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Baking It Merry
Listening time: 6 hours
A Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Holiday Romance from New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase
Everyone in the building loved the bake shop a lot.
Except for the guy on the top floor, who most certainly did not.
If it were up to him, there wouldn’t be a hint of Christmas in the building.
For two months out of the year, Daphne Noelle got to live her dream of owning a bakery. Her little pop-up bake shop—one that looked just like a gingerbread house—brought joy to every customer who stopped by to enjoy her sweet treats. She loved meeting people and making them smile, and being in such a festive setting every day was just the icing on the cake! For the last three years, everything had gone smoothly, but this year, there was one guy who was determined to ruin it all.
One of the things Tristan appreciated most about the office complex where his architecture firm was located is how upscale and elegant it was. Unfortunately, every year for eight long weeks, a holiday shop set up in the lobby, turning it into the equivalent of a traveling circus, and the bake shop booth was the worst offender. The giant gingerbread house was an eyesore and the woman running it was too cheery for his liking. This year, he was determined to do everything he could to have her and her booth removed.
When Tristan finds himself in the middle of a delicate family situation, only Daphne can help him. Now, he’ll have to beg and plead and promise to be on his best behavior while dealing with her exuberant holiday joy. But the more time he spends with her—and the more awkward situations she saves him from—he begins to realize there’s more to her than over-the-top holiday cheer. And maybe, when you’re with the right person, Christmas can mean a little bit more.
A Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Holiday Romance from New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase
Everyone in the building loved the bake shop a lot.
Except for the guy on the top floor, who most certainly did not.
If it were up to him, there wouldn’t be a hint of Christmas in the building.
For two months out of the year, Daphne Noelle got to live her dream of owning a bakery. Her little pop-up bake shop—one that looked just like a gingerbread house—brought joy to every customer who stopped by to enjoy her sweet treats. She loved meeting people and making them smile, and being in such a festive setting every day was just the icing on the cake! For the last three years, everything had gone smoothly, but this year, there was one guy who was determined to ruin it all.
One of the things Tristan appreciated most about the office complex where his architecture firm was located is how upscale and elegant it was. Unfortunately, every year for eight long weeks, a holiday shop set up in the lobby, turning it into the equivalent of a traveling circus, and the bake shop booth was the worst offender. The giant gingerbread house was an eyesore and the woman running it was too cheery for his liking. This year, he was determined to do everything he could to have her and her booth removed.
When Tristan finds himself in the middle of a delicate family situation, only Daphne can help him. Now, he’ll have to beg and plead and promise to be on his best behavior while dealing with her exuberant holiday joy. But the more time he spends with her—and the more awkward situations she saves him from—he begins to realize there’s more to her than over-the-top holiday cheer. And maybe, when you’re with the right person, Christmas can mean a little bit more.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 19, 2024
468 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,355 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews
December 21, 2025
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ North Carolina
Publication date ~ November 19, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 237 (12 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours
Narrator ~ Melanie Mendez
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, enemies to lovers, no steamage
Daphne & Tristan
Daphne's dream is to open up her own bakery, but in the meantime while she gets enough cash she puts up a pop up bakery in an office building in November and December.
A certain someone, aka "Grinchy Grincherson", is not too thrilled that his building hosts these pop ups every year. They are just so tacky, especially the one that looks like a gingerbread house. But when he needs a caterer for some holiday parties last minute he has no choice but to ask Daphne to help. And then he's asking her for more help when his mom assumes they are together, so she pretends to be his girlfriend.
The grump/sunshine and enemies tropes were well done. I almost thought I was never going to warm up to Tristan, but he eventually won me over. Daphne is full on sunshine all the time, but when she's upset she's not afraid to show it. The support of her parents was phenomenal.
Overall, a cute, festive read that'll satisfy your sweet tooth if you have one, if not then you might just develop one. This totally gives Hallmarky vibes.
Narration notes:
Another dual POV with only one narrator, grrr. I’ve listened to many of Samantha’s books, so I just know it's how it always is, but this was someone new. Overall, she did fine, but I wasn’t overly in love with her voice.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ North Carolina
Publication date ~ November 19, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 237 (12 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours
Narrator ~ Melanie Mendez
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, enemies to lovers, no steamage
Daphne & Tristan
Daphne's dream is to open up her own bakery, but in the meantime while she gets enough cash she puts up a pop up bakery in an office building in November and December.
A certain someone, aka "Grinchy Grincherson", is not too thrilled that his building hosts these pop ups every year. They are just so tacky, especially the one that looks like a gingerbread house. But when he needs a caterer for some holiday parties last minute he has no choice but to ask Daphne to help. And then he's asking her for more help when his mom assumes they are together, so she pretends to be his girlfriend.
The grump/sunshine and enemies tropes were well done. I almost thought I was never going to warm up to Tristan, but he eventually won me over. Daphne is full on sunshine all the time, but when she's upset she's not afraid to show it. The support of her parents was phenomenal.
Overall, a cute, festive read that'll satisfy your sweet tooth if you have one, if not then you might just develop one. This totally gives Hallmarky vibes.
Narration notes:
Another dual POV with only one narrator, grrr. I’ve listened to many of Samantha’s books, so I just know it's how it always is, but this was someone new. Overall, she did fine, but I wasn’t overly in love with her voice.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
December 17, 2025
2.5 stars, generously rounded up for the holidays. This one's a Kindle freebie about a sunshiney baker with a "pop-up" seasonal shop who meets a grumpy "Nepo baby" architect at the same office building. He hires her to do the 4 parties he has to host on short notice and a "fake dating" trope also ensues. Overall, it was fairly typical of a holiday romance - Touch of 🌶️ but still closed door. However, I had a real problem with the male lead's treatment of the FMC during the first party - he was controlling, lying, manipulative and borderline abusive - I almost DNF'd this right then - but as I needed it for a challenge, so I skipped ahead in the novel and their interactions did become much better & ended in a HEA, of course. So, taking off at least 1 full star for that whole unnecessary & uncomfortable scene that was very not in the spirit.
November 19, 2024
Baking it Merry by Samantha Chase
Contemporary small town holiday romance.
Every year during the holidays, Daphne Noelle happily runs a pop-up bakery as part of an office complex temporary shopping festival. Her gingerbread house is popular with the building employees and she sells out of her baked goods and treats most days.
There’s one grouch in the building that complains that the shops are the equivalent of a traveling circus, in particular the overly cheerful woman in her gingerbread house. Tristan is determined to get them out!
Tristan is told he will be hosting the annual holiday parties for the firm and family and that he can limit his menu to drinks and desert. Unable to find a caterer at short notice, his office manager pushes him to the baker in the gingerbread house. Impressed with her proposal, he hires her for the parties and although his interference causes her additional work and stress, it’s a win for them both. Until it’s assumed he’s in a relationship with Daphne and then they have a lot more to figure out this holiday season.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Melanie Mendez who did a fantastic job with specific voices for Daphne and Tristan and the secondary characters. The performance held joy for the season and a tension between the two as they initially sparked against each other. It was enjoyable to listen as Daphne and Tristan began to understand each other and like turned to more. I had to increase the rate I listened at to 1.5 to match my local conversational speed.
Cute and cheery, this opposite attracts romance is adorable and a joy to read. Frankly it made me want to hunt down a bakery for some holiday treats.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
Contemporary small town holiday romance.
Every year during the holidays, Daphne Noelle happily runs a pop-up bakery as part of an office complex temporary shopping festival. Her gingerbread house is popular with the building employees and she sells out of her baked goods and treats most days.
There’s one grouch in the building that complains that the shops are the equivalent of a traveling circus, in particular the overly cheerful woman in her gingerbread house. Tristan is determined to get them out!
Tristan is told he will be hosting the annual holiday parties for the firm and family and that he can limit his menu to drinks and desert. Unable to find a caterer at short notice, his office manager pushes him to the baker in the gingerbread house. Impressed with her proposal, he hires her for the parties and although his interference causes her additional work and stress, it’s a win for them both. Until it’s assumed he’s in a relationship with Daphne and then they have a lot more to figure out this holiday season.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Melanie Mendez who did a fantastic job with specific voices for Daphne and Tristan and the secondary characters. The performance held joy for the season and a tension between the two as they initially sparked against each other. It was enjoyable to listen as Daphne and Tristan began to understand each other and like turned to more. I had to increase the rate I listened at to 1.5 to match my local conversational speed.
Cute and cheery, this opposite attracts romance is adorable and a joy to read. Frankly it made me want to hunt down a bakery for some holiday treats.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
November 18, 2024
I really don’t like giving negative reviews, but this story was just awful. It wasn’t the writing or the premise, it was the characters. This male main character is in the top 3 worst that I’ve read this year. He wasn’t grumpy, he was an abusive, manipulative, childish jerk who needed therapy. The fact that the fmc had to tell him to never touch her again that way after he grabbed her shoulders was shocking. He constantly guilted her into spending time with him even when she was past the point of exhaustion. He was an elitist prick talking down about people who work jobs like hers. Lacking social skills does not always make for an abusive mean hearted person which is the excuse that was given by his family. The fmc should have never gotten involved with this man and had plenty of chances to stand up but never did to the degree that was necessary. I don’t even know how they ended up together honestly. Cute holiday romance? Not so much, I felt icky after reading it and only finished it to see how bad it got.
This audiobook narrator was not for me. The cadence and pronunciation of certain words was bizarre and distracting from the story.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Samantha Chase, and Dreamscape Media for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review. This publishes on November 19th.
This audiobook narrator was not for me. The cadence and pronunciation of certain words was bizarre and distracting from the story.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Samantha Chase, and Dreamscape Media for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review. This publishes on November 19th.
November 4, 2024
Baking it Merry is a cute holiday romance. For two months out of the year, Daphne Noelle ran a little pop-up bake shop in the lobby of a highrise office building. She would love to own a bakery, but this was a small step toward that. Everyone loved her sweet treats except for one man, who owned an architecture firm. He tried to get her run out of the building, in fact he wanted them all gone. When he tried one of her blueberry muffins, he realized how delicious they were. He also saw how friendly she was and how happy everyone was after eating her treats. He decided to just stay out of her way, but when his mother asks her children to host the Christmas parties this year, he has no choice to work with Daphne to create lovely dessert parties. Spending all kinds of time together, they begin to care about each other, at least Tristan began to care. Will the Christmas festivities be enough to turn these enemies into more?
Tristan is a totally uptight business man who needs order at all costs. He almost alienates his whole office with his attitude. He has some baggage based on family relationships, but he really needed to take the stick out of his butt. Daphne was so cheery around others, but also had her own issues to deal with. I really liked her and also liked that she wouldn't take Tristan's nonsense. This was a fun, somewhat predictable Christmas romance, but it was fun getting to that point. Their banter was fun and I enjoyed seeing how Daphne made Tristan come out of his shell. This was an enjoyable story that was a quick listen. The audiobook was narrated by Melanie Mendez. She does a nice job with the voices, tone, pacing and expression. I enjoyed listening to this one.
Tristan is a totally uptight business man who needs order at all costs. He almost alienates his whole office with his attitude. He has some baggage based on family relationships, but he really needed to take the stick out of his butt. Daphne was so cheery around others, but also had her own issues to deal with. I really liked her and also liked that she wouldn't take Tristan's nonsense. This was a fun, somewhat predictable Christmas romance, but it was fun getting to that point. Their banter was fun and I enjoyed seeing how Daphne made Tristan come out of his shell. This was an enjoyable story that was a quick listen. The audiobook was narrated by Melanie Mendez. She does a nice job with the voices, tone, pacing and expression. I enjoyed listening to this one.
October 15, 2024
This is the first book I ever read by Samantha Chase. I grabbed this holiday audiobook because, what can I say, I'm loving them. 😂 This was a super cute small town, enemies to lovers romance. It's a quick read/audiobook. Gave me all the comforting, cozy vibes of Christmas. Daphne has her pop up Christmas bakery in an office building for two months before Christmas. She meets Tristan, who works there, but he is not a fan of Christmas like she is. He's grumpy, and she's sunshine. Tristan needs her help (a.k.a. fake dating) because of a family situation, and she accepts. I loved these characters and their situations that had me laughing. The narrator, Melanie Mende, was excellent and brought out the joy in the story. I loved the whole festive magical feel of this. A very cheerful book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2024
Review: 3.75/5
I listened to Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase as an audiobook, and honestly, it was really cute! If you’re a fan of grumpy-sunshine romances with a festive twist, this one is worth adding to your Christmas TBR.
The story had all the cozy holiday vibes you’d expect, and the baking element was such a sweet touch (pun intended). While it leaned a bit predictable at times, the dynamic between the leads and the Christmas charm made it an enjoyable listen overall.
Perfect for fans of lighthearted holiday romances, especially if you like a little grump to balance the cheer!
I listened to Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase as an audiobook, and honestly, it was really cute! If you’re a fan of grumpy-sunshine romances with a festive twist, this one is worth adding to your Christmas TBR.
The story had all the cozy holiday vibes you’d expect, and the baking element was such a sweet touch (pun intended). While it leaned a bit predictable at times, the dynamic between the leads and the Christmas charm made it an enjoyable listen overall.
Perfect for fans of lighthearted holiday romances, especially if you like a little grump to balance the cheer!
December 23, 2024
Lord have mercy. This was every cliche wrapped with a bow 🙄😅
July 11, 2025
Baking It Merry was all kinds of cute. For some reason, I really needed a holiday book while working. Something cute that gives me an adorable couple where one is grumpy and the other is sunshine. Tristan and Daphne were exactly that.
Like Tristan, I too wondered why Daphne didn't do this bakery thing full-time. She's good at it and it brings her happiness. Then there's Tristan, lying to his family around the holidays, because these two are faking dating (because of him). Though, maybe they are really good at matchmaking because it ended up working... right?
Sort of. Honestly, Tristan was a piece of work. Probably needs to hear the word "no" more often and maybe be slapped a bit more. BUT eventually, he became a bit more likable. In the end, it was cute, and now I want to bake something.
Like Tristan, I too wondered why Daphne didn't do this bakery thing full-time. She's good at it and it brings her happiness. Then there's Tristan, lying to his family around the holidays, because these two are faking dating (because of him). Though, maybe they are really good at matchmaking because it ended up working... right?
Sort of. Honestly, Tristan was a piece of work. Probably needs to hear the word "no" more often and maybe be slapped a bit more. BUT eventually, he became a bit more likable. In the end, it was cute, and now I want to bake something.
did-not-finish
November 3, 2024DNF @ 7%
I can’t listen to this narrator’s voice anymore. Too much vocal fry, over-enunciation, and a high-pitched, sharp, overly smiley tone. I felt like my preschool teacher was talking to me.
I can’t listen to this narrator’s voice anymore. Too much vocal fry, over-enunciation, and a high-pitched, sharp, overly smiley tone. I felt like my preschool teacher was talking to me.
December 13, 2024
Every year, Daphne sets up her gingerbread bakery in an office building lobby for the holiday season. Everyone seems to love the holiday shop, except for Tristan. Tristan finds Daphne's gingerbread house an eyesore and is determined to have the holiday shop removed. When Tristan finds himself hosting some of his family holiday parties and in need of a baker, Daphne seems to be the only person available to help. Tristian and Daphne find each other infuriating, but as they spend more time together, they can't deny their attraction for each other.
This was a cute holiday romance, and I am a complete sucker for the grumpy/sunshine trope. I did enjoy the chemistry between Tristan and Daphne and especially loved the descriptions of all the holiday treats (yum!). Although the third act breakup was pretty obvious, I still enjoyed the ending. If you are looking for a short but fun holiday romance, I would recommend this book.
Baking it Merry is out now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review Baking it Merry. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a cute holiday romance, and I am a complete sucker for the grumpy/sunshine trope. I did enjoy the chemistry between Tristan and Daphne and especially loved the descriptions of all the holiday treats (yum!). Although the third act breakup was pretty obvious, I still enjoyed the ending. If you are looking for a short but fun holiday romance, I would recommend this book.
Baking it Merry is out now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review Baking it Merry. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
The audiobook was a fantastic touch.
Small town holiday romance with fake dating.
Daphne & Tristan were so cute. Opposite attract romance.
Okay now I want some holiday treats.
The audiobook was a fantastic touch.
Small town holiday romance with fake dating.
Daphne & Tristan were so cute. Opposite attract romance.
Okay now I want some holiday treats.
December 2, 2024
Oh this is cute
December 10, 2024
Truly one of the worst books I’ve read this year. This entire book was a walking red flag!!! Both MCs were awful, but the MMC was downright emotionally abusive and manipulative! He consistently gaslit her into doing things for him, didn’t respect her boundaries, and was extremely pushy and manipulative with her. I’m honestly extremely disturbed that this is being marketed as a “fun and Christmas romance” because this story was a nightmare!
October 17, 2024
3.5
I enjoyed this enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine holiday novella that sees Tristan, a Grinchy, uptight architect trying to sabotage Daphne, the charming pop up baker who has a little Gingerbread house stand in the lobby of his building. Despite getting off to a disastrous first start, Tristan finds himself in need of Daphne's baking services to help him cater a number of holiday events. While I thought Tristan was a bit of a jerk throughout most of the book, he did slowly win me over towards the end and heart of gold Daphne was irresistible! Great on audio narrated by Melanie Mendez and a fun read for the season! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
I enjoyed this enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine holiday novella that sees Tristan, a Grinchy, uptight architect trying to sabotage Daphne, the charming pop up baker who has a little Gingerbread house stand in the lobby of his building. Despite getting off to a disastrous first start, Tristan finds himself in need of Daphne's baking services to help him cater a number of holiday events. While I thought Tristan was a bit of a jerk throughout most of the book, he did slowly win me over towards the end and heart of gold Daphne was irresistible! Great on audio narrated by Melanie Mendez and a fun read for the season! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 17, 2024
This book is really funny, a very good holiday romance. Is he grumpy without any good reason? YesIs she extra sunshine without any good reason? YesDoes this work perfectly and makes you want to keep listening? YYYEEESS!! Definitely Yes. The narration is captivating.It's fake dating, enemies to lovers, closed door, slow burn.
I've read this through NetGalley
I've read this through NetGalley
November 25, 2024
4✨
perfect hallmark romance for the holiday season!🎄❄️
perfect hallmark romance for the holiday season!🎄❄️
November 6, 2024
I adore every holiday book and loved spending time with the cutest holiday baker!!!! But I’ll be honest. Our girl deserved way better and I wasn’t the biggest fan of our MMC. But alas, we move on.
If you love holiday baking and GRUMPY sunshine, this one is def for you!!! It’s low spice and such an easy one to listen to through your day and quick!
Huge thank you to Netgalley for the ALC to listen and review early!💚
3.5⭐️
If you love holiday baking and GRUMPY sunshine, this one is def for you!!! It’s low spice and such an easy one to listen to through your day and quick!
Huge thank you to Netgalley for the ALC to listen and review early!💚
3.5⭐️
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September 10, 2024Coming November 19th!
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Amazon: https://geni.us/BakingItMerry-Amazon
Apple: https://geni.us/BakingItMerry-Apple
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/BakingItMerry-Nook
Kobo: https://geni.us/BakingItMerry-Kobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/BakingItMerry-Google
Influencers sign up here: Sign up here: https://forms.gle/z5joeqJWQwk2yVst9
December 1, 2024
probably could’ve been a 3 star but tristan was an asshole 90% of the time
November 11, 2024
📌 aubiobook release date: nov 19.
Este audiolibro me gusto, la narradora hizo un trabajo excelente trayéndonos a todos los personajes, la entendí perfectamente, super coherente al narrar, pase un muy buen momento escuchándola.
Ahora con la historia, me pareció muy interesante ¿un hombre de negocios que no le gusta los puestos de tiendas de navidad que se colocan en el lobby de su edificio de trabajo? a ver que a mi me aprecio buena la idea y la autora la desarrollo muy bien, el cae redondito por la panadera de uno de los puestos (aunque no quisiera), fue super lindo, Ella me pareció una protagonista totalmente entrañable, su personalidad que no se dejaba de nadie y mucho menos de el me gusto, cuando empezaron a salir falsamente fue la guinda del pastel, la temática navideña, de verdad que fue muy lindo, todo lo ue un libro para la época navideña tiene que ser.
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I liked this audiobook, the narrator did an excellent job bringing us all the characters, I understood her perfectly, super coherent narrating and I had a great time listening to her.
Now with the story, I found it very interesting, a businessman who doesn't like the Christmas store booths that are placed in the lobby of his work? I liked the idea and the author developed it very well, he falls for the baker of one of the stores (even if he didn't want to), it was super cute. She seemed to me a totally endearing protagonist, her personality that did not let herself be trampled by anyone and much less from him, I liked; when they started fake dating was the icing on the cake; the Christmas theme it was really very nice, everything that a book for the Christmas season has to be.
📌I received an advanced listening copy of this audiobook through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Este audiolibro me gusto, la narradora hizo un trabajo excelente trayéndonos a todos los personajes, la entendí perfectamente, super coherente al narrar, pase un muy buen momento escuchándola.
Ahora con la historia, me pareció muy interesante ¿un hombre de negocios que no le gusta los puestos de tiendas de navidad que se colocan en el lobby de su edificio de trabajo? a ver que a mi me aprecio buena la idea y la autora la desarrollo muy bien, el cae redondito por la panadera de uno de los puestos (aunque no quisiera), fue super lindo, Ella me pareció una protagonista totalmente entrañable, su personalidad que no se dejaba de nadie y mucho menos de el me gusto, cuando empezaron a salir falsamente fue la guinda del pastel, la temática navideña, de verdad que fue muy lindo, todo lo ue un libro para la época navideña tiene que ser.
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I liked this audiobook, the narrator did an excellent job bringing us all the characters, I understood her perfectly, super coherent narrating and I had a great time listening to her.
Now with the story, I found it very interesting, a businessman who doesn't like the Christmas store booths that are placed in the lobby of his work? I liked the idea and the author developed it very well, he falls for the baker of one of the stores (even if he didn't want to), it was super cute. She seemed to me a totally endearing protagonist, her personality that did not let herself be trampled by anyone and much less from him, I liked; when they started fake dating was the icing on the cake; the Christmas theme it was really very nice, everything that a book for the Christmas season has to be.
📌I received an advanced listening copy of this audiobook through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
November 7, 2024
This book was cute and I loved the grump/sunshine trope.
The way they went from "slightly getting along" to "pretend to date me for my parents" to "we are making out for real" happened so fast that it gave me whiplash and it turned me off a little bit. Then the climax of the plot felt a little forced.
But overall it was a good Christmas novella.
The way they went from "slightly getting along" to "pretend to date me for my parents" to "we are making out for real" happened so fast that it gave me whiplash and it turned me off a little bit. Then the climax of the plot felt a little forced.
But overall it was a good Christmas novella.
December 28, 2024
My Rating: 3.75/5
This was a very easy listen. I enjoyed the bulk of the storyline but did find the narrator to deliver the book in a "valley girl-esque" style. A little boppy and breathy for my liking.
The MCF and MMC were both fairly likeable but most definitely had their immature moments. All the talk of baked good did make me hungry.🍪🍰🧁
The plot of this book would make for an ideal Hallmark movie because of its enemies to lovers, fake dating, and sunshine/grumpy tropes. A real romance trifecta.
This was a very easy listen. I enjoyed the bulk of the storyline but did find the narrator to deliver the book in a "valley girl-esque" style. A little boppy and breathy for my liking.
The MCF and MMC were both fairly likeable but most definitely had their immature moments. All the talk of baked good did make me hungry.🍪🍰🧁
The plot of this book would make for an ideal Hallmark movie because of its enemies to lovers, fake dating, and sunshine/grumpy tropes. A real romance trifecta.
November 2, 2024
A solid holiday romance. I love the idea of an area of holiday pop up shops that I could visit regularly during the holiday season, and this book describes just what that would be like. This one will also make you hungry dreaming of delicious baked treats!
December 10, 2024
1.5 stars but rounded up to 2.
I hate being negative, but eek this one was rough. I usually love a good enemies to lovers story, but this was insufferable to still insufferable.
Tristan was the absolute worst. There were zero redeeming qualities about him. Daphne I wanted to like but I just couldn’t get on board with her constant giving in to Tristan. There was absolutely no chemistry between the two.
Also the inconsistencies were rough. For example, one minute Daphne has green eyes, the next she has blue.
The narrator for the audiobook did a good job though, which bumped my rating up.
🎧Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC.
I hate being negative, but eek this one was rough. I usually love a good enemies to lovers story, but this was insufferable to still insufferable.
Tristan was the absolute worst. There were zero redeeming qualities about him. Daphne I wanted to like but I just couldn’t get on board with her constant giving in to Tristan. There was absolutely no chemistry between the two.
Also the inconsistencies were rough. For example, one minute Daphne has green eyes, the next she has blue.
The narrator for the audiobook did a good job though, which bumped my rating up.
🎧Thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC.
November 5, 2024
I devoured this book in one afternoon! It was absolutely perfect!
By chapter 4 I knew it was going to be 5 stars! Nothing in the story was forced, the transitions felt natural, and the banter was funny. I was laughing out loud at 51% 😆 insults as foreplay 🤌
😠😁 Grumpy & Sunshine
💔❤️ Enemies to lovers
😉. Fake dating
🎄. Holiday romance
🥰. Sexy, but off page
Perfect holiday read! Thank you to Samantha for the chance to read and review!
By chapter 4 I knew it was going to be 5 stars! Nothing in the story was forced, the transitions felt natural, and the banter was funny. I was laughing out loud at 51% 😆 insults as foreplay 🤌
😠😁 Grumpy & Sunshine
💔❤️ Enemies to lovers
😉. Fake dating
🎄. Holiday romance
🥰. Sexy, but off page
Perfect holiday read! Thank you to Samantha for the chance to read and review!
November 26, 2024
This was such a cute, sweet holiday read. It had all the things Christmas that I could want in a book.
Plot: Daphne is a small business owner who bakes. She sets up a little holiday shop on the first floor of Knight Architecture. Enter Tristan Knight who loathes the holidays and Daphne. He attempts to get her banned from the building by complaining but it doesn't work. Fast forward a few days and Tristan is eating dinner with his family and his mom announces that each of the kids need to take on some of the holiday parties this year due to her helping grandma move into an assisted living facility. Tristan gets assigned 3 parties and they are dessert parties. He enlists the help of Daphne much to his dismay. As she's leaving the first party, Tristan's mother catches them in a compromising position and assumes that they are dating. Throw in the fake dating trope. The more they "fake date" the more they actually like each other. Do they end up together or does the miscommunication trope keep them apart?
There were so many cute things about this book. Some of the best tropes were used and one of my least favorite:
-enemies to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-miscommunication
-he falls first
Daphne is tough as nails and isn't afraid to speak her mind with Tristan which I like. I was worried that I would never come around to liking him, but he finally pulled through at the end.
I gave it 4 stars because there were a couple of things that I felt could have been better. I did listen to this as an audio book and the use of 1 narrator was not ideal. I would have much preferred dual narrators: male and female. Also, her last name - Noel. It was a bit on the nose wasn't it?
Thank you to @NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to listen to this audio ARC in return for an honest review. This was such a cute holiday read.
Plot: Daphne is a small business owner who bakes. She sets up a little holiday shop on the first floor of Knight Architecture. Enter Tristan Knight who loathes the holidays and Daphne. He attempts to get her banned from the building by complaining but it doesn't work. Fast forward a few days and Tristan is eating dinner with his family and his mom announces that each of the kids need to take on some of the holiday parties this year due to her helping grandma move into an assisted living facility. Tristan gets assigned 3 parties and they are dessert parties. He enlists the help of Daphne much to his dismay. As she's leaving the first party, Tristan's mother catches them in a compromising position and assumes that they are dating. Throw in the fake dating trope. The more they "fake date" the more they actually like each other. Do they end up together or does the miscommunication trope keep them apart?
There were so many cute things about this book. Some of the best tropes were used and one of my least favorite:
-enemies to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-miscommunication
-he falls first
Daphne is tough as nails and isn't afraid to speak her mind with Tristan which I like. I was worried that I would never come around to liking him, but he finally pulled through at the end.
I gave it 4 stars because there were a couple of things that I felt could have been better. I did listen to this as an audio book and the use of 1 narrator was not ideal. I would have much preferred dual narrators: male and female. Also, her last name - Noel. It was a bit on the nose wasn't it?
Thank you to @NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to listen to this audio ARC in return for an honest review. This was such a cute holiday read.
November 25, 2024
The premise of the book is super cute but the MMC and FMC are horrible. She’s supposed to be super sweet but is definitely not most of the time and he is just a jerk the entire time. I couldn’t even finish it. I rarely write reviews but I just had to for this one.
December 8, 2024
"Baking it Merry" by Samantha Chase is a Christmas rom-com novel.
Daphne has a pop-up holiday bake shop in an office building lobby. Tristan is a grinchy CEO who works on the 28th floor. He had no interest in the pop-up ships and considers Daphne's in particular to be an eyesore.
This has the enemies to lovers trope. I recommend this for anyone who likes this type of rom-com.
The audiobook is effectively narrated by Melanie Mendez.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 28/8 = 3 4/8
Rounded up to 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Samantha Chase for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Daphne has a pop-up holiday bake shop in an office building lobby. Tristan is a grinchy CEO who works on the 28th floor. He had no interest in the pop-up ships and considers Daphne's in particular to be an eyesore.
This has the enemies to lovers trope. I recommend this for anyone who likes this type of rom-com.
The audiobook is effectively narrated by Melanie Mendez.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 28/8 = 3 4/8
Rounded up to 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Samantha Chase for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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