maybe like a pastry in the oven? A baking contest uncovers something more sinister afoot: boy, I was hooked. I chuckled at every time Esty would use a celebrity's name as a curse word. I'd love to read a book 2 about Karen, or about Alex and Gertie.
September 13, 2024
I loved this book and how it had a little bit of everything! A reformed thief trying to make a fresh start for herself, an FBI agent looking for a less taxing career, a little bit of baking and a small town competition, a past that comes back to haunt, a few twists and turns, some mystery, and all with my favorite part—served with a side of love!!
Bridge and Cowan are such great characters! They are both escaping their pasts in diffrent ways, yet find themselves moving forward together! Bridge was sweet and spunky and independent! Cowan was sweet and patient and oh-so-kind to Bridge!
I loved all of their adventures from sitting on the porch swing, to baking, to solving mysteries together! These two were so fun!!
Bridge and Cowan are such great characters! They are both escaping their pasts in diffrent ways, yet find themselves moving forward together! Bridge was sweet and spunky and independent! Cowan was sweet and patient and oh-so-kind to Bridge!
I loved all of their adventures from sitting on the porch swing, to baking, to solving mysteries together! These two were so fun!!
December 30, 2024
I loved it. I loved the characters and their character development. I loved the clever storyline as well. Can't wait for Book Two!!!!
January 9, 2025
D.M. Tregaski is an absolute master at creating well-written, surprising, and compelling reads with a healthy dose of both depth and humor. Bake Wars was no exception!
From the beginning, I just adored Cowen! You wouldn't expect an FBI agent to be such a teddy bear, but his deep vulnerability and grief made his character feel so real and loveable. He's a mama's boy with a weak stomach, a love of baking, and a willingness to share what he's feeling with those he loves. What's not to like? He falls for Bridge instantly and completely, and I adored his devotion to her despite her quirks and past.
And Bridge! she's a strong, independent woman with a wide assortment of talents (such as picking locks, fixing appliances, and baking killer cinnamon rolls). But even her many talents aren't enough to save her from having to relocate when her con family's identities are uncovered. When she arrives in Pilpil Bay, Oregon, she discovers a quirky small town that rivals many of those she's seen in her beloved romcoms. It's one wild adventure after another as she and Cowen fight their way to becoming the reigning bakery owner of the city.
The balance between romance, humor, and suspense was spot on, and about halfway through I reached the carry-the-book-around-everywhere stage where I just had to know what happened next! The author also did a great job at weaving in several important themes such as guilt, grief, and trauma without removing the reader from the magic of the story. I loved that I was able to experience the plot as if I had a front row seat to the action while also experience it as if I was Bridge herself, learning difficult lessons about what it means to fix things and care for others healthily.
This book includes a kisses-only romance and lots of suspenseful moments. Expect to fall in love with the characters (even if their choices sometimes make you roll your eyes!) and have an intense craving for salted chocolate chip cookies by the last page. Overall, this was a unique and amazing read!
From the beginning, I just adored Cowen! You wouldn't expect an FBI agent to be such a teddy bear, but his deep vulnerability and grief made his character feel so real and loveable. He's a mama's boy with a weak stomach, a love of baking, and a willingness to share what he's feeling with those he loves. What's not to like? He falls for Bridge instantly and completely, and I adored his devotion to her despite her quirks and past.
And Bridge! she's a strong, independent woman with a wide assortment of talents (such as picking locks, fixing appliances, and baking killer cinnamon rolls). But even her many talents aren't enough to save her from having to relocate when her con family's identities are uncovered. When she arrives in Pilpil Bay, Oregon, she discovers a quirky small town that rivals many of those she's seen in her beloved romcoms. It's one wild adventure after another as she and Cowen fight their way to becoming the reigning bakery owner of the city.
The balance between romance, humor, and suspense was spot on, and about halfway through I reached the carry-the-book-around-everywhere stage where I just had to know what happened next! The author also did a great job at weaving in several important themes such as guilt, grief, and trauma without removing the reader from the magic of the story. I loved that I was able to experience the plot as if I had a front row seat to the action while also experience it as if I was Bridge herself, learning difficult lessons about what it means to fix things and care for others healthily.
This book includes a kisses-only romance and lots of suspenseful moments. Expect to fall in love with the characters (even if their choices sometimes make you roll your eyes!) and have an intense craving for salted chocolate chip cookies by the last page. Overall, this was a unique and amazing read!
November 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The premise was unique and I was immediately pulled in by the characters and their back stories. I’m not sure if it’s meant to be a series but the ending left a bit to be desired for me so I’m hoping there will be another book to tie up the loose ends. Overall, I really liked it 😊
October 7, 2024
Such a fun story with lessons of forgiveness- both of others and oneself. Great setting and chemistry between characters.
March 14, 2025
This book was good. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it for the first 60ish pages but I ended up liking it! I think the story was cute and I loved Bridge and thought she was awesome. I liked the heist part of it and there were a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I felt so bad for Cowen when he was trying to show her he didn’t care about her past only her but she was still worried. I loved Karen and thought she was the sweetest. I was so worried about Jasper but I’m so glad he ended up ok! I will be very happy for a sequel to see what happens between Bridge and Cowen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
Excellent Narration of a Light Fun Romance with some Mystery
Perfect for Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen mysteries fans. A woman trying to be a better person gets involved with a fragile FBI agent, amongst baking challenges.
Narrator Christina Fountain does an excellent job with crafting a superior performance script and using well defined, believable, script appropriate male and female characterizations.
No graphic sex or offensive language. Family appropriate.
5 star!
Perfect for Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen mysteries fans. A woman trying to be a better person gets involved with a fragile FBI agent, amongst baking challenges.
Narrator Christina Fountain does an excellent job with crafting a superior performance script and using well defined, believable, script appropriate male and female characterizations.
No graphic sex or offensive language. Family appropriate.
5 star!
February 11, 2025
Bake Wars is a mix of romance, adventure, and suspense/mystery. We follow Bridge, a former thief desperately trying to make amends for her past wrongs, and Cowen, an emotionally wrecked FBI agent rethinking his choice of career. Both paths converge while hoping for a fresh start in a small town, each opening their own bakeries. But there's not room for two so the town throws them into a bake-off to decide which business stays. Soon, they both realize that it's harder than they thought to hide from their past, which is quickly catching up with them.
The book unfolds through dual POVs (I love this narrative style) which works so well as it progresses. The story is both fun and heartbreaking, with main characters who are going through some heavy stuff (that just keeps piling on). I couldn't help but give my heart to them and their struggles.
This is my third book by D.M. Tregaskis, and I've enjoyed them all. She has a talent for blending tragedy with humor and heart, yet still keeping everything balanced well. And she writes some of the sweetest male leads.
I 100% recommend this book and cannot wait for the sequel later this year! Also, be sure to check out her upcoming release, Definitely NOT Cruising For Love, on March 14th.
Bake Wars does touch on some heavy themes. Please feel free to contact me for more information on potential triggers.
The book unfolds through dual POVs (I love this narrative style) which works so well as it progresses. The story is both fun and heartbreaking, with main characters who are going through some heavy stuff (that just keeps piling on). I couldn't help but give my heart to them and their struggles.
This is my third book by D.M. Tregaskis, and I've enjoyed them all. She has a talent for blending tragedy with humor and heart, yet still keeping everything balanced well. And she writes some of the sweetest male leads.
I 100% recommend this book and cannot wait for the sequel later this year! Also, be sure to check out her upcoming release, Definitely NOT Cruising For Love, on March 14th.
Bake Wars does touch on some heavy themes. Please feel free to contact me for more information on potential triggers.
January 3, 2026
Sweet Romantic Suspense
There was a lot happening in this book! I didn’t love how Bridge was trying so hard to right her wrongs and instead of fulfilling her tries, she got stuck making more wrongs. I really didn’t appreciate her brother’s bad choices! I really like Cowen, but I didn’t like him making bad choices either. There was very few bake wars and way more thief/mafia wars.
There was a lot happening in this book! I didn’t love how Bridge was trying so hard to right her wrongs and instead of fulfilling her tries, she got stuck making more wrongs. I really didn’t appreciate her brother’s bad choices! I really like Cowen, but I didn’t like him making bad choices either. There was very few bake wars and way more thief/mafia wars.
January 20, 2025
wow
I´ve found another author to add to my favourites list, this book is the perfect combination of mystery and romance, add my preferred tropes of starting over, small towns, sparks flying and laugh out loud moments and I couldn´t be happier.
I´ve found another author to add to my favourites list, this book is the perfect combination of mystery and romance, add my preferred tropes of starting over, small towns, sparks flying and laugh out loud moments and I couldn´t be happier.
December 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐
I was enthralled with this book from the beginning. One wanting to leave her family line of work behind for good and an FBI agent not sure what he wants. Both ending up wanting to set up bakeries next to each other on a small town leading to a bake war between them. Enemies? Lovers? Friends? Past left in past? New future? Happiness? Regrets? D.M. has you wondering all the way to the end in a fascinating set of unseen twists and turns all the way to the last page! The only way to know how it turns out is to pick it up and read for yourself and you won't regret it!!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I was enthralled with this book from the beginning. One wanting to leave her family line of work behind for good and an FBI agent not sure what he wants. Both ending up wanting to set up bakeries next to each other on a small town leading to a bake war between them. Enemies? Lovers? Friends? Past left in past? New future? Happiness? Regrets? D.M. has you wondering all the way to the end in a fascinating set of unseen twists and turns all the way to the last page! The only way to know how it turns out is to pick it up and read for yourself and you won't regret it!!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews