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Always the Baker
Billie Hopkins is discontent living life for her mother. The painter and baker spends her days working at her family’s business. Even though she wishes she could change her life, she doesn’t have the motivation to do so… Until her boyfriend of three years breaks up with her and gets engaged just six months later. Worse, his fiancée wants to hire Billie to bake their wedding cake. That seems to be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back and forces Billie to do something different with her life—even if it’s just for three days.
Brax Adams is discontent with the fake energy and superficial lifestyle that plagues him as a singer and songwriter. When his ex spreads lies and starts rumors about being pregnant with his child, Brax decides to take a break and go to one of his favorite cities to unwind—Rose Valley Hills. While he yearns for something, someone real, he isn’t actively looking… but a shaking woman at the bar grabs his attention and makes him feel things he’s never felt before.
For Billie, her weekend in Rose Valley Hills is supposed to be a time of freedom, adventure, and a chance to create a new identity. Convinced she will always be the baker and never the bride, the last thing Billie expects is to meet her favorite singer and fall deeper in love with him. As perfect as things feel, the truth about Billie’s little white lie is bound to come out. Will their blossoming bond withstand the news, or will she be yet another woman to disappoint him?
Brax Adams is discontent with the fake energy and superficial lifestyle that plagues him as a singer and songwriter. When his ex spreads lies and starts rumors about being pregnant with his child, Brax decides to take a break and go to one of his favorite cities to unwind—Rose Valley Hills. While he yearns for something, someone real, he isn’t actively looking… but a shaking woman at the bar grabs his attention and makes him feel things he’s never felt before.
For Billie, her weekend in Rose Valley Hills is supposed to be a time of freedom, adventure, and a chance to create a new identity. Convinced she will always be the baker and never the bride, the last thing Billie expects is to meet her favorite singer and fall deeper in love with him. As perfect as things feel, the truth about Billie’s little white lie is bound to come out. Will their blossoming bond withstand the news, or will she be yet another woman to disappoint him?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2024
346 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
B. Love
279 books1,400 followersVoted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 19, 2024
Always the Baker — may contains spoilers
This book was a bit disappointing to me and didn’t feel on par with this authors other books. While the story was short, it felt like it dragged on because for almost 75% of the book was on Billie’s lies embellishing her life to Brax. I didn’t like her character that much because of her lies. I understood her feeling stifled by family obligations and insecurities, but to have kept on with her lie for so long was annoying, especially since there was no reason to continue on with the lie. I can even understand the lie in the beginning, but once her and Brax started getting closer and he was showing genuine interest in her and her dreams, it would have been nice if she had told the truth and I think then it would have been easier for him to accept in that moment instead of after several days spending time nonstop and thinking he’s getting to know her and they are bonding and sharing their vulnerabilities with each other.
I also didn’t really think the title fully fit the story. The title fit the synopsis more than the actual story in my opinion. The title gave a play on the phrase always the bridesmaid, never the bride since Billie was always making wedding cakes for others, but not for herself, but most of the story had nothing to do with her baking and had more to do with her dream of becoming this famous artist but feeling trapped in a small town by familial responsibility and obligations.
Then you have Brax, who was a loverboy through and through who fell hard and fast and I truly loved that. He saw Billie and immediately wanted to get to know her and spend all his time with her and in doing so, he felt like Billie was keeping something from him and instead of pressing her to tell the truth, he kept pushing it to the side and falling deeper in love with her but then seeming a little less than understanding when she initially came clean. I felt he also needed to take accountability in his hurt because he knew she wasn’t being fully truthful, but just didn’t know exactly what it was she was lying about.
I think the fact that I do not like liars especially those who lie for no reason and just keep doing so even when given every opportunity to tell the truth made me not like this book as much. All in all, Brax and Billie had a cute love story with the small town girl with big dreams falling for the superstar who is also her favorite artist and the superstar falling for the girl who liked him for him and not what he could do for her or his status. Minus the ongoing lie through majority of the story, this was an enjoyable read and had very minimal drama. I would suggest reading for yourself to develop your own opinion on this one.
This book was a bit disappointing to me and didn’t feel on par with this authors other books. While the story was short, it felt like it dragged on because for almost 75% of the book was on Billie’s lies embellishing her life to Brax. I didn’t like her character that much because of her lies. I understood her feeling stifled by family obligations and insecurities, but to have kept on with her lie for so long was annoying, especially since there was no reason to continue on with the lie. I can even understand the lie in the beginning, but once her and Brax started getting closer and he was showing genuine interest in her and her dreams, it would have been nice if she had told the truth and I think then it would have been easier for him to accept in that moment instead of after several days spending time nonstop and thinking he’s getting to know her and they are bonding and sharing their vulnerabilities with each other.
I also didn’t really think the title fully fit the story. The title fit the synopsis more than the actual story in my opinion. The title gave a play on the phrase always the bridesmaid, never the bride since Billie was always making wedding cakes for others, but not for herself, but most of the story had nothing to do with her baking and had more to do with her dream of becoming this famous artist but feeling trapped in a small town by familial responsibility and obligations.
Then you have Brax, who was a loverboy through and through who fell hard and fast and I truly loved that. He saw Billie and immediately wanted to get to know her and spend all his time with her and in doing so, he felt like Billie was keeping something from him and instead of pressing her to tell the truth, he kept pushing it to the side and falling deeper in love with her but then seeming a little less than understanding when she initially came clean. I felt he also needed to take accountability in his hurt because he knew she wasn’t being fully truthful, but just didn’t know exactly what it was she was lying about.
I think the fact that I do not like liars especially those who lie for no reason and just keep doing so even when given every opportunity to tell the truth made me not like this book as much. All in all, Brax and Billie had a cute love story with the small town girl with big dreams falling for the superstar who is also her favorite artist and the superstar falling for the girl who liked him for him and not what he could do for her or his status. Minus the ongoing lie through majority of the story, this was an enjoyable read and had very minimal drama. I would suggest reading for yourself to develop your own opinion on this one.
December 5, 2024
Cute
This was so cute. I really enjoyed reading this feel good novel. It feels like it could have been a holiday book honestly. It gave me cheery vibes.
This was so cute. I really enjoyed reading this feel good novel. It feels like it could have been a holiday book honestly. It gave me cheery vibes.
November 19, 2024
A good story.
November 19, 2024
This was fun and flirty and did have me giggling like a school girl. It lost stars for being predictable and for the title barely corresponding to the story. Like yeah she baked occasionally but sister girl wanted to be an artist have her stuff in galleries so it’s like why would you name it always the baker whole time sis probably cooked twice. Lmao like I know that’s petty but since this piggy backs off Mr.artist who also had the same issue it was annoying.
As far as progression and story telling the end was easy to predict & it was easy to spot a mile a way. While I love when a man stands up for his lady I don’t like them in women’s business. The problem was Billie and her mama, like how you letting someone who forcefully brought you into the world guilt you for a life you ain’t ask to have. Like yeah appreciate your mom but look at her life lmaoo she’s unhappy and you Unhappy Jr. The banter between Billie and Brax was perfect and it def had me at work smiling and laughing out loud. Overall this was a nice light read
As far as progression and story telling the end was easy to predict & it was easy to spot a mile a way. While I love when a man stands up for his lady I don’t like them in women’s business. The problem was Billie and her mama, like how you letting someone who forcefully brought you into the world guilt you for a life you ain’t ask to have. Like yeah appreciate your mom but look at her life lmaoo she’s unhappy and you Unhappy Jr. The banter between Billie and Brax was perfect and it def had me at work smiling and laughing out loud. Overall this was a nice light read
January 10, 2025
all the feels
B creates the best love stories. I find myself hanging on to the journeys of her characters and this book was no different. Billie drove me crazy but I'm so glad Brax didn't let that stop them from falling in love.
10/10
B creates the best love stories. I find myself hanging on to the journeys of her characters and this book was no different. Billie drove me crazy but I'm so glad Brax didn't let that stop them from falling in love.
10/10
November 19, 2024
Meet-cute? Yes please! Lovely story, couldn’t get enough of Billie & Brax.
November 19, 2024
Baker
I knew from the start I was going to enjoy watching Billie find her way and eventually happiness. Brax was what she needed.
I knew from the start I was going to enjoy watching Billie find her way and eventually happiness. Brax was what she needed.
July 12, 2025
Very Nice!
I love a good romance book and this one did not disappoint. This one was very sweet and simple! Loved it!
I love a good romance book and this one did not disappoint. This one was very sweet and simple! Loved it!
November 23, 2024
1st half of the book was thought out then the ending seemed rushed and under developed.
January 11, 2025
I’m on the fence
I have read a number of books from this author however, I am on the fence with this one. Maybe it just me but Billie got on my nerves and she allow her lie to go on for far too long. Also the title of this does not fit the story. There is only a hand full of scenes where Billie talked about baking, the majority of the scenes is around her art. I love the twisted idea of the well known character not hiding their identity vs the everyday person hiding theirs. I feel as though a lot was left out and some that could have been omitted and others that dragged. It was still a cute story though, but I read more engaging stories from B. Love. Idk 🤷🏽♀️ it just might be me.
I have read a number of books from this author however, I am on the fence with this one. Maybe it just me but Billie got on my nerves and she allow her lie to go on for far too long. Also the title of this does not fit the story. There is only a hand full of scenes where Billie talked about baking, the majority of the scenes is around her art. I love the twisted idea of the well known character not hiding their identity vs the everyday person hiding theirs. I feel as though a lot was left out and some that could have been omitted and others that dragged. It was still a cute story though, but I read more engaging stories from B. Love. Idk 🤷🏽♀️ it just might be me.
November 20, 2025
I enjoyed this story. I just hated the fact that Billie felt the need to lie immediately upon meeting Brax and instead of coming clean a little afterwards she just continued to lie to him as if he wouldn’t feel some type of way once he learned the truth.
I understood why she lied at 1st but days later she’s still lying while they are growing feelings for each other, was crazy work. They were building something beautiful, they were being open (well him more than her) it was feeling genuine and I enjoyed that I just hated how much she hurt him once he learned the truth.
Watching her work to right her wrongs and him eventually allowing her to and him seeing the full picture was worth it. Seeing that they were made for each other and made each other better made up for the way Billie started things off between them.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
I understood why she lied at 1st but days later she’s still lying while they are growing feelings for each other, was crazy work. They were building something beautiful, they were being open (well him more than her) it was feeling genuine and I enjoyed that I just hated how much she hurt him once he learned the truth.
Watching her work to right her wrongs and him eventually allowing her to and him seeing the full picture was worth it. Seeing that they were made for each other and made each other better made up for the way Billie started things off between them.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
February 20, 2025
Ok read
Different read from what I'm used to from B. Love. There was nothing really special about Billie that made you fall in love with her. I see what the objective was supposed to be but I got childlike pretending. Not sure how it's always the baker when she only baked 2 cakes the whole book and we didn't get to "see" her bake. The emphasis of passion was on her painting. Brax was ok... I like how he was a gentleman and supportive but I didn't get to really see him, if that makes sense. It just lacked something overall but a good read nonetheless. I adore B. Love as an artist but this read did not remind me of her work.
Different read from what I'm used to from B. Love. There was nothing really special about Billie that made you fall in love with her. I see what the objective was supposed to be but I got childlike pretending. Not sure how it's always the baker when she only baked 2 cakes the whole book and we didn't get to "see" her bake. The emphasis of passion was on her painting. Brax was ok... I like how he was a gentleman and supportive but I didn't get to really see him, if that makes sense. It just lacked something overall but a good read nonetheless. I adore B. Love as an artist but this read did not remind me of her work.
October 7, 2025
This was a cute but frustrating read. Billie didn't have not one reason to lie the way she did. Then she kept on lying. Brax would've liked her for who she was, but she was determined to make her life more fabulous than it was. When everything hit the fan, I felt Brax overreacted a little bit. He immediately thought she was no better than his ex, and that was a bit of a stretch. Outside of the frustrating part, I loved the chemistry between these two. You could feel their connection as you read it. This was almost an instalove type situation. I hated how Billie's mom treated her. The guilt trips she pulled on her were completely unnecessary. When Brax stood up for Billie to her mom, I was cheering him on because Mama needed to hear all of that. I really liked this book and wouldn't mind more on these characters.
November 23, 2024
It was a fun read. Billie takes you on a journey, that she could only star in. Up pops Brax and it's on, her music crush.
He was just as enthralled with her as she was with him. Through the eyes of them, what an amazing weekend. A world-wind weekend affair.
Once Billie told her 1st fantasy lie, she just couldn't stop herself. I thought Brax was too free with his money, however, I'm glad that Billie wasn't on that type of trip. But, the wall crashes when the truth comes out.
Even though I understood her reasons, I didn't agree with her not being forth coming sooner rather than later. Billie was getting on my nerves with this back and forth in her head.
The almost disaster turned out to be both of theirs HEA.
He was just as enthralled with her as she was with him. Through the eyes of them, what an amazing weekend. A world-wind weekend affair.
Once Billie told her 1st fantasy lie, she just couldn't stop herself. I thought Brax was too free with his money, however, I'm glad that Billie wasn't on that type of trip. But, the wall crashes when the truth comes out.
Even though I understood her reasons, I didn't agree with her not being forth coming sooner rather than later. Billie was getting on my nerves with this back and forth in her head.
The almost disaster turned out to be both of theirs HEA.
December 13, 2024
quick read
Now I will say there are certain things about this book. That absolutely frustrated me for example the FMC clearly lied and had so many opportunities to set it straight, but continued to drag the lie out. That part I kind of felt was unnecessary. I also really dislike the way that the FMCs mother treated her, but of course I also understand that this is a very realistic depiction of how some parents can be. I do really enjoy the way that the FMC and MMC interact and I was very happy for their HEA.
Now I will say there are certain things about this book. That absolutely frustrated me for example the FMC clearly lied and had so many opportunities to set it straight, but continued to drag the lie out. That part I kind of felt was unnecessary. I also really dislike the way that the FMCs mother treated her, but of course I also understand that this is a very realistic depiction of how some parents can be. I do really enjoy the way that the FMC and MMC interact and I was very happy for their HEA.
December 16, 2024
Sooo cute
This book was soooo cute! It was everything I didn’t know I needed. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our own heads that we stop ourselves from chasing our dreams, and this story captured that perfectly.
I loved how the author had the main character pretend to be someone else for a weekend as a way to break free from her doubts—it was such a creative twist! That simple act turned into a life-changing experience and a beautiful love story. This was such a refreshing, feel-good read!
This book was soooo cute! It was everything I didn’t know I needed. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our own heads that we stop ourselves from chasing our dreams, and this story captured that perfectly.
I loved how the author had the main character pretend to be someone else for a weekend as a way to break free from her doubts—it was such a creative twist! That simple act turned into a life-changing experience and a beautiful love story. This was such a refreshing, feel-good read!
February 1, 2025
Billie being forced to live out her moms dreams worked my nerves. It shouldn’t have took a conversation with Brax to see how awful she was as a mother. The boyfriend calling it quits was a blessing, because sir pour into her. Was it wrong for Billie to be out here lying ummmmmm NO. lol I have for sure lied about my name and state on trips lol stranger danger. The weekend in Rose Valley Hills opened her eyes, mind and heart to the beauty of her talent and love. I love happy endings so it was a good read.
November 23, 2024
Loved It
A wonderful story, small town girl meets City smooth singer. Both looking for love and peace after disastrous relationships. Billie and Brax were certainly meant to be together, though there were some challenges, given Billie's lack of self esteem. Billie was finally able to put herself first and take a chance on life outside of her norm. Finding love, respect and realizing your purpose in life will help anyone to have self confidence! Loved the ending!
A wonderful story, small town girl meets City smooth singer. Both looking for love and peace after disastrous relationships. Billie and Brax were certainly meant to be together, though there were some challenges, given Billie's lack of self esteem. Billie was finally able to put herself first and take a chance on life outside of her norm. Finding love, respect and realizing your purpose in life will help anyone to have self confidence! Loved the ending!
November 26, 2024
Vickie J
Billie was not living her best life and her boyfriend of three years had not proposed to her and she couldn't figure it out until he told her. Brax was a famous singer and had a girlfriend who only wanted him for his money.... selfish she was and he was tired of being used. Billie gets away for the weekend and who do she meet the singer who makes her heart sing, lies are told by her and even though feeling are in the mix can he trust her now
Billie was not living her best life and her boyfriend of three years had not proposed to her and she couldn't figure it out until he told her. Brax was a famous singer and had a girlfriend who only wanted him for his money.... selfish she was and he was tired of being used. Billie gets away for the weekend and who do she meet the singer who makes her heart sing, lies are told by her and even though feeling are in the mix can he trust her now
December 16, 2024
This book was soooo cute! It was everything I didn’t know I needed. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our own heads that we stop ourselves from chasing our dreams, and this story captured that perfectly.
I loved how the author had the main character pretend to be someone else for a weekend as a way to break free from her doubts—it was such a creative twist! That simple act turned into a life-changing experience and a beautiful love story. This was such a refreshing, feel-good read!
I loved how the author had the main character pretend to be someone else for a weekend as a way to break free from her doubts—it was such a creative twist! That simple act turned into a life-changing experience and a beautiful love story. This was such a refreshing, feel-good read!
February 28, 2025
Idk this felt unfinished to me.
Like the beginning was good and in detail then it got to a point where Billie was lying just cause she didn’t want to go back to reality. The characters lose depth if you get what I mean, they became flat and I was growing frustrated with our fmc. I wish we had more chapters on Brax, some more background about his past relationship and struggles with being a singer but none of that was shared.
Like the beginning was good and in detail then it got to a point where Billie was lying just cause she didn’t want to go back to reality. The characters lose depth if you get what I mean, they became flat and I was growing frustrated with our fmc. I wish we had more chapters on Brax, some more background about his past relationship and struggles with being a singer but none of that was shared.
March 11, 2025
Exceptional
This was an amazing story, Brad and Billy were truly meant for each other and it leaped off the page. There are times when your insecurities will truly take over and you have to fight to be who you really feel. This story depicted that very well for both Brad and Billie. Thank you for displaying their love story so genuinely. Side note I am so glad he told her mama a thing or two..
This was an amazing story, Brad and Billy were truly meant for each other and it leaped off the page. There are times when your insecurities will truly take over and you have to fight to be who you really feel. This story depicted that very well for both Brad and Billie. Thank you for displaying their love story so genuinely. Side note I am so glad he told her mama a thing or two..
November 23, 2024
I love this book
Overcoming insecurities and finding someone who loves you just the way you are. So many of us try to change what God blessed us with to be like the world. What we're not seeing is God also made a person to love us just the way we are and bring out the best in us. 5 stars
Overcoming insecurities and finding someone who loves you just the way you are. So many of us try to change what God blessed us with to be like the world. What we're not seeing is God also made a person to love us just the way we are and bring out the best in us. 5 stars
November 26, 2024
Great read❤️
With so much going on around in the world this was a great getaway to read. I love the characters but the only part I felt was kind of pushed away was the request for the fiancé cake. I would have like to have seen a circle back of him seeing her living her best life🤭
Lesson learned was to never allow others stifle your dreams no matter who they are.
With so much going on around in the world this was a great getaway to read. I love the characters but the only part I felt was kind of pushed away was the request for the fiancé cake. I would have like to have seen a circle back of him seeing her living her best life🤭
Lesson learned was to never allow others stifle your dreams no matter who they are.
January 1, 2025
Correct Rating: ☆☆☆
The couple had potential and the general plot made me want to read more.
However.......
I thought the lying was unnecessary and because of that I was annoyed throughout the book. I got why she did it to a point but then she just dug herself deeper. His reaction was valid but there was a specific scene that was public where I thought okay that's a wrap.
The couple had potential and the general plot made me want to read more.
However.......
I thought the lying was unnecessary and because of that I was annoyed throughout the book. I got why she did it to a point but then she just dug herself deeper. His reaction was valid but there was a specific scene that was public where I thought okay that's a wrap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
A Total Love Story
I really enjoyed the book, start to finish!!
Billie has to find herself, while trying to maneuver on sketchy ground!! She has truly found herself in a minefill of lies and deception!! Brax is fresh out of a relationship and hurting, yet when his eyes lock with Billie's, it is truly game on!!
I really enjoyed the book, start to finish!!
Billie has to find herself, while trying to maneuver on sketchy ground!! She has truly found herself in a minefill of lies and deception!! Brax is fresh out of a relationship and hurting, yet when his eyes lock with Billie's, it is truly game on!!
April 11, 2025
Enjoyed it!
It took me a little longer to read this book than normal and I don’t really know why. A small time baker/artist who meets her idol, a big city entertainer falls in love with each other. Billie really irked me in the beginning, but I’m glad that they were able to work through it and get there happily ever after.
It took me a little longer to read this book than normal and I don’t really know why. A small time baker/artist who meets her idol, a big city entertainer falls in love with each other. Billie really irked me in the beginning, but I’m glad that they were able to work through it and get there happily ever after.
April 24, 2025
Great Read!!
I love a good love story especially ones that conquer love with obstacles. Love beats out everything and so glad Billie finally understands her worth and Brax was the perfect man to make her see just how talented she was and how she deserved the best in life and her career.
I love a good love story especially ones that conquer love with obstacles. Love beats out everything and so glad Billie finally understands her worth and Brax was the perfect man to make her see just how talented she was and how she deserved the best in life and her career.
April 30, 2025
Always the Baker was a cute, whirlwind romance that made for a sweet and easy read. While I found myself wishing for a bit more character depth and development, I think part of that feeling came from how short the book actually was. Still, it was an enjoyable introduction to B. Love’s work, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from her!
May 13, 2025
this book was just ok. kinda predictable. big time celebrity meets small time girl. good chemistry. nice dialogue. breakup was unnecessary. didn't see why "the lie" was such a big deal. would've liked it better if lie was bigger, more impactful. seems like it was thrown in only to advance the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews