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Bake You Mine
This competition is anything but friendly...
Aubrey Dennison has no time for romantic entanglements. She's content with a secret crush on #hotchef Liam Linley. Even though his restaurant is one door down from her patisserie, she's never let him get close. Aubrey's six years older, and a mom to a tweenager. They'd never work in real life. When their eccentric landlord crafts a scheme for them to compete over a mutually coveted restaurant space and a ten-thousand-dollar prize, she's forced to spend time with the man she's always kept at arm's length.
Liam's hot chef rep means he's outgrown his small restaurant space. He needs to expand if he wants to stay in his hometown of Port Fortune, Virginia. The only problem is that Aubrey won’t back down. Once she lets her cold facade drop, Liam's charmed. But she's a beautiful distraction standing between him and his dreams.
Sparks fly as they compete. It's a bad idea to take their fling seriously. Even if they weren't in direct competition, it's almost impossible for two busy chefs to make time for a relationship. If they want the real deal, they'll have to realize their heat isn't confined to the kitchen.
Aubrey Dennison has no time for romantic entanglements. She's content with a secret crush on #hotchef Liam Linley. Even though his restaurant is one door down from her patisserie, she's never let him get close. Aubrey's six years older, and a mom to a tweenager. They'd never work in real life. When their eccentric landlord crafts a scheme for them to compete over a mutually coveted restaurant space and a ten-thousand-dollar prize, she's forced to spend time with the man she's always kept at arm's length.
Liam's hot chef rep means he's outgrown his small restaurant space. He needs to expand if he wants to stay in his hometown of Port Fortune, Virginia. The only problem is that Aubrey won’t back down. Once she lets her cold facade drop, Liam's charmed. But she's a beautiful distraction standing between him and his dreams.
Sparks fly as they compete. It's a bad idea to take their fling seriously. Even if they weren't in direct competition, it's almost impossible for two busy chefs to make time for a relationship. If they want the real deal, they'll have to realize their heat isn't confined to the kitchen.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Ambrose
3 books24 followersClaudia Ambrose has loved writing for as long as she can remember. BUILD YOU UP is her debut novel. When she's not writing, she lives in Virginia with her husband and far too many cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 1, 2025
love this!!!! a very cute a swoony bakery story and i’m obsessed with EVERYONE in it!!!! definitely have to reread this one i’m in love 🤭🤭
‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
thank you LoveNotes PR for allowing me the chance to read and review this !!! such a cute sounding story
‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
thank you LoveNotes PR for allowing me the chance to read and review this !!! such a cute sounding story
September 12, 2025
Thankyou Lovenotespr & claudia gor sending me this ARC! ❤️
3.5 stars ✨
This was a fun and lighthearted read that kept me smiling throughout.
Liam and Aubrey had great chemistry—their back-and-forth during the competition was playful, supportive, and gave their romance a nice balance of tension and warmth.
The pacing worked well, and I really enjoyed seeing how the competition not only brought them together but also helped them figure out what they wanted in life. Still, while I liked the story, a few parts felt a little too familiar and predictable, so it didn’t completely stand out for me.
That said, it’s a sweet, quick rom-com with plenty of charm and a lovable cast of characters. If you enjoy rivals-to-lovers with a baking twist, this one is worth picking up
3.5 stars ✨
This was a fun and lighthearted read that kept me smiling throughout.
Liam and Aubrey had great chemistry—their back-and-forth during the competition was playful, supportive, and gave their romance a nice balance of tension and warmth.
The pacing worked well, and I really enjoyed seeing how the competition not only brought them together but also helped them figure out what they wanted in life. Still, while I liked the story, a few parts felt a little too familiar and predictable, so it didn’t completely stand out for me.
That said, it’s a sweet, quick rom-com with plenty of charm and a lovable cast of characters. If you enjoy rivals-to-lovers with a baking twist, this one is worth picking up
September 16, 2025
What’s better than a friendly competition??? The reward? The chance to expand your business. If you love small town romance, friendly banter, and secret crushes this 👏🏼 is 👏🏼 the 👏🏼 book!!! The spice and sassiness between Liam and Aburey gives it all. The chemistry between the two is 🔥. All I can tell y’all without giving anything away is y’all better buckle up buttercup. Y’all are going to go for a ride.
September 8, 2025
Bake You Mine 🧁
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Claudia Ambrose for trusting me with this ARC!
Aubrey has a pretty busy life as a mum of a tweenager & a patisserie owner,so when a crush comes into her life she is forced to keep it just an idea.Yet,suddenly,due a competition,she has to interact with him every day.
Will she finally let herself fall in love or will it stay in the kitchen🍳?
To start with,this story is FULL of goodies.-name it you have it.So as expected,the narration & descreption(s) were extremely vivid to the reader.
Her characters were classics-and as I always say I love,love classics!They remind me of my first experiences as a reader 🥹
To continue,I wanna point out the romance in this story.
a.it was wonderful
b.it is one of the best structured that I have read in a while 🩷
Usually,I found them rushed or the pace being unevenly balanced with that making the trope losing a part of its magic!However,THIS TIME SHE SMASHED IT!
The slow burn was slowburning & the emotions were here when they needed to be.We also understood these people were ADULTS!
My only ick with this story,is that although there were strong moments in the book,sometimes I felt like the story became dull & repetitive,with that making me really tired 😶.+ the competition was not my favourite.I felt that it took some of the story's spark,which could have been avoided.
To end with,it was a okay,cute-ish book 🥐
out Sept,23th 🍾
3⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Claudia Ambrose for trusting me with this ARC!
Aubrey has a pretty busy life as a mum of a tweenager & a patisserie owner,so when a crush comes into her life she is forced to keep it just an idea.Yet,suddenly,due a competition,she has to interact with him every day.
Will she finally let herself fall in love or will it stay in the kitchen🍳?
To start with,this story is FULL of goodies.-name it you have it.So as expected,the narration & descreption(s) were extremely vivid to the reader.
Her characters were classics-and as I always say I love,love classics!They remind me of my first experiences as a reader 🥹
To continue,I wanna point out the romance in this story.
a.it was wonderful
b.it is one of the best structured that I have read in a while 🩷
Usually,I found them rushed or the pace being unevenly balanced with that making the trope losing a part of its magic!However,THIS TIME SHE SMASHED IT!
The slow burn was slowburning & the emotions were here when they needed to be.We also understood these people were ADULTS!
My only ick with this story,is that although there were strong moments in the book,sometimes I felt like the story became dull & repetitive,with that making me really tired 😶.+ the competition was not my favourite.I felt that it took some of the story's spark,which could have been avoided.
To end with,it was a okay,cute-ish book 🥐
out Sept,23th 🍾
3⭐
September 23, 2025
4.5 rounded down to a 4 (It just didn't hit the 5 for me to round up) ⭐️
I really LOVED the plot of this book! Gary was a super cute side character and I adored Daphne. I loved that Chris, as a side character, had so much personal growth by the end of the book too. The MCs were super relatable and likable, and because of that I was cheering for them in the contest and their romantic relationship from top to bottom!
It reminded me of a gorden Ramsey TV show mixed with a Hallmark movie and it really was super enjoyable! I am a first peson POV lover, so I would have loved to read straight from the MC's POV from time to time, but not having this POV didn't hurt the book! I feel like the third person, kind of switching worked really well for this particular book!
The chemistry between Liam and Aubrey was bleeeeeding from the page! I believed they liked each other and I believed they were both struggling during their time apart. The physical chemistry also was SO there.
The pacing was really well done. You got the action packed competition, the character dialogue moments and still backstory / growth. It was laid out really well.
I would absolutely recommend this book! It's a really enjoyable rom-com!
The Vibes:
-Cooking Competition
-Restaurant Owner x Bakery Owner
-Single Mom
-Small Town Romance
-Age Gap
-Anxiety Rep
-Rivals to Lovers
I really LOVED the plot of this book! Gary was a super cute side character and I adored Daphne. I loved that Chris, as a side character, had so much personal growth by the end of the book too. The MCs were super relatable and likable, and because of that I was cheering for them in the contest and their romantic relationship from top to bottom!
It reminded me of a gorden Ramsey TV show mixed with a Hallmark movie and it really was super enjoyable! I am a first peson POV lover, so I would have loved to read straight from the MC's POV from time to time, but not having this POV didn't hurt the book! I feel like the third person, kind of switching worked really well for this particular book!
The chemistry between Liam and Aubrey was bleeeeeding from the page! I believed they liked each other and I believed they were both struggling during their time apart. The physical chemistry also was SO there.
The pacing was really well done. You got the action packed competition, the character dialogue moments and still backstory / growth. It was laid out really well.
I would absolutely recommend this book! It's a really enjoyable rom-com!
The Vibes:
-Cooking Competition
-Restaurant Owner x Bakery Owner
-Single Mom
-Small Town Romance
-Age Gap
-Anxiety Rep
-Rivals to Lovers
September 29, 2025
I love a good rivals to lovers romance and this was so cute! The whole cooking/baking competition where the winner gets sold the restaurant they want is such a genius idea. Chemistry wise I liked their chemistry and I loved the whole “high school crush” thing and I totally get the “being embarrassed by your old crush so you’re unintentionally mean to them” thing. Liam was such a cutie, I love a good #hot chef and a man who commits. She’s a single mom, divorcee, and owns a bakery. She’s literally cute aesthetic 101. From a certain viewpoint you could see a good girl x bad boy thing, but actually I see a little bit of reverse grumpy sunshine vibes in them. The plot was interesting, and while I’m not a huge fan of the “we have chemistry so let’s see how it goes” trope it worked so I’m not complaining. I also loved the mental health representation in this book, because it felt real. Yes I didn’t like all the running away from problems, miscommunication and more little toxic relationship aspects but that's the reality of dating someone with mental health issues and what’s important is that they make an effort to help themselves. But apart from the mental health/anxiety centered plot near the end, it was a super cute read. In general this book is very sweet, very enjoyable and a fun and uplifting read.
September 22, 2025
ARC review
Bake you mine by Claudia Ambrose
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters - they both clearly have a crush on each other, but it looks like they hate each other. They always in competition, and their constant bickering was such a delight to read. 🤭
This story honestly had everything I love: a mix of hate, humor, competition, sweet moments, and cozy small-town vibes. I especially loved the relationship between Liam and Daphne; they were perfect together as father and daughter, and their bond added so much heart to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It had a little bit of everything, which made it such an entretaining read. ☺️
Tropes in this books:
Competition
Age gap
Single mom
Secret crush
Hate to love (a little at the start, of maybe more of a rivalry)
If you like these tropes, this book is totally for you! 🤗
Thank you Claudia Ambrose and Love Notes PR for a copy of this book. 💗✨️
Bake you mine by Claudia Ambrose
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters - they both clearly have a crush on each other, but it looks like they hate each other. They always in competition, and their constant bickering was such a delight to read. 🤭
This story honestly had everything I love: a mix of hate, humor, competition, sweet moments, and cozy small-town vibes. I especially loved the relationship between Liam and Daphne; they were perfect together as father and daughter, and their bond added so much heart to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It had a little bit of everything, which made it such an entretaining read. ☺️
Tropes in this books:
Competition
Age gap
Single mom
Secret crush
Hate to love (a little at the start, of maybe more of a rivalry)
If you like these tropes, this book is totally for you! 🤗
Thank you Claudia Ambrose and Love Notes PR for a copy of this book. 💗✨️
September 22, 2025
This had a good plot with a lot of promise, but it sadly wasn't anything special to me. I enjoyed Liam and Aubrey's story, with the unique aspect of competing to win the space for their businesses, but unfortunately the second half of the book lost me a little. The ending however was the perfect ending for them all and i overall enjoyed this book.
Daphne was a cool kid, and Damon was my favourite side character.
i
Daphne was a cool kid, and Damon was my favourite side character.
i
September 21, 2025
I fell in love with the banter between the two characters in the book! Single mom, younger man and small town romance! I liked that there was a little spice but not overly spicy! It had a nice mystery to it with the competition too! Definitely a good read that I’d reccomend to anyone who loves a good romance novel!
October 1, 2025
I love a little rivalry that has a happy ending! I also happen to really love small town romance feels and anything that involves cooking/baking since I love to do both!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a cute and quirky read!
I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a cute and quirky read!
September 27, 2025
Claudia Ambrose gave life to this book. I felt I could fully immerse myself into the story that included a village of supporting characters. Aubrey and Liam have such great chemistry and the plot has a great balance of making us fall in love with them as individuals while setting up their inevitable pull towards each other.
September 30, 2025
Unfortunately, this story didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped. When I requested the ARC, I was expecting a charming romance wrapped around a lively cooking challenge. The premise had everything I enjoy: both protagonists were immersed in the culinary world - MMC as a chef, FMC as a pastry chef - plus the added age gap and her being a single mother. I was genuinely eager to see how their relationship would develop.
As I read, however, my enthusiasm faded. The pacing felt rushed, with scenes jumping from one to the next without enough space to breathe. Dialogue often moved too quickly, and characters sometimes appeared abruptly without proper buildup. More than once, I had to reread passages, thinking I’d missed something, only to realize the narrative itself had advanced too hastily. Hoping things might improve, I even set the book aside and picked it up later, but sadly, nothing changed.
Aubrey was a nice character, but I didn’t really get the sense that she was older than Liam. There were moments where this aspect of her came through, but more often she felt like a girl experiencing her first crush. Which is fine (love has no age), but it didn’t fully satisfy me. What I didn’t enjoy, however, was how Aubrey's anxiety was handled. It was described in a very stark way and only brought up occasionally, so I didn’t really feel it. On the other hand, Liam felt more developed as a character. I didn’t quite understand the emphasis on him coming from an Italian family, because honestly, I didn’t sense much of that in the story. I wish his frustration at not being recognized for his talent, rather than his looks, had been shown more effectively.
The chemistry between the characters was another weak point for me. For most of the story, Aubrey and Liam’s relationship felt more like that of close friends or acquaintances rather than a potential couple, despite Aubrey’s obvious infatuation with him. Because of this, when Aubrey finally gathered the courage to kiss Liam, it didn’t come across as a natural step toward deepening their bond. Toward the end, I did catch glimpses of a spark, but overall it never felt entirely convincing. I did appreciate the idea that, despite their rivalry, they supported each other. I would have liked to see them interact more within their shared world, but aside from that, there isn’t much else to say, as the execution ultimately left me unsatisfied.
The culinary competition was a nice concept, but I would have preferred more scenes where the two were truly immersed in their world, with a stronger focus on their work environment or their creations, even though these aspects appeared a bit more toward the end.
The third act wasn’t really necessary, but I had expected it, given how the story was developing. In the end, the ending works well, as it resolves all the characters’ issues.
Because of this, the story struggled to fully engage me. At times, I found myself skimming sections, as the pacing and development didn’t hold my attention. I feel it could have benefited from a rewrite, giving more space to the characters’ thoughts and slowing down key moments in the narrative. On the positive side, I appreciated how both characters grappled with their personal dreams and struggles, but it was handled so briefly that I couldn’t fully connect with their emotions. With more depth and slower pacing, this could easily have been a three-star read or higher for me. As it stands, though, it just didn’t click the way I’d hoped.
Many thanks to LovenotesPR and the author for kindly providing me with this eARC!
As I read, however, my enthusiasm faded. The pacing felt rushed, with scenes jumping from one to the next without enough space to breathe. Dialogue often moved too quickly, and characters sometimes appeared abruptly without proper buildup. More than once, I had to reread passages, thinking I’d missed something, only to realize the narrative itself had advanced too hastily. Hoping things might improve, I even set the book aside and picked it up later, but sadly, nothing changed.
Aubrey was a nice character, but I didn’t really get the sense that she was older than Liam. There were moments where this aspect of her came through, but more often she felt like a girl experiencing her first crush. Which is fine (love has no age), but it didn’t fully satisfy me. What I didn’t enjoy, however, was how Aubrey's anxiety was handled. It was described in a very stark way and only brought up occasionally, so I didn’t really feel it. On the other hand, Liam felt more developed as a character. I didn’t quite understand the emphasis on him coming from an Italian family, because honestly, I didn’t sense much of that in the story. I wish his frustration at not being recognized for his talent, rather than his looks, had been shown more effectively.
The chemistry between the characters was another weak point for me. For most of the story, Aubrey and Liam’s relationship felt more like that of close friends or acquaintances rather than a potential couple, despite Aubrey’s obvious infatuation with him. Because of this, when Aubrey finally gathered the courage to kiss Liam, it didn’t come across as a natural step toward deepening their bond. Toward the end, I did catch glimpses of a spark, but overall it never felt entirely convincing. I did appreciate the idea that, despite their rivalry, they supported each other. I would have liked to see them interact more within their shared world, but aside from that, there isn’t much else to say, as the execution ultimately left me unsatisfied.
The culinary competition was a nice concept, but I would have preferred more scenes where the two were truly immersed in their world, with a stronger focus on their work environment or their creations, even though these aspects appeared a bit more toward the end.
The third act wasn’t really necessary, but I had expected it, given how the story was developing. In the end, the ending works well, as it resolves all the characters’ issues.
Because of this, the story struggled to fully engage me. At times, I found myself skimming sections, as the pacing and development didn’t hold my attention. I feel it could have benefited from a rewrite, giving more space to the characters’ thoughts and slowing down key moments in the narrative. On the positive side, I appreciated how both characters grappled with their personal dreams and struggles, but it was handled so briefly that I couldn’t fully connect with their emotions. With more depth and slower pacing, this could easily have been a three-star read or higher for me. As it stands, though, it just didn’t click the way I’d hoped.
Many thanks to LovenotesPR and the author for kindly providing me with this eARC!
September 27, 2025
I would like to thank Love Notes PR and the author, Claudia Ambrose, for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy!
Believe it or not, I was waiting for this book for so long... I was so excited as soon as I read the sinopsis and the book did not disappoint.
She's a single mom with a secret crush. He's the #HotChef next door.
When a culinary competition is the only way to reach their dreams, Aubrey and Liam are thrown into a delicious rivalry, sparks fly, eyes are open, heart start to melt... And the kitchen isn't the only place heating up.
She's fighting for her family's future. He's chasing a lifelong dream. But the closer they get, the more they wonder —could the sweetest thing of all be love?
This is more than just a love story, this is about people struggling to fight for what they want, not because they doubt their own feelings, but because their own thoughts start to cage them in and they can't tell what's real and what's not.
Aubrey is a hardworking person who can't seem to acknowledge how high she can go.
Liam is a confident man, who is well aware of his looks and is not afraid to use them to his advantage.
But there's more than meets the eye.
Aubrey Dennison is a talented, fiercely independent pastry chef with a practical head and a guarded heart. Life has made her cautious —specially when it comes to romance— but underneath her composed exterior is a woman with quiet longing a sharp sense of humor, and a passion that runs deep.
Liam Linley is the kind of man who turns head without trying —charismatic, confident, and a little bit cocky, but with a genuine heart underneath all the swagger. He's driven, ambitious, and laser-focused on expanding his culinary dreams— until a certain pastry chef complicates everything.
Aubrey and Liam are opposites in all the ways that matter —age, life stage, and approach to love— but where they clash, sparks ignite.
Together, they're a study in delicious contrasts: sweet and savory, cool and fiery, cautious and bold. Their love story is one second chances, unexpected timing, and realizing that the right person might be the one who scares you the most—because they might just be worth risking everything for.
Though I really enjoyed both the characters and the story, the lust in the very beginning caught me off guard, and how much weight they put into someone having a little crush —might just be me, but it's not a big deal or a shocker. Sometimes, it also felt like things were happening way too fast, or out of nowhere.
Regardless of that, I really enjoyed the book and was quite invested, and I'm all for that.
If you love culinary rivalries, cozy cafes, sizzling kitchens, and the sweet-meets-savory dynamic between chefs, this one's a treat!
Believe it or not, I was waiting for this book for so long... I was so excited as soon as I read the sinopsis and the book did not disappoint.
She's a single mom with a secret crush. He's the #HotChef next door.
When a culinary competition is the only way to reach their dreams, Aubrey and Liam are thrown into a delicious rivalry, sparks fly, eyes are open, heart start to melt... And the kitchen isn't the only place heating up.
She's fighting for her family's future. He's chasing a lifelong dream. But the closer they get, the more they wonder —could the sweetest thing of all be love?
This is more than just a love story, this is about people struggling to fight for what they want, not because they doubt their own feelings, but because their own thoughts start to cage them in and they can't tell what's real and what's not.
Aubrey is a hardworking person who can't seem to acknowledge how high she can go.
Liam is a confident man, who is well aware of his looks and is not afraid to use them to his advantage.
But there's more than meets the eye.
Aubrey Dennison is a talented, fiercely independent pastry chef with a practical head and a guarded heart. Life has made her cautious —specially when it comes to romance— but underneath her composed exterior is a woman with quiet longing a sharp sense of humor, and a passion that runs deep.
Liam Linley is the kind of man who turns head without trying —charismatic, confident, and a little bit cocky, but with a genuine heart underneath all the swagger. He's driven, ambitious, and laser-focused on expanding his culinary dreams— until a certain pastry chef complicates everything.
Aubrey and Liam are opposites in all the ways that matter —age, life stage, and approach to love— but where they clash, sparks ignite.
Together, they're a study in delicious contrasts: sweet and savory, cool and fiery, cautious and bold. Their love story is one second chances, unexpected timing, and realizing that the right person might be the one who scares you the most—because they might just be worth risking everything for.
Though I really enjoyed both the characters and the story, the lust in the very beginning caught me off guard, and how much weight they put into someone having a little crush —might just be me, but it's not a big deal or a shocker. Sometimes, it also felt like things were happening way too fast, or out of nowhere.
Regardless of that, I really enjoyed the book and was quite invested, and I'm all for that.
If you love culinary rivalries, cozy cafes, sizzling kitchens, and the sweet-meets-savory dynamic between chefs, this one's a treat!
September 30, 2025
I love a good food themed book- except caveat they always make me hungry while reading.
But with any good foodie theme you gotta bring some heat. Our FMC & MMC Aubrey & Liam kick off 1 of my fav tropes, as enemies(light) to lovers as well as a slight age gap. In the "battle of the block" I like to call it, both characters are vying for an open retail space to help expand each of their own business. And in true Top Chef fashion they're both put up to compete for the space with a 10k prize to renovate.
With a series of 3 challenges to show off their creativity & culinary talents, these 2 are put into some forced proximity situations that create some heated moments. But little does our resident #hotchef Liam know, that our girl Aubs has been secretly crushing on him since she moved home like 4yrs ago. With the stakes higher & the challenges getting more intense, so does their libido creating a platter of oooey-gooey that has nothing to do with food.
But with coming off a shitty divorce with her ex, Aubrey struggles with trust (I mean can we blame her considering what he did?), with walls as high as Rapunzel's tower, she's constantly trying to protect herself, by not letting anyone get too close. Also dealing with some massive anxiety issues that she has to maintain with meds, she struggles with the idea of "being" with Liam. Leaving our poor #hotchef to figure out a way to make this new found relationship work, especially with their Plan B's in the mix! In the end C.A. gave us what we wanted with a heartfelt happy ending.
I liked how this story shed some light on the stress & pressures that come with dealing with severe anxiety & how that can effect ones mental & emotional health.
Overall this book was a quicky & fun read that kept an easy pace & had some dimensional characters. If I had to pick on 1 thing... it'd be the spicy scenes.
they were unfortunately a lil flat & sad, leaving me wanting MORE details. They all just felt glossed over, like in n' out & end scene. It was almost like the author wasn't super comfortable writing sexy/steamy scenes.
Otherwise this was a solid 3.5 (I rounded up).
But with any good foodie theme you gotta bring some heat. Our FMC & MMC Aubrey & Liam kick off 1 of my fav tropes, as enemies(light) to lovers as well as a slight age gap. In the "battle of the block" I like to call it, both characters are vying for an open retail space to help expand each of their own business. And in true Top Chef fashion they're both put up to compete for the space with a 10k prize to renovate.
With a series of 3 challenges to show off their creativity & culinary talents, these 2 are put into some forced proximity situations that create some heated moments. But little does our resident #hotchef Liam know, that our girl Aubs has been secretly crushing on him since she moved home like 4yrs ago. With the stakes higher & the challenges getting more intense, so does their libido creating a platter of oooey-gooey that has nothing to do with food.
But with coming off a shitty divorce with her ex, Aubrey struggles with trust (I mean can we blame her considering what he did?), with walls as high as Rapunzel's tower, she's constantly trying to protect herself, by not letting anyone get too close. Also dealing with some massive anxiety issues that she has to maintain with meds, she struggles with the idea of "being" with Liam. Leaving our poor #hotchef to figure out a way to make this new found relationship work, especially with their Plan B's in the mix! In the end C.A. gave us what we wanted with a heartfelt happy ending.
I liked how this story shed some light on the stress & pressures that come with dealing with severe anxiety & how that can effect ones mental & emotional health.
Overall this book was a quicky & fun read that kept an easy pace & had some dimensional characters. If I had to pick on 1 thing... it'd be the spicy scenes.
they were unfortunately a lil flat & sad, leaving me wanting MORE details. They all just felt glossed over, like in n' out & end scene. It was almost like the author wasn't super comfortable writing sexy/steamy scenes.
Otherwise this was a solid 3.5 (I rounded up).
September 11, 2025
Wow!!! OMG I absolutely loved this book!!! 😍🔥 Okay, so I read the author’s debut Build You Up and I was OBSESSED with their storytelling—I literally swore I’d read everything they write. So when Bake You Mine came along, I jumped on it with ZERO regrets, because Liam & Aubrey’s story stole my heart! ✨
From start to finish, I was HOOKED—smiling, giggling, swooning, laughing, getting angry, and just living for every moment! The small town vibes? Ugh, perfection! The cute street names, that little map at the front—whenever something popped up, I literally went to the map and checked it out 😂📍 It made the whole experience feel so immersive, I was obsessed!
The competition for the vacant space added that extra—making everything more intense and fun! Watching Liam & Aubrey’s relationship evolve? Chef’s kiss! 😍 The social media war between them had me cracking up every time—those double meanings, the banter, the sass—it was EVERYTHING!
Even when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I kept wishing the book wouldn’t end because I couldn’t get enough! And the other characters? I’m in LOVE 💕 The relationship between Liam & Daphne (Aubrey’s daughter) was the cutest thing ever! Their hangouts? Heart-melting.
At first, I hated Chris (Aubrey’s ex) 😂 but his character arc was soooo satisfying! Seeing him grow and how Liam and Chris teamed up for Daphne’s sake? Honestly, it added so much depth and sweetness.
Now, let’s talk spice 🔥 it was light, not graphic or over-the-top, but just right. Their chemistry? Sizzling without going overboard. You’d think competition would tear them apart—but nah! They actually root for each other, support each other, and celebrate each other’s wins. That healthy, intense vibe was everything I didn’t know I needed!
Plus, there’s a little mystery about how everything will turn out after the competition…and it all ends in such a satisfying, heartwarming way. The epilogue? PERFECT 💖
If you love small-town stories packed with charm, age gap romance (FMC older 💁♀️), a culinary competition, hot chef energy, intense chemistry with light spice, secret crushes that bloom into something more, meddling mamas, and a big lovable family—you NEED this one on your shelf! I highly recommend it—GO READ IT, I’m begging you! 📚🍰❤️
From start to finish, I was HOOKED—smiling, giggling, swooning, laughing, getting angry, and just living for every moment! The small town vibes? Ugh, perfection! The cute street names, that little map at the front—whenever something popped up, I literally went to the map and checked it out 😂📍 It made the whole experience feel so immersive, I was obsessed!
The competition for the vacant space added that extra—making everything more intense and fun! Watching Liam & Aubrey’s relationship evolve? Chef’s kiss! 😍 The social media war between them had me cracking up every time—those double meanings, the banter, the sass—it was EVERYTHING!
Even when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. I kept wishing the book wouldn’t end because I couldn’t get enough! And the other characters? I’m in LOVE 💕 The relationship between Liam & Daphne (Aubrey’s daughter) was the cutest thing ever! Their hangouts? Heart-melting.
At first, I hated Chris (Aubrey’s ex) 😂 but his character arc was soooo satisfying! Seeing him grow and how Liam and Chris teamed up for Daphne’s sake? Honestly, it added so much depth and sweetness.
Now, let’s talk spice 🔥 it was light, not graphic or over-the-top, but just right. Their chemistry? Sizzling without going overboard. You’d think competition would tear them apart—but nah! They actually root for each other, support each other, and celebrate each other’s wins. That healthy, intense vibe was everything I didn’t know I needed!
Plus, there’s a little mystery about how everything will turn out after the competition…and it all ends in such a satisfying, heartwarming way. The epilogue? PERFECT 💖
If you love small-town stories packed with charm, age gap romance (FMC older 💁♀️), a culinary competition, hot chef energy, intense chemistry with light spice, secret crushes that bloom into something more, meddling mamas, and a big lovable family—you NEED this one on your shelf! I highly recommend it—GO READ IT, I’m begging you! 📚🍰❤️
September 26, 2025
Bake you mine
Een verhaal over Aubrey en Liam. Aubrey is een lieve vrouw alleenstaande moeder en heeft gouden handen voor bakken. Liam is een chef, lichtelijk arrogant, maar stiekem een hart van goud. Samen moeten ze in een challenge concureren om een uitbereiding van hun bedrijf. Stiekem heeft alleen Aubrey een crush op Liam, maar durft dat niet te zeggen. Dit geeft grappige scènes op door het boek heen, maar ook hele lieve.
Dit verhaal mocht ik lezen als recensieexemplaar. Ik moest wel even in dit boek komen. Het las eerst wat stroef ook qua schrijfstijl. Maar naar mate het boek vorderde ging het beter en kwam ik er iets beter in. Toch heeft het boek niet helemaal gepakt voor mij. Ik miste denk ik iets meer diepgang en ik had iets meer verwacht van de challenges. De personages vond ik wel erg leuk, maar voor mij zat er meer in.
A story about Aubrey and Liam. Aubrey is a sweet, single mother with a knack for baking. Liam is a chef, slightly arrogant, but secretly a heart of gold. Together, they have to compete in a challenge to expand their business. Secretly, only Aubrey has a crush on Liam, but she's afraid to admit it. This creates some funny, but also very sweet, scenes throughout the book.
I received this story as a review copy. It took me a while to get into the book. It was a bit slow at first, especially the writing style. But as the book progressed, it improved, and I got more into it. Still, the book didn't quite grab me. I think I missed a bit more depth, and I expected more from the challenges. I did like the characters, but I wanted more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsseptember #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
Een verhaal over Aubrey en Liam. Aubrey is een lieve vrouw alleenstaande moeder en heeft gouden handen voor bakken. Liam is een chef, lichtelijk arrogant, maar stiekem een hart van goud. Samen moeten ze in een challenge concureren om een uitbereiding van hun bedrijf. Stiekem heeft alleen Aubrey een crush op Liam, maar durft dat niet te zeggen. Dit geeft grappige scènes op door het boek heen, maar ook hele lieve.
Dit verhaal mocht ik lezen als recensieexemplaar. Ik moest wel even in dit boek komen. Het las eerst wat stroef ook qua schrijfstijl. Maar naar mate het boek vorderde ging het beter en kwam ik er iets beter in. Toch heeft het boek niet helemaal gepakt voor mij. Ik miste denk ik iets meer diepgang en ik had iets meer verwacht van de challenges. De personages vond ik wel erg leuk, maar voor mij zat er meer in.
A story about Aubrey and Liam. Aubrey is a sweet, single mother with a knack for baking. Liam is a chef, slightly arrogant, but secretly a heart of gold. Together, they have to compete in a challenge to expand their business. Secretly, only Aubrey has a crush on Liam, but she's afraid to admit it. This creates some funny, but also very sweet, scenes throughout the book.
I received this story as a review copy. It took me a while to get into the book. It was a bit slow at first, especially the writing style. But as the book progressed, it improved, and I got more into it. Still, the book didn't quite grab me. I think I missed a bit more depth, and I expected more from the challenges. I did like the characters, but I wanted more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsseptember #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
September 28, 2025
Bake You Mine is a sweet and heartwarming story that’s brimming with cosy charm. From the very first pages, the atmosphere feels like being wrapped in a soft blanket with the scent of a delicate lemon soufflé drifting through the air, alongside trays of buttery croissants and sugar-dusted pastries. The bakery setting is so vividly described that it almost feels like another character in the story, grounding the narrative in warmth, sweetness, and the simple joys of everyday comfort.
At the heart of the book is a charming rivalry: a talented pâtissière and a passionate chef both vying to expand their businesses into the same coveted space. The competition adds just the right amount of spark and tension, pushing their creativity in the kitchen while revealing their softer sides outside of it. Watching their banter shift from playful digs to genuine affection gives the romance a slow-burn sweetness, like watching sugar slowly caramelize into something golden and irresistible.
The small-town backdrop adds another layer of charm, with neighbors who care, cozy cafés to linger in, and a sense of community that makes the stakes of the competition feel even more personal. The characters themselves are warm and endearing, and while they may sometimes lean into familiar tropes, their chemistry and shared passion for food make them feel easy to root for.
While the story doesn’t necessarily reinvent the genre, it shines in its ability to deliver pure comfort. It’s a tale about rivalry turning into romance, ambition mixing with affection, and the joy of finding love in the most unexpected of places — even in the middle of a contest.
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good escape full of bakery-fresh vibes, delectable descriptions, and a rivals-to-lovers romance with plenty of sweetness, Bake You Mine is a lovely choice. It’s warm, charming, and sure to leave you smiling by the final page.
September 30, 2025
✨️✨️ ARC Review ✨️✨️
This competition is anything but friendly...
Aubrey Dennison has no time for romantic entanglements. She’s content with a secret crush on #hotchef Liam Linley. Even though his restaurant is only one door down from her patisserie, she’s never let him get close.
Aubrey is six years older, the mother of a tweenager, and she’s convinced they’d never work in real life. When their eccentric landlord dreams up a scheme for them to compete for a coveted restaurant space and a ten-thousand-dollar prize, Aubrey is suddenly forced to spend time with the man she’s always kept at arm’s length.
Liam’s reputation as the local hot chef means he’s outgrown his tiny restaurant space. He needs to expand if he wants to stay in his hometown of Port Fortune, Virginia. The only snag is that Aubrey won’t back down. Once she lowers her cold façade, Liam is utterly charmed, but she’s still a distraction standing between him and his dreams.
I really enjoyed this one. I love a good rivals-to-lovers set-up and Aubrey and Liam’s back-and-forth had me hooked. I also found myself relating to Aubrey’s struggles with anxiety and those endlessly swirling thoughts, which added a layer of depth to her character.
The pacing of their relationship was interesting too. It started off as a slow burn and then suddenly raced ahead to declarations of love, which felt a little rushed but still satisfying. And the epilogue? Honestly, it was the icing on the cake. Sorry not sorry for that pun.
All in all, this was a sweet and fun romance with just the right mix of tension, heart, and kitchen heat. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a feel-good rivals-to-lovers story
This competition is anything but friendly...
Aubrey Dennison has no time for romantic entanglements. She’s content with a secret crush on #hotchef Liam Linley. Even though his restaurant is only one door down from her patisserie, she’s never let him get close.
Aubrey is six years older, the mother of a tweenager, and she’s convinced they’d never work in real life. When their eccentric landlord dreams up a scheme for them to compete for a coveted restaurant space and a ten-thousand-dollar prize, Aubrey is suddenly forced to spend time with the man she’s always kept at arm’s length.
Liam’s reputation as the local hot chef means he’s outgrown his tiny restaurant space. He needs to expand if he wants to stay in his hometown of Port Fortune, Virginia. The only snag is that Aubrey won’t back down. Once she lowers her cold façade, Liam is utterly charmed, but she’s still a distraction standing between him and his dreams.
I really enjoyed this one. I love a good rivals-to-lovers set-up and Aubrey and Liam’s back-and-forth had me hooked. I also found myself relating to Aubrey’s struggles with anxiety and those endlessly swirling thoughts, which added a layer of depth to her character.
The pacing of their relationship was interesting too. It started off as a slow burn and then suddenly raced ahead to declarations of love, which felt a little rushed but still satisfying. And the epilogue? Honestly, it was the icing on the cake. Sorry not sorry for that pun.
All in all, this was a sweet and fun romance with just the right mix of tension, heart, and kitchen heat. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a feel-good rivals-to-lovers story
September 23, 2025
"For me, attraction can start at the physical, but it has to go deeper than that if it lasts. And for me and you, Aubs? It goes as deep as the bottom of the ocean."
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
With their neighboring bakery and restaurant growing faster than their space will allow them, both Aubrey and Liam have their eyes set on the empty space that lies between them. Their landlord takes the opportunity to set up a challenge - 3 rounds of a competition set to show off their culinary skills. It should be easy enough - except there may be some secret crushes involved, that begin to spark to life and Liam and Aubrey clash in the kitchen.
I loved the hook for this, as a huge fan of cooking shows, baked goods, and romance - it seemed like such a perfect fit! Aubrey and Liam are such interesting people, and I loved their passion for their restaurants and it was so fun getting to read about their dishes throughout. I also loved the competition and the tension that ran behind the scenes as they began to act on their attraction. It really had me on the edge of my seat - I couldn't wait to see who had won!
There's such a lovely dose of reality in the way Aubrey views herself - a single mom in her thirties, who finds herself in a bit of a whirlwind romance with self-proclaimed #hotchef Liam. But even more so, I loved how affirming of his attraction and how genuine Liam's compliments were. What a dream!! I enjoyed how their romance spilled into the more intimate scenes as well, we don't get moments like that often enough and it felt so right for their characters.
This was a very sweet read, and the only thing that kept it from being a 5⭐️ read for me was that some the dialogue and humor unfortunately just wasn't my thing. But if you love shows like Chopped & GBBO and snappy back-and-forth romance, then this is absolutely the book for you!
Tropes & Tags:
👨🍳 small town romance
🧁 cooking competition
💖 rivals-to-lovers
👨🍳 baker x chef
🧁 single mom
💖 reverse age gap (36/29)
🧁 tattoo'd MMC
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much to Claudia Ambrose and LoveNotesPR! 📖]
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
With their neighboring bakery and restaurant growing faster than their space will allow them, both Aubrey and Liam have their eyes set on the empty space that lies between them. Their landlord takes the opportunity to set up a challenge - 3 rounds of a competition set to show off their culinary skills. It should be easy enough - except there may be some secret crushes involved, that begin to spark to life and Liam and Aubrey clash in the kitchen.
I loved the hook for this, as a huge fan of cooking shows, baked goods, and romance - it seemed like such a perfect fit! Aubrey and Liam are such interesting people, and I loved their passion for their restaurants and it was so fun getting to read about their dishes throughout. I also loved the competition and the tension that ran behind the scenes as they began to act on their attraction. It really had me on the edge of my seat - I couldn't wait to see who had won!
There's such a lovely dose of reality in the way Aubrey views herself - a single mom in her thirties, who finds herself in a bit of a whirlwind romance with self-proclaimed #hotchef Liam. But even more so, I loved how affirming of his attraction and how genuine Liam's compliments were. What a dream!! I enjoyed how their romance spilled into the more intimate scenes as well, we don't get moments like that often enough and it felt so right for their characters.
This was a very sweet read, and the only thing that kept it from being a 5⭐️ read for me was that some the dialogue and humor unfortunately just wasn't my thing. But if you love shows like Chopped & GBBO and snappy back-and-forth romance, then this is absolutely the book for you!
Tropes & Tags:
👨🍳 small town romance
🧁 cooking competition
💖 rivals-to-lovers
👨🍳 baker x chef
🧁 single mom
💖 reverse age gap (36/29)
🧁 tattoo'd MMC
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much to Claudia Ambrose and LoveNotesPR! 📖]
October 1, 2025
My eyes were a little misty toward the last chapters, and I felt completely overwhelmed while reading the book. The final chapters were so realistic. The third-act situation between Aubrey and Liam was written so well that I felt as if I were in Aubrey’s shoes. It was represented perfectly.
The book felt like reading an actual rom-com set in a small town. Also, the map in the beginning of the book- OHHH MYYYY GOODNESSS !!!
October has started, and I’m so thankful I read this book at the beginning of the month because it definitely gives me fall vibes. This story truly captures the enemies-to-lovers trope, the energy, the banter, the teasing—and the slow burn—oh damn, it was amazing. Aubrey and Liam are shown as the perfect opposites, yet they are inseparable together.
I absolutely loved the last chapter and the epilogue, where Liam proposes to Aubrey (and the entire scene was soo heartwarming), I literally cried while reading the epilogue. It was super sweet, and I seriously want a bonus epilogue or an extra chapter about their life after the proposal. I can’t wait to read more in the series, especially Sasha’s book.
The character I loved most in the book is Daphne. She is an adorable sunshine, yet a little terror. I loved how quirky and sassy she was and can’t wait to see more of her in the coming books. The competition, the fall vibes, the small-town feel with frenemies banter—it was the perfect book to read.
Definitely recommend it.
The book felt like reading an actual rom-com set in a small town. Also, the map in the beginning of the book- OHHH MYYYY GOODNESSS !!!
October has started, and I’m so thankful I read this book at the beginning of the month because it definitely gives me fall vibes. This story truly captures the enemies-to-lovers trope, the energy, the banter, the teasing—and the slow burn—oh damn, it was amazing. Aubrey and Liam are shown as the perfect opposites, yet they are inseparable together.
I absolutely loved the last chapter and the epilogue, where Liam proposes to Aubrey (and the entire scene was soo heartwarming), I literally cried while reading the epilogue. It was super sweet, and I seriously want a bonus epilogue or an extra chapter about their life after the proposal. I can’t wait to read more in the series, especially Sasha’s book.
The character I loved most in the book is Daphne. She is an adorable sunshine, yet a little terror. I loved how quirky and sassy she was and can’t wait to see more of her in the coming books. The competition, the fall vibes, the small-town feel with frenemies banter—it was the perfect book to read.
Definitely recommend it.
September 11, 2025
I was reading the acknowledgment at the back of the book and so glad Claudia took a third chance on this book 💗
I loved the love hate relationship with Aubrey and Liam at the start, which further developed throughout the story
Aubrey was very anxious about most things and used to laugh them off to cover her anxiety. She also had a teenager, Daphne 12, much wiser than her years
Liam was the local hot chef who couldn’t wait to get his hands on Aubrey.
Both realised in time due to their own illusions of each other how much time they’d wasted on not admitting their feelings for each other
Working next to each other, Aubrey as a pastry chef and Liam as Cuisine head chef. They went head to head to see who could win the competition to win the extra space and £10,000 to help progress/improve their businesses. I felt this could have been done differently as it was a bit drawn out
Who would win? If Liam lost, would he move away?
If Aubrey lost, would she have to reevaluate her life?
Grab this hot, small town romance.
Chef vs Baker
Age gap (she’s older)
Medium spice
Small town
A huge thanks to LoveNotes PR and Claudia Ambrose for the early opportunity to read the ARC
I loved the love hate relationship with Aubrey and Liam at the start, which further developed throughout the story
Aubrey was very anxious about most things and used to laugh them off to cover her anxiety. She also had a teenager, Daphne 12, much wiser than her years
Liam was the local hot chef who couldn’t wait to get his hands on Aubrey.
Both realised in time due to their own illusions of each other how much time they’d wasted on not admitting their feelings for each other
Working next to each other, Aubrey as a pastry chef and Liam as Cuisine head chef. They went head to head to see who could win the competition to win the extra space and £10,000 to help progress/improve their businesses. I felt this could have been done differently as it was a bit drawn out
Who would win? If Liam lost, would he move away?
If Aubrey lost, would she have to reevaluate her life?
Grab this hot, small town romance.
Chef vs Baker
Age gap (she’s older)
Medium spice
Small town
A huge thanks to LoveNotes PR and Claudia Ambrose for the early opportunity to read the ARC
September 15, 2025
Aubrey and Liam are next-door neighbors in a charming small town, each running their own delicious little empire. Liam with his buzzing restaurant and “hotchef” reputation, and Aubrey with her dreamy patisserie. When the space between their shops becomes available, both set their sights on it to expand. What they didn’t expect, they’re thrown into a competition to win it. Cue the tension, the banter, and a series of competitive challenges that force them to work side by side.
Liam’s been getting the cold shoulder from Aubrey for years, but what he doesn’t know? Aubrey’s been crushing on him since day one. As they team up and sparks begin to simmer, they start seeing each other in a whole new light. But with the competition heating up, will their budding connection survive once the competition comes to an end.
💭 I loved the cozy small-town setting and the baking/cooking vibes—it’s a perfect binge-read for the cozy fall days. Liam’s bond with Aubrey’s daughter was super sweet. But I didn’t fully feel the romantic chemistry between Liam and Aubrey. Still, if you’re into lighthearted reads with food, fluff, and charm, this one’s a treat!
Liam’s been getting the cold shoulder from Aubrey for years, but what he doesn’t know? Aubrey’s been crushing on him since day one. As they team up and sparks begin to simmer, they start seeing each other in a whole new light. But with the competition heating up, will their budding connection survive once the competition comes to an end.
💭 I loved the cozy small-town setting and the baking/cooking vibes—it’s a perfect binge-read for the cozy fall days. Liam’s bond with Aubrey’s daughter was super sweet. But I didn’t fully feel the romantic chemistry between Liam and Aubrey. Still, if you’re into lighthearted reads with food, fluff, and charm, this one’s a treat!
September 23, 2025
💖 I loved the banter between the two characters in this book—it had me smiling (and swooning) the entire time! As a single mom, I really related to the main character juggling life, work, and love, and seeing her navigate it all was so heartwarming and relatable. 🍼💼
The dynamic of a single mom and a younger man in a small-town setting made the romance feel sweet, charming, and realistic. I loved how the story balanced humor, heart, and just the right amount of spice 🔥—enough to keep it exciting but not overwhelming!
The little mystery with the competition added an extra layer that kept me hooked, making it so much more than just a cute romance. 📚✨ It reminded me that even with all the chaos of everyday life, there’s always room for love, laughter, and a little adventure. 💕
If you love small-town romances with humor, charm, and a touch of intrigue, this one is a must-read! Highly recommend to fellow single moms and anyone who enjoys a good, heartwarming romance. 💌💖
#Bookstagram #RomanceReads #SingleMomLife #SmallTownRomance #BookLovers #CozyReads #MustRead #HeartwarmingRomance #BookRecommendation #RomanceAddict
The dynamic of a single mom and a younger man in a small-town setting made the romance feel sweet, charming, and realistic. I loved how the story balanced humor, heart, and just the right amount of spice 🔥—enough to keep it exciting but not overwhelming!
The little mystery with the competition added an extra layer that kept me hooked, making it so much more than just a cute romance. 📚✨ It reminded me that even with all the chaos of everyday life, there’s always room for love, laughter, and a little adventure. 💕
If you love small-town romances with humor, charm, and a touch of intrigue, this one is a must-read! Highly recommend to fellow single moms and anyone who enjoys a good, heartwarming romance. 💌💖
#Bookstagram #RomanceReads #SingleMomLife #SmallTownRomance #BookLovers #CozyReads #MustRead #HeartwarmingRomance #BookRecommendation #RomanceAddict
September 24, 2025
4.25⭐️ | 1🌶️
What to expect;
-reverse age gap (36/29)
-cooking competition
-small town romance
-rivals to lovers
-tattoo’d MMC
-baker x chef
-single mom
Firstly, thank you Claudia Ambrose and Love Notes PR for the arc.
I really loved how beautiful this book was written, not just between the two characters but in the way Liam embraces Aubrey’s world. The anxiety she carries feels real and relatable, it was refreshing to see that side of her portrayed with honesty instead of being brushed aside. And Liam? The way he showed up for her and for her daughter, melted me completely.
I really enjoyed the banter between Aubrey and Liam in this book, it had me smiling and swooning the entire time! The dynamic of a single mum and a young man in a small town setting made the romance feel more sweet and realistic. I loved how the story balanced humour, heart and just the right amount of spice.
The little mystery with the competition added an extra layer that kept me hooked, making it so much more than just a cute romance. It reminded me that even with all the chaos of everyday life, there’s always room for love, laughter and a little adventure.
What to expect;
-reverse age gap (36/29)
-cooking competition
-small town romance
-rivals to lovers
-tattoo’d MMC
-baker x chef
-single mom
Firstly, thank you Claudia Ambrose and Love Notes PR for the arc.
I really loved how beautiful this book was written, not just between the two characters but in the way Liam embraces Aubrey’s world. The anxiety she carries feels real and relatable, it was refreshing to see that side of her portrayed with honesty instead of being brushed aside. And Liam? The way he showed up for her and for her daughter, melted me completely.
I really enjoyed the banter between Aubrey and Liam in this book, it had me smiling and swooning the entire time! The dynamic of a single mum and a young man in a small town setting made the romance feel more sweet and realistic. I loved how the story balanced humour, heart and just the right amount of spice.
The little mystery with the competition added an extra layer that kept me hooked, making it so much more than just a cute romance. It reminded me that even with all the chaos of everyday life, there’s always room for love, laughter and a little adventure.
September 30, 2025
Bake You Mine is a delicious rivals-to-lovers romance that mixes the heat of competition with the sweetness of second chances. Aubrey, a determined pastry chef and single mom, is juggling her dreams, her business, and her anxieties—until Liam, the annoyingly charming #hotchef next door, becomes both her rival and her greatest distraction.
Claudia Ambrose blends humor, heartfelt moments, and small-town charm into a story that feels as cozy as a warm pastry but as sharp as a kitchen rivalry. The banter between Aubrey and Liam is top-tier—equal parts sassy and sizzling—and their slow-burn chemistry is impossible to resist. What I loved most is how Ambrose shows that love doesn’t just happen when you’re ready; it sneaks in, even when life is messy and complicated.
✨ Favorite Quote:
“Here’s a pro tip, Linley: there’s confidence, and then there’s cockiness. You land on the cocky side, and maybe some people find that a winning quality, but I don’t.”
This is the kind of rom-com that leaves you smiling, craving pastries, and maybe fanning yourself just a little. Perfect for fans of foodie romances with heart and heat.
Claudia Ambrose blends humor, heartfelt moments, and small-town charm into a story that feels as cozy as a warm pastry but as sharp as a kitchen rivalry. The banter between Aubrey and Liam is top-tier—equal parts sassy and sizzling—and their slow-burn chemistry is impossible to resist. What I loved most is how Ambrose shows that love doesn’t just happen when you’re ready; it sneaks in, even when life is messy and complicated.
✨ Favorite Quote:
“Here’s a pro tip, Linley: there’s confidence, and then there’s cockiness. You land on the cocky side, and maybe some people find that a winning quality, but I don’t.”
This is the kind of rom-com that leaves you smiling, craving pastries, and maybe fanning yourself just a little. Perfect for fans of foodie romances with heart and heat.
September 6, 2025
Aubrey Dennison es la mente y el corazón detrás de Petit Chou, una pequeña pastelería que ha crecido más rápido de lo que su local puede soportar. Entre el trabajo, la crianza de su hija de doce años y los recuerdos de un divorcio que la dejó con la autoestima hecha trizas, ampliar el negocio parece el siguiente paso lógico. El problema: el único espacio disponible en Sweet Briar Street también es codiciado por Liam Linley, el carismático y algo insufrible chef de Elevation Eatery.
Cuando el excéntrico dueño del inmueble y la Cámara de Comercio anuncian una competencia culinaria para decidir quién obtendrá el local, Aubrey y Liam quedan atrapados en una guerra de hornos, cuchillos y redes sociales. Lo que empieza como una rivalidad llena de pullas y bromas pronto se mezcla con miradas prolongadas, roces de manos y una química que ninguno de los dos esperaba.
___
Me gustó mucho ver cómo Aubrey, aun sintiendo algo por Liam, nunca permitió que eso la debilitara dentro de la competencia y dio lo mejor de ella.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC
Cuando el excéntrico dueño del inmueble y la Cámara de Comercio anuncian una competencia culinaria para decidir quién obtendrá el local, Aubrey y Liam quedan atrapados en una guerra de hornos, cuchillos y redes sociales. Lo que empieza como una rivalidad llena de pullas y bromas pronto se mezcla con miradas prolongadas, roces de manos y una química que ninguno de los dos esperaba.
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Me gustó mucho ver cómo Aubrey, aun sintiendo algo por Liam, nunca permitió que eso la debilitara dentro de la competencia y dio lo mejor de ella.
Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC
September 22, 2025
I do love a good competition especially when it comes to cooking & baking!
When Aubrey, our single mom baker, and Liam, the hot chef, have to compete for the vacant space between their respective kitchens, things start heating up between the two. Aubrey's crush has always been hot and cold with Liam and Liam for his part can't figure out why the cold shoulder from Aubrey. But when you have a 12-year-old daughter and diagnosed anxiety like Aubrey, it all makes sense.
Their lives will never be the same after this competition. One will have more space for expanding his or her culinary business while the other... well, you'll have to read to find out who wins and who loses. Rest assured, the sparks fly, the tension is steamy, and you will love Liam and Aubrey as they compete, not just for the culinary arts, but for their romance, too!
🕰️ Age Gap
🏆 Competition
🤫 Secret Crush
🏙️ Small City Romance
🤭 Single Mom
🥰 Open Door (Medium Spice)
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy!
When Aubrey, our single mom baker, and Liam, the hot chef, have to compete for the vacant space between their respective kitchens, things start heating up between the two. Aubrey's crush has always been hot and cold with Liam and Liam for his part can't figure out why the cold shoulder from Aubrey. But when you have a 12-year-old daughter and diagnosed anxiety like Aubrey, it all makes sense.
Their lives will never be the same after this competition. One will have more space for expanding his or her culinary business while the other... well, you'll have to read to find out who wins and who loses. Rest assured, the sparks fly, the tension is steamy, and you will love Liam and Aubrey as they compete, not just for the culinary arts, but for their romance, too!
🕰️ Age Gap
🏆 Competition
🤫 Secret Crush
🏙️ Small City Romance
🤭 Single Mom
🥰 Open Door (Medium Spice)
Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the gifted copy!
September 27, 2025
Honest ARC Review – Bake You Mine by Claudia Ambrose
This book was such a tasty little treat. Claudia Ambrose drops you right into a small-town cooking comp full of sass, flirting and second chances, and I was so here for it.
Liam isn’t just a cardboard “celebrity chef” — he’s ambitious, messy and surprisingly soft. And Aubrey? Loved her. Single-mum, rebuilding her life, stepping back into the kitchen spotlight. Their banter felt like sparks flying across a hot pan and the slow-burn tension was chef’s kiss.
What I also adored is how real it felt. Anxiety, self-doubt, big life choices — all mixed in with cinnamon-sugar sweetness and small-town gossip. It’s warm, funny and just the right amount of angsty.
If you’re into:
• rivals-to-lovers energy
• age gap vibes
• single-parent rep
• food-show drama
• quirky side characters
…this one’s a binge-read. I devoured it faster than a tray of cupcakes. 🧁✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Huge thanks to Claudia Ambrose and the team at Love Notes PR for the ARC!
This book was such a tasty little treat. Claudia Ambrose drops you right into a small-town cooking comp full of sass, flirting and second chances, and I was so here for it.
Liam isn’t just a cardboard “celebrity chef” — he’s ambitious, messy and surprisingly soft. And Aubrey? Loved her. Single-mum, rebuilding her life, stepping back into the kitchen spotlight. Their banter felt like sparks flying across a hot pan and the slow-burn tension was chef’s kiss.
What I also adored is how real it felt. Anxiety, self-doubt, big life choices — all mixed in with cinnamon-sugar sweetness and small-town gossip. It’s warm, funny and just the right amount of angsty.
If you’re into:
• rivals-to-lovers energy
• age gap vibes
• single-parent rep
• food-show drama
• quirky side characters
…this one’s a binge-read. I devoured it faster than a tray of cupcakes. 🧁✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Huge thanks to Claudia Ambrose and the team at Love Notes PR for the ARC!
October 13, 2025
Bake You Mine is the cozy fall read you are looking for! With a restaurant competition, a pastry chef, and the hot chef next door, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Aubrey and Liam have been running businesses on the same street, and when the building between them opens, both want a shot at it. Little did they know, their eccentric landlord would come up with an idea to bring attention to the town and their businesses while bringing their attention squarely on each other.
Ambrose brings us a fun, heart warming story of two people who have to put their preconceived notions of the other aside to see the real people underneath. With a small town and cast of side characters that are just as entrancing as Liam and Aubrey, she brings us the fun of a small town from the community to the eccentric members that liven things up. Liam and Aubrey’s story is a great read, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
If you’re looking for a read that is perfectly paired with a relaxing fall morning, you can’t go wrong with Bake You Mine.
Aubrey and Liam have been running businesses on the same street, and when the building between them opens, both want a shot at it. Little did they know, their eccentric landlord would come up with an idea to bring attention to the town and their businesses while bringing their attention squarely on each other.
Ambrose brings us a fun, heart warming story of two people who have to put their preconceived notions of the other aside to see the real people underneath. With a small town and cast of side characters that are just as entrancing as Liam and Aubrey, she brings us the fun of a small town from the community to the eccentric members that liven things up. Liam and Aubrey’s story is a great read, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
If you’re looking for a read that is perfectly paired with a relaxing fall morning, you can’t go wrong with Bake You Mine.
September 20, 2025
Bake You Mine is a charming romance that mixes small-town vibes, second chances, and a dash of enemies-to-lovers tension.
What a sweet book! Perfectly cozy and heartwarming with just the right touch of sass. Enemies to lovers always hooks me, and this one delivered with fantastic banter that had me grinning through the pages. The chemistry between Aubrey and Liam was so well done—equal parts tension and tenderness.
I really loved how beautifully the love story was written, not just between them but in the way Liam embraced Aubrey’s world. The anxiety Aubrey carries felt so real and relatable, and it was refreshing to see that side of her portrayed with honesty instead of being brushed aside. And Liam? The way he showed up for her, and for her daughter, melted me completely.
This was such a sweet, satisfying read that gave me all the warm feels. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for banter, love, and a story that leaves you smiling.
What a sweet book! Perfectly cozy and heartwarming with just the right touch of sass. Enemies to lovers always hooks me, and this one delivered with fantastic banter that had me grinning through the pages. The chemistry between Aubrey and Liam was so well done—equal parts tension and tenderness.
I really loved how beautifully the love story was written, not just between them but in the way Liam embraced Aubrey’s world. The anxiety Aubrey carries felt so real and relatable, and it was refreshing to see that side of her portrayed with honesty instead of being brushed aside. And Liam? The way he showed up for her, and for her daughter, melted me completely.
This was such a sweet, satisfying read that gave me all the warm feels. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for banter, love, and a story that leaves you smiling.
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