What do you think?
Rate this book
Workplace Encounters #10
The Baker
Ian Wallace works as a baker for his tyrannical father in the family-owned Scottish Bakehouse in Casper, Wyoming. He wants to represent the bakery in the upcoming Tartan Day competition, but his father refuses to reveal the secret ingredients that make them so successful—unless Ian gets married and has a son, proving he is fit to continue the family line.
Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own. Though he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.
Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own. Though he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
About the author
Serena Yates
104 books770 followersI’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2019
A very charming, enjoyable read!
This book is an installment of the “Workplace Encounters” ten-novella series.
The installments stand alone and can be read in any order.
These stories have a definite recipe and the ones that I read, including this one, have a theme of coming-out and the on page sexual interludes are low on steam.
If you want a lighthearted, short novella, this delivers!
This book is an installment of the “Workplace Encounters” ten-novella series.
The installments stand alone and can be read in any order.
These stories have a definite recipe and the ones that I read, including this one, have a theme of coming-out and the on page sexual interludes are low on steam.
If you want a lighthearted, short novella, this delivers!
July 17, 2015
“Bread – like real love – took time, cultivation, strong loving hands and patience. It lived, rising and growing to fruition only under the most perfect circumstances.” ~ Melissa Hill (Something from Tiffany's)
Ian Wallace, from 'The Baker' by Serena Yates, does everything his father demands, with no thanks or praise. He doesn't mean to be ungrateful, but a compliment, at least once in a while, would be nice. Ian has no time for a social life; he's lonely, but being gay limits his opportunities. He is beginning to unravel at the seams, becoming more resentful all the time. He needs a catalyst to spur him into action and it might just be the stranger, Cameron Lewis, who walks through the bakery door and into Ian's life.
Ian is tired of being under his father's thumb. His dad is one of those people who thinks an idea doesn't have merit unless he comes up with it himself. Ian tries his best to explain how the baking contest at the Tartan Day celebration will be great publicity for their store and a chance to show people what they can provide. When Ian mentions the contest will be for the younger generation, his father throws a gasket because he realizes for Ian to compete properly, he would have to have the secret ingredients of some of his baked goods. His father goes into a rant, informing Ian if he doesn't get married and have a male child, he will not inherit the bakery; his eldest daughter's son will instead. Ian can hardly believe what he's hearing, but facing down his father, especially when he's this angry and unreasonable, is fruitless. Now, at least, Ian doesn't have to be miserable alone. He has Cameron with whom to commiserate.
Cameron can't believe Ian's father's attitudes, but he's very understanding. Cameron is there for support, but is intent on letting Ian work his problems out for himself, neither pushing or holding him back. Ian has never had this kind of support and it feels magnificent. The men try to be discreet, but unfortunately, someone sees them sharing a kiss. It gets back to Ian’s father who disowns him. Ian would be lost without Cameron, who swoops in with a solution. Loving Ian gives Cameron the courage to reexamine his own family's past and come to terms with it.
Although Cameron and Ian aren't together very long before they become a couple, it doesn't seem like insta-love. Like the gentleman he is, Cameron is always very concerned about Ian's feelings and does not want to rush him. It is refreshing to have this in a story instead of them jumping in bed the first time they are together. They don't play games. They are honest with each other from the start. The men take the time to get to know each other by talking and joking about things and just being together. This, among other things, is what makes them so endearing. If you like reading about two men struggling to be themselves, living honestly, loving each other openly, angst, suspense, overcoming hardships, bakeries, Scottish customs, Hogmanay rituals, kilts, and black buns, then you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Serena, for your magical touch when it comes to giving your couples the happy ending they deserve, and for making me drool all over my Kindle while describing all of the fabulous baked goods.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Ian Wallace, from 'The Baker' by Serena Yates, does everything his father demands, with no thanks or praise. He doesn't mean to be ungrateful, but a compliment, at least once in a while, would be nice. Ian has no time for a social life; he's lonely, but being gay limits his opportunities. He is beginning to unravel at the seams, becoming more resentful all the time. He needs a catalyst to spur him into action and it might just be the stranger, Cameron Lewis, who walks through the bakery door and into Ian's life.
Ian is tired of being under his father's thumb. His dad is one of those people who thinks an idea doesn't have merit unless he comes up with it himself. Ian tries his best to explain how the baking contest at the Tartan Day celebration will be great publicity for their store and a chance to show people what they can provide. When Ian mentions the contest will be for the younger generation, his father throws a gasket because he realizes for Ian to compete properly, he would have to have the secret ingredients of some of his baked goods. His father goes into a rant, informing Ian if he doesn't get married and have a male child, he will not inherit the bakery; his eldest daughter's son will instead. Ian can hardly believe what he's hearing, but facing down his father, especially when he's this angry and unreasonable, is fruitless. Now, at least, Ian doesn't have to be miserable alone. He has Cameron with whom to commiserate.
Cameron can't believe Ian's father's attitudes, but he's very understanding. Cameron is there for support, but is intent on letting Ian work his problems out for himself, neither pushing or holding him back. Ian has never had this kind of support and it feels magnificent. The men try to be discreet, but unfortunately, someone sees them sharing a kiss. It gets back to Ian’s father who disowns him. Ian would be lost without Cameron, who swoops in with a solution. Loving Ian gives Cameron the courage to reexamine his own family's past and come to terms with it.
Although Cameron and Ian aren't together very long before they become a couple, it doesn't seem like insta-love. Like the gentleman he is, Cameron is always very concerned about Ian's feelings and does not want to rush him. It is refreshing to have this in a story instead of them jumping in bed the first time they are together. They don't play games. They are honest with each other from the start. The men take the time to get to know each other by talking and joking about things and just being together. This, among other things, is what makes them so endearing. If you like reading about two men struggling to be themselves, living honestly, loving each other openly, angst, suspense, overcoming hardships, bakeries, Scottish customs, Hogmanay rituals, kilts, and black buns, then you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Serena, for your magical touch when it comes to giving your couples the happy ending they deserve, and for making me drool all over my Kindle while describing all of the fabulous baked goods.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 3, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This story was so interesting. I enjoyed watching Cameron and Ian slowly come together and build a relationship. Plus seeing how they handle their decision when and where to come out. Ian’s dad was such a bad guy. I would have liked to see some kind of redemption at the end. But at the same time, it wouldn’t have made sense in the story. Ian’s dad was too set in his ways for any kind of redemption of his character. Ian and Cameron are so good together. The support each other and their careers. And their happy ending where they’re clearly working to build a life together is wonderful.
Four stars!
This story was so interesting. I enjoyed watching Cameron and Ian slowly come together and build a relationship. Plus seeing how they handle their decision when and where to come out. Ian’s dad was such a bad guy. I would have liked to see some kind of redemption at the end. But at the same time, it wouldn’t have made sense in the story. Ian’s dad was too set in his ways for any kind of redemption of his character. Ian and Cameron are so good together. The support each other and their careers. And their happy ending where they’re clearly working to build a life together is wonderful.
July 18, 2015
The Baker is a sweet, romantic story with minimal angst. Ian works as a baker for his father’s Scottish bakery in Casper, Wyoming. Cameron is a police detective who walks into the bakery one morning when it is his turn to provide doughnuts for the officers on his shift. The chemistry between the two men is instant, although it isn’t love at first sight. They are simply attracted to each other.
Ian’s father is a tyrannical, domineering person who runs his bakery with an iron fist and no consideration at all for his children. He keeps some “secret ingredients” to himself so everyone will have to depend on him for the success of the bakery. When the opportunity to compete in a citywide baking contest he refuses to divulge the secret ingredients to his son. In addition, he is a holdover to the feudal system and insists that Ian marry and provide a male heir within a year before he will allow him to know his father’s baking secrets. The fact that Ian is gay prevents this from happening.
When Ian stands up to his father things go haywire. Cameron is Ian’s hero and quickly becomes so much more to him. Will Ian be able to successfully compete with his father in the competition? What will Ian do without a job or a professional kitchen in which to work? Neither man is out publically so will they remain each other’s dirty little secret?
This is a good book that can be read in one sitting and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good love story with a satisfying ending.
Ian’s father is a tyrannical, domineering person who runs his bakery with an iron fist and no consideration at all for his children. He keeps some “secret ingredients” to himself so everyone will have to depend on him for the success of the bakery. When the opportunity to compete in a citywide baking contest he refuses to divulge the secret ingredients to his son. In addition, he is a holdover to the feudal system and insists that Ian marry and provide a male heir within a year before he will allow him to know his father’s baking secrets. The fact that Ian is gay prevents this from happening.
When Ian stands up to his father things go haywire. Cameron is Ian’s hero and quickly becomes so much more to him. Will Ian be able to successfully compete with his father in the competition? What will Ian do without a job or a professional kitchen in which to work? Neither man is out publically so will they remain each other’s dirty little secret?
This is a good book that can be read in one sitting and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good love story with a satisfying ending.
July 19, 2015
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Ian a baker in his family's Scottish bakery, meets Cameron a detective when, Cameron stops by the bakery for some doughnuts. Ian and Cameron are instantly attracted to one another. When the two come together the sparks fly. Cameron waste no time asking Ian out on a date. Ian agrees, and the two hit it off, but there's a slight problem. Ian is very much in the closet. His father, the bakery owner, is very traditional and old fissioned, and has already informed Ian he will only inherit the bakery once he has married and produced a son. Ian and Cameron continue to see one another, but they have to do do in secret.
This was a well written and enjoyable read. Both the main characters were extremely likable, and had good chemistry. The story flowed well and moved at a good pace. They didn't rush into bed, but when they get there, it was well worth the wait! HOT, HOT, HOT!!
This is my first book by this author, but I'll try more in the future!
I have a complaint though! My trainer has us on a challenge and we can't cheat. This book is FILLED with descriptions of mouth watering goodness, but I got through it without stopping at the nearest bakery! :)
Ian a baker in his family's Scottish bakery, meets Cameron a detective when, Cameron stops by the bakery for some doughnuts. Ian and Cameron are instantly attracted to one another. When the two come together the sparks fly. Cameron waste no time asking Ian out on a date. Ian agrees, and the two hit it off, but there's a slight problem. Ian is very much in the closet. His father, the bakery owner, is very traditional and old fissioned, and has already informed Ian he will only inherit the bakery once he has married and produced a son. Ian and Cameron continue to see one another, but they have to do do in secret.
This was a well written and enjoyable read. Both the main characters were extremely likable, and had good chemistry. The story flowed well and moved at a good pace. They didn't rush into bed, but when they get there, it was well worth the wait! HOT, HOT, HOT!!
This is my first book by this author, but I'll try more in the future!
I have a complaint though! My trainer has us on a challenge and we can't cheat. This book is FILLED with descriptions of mouth watering goodness, but I got through it without stopping at the nearest bakery! :)
August 19, 2015
Not as Sweet as You Might Think
Oh, this one is a set-up from the get-go. Read the intro: bake shop in Casper, Wyoming, a sweet little very lonely young baker with a nasty SOB of a father, a large ex-Marine besotted detective, and a plot right out of one of those 1950s "State Fair" movies and you basically have it.
Despite some sour notes along the way, have a cuppa, grab a scone, turn the pages and smile.
Oh, this one is a set-up from the get-go. Read the intro: bake shop in Casper, Wyoming, a sweet little very lonely young baker with a nasty SOB of a father, a large ex-Marine besotted detective, and a plot right out of one of those 1950s "State Fair" movies and you basically have it.
Despite some sour notes along the way, have a cuppa, grab a scone, turn the pages and smile.
July 30, 2015
2.5 stars
Disappointed....review to come
Disappointed....review to come
Read
July 15, 2015The Baker is out today, 15 July 2015. It's a totally NEW Workplace Encounters story about Ian Wallace, a baker of Scottish descent (yes there is a kilt!), and Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned detective.
Ian Wallace works as a baker for his tyrannical father in their family owned Scottish Bakehouse in Casper, Wyoming. He wants to represent the bakery in the upcoming Tartan Day competition, but his father refuses to reveal the secret ingredients that make them so successful—unless Ian gets married and has a son, proving he is fit to continue the family line.
Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own. Though he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.
You can find the book at:
Dreamspinner Press
All Romance
Amazon US and other Amazon sites
Enjoy!
Serena
Ian Wallace works as a baker for his tyrannical father in their family owned Scottish Bakehouse in Casper, Wyoming. He wants to represent the bakery in the upcoming Tartan Day competition, but his father refuses to reveal the secret ingredients that make them so successful—unless Ian gets married and has a son, proving he is fit to continue the family line.
Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own. Though he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.
You can find the book at:
Dreamspinner Press
All Romance
Amazon US and other Amazon sites
Enjoy!
Serena
September 22, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Ian Wallace works in a Bakery in Wyoming that specialises in Scottish produce. The bakery is family run and has been passed down through the generations. Ian’s father currently runs it and he is an egotistical and bigoted horror. When Ian wants to enter a local competition his father refuses to hand over the secret ingredients in the recipes unless Ian finds a wife and starts producing grandchildren. There are untold problems with this ultimatum – the biggest being that Ian is gay.
Whilst all this is going on a rather good looking police detective has started coming into the shop to buy donuts for his colleagues and although they all love the donuts at the police station hunky Cameron has more than delicious cakes on his mind. Cameron is still in the closet but Ian has definitely caught his eye and unless he does something about it soon his waistband will be out of control with all the cakes he keeps stopping by to purchase!
This is a short and sweet story about two men finding something important enough that it pushes them to be honest with their families and friends and gives Ian the impetus to defy his father and prove that he can do it on his own.
Ian Wallace works in a Bakery in Wyoming that specialises in Scottish produce. The bakery is family run and has been passed down through the generations. Ian’s father currently runs it and he is an egotistical and bigoted horror. When Ian wants to enter a local competition his father refuses to hand over the secret ingredients in the recipes unless Ian finds a wife and starts producing grandchildren. There are untold problems with this ultimatum – the biggest being that Ian is gay.
Whilst all this is going on a rather good looking police detective has started coming into the shop to buy donuts for his colleagues and although they all love the donuts at the police station hunky Cameron has more than delicious cakes on his mind. Cameron is still in the closet but Ian has definitely caught his eye and unless he does something about it soon his waistband will be out of control with all the cakes he keeps stopping by to purchase!
This is a short and sweet story about two men finding something important enough that it pushes them to be honest with their families and friends and gives Ian the impetus to defy his father and prove that he can do it on his own.
January 30, 2025
4.5 Stars ~ ‘The Baker’ is a story that hits me very close to my heart. My husband was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming and when he passed away in 2015 it was the small things like this novella that kept him alive for me. Reading Ian and Cameron’s story had me picturing these locations in my head and remembering times I’ve frozen my heinie off in Casper! Wonderful and loving memories.
I loved that Ian is a baker because I have a horrible sweet tooth. Combine that with Cameron and his guys unabashed delight in continuing the stereotype of cops and donuts, and I was smiling throughout this tale. Ian’s dad is a grade-A a**hole and I wanted to punch his misogynist and bigoted face in!
This is so worth a read, believe me.
I loved that Ian is a baker because I have a horrible sweet tooth. Combine that with Cameron and his guys unabashed delight in continuing the stereotype of cops and donuts, and I was smiling throughout this tale. Ian’s dad is a grade-A a**hole and I wanted to punch his misogynist and bigoted face in!
This is so worth a read, believe me.
May 29, 2016
3.5 stars
I quite enjoy this fluffy series by Serena Yates.
Don't expect much plot or deep dialogue but for what it is, I love it. Sometimes, I just want something light and sexy to read.
Who wouldn't love a cute Scottish baker? Cameron sure does. This lonely police detective fell for Ian right away. Really sweet (pun intended!).
I quite enjoy this fluffy series by Serena Yates.
Don't expect much plot or deep dialogue but for what it is, I love it. Sometimes, I just want something light and sexy to read.
Who wouldn't love a cute Scottish baker? Cameron sure does. This lonely police detective fell for Ian right away. Really sweet (pun intended!).
maybe
July 25, 2015A baker donning a kilt??
I'll consider it! ;p
I'll consider it! ;p
August 8, 2015
3,5 stars
September 22, 2015
This was a nice little story.
October 3, 2015
This story was a sweet romance, with at bigoted father figure and slow developing romance between baker and a detective. I liked it.
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews