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Much "I Do" About Nothing #2
Courtship of the Cake
From the author of Dictatorship of the Dress comes a new novel about a woman who’s vowed to never walk down the aisle—and the two men who’ll do anything to get her to say “I do”…
“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride” has suited Danica James just fine…until the mysterious man who crashed her sister’s wedding steals her heart, leaves a slice of groom’s cake under her pillow, and then disappears.
Hoping to forget her unforgettable fling, Dani takes a job as a backstage masseuse for a rock music festival, not expecting the tour’s headlining bad boy to make an offer she can’t refuse. Nash Drama needs a fiancée—and fast…
Mick Spencer is the best wedding cake designer in New Hope and the town’s most eligible bachelor. But despite the bevy of bridesmaids he’s sampled, Mick can’t get the evening he spent with Dani out of his mind.
So when she shows up for a cake tasting at the Night Kitchen—with his former best friend’s ring on her finger—Mick vows to charm the woman of his dreams into choosing a sweet and sinful ever after, with him…
“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride” has suited Danica James just fine…until the mysterious man who crashed her sister’s wedding steals her heart, leaves a slice of groom’s cake under her pillow, and then disappears.
Hoping to forget her unforgettable fling, Dani takes a job as a backstage masseuse for a rock music festival, not expecting the tour’s headlining bad boy to make an offer she can’t refuse. Nash Drama needs a fiancée—and fast…
Mick Spencer is the best wedding cake designer in New Hope and the town’s most eligible bachelor. But despite the bevy of bridesmaids he’s sampled, Mick can’t get the evening he spent with Dani out of his mind.
So when she shows up for a cake tasting at the Night Kitchen—with his former best friend’s ring on her finger—Mick vows to charm the woman of his dreams into choosing a sweet and sinful ever after, with him…
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
7 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Topper
14 books278 followersRock. Write. Repeat.
Jessica Topper broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2015.
After working almost two decades in the music industry, Jessica hung up her touring boots in order to concentrate on her writing. She lives in Western New York with two cats who love to walk across her keyboard, a teenage writer girl and a husband who wishes to remain anonymous. You can visit her at www.jessicatopper.com.
Jessica is the author of two series:
LOVE & STEEL
(Louder Than Love, Deeper Than Dreams, Softer Than Steel – NEW EDITIONS COMING SOON)
MUCH “I DO” ABOUT NOTHING
(Dictatorship of the Dress – January 2015, Courtship of the Cake – June 2015) from Berkley/Penguin RandomHouse.
Jessica Topper broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2015.
After working almost two decades in the music industry, Jessica hung up her touring boots in order to concentrate on her writing. She lives in Western New York with two cats who love to walk across her keyboard, a teenage writer girl and a husband who wishes to remain anonymous. You can visit her at www.jessicatopper.com.
Jessica is the author of two series:
LOVE & STEEL
(Louder Than Love, Deeper Than Dreams, Softer Than Steel – NEW EDITIONS COMING SOON)
MUCH “I DO” ABOUT NOTHING
(Dictatorship of the Dress – January 2015, Courtship of the Cake – June 2015) from Berkley/Penguin RandomHouse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 14, 2015
3.5 stars. Review posted May 14, 2015
Hoping to forget Mick with whom she had shared a hot evening in New Orleans when he crashed her sister's wedding, Dani (short for Danica) is accepting the job as a backstage masseuse for the Minstrels & Mayhem Festival tour. Nash Drama, rock star and lead singer of Go Get Her, is one of of those artists who benefit from Dani's magic hands.
Nash was at his truest state when he was at his most vulnerable.
As chances would have it, Nash is being honored with an award in his hometown and doesn't want to show up without a lady on his arm. Since Nash is and going home after spending ten long years away isn't easy. That's why he needs all the support he can get. In addition to her gentle mojo hands, Dani has some other features that Nash approves of greatly: She's attractive, smart and well-educated. After the surprise wears off, Dani can't reject the offer, even more so because she's getting tired of running and making excuses. Plus, she truly wants to help Nash because she also realizes that this man isn't used to asking for help. Once arrived though, Dani's in for a big surprise. Mick Spencer is the owner of the Night Kitchen, a dessert bar where he can live out his own special brand of culinary black magic and, to Dani's utter astonishment, he's also a childhood friend of Nash's. Turns out that accompanying Nash back home wouldn't be a piece of cake--problems are preprogrammed.
Jessica's writing is absolutely impeccable and the reason I rounded up to four stars. Yet I'm very sorry to say that I couldn't give Courtship of the Cake a higher rating because, at my heart, I'm a die-hard romance reader and that's something this book lacked: romance. And by romance I don't necessarily mean sex (there's only one short smexy scene, very late into the story). I mean the sexy banter, the goosebump-inducing build-up, the blazing sexual tension, and the sparkling chemistry that would make me root and cheer for a couple who'd be destined to tread a path of love and happily-ever-afters. Also, a couple needs to spend plenty of page-time together. I want to see them date and share not only funny but also soul-searching moments together. Courtship of the Cake, however, isn't romance. It reads more like women's fiction and I think that fans of romance will have a hard time loving this story.
But as I stood there, being held in the comforting arms of my friend, I realized that time had mellowed the rigid wood and its scent had diminished. The planks above us had shrunk with age and separated from each other, their cracks were now too wide to contain what I had hidden all these years.
And I knew I no longer wanted those secrets hanging over my head.
Courtship of the Cake is told in alternating POVs and provides a rather generous cast of secondary characters, some of whom I really liked, especially the adorable Logan as well as Bear with his pert mouth. It is an engaging story about second chances, righting wrongs and mending aching hearts. It is written well too. This being said, it didn't appease my hunger for a beautiful love story and it saddens me to say that Mick and Dani had nothing on Adrian and Kat. And, I really felt that the revelation of the secret happened too late and the resolution thereof didn't quite cut it for me either. Regardless of my issues, I really loved the stellar writing and witty dialogue and, for a few hours, I could indulge in engaging entertainment.
What really made me truly happy in the end was the prospect of getting back to Adrian and Kat this summer. What's even better is that their novella will lead right to Softer Than Steel. It's a follow-up novel to Louder Than Love which will feature several of the same characters as well as some new protagonists. Softer Than Steel is due out coming September, so I feel compelled to counting down the months already. These two new stories will be my personal sweet voodoo that my dreams are made of, that's for sure. I'm positive that greatthings guys will be coming my way this summer.
As I sit here now, writing, I realize she is right. This is more than just a house; it is a home. It's filled with sound now, where once upon a time, there was only silence.
If you'd like to know more about sound and silence, then take a chance and read Courtship of the Cake.
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Berkley in exchange for an honest review**
Hoping to forget Mick with whom she had shared a hot evening in New Orleans when he crashed her sister's wedding, Dani (short for Danica) is accepting the job as a backstage masseuse for the Minstrels & Mayhem Festival tour. Nash Drama, rock star and lead singer of Go Get Her, is one of of those artists who benefit from Dani's magic hands.
Nash was at his truest state when he was at his most vulnerable.
As chances would have it, Nash is being honored with an award in his hometown and doesn't want to show up without a lady on his arm. Since Nash is and going home after spending ten long years away isn't easy. That's why he needs all the support he can get. In addition to her gentle mojo hands, Dani has some other features that Nash approves of greatly: She's attractive, smart and well-educated. After the surprise wears off, Dani can't reject the offer, even more so because she's getting tired of running and making excuses. Plus, she truly wants to help Nash because she also realizes that this man isn't used to asking for help. Once arrived though, Dani's in for a big surprise. Mick Spencer is the owner of the Night Kitchen, a dessert bar where he can live out his own special brand of culinary black magic and, to Dani's utter astonishment, he's also a childhood friend of Nash's. Turns out that accompanying Nash back home wouldn't be a piece of cake--problems are preprogrammed.
Jessica's writing is absolutely impeccable and the reason I rounded up to four stars. Yet I'm very sorry to say that I couldn't give Courtship of the Cake a higher rating because, at my heart, I'm a die-hard romance reader and that's something this book lacked: romance. And by romance I don't necessarily mean sex (there's only one short smexy scene, very late into the story). I mean the sexy banter, the goosebump-inducing build-up, the blazing sexual tension, and the sparkling chemistry that would make me root and cheer for a couple who'd be destined to tread a path of love and happily-ever-afters. Also, a couple needs to spend plenty of page-time together. I want to see them date and share not only funny but also soul-searching moments together. Courtship of the Cake, however, isn't romance. It reads more like women's fiction and I think that fans of romance will have a hard time loving this story.
But as I stood there, being held in the comforting arms of my friend, I realized that time had mellowed the rigid wood and its scent had diminished. The planks above us had shrunk with age and separated from each other, their cracks were now too wide to contain what I had hidden all these years.
And I knew I no longer wanted those secrets hanging over my head.
Courtship of the Cake is told in alternating POVs and provides a rather generous cast of secondary characters, some of whom I really liked, especially the adorable Logan as well as Bear with his pert mouth. It is an engaging story about second chances, righting wrongs and mending aching hearts. It is written well too. This being said, it didn't appease my hunger for a beautiful love story and it saddens me to say that Mick and Dani had nothing on Adrian and Kat. And, I really felt that the revelation of the secret happened too late and the resolution thereof didn't quite cut it for me either. Regardless of my issues, I really loved the stellar writing and witty dialogue and, for a few hours, I could indulge in engaging entertainment.
What really made me truly happy in the end was the prospect of getting back to Adrian and Kat this summer. What's even better is that their novella will lead right to Softer Than Steel. It's a follow-up novel to Louder Than Love which will feature several of the same characters as well as some new protagonists. Softer Than Steel is due out coming September, so I feel compelled to counting down the months already. These two new stories will be my personal sweet voodoo that my dreams are made of, that's for sure. I'm positive that great
As I sit here now, writing, I realize she is right. This is more than just a house; it is a home. It's filled with sound now, where once upon a time, there was only silence.
If you'd like to know more about sound and silence, then take a chance and read Courtship of the Cake.
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy
**ARC courtesy of Berkley in exchange for an honest review**
June 7, 2015
3 Who to Pick Stars
Courtship of the Cake is a standalone and is part of the Much “I Do” About Nothing series. I’m reading this series out of order (something new I’m doing) and completely random.
This is Danica and Nash and **GASP** Mick story.
So it’s a love triangle (sort of) storyline and we all know where I stand on these. I have major issues with love triangles, so just note that’s my personal preference.
This book reads in different parts (to me). I felt like the first half of the book is about Nash and the second half of the book is about Mick. Dani is a masseuse and she works at a rock music festival massaging people. Nash is a rocker bad boy. He likes sex and he likes women. He also has a messed up body. No, he doesn’t use drugs, but he has a lot of kinks and Dani is the one to work them out.
Dani and Nash’s relationship isn’t really typical. It’s completely a friendship relationship, even though Nash flirts with her like crazy so there could be something there? You will just have to read and find out. I really liked the parts with Dani and Nash. I found Nash the bad boy I crave and love to read. He’s so into himself, he needs a girl like Dani, calling him out and putting him in his place.
Like I said, during the second part of the book it shifts and I actually had to flip backwards and re-read some chapters because I felt like I was reading a different book. It went from rocker vibe to cute “wedding” theme. Mick is a cake designer and he’s the best of what he does. When Dani and Nash come back into town, they run into Mick.
Mick and Dani had a wild night one night and ever since then Dani has been holding major grudges against Mick. It took me a bit to figure out the relationship between Mick and Dani. There is crazy sexual tension, but not everything is revealed, so I had to pay attention to the flash back scenes.
I liked the parts with Nash and Dani so much I was kind of thrown off by Mick. I guess I wanted Mick to be part of the story in the beginning. Courtship of the Cake is cute, but the romance is lacking. Yes there are some flirting scenes and yes there’s sex, but I didn’t get the butterfly scenes you know? The ones where you are like “oh-my-god-they-kissed” and you clap your hands and jump for joy. Of course not every book needs this.
Courtship of the Cake has some mild tension with a unique, cake/rocker theme that is appealing. Take a chance, you just never know.
An ARC was Provided
AMAZON
Courtship of the Cake is a standalone and is part of the Much “I Do” About Nothing series. I’m reading this series out of order (something new I’m doing) and completely random.
This is Danica and Nash and **GASP** Mick story.
So it’s a love triangle (sort of) storyline and we all know where I stand on these. I have major issues with love triangles, so just note that’s my personal preference.
This book reads in different parts (to me). I felt like the first half of the book is about Nash and the second half of the book is about Mick. Dani is a masseuse and she works at a rock music festival massaging people. Nash is a rocker bad boy. He likes sex and he likes women. He also has a messed up body. No, he doesn’t use drugs, but he has a lot of kinks and Dani is the one to work them out.
Dani and Nash’s relationship isn’t really typical. It’s completely a friendship relationship, even though Nash flirts with her like crazy so there could be something there? You will just have to read and find out. I really liked the parts with Dani and Nash. I found Nash the bad boy I crave and love to read. He’s so into himself, he needs a girl like Dani, calling him out and putting him in his place.
Like I said, during the second part of the book it shifts and I actually had to flip backwards and re-read some chapters because I felt like I was reading a different book. It went from rocker vibe to cute “wedding” theme. Mick is a cake designer and he’s the best of what he does. When Dani and Nash come back into town, they run into Mick.
Mick and Dani had a wild night one night and ever since then Dani has been holding major grudges against Mick. It took me a bit to figure out the relationship between Mick and Dani. There is crazy sexual tension, but not everything is revealed, so I had to pay attention to the flash back scenes.
I liked the parts with Nash and Dani so much I was kind of thrown off by Mick. I guess I wanted Mick to be part of the story in the beginning. Courtship of the Cake is cute, but the romance is lacking. Yes there are some flirting scenes and yes there’s sex, but I didn’t get the butterfly scenes you know? The ones where you are like “oh-my-god-they-kissed” and you clap your hands and jump for joy. Of course not every book needs this.
Courtship of the Cake has some mild tension with a unique, cake/rocker theme that is appealing. Take a chance, you just never know.
An ARC was Provided
AMAZON
December 18, 2015
The follow up read from author Jessica Topper’s Much I Do about Nothing series has the same formula that I am beginning to appreciate, as good people with crazy lives injected with a bit of rock and roll that gives the series a nice bite.
Courtship of the Cake is a second chance romance on two different levels. It’s a one night stand that won’t fade away for neither Dani nor Mick. Also, a childhood romance that is years past its expiration date still hasn’t had its final curtain call for Nash and Angie.
Rocker Nash needs the help of masseuse Dani. Not only for his health, but to act as a pretend fiancé in order to facilitate a relationship with his sons mother. Quickly, Dani discovers that all isn’t as quiet as it seems back home where Nash grew up.
When you throw in the fact that Nash’s best friend is the incredible one night stand Dani hasn’t been able to forget, it only adds to the lies that begin to pile up and become a bit unbelievable.
Honestly, I would have preferred Nash and his ex’s story to have been the main focus. As much as I love Dani and Mick, I just felt more drawn to the obviously more dramatic and deep love shared and rejected by Nash and Angie. There was just so much there I wanted to know more intimately.
All in all, Courtship of the Cake is a nice follow up, but it falls just a bit short of its predecessor; however it is still worth devouring as is any good piece of cake ;)
4 Stars
T~
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Courtship of the Cake is a second chance romance on two different levels. It’s a one night stand that won’t fade away for neither Dani nor Mick. Also, a childhood romance that is years past its expiration date still hasn’t had its final curtain call for Nash and Angie.
Rocker Nash needs the help of masseuse Dani. Not only for his health, but to act as a pretend fiancé in order to facilitate a relationship with his sons mother. Quickly, Dani discovers that all isn’t as quiet as it seems back home where Nash grew up.
When you throw in the fact that Nash’s best friend is the incredible one night stand Dani hasn’t been able to forget, it only adds to the lies that begin to pile up and become a bit unbelievable.
Honestly, I would have preferred Nash and his ex’s story to have been the main focus. As much as I love Dani and Mick, I just felt more drawn to the obviously more dramatic and deep love shared and rejected by Nash and Angie. There was just so much there I wanted to know more intimately.
All in all, Courtship of the Cake is a nice follow up, but it falls just a bit short of its predecessor; however it is still worth devouring as is any good piece of cake ;)
4 Stars
T~
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March 21, 2019
So I didn't love this one but it had its moments. I read the first one a few years ago and I think I liked that one a little bit better. There just seemed to be something a little off with this one and the plot just a little forced.
Mick and Dani shared an intimate night after her sisters wedding. But when Dani woke up, Mick was gone. Fast forward in time and neither can seem to forget each other even though they are trying. When Dani shows up at Mick's bakery wearing his best friends engagement ring, all bets are off. Even though the engagement is fake. Yup, that's right. Superstar Nash Drama needed a fiance for a return trip home and Dani fit the bill. And here's one of the major problems I had. What the hell was the engagement for? We're told it's to show Nash in a better light because of his bad boy ways but that didn't make any sense. The only people who really saw them were his family/friends and no one seemed to care that he was engaged. This is where the forced plot came in. Nothing about this felt real or needed. And they were lying to the people closest to him and his own son!
Which leads me to my next issue. Mick had no problem going after his best friends girl. Who cares that they're engaged! And instead of telling Nash (the fiance) that they knew each other, both of them lied and hide their past. This book was full of liars! And I wasn't a huge fan of Dani. She was very wishy-washy and just seemed fake most of the time.
So why three stars? Mick was fun. But I really loved Nash's son, Logan and his uncle, Bear. The scenes with Mick and Logan just tugged the heartstrings. And I really liked that the author made him hearing impaired. The musician father trying to connect with his deaf son was a good plot line.
Overall, it was okay. The ending came really fast and all wrapped up prettily. But there were some fun parts along the way.
Mick and Dani shared an intimate night after her sisters wedding. But when Dani woke up, Mick was gone. Fast forward in time and neither can seem to forget each other even though they are trying. When Dani shows up at Mick's bakery wearing his best friends engagement ring, all bets are off. Even though the engagement is fake. Yup, that's right. Superstar Nash Drama needed a fiance for a return trip home and Dani fit the bill. And here's one of the major problems I had. What the hell was the engagement for? We're told it's to show Nash in a better light because of his bad boy ways but that didn't make any sense. The only people who really saw them were his family/friends and no one seemed to care that he was engaged. This is where the forced plot came in. Nothing about this felt real or needed. And they were lying to the people closest to him and his own son!
Which leads me to my next issue. Mick had no problem going after his best friends girl. Who cares that they're engaged! And instead of telling Nash (the fiance) that they knew each other, both of them lied and hide their past. This book was full of liars! And I wasn't a huge fan of Dani. She was very wishy-washy and just seemed fake most of the time.
So why three stars? Mick was fun. But I really loved Nash's son, Logan and his uncle, Bear. The scenes with Mick and Logan just tugged the heartstrings. And I really liked that the author made him hearing impaired. The musician father trying to connect with his deaf son was a good plot line.
Overall, it was okay. The ending came really fast and all wrapped up prettily. But there were some fun parts along the way.
June 4, 2015
2 Sadly didn't do it for me stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Berkley | Penguin Group
After reading Dictatorship of the Dress, I thought I was going to love Dani but I gotta admit that this book didn't do it for me. Ugh! I so badly wanted to like it. I don't know if I wasn't in the mood to read this or what, but it just didn't float my boat.
Dani is always a bridesmaid but never a bride. She was also like this in relationships. Even though Dani doesn't like to commit there is something about Mick that she can't forget after that one night at her sister's wedding. Instead of staying rooted in one place she likes to live free. Now she takes her massage gig on the road with a touring music festival.
Here she massages and hangs out with bands. After one massage she befriends Nash Drama. He needs her for many reasons besides the relief of a massage. Nash and Dani become friends and eventually to fiancée with no benefits. The Nash and Dani saga goes on forever that you almost forget that this book was supposed to be about Mick and Dani. Then after a very very long time Mick finally makes an appearance. It seems after his night with Dani he too can't stop thinking about her but now finds relief between the sheets of his baking gigs.
Lo and behold the connection with Mick is that Nash and Mick are friends. Dani is shocked to meet Mick again but she's committed to Nash now. Mick's determined to subtly court her with cakes to change her mind but having a difficult time.
I know the book has courtship in the title but its also a romance novel so when they didn't get together until
"You're running. Again." (Ugh! Why do most heroines run so much lately. Why?)
Then we read a bit more to and we find out the reason she doesn't have relationships which was a valid reason and I know I may sound heartless but it was a bit too late for me to all of a sudden to get on the Dani train.
Now for the next bit she has to deal with her past so she can finally be in a relationship.
"Are you mine? " (Effing finally. Argh! )
The book was well written but this story just didn't do it for me at all. I was annoyed or eye rolling for most of the book. I did like the fact that the author was well researched about a lot of details which was probably the reason I kept reading hoping I was going to fall for Dani and Mick at some point, but nope didn't happen.
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July 1, 2015
“You’ll never find yourself, if you haven’t yet lost yourself.”
Dictatorship of the Dress has a special place on my favorites shelf. It was adorable, funny and has stuck with me, even months after reading it. Danica was part of the fun in that story, along with being Laney's voice of reason, so I sort of went into this one expecting it to be light and kind of silly. It was much more than that though. Dani had a depth, I didn’t originally give her credit for.
"Listen to that little voice inside your own head for once, will ya? W-W-D-D?"
The night of her sister’s wedding, Dani meets Mick and they share a pretty unforgettable connection, but that doesn't stop him from disappearing.
Months after the wedding, in an attempt to forget him and find her place in the world, Dani joins a summer music festival as a masseuse for the artists. That’s how she gets wrapped up with, Nash Drama, the lead singer for one of the bands. There wasn’t much I liked about Nash. At times, I saw hints of a good guy hidden under that rock god ego, but they were few and very far between.
For some reason, Dani agrees to help out Nash and pose as his fiancé for his epic hometown return. A place he left behind ten years ago, full of regrets and a son he’s never even laid eyes on. Turns out his best friend, the cake baker extraordinaire, is the mystery man from her sister’s wedding - MICK!
There’s a lot of history and a tangled web of heartache surrounding Nash’s group of friends and Dani finds herself caught in the middle. She’s a natural fixer and people pleaser, so of course she’s going to try and make things better, maybe even at the cost of what she really wants, or I should say who.
“Mick, you’re the only taste I’ve been craving.”
The spark between Dani and Mick made me giddy. I will say, the romance wasn’t the most prevalent part of the story though, it read more like women’s fiction than contemporary romance. I thought Dani was a really likable character, but there were more than a few times, I was frustrated with her. I wanted her to let the whole sham go, everyone could see through it anyway, and just be honest with Mick. At one point, it was like, enough already, just tell him you want him! But, Mick was patient and so sweet, and it only made me fall for him even more.
“You should try frosting a cake with those moves.”
“I do. Every day. And I can’t wait to frost yours.”
The cast of secondary characters was top notch. Bear pretty much stole the show with his serenade. I would love to read Bear and Angie's story. Nash and Quinn's reunion sort of happened in the background, so maybe this means, possibly, they might get a book? I’m not a huge Nash fan, but I’m sure the author can change that.
I enjoyed the story, but there were a few things that bothered me enough to mention. The whole Jax and Dex situation felt like an afterthought, like it was just thrown in. I would have liked for that to have been explored a little more, rather than just a quick chapter at the end. And how could Dani not be in New Hope with Laney and Noah?!?! Totally blew my mind that she would miss out on that day.
I thoroughly enjoy Jessica Topper’s writing. Her way with words, all the musical references throughout the story and the development of the characters, spoke to my inner book nerd and commanded my attention. Similar to cake, I enjoyed this until the very last crumb.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Dictatorship of the Dress has a special place on my favorites shelf. It was adorable, funny and has stuck with me, even months after reading it. Danica was part of the fun in that story, along with being Laney's voice of reason, so I sort of went into this one expecting it to be light and kind of silly. It was much more than that though. Dani had a depth, I didn’t originally give her credit for.
"Listen to that little voice inside your own head for once, will ya? W-W-D-D?"
The night of her sister’s wedding, Dani meets Mick and they share a pretty unforgettable connection, but that doesn't stop him from disappearing.
Months after the wedding, in an attempt to forget him and find her place in the world, Dani joins a summer music festival as a masseuse for the artists. That’s how she gets wrapped up with, Nash Drama, the lead singer for one of the bands. There wasn’t much I liked about Nash. At times, I saw hints of a good guy hidden under that rock god ego, but they were few and very far between.
For some reason, Dani agrees to help out Nash and pose as his fiancé for his epic hometown return. A place he left behind ten years ago, full of regrets and a son he’s never even laid eyes on. Turns out his best friend, the cake baker extraordinaire, is the mystery man from her sister’s wedding - MICK!
There’s a lot of history and a tangled web of heartache surrounding Nash’s group of friends and Dani finds herself caught in the middle. She’s a natural fixer and people pleaser, so of course she’s going to try and make things better, maybe even at the cost of what she really wants, or I should say who.
“Mick, you’re the only taste I’ve been craving.”
The spark between Dani and Mick made me giddy. I will say, the romance wasn’t the most prevalent part of the story though, it read more like women’s fiction than contemporary romance. I thought Dani was a really likable character, but there were more than a few times, I was frustrated with her. I wanted her to let the whole sham go, everyone could see through it anyway, and just be honest with Mick. At one point, it was like, enough already, just tell him you want him! But, Mick was patient and so sweet, and it only made me fall for him even more.
“You should try frosting a cake with those moves.”
“I do. Every day. And I can’t wait to frost yours.”
The cast of secondary characters was top notch. Bear pretty much stole the show with his serenade. I would love to read Bear and Angie's story. Nash and Quinn's reunion sort of happened in the background, so maybe this means, possibly, they might get a book? I’m not a huge Nash fan, but I’m sure the author can change that.
I enjoyed the story, but there were a few things that bothered me enough to mention. The whole Jax and Dex situation felt like an afterthought, like it was just thrown in. I would have liked for that to have been explored a little more, rather than just a quick chapter at the end. And how could Dani not be in New Hope with Laney and Noah?!?! Totally blew my mind that she would miss out on that day.
I thoroughly enjoy Jessica Topper’s writing. Her way with words, all the musical references throughout the story and the development of the characters, spoke to my inner book nerd and commanded my attention. Similar to cake, I enjoyed this until the very last crumb.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
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Want to read
May 5, 2015Very sad .. Penguin always turns down my ARC requests on NG. I don't have this issue with any other publisher. Sad. Guess my reviews for the previous books by this author didn't amount for SQUAT !!
June 5, 2015
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and the secondary character, Dani, so I was eager for this book with Dani as the lead. It was not long before the story had me rear back with surprise, ponder if I wanted to continue, and then cautiously proceed forward once again. Not what I was expecting and definitely feeling conflicted, but in the end I was pleased that I pushed through and gave it a chance.
This is not an easy story and it really isn't a typical romance. In fact, the romance doesn't come until nearly the end. I would actually place this more as a women's fiction story since it's really the emotional journey of several lost (and I do mean lost) souls finding their way home. This is not obvious until later in the book and the full extent of what was in process didn't hit me until the end. Redemption happened all around and the romance was strong and struck more than one couple. It was like one of those blazing sunrises that steals your breath away. A paradigm shift occurred and I suddenly saw the whole story from a new perspective. I went from not really seeing the appeal in the characters or their story to being riveted to see if it would all work out the way I hoped.
I shared all that because I suspect that most folk will go into this book with the same expectations I did and be sorely tempted to slam the book closed and move on. Unappealing, self-absorbed characters with a boatload of issues and not a romance in sight several chapters in doesn't generally appeal. I almost closed it and set it aside after few chapters of Dani's narration and I was wondering what I ever saw in this character from the earlier book. And the rest of the characters, whew, they weren't the types to make you want to care about their story either. I chose to read on because I had read two earlier books by the author and trusted her to bring me another good one. Glad I stuck it out because when all was said and done, this was a good one.
So...
The story opens with Dani James donating the latest of her bridesmaids dresses and taking the awe her serial bridesmaid's status brings from her best friend, Laney. Dani has a nearly legendary reputation for avoiding the altar or relationships. She dispenses sage advice and is there for her friends. Laney has found Noah and they're getting married and her other best pal, Jax is writing his best seller and selling cars. Her parents with their high expectations and notions for what is best are on her to settle down to a real job instead of flitting about. None of them realize what she hides as she adeptly keeps them at arm's length from the real Dani.
Just the sight of that bridesmaid's gown brings back memories that she has been trying to bury for over a year. Why can't she forget the guy who crashed her sister's wedding, charmed her with his talk of cake under her pillow and a cake charm from the wedding cake and then giving her the best night of her life before the truth came out? He no-showed on her the next morning. Come to find out, he was a thief and her family looked down on her for her poor judgment. And yet, it took her a year to part with the gown and she can't be near a dessert at night without thinking of him. With that in mind, time to get out of town and busy with her new gig as masseuse to all the rock musicians with the big summer traveling music festival.
The tour brings her into contact with obnoxious rock star, Nash Drama, and when she loses her job on the tour, she let's him talk her into a fake fiance scheme so she can help him with a cleaned up reputation before his home town. Shockingly, she encounters the one who got away is Nash's best friend, Mick Stevens, and she doesn't know what she think she does about Nash, Mick, or even herself. She can run like she always does when things get real or she can stick it out for the chance of finding something permanent- a chance to find home.
As I said, this one doesn't read like typical romance. It is long developing for the romance and characters and sweepingly descriptive of the rock festival life and life in Nash's small home town. Music lovers will find the authentic feel to the rock festival and the delightful Bear's rock band tributes a blast.
Even when I didn't particularly like Dani (and I confess that I never completely warmed up to her), Nash or Mick, I will admit that they were well-written and complex characters. It's only late in the book when the author peals back the layers and secrets that things make complete sense when it comes to these people. Wow! There were some real humdinger past issues that made them the way they are. I'm not sure if the author deliberately intended for the way a reader will initially feel about the characters and have that transform by the end, but if she did then she's a master at her craft. As to the surrounding characters, they weren't just props. Each had a background and a developed personality. Bear was a crack up and Mick's aunt was a scene-stealer.
The romance itself is an utterly confusing thing much of the time and doesn't shake out until the end. I couldn't decide if this was going to end up a love triangle (or at one point even a love square was possible) or if it was going to be complete upset like one of Shakespeare's comedies. Oh, and this story heads down some interesting paths so that if you're looking for some hot, sexy action, you won't get a direct scene until near the end. But that being said, there is a happily ever after and no serious love triangle going on.
That reminds me, this is a story told in alternate points of view and flashback scenes. It certainly kept me on my toes, but never actually confused me as each switch was marked clearly and the flashbacks were in italicized font.
Now, I never did fully cotton to Dani, I was meh on her and Mick's romance, but the rest of this story with several people including Dani and Mick finally healing and finding their happy was what really did it for me. There is a sense that I wrote this review in a cautionary way, but that's because as I said, I think going in with the right expectations can make all the difference.
I would recommend this for those who love rock star romance, long developing character-driven stories and spicy Contemporary Romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is not an easy story and it really isn't a typical romance. In fact, the romance doesn't come until nearly the end. I would actually place this more as a women's fiction story since it's really the emotional journey of several lost (and I do mean lost) souls finding their way home. This is not obvious until later in the book and the full extent of what was in process didn't hit me until the end. Redemption happened all around and the romance was strong and struck more than one couple. It was like one of those blazing sunrises that steals your breath away. A paradigm shift occurred and I suddenly saw the whole story from a new perspective. I went from not really seeing the appeal in the characters or their story to being riveted to see if it would all work out the way I hoped.
I shared all that because I suspect that most folk will go into this book with the same expectations I did and be sorely tempted to slam the book closed and move on. Unappealing, self-absorbed characters with a boatload of issues and not a romance in sight several chapters in doesn't generally appeal. I almost closed it and set it aside after few chapters of Dani's narration and I was wondering what I ever saw in this character from the earlier book. And the rest of the characters, whew, they weren't the types to make you want to care about their story either. I chose to read on because I had read two earlier books by the author and trusted her to bring me another good one. Glad I stuck it out because when all was said and done, this was a good one.
So...
The story opens with Dani James donating the latest of her bridesmaids dresses and taking the awe her serial bridesmaid's status brings from her best friend, Laney. Dani has a nearly legendary reputation for avoiding the altar or relationships. She dispenses sage advice and is there for her friends. Laney has found Noah and they're getting married and her other best pal, Jax is writing his best seller and selling cars. Her parents with their high expectations and notions for what is best are on her to settle down to a real job instead of flitting about. None of them realize what she hides as she adeptly keeps them at arm's length from the real Dani.
Just the sight of that bridesmaid's gown brings back memories that she has been trying to bury for over a year. Why can't she forget the guy who crashed her sister's wedding, charmed her with his talk of cake under her pillow and a cake charm from the wedding cake and then giving her the best night of her life before the truth came out? He no-showed on her the next morning. Come to find out, he was a thief and her family looked down on her for her poor judgment. And yet, it took her a year to part with the gown and she can't be near a dessert at night without thinking of him. With that in mind, time to get out of town and busy with her new gig as masseuse to all the rock musicians with the big summer traveling music festival.
The tour brings her into contact with obnoxious rock star, Nash Drama, and when she loses her job on the tour, she let's him talk her into a fake fiance scheme so she can help him with a cleaned up reputation before his home town. Shockingly, she encounters the one who got away is Nash's best friend, Mick Stevens, and she doesn't know what she think she does about Nash, Mick, or even herself. She can run like she always does when things get real or she can stick it out for the chance of finding something permanent- a chance to find home.
As I said, this one doesn't read like typical romance. It is long developing for the romance and characters and sweepingly descriptive of the rock festival life and life in Nash's small home town. Music lovers will find the authentic feel to the rock festival and the delightful Bear's rock band tributes a blast.
Even when I didn't particularly like Dani (and I confess that I never completely warmed up to her), Nash or Mick, I will admit that they were well-written and complex characters. It's only late in the book when the author peals back the layers and secrets that things make complete sense when it comes to these people. Wow! There were some real humdinger past issues that made them the way they are. I'm not sure if the author deliberately intended for the way a reader will initially feel about the characters and have that transform by the end, but if she did then she's a master at her craft. As to the surrounding characters, they weren't just props. Each had a background and a developed personality. Bear was a crack up and Mick's aunt was a scene-stealer.
The romance itself is an utterly confusing thing much of the time and doesn't shake out until the end. I couldn't decide if this was going to end up a love triangle (or at one point even a love square was possible) or if it was going to be complete upset like one of Shakespeare's comedies. Oh, and this story heads down some interesting paths so that if you're looking for some hot, sexy action, you won't get a direct scene until near the end. But that being said, there is a happily ever after and no serious love triangle going on.
That reminds me, this is a story told in alternate points of view and flashback scenes. It certainly kept me on my toes, but never actually confused me as each switch was marked clearly and the flashbacks were in italicized font.
Now, I never did fully cotton to Dani, I was meh on her and Mick's romance, but the rest of this story with several people including Dani and Mick finally healing and finding their happy was what really did it for me. There is a sense that I wrote this review in a cautionary way, but that's because as I said, I think going in with the right expectations can make all the difference.
I would recommend this for those who love rock star romance, long developing character-driven stories and spicy Contemporary Romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2015
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed the first half of the story but I felt too many things happened in the second half and they were rushed through.
Note: This reads more like women's fiction, sort of family saga than romance. It does have a HEA but the focus was on the heroine's journey and not just on the romance.
Here is my full review which you can also read on Ellie Reads Fiction:
This is the second book in the I DO series and I can say these stories shape out more like women's fiction, family sagas, than romance.
It's Danny's story whom we met briefly in the previous book. We see that she is not the confident, clear-headed Dany from What Would Dany Do that Laney thought of her. She is a normal person with strengths and weaknesses, she is a little lost and confused, a lot of caring and full of love.
This is a compelx story, overwhelming at times with its diversity of characters and intricate relationships between them. Yet, it was engaging. I cared about Dany, and Mick, and Nash, and everybody in New Hope. I felt the complexity of the story reflected real life, it's messy, people make mistackes and hurt each other, but there is also forgiveness, acceptance, love, hope.
Despite having two guys as lead characters in teh story, it's not a love triangle, there is no real competition, they are both involved in Dany's life in an important ways. I wanted more of the romance, wanted Mick and Dany to spend more time together. It seemed the author tried to cover too many issues in the story and the love/romance got lost inbetween them. I feel some of the events/characters could have been skipped, there was some jumping from character to character which was rather distracting.
All characters, Dany, Mick and Nash had one too many issues stemming from their past. They all needed to deal with them in order to move on with their lives but I felt some of the problems were superficially treated and far too easily and conveniently resolved. The whole subplot with Dany and Jax didn't fit the story and the dramatic twist towards the end was uncalled for.
Overall it is a well wrtitten romantic story of one woman's journey to herself and to love, it's smart and full of tender emotion. Fans of the author will enjoy this installment in the series and I'd recommend it while keeping in mind that the romance is not the main focus of the story, it's rather women's fiction with romantic elements.
I really enjoyed the first half of the story but I felt too many things happened in the second half and they were rushed through.
Note: This reads more like women's fiction, sort of family saga than romance. It does have a HEA but the focus was on the heroine's journey and not just on the romance.
Here is my full review which you can also read on Ellie Reads Fiction:
This is the second book in the I DO series and I can say these stories shape out more like women's fiction, family sagas, than romance.
It's Danny's story whom we met briefly in the previous book. We see that she is not the confident, clear-headed Dany from What Would Dany Do that Laney thought of her. She is a normal person with strengths and weaknesses, she is a little lost and confused, a lot of caring and full of love.
This is a compelx story, overwhelming at times with its diversity of characters and intricate relationships between them. Yet, it was engaging. I cared about Dany, and Mick, and Nash, and everybody in New Hope. I felt the complexity of the story reflected real life, it's messy, people make mistackes and hurt each other, but there is also forgiveness, acceptance, love, hope.
Despite having two guys as lead characters in teh story, it's not a love triangle, there is no real competition, they are both involved in Dany's life in an important ways. I wanted more of the romance, wanted Mick and Dany to spend more time together. It seemed the author tried to cover too many issues in the story and the love/romance got lost inbetween them. I feel some of the events/characters could have been skipped, there was some jumping from character to character which was rather distracting.
All characters, Dany, Mick and Nash had one too many issues stemming from their past. They all needed to deal with them in order to move on with their lives but I felt some of the problems were superficially treated and far too easily and conveniently resolved. The whole subplot with Dany and Jax didn't fit the story and the dramatic twist towards the end was uncalled for.
Overall it is a well wrtitten romantic story of one woman's journey to herself and to love, it's smart and full of tender emotion. Fans of the author will enjoy this installment in the series and I'd recommend it while keeping in mind that the romance is not the main focus of the story, it's rather women's fiction with romantic elements.
May 10, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.
Courtship of the Cake was not what I expected. It was a good, well written book, but the emotions were heavier than a book about cake should be.
We meet Dani, a travelling massage therapist; Nash, a famous musician; and Mick, a bakery owner. Dani and Mick met in New Orleans when he crashed her sister’s wedding and formed an instant connection that circumstances didn’t allow to flourish. A year later, she is working the same music festival as Nash when she ends up working for him to help with a medical condition. Being Nash’s personal therapist leads to her helping him with other aspects of his life and back to Mick, who was one of Nash’s childhood friends.
Dani was an easy character to like. She was pretty easy going, caring, and seemed to be everyone’s port in the storm. Nash and Mick were much harder to like at first; they were both more complex and dealing with a lifetime of issues. To be honest, I never quiet understood why Dani agreed to help Nash in the first place.
Nash brings Dani to his home town where he wants to get to know his son. Once they arrive, we see several different relationships develop and grow. The stories are interesting and intriguing to watch, but there is also an unfinished feeling and a sense that no one is really being honest. By then end of the book, things made more sense, but I still wasn’t really comfortable with how everything was handled.
Courtship of the Cake is the second book in the Much “I Do” About Nothing series. I have not read the first book in the series and I don’t know if that would have helped or not, but this book and I didn’t really click.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
Courtship of the Cake was not what I expected. It was a good, well written book, but the emotions were heavier than a book about cake should be.
We meet Dani, a travelling massage therapist; Nash, a famous musician; and Mick, a bakery owner. Dani and Mick met in New Orleans when he crashed her sister’s wedding and formed an instant connection that circumstances didn’t allow to flourish. A year later, she is working the same music festival as Nash when she ends up working for him to help with a medical condition. Being Nash’s personal therapist leads to her helping him with other aspects of his life and back to Mick, who was one of Nash’s childhood friends.
Dani was an easy character to like. She was pretty easy going, caring, and seemed to be everyone’s port in the storm. Nash and Mick were much harder to like at first; they were both more complex and dealing with a lifetime of issues. To be honest, I never quiet understood why Dani agreed to help Nash in the first place.
Nash brings Dani to his home town where he wants to get to know his son. Once they arrive, we see several different relationships develop and grow. The stories are interesting and intriguing to watch, but there is also an unfinished feeling and a sense that no one is really being honest. By then end of the book, things made more sense, but I still wasn’t really comfortable with how everything was handled.
Courtship of the Cake is the second book in the Much “I Do” About Nothing series. I have not read the first book in the series and I don’t know if that would have helped or not, but this book and I didn’t really click.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
June 11, 2015
Dnf :( just couldn't keep me interested. I really enjoyed book 1, and this one has the right recipe just not delivered in engaging way.
June 2, 2015
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2015/06...
A free-spirited massage therapist, a sexy cake designer who knows his way around more than the kitchen, a rock star at a crossroads in his life… There is a lot to capture readers’ interest in Courtship of the Cake . Jessica Topper’s second Much “I Do” About Nothing novel can be fun and charming, and at times almost captures your heart.
Dani is the black sheep of her family, happier on the road treating festival musicians than staying home and fulfilling her parents’ expectations. I liked Dani; she has a good heart and can hold her own against the dominant personalities at the music festival. When a mishap at the festival lands her in hot water and out of a job, bad boy Nash Drama comes up with a heck of a job offer. He needs Dani’s skills as a massage therapist to help him when his AS flares up and he also needs a respectable fiancée for his return trip home. Against her better judgment, Dani accepts Nash’s offer, but the trip to his hometown yields an unexpected surprise in the form of Nash’s childhood best friend, Mick. Mick is a too-hot-for-his-own-good baker who fell fast and hard for Dani the one disastrous night they met the year before. Mick and Dani have good chemistry, and though there was sexual tension aplenty, the romance fell short. There was no true development to the love story; it was glossed over and I was disappointed in the lack of depth. I didn’t really know why Dani and Mick were in love, aside from a romance novel requiring it.
Courtship of the Cake has a lot of potential. There are half a dozen interconnecting storylines involving Dani, Mick, Nash, and the book’s sizeable supporting cast. Family drama, lost love, dreams coming apart, friendships being tested, and more are all plotlines at play, yet none of them are given the attention they deserve. This was frustrating because Ms. Topper would introduce an element to the story that was really interesting and then skimmed along the surface of it until going to the next plot point. That’s not to say that Courtship of the Cake is a bad book – there’s a lot to enjoy and I was undoubtedly invested in the story. I was simply surprised that the book was more superficial than I would have expected given the characters and their various problems.
Courtship of the Cake is the second book in the Much “I Do” About Nothing series but it can be read as a standalone. Despite the fact that this book wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I do still want to read the first story, Dictatorship of the Dress. Ms. Topper knows how to write charming characters and I liked her writing enough to give her work another shot.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A free-spirited massage therapist, a sexy cake designer who knows his way around more than the kitchen, a rock star at a crossroads in his life… There is a lot to capture readers’ interest in Courtship of the Cake . Jessica Topper’s second Much “I Do” About Nothing novel can be fun and charming, and at times almost captures your heart.
Dani is the black sheep of her family, happier on the road treating festival musicians than staying home and fulfilling her parents’ expectations. I liked Dani; she has a good heart and can hold her own against the dominant personalities at the music festival. When a mishap at the festival lands her in hot water and out of a job, bad boy Nash Drama comes up with a heck of a job offer. He needs Dani’s skills as a massage therapist to help him when his AS flares up and he also needs a respectable fiancée for his return trip home. Against her better judgment, Dani accepts Nash’s offer, but the trip to his hometown yields an unexpected surprise in the form of Nash’s childhood best friend, Mick. Mick is a too-hot-for-his-own-good baker who fell fast and hard for Dani the one disastrous night they met the year before. Mick and Dani have good chemistry, and though there was sexual tension aplenty, the romance fell short. There was no true development to the love story; it was glossed over and I was disappointed in the lack of depth. I didn’t really know why Dani and Mick were in love, aside from a romance novel requiring it.
Courtship of the Cake has a lot of potential. There are half a dozen interconnecting storylines involving Dani, Mick, Nash, and the book’s sizeable supporting cast. Family drama, lost love, dreams coming apart, friendships being tested, and more are all plotlines at play, yet none of them are given the attention they deserve. This was frustrating because Ms. Topper would introduce an element to the story that was really interesting and then skimmed along the surface of it until going to the next plot point. That’s not to say that Courtship of the Cake is a bad book – there’s a lot to enjoy and I was undoubtedly invested in the story. I was simply surprised that the book was more superficial than I would have expected given the characters and their various problems.
Courtship of the Cake is the second book in the Much “I Do” About Nothing series but it can be read as a standalone. Despite the fact that this book wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I do still want to read the first story, Dictatorship of the Dress. Ms. Topper knows how to write charming characters and I liked her writing enough to give her work another shot.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 25, 2016
Danica “Dani” James is a masseuse who is hoping to forget the one that got away. Taking on a job travelling with a rock group, she garners another position that brings her right back into the orbit of the mysterious man who left a slice of cake under her pillow and a fire burning that he didn’t bother to quench.
Mick Spencer, cake decorator extraordinaire, has now been retained to present a cake for the upcoming nuptials of his former BFF. However, imagine Mick’s surprise when the bride-to-be is the one he left wanting, but can’t seem to forget. Will these two be able to work their way back to what they shared one night, or will they find that there are too many obstacles barring their way?
Courtship of the Cake was an intriguing, convoluted tale that promised a HEA for all involved. I enjoyed Dani’s story after I got to know her more in Courtship of the Cake, and her fiancé was brought forth with his baggage that added to Courtship of the Cake. Mick wasn’t a bad guy, but he seemed like the easy choice, and I felt that was a cop-out for Dani. They didn’t spend a lot of time together in Courtship of the Cake, and her fiancé, Nash, seemed to be a little more fleshed out in the tale.
Courtship of the Cake has a lot more depth between its covers than a regular run-of-the-mill romance. Dani had a story that she needed to tell, but she hid it so well in her psyche that there was really no hint of its truth, and the reader doesn’t uncover it until Dani realizes it either in the Courtship of the Cake. I found, at times, that Mick wasn’t truly necessary for Dani’s HEA, but was more the icing on her cake! I still think that Nash would’ve been the more intriguing match for Dani as they explored what brought them to the points in life where they intersect in the Courtship of the Cake.
Reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: bit.ly/1fW7jnX
Mick Spencer, cake decorator extraordinaire, has now been retained to present a cake for the upcoming nuptials of his former BFF. However, imagine Mick’s surprise when the bride-to-be is the one he left wanting, but can’t seem to forget. Will these two be able to work their way back to what they shared one night, or will they find that there are too many obstacles barring their way?
Courtship of the Cake was an intriguing, convoluted tale that promised a HEA for all involved. I enjoyed Dani’s story after I got to know her more in Courtship of the Cake, and her fiancé was brought forth with his baggage that added to Courtship of the Cake. Mick wasn’t a bad guy, but he seemed like the easy choice, and I felt that was a cop-out for Dani. They didn’t spend a lot of time together in Courtship of the Cake, and her fiancé, Nash, seemed to be a little more fleshed out in the tale.
Courtship of the Cake has a lot more depth between its covers than a regular run-of-the-mill romance. Dani had a story that she needed to tell, but she hid it so well in her psyche that there was really no hint of its truth, and the reader doesn’t uncover it until Dani realizes it either in the Courtship of the Cake. I found, at times, that Mick wasn’t truly necessary for Dani’s HEA, but was more the icing on her cake! I still think that Nash would’ve been the more intriguing match for Dani as they explored what brought them to the points in life where they intersect in the Courtship of the Cake.
Reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: bit.ly/1fW7jnX
May 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this! I loved Nash's storyline, it really spoke to me being a physical therapist because I have watched many of my patients wrestle with the demons of their past at the same time as they come to terms with a life changing diagnosis. And in this case, the implications went beyond just how it affected him. I enjoyed the setting and all the characters and the journeys of self discovery each one went on, and how they all wove together. I didn't feel this love story as much as I have felt her others, but we're talking about the author who wrote Kat and Adrian, so the bar is set absurdly high. It was emotional and as always, the writing is impeccable. The way Jessica weaves expressions and references (that always seem to resonate with me) into her sentences is entrancing and I think she may be one of the best out there right now and that's what sets her apart from just being a good story teller.
ARC provided by the author
ARC provided by the author
did-not-finish
June 5, 2015DNF
This book just isn't working for me. I'm really bummed too because I enjoyed Dictatorship of the Dress. I just don't think the writing is a good fit for me. With Dictatorship, I really enjoyed the quirky and geeky aspect that I looked past it, but with this one there isn't anything else I'm grabbing on to that is keeping me invested. I can't connect to Dani the way I did with Laney. Because of that I'm going to put this one aside. It does have a cute premise though and I'm sure it will be a hit for others.
This book just isn't working for me. I'm really bummed too because I enjoyed Dictatorship of the Dress. I just don't think the writing is a good fit for me. With Dictatorship, I really enjoyed the quirky and geeky aspect that I looked past it, but with this one there isn't anything else I'm grabbing on to that is keeping me invested. I can't connect to Dani the way I did with Laney. Because of that I'm going to put this one aside. It does have a cute premise though and I'm sure it will be a hit for others.
May 31, 2015
2.5-3
I loved Dictatorship of the Dress and really was looking forward to this one. However, I found myself a bit bored and forcing myself to finish. There were a lot of flashbacks which got a bit old to me. Then, the POV was constantly changing. I don't usually mind that but some of the chapters are really short and with the constant POV change, it got a bit confusing. This one sadly didn't work for me. Although, it did put me in the mood for some amazing desserts.
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
I loved Dictatorship of the Dress and really was looking forward to this one. However, I found myself a bit bored and forcing myself to finish. There were a lot of flashbacks which got a bit old to me. Then, the POV was constantly changing. I don't usually mind that but some of the chapters are really short and with the constant POV change, it got a bit confusing. This one sadly didn't work for me. Although, it did put me in the mood for some amazing desserts.
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
June 19, 2015
What a wonderful job Jessica Topper does with writing characters. I really adored every bit of this book. She is a fantastic storyteller and really wonderful at keeping the characters feeling real. They have flaws, they have goodness and they all deserve love.
Really great book with such a strong voice.
Really great book with such a strong voice.
Read
May 18, 2015Oh what a shame. I loved book one of this series but I just cannot connect with this character or story. I may be giving up on this book, but will certainly try book 3 and this author again.
June 19, 2015
Great job, Jess!
March 21, 2018
This book started out with a lot of promise. Dani was a great character and I enjoyed the fake fiancee storyline. In fact, just about all of the characters were great. But that was it. Dani and Nash have such great chemistry that I was disappointed that she has so little with Mick. It's never explained/shown why they can't forget about one another. And I don't know why Dani holds a grudge against him at the beginning since you learn that . I think my biggest problem here was the subplot featuring Jax, an old friend of Dani's, which suddenly turns into a rape subplot! Where the heck did that come from!? And there's no resolution to it either. It's not handled well at all.
June 24, 2018
Mich konnte die Geschichte nicht überzeugen. Ich hab am Anfang recht große Schwierigkeiten gehabt, mich in die Geschichte einzufinden und wären die Kapitel nicht mit dem Namen versehen gewesen, aus dessen Perspektive sie erzählt werden, hätte ich das nicht auseinander halten können - und ich finde schon, dass man der Erzählstimme auch anmerken sollte, wer denn da nun erzählt. Zudem fand ich die Auflösung von Danis "Vergangenheitsproblems" sehr an den Haaren herbei gezogen, da es im restlichen Buch eigentlich überhaupt keine Rolle gespielt hat. Alles in allem leider nichts für mich.
November 16, 2020
Enjoyed this book. Had a little trouble following the story at first, but probably more because of my less than dependable memory. I really appreciated that range of characters, their vocations and their issues - quite an interesting collection. Ready to read more by the this author.
February 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
May 4, 2019
Three stars is generous....the first book was great, so I hoped for a second good read in the series.
This one wandered, confused me at times, got snagged in side-stories...you get the picture.
This one wandered, confused me at times, got snagged in side-stories...you get the picture.
October 17, 2024
I like the first book in the series more than this one
June 23, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/co...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Courtship of the Cake was an enjoyable albeit long read. As an introduction to this author, I was able to ascertain that I liked her writing style and she incorporates just the right amount of sizzle for my reading enjoyment.
One thing I must say, and it is more about the presentation of the book. It was one of the hardest books to read electronically in a long while as I found it very difficult to tell when the person speaking and/or thinking had changed at various junctures throughout the book. It was not a consistent problem, but intermittent, which made it relatively frustrating. However, I did my best to make sure it did not deter from the content of the book.
Dani (Danica) is a likeable character with bad mojo with respect to her love life. She met the “one” at her sister’s wedding in New Orleans, but before they could even really get started…he leaves…after the first night. Dani is trying to get over Mick, but it is just not happening. So, when the opportunity arises to work as a backstage masseuse for Nash Drama (legendary rock singer), Dani jumps at the chance. Maybe this will be enough to keep Dani busy and starting to get over the one who left. Along the way, Dani actually comes to like the bad boy Nash Drama! Dani excels at bringing the good out in people. When she oversteps her boundaries on the job and is let go mid concert tour, Nash hires her to be his personal masseuse…he just can’t live without her. At one point in the tour, the band is heading to Canada, but Nash does not have the clearance…so he is on hiatus for one week. During this time, he is to return to his home town to receive a key to the city. He asks Dani to play an unusual part in this side trip…his fiancé. His reasoning…she has “magic mojo hands” and he needs them on him every day.
Dani is the level headed one within her circle of friends…there is a saying that, when a dilemma occurs, is said amongst her friends:
“Listen to that little voice inside your own head for once, will ya? W-W-D-D? What would Dani do?”
And frequently we are reminded of W-W-D-D. This seems to be the motto when events take a turn south and Dani must make life work. Well, this saying is never more prevalent than when Dani and Nash return to his hometown and who does Dani encounter? Mick of course. And then the fun starts. And trust me…you will enjoy the story from here on out!
I was pleasantly surprised to find as the characters were developed, they became more robust and satisfying to follow, and I enjoyed the storytelling more. I became invested in the intertwined mix of their lives. As the love triangle emerges, some of the stunts pulled by Mick were just priceless. He will not fight fair to win. All I can say is, read away to find out how this all ends. Nash is a much deeper character than I would have imagined at the beginning of the book and I have to say that I enjoyed his journey.
Other notable characters…Logan and his mother – Quinn, Bear and Angie. You will also get a chuckle when Jimmy comes into the cake shop and raring for a fight! Steam out of his ears, madder than a hatter. I certainly chuckled. The humor was also a big component for my overall enjoyment.
So this second book in the series (though essentially a stand-alone title in its own right) is filled with a bit of romance (though certainly not in the beginning unless you count in Dani’s daydreams), more women’s fiction than romance, humor, conniving and all around good fun.
I heartily recommend this book and will most certainly go back and read book one!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Courtship of the Cake was an enjoyable albeit long read. As an introduction to this author, I was able to ascertain that I liked her writing style and she incorporates just the right amount of sizzle for my reading enjoyment.
One thing I must say, and it is more about the presentation of the book. It was one of the hardest books to read electronically in a long while as I found it very difficult to tell when the person speaking and/or thinking had changed at various junctures throughout the book. It was not a consistent problem, but intermittent, which made it relatively frustrating. However, I did my best to make sure it did not deter from the content of the book.
Dani (Danica) is a likeable character with bad mojo with respect to her love life. She met the “one” at her sister’s wedding in New Orleans, but before they could even really get started…he leaves…after the first night. Dani is trying to get over Mick, but it is just not happening. So, when the opportunity arises to work as a backstage masseuse for Nash Drama (legendary rock singer), Dani jumps at the chance. Maybe this will be enough to keep Dani busy and starting to get over the one who left. Along the way, Dani actually comes to like the bad boy Nash Drama! Dani excels at bringing the good out in people. When she oversteps her boundaries on the job and is let go mid concert tour, Nash hires her to be his personal masseuse…he just can’t live without her. At one point in the tour, the band is heading to Canada, but Nash does not have the clearance…so he is on hiatus for one week. During this time, he is to return to his home town to receive a key to the city. He asks Dani to play an unusual part in this side trip…his fiancé. His reasoning…she has “magic mojo hands” and he needs them on him every day.
Dani is the level headed one within her circle of friends…there is a saying that, when a dilemma occurs, is said amongst her friends:
“Listen to that little voice inside your own head for once, will ya? W-W-D-D? What would Dani do?”
And frequently we are reminded of W-W-D-D. This seems to be the motto when events take a turn south and Dani must make life work. Well, this saying is never more prevalent than when Dani and Nash return to his hometown and who does Dani encounter? Mick of course. And then the fun starts. And trust me…you will enjoy the story from here on out!
I was pleasantly surprised to find as the characters were developed, they became more robust and satisfying to follow, and I enjoyed the storytelling more. I became invested in the intertwined mix of their lives. As the love triangle emerges, some of the stunts pulled by Mick were just priceless. He will not fight fair to win. All I can say is, read away to find out how this all ends. Nash is a much deeper character than I would have imagined at the beginning of the book and I have to say that I enjoyed his journey.
Other notable characters…Logan and his mother – Quinn, Bear and Angie. You will also get a chuckle when Jimmy comes into the cake shop and raring for a fight! Steam out of his ears, madder than a hatter. I certainly chuckled. The humor was also a big component for my overall enjoyment.
So this second book in the series (though essentially a stand-alone title in its own right) is filled with a bit of romance (though certainly not in the beginning unless you count in Dani’s daydreams), more women’s fiction than romance, humor, conniving and all around good fun.
I heartily recommend this book and will most certainly go back and read book one!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
June 26, 2015
Two people who shared an amazing night, like passing ships in the sea, were never meant to see each other again. Dani and Mick had instant chemistry on that fateful night, but with the incident that happened afterward, it meant they were never meant to be. But neither can forget the other, and neither are expecting to see each other again.
Dani lives sort of a hippy lifestyle, minus the main hippy part of it. She loves to travel and seeing new things. It’s this craving, as well as trying to keep her mind off of all things Mick, that has her taking employment for the traveling rock music festival as their masseuse. And it’s there, while she’s enjoying herself, that she runs across Nash Drama. There’s instant friendship between the two, despite his rocker status and good looks. When he comes in need of a fake fiancee, it’s her that he requests. And, for some reason, she accepts. Maybe it’s because she sees that he really needs someone in his corner, but she knows she has to help him. Dani was a strong female character. She knew, at all times, who she was and what she wanted. And she was simply a caring person.
Mick hasn’t been able to forget Dani. And he’s gone on sort of a bender of searching for bridesmaids to try to scratch that itch of his. But nothing compares to Dani. And his whole world is thrown upside down when she comes to his bakery engaged to his childhood best friend. Mick was playful, and acted a lot older than his years. He was an enjoyable hero who, despite wanting what was his, still took care to those around him. He may have been misguided in things, but he still cared.
Most of the novel switches from the night Mick and Dani met to the current. I think because of this, I had a somewhat difficult time really feeling their connection. I still wholly enjoyed their journey, as well as seeing Nash grow into who he deserved to be. The friendship between Nash and Dani was sweet and made me feel, as the reader, that I wanted a friendship like that. While slow at times, the journey to finding oneself was enjoyable to read, and getting to feel the shared childhood that all of the characters shared was fun. At times, I wished and felt it were more of Nash’s journey than Dani’s. And I hope we get to see some from him as I fell in love with who he became.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
Dani lives sort of a hippy lifestyle, minus the main hippy part of it. She loves to travel and seeing new things. It’s this craving, as well as trying to keep her mind off of all things Mick, that has her taking employment for the traveling rock music festival as their masseuse. And it’s there, while she’s enjoying herself, that she runs across Nash Drama. There’s instant friendship between the two, despite his rocker status and good looks. When he comes in need of a fake fiancee, it’s her that he requests. And, for some reason, she accepts. Maybe it’s because she sees that he really needs someone in his corner, but she knows she has to help him. Dani was a strong female character. She knew, at all times, who she was and what she wanted. And she was simply a caring person.
Mick hasn’t been able to forget Dani. And he’s gone on sort of a bender of searching for bridesmaids to try to scratch that itch of his. But nothing compares to Dani. And his whole world is thrown upside down when she comes to his bakery engaged to his childhood best friend. Mick was playful, and acted a lot older than his years. He was an enjoyable hero who, despite wanting what was his, still took care to those around him. He may have been misguided in things, but he still cared.
Most of the novel switches from the night Mick and Dani met to the current. I think because of this, I had a somewhat difficult time really feeling their connection. I still wholly enjoyed their journey, as well as seeing Nash grow into who he deserved to be. The friendship between Nash and Dani was sweet and made me feel, as the reader, that I wanted a friendship like that. While slow at times, the journey to finding oneself was enjoyable to read, and getting to feel the shared childhood that all of the characters shared was fun. At times, I wished and felt it were more of Nash’s journey than Dani’s. And I hope we get to see some from him as I fell in love with who he became.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest review**
July 1, 2015
When I picked up Courtship of the Cake by Jessica Topper I had no idea it was going to be a love triangle of sorts. This is Dani's story. This is Nash's story. This is Mick's story. It's about all of them almost equally. I don't mind love triangles. I think sometimes they work and sometimes they don't as far as telling a story goes. In this case it really isn't a triangle in the normal sense. Yet it is about all three characters.
I felt very disconnected at times while reading. The majority of the book is Dani and Nash's set up. About half way in you get Mick and Nash pretty much exits. Well sort of. Again it's a little confusing. Dani meets Nash while traveling with a music festival. Nash is your typical rock star with a rock god complex and health issues. He needs Dani and she needs to earn a living. When Nash needs to go home, a place he hasn't been back to in 10 years, it's Dani he chooses to take with him as his "fiancée" and where the story gets complicated.
Mick crashed Dani's sisters' wedding I think a year prior. Both harbor feelings for each other, some good and some bad. Mick just so happens to be Nash's childhood friend and local wedding cake baker.
There are several different stories that run parallel and also intertwine in this story. While I love Ms. Topper's unique story telling, this one left me confused and detached. I often had to go back and re-read parts because I was confused about certain scenes and even who was talking at times. There are flashback scenes that try to explain Mick and Dani's past together but sometimes I still didn't get it.
Then there were the brothers from Dani's past. Really wish that entire story had been the prologue. I think it would have made Dani's character easier to understand.
This book will not deter me from reading more Jessica Topper novels. I really do enjoy her writing. This one just didn't work for me.
*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I felt very disconnected at times while reading. The majority of the book is Dani and Nash's set up. About half way in you get Mick and Nash pretty much exits. Well sort of. Again it's a little confusing. Dani meets Nash while traveling with a music festival. Nash is your typical rock star with a rock god complex and health issues. He needs Dani and she needs to earn a living. When Nash needs to go home, a place he hasn't been back to in 10 years, it's Dani he chooses to take with him as his "fiancée" and where the story gets complicated.
Mick crashed Dani's sisters' wedding I think a year prior. Both harbor feelings for each other, some good and some bad. Mick just so happens to be Nash's childhood friend and local wedding cake baker.
There are several different stories that run parallel and also intertwine in this story. While I love Ms. Topper's unique story telling, this one left me confused and detached. I often had to go back and re-read parts because I was confused about certain scenes and even who was talking at times. There are flashback scenes that try to explain Mick and Dani's past together but sometimes I still didn't get it.
Then there were the brothers from Dani's past. Really wish that entire story had been the prologue. I think it would have made Dani's character easier to understand.
This book will not deter me from reading more Jessica Topper novels. I really do enjoy her writing. This one just didn't work for me.
*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
June 1, 2015
Danica James is usually the voice of reason for her friends. She is also a massage therapist. She loves her job but she needs a way out of her home. A year ago, at her sister's wedding in New Orleans she had an encounter with a sexy party crasher name Mick. Their time together was short but by all means relevant. In search of a distraction, Danica joins a rock music festival. She becomes the masseuse of the famous singer Nash Drama. Nash needs her help. He wants her to play the part of his fiancée when he goes back home.
Mick Spencer couldn't forget Dani. He has thought about her since the moment he left New Orleans. Watching her appear at his baking store the Night Kitchen is like a dream come true. Only to turn into a nightmare when he realizes she is engaged to his best friend. Mick can't understand why Dani is with Nash. He knows she felt the same attraction he did when they met and he needs to prove to her that they can be great together.
~~
I had some issues with this book. It confused me at times. Too many past/present mixed into their story.
What I liked was the back story to Bear and Angie, and Nash and Quinn. Although, most of the time I didn't like Nash. I didn't understand why Dani would sacrifice her life to help him when half of the time he was rude to her.
I didn't like Mick at the beginning but he grew on me and he made me laugh out loud a couple of times. By the end of the story I was happy to cheer for him.
Dani was not what I was expecting. Her back story with Jack I think came out of nowhere.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Mick Spencer couldn't forget Dani. He has thought about her since the moment he left New Orleans. Watching her appear at his baking store the Night Kitchen is like a dream come true. Only to turn into a nightmare when he realizes she is engaged to his best friend. Mick can't understand why Dani is with Nash. He knows she felt the same attraction he did when they met and he needs to prove to her that they can be great together.
~~
I had some issues with this book. It confused me at times. Too many past/present mixed into their story.
What I liked was the back story to Bear and Angie, and Nash and Quinn. Although, most of the time I didn't like Nash. I didn't understand why Dani would sacrifice her life to help him when half of the time he was rude to her.
I didn't like Mick at the beginning but he grew on me and he made me laugh out loud a couple of times. By the end of the story I was happy to cheer for him.
Dani was not what I was expecting. Her back story with Jack I think came out of nowhere.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
June 4, 2015
This was the kind of book that you finish with a smile and an “awwwww”. It is definitely best described as cute. It had an original storyline, and spent the entire book flashing back and forth between past and present, weaving itself in and out of the characters lives before all becoming clear.
I loved all the little connections between the characters, and how they always seemed to come back to each other. The secondary characters in this book were just as important as the main characters; their lives and the roles they played in the bigger picture were touching and lovely to read about.
Dani was a great heroine. She was strong enough to handle her own life, but still unsure enough about what to do with it that the journey to self discovery and self forgiveness was challenging. Nash was the perfect reforming bad boy. Always overcompensating, lacking the confidence he pretended to have for his fans, but with a good heart. Mick was everything a sexy man should be, and then more. A player who didn’t really want the game in the first place, just filling time while he waited for the girl he lost. The way his and Dani's past was laid out little by little, in memories and flashbacks, was dreamlike and reminiscent. Although occasionally a little difficult to follow, it really added a touch of surrealism to their shared night together.
I think I would have appreciated Dani's friends more had I read the first book, but this one was a complete standalone and I was able to love it all on its own. The settings were clever; from a music festival road trip, a groupie-filled tour bus, to a small town bed and breakfast, they seemed characters in their own right. And Logan, the adorable ten year old, stole everyone's heart, even mine. Such a lovely, sweet book, one that was easy to fall into and live in it's pages. ~ George, 4 stars
I loved all the little connections between the characters, and how they always seemed to come back to each other. The secondary characters in this book were just as important as the main characters; their lives and the roles they played in the bigger picture were touching and lovely to read about.
Dani was a great heroine. She was strong enough to handle her own life, but still unsure enough about what to do with it that the journey to self discovery and self forgiveness was challenging. Nash was the perfect reforming bad boy. Always overcompensating, lacking the confidence he pretended to have for his fans, but with a good heart. Mick was everything a sexy man should be, and then more. A player who didn’t really want the game in the first place, just filling time while he waited for the girl he lost. The way his and Dani's past was laid out little by little, in memories and flashbacks, was dreamlike and reminiscent. Although occasionally a little difficult to follow, it really added a touch of surrealism to their shared night together.
I think I would have appreciated Dani's friends more had I read the first book, but this one was a complete standalone and I was able to love it all on its own. The settings were clever; from a music festival road trip, a groupie-filled tour bus, to a small town bed and breakfast, they seemed characters in their own right. And Logan, the adorable ten year old, stole everyone's heart, even mine. Such a lovely, sweet book, one that was easy to fall into and live in it's pages. ~ George, 4 stars
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