Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Whisk Me Away

Rate this book
Whisk Me Away is must-see TV. When the famous host arranges a retreat for up-and-coming pastry chefs, Regan Callahan applies. Everything she’s been working for is served up hot and delicious right under her recognition of her self-taught skills, learning from a master, there’s even been a secret prize hinted at that just might give her the means to buy her boss’s bakery when he retires. It’s not supposed to be a competition, but if it is, she’ll do anything to win.

Ava Prescott has no intention of allowing that to happen. Not that she’s worried. Regan doesn’t have what it takes. Just like she couldn’t excel with Ava as her boss when they worked together at the high-end restaurant in New York City. Their rivalry sharp as a lemon tart, Ava’s going to win, then she’ll ditch the high-pressure kitchen and open a small restaurant where she’ll have the creative freedom to follow her instincts, and her unique desserts will blossom.

Their styles are different. Their personalities are miles apart. Regan’s a gorgeous flake. Ava, a beautiful untouchable ice queen. Let the competition, and the ovens, heat up. Everyone knows the best recipes come straight from the heart.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2025

32 people are currently reading
418 people want to read

About the author

Georgia Beers

61 books1,505 followers
Lambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers lives in Rochester, New York. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, and published her first lesbian novel in 2000.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
89 (36%)
4 stars
91 (37%)
3 stars
55 (22%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Cherie.
710 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
4.25⭐️ This is a story about Regan who works in a large bakery in NYC. And Ava who is a pastry chef at an upscale NYC restaurant. They both win auditions to be on a cooking show with a world class chef.

I really liked this book. It was a quick and easy fun read. With a lot of emotional warmth. I liked both MCs and their chemistry was excellent. Even though it had the black scene at the 80% mark, it was still a good very enjoyable. I wish it was longer or we get a sequel. Cudo’s to Georgia Beers for a great read.

Thanks to Net Galley and BSB for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Rosi.
402 reviews112 followers
April 15, 2025
This story is about a kind of masterclass for pastry chefs, given by a well-known chef who's starred in several successful TV shows and who has a somewhat strange demeanor, to be honest. This woman has been giving these masterclasses so that other, less experienced pastry chefs can learn her tricks. She selects the participants and hosts them at her home. There are rumors circulating within the profession, and anyone who aspires to be known as a pastry chef longs to participate. But then her behavior during the months she teaches these classes is pretty weird. She's distant and sometimes even cruel to the girls, sometimes for no reason or justification. The group of women in the course is diverse in terms of background, professional level, and overall diversity. But the two main characters knew each other before, and they definitely didn't end up as friends. Now they're going to have to share a room, and since they're both openly out, well, you know the drama is on the menu. The book has culinary jargon, although it's not indecipherable by any means. There are some good-natured jabs, and others that aren't so friendly, stirred up by the professor/hostess mostly. It's not a perfect story, but it's got its interesting points.


Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via NetGalley for an honest review
Profile Image for Cheryl.
425 reviews34 followers
April 11, 2025
Georgia Beers has another hit story. I judge stories by how emotionally I get involved. And I did. I was happy, I was mad, then I was more mad and disappointed in one of the characters. And I had trouble forgiving them. Now that's getting emotionally involved. But that's what I want in a story.
Also I was amazed at the culinary detail. Ms. Beers must have gained 10 lbs researching. It felt very genuine and interesting.
The characters are rich, funny and some evil.
Some very evil.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Siddie.
549 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2025
Regan works for an upscale bakery in New York, which she enjoys a lot. As a self taught baker she excels in baking, and also in having the imagination to create new and innovative recipes. As the bakery owner’s retirement is imminent, Regan would love to buy and run the bakery herself.

Ava is pastry chef in a five star restaurant in New York. She is the boss of the whole department, and decides the dessert menu for the restaurant, usually based on her own tastes and skills. However, even though the other restaurant staff are friendly, the manager is difficult, and Ava has been debating whether to leave.

Both of these women have applied for an eight week baking retreat at the home of TV chef Liza Bennett-Schmidt. I don’t think I am giving any spoilers if I say they both got chosen to learn with their hero (along with another four people) from over a thousand applicants.

This is an interesting twist on a rare trope of a cooking show. From a previous encounter Ava and Regan are sworn enemies, but slowly that changes throughout the eight weeks.
There are several steamy sections in this story. Once Ava and Regan work out their problems, they can’t get enough of one another, and their positivity impacts all six attendees. Both women are lovely characters. I especially liked Regan’s friendliness. Also the other four women are lovely too; even though there is some competition between all of them, the overall feeling is of solidarity against a common enemy.

The story seemed fairly predictable, especially the industrial espionage section 😆. One chapter earlier in the story that situation was being set up, rather obviously.

One observation I have about this is that all the participants are female; indeed all the major characters are. This isn’t a problem, but there was no indication that the retreat was female only, unless of course the host Liza engineered that specifically, as she does many other parts of the retreat.

Overall it’s a good story, but not memorable.
Profile Image for ReadingwithCaz .
214 reviews35 followers
September 25, 2025
Sweet and steamy enemies to lovers with loads of sugary goodness to salivate over!

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

Pastry chef Ava can’t believe her luck. She gets to attend an eight week retreat at the private mansion of her idol, tv-chef Lisa Bennett-Schmidt. Ava hopes to learn all she can and get one step closer to leaving her grueling job at a five star restaurant and opening a little wine and dessert bar. What she didn’t expect was to run into Reagan. The same Reagan that Ava got fired from the restaurant a few years ago.
Reagan loves her job at the best bakery in town. A bakery she hopes to own one day. She knows she is a good baker, but also knows she can always get even better. Cue the application to the Bennett-Schmidt retreat. Out of thousands of applicants, Reagan gets one of the coveted spots. So does Ava apparently. The arrogant, perfectionist and annoyingly gorgeous Ava.

I really enjoyed both main characters and I love the dual pov for this story. Where Ava is reserved and serious, Reagan is very open and bubbly. The backstory of their mutual past shapes their initial relationship but slowly seems to evaporate while they grow closer and closer. It gets pretty steamy between the baked goods!

The narcissistic celebrity chef Lisa is a nightmare. The games she plays? Oof, nasty! But the rest of the side characters are delightful. Each of the other retreat attendees has some specific character traits that describe them well and make them believable. It’s always nice to see a group of women who are essentially competitors, be supportive of each other too. That is until the past comes rushing back for Ava and Reagan.

Lets be honest. Give me baked goods and hot chefs and I’m in. Whisk Me Away fits that job description perfectly. The right amount of sweetness, a full tablespoon of humor, a whiff of angst and a heaped cup of steam!
Profile Image for Deb.
378 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2025
Again a very nice read by Georgia Beers. Maybe a bit too much details about baking in a few chapters if you're not really into that, and a few developments I saw coming ahead, but the MC's were very likable and so was the story. 4+⭐️
Profile Image for Minna Perälä.
276 reviews12 followers
March 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC of Whisk Me Away in advance.

This enemies to lovers sapphic romance started with delicious rivalry and one sided dislike. Regan can't stand Ava who caused her to get fired back in the day. There's a bit similar vibe in Whisk Me Away than in Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married which I absolutely love. It was one of my favorite reads of 2024. So, I was eager to get to read Whisk Me Away and it did not disappoint.

The romance is medium paced with dual pov and forced proximity. Both MCs have close friends and the other side characters support the story. The story is quite light and the novel is relatively quick read. It'd be great book to take with on a weekend trip or to the beach. There's some mild spice but there's also a lot more to the relationship. And I like that in a romance.
Profile Image for Sue Plant.
2,309 reviews32 followers
April 6, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

you know you are in for a treat when you read a georgia beers book and this one in no exception.......

stiff competition to be one of the chosen few to be on whisk me away held by a famous master baker had hundreds sending in their appilcations forms and for ava and regan they were both over the moon when they get confirmation that they have been accepted

both worked in different places but that wasnt always the case....ava had gotten regan fired so there is no love between them

as their felllow bakers introduced themselves and wondered what their 8 weeks of learning would be like ava and regan remained politely distanced after all they were all their to learn

but the announcement that there was prize money at the one who impressed their idol the most the easy 8 weeks of learning new suddenly became fraught with tension and competition each one of them realising how life changing and goals could be reached.....

omg what a read..... tension and ice maiden abound... brilliant storyline that kept me reading right into the early hours
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
917 reviews46 followers
April 18, 2025
I love Georgia Beers' books!! This is a beautiful enemies to lovers, forced proximity love story. Regan and Ava have a working history, where Ava unknowingly got Regan fired.
They're both in a pastry retreat with 4 other up and coming pastry chefs. Put on by a world reknowned pastry chef. Regan and Ava have to share a room. So much fun ensues! I LOVE this book!!5 stars!
Profile Image for Alena.
874 reviews28 followers
April 28, 2025
Definitely enjoyed the first 70% more than the last 30%.

I liked the conflict and that it was external forces, but the resolution seemed extremely lazy. The ending was very abrupt. (I hate when the ereader indicates that there are loads of pages left but the last 10% are ads.)

Spoilery territory: with a bakery and a wine bar, those two are never going to see each other, are they?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carol Hutchinson.
1,124 reviews72 followers
May 14, 2025
Tension and drama all the way!

Regan applies to a retreat for pastry chefs that is run by her idol and host of the TV show Whisk Me Away, Ava has also applied and she and Regan have a past. The retreat isn’t a completion, but Ava is determined to win the prize on offer at the end.

Right from the start there was drama in this story. Regan and Ava being at the retreat together brought instant tension in such a good way, especially when fate also had them sharing a room. For a long while they avoided talking about the issue they had with one another, but in a way only fate can it had other plans for them. When events bring them closer together, denial they have feelings for one another is then the catalyst as they try to hold onto past resentments. Again events take turns beyond their control though and make sure they are going to brought closer together, their emotions and hearts have other plans. They were surrounded by other attendees at the retreat that also brought extra levels to the story with their own worries and dreams to win, so it wasn’t just a rivalry between Regan and Ava that could change their ability to win.

While Ava and Regan were opposites, they actually did have a lot in common, especially their admiration for their idol. There was more than just their abilities to bake being tested at the retreat, and some of the tasks really took their toll on them all. More than once Ava took a knock and her confidence suffered. While Regan could have used that to her advantage, she didn’t, and that really won me over. I knew she was just hurt by what happened between her and Ava and had been protecting herself before, but when it really came down to it she really cared about Ava and went out of her way to support her, try to build her up, and help her in any way she could when she was allowed to. It was an interesting play on reality competitions without it being a television show that really exposed true natures of people when under pressure and feeling threatened. It also held an important messages that kindness always wins out and should be practiced always. After all, you never really know what someone else is going through.

Really loved the story and it had all I have come to know and love from a Georgia Beers romance. I cannot wait to read this story again, it was fun, yet deeply emotionally charged.
Profile Image for Lyn Denison.
Author 15 books60 followers
December 22, 2025
The ingredients in this book, including the likeable, well-drawn characters, the plot-line, pacing and overall good writing combine beautifully and result in a very entertaining read. There’s a nice coming together of the MCs after an initial dislike plus some back history. The dialogue was realistic, as was the slow burn to the love scene.
Profile Image for Agirlcandream.
755 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2025
A pleasure to read. Thanks, Georgia for pulling me out of my stress filled world and into a delicious romance. Just what I needed.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
923 reviews12 followers
April 5, 2025
Georgia Beers tells a fun story with the MCs that have a bit of history.  I love anything culinary and tend to devour them quickly. The angst was fun in the beginning.  I enjoyed watching their chemistry grow. 

The angst for the third act separation, I felt it was predictable.  The resolution could have been more timely. 

The antagonist was well created and did a good job causing trouble. 

The secondary characters were fun, and I greatly enjoyed them. They were a great addition to the story.  

As a fan of Beers already, I look forward to more books that come our way. 
Profile Image for Jasmine Shouse.
Author 6 books87 followers
March 27, 2025
For as much as I dislike being in the kitchen, I sure do love books about baking and cooking, especially Sapphic romances. This is cute and lighthearted and exactly the kind of pallete cleanser I needed to read. Though the setup for the third act breakup was predictable, I still enjoyed the way it leaned into their history to make it happen. Liza is kind of awful for lots of reasons, least of which being hardest on the only woman of color chef at the retreat.

I liked the baking retreat and the budding friendships between everyone. I was having a really great time up until about 70% where it all got a bit frustrating. Even so, definitely would recommend if you enjoy books about food. Don't read while hungry!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
363 reviews14 followers
March 27, 2025
I love cooking and baking so reading about people that excel doing that is extra intriguing, perhaps I can get inspired. The whole enemies to lovers and on top of that forced proximity setting made it a fun read I recommend.

I believed in the romance between Regan and Ava, but it took them quite some time to get together, and that made it a bit frustrating. Also of course a 3rd act break-up, that is not one of my favourites and I think in general unnecessary. I prefer the couple fight against outside issues not miscommunication between themselves. With that said what an intriguing bitch the famous baking host Liza Bennet-Schmidt was, I really think the fight should have been against her and not against each other.

I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a voluntarily review.
Profile Image for Red Dragon.
252 reviews
March 27, 2025
eers
Who doesn’t like a lovely baking romance!
Ava and Regan both get accepted to a baking retreat held by the famous Liza Bennett-Schmidt.
But Ava and Regan have a past so their meeting at the retreat isn’t off to a great start but being in close proximity to each other can things change?
However, all is not what it seems at the retreat and shenanigans are afoot!!
This is another well written and entertaining romance by Georgia Beers that kept me turning the pages.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an opportunity to give honest feedback.
Profile Image for Andrea (looseleftlesbian).
377 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC. This was a cozy, quick read for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect at the retreat the main characters were on but it was an interesting plot.I did figure out what was going on “behjnd the scenes” fairly quickly. I do feel as if more about that and the other chefs would’ve been nice to see.
The third act break up, I saw something coming but did not see that coming. I think it was a good way to incorporate the past and show that there is still trust to be earned between the two, even though it was infuriating when one of the MCs was not believed.
39 reviews
May 29, 2025
I am an amateur baker. So when I read a sapphic romance, I absolutely love it when a baker and/or pastry chef is a MC. I looked forward to this book because I knew this author would treat this story the way we treat our baked goods - with love and care. And there’s no way to avoid the food metaphors. Baking is a science, yes, and yet like our love lives, it’s still messy and sometimes a bit out of your control. Some things can’t be fixed as they are, so you have to start again, think about what you did before, and then do better. And sometimes, you have to trust that it’s not perfect but it’s still great. That’s what we had here, the enemies to lovers base, topped with forced proximity that lead to a delicious treat. Regan and Ava had their rocky history and I’m so glad that when they moved past it, they didn’t *really* get over it. That’s too simple a cookie. Since the goal of the bakers’ retreat turned into a quasi-competition, the rocky history came full circle to bite them in the bundt. But it was handled well and given the true nature of people, particularly when it comes to how gossip and appearances can lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions, I wasn’t too surprised that it took an outside (albeit somewhat evil) force to bring order to the universe. Not going to lie, I would absolutely LOVE a story centered around said evil force: Liza Bennet-Schmidt. Whether we’ll get that, who knows. But I’m ready to tackle some tarts and puff pastries now.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
16 reviews
April 16, 2025
Whisk Me Away serves up an enemies-to-lovers F/F romance, set against the high-stakes backdrop of a baking retreat turned competition. Regan and Ava have a tangled history, and now they’re not only at the same retreat, but they are stuck being roomies for 8 weeks.

This book is a fun treat: sweet, lightly spiced, and packed with the kind of female friendships that feel authentic and comforting. There’s a twist near the end that adds a little extra flair to the otherwise cozy vibe, and the slow-burn tension between the leads is satisfying.

While a few of the descriptions and passages felt a little clunky at times, the strength of the character development more than made up for it. Beers does a lovely job balancing fun banter, emotional depth, and the warmth of found family vibes.

If you’re looking for a light, feel-good sapphic romance with competitive energy, a few surprise layers, and a whole lot of heart, Whisk Me Away is worth adding to your TBR.

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my voluntary honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Violet.
77 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2025
5/5 - sapphic, baking, contemporary, enemies to lovers, mc’s have cats. I loved it! The baking-themed premise was exactly my cup of tea, and the story delivered everything I’d hoped for. I liked both Regan and Ava and think their contrasting personalities and backgrounds worked well together. The romance itself felt very sweet and I thought the conflict was handled well—just enough drama to keep things interesting without being overwhelming.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say I wished some of the side-character bakers at the retreat had gotten a bit more attention or backstory. They seemed like an interesting group, and I would’ve loved seeing more of their interactions with our MC’s.

Overall, it was a very fun read and one that makes me want to get my stand mixer out. (Also, I just had to call out King Arthur being such a good baker’s cat name)
Profile Image for Isabelle.
31 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2025
This book was a joy to read! This was my first book by Georgia Beers, and I will definitely be picking up more of her stories soon. While both characters irked me at times, they were both very lovable, realistic, and experienced growth that was beautiful to witness. The romance was the sweetest and the spice scenes were very well written and not rushed at all in terms of point of the relationship. Perfect!

I thought the concept was unique–an exclusive retreat for pastry chefs to learn from an expert, who isn't quite the idol the participants thought they would be learning from. I wasn't a fan of all the ways Liza treated the participants, but I appreciated the way this was nicely wrapped up by the end of the story.

Plus, as a home baker, I loved the detailed descriptions of baking and the results. My mouth was watering on multiple occasions, and I generally don't love sweets very much. I love a good forced proximity enemies-to-lovers story, and this one certainly didn't disappoint!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
5,129 reviews59 followers
March 25, 2025
Reagan y Ava, dos talentosas chefs pasteleras, compartieron un pasado turbulento en la alta cocina de Nueva York, donde su relación profesional se vio opacada por la atracción mutua que terminó en un desastre. Ava, en su puesto superior, acusó a Reagan de distraerla, lo que provocó que fuera despedida, dejando una amarga herida entre ellas.

Años después, ambas son aceptadas en el retiro pastelero organizado por la renombrada Liza, un evento que promete catapultar sus carreras. Aquí, se enfrentarán cara a cara con su pasado y las emociones no resueltas entre ellas. Mientras compiten por un futuro en el mundo de la pastelería, tanto Reagan como Ava se darán cuenta de que han madurado, aprendido de sus errores y evolucionado en lo personal y lo profesional.


Una historia de segundas oportunidades, autodescubrimiento y, por supuesto, una receta perfecta para el amor. ¿Podrán Reagan y Ava superar su pasado y hallar una nueva oportunidad juntas, o el resentimiento del pasado será demasiado fuerte para dejarlo atrás?




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bings.
378 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
Warm, charming and delicious. Warning: May cause cravings.

Whisk Me Away is a warm and charming Sapphic romance that feels like comfort food in book form. Centered around a culinary retreat, it brings together Regan Callahan, a self-taught baker with big dreams, and Ava Prescott, her former boss and rival. The retreat may not officially be a competition, but the tension between them simmers from the start.

The sparks fly despite their rocky history. Their chemistry feels believable, balancing tension with vulnerability and though the romance does heat up quickly once it gets going, the slow-burn build leading up to it is satisfying. The baking backdrop adds charm and texture, with food descriptions and kitchen scenes that pull you right into the story.

The pacing is gentle, leaning more toward comfort than high conflict. At times, the story feels a little too neat and some resolutions come easily, but the overall journey is sweet, hopeful and thoroughly enjoyable.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, food-filled romance with likable characters and just enough spark to keep you turning the pages, Whisk Me Away is a treat worth indulging in. Fair warning though, this book will absolutely make you hungry so have snacks close at hand.
Profile Image for I can't read straight.
140 reviews13 followers
April 22, 2025
⭐⭐,5

Whisky Me Away by Georgia Beers had a really compelling setting—high-end kitchens and bakeries are notoriously toxic and competitive, so even the wilder plot twists (no spoilers!) didn’t feel as far-fetched as they might in a different context.

The dynamic between Ava and Hailey leans into the classic enemies-to-rivals trope, though it’s only lightly touched on. Honestly, if someone had gotten me fired, I’d be a lot more upset and way less quick to forgive—but maybe that’s just me being petty.

The story was enjoyable overall, but the romance felt a bit too easy. The relationship shift happened without much buildup or fanfare, and once feelings were in the mix, every disagreement was smoothed over almost instantly. It left me wanting more tension, more slow burn, more emotional stakes.

All in all, it’s a well-written romance—as Beers always delivers—but not one of my favorites from her. I’ve definitely fallen harder for other couples she’s created.
Profile Image for Fran Sappharc.
818 reviews46 followers
April 12, 2025
Great start. Love so far neither main is evil nor is there awful present situations (Tho’ life is not perfect!). Beers writes well, so it is no surprise I am enjoying the style, what is a surprise is how quickly I have been pulled in to this book!
I barely raised my head. I enjoyed the relationship, yes the angst was foreshadowed and I wasn't happy cos I liked the mains. However it wasn’t long drawn out and it fitted. (I have recently, with other books, bemoaned lack of tension as bored with mains getting on so well, so well done Beers for keeping the happy couple’s happiness interesting!) Very close to upping to a 5.
Profile Image for Women Using Words.
483 reviews67 followers
April 25, 2025
Georgia Beers’ latest novel, Whisk Me Away, invites readers into a world where ambition meets artistry in the high-stakes arena of elite pastry chefs. With its cozy-yet-competitive setting, familiar warmth, and a dash of romantic tension, the novel has all the ingredients of an enjoyable read. While it may not rise to the heights of Beers’ most emotionally stirring stories, Whisk Me Away still offers a charming escape filled with sugar, spice, and a touch of rivalry.

At the center of the novel are Regan Callahan and Ava Prescott, two talented bakers with a tangled professional history. When they’re both chosen to attend an exclusive baking retreat hosted by a celebrity chef, they’re forced to share space, confront old wounds, and—possibly—discover something new between them. The set-up promises a classic slow burn: rivals with history, forced proximity, and emotional baggage. There’s a natural tension built into the premise, and Beers uses it to create an appealing framework for a story about growth, forgiveness, and second chances.

For some readers, however, the romance between Ava and Regan may feel a little too easy. The story introduces their past conflict—Ava’s role in Regan losing a job—but resolves it quickly, with little of the lingering tension or gradual emotional buildup that characterizes Beers’ best romantic arcs. While the story certainly embraces warmth and optimism, those who crave more complexity in their love stories might wish for a few more layers and slower development. Still, for readers who enjoy a gentler romantic journey without prolonged angst, this approach could feel like a refreshing change of pace.

One of the more polarizing elements of the novel is the retreat host, a larger-than-life TV chef who brings a strong (and sometimes perplexing) presence to the story. Her actions—tough love or just plain tough—spark tension throughout the retreat. While her character arc may leave some readers scratching their heads, it does add dramatic flavor and raises interesting questions about mentorship, expectations, and the cost of ambition.

Where Whisk Me Away truly shines is in its immersive story world. Beers excels at creating settings that readers can simply lose themselves in, and the retreat, with its cozy kitchen drama and low-key reality TV vibes, feels both aspirational and intimate. The ensemble cast of diverse pastry chefs brings texture to the story, offering moments of humor, camaraderie, and friendship. And, as always, Beers’ accessible prose and natural dialogue keep the story flowing smoothly.

That said, the novel sometimes feels caught between two tones: it flirts with being a sharp-edged competition story, while also leaning into the warmth of a mentorship retreat. This tonal ambivalence may make the story feel a bit uneven in places. Still, there’s an underlying sweetness that carries the narrative, and many readers will appreciate its lighter touch.

In the end, Whisk Me Away may not be Georgia Beers’ most layered or emotionally intense offering, but it remains a pleasant, easy-to-digest romance. It’s a gentle read with a compelling premise, likable leads, and just enough kitchen drama to keep things interesting. Fans of Beers’ comforting style will find much to enjoy here, even if the emotional impact is a little softer than expected. For newcomers, it serves a solid introduction to her lovely storytelling style, delivering a feel-good experience with heart, humor, and a spoonful of sweetness.
Profile Image for B.
178 reviews4 followers
April 17, 2025
Beers is hit or miss for me, and unfortunately this one was a miss. I'm not sure what to rate it. If you've been dying to read a simple queer romance, especially one set in a kitchen, then go for it! but be prepared for it not to satisfy you're craving.

Ava got Reagan fired years ago, so there's some animosity, but they apologize for what each did wrong back then and forgive each other. Enemies to lovers this is not. They're technically rivals at the retreat but that doesn't affect the way they treat each other. There's no banter. No chemistry. Besides being the only two queer girls, and thinking the other was hot, I honestly couldn't see why they get together. And yeah sometimes that works. But this isn't 8th grade summer camp, I need more than that or for it to at least be written well, and for me, this wasn't.

The characters don't feel fleshed out either. The story drags on, though the relationship isn't slow-burn, and it's utterly predictable though it pretends not to be.

I really liked the concept, I thought it was tailor made to please me. I love baking, had a brief stint as a pastry chef, adore the TGBBB, and am queer af. So the disappointment stings more. I thinks Beers struggled with finding the appropriate amount of tension and it's source.
If the retreat had been as advertised, solely a calm mentorship type holiday, then more focus could've been on creating attraction and letting the tension be solely between the romance, like maybe the head chef kept forcing them to work together to get over their issues. Or it could've been a proper competition, where the tension came from them being rivals, and slowly falling for each other and having a sweet romance that is tested by their circumstances and drive to succeed.
Unfortunately it was neither, and turned out anticlimactic and unsatisfying for us the readers, as the retreat was for the attendees.

And don't get me started on the head chef, that kady was just a huge cow. I truly do not how her character added anything to the story. Her saying "you're a black woman in a male dominated field, so I was extra hard on you to help you" like what??? You're supposed to be mentoring them, you picked them as the best from a huge pile of qualified applicants. Do you not think that passing down your knowledge, and reassuring her she belongs there, would've been more helpful. I'm pretty she knows how hard it is lady.
The parting letter did not change my mind about her at all, and just seemed incongruent with her character if taken at face value, instead of as a way to cover her ass.


Also mega spoilers
I hate Ava's ending, like im happy she got her dream, but like its super unrealistic that 50k would get you to buy or rent a place in NYC, revamp it to fit your needs and start a business from scratch. Using as a down-payment for an existing business, that is going to sell it to you cheaper because they know you, is way more likely. I thought Reagan was going to offer Ava a job, and maybe turn the bakery into a wine and dessert bar at night. That would've made more sense.

Thank-you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.