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Pine Hollow #6
Maple, Spice & Everything Nice (previously published as Like Cats & Dogs)
A small-town baker faces off against her longtime nemesis on a reality TV competition in this delightful romantic comedy.
Magda Miller’s feud with rival baker Mackenzie Newton is so old, folks in tiny Pine Hollow, Vermont forgot how it started. But Magda remembers: Ten years ago, she offered Mac her heart—instead, he ran off with her grandmother's maple cake recipe. Now, Mac traipses all over Magda’s baking territory, just like his oversized tabby keeps sneaking into her house to claim her dog’s favorite bed. So, when Magda gets the call to compete on The Great American Cake-Off, she’s thrilled to finally shine in a Mac-free zone. But when she arrives on set, her devilishly handsome nemesis is already there . . .
It turns out, Mac and Magda’s story has inspired the first ever Arch Rivals edition of Cake-Off, and of course Mac has to raise the stakes with a wager. The winner takes all—the Cake-Off title, the contested recipe, and control of the narrative. Magda is more than ready to kick Mac’s Bundt. But as they spar, on-screen and off, Mac and Magda reveal the best in each other...and the sizzling attraction fueling their rivalry. Only one of them can win, so why does it suddenly feel like they both stand to lose?
Magda Miller’s feud with rival baker Mackenzie Newton is so old, folks in tiny Pine Hollow, Vermont forgot how it started. But Magda remembers: Ten years ago, she offered Mac her heart—instead, he ran off with her grandmother's maple cake recipe. Now, Mac traipses all over Magda’s baking territory, just like his oversized tabby keeps sneaking into her house to claim her dog’s favorite bed. So, when Magda gets the call to compete on The Great American Cake-Off, she’s thrilled to finally shine in a Mac-free zone. But when she arrives on set, her devilishly handsome nemesis is already there . . .
It turns out, Mac and Magda’s story has inspired the first ever Arch Rivals edition of Cake-Off, and of course Mac has to raise the stakes with a wager. The winner takes all—the Cake-Off title, the contested recipe, and control of the narrative. Magda is more than ready to kick Mac’s Bundt. But as they spar, on-screen and off, Mac and Magda reveal the best in each other...and the sizzling attraction fueling their rivalry. Only one of them can win, so why does it suddenly feel like they both stand to lose?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 12, 2024
21 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie Shane
31 books269 followersContemporary romance author Lizzie Shane was born in Alaska and still calls the frozen north home, though she can frequently be found indulging her travel addiction. Thankfully, her laptop travels with her and she has written her way through all fifty states and over fifty countries.
Lizzie has been honored to win the Golden Heart Award and HOLT Medallion, and has been named a finalist three times for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award®, but her main claim to fame is that she lost on Jeopardy!
For more about Lizzie and her books, please visit http://www.lizzieshane.com. Happy reading!
Lizzie has been honored to win the Golden Heart Award and HOLT Medallion, and has been named a finalist three times for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA Award®, but her main claim to fame is that she lost on Jeopardy!
For more about Lizzie and her books, please visit http://www.lizzieshane.com. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
November 12, 2024
This is a cute rom-com based on a baking reality TV competition. Rivals to lovers. That being said, I felt like I was having deja vu while reading this because I just finished reading a very similar book about a baking competition/rom com with handcuffing as a "disadvantage" during the competition. I am sure this is just coincidence but it was a bit uncanny. This is a closed door romance, so if you are looking for spice, you may want to skip this one. If you are a fan of the Great British Bake Off and like a cute rom com, definitely check this one out!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 11/12/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 11/12/24
November 15, 2024
Like Cats & Dogs by Lizzie Shane
Pine Hollow series #6. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but many of the secondary characters are from prior stories.
Magda Miller owns a bakery in Pine Hollow, Vermont. She and the owner of The Cup, Mackenzie Newton have a feud that has been going on since they took classes together and then he rejected her when she told him she loved him. She was only eighteen at the time. She left to study pastry in Paris and now that she’s back, they avoid each other and don’t talk about the past.
Magda has tried out for The Great American Cake-Off twice in the past without winning a spot. But this year she’s in and she’s not telling anyone until it’s over. When she gets there, the bakers are surprised with a reformat in the show that has them in competition with their Arch Rivals. Mac agree to be on the show to help Magda finally get her shot but the producers aren’t making anything easy. No phones, no internet, and baking contest directly against each other. The more time they spend together, the higher the attraction levels, and people are noticing.
Amusing story of enemies to friends via a takeoff from a few merged popular baking shows. Magda and Mac have always had a love hate relationship but neither want to address it in current day. Until they are forced to work together without outside interruptions. And that’s when their attraction spikes. And the tension ramps up.
I loved they learned to trust putting an end to a problem.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Pine Hollow series #6. Contemporary romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but many of the secondary characters are from prior stories.
Magda Miller owns a bakery in Pine Hollow, Vermont. She and the owner of The Cup, Mackenzie Newton have a feud that has been going on since they took classes together and then he rejected her when she told him she loved him. She was only eighteen at the time. She left to study pastry in Paris and now that she’s back, they avoid each other and don’t talk about the past.
Magda has tried out for The Great American Cake-Off twice in the past without winning a spot. But this year she’s in and she’s not telling anyone until it’s over. When she gets there, the bakers are surprised with a reformat in the show that has them in competition with their Arch Rivals. Mac agree to be on the show to help Magda finally get her shot but the producers aren’t making anything easy. No phones, no internet, and baking contest directly against each other. The more time they spend together, the higher the attraction levels, and people are noticing.
Amusing story of enemies to friends via a takeoff from a few merged popular baking shows. Magda and Mac have always had a love hate relationship but neither want to address it in current day. Until they are forced to work together without outside interruptions. And that’s when their attraction spikes. And the tension ramps up.
I loved they learned to trust putting an end to a problem.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 17, 2024
This was a quick read. Anyone who loves pets and cute romance will enjoy this even though some parts were drawn out.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2025
Book Review 🐾📖🧁
thank you so much partner @readforeverpub for the gifted copy!
Like Cats & Dogs
by Lizzie Shane
About the book 👇🏽
Magda Miller’s feud with rival baker Mackenzie Newton is so old, folks in tiny Pine Hollow, Vermont forgot how it started. But Magda remembers: Ten years ago, she offered Mac her heart—instead, he ran off with her grandmother's maple cake recipe. Now, Mac traipses all over Magda’s baking territory, just like his oversized tabby keeps sneaking into her house to claim her dog’s favorite bed. So, when Magda gets the call to compete on The Great American Cake-Off, she’s thrilled to finally shine in a Mac-free zone. But when she arrives on set, her devilishly handsome nemesis is already there . . .
🧁🐾 My thoughts:
“But that's the thing about baking and love. It's all about the timing.”
I mean this has to be one of the cutest and sweetest books I’ve read in a long time!! I love watching bake off shows and I love romcoms and this is the perfect mashup. We get a cat person and a dog person and although it’s supposed to be like oil and water… these two just fit! I think the whole story was done well and It definitely made me want to read the others in the series. My favorite part is that even though Mac and Magda have been feuding, Mac was always a good man and didn’t talk bad about her and always wanted to be honest with her, despite an NDA. Oh! and I enjoyed the little twist at the end. If you enjoy second chance, rivals to lovers, and sweet (no spice) romance, you gotta give this one a read! Like Cats & Dogs is out now!
"When I think of my future, when I let myself dream, all I want is to bake muffins with you."
Happy reading! 📖🧁🐾
thank you so much partner @readforeverpub for the gifted copy!
Like Cats & Dogs
by Lizzie Shane
About the book 👇🏽
Magda Miller’s feud with rival baker Mackenzie Newton is so old, folks in tiny Pine Hollow, Vermont forgot how it started. But Magda remembers: Ten years ago, she offered Mac her heart—instead, he ran off with her grandmother's maple cake recipe. Now, Mac traipses all over Magda’s baking territory, just like his oversized tabby keeps sneaking into her house to claim her dog’s favorite bed. So, when Magda gets the call to compete on The Great American Cake-Off, she’s thrilled to finally shine in a Mac-free zone. But when she arrives on set, her devilishly handsome nemesis is already there . . .
🧁🐾 My thoughts:
“But that's the thing about baking and love. It's all about the timing.”
I mean this has to be one of the cutest and sweetest books I’ve read in a long time!! I love watching bake off shows and I love romcoms and this is the perfect mashup. We get a cat person and a dog person and although it’s supposed to be like oil and water… these two just fit! I think the whole story was done well and It definitely made me want to read the others in the series. My favorite part is that even though Mac and Magda have been feuding, Mac was always a good man and didn’t talk bad about her and always wanted to be honest with her, despite an NDA. Oh! and I enjoyed the little twist at the end. If you enjoy second chance, rivals to lovers, and sweet (no spice) romance, you gotta give this one a read! Like Cats & Dogs is out now!
"When I think of my future, when I let myself dream, all I want is to bake muffins with you."
Happy reading! 📖🧁🐾
January 5, 2025
This is the sixth and final book in the Lizzie Shane’s Pine Hollow series. I’ve read and enjoyed all the previous books in the series. This book can easily be read as a stand alone as most of the book does not take place in Pine Hollow. Magda Miller runs a successful bakery shop in Pine Hollow, Vermont. Mackenzie Newton runs a coffee shop and bakery in the same town. Magda earns a spot on a reality baking show, a thinly disguised version of The Great British Bake-Off. She is surprised to learn they’ve changed the format this time, bringing on arch rivals of each contestant. Her nemesis Mac is there.
This is one of the better books I’ve read with a baking show format. Half the characters on the show don’t need to be developed much as they are villains to Magda’s new baking buddies. This allows more time to be spent with the focus on Magda and Mac. There are flashbacks to the summer when Magda was crushing on Mac. And time for them to talk about their past. It helps that Pine Hollow is small and their friend group is integrated, meaning they know each other fairly well.
Shane’s books are low angst, clean for language and this one is fully closed door. She has had one of her stories made into a Hallmark movie. I thought Lizzie's character was a little clearer than Mac’s. It took a long time to understand why he wears Broadway t-shirts. And he bugged me at first because I hate male characters that call women pet names when they don’t like it. I find it disrespectful and never endearing like authors want it to be. But that is my issue. It is very common in romances.
I enjoyed the story very much. I would have liked a catch up on all of couples from the previous book so it seeing where they are now. I just like to know their HEA’s are continuing. This is easy to recommend on its own or enjoy the entire series. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
This is one of the better books I’ve read with a baking show format. Half the characters on the show don’t need to be developed much as they are villains to Magda’s new baking buddies. This allows more time to be spent with the focus on Magda and Mac. There are flashbacks to the summer when Magda was crushing on Mac. And time for them to talk about their past. It helps that Pine Hollow is small and their friend group is integrated, meaning they know each other fairly well.
Shane’s books are low angst, clean for language and this one is fully closed door. She has had one of her stories made into a Hallmark movie. I thought Lizzie's character was a little clearer than Mac’s. It took a long time to understand why he wears Broadway t-shirts. And he bugged me at first because I hate male characters that call women pet names when they don’t like it. I find it disrespectful and never endearing like authors want it to be. But that is my issue. It is very common in romances.
I enjoyed the story very much. I would have liked a catch up on all of couples from the previous book so it seeing where they are now. I just like to know their HEA’s are continuing. This is easy to recommend on its own or enjoy the entire series. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
December 28, 2024
This book was so sweet. I love a good enemies to lovers trope and throwing in baking just makes it even better!
November 19, 2024
What's more angsty? A second chance romance that ended badly the first time around? Or a one sided crush?
Woof. Magda and Mac do NOT get along.
A long time ago they used to be friends. Until Mac rejected her and a few years later when Magda returned home and saw Mac selling HER family’s maple cake.
Now their going to be closer than ever. Closer than both living in the same town and both being business owners. Closer than his cat deciding that he can go to her house to torment her dog any time he wants to. Because their both going to be contestants on The Great American Cake-Off.
Magda has been wanting to be a part of this show for years. Mac wants to be on to win the prize money to expand his business.
Their competitors right so they won't be working together or working near each other, right? Wrong. Paired up, next to each other, scheduled right after each other, staying in the same hotel they can't get away from each other! So the bantering keeps bantering.
The book also dives into their past so we get to read about that broken heart all those years ago.
There's the high stress of a competition and the fact that the show isn't the same as previous seasons. This one is fuled by rivalry and a new show runner.
Very enjoyable. I don't watch any baking or cooking shows and it wasn't hard to follow or anything.
We do find out who wins it all and I was a little shocked. But a sweet ending.
Woof. Magda and Mac do NOT get along.
A long time ago they used to be friends. Until Mac rejected her and a few years later when Magda returned home and saw Mac selling HER family’s maple cake.
Now their going to be closer than ever. Closer than both living in the same town and both being business owners. Closer than his cat deciding that he can go to her house to torment her dog any time he wants to. Because their both going to be contestants on The Great American Cake-Off.
Magda has been wanting to be a part of this show for years. Mac wants to be on to win the prize money to expand his business.
Their competitors right so they won't be working together or working near each other, right? Wrong. Paired up, next to each other, scheduled right after each other, staying in the same hotel they can't get away from each other! So the bantering keeps bantering.
The book also dives into their past so we get to read about that broken heart all those years ago.
There's the high stress of a competition and the fact that the show isn't the same as previous seasons. This one is fuled by rivalry and a new show runner.
Very enjoyable. I don't watch any baking or cooking shows and it wasn't hard to follow or anything.
We do find out who wins it all and I was a little shocked. But a sweet ending.
August 25, 2024
I am so glad I read this one! It's a delightful and oh so sweet rivals-to-lovers romance.
Magda and Mac have been competitors in their small town business section for years, but as the story unravels we see the origin of this rivalry and the hurt and miscommunication at the heart of it. It leads to a romance as sweet as the competition our protagonists attend to battle it out over bakes for a chance to win a cash prize. But, as we come to quickly realize, it's their hearts on the line that matters most.
And readers' eager anticipation of every turn of the page that awaits!
I adored this one, I left it with such a full heart and warm smile.
Magda especially had my heart. Her hurt felt like my hurt, and when she finds out the twist on the show she's about to be a contestant on, the betrayal she and other contestants feel went straight to my heart like a stake. For a split second I forgot this was fiction and wanted to like start an online petition to stop the injustice, haha! But this just goes to show how immersed and engaged I became. How these characters came vividly to life off the pages.
While I was Magda's number one fangirl, I came to truly understand and appreciate Mac's decisions of the past that affected them both in the years after. In fact, I applaud him for the decision he made. He was in the right, and had he made the wrong choice neither would be better off in the present. They're given a second chance, and once Mac sees this, he goes for it so gorgeously. Like I was so hardcore cheering him on! Yess!
I loved the banter between Magda and Mac, and I loved the slow burn romance. I only wished for more of it once they came together! I needed more, but my goodness, what a lovely journey it is just as it is. Also, let me add how appreciative I am of how the author ensured the leads' miscommunication evolved into such a healthy dynamic, blossoming their mutual trust! This becomes critical in the final act and all I can say is I love how that was tested. It made me so proud of both characters.
There's a surprise third POV, but it doesn't overtake the narrative. I consider it more of a interlude and it piqued my curiosity for perhaps this person having a future book!? I most certainly would be open to it!
This book introduced me to writing of Lizzie Shane and I am absolutely in love with her style and eager to dive into her other works! If you love charming, romantic plots, lead by complex, layered, relatable leads, this one is for you!
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Magda and Mac have been competitors in their small town business section for years, but as the story unravels we see the origin of this rivalry and the hurt and miscommunication at the heart of it. It leads to a romance as sweet as the competition our protagonists attend to battle it out over bakes for a chance to win a cash prize. But, as we come to quickly realize, it's their hearts on the line that matters most.
And readers' eager anticipation of every turn of the page that awaits!
I adored this one, I left it with such a full heart and warm smile.
Magda especially had my heart. Her hurt felt like my hurt, and when she finds out the twist on the show she's about to be a contestant on, the betrayal she and other contestants feel went straight to my heart like a stake. For a split second I forgot this was fiction and wanted to like start an online petition to stop the injustice, haha! But this just goes to show how immersed and engaged I became. How these characters came vividly to life off the pages.
While I was Magda's number one fangirl, I came to truly understand and appreciate Mac's decisions of the past that affected them both in the years after. In fact, I applaud him for the decision he made. He was in the right, and had he made the wrong choice neither would be better off in the present. They're given a second chance, and once Mac sees this, he goes for it so gorgeously. Like I was so hardcore cheering him on! Yess!
I loved the banter between Magda and Mac, and I loved the slow burn romance. I only wished for more of it once they came together! I needed more, but my goodness, what a lovely journey it is just as it is. Also, let me add how appreciative I am of how the author ensured the leads' miscommunication evolved into such a healthy dynamic, blossoming their mutual trust! This becomes critical in the final act and all I can say is I love how that was tested. It made me so proud of both characters.
There's a surprise third POV, but it doesn't overtake the narrative. I consider it more of a interlude and it piqued my curiosity for perhaps this person having a future book!? I most certainly would be open to it!
This book introduced me to writing of Lizzie Shane and I am absolutely in love with her style and eager to dive into her other works! If you love charming, romantic plots, lead by complex, layered, relatable leads, this one is for you!
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
November 9, 2024
Cake-Off is filming a new season and Magda Miller is finally living a dream come true - she’s been invited to compete! Leaving her small town bakery in the hands of family, she heads off to bake her way to $250K.
Except.
Except this is the first season with a twist. This season will feature contestants’ arch rivals against whom they will compete.
That would be Mackenzie Newton.
Mac also lives in Pine Hollow, Vermont, where he owns a little coffee shop restaurant, The Cup, and feeds the feud with Magda by allowing his cat to terrorize her dog on the regular.
But while the chemistry is sizzling on screen, Magda can’t stop thinking of the moment more than a decade ago when she misread Mac’s signals and thought they were in love only to be rebuffed.
Now she’s out to win, but not if he has anything to say about it.
I wish this worked better. I’m an absolute die hard fan of GBBO and other baking competition shows, so I was excited by that aspect of the story; however, it fell flat. Where I expected it to be a major character, it was merely a backdrop. There were a few side plots that didn’t dig deep enough to warrant time on the page. And most disappointingly, there was no real chemistry between our two leads. This one was just ok for me.
Except.
Except this is the first season with a twist. This season will feature contestants’ arch rivals against whom they will compete.
That would be Mackenzie Newton.
Mac also lives in Pine Hollow, Vermont, where he owns a little coffee shop restaurant, The Cup, and feeds the feud with Magda by allowing his cat to terrorize her dog on the regular.
But while the chemistry is sizzling on screen, Magda can’t stop thinking of the moment more than a decade ago when she misread Mac’s signals and thought they were in love only to be rebuffed.
Now she’s out to win, but not if he has anything to say about it.
I wish this worked better. I’m an absolute die hard fan of GBBO and other baking competition shows, so I was excited by that aspect of the story; however, it fell flat. Where I expected it to be a major character, it was merely a backdrop. There were a few side plots that didn’t dig deep enough to warrant time on the page. And most disappointingly, there was no real chemistry between our two leads. This one was just ok for me.
September 26, 2024
I don’t think I can quite put into words just how much I loved this book. Like Cats & Dogs is a love letter to cooking reality shows. This is like if Masterchef and Great British Bake-Off had a baby. While I’ve never read any of Lizzie Shane’s works until now, I’m definitely going to go back through her other works set in this town!
Magda Miller has been in a feud with Mackenzie Newton for fourteen years now, their rival businesses going head to head. When Magda offered Mac her heart, he stole her family’s maple cake recipe, and thus a rivalry was born. After finally getting onto her dream show, Cake Off, she’s thrilled to be in a Mac-free environment!
….Only to arrive on set to see her rival already there. Welcome to the first ever archrivals season, where each contestant has to face their nemesis! If Magda can’t take the heat, she’ll have no choice but to get out of the kitchen.
Filled with tantalizing baked treats and Broadway song references, Like Cats & Dogs is a brilliantly written masterpiece!
Thank you so much to Forever Pub and Netgalley for sending me this copy! <333
Magda Miller has been in a feud with Mackenzie Newton for fourteen years now, their rival businesses going head to head. When Magda offered Mac her heart, he stole her family’s maple cake recipe, and thus a rivalry was born. After finally getting onto her dream show, Cake Off, she’s thrilled to be in a Mac-free environment!
….Only to arrive on set to see her rival already there. Welcome to the first ever archrivals season, where each contestant has to face their nemesis! If Magda can’t take the heat, she’ll have no choice but to get out of the kitchen.
Filled with tantalizing baked treats and Broadway song references, Like Cats & Dogs is a brilliantly written masterpiece!
Thank you so much to Forever Pub and Netgalley for sending me this copy! <333
September 28, 2024
I haven't read all of the books in this romance series, but I have read and enjoyed the previous one, and I enjoyed this too. They're just solid romances that you're bound to have a good time with. It's not quite 4 stars for me, though, because I found myself zoning out sometimes and I've read better baking competition books. But maybe I'll pick up the first book in the series, the Christmas themed one, in December.
November 5, 2024
**4.5/5**
I'm a huge fan of the Pine Hollow series by Lizzie Shane and while I am sad that it is ending with this book, I'm also sort of glad that it ended on such a high note.
We FINALLY get to find out why Magda and Mac are such bitter rivals and I absolutely loved that the setting was a take on the Great British Bake Off. I'm a huge fan of that show, so to be reading a book in a series that I really enjoy with that plot was the icing on the cake for me.
I liked that we got to hear both points of view between Magda and Mac and glimpses of their past interactions that lead to their decade long feud. I knew coming into this one that there was going to be some sort of underlying sexual tension and I wasn't wrong. However, if you are looking for spice, you are reading the wrong series. It is more of a cozy romance series than filled with steam.
It's such an underrated series, but one that I am really glad to have read.
I'm a huge fan of the Pine Hollow series by Lizzie Shane and while I am sad that it is ending with this book, I'm also sort of glad that it ended on such a high note.
We FINALLY get to find out why Magda and Mac are such bitter rivals and I absolutely loved that the setting was a take on the Great British Bake Off. I'm a huge fan of that show, so to be reading a book in a series that I really enjoy with that plot was the icing on the cake for me.
I liked that we got to hear both points of view between Magda and Mac and glimpses of their past interactions that lead to their decade long feud. I knew coming into this one that there was going to be some sort of underlying sexual tension and I wasn't wrong. However, if you are looking for spice, you are reading the wrong series. It is more of a cozy romance series than filled with steam.
It's such an underrated series, but one that I am really glad to have read.
July 8, 2025
I grabbed this book randomly at the library but I was pleasantly surprised. It was giving rivals to lovers but on great British baking show. There was a side plot of him being obsessed with Broadway shows which seemed unnecessary but honestly so relatable.
June 26, 2025
am i getting jaded or are romance novels just not that good
November 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 11/12/2024. Rom-coms, GBBO, enemies to lovers, a character or two that you really want to end up face down in a pie. Now this is a recipe for success! Apparently this is the sixth book in a series set in the same small town of Pine Hollow so it looks like I've got some back-reading to do. However, don't worry because Lizzie Shane cleverly wrote this in such a way that you can still follow it without having read the previous books. That is always something I appreciate in romance series... It also means I have FIVE other books that are sure to be just as charming as this one to read now. It's like bonus karma for a book reader.
Magda and Mac have been feuding for over a decade and, though the entire town of Pine Hollow views it with amusement and take playful sides in the fight between them, about 98% of the town has no clue about the origins of it all or the depth of it. You see, a bright-eyed 18 year old Magda declared her love for Mac, 6 years her senior, after a summer spent side by side in a baking course. For obvious reasons, Mac turned her down... But he did it in the absolute worst way possible. Then there was the incident of the stolen maple cake recipe and the snaking of a prime retail location from the other and how his cat terrorizes her dog and... Let's just say, they have a lot of baggage and a lot of reasons that they can't exchange a civil word. So, of course, we're going to trap them together on the set of a baking reality show! The new show-runner (I'll call him Evil Incarnate) has declared this season to be all about archrivals and is determined to force as much drama out of the poor bakers as he can. As all good fans of GBBO understand, this is NOT the way you do things and, while it is amusing watching Magda and Mac fight, it is anxiety-inducing. Luckily, this is a romance novel.
Both main characters grow throughout the book, both as individuals and as a pairing. With the exception of things that deal with Magda, Mac is surprisingly stable and at-ease with himself as things begin but it becomes clear that there was therapy work there (thanks to grandma and grandpa!) and it actually only took him so far. It's refreshing to see the male main character show so much emotional maturity even before he gets his HEA. As for Magda, my heart hurt for her repeatedly even as I identified so much with her imposter syndrome and feeling of invisibility and general self-doubt... Even if she's pretty darn capable. Which of us haven't been there?
The romance is believable, the banter fun, and the side characters (with the exception of Tim and Stephen) are pretty darn adorable. Though you might want to avoid reading this book when hungry. I ask you, where are our recipes, Ms Shane? I demand recipes.
Magda and Mac have been feuding for over a decade and, though the entire town of Pine Hollow views it with amusement and take playful sides in the fight between them, about 98% of the town has no clue about the origins of it all or the depth of it. You see, a bright-eyed 18 year old Magda declared her love for Mac, 6 years her senior, after a summer spent side by side in a baking course. For obvious reasons, Mac turned her down... But he did it in the absolute worst way possible. Then there was the incident of the stolen maple cake recipe and the snaking of a prime retail location from the other and how his cat terrorizes her dog and... Let's just say, they have a lot of baggage and a lot of reasons that they can't exchange a civil word. So, of course, we're going to trap them together on the set of a baking reality show! The new show-runner (I'll call him Evil Incarnate) has declared this season to be all about archrivals and is determined to force as much drama out of the poor bakers as he can. As all good fans of GBBO understand, this is NOT the way you do things and, while it is amusing watching Magda and Mac fight, it is anxiety-inducing. Luckily, this is a romance novel.
Both main characters grow throughout the book, both as individuals and as a pairing. With the exception of things that deal with Magda, Mac is surprisingly stable and at-ease with himself as things begin but it becomes clear that there was therapy work there (thanks to grandma and grandpa!) and it actually only took him so far. It's refreshing to see the male main character show so much emotional maturity even before he gets his HEA. As for Magda, my heart hurt for her repeatedly even as I identified so much with her imposter syndrome and feeling of invisibility and general self-doubt... Even if she's pretty darn capable. Which of us haven't been there?
The romance is believable, the banter fun, and the side characters (with the exception of Tim and Stephen) are pretty darn adorable. Though you might want to avoid reading this book when hungry. I ask you, where are our recipes, Ms Shane? I demand recipes.
December 15, 2024
I have been behind on my ARCs for a bit, but this is the last of what has been published this year—and I deeply regret putting this off!
First, I haven't read the other books in this series. With that said, I did get a sense that I was missing out on certain dynamics and character stories that are not central to the plot of this story, but kind of resulted in me feeling like people were whispering and I couldn't make out what they were saying. It's not a bad feeling, but I am very nosy so now I obviously have to pick up book 1 of the Pine Hollow series!
Like Cats & Dogs was so much fun. I don't watch cooking/baking reality TV, but one of my goals for this year was to read more books outside of my comfort zone, and while this was a romcom, it was very centered on that reality TV experience, and the love story is secondary to that. At times this was a little frustrating because all of the ~everything~ of the show dragged parts of the story along, but I think these scenes would be very intriguing to people who watch shows like these in real life and have wondered what it's like behind-the-scenes.
Magda and Mackenzie are sworn rivals whose lives are intertwined because they're from a small town and all their friends are married to each other. They had a moment ten years prior that made it impossible for them to stand each other in the years since. Mackenzie also has a cat that can't stay away from Magda's dog, which means they see each other more than they'd like. Magda owns a French bakery and Mackenzie owns a cafe, so when they end up being cast on The Great American Cake-Off that is doing a never-before-done rivals season, tensions rise and the heat between them boils over.
I enjoyed their friends and some of the other contestants on the show. I was actually deeply touched—and cried—over some of the pure kindness the contestants showed each other in some of the scenes. However, I felt like the show got in the way of Mac and Magda communicating, and I cannot stand miscommunication tropes or the trope of ~everything is in the way of them talking~. When the production went on break they had so much time to have the "What are we?" talk, and simply didn't and I didn't understand that or like it at all. But when they were finally able to get themselves together, I absolutely adored their love story.
I also really loved that the winner of the show wasn't obvious! I think the show actually having twists and turns was a lot of fun! Overall, this was a super cute, fast-paced, closed door romance that I will be thinking about for a while!
4.5 ⭐️s
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, Forever, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
First, I haven't read the other books in this series. With that said, I did get a sense that I was missing out on certain dynamics and character stories that are not central to the plot of this story, but kind of resulted in me feeling like people were whispering and I couldn't make out what they were saying. It's not a bad feeling, but I am very nosy so now I obviously have to pick up book 1 of the Pine Hollow series!
Like Cats & Dogs was so much fun. I don't watch cooking/baking reality TV, but one of my goals for this year was to read more books outside of my comfort zone, and while this was a romcom, it was very centered on that reality TV experience, and the love story is secondary to that. At times this was a little frustrating because all of the ~everything~ of the show dragged parts of the story along, but I think these scenes would be very intriguing to people who watch shows like these in real life and have wondered what it's like behind-the-scenes.
Magda and Mackenzie are sworn rivals whose lives are intertwined because they're from a small town and all their friends are married to each other. They had a moment ten years prior that made it impossible for them to stand each other in the years since. Mackenzie also has a cat that can't stay away from Magda's dog, which means they see each other more than they'd like. Magda owns a French bakery and Mackenzie owns a cafe, so when they end up being cast on The Great American Cake-Off that is doing a never-before-done rivals season, tensions rise and the heat between them boils over.
I enjoyed their friends and some of the other contestants on the show. I was actually deeply touched—and cried—over some of the pure kindness the contestants showed each other in some of the scenes. However, I felt like the show got in the way of Mac and Magda communicating, and I cannot stand miscommunication tropes or the trope of ~everything is in the way of them talking~. When the production went on break they had so much time to have the "What are we?" talk, and simply didn't and I didn't understand that or like it at all. But when they were finally able to get themselves together, I absolutely adored their love story.
I also really loved that the winner of the show wasn't obvious! I think the show actually having twists and turns was a lot of fun! Overall, this was a super cute, fast-paced, closed door romance that I will be thinking about for a while!
4.5 ⭐️s
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing, Forever, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!
November 1, 2024
ARC Review: Like Cats and Dogs by Lizzie Shane ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 6th book focused on the pet loving residents of Pine Hollow, Vermont. Mac Newton and Magda Miller have been in a long-standing rivalry for as long as everyone in town can remember. Only Mac and Magda know the true reasons behind their animosity and the flames of their conflict still burn bright. When they both are chosen to compete on Great American Cake-Off, Mac and Magda are forced to reflect on their tumultuous past and reconcile it with their budding attraction to one another.
This book was more fun than I thought! Initially I felt like the competition show rivals trope was going to feel over-done, as I feel like I’ve seen so many recently. I was pleasantly surprised - I was pretty invested in the baking competition! Magda and Mac had great chemistry and I enjoyed their tension in the kitchen. It was very clear that the author expected you to be familiar with Pine Hollow and the characters of previous books. There were many references made that went unexplained and left me a little jarred as I haven’t read the others in her series. I thought it was unique that Shane gave the POV of one of the PAs of the cooking show to give a look ‘behind the curtain’ at the drama with the show runner but ultimately it took me out of the romance of the story.
Like Cats and Dogs will be published November 12th 2024!
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 6th book focused on the pet loving residents of Pine Hollow, Vermont. Mac Newton and Magda Miller have been in a long-standing rivalry for as long as everyone in town can remember. Only Mac and Magda know the true reasons behind their animosity and the flames of their conflict still burn bright. When they both are chosen to compete on Great American Cake-Off, Mac and Magda are forced to reflect on their tumultuous past and reconcile it with their budding attraction to one another.
This book was more fun than I thought! Initially I felt like the competition show rivals trope was going to feel over-done, as I feel like I’ve seen so many recently. I was pleasantly surprised - I was pretty invested in the baking competition! Magda and Mac had great chemistry and I enjoyed their tension in the kitchen. It was very clear that the author expected you to be familiar with Pine Hollow and the characters of previous books. There were many references made that went unexplained and left me a little jarred as I haven’t read the others in her series. I thought it was unique that Shane gave the POV of one of the PAs of the cooking show to give a look ‘behind the curtain’ at the drama with the show runner but ultimately it took me out of the romance of the story.
Like Cats and Dogs will be published November 12th 2024!
August 17, 2025
6 stars!!!
This was the first book I've physically read that didn't put me straight to sleep in years. I didn't think it was possible anymore. But Like Cats and Dogs hooked me and did not let go.
Lizzie Shane truly brought the baking show to life. Not only did I feel like I was actually on set, I felt like I was participating myself. I liked having the POV of a production assistant, as well, for some behind-the-scenes info. I have seen far too many seasons of MasterChef, Hell's Kitchen, and other random cooking competition shows, so this was right up my ally. I've read a few books with this premise, but this one takes the cake. 😉
The romance was great too! Their rivalry was so palpable at the start, I wasn't sure how they were going to make it to the other side. I loved watching them work together to unravel their history, find themselves, and fall in love.
To that end, I loved how, although these two were both subconsciously holding a torch for each other, they had both lived happy and fulfilling lives as single adults before they got together in their mid-30s. It felt a bit like they missed out on all that time, but really, it wasn't their time yet. I loved reading about 38 year old Mac, in particular, because he had regrets, and he worked through them. That's life, folks!
I went into this with low expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend if you enjoy competitive cooking shows.
This was the first book I've physically read that didn't put me straight to sleep in years. I didn't think it was possible anymore. But Like Cats and Dogs hooked me and did not let go.
Lizzie Shane truly brought the baking show to life. Not only did I feel like I was actually on set, I felt like I was participating myself. I liked having the POV of a production assistant, as well, for some behind-the-scenes info. I have seen far too many seasons of MasterChef, Hell's Kitchen, and other random cooking competition shows, so this was right up my ally. I've read a few books with this premise, but this one takes the cake. 😉
The romance was great too! Their rivalry was so palpable at the start, I wasn't sure how they were going to make it to the other side. I loved watching them work together to unravel their history, find themselves, and fall in love.
To that end, I loved how, although these two were both subconsciously holding a torch for each other, they had both lived happy and fulfilling lives as single adults before they got together in their mid-30s. It felt a bit like they missed out on all that time, but really, it wasn't their time yet. I loved reading about 38 year old Mac, in particular, because he had regrets, and he worked through them. That's life, folks!
I went into this with low expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend if you enjoy competitive cooking shows.
November 1, 2024
As an avid Bake Off fan, I thought the concept of this book was great. I’d be mad if a new show runner came in and made my wholesome comfort show into a battle of enemies, but for the sake of this book and the forced proximity it created between Magda and Mac I was all in for it.
Though I’ve read others in this series, I’m not one who retains a ton of detail of books I’ve previously read, but even without the full history of Magda and Mac in my brain their chemistry was still undeniable right away in this book. The back and forth between them always felt like something deeper and something more than what either of them were really saying and feeling. The idea of essentially being held captive in a reality show bubble was a great setup to help shift their dynamic.
The rehashing of their feud felt a bit cyclical and repetitive at times, but I did appreciate the couple of flashback chapters to see its true origin. (Team Magda, by the way — Mac handled that situation like a human bulldozer.)
Overall this was a sweet, enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Though I’ve read others in this series, I’m not one who retains a ton of detail of books I’ve previously read, but even without the full history of Magda and Mac in my brain their chemistry was still undeniable right away in this book. The back and forth between them always felt like something deeper and something more than what either of them were really saying and feeling. The idea of essentially being held captive in a reality show bubble was a great setup to help shift their dynamic.
The rehashing of their feud felt a bit cyclical and repetitive at times, but I did appreciate the couple of flashback chapters to see its true origin. (Team Magda, by the way — Mac handled that situation like a human bulldozer.)
Overall this was a sweet, enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2024
I really do love the pine hollow folks
Shane manages to take tropes that can be tricky and frustrating for me- enemies to lovers, feuds, and miscommunication- and turn them into a delightful, heartwarming, and surprisingly exciting finale to the Pine Hollow series. Mac and Magda have had my heart since the beginning, and I was truly wondering how she would explain their insane chemistry but their obviously deep and painful history. Shane managed to make their feelings both realistic and explain that old hurt in a way that found them equally at fault, but nothing that was really unforgivable. The backdrop of the Archrivals reality baking show added a bit of an edge that pushed both of them out of their comfort zone and made the opportunity for them to see each other in a new light, and it also added a fun cast of new characters since we're so familiar with Pine Hollow at this point.
Mac and Magda are definitely my favorite of the series, and it was a great way to send off this small Vermont town.
Shane manages to take tropes that can be tricky and frustrating for me- enemies to lovers, feuds, and miscommunication- and turn them into a delightful, heartwarming, and surprisingly exciting finale to the Pine Hollow series. Mac and Magda have had my heart since the beginning, and I was truly wondering how she would explain their insane chemistry but their obviously deep and painful history. Shane managed to make their feelings both realistic and explain that old hurt in a way that found them equally at fault, but nothing that was really unforgivable. The backdrop of the Archrivals reality baking show added a bit of an edge that pushed both of them out of their comfort zone and made the opportunity for them to see each other in a new light, and it also added a fun cast of new characters since we're so familiar with Pine Hollow at this point.
Mac and Magda are definitely my favorite of the series, and it was a great way to send off this small Vermont town.
August 3, 2024
Magda será participante en Cake off y tiene que guardar el secreto, pero su archienemigo lo sabe y lo que es peor él tiene más información sobre el concurso que ella porque resulta que también particpara, pero no puede decirle porque firmo un acuerdo de confidencialidad.
La pobre se lleva mal con Mac y aunque no quiera verlo no puede porque sus amigas están casadas con los amigos de él.
Ambos cometieron errores que los llevo a su enemistad, pero el tiempo que pasaran en el programa les servirá para aclarar todo.
Lo único que no me gustó fue que Mac no se disculpó por lo del plan de negocio.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
La pobre se lleva mal con Mac y aunque no quiera verlo no puede porque sus amigas están casadas con los amigos de él.
Ambos cometieron errores que los llevo a su enemistad, pero el tiempo que pasaran en el programa les servirá para aclarar todo.
Lo único que no me gustó fue que Mac no se disculpó por lo del plan de negocio.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2024
oh this book was so good. the perfect ending to the Pine Hollow series.
I’ve read a few reality tv competition books and have been let down so much, but one was so well done! It kept me on the edge of my seat and the challenges felt real enough that you could actually imagine them. I could tell the author put a lot of thought into the challenges and the timeline of the story and I appreciated it so so much.
Also, finally getting to learn the details about Mac & Magda’s feud was *chefs kiss*. Now I just want to go back and reread the whole series from the beginning to experience it again.
easy five stars for me. this book tugged on my heart strings and made me laugh (and cry) out of pure joy.
I’ve read a few reality tv competition books and have been let down so much, but one was so well done! It kept me on the edge of my seat and the challenges felt real enough that you could actually imagine them. I could tell the author put a lot of thought into the challenges and the timeline of the story and I appreciated it so so much.
Also, finally getting to learn the details about Mac & Magda’s feud was *chefs kiss*. Now I just want to go back and reread the whole series from the beginning to experience it again.
easy five stars for me. this book tugged on my heart strings and made me laugh (and cry) out of pure joy.
December 8, 2024
I think if Mac would have got his act together sooner, this would easily have been a 5 star. It's one of my favorite in the series because the Baking competition really read as if I was watching one of my favorite baking/cooking shows! It had the drama, the stress/tension, the rivalries, the sabotage, the favorites and the ones I wanted out....everything I love about these types of shows was so well written I felt as if I was watching it! Lol
The recipes and foods also "smelled" and described so well, it was making me hungry 😂
As usual, we also still go a bit of our pet love, what with the small show downs between Mac's car and Magda's dog lol
Mac really hurt Magda and finally seeing the whole story, it made sense on her side. Honestly, he was a pretty big jerk to her and an age gap of their age difference was no big deal. My heart went our to Magda and Mac kept making things worse between them with his attitude and even he knew that.
I'm glad he respected her just enough not to make their history a thing on television though. They were both pretty civil and actually helped each other so much, it brought them closer 🥰
Magda really was the perfect fit for Mac, he just wasn't ready to see it but once he did, he was all in. I loved them together 😍
Such a good read! Highly recommend 🤩
Especially to those who love animals, baking, and cozy romances with a bit of 🌶 hehe
The recipes and foods also "smelled" and described so well, it was making me hungry 😂
As usual, we also still go a bit of our pet love, what with the small show downs between Mac's car and Magda's dog lol
Mac really hurt Magda and finally seeing the whole story, it made sense on her side. Honestly, he was a pretty big jerk to her and an age gap of their age difference was no big deal. My heart went our to Magda and Mac kept making things worse between them with his attitude and even he knew that.
I'm glad he respected her just enough not to make their history a thing on television though. They were both pretty civil and actually helped each other so much, it brought them closer 🥰
Magda really was the perfect fit for Mac, he just wasn't ready to see it but once he did, he was all in. I loved them together 😍
Such a good read! Highly recommend 🤩
Especially to those who love animals, baking, and cozy romances with a bit of 🌶 hehe
September 19, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. This was a fun book, I really enjoyed it. It's an enemies to lovers and it was really well written. I love a good enemies to lovers story. I haven't read any of the other books in this series but I now I will. This author knows how to write a good book. And I'm hoping the previous books in the series are just as enjoyable. Bravo to the author.
November 24, 2024
This was such a fun sweet romance!! Lots of banter in this enemies to lovers story. I loved the baking reality tv aspect of the story. Lots of kitchen drama!!
This is the sixth book in Pine Hollow series- my first read by this author. I am for sure going back and reading the rest just because I really enjoyed the writing and this story.
Read if you love:
🐾 Small Town Feud
Enemies to Lovers
🐾 Great British Bake Off Vibes
Second Chance Romance
🐾 Reality Tv Rivalry
Rescue Pets
This is the sixth book in Pine Hollow series- my first read by this author. I am for sure going back and reading the rest just because I really enjoyed the writing and this story.
Read if you love:
🐾 Small Town Feud
Enemies to Lovers
🐾 Great British Bake Off Vibes
Second Chance Romance
🐾 Reality Tv Rivalry
Rescue Pets
January 22, 2025
It got me out of my reading slump, so that always bumps up the rating a little. I thought it was a cute enemies to lovers trope. I really enjoyed the fact that age appropriateness was a theme in the book (something we don’t necessarily see much). Did it make me giddy to the point of lying down with my feet kicking? No. But it did make me smile. (3.75)
*wow i really read the last book of the series first?? I didn’t even know there were 5 before this one😒*
*wow i really read the last book of the series first?? I didn’t even know there were 5 before this one😒*
November 7, 2024
I loved this book. Solid five⭐️. This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster and I was loving every minute of it. I cried, I laughed and I swooned. There were cats and dogs and a whole lot of closed door romance. This was perfection. I felt like I was watching this cake off and felt like I was right there watching this happen. Hope they make this a movie. Hey Hallmark pick this one!!!
November 15, 2024
Out now! Enemies to lovers with a cooking TV show backdrop.
I loved this! Exactly what I want in an enemies to lovers story. These two are adorable and too funny. Why are they even feuding? Did he steal something? Did she?
The pets added so much more cuteness to this story.
The first time Mac called Magda "Cupcake" I about lost it, he's way too into ribbing her and I should want to pick a side but they are FUN. Their relationship progression felt really natural over the course of the show filming. I loved the friendships that grow between Magda and her teammates. When they finally actually TALK about what happened from each of their perspectives, they start to move towards forgiving each other and it was great to read.
I loved this! Exactly what I want in an enemies to lovers story. These two are adorable and too funny. Why are they even feuding? Did he steal something? Did she?
The pets added so much more cuteness to this story.
The first time Mac called Magda "Cupcake" I about lost it, he's way too into ribbing her and I should want to pick a side but they are FUN. Their relationship progression felt really natural over the course of the show filming. I loved the friendships that grow between Magda and her teammates. When they finally actually TALK about what happened from each of their perspectives, they start to move towards forgiving each other and it was great to read.
November 9, 2024
I don't think my head was in the right space for this Hallmark romance. If you are looking for a reality baking show romance. This is the book for you. I didn't connect with the characters and wasn't rooting for any of them.
July 7, 2025
This book was a cute romance! I really enjoyed the baking aspect. It was nothing life changing, but it was cute. I will say they literally fell in love sooo fast it was kind of unrealistic, but still fun.
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