The Confection Connection

by Monica Tillery

After appearing on a popular reality cooking show, Carly Piper’s newly opened bakery is landing her in debt. Making the cakes for the celebrity wedding of the year might be the answer to all her troubles.

Problem is, her rival from the show, Michael Welch, is also pitching his bakery to the celebrity couple. When a misunderstanding leads the quirky bride to think they’re a couple, she wants to hire them both.

Stuck traveling together to keep up appearances, the pair finds themselves cozying up to the idea of making their fake relationship real. But a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity leaves these two wondering whether they have the right recipe for success after all. Can Michael and Carly create something lasting or is their love a half-baked proposal?

Genres: Romance

170 pages, ebook

First published January 5, 2015

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Monica Tillery is refreshing to read. It's romantic, it's sweet, it's light and fluffy and easy to read in one quick sitting. I really liked it a lot.

It is another one of those pretend to be in love/a couple’s story but not the typical one where one of them has to save face with family. Carly's not taken by him the way he is by her; however, at one point they're refused a job unless they are actually a couple and it goes from there.

This was for me a fun read, one that I really enjoyed watching the characters' relationship grow. Michael had such a way into Carly's heart and he's just so charming. This is not a book with lots of twist and surprises but it reads well and the characters are both developed nicely.

I will read this author again and I hope you'll try The Confection Connection and see what happens on the reality show and just why Carly was almost happy to get booted.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read! I could have read it all in one day.

I loved all the scenes having to do with food and baking. I loved the simplicity and brevity of it - it's an exquisite, sugar-sweet romance that will leave you drooling at the mouth for a taste of the amazing cakes Michael and Carly make together!

[Lyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review also appears in fuller form on my blog. https://lyrasmusings.wordpress.com/20...

The Confection Connection conforms to not only the essential element of romance – the happily-ever-after but also to a tight focus on the primary romance and how the characters grow and change within and because of that relationship. In this case, Carly Piper and Michael Welch are rival bakers from the same geographic region who once competed for top cake honors in an eliminations style cooking show. A high profile wedding sets them in conflict but in a misunderstanding, the bride-to-be decides they are a couple and she wants her wedding cake made by them.

Ms. Tillery aptly handles the conventions of romance and the path from “They hate each other” to “They love each other” is a believable and satisfying journey. The characters are complex and well rounded. Michael in particular will remind readers of some of their favorite Food Network personalities. The bride-to-be grew on me after my initial dismissal of her as a crackpot. She is a fun secondary character handled deftly, not obtrusive, but integral to the plot. If you watch a lot of cooking shows on TV, put down the remote and pick up this book, especially when something boring is on, i.e. a recipe not involving sugar or butter.

[SiKReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two bakers meet on a reality baking contest show on a cable network. Michael took one look at Carly and seeing her talent and he fell in love. Carly met Michael and thought he was full of himself and annoying. She even throws a piping bag at him. She was actually happy to be voted off the show to get away from him.

Years later, Michael and Carly meet up at a hotel where they are there to pitch to Hollywood's IT couple to do their wedding care. When a mix up forces them to be in the same appointment, the client says that she only wants them if they are a real couple. So, Michael agrees and says of course they are.

Once their status as a couple is heard by the food network, they are asked to come do the Valentine's Day episode. They have to pretend that they are in love. Michael of course doesn't have to really pretend and after a while, Carly doesn't have to either. Miscommunication and lack thereof force them apart. When circumstances and situations align, Michael pulls a trump card and gets the girl.

This book reminded me of a made for TV movie that I saw on either Lifetime or Hallmark. And since I tend to watch it every time it is on, I like this one too.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real joy read.

This fabulous new book from Monica Tillery has quickly boosted her to the top of my list of favorite authors. Her characters and stories are so well written, they pop off the pages and stick with you long after you finish reading the book.

Reality baking show competitors Carly Piper and Michael Welch didn’t get along when they were on the show Sugar Shock. Though extremely attractive, Michael rubbed Carly in all the wrong ways. She was more than glad to move on with her life after the show.

Three years later, they meet again. This time, they are both trying to win the contract making the wedding cakes for a celebrity couple. An appointment error leads everyone to believe they are now in a relationship. They both need this job, so they play along with it. When Sugar Shock gets word of them being together, they want them for their Valentine’s Day special. How will they pull this off?

This sweet and highly addictive book is hard to put down. Any romance fan will love it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the ebook for a honest review of this book.

This is such a sweet story. Carly and Michael met on a reality cooking show three years ago. Carly could not stand him at all, but when they meet again and under a false opportunity, what will Carly do? I love the loving couple that Rusty and his fiancee, Sequonia have together. Sequonia wants a couple in love to make her wedding cake and groom's cake. I have not heard of a groom's cake. I do not think we had one at our wedding almost 19 years ago.

This sweet love story reminded me of falling in love with my husband all those years ago. Don't let love pass you by!!

I can not wait to read Election Connection about Carly's best friend, Lily Ashton, and her congressman boyfriend!!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
http://alwaysreadingreview.blogspot.c...

[Nitza Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Confection Connection centers around Carly and Michael who met on the reality show, Sugar Shock, a baking competition. Carly did not get along well with Michael and was glad when she was kicked off the show so she could get far away from him.

Three years later, they are both competing to get a wedding cake contract for a famous couple. Carly and Michael both get the job when they are mistaken for a couple. They both decide to play the part of a loving couple to get the contract that could take their careers far. Can they fool everyone into believing they really love one another? What if they are found out?

Monica Tillery has written another romance with depth and characters that you wish were real. She has quickly become an author to stand and take notice of. The Confection Connection is a delightful read and will make you wish there was more.

Also, being that I am a Puerto Rican, I love how she gets the Puerto Rican details just right!!

[Lillie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly Piper isn't much impressed with Michael Welch, especially after losing Sugar Shock to him. He's slick, rehearsed, everything she's not. Michael Welch can't seem to get the curvaceous redhead out of his mind since he stole his one and only kiss on an episode of Sugar Shock. When they both end up pitching for a celebrity wedding, the bride falls in love with the idea of a couple baking love into the wedding cake.

Now, how are Carly and Michael supposed to pull off being a couple when at least one of them can't stand the other?

The Confection Connection is a fun little read that will leave you wanting more, great chemistry and cake, who could ask for more? Love this contemporary romance, recommend for all romance readers. Sweet read.

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Monica Tillery's stories, she creates great characters that you can't help but fall for. Carly and Michael grab you from the beginning and don't let go. I thought the story was lighthearted and sweet and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I love the story line being on TV shows and competing for the celebrity wedding cake contract, love their banter and their reluctance of working closely together. Their relationship blossomed from mild hatred to all out love and respect, Monica's stories take you on a carefree ride of sweet and tender relationships and love. If you looking for a lighthearted story that'll make yu smile this one is it. 4-4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this author, and the second time I've hated her characters. Sadly, I'm not giving her a third chance.

Michael was too suave, to smarmy to come across as a genuine romantic love interest for Carly. Likewise, Carly came across as a very immature woman, not at all the consummate professional I was expecting. It was this lack of convincingness on the part of the characters that made it impossible for me to connect with them. That, in turn, caused me to not care about their romance, what there was of it, which frankly seemed to be insta-love to me. I'm sure the author has quite a few fans of her work, I'm just not one of them and will be deleting this book from my Kindle library and avoiding the author in the future.

[Christine Grazioli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Confection Connection by Monica Tillery is a great read. It is a sweet, romantic story of Michael and Carly. You are immediately drawn into the characters and their journey. It is centered around two people who bake and are trying to find their path in their careers. The story is very moving and fast paced. You can't help but feel for Carly and all that she goes through. I was entertained throughout the story and it definitely made me want to eat cake!! This sweet book is a must read!

[N. Kuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really swoon - worthy romance. I really enjoyed it. When two people think they hate each other are forced to work together and then fall in love, it makes for a sweet, sultry romance. This book was that. I lost myself in the story and couldn't put this down. It's not one of those books that will blow you away, but it was still a wonderful day to spend the day! Carly and Michael are well written characters. You'll love this book!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

This contemporary romance is an often-told tale of two people faking a relationship, but the icing on the cake is that it is a love-hate romance with sugary confection.

Read full review in the 2015 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Daniella Ivette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good chick-lit read.

I loved both Michael and Carly as characters, and their chemistry was great. Also, the bakery/culinary theme hits a chord with me, since I love watching Food Network's bakery shows (and the Great British Bake-Off).

If you like a slow burn romance, with an enemies-to-lovers taste, this may be up your alley.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Confection Connection was a sweet read that I really enjoyed. This was romantic, sweet with a wee bit of heat.

I loved watching the conflict between the characters and enjoyed watching the roller coaster ride of seeing them grow into a strong couple. The road to true love is never easy, especially when you are both starting off in two totally different places....Michael has left over feelings for Carly from their time on the cooking reality show 3 years ago, while Carly remembers Michael as being an obnoxious, conceited, @$$hole that she was thankful to get away from when she was elimiated from the reality show. Now 3 years later they are both trying to win the same job and find them selves in a sticky situation.

All in all, this was a good read. I loved the characters, the dialogue flowed well between the characters, the story moved along at a nice pace and the descriptions to detail were nice and not overly done.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and of course the main character had an awesome name too! Carly and Michael are both cake bakers from the same town in Texas that met on a reality cooking show years earlier. They both audition so to speak for the same job, the big celebrity wedding. What the soon to be married couple didn't know was that Carly and Michael weren't actually a couple. Even before their fake relationship started, you could tell there was a spark between the two. I loved reading about the fake yet real romance this couple had throughout the story. It makes you fall in love with both Carly and Michael and you really hope that they will eventually become a real couple behind closed doors. Each thought the other didn't share the same real feelings, both fearing to let their true feelings out cause their relationship to go separate ways. Do they eventually end up together in the end? Or were the feelings they had for each other merely just from being caught up in the lie of a story they were portraying? This is a must read. I hope you fall in love with Carly and Michael as much as I did!

[EatSleepReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly Piper met her nemisis, Michael Welch while on a reality style bake-off TV show. One in which Piper was happy to be voted off just to get away from Michael, who eventually went on to win. They are thrown back together when they both show up to interview for a celebrity wedding and get the gig on the pretense that they are a couple.

The Confection Connection is a cute, sweet read with no big surprises or over the top dramatics. It flows easily, leaving you feeling warm and cozy throughout. The characters are well developed, believable and the attraction between the two is intense and yet modest. Always the professional, Piper comes across icy in the beginning, but Michael's fun and charismatic banter warms her up and keeps the tension between the two light.

Overall, a satisfying read.

A complimentary copy of The Confection Connection was received in exchanged for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning.....You might just crave cupcakes when reading, so I suggest you have some on hand.

This was Carly and Michael's story. They met when they were competing against each other on a reality TV show that was a cake making competition. They run into each other again, when they are competing for a job and through a series a misunderstandings, they end up working together as a couple. They learn about each other and things are not what they have assumed about each other.

This was a delightful read. I enjoyed the characters of Carly and Michael. The story had it all, it was funny, touching, surprising, and of course there were lots of cupcakes.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It was like something you would expect happening on one of the cooking reality shows on TV where the contestants are together for long periods of time. Then, when the competition is over and everyone goes home, what happens when they bump into each other? Carly and Michael are both likable in their own ways, but are very different. However, opposites attract and when these two bump into each other at an appointment that could make or break their careers, a misunderstanding throws them together again. The banter between the two of them was so well written. I laughed during parts and enjoyed reading how Carly and Michael work through it. Definitely worth the read!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet read but I didn't connect as much with the story as I did with 'The Election Connection'. This one felt very contrived with the way Carly and Michael came back together. They have bakeries in the same town but their paths never crossed until this particular wedding pitch? Whilst the baking element was a good back drop and left me craving something sweet, I couldn't relate to Michael and his suave and smug ways. I am guessing that his sister was included to soften him but even though she was his priority, when a better offer came along she was not really given a second thought. Sorry but this one didn't hit the spot for me.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confection Connection is a truly wonderful novel the reader can't help but fall in love with. The author creates such wonderful characters, they seem like old friends to the reader. With such a wonderful grasp at love, humor, fun and friendship, the author creates such a wonderful novel, the reader is engaged from beginning to end and roots for Carly and Michael along the way.

Heartwarming and fun, this is a novel I would highly recommend.

[Christy Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have your cake and eat it too!

Deliciously romantic. Just the right mixture of sweet, fun and sexy. I enjoyed Carly and Michael’s story not only because of the reality TV, but also the memorable loveable characters. From beginning to end this story is a gem. I can’t wait to dig into Monica Tillery’s next book!

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet wonderful story

My elderly client and I both enjoyed this sweet story. Can't and Micheal have a lot in common. I think it was sweet off him to allow her to share his interview time for a famous couple up and coming wedding. This is one story worth reading if you like a good romance.

[Delynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of predictable. Just ok