What do you think?
Rate this book
Turtle Pine #1
Cupcakes and Crushes
Sometimes there is enough sweet to make up for the bitter.
Years ago, a broken heart sent Annie Cookie running from home, and she’s never looked back—until now. Her grandpa’s broken wrist means the family bakery is at risk of losing two big orders.
Reluctantly, Annie returns to Turtle Pine to help out, only to discover it’s not just seven hundred cupcakes she has to bake, but also a wedding cake for the half-sister who stole her high-school sweetheart. Annie left town to get away from her sister. No way is she getting mixed up with her again. Once the cupcakes are done, she’s outta there.
Back in high school, Cade Revlin hid his crush on his brother’s girl, but when his brother dumped Annie for another Cookie sister, Annie slipped through his fingers and out of town. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to give her a reason to stay.
He’s got one week to change her mind. Or she’ll be gone in a cloud of powdered sugar.
Warning: Contains small-town meddling, family drama and all the necessary ingredients for a second chance at love—if they have the guts to turn up the heat.
Years ago, a broken heart sent Annie Cookie running from home, and she’s never looked back—until now. Her grandpa’s broken wrist means the family bakery is at risk of losing two big orders.
Reluctantly, Annie returns to Turtle Pine to help out, only to discover it’s not just seven hundred cupcakes she has to bake, but also a wedding cake for the half-sister who stole her high-school sweetheart. Annie left town to get away from her sister. No way is she getting mixed up with her again. Once the cupcakes are done, she’s outta there.
Back in high school, Cade Revlin hid his crush on his brother’s girl, but when his brother dumped Annie for another Cookie sister, Annie slipped through his fingers and out of town. Now that she’s back, he’s determined to give her a reason to stay.
He’s got one week to change her mind. Or she’ll be gone in a cloud of powdered sugar.
Warning: Contains small-town meddling, family drama and all the necessary ingredients for a second chance at love—if they have the guts to turn up the heat.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2015
5 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Keri Ford
30 books174 followersKeri Ford brings sexy contemporary romance to the American South. With a sprinkling of men in suits and women in high heels, you’ll most likely find four-wheeler riding, ball cap wearing fellas trying to sweet-talk sundress wearing ladies in Keri’s books. Glass of sweet tea at your elbow while you read is not required, but strongly recommended.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 7, 2016
Cupcakes And Crushes es el primer libro de la serie Turtle Pine de la autora Keri Ford, ademas de ser mi primera lectura de la autora, a la que no conocia hasta hace algunas semanas.
Este libro fue una lectura " sorpresa ", no planeaba leerlo entero, solo le iba a dar una ojeada por encima para decidir si leerlo mas adelante pero solo con leer el primer capitulo ya no pude parar.
La trama no tiene algo super novedoso, pero era el tipo de libro ligero que tenia ganas de leer.
Segun fui avanzando la lectura mas me gustaba, era una historia tierna, ligera, rapida y perfecta para relajarte, ya planeaba ponerle una buena puntuacion, ya que la trama era muy sencilla de leer y los personajes eran muy agradables y ahora es cuando se preguntaran porque no le puse mejor puntuacion si me estaba gustando tanto. Todo iba de maravilla hasta que la autora metio la pata hasta el fondo. Es como si los ultimos capitulos los hubiera escrito otra persona. No pegan para nada con la historia, ademas todo era demasiado precipitado y el final me parecio bastante flojo y abierto. Me hubiera gustado un epilogo donde leer un poco sobre Annie y Cade con un poco mas de tranquilidad.
2 Estrellas!
June 16, 2017
Lindo y ligero.
El hecho que todo se desarrolle en una semana me fastidio, porque no creo que pum te enamores y quieres cambiar "toda" tu vida solo por ello, darle tiempo al tiempo; hasta me creería un poco mas si fuera un mes. En fin es agradable de leer y te lo devoras pero si es cliché.
El hecho que todo se desarrolle en una semana me fastidio, porque no creo que pum te enamores y quieres cambiar "toda" tu vida solo por ello, darle tiempo al tiempo; hasta me creería un poco mas si fuera un mes. En fin es agradable de leer y te lo devoras pero si es cliché.
September 26, 2015
✰✰✰✰.5
**4.5 Stars**
I knew the moment I read the blurb for this book I would like definitely like it. Small town girl successfully runs away from her past only to get pulled back in when her grandfather needs her help to fulfill a cupcake order he promised to the local school after he injures his wrist. Annie's plans are to go back to her small hometown to help her grandfather finish the cupcake order and return back to her life in Texas far away from her half sisters which was one of the reasons she left Turtle Pines.
Cage is now all grown up and is determined to get Annie to change her mind and move back. Cage wants Annie to know that there's more for her in this little town then a bad past. He's had a crush on her since he was in high school. Cage is such a gentleman. Sweet southern man that puts family first. I loved that it took no effort for them to fall in love. It was like puzzle pieces aligning together when they were together.
This is my first book of Keri Ford and it won't be my last. I love her writing style and how everything just flowed together seamlessly. She captured the southern hospitality in her characters. If you want a sweet charming read then Cupcakes and Crushes is the book you're looking for.
**4.5 Stars**
I knew the moment I read the blurb for this book I would like definitely like it. Small town girl successfully runs away from her past only to get pulled back in when her grandfather needs her help to fulfill a cupcake order he promised to the local school after he injures his wrist. Annie's plans are to go back to her small hometown to help her grandfather finish the cupcake order and return back to her life in Texas far away from her half sisters which was one of the reasons she left Turtle Pines.
Cage is now all grown up and is determined to get Annie to change her mind and move back. Cage wants Annie to know that there's more for her in this little town then a bad past. He's had a crush on her since he was in high school. Cage is such a gentleman. Sweet southern man that puts family first. I loved that it took no effort for them to fall in love. It was like puzzle pieces aligning together when they were together.
This is my first book of Keri Ford and it won't be my last. I love her writing style and how everything just flowed together seamlessly. She captured the southern hospitality in her characters. If you want a sweet charming read then Cupcakes and Crushes is the book you're looking for.
April 6, 2015
Keri Ford's CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES was just what I needed after the last two reads that were extremely good but also emotionally draining. I can always count on Keri Ford to make me smile and just let me enjoy a sweet love story.
I love her writing and loved the subtle layer of emotions underneath the humor and lightness in CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES. As a fan of cooking shows, especially baking shows, I loved all the baking and bakery stuff that was in this book! Keri Ford knows her baking stuff!
Loved Annie and Cade and their story. And as expected I hated Tina from the start (and I really hope she doesn't get to have a HEA...mean, I know but I see no redeeming qualities in her) and have a bit ambivalent feelings towards Jane. I ended up liking Jane but Tina is still on my shitlist...
CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES is small-town romance at its best. There's the sense of community, a lovely and sweet romance which was set up in the perfect pace, there's the family dynamics and there was emotion packed into it while still keeping it fun and light. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next Turtle Pine story!
Favorite Quote:
He’d wanted to flirt with Annie since the day he’d realized girls didn’t have cooties
I love her writing and loved the subtle layer of emotions underneath the humor and lightness in CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES. As a fan of cooking shows, especially baking shows, I loved all the baking and bakery stuff that was in this book! Keri Ford knows her baking stuff!
Loved Annie and Cade and their story. And as expected I hated Tina from the start (and I really hope she doesn't get to have a HEA...mean, I know but I see no redeeming qualities in her) and have a bit ambivalent feelings towards Jane. I ended up liking Jane but Tina is still on my shitlist...
CUPCAKES AND CRUSHES is small-town romance at its best. There's the sense of community, a lovely and sweet romance which was set up in the perfect pace, there's the family dynamics and there was emotion packed into it while still keeping it fun and light. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next Turtle Pine story!
Favorite Quote:
He’d wanted to flirt with Annie since the day he’d realized girls didn’t have cooties
March 5, 2015
Read this review at Brilliant Bookshelf
Netgalley provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Everybody likes a little bit of romance now and then and Cupcakes and Crushes has a lot of that. This was a really sweet read with the occasional drama mixed in.
The entire story had a countryside, summer-vibe about it, which I really adored. Turtle Pine seemed spot on as representation of a small town. Moreover, thanks to the descriptions I could almost picture myself living there. I liked that the author added baking as a recurring theme in the story because it gave the story depth. It also helps that I personally like to bake.
Protagonist Annie was funny and actually went through some major character development. What disappointed me was that she was basically the only well-developed character in the story. Though I got a little bit more information about Cade, his characterization did not go much beyond his crush on Annie. Most other characters were two-dimensional and flat. I would have liked to get to know more about them.
Moreover, I did not really like that the author drew such a distinct line between good and evil. Tina, for example, was apparently the devil herself and had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It made the story more unrealistic and this aspect kind of threw me off.
This was still a very cute read though with an enjoyable setting and characters. Who knows, maybe the second book in the series will offer more insight on the characters.
Netgalley provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Everybody likes a little bit of romance now and then and Cupcakes and Crushes has a lot of that. This was a really sweet read with the occasional drama mixed in.
The entire story had a countryside, summer-vibe about it, which I really adored. Turtle Pine seemed spot on as representation of a small town. Moreover, thanks to the descriptions I could almost picture myself living there. I liked that the author added baking as a recurring theme in the story because it gave the story depth. It also helps that I personally like to bake.
Protagonist Annie was funny and actually went through some major character development. What disappointed me was that she was basically the only well-developed character in the story. Though I got a little bit more information about Cade, his characterization did not go much beyond his crush on Annie. Most other characters were two-dimensional and flat. I would have liked to get to know more about them.
Moreover, I did not really like that the author drew such a distinct line between good and evil. Tina, for example, was apparently the devil herself and had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It made the story more unrealistic and this aspect kind of threw me off.
This was still a very cute read though with an enjoyable setting and characters. Who knows, maybe the second book in the series will offer more insight on the characters.
April 30, 2015
Annie Cookie had left home and never planned to come back/ When her grandfather breaks his wrist and has a big order to fill for the local highschool, Annie returns planning to back the cupcakes but that is it. She doesn't expect to run into Cade Revlin, the brother to the boy who betrayed her. Cade has certainly grown up and Annie takes notice.
Cade always had a crush on Annie, now he sees his chance but when Annie reveals the reason she left, Cade is not sure he can convince her to stay.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10671
Cade always had a crush on Annie, now he sees his chance but when Annie reveals the reason she left, Cade is not sure he can convince her to stay.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10671
June 3, 2017
Es un libro bastante entretenido, estabas todo el tiempo como: odio a las hermanas!!!
NO ME GUSTÓ EL FINAL... Aburrido
NO ME GUSTÓ EL FINAL... Aburrido
November 5, 2017
Me entretuvo la lectura y aunque lo que pasa con las hermanas de Annie me pareció que estuvo demasiado azucarado y terminé con un gran ñeh.
May 7, 2016
I was worried I had overpaid for this book, but while it was a bit on the short side, it was a very well written and enjoyable read! Annie was a bit of an emotionally scarred heroine, which she took a bit far at times, but I liked how she wound up helping a sister she thought had been behind much of her childhood hurts. I thought her last name was a little weird though, totally not realistic! Cade was a very persistent hero, but it was obvious from the beginning that he cared deeply for Annie. The secondary characters made the book a very rich one, and I enjoyed the small town feel of the story. All in all, well worth the purchase, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
April 21, 2015
I liked this one, it was super sweet. However, it felt like a LOT happened in just a few short days, and I had a little trouble believing in the "love you" from the heroine.
Full review at www.thebookpushers.com
Full review at www.thebookpushers.com
January 17, 2018
Libro entretenido. Un poco denso en algunas partes pero llevadero.
Con la protagonista tuve sentimientos encontrados. Hasta llegar, en varias ocasiones a enfadarme con ella.
Es un buen libro para distraer y pasar un buen momento en tardes lluviosas.
Con la protagonista tuve sentimientos encontrados. Hasta llegar, en varias ocasiones a enfadarme con ella.
Es un buen libro para distraer y pasar un buen momento en tardes lluviosas.
July 13, 2017
Like it... sweet and charming!
December 16, 2017
Me ha gustado bastante, pero me han faltado cosas para aclarar
November 9, 2018
3.75 stars
January 10, 2020
It was cute and exciting but I have to say that it was incredibly short. I needed more narration for develop the protagonist relationship
May 14, 2020
Una historia dulce, con un protagonista que quiere que la chica de sus sueños elija quedarse en casa.
April 19, 2023
2.5⭐️
¿Por qué siempre la parte agraviada tienen que perdonar y ser mejor que el agraviante??
¿Por qué siempre la parte agraviada tienen que perdonar y ser mejor que el agraviante??
April 13, 2015
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
I can’t even begin to express how happy I am that author Keri Ford has another small town series beginning. Cupcakes and Crushes pairs the girl who couldn’t wait to leave town with the guy who never forgot her despite the fact she barely knew he existed. Everything you expect from a small town love story including interfering relatives, nosy towns people, and a couple who despite knowing anything they start has a short life expectancy can’t seem to stay away from one another. Humor, sass, and supremely sexy I am so happy to have this new series from Keri Ford to look forward to!
Families can’t live with them and can’t kill them…although Annie Cookie would love to do some bodily harm to the step sisters who made her life miserable for so many years. Annie is back to make good on a promise of 700+ cupcakes to the local school children her grandfather made but can’t deliver due to an accident that hurt his arm. She plans to get in and get out but being picked up at the airport by an entirely too sexy man, one who has had a crush on her for years, and one who makes her want to forget all the promises she’s made herself throws her neat and orderly life into a tailspin.
Cade Revlin can’t believe his luck when he is asked to fetch Annie Cookie from the airport. Sure he’s a little disappointed she doesn’t remember him from when she dated his brother but he knows he’s changed from that 15 year old boy who had a wild crush on a girl who never gave him or anyone the time of day following “the breakup.” Cade intends to show Annie just what she’s been missing since she left town and if he happens to reap the benefits then he’s all for it.
Cade was one of those sneaky heroes that just inserts himself into the heroines life and before she knows it she’s in over her head. I love the way he got her to get out and see the town, to remember the good things, to share the bad things, and to reflect on her life in general. Watching him insert Annie into his life, introducing her to his niece and nephew and having her spend time with his mother were really pure genius. Yes, if you really examine it he was a tad manipulative but I believed his heart was in the right place and I also believe that from the first evening they spent together he was halfway in love with the girl he once crushed on. I felt for Annie’s situation and I know I’m not one to talk but man that woman can hold a grudge. I give her credit for standing her ground, for not letting those close to her manipulate her feelings, and for doing the right thing once she got the facts and realized the events of the past were not quite what she thought they were.
Sexy times were just that…some were playful, some were sensual and slow and some were fast and hard but one thing was certain these two had chemistry in spades and what they thought was a limited time together so they made the most of it sometimes in very interesting places.
Everything about this book made me want to keep reading, made me wonder about this couple’s future and made me very curious about what happens next in Turtle Pine and I can’t wait to find out!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
I can’t even begin to express how happy I am that author Keri Ford has another small town series beginning. Cupcakes and Crushes pairs the girl who couldn’t wait to leave town with the guy who never forgot her despite the fact she barely knew he existed. Everything you expect from a small town love story including interfering relatives, nosy towns people, and a couple who despite knowing anything they start has a short life expectancy can’t seem to stay away from one another. Humor, sass, and supremely sexy I am so happy to have this new series from Keri Ford to look forward to!
Families can’t live with them and can’t kill them…although Annie Cookie would love to do some bodily harm to the step sisters who made her life miserable for so many years. Annie is back to make good on a promise of 700+ cupcakes to the local school children her grandfather made but can’t deliver due to an accident that hurt his arm. She plans to get in and get out but being picked up at the airport by an entirely too sexy man, one who has had a crush on her for years, and one who makes her want to forget all the promises she’s made herself throws her neat and orderly life into a tailspin.
Cade Revlin can’t believe his luck when he is asked to fetch Annie Cookie from the airport. Sure he’s a little disappointed she doesn’t remember him from when she dated his brother but he knows he’s changed from that 15 year old boy who had a wild crush on a girl who never gave him or anyone the time of day following “the breakup.” Cade intends to show Annie just what she’s been missing since she left town and if he happens to reap the benefits then he’s all for it.
Cade was one of those sneaky heroes that just inserts himself into the heroines life and before she knows it she’s in over her head. I love the way he got her to get out and see the town, to remember the good things, to share the bad things, and to reflect on her life in general. Watching him insert Annie into his life, introducing her to his niece and nephew and having her spend time with his mother were really pure genius. Yes, if you really examine it he was a tad manipulative but I believed his heart was in the right place and I also believe that from the first evening they spent together he was halfway in love with the girl he once crushed on. I felt for Annie’s situation and I know I’m not one to talk but man that woman can hold a grudge. I give her credit for standing her ground, for not letting those close to her manipulate her feelings, and for doing the right thing once she got the facts and realized the events of the past were not quite what she thought they were.
Sexy times were just that…some were playful, some were sensual and slow and some were fast and hard but one thing was certain these two had chemistry in spades and what they thought was a limited time together so they made the most of it sometimes in very interesting places.
Everything about this book made me want to keep reading, made me wonder about this couple’s future and made me very curious about what happens next in Turtle Pine and I can’t wait to find out!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
April 9, 2015
This book is just full of sugar and spice and all things nice, with a hint of family drama and the damage a rough ride through school can do years and years later. Annie is a nice girl, who used to be sporty and fun and a bit of tom-boy until having fun frightened the life out of her, her half-sister betrayed her and she found solace in studying and the dream of getting out of town the first chance she got. Which is what she did, and she’s been happy living her life beyond Turtle Pine. But when her grandfather needs her help, she can’t say no. Her grandparents raised her and no matter how many issues she has with her half-sisters, she still loves her grandparents and misses them. Little does she know someone in Turtle Pine has been missing her just as much.
Annie might be nice and sweet and a little bit stubborn, but my goodness, Cade is adorable. He’s had a crush on Annie since he was in his early teens, but his brother got to her first, then broke her heart and somehow broke something in Annie at the same time. Being two years younger than Annie, Cade never really thought he had much of a chance with her, but he can’t help hoping when she comes back to town. I loved him. He’s all giddy and puppyish inside, still the overeager boy, while trying desperately hard to seem grown up and adult on the outside – as you might expect from someone in their thirties. But the way he is with Annie, the silent support, the willingness to do whatever necessary just to spend time with her… it’s wonderful.
And then there are Annie’s sister. Older Tina, who has decided she and Cade are dating – whatever Cade has to say on the matter. It’s kind of funny the lengths poor Cade has is driven to in order to avoid her manipulating tactics, but it’s kind of horrifying to that someone can get what they want in such a sneaking, underhand way. As for the other sister, Jane, she doesn’t really have much of physical presence in this book, but I think Annie is well within her rights to feel the way she does. I also really liked that Annie’s hurt after all these years really doesn’t have much to do with the boy at all, it’s all about Jane and how much she hurt her. The guy is practically irrelevant, which for me made it all the more meaningful… although I’m still not entirely sure I bought that explanation. But Annie is a better person than I would likely have been.
In all this is a cute, fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with family heartaches, unexpected friendships and a romance that made feel all warm and fuzzy. I think certain things with certain sisters might have been resolved a little too easily for me (the whole Tina situation definitely felt unfinished), and more could have been said about a certain revelation involving her grandparents towards the end, but on the whole this was lovely. Have snacks on hand, though, because all that baking left me hungry.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Annie might be nice and sweet and a little bit stubborn, but my goodness, Cade is adorable. He’s had a crush on Annie since he was in his early teens, but his brother got to her first, then broke her heart and somehow broke something in Annie at the same time. Being two years younger than Annie, Cade never really thought he had much of a chance with her, but he can’t help hoping when she comes back to town. I loved him. He’s all giddy and puppyish inside, still the overeager boy, while trying desperately hard to seem grown up and adult on the outside – as you might expect from someone in their thirties. But the way he is with Annie, the silent support, the willingness to do whatever necessary just to spend time with her… it’s wonderful.
And then there are Annie’s sister. Older Tina, who has decided she and Cade are dating – whatever Cade has to say on the matter. It’s kind of funny the lengths poor Cade has is driven to in order to avoid her manipulating tactics, but it’s kind of horrifying to that someone can get what they want in such a sneaking, underhand way. As for the other sister, Jane, she doesn’t really have much of physical presence in this book, but I think Annie is well within her rights to feel the way she does. I also really liked that Annie’s hurt after all these years really doesn’t have much to do with the boy at all, it’s all about Jane and how much she hurt her. The guy is practically irrelevant, which for me made it all the more meaningful… although I’m still not entirely sure I bought that explanation. But Annie is a better person than I would likely have been.
In all this is a cute, fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with family heartaches, unexpected friendships and a romance that made feel all warm and fuzzy. I think certain things with certain sisters might have been resolved a little too easily for me (the whole Tina situation definitely felt unfinished), and more could have been said about a certain revelation involving her grandparents towards the end, but on the whole this was lovely. Have snacks on hand, though, because all that baking left me hungry.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 31, 2015
What do you do when you are the most hated person in your family? When all you did was to be born. That was the million dollar question that Annie Cookie kept asking herself. You see it turns out her father had an affair with her mother when he was married.
Her mother was about to give Annie up for adoption. Her grandparents got there before she could do that, causing problems in her father’s marriage. The thought of Annie caused fights and one night after a fight his wife had gotten in the car and left. Two blocks from home ran a stop sign and was killed. Her dad shipped Annie’s two sister’s to her grandparent’s too.
Tina being older, hated her on site. Jane being the same age, 3, they got along when Tina wasn’t around as they got older the torturing of Annie got worse to the point where Annie stayed away from the house as much as possible. Then she started dating Peter and for two years all was good. Then they had a scare and Jane was there for her and said she would talk to Peter. She didn’t really care about Peter but here she truly thought her and Jane had turned a corner and were becoming friends/sisters. So, the betrayal was deep.
After that she became invisible so she thought. She became focused on reading all she could on baking and decorating because she was leaving to go to college and never coming back so she thought. But her grandma calls saying her grandpa broke his wrist and that he had 700 cupcakes to make and a wedding cake. This is where it all gets exciting. Let’s just say she wasn’t invisible to one young man who had lost his heart to her at 12. This week he is planning on getting it back from her too.
Cade Revlin was asked by Tina to pick Annie up from the airport. Being that he is covered from head to toe in mud she has no idea who he is. By his overall built and being asked by her evil stepsister to pick her up that he’s Tina’s boyfriend. That is surely not the case and when she finds out her interest is peeked and disappointed all in one shot.
I totally enjoyed this book. It was so very funny and playful. The characters had depth to them. It was a family drama that you could see being played out in your own family for sure. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Her mother was about to give Annie up for adoption. Her grandparents got there before she could do that, causing problems in her father’s marriage. The thought of Annie caused fights and one night after a fight his wife had gotten in the car and left. Two blocks from home ran a stop sign and was killed. Her dad shipped Annie’s two sister’s to her grandparent’s too.
Tina being older, hated her on site. Jane being the same age, 3, they got along when Tina wasn’t around as they got older the torturing of Annie got worse to the point where Annie stayed away from the house as much as possible. Then she started dating Peter and for two years all was good. Then they had a scare and Jane was there for her and said she would talk to Peter. She didn’t really care about Peter but here she truly thought her and Jane had turned a corner and were becoming friends/sisters. So, the betrayal was deep.
After that she became invisible so she thought. She became focused on reading all she could on baking and decorating because she was leaving to go to college and never coming back so she thought. But her grandma calls saying her grandpa broke his wrist and that he had 700 cupcakes to make and a wedding cake. This is where it all gets exciting. Let’s just say she wasn’t invisible to one young man who had lost his heart to her at 12. This week he is planning on getting it back from her too.
Cade Revlin was asked by Tina to pick Annie up from the airport. Being that he is covered from head to toe in mud she has no idea who he is. By his overall built and being asked by her evil stepsister to pick her up that he’s Tina’s boyfriend. That is surely not the case and when she finds out her interest is peeked and disappointed all in one shot.
I totally enjoyed this book. It was so very funny and playful. The characters had depth to them. It was a family drama that you could see being played out in your own family for sure. I give this book 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 20, 2015
I'm a big fan of Keri Ford and was excited to read the first book in her new Turtle Pine series. I grew up in a small town in Tennessee, and have to say she totally nailed the small-town feel with Turtle Pine.
Cupcakes and Crushes was such a fun story to read. Annie Cookie became an instant favorite character of mine from the moment she appeared on the page. Annie is such a strong character and I loved how focused she became while in high school to move from home. I also loved that her love for her grandparents brought her back to help out the family business. I loved the relationship between Annie and her grandparents. Really made me think about how close I was to both of my grandparents and cracked me up how she interacted so differently with them.
I loved Cade Revlin just as much as Annie. He had a crush on Annie in high school and still has feelings for her to this day. I loved that I felt the attraction between them from the moment they saw each other again when Cade picked Annie up from the airport. The fact that Cade is the younger brother to her ex-boyfriend only made the story more fun for me. Add in the fact that her half-sister Tina, who has always been horrible to her likes Cade, and you have an even funnier story. I was cheering for Cade and Annie to stay together from the very beginning. I loved they both were so comfortable and happy when they were around one another and the chemistry between them was amazing.
I really understood all the reasons Annie had for not wanting to stay in Turtle Pine based upon her history with her half-sisters. In fact after seeing how crazy Tina acted, I'm pretty sure I would probably never come near her again. I wasn't really sure what to think about Jane. Based upon the history as Annie knew it, I didn't want Annie to do anything to help Jane out. However, I got Annie being the bigger person once she learned more from Jane. I still was angry that Jane would allow Tina to sway her and her treatment of Annie, but could also see a possible relationship between Annie and Jane in the future. Still not sure I'm a Jane fan yet, but will at least keep an open mind about her now.
Cupcakes and Crushes was an awesome start to a new series from Keri Ford. I found it to be a fun small-town story and I can't wait to read more in this series.
Cupcakes and Crushes was such a fun story to read. Annie Cookie became an instant favorite character of mine from the moment she appeared on the page. Annie is such a strong character and I loved how focused she became while in high school to move from home. I also loved that her love for her grandparents brought her back to help out the family business. I loved the relationship between Annie and her grandparents. Really made me think about how close I was to both of my grandparents and cracked me up how she interacted so differently with them.
I loved Cade Revlin just as much as Annie. He had a crush on Annie in high school and still has feelings for her to this day. I loved that I felt the attraction between them from the moment they saw each other again when Cade picked Annie up from the airport. The fact that Cade is the younger brother to her ex-boyfriend only made the story more fun for me. Add in the fact that her half-sister Tina, who has always been horrible to her likes Cade, and you have an even funnier story. I was cheering for Cade and Annie to stay together from the very beginning. I loved they both were so comfortable and happy when they were around one another and the chemistry between them was amazing.
I really understood all the reasons Annie had for not wanting to stay in Turtle Pine based upon her history with her half-sisters. In fact after seeing how crazy Tina acted, I'm pretty sure I would probably never come near her again. I wasn't really sure what to think about Jane. Based upon the history as Annie knew it, I didn't want Annie to do anything to help Jane out. However, I got Annie being the bigger person once she learned more from Jane. I still was angry that Jane would allow Tina to sway her and her treatment of Annie, but could also see a possible relationship between Annie and Jane in the future. Still not sure I'm a Jane fan yet, but will at least keep an open mind about her now.
Cupcakes and Crushes was an awesome start to a new series from Keri Ford. I found it to be a fun small-town story and I can't wait to read more in this series.
June 25, 2016
Between the cute title and the book blurb, I just had to read Cupcakes and Crushes by Keri Ford . This is a sweet love story set in the small town of Turtle Pine, Alabama. The town is loaded with gossipers, baked goodies and some very intriguing relatives.
Annie Cookie (and yes, that is really her last name), grew up with two very mean half-sisters. In order to escape their manipulative ways, she spent her school years hiding out in the local library, while missing out on the fun times of being a teenager. She found peace and serenity from a very young age working alongside her grandfather in their family-owned bakery. Immediately after graduating college, she moved to a big city and began her life as a professional baker and cake designer. Her grandfather's broken wrist brings her back to town, so that she can help him fulfill an order for 700 cupcakes.
Deputy Sheriff Cade Revlin is thrilled that Annie is back in town. He crushed on her during high school, but due to circumstances beyond his control, he never did anything about it. Now he has a second chance to show Annie how he feels and convince her to stay in the town she despises.
I liked this story, however, I found the pace to be quite low for my tastes. Annie and Cade are good together and Ms. Ford does a nice job of evolving Annie's character. I especially liked Katie, Cade's niece, for bringing in the cuteness factor and charm of an intelligent 4 year old. Annie's sisters are very well-defined and played a major role in how Annie perceived herself. Overall, this is a fun, slightly emotional story with some twists and turns that kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Annie Cookie (and yes, that is really her last name), grew up with two very mean half-sisters. In order to escape their manipulative ways, she spent her school years hiding out in the local library, while missing out on the fun times of being a teenager. She found peace and serenity from a very young age working alongside her grandfather in their family-owned bakery. Immediately after graduating college, she moved to a big city and began her life as a professional baker and cake designer. Her grandfather's broken wrist brings her back to town, so that she can help him fulfill an order for 700 cupcakes.
Deputy Sheriff Cade Revlin is thrilled that Annie is back in town. He crushed on her during high school, but due to circumstances beyond his control, he never did anything about it. Now he has a second chance to show Annie how he feels and convince her to stay in the town she despises.
I liked this story, however, I found the pace to be quite low for my tastes. Annie and Cade are good together and Ms. Ford does a nice job of evolving Annie's character. I especially liked Katie, Cade's niece, for bringing in the cuteness factor and charm of an intelligent 4 year old. Annie's sisters are very well-defined and played a major role in how Annie perceived herself. Overall, this is a fun, slightly emotional story with some twists and turns that kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 23, 2015
Cade and Annie had such a sweet, playful romance. They knew how to flirt like nobody’s business, and I loved them together. He wasn’t the kind of badass alpha hero that I normally like, but he was perfect for Annie. I think the author may have gone a bit far in drawing a line in the sand between good and bad – she made me really like Annie and really, really hate Tina (wonder if we’ll get her story?). I would have liked a little less family drama, given the fact that their animosity stemmed from childhood.
I was a little worried that the book would be a little too “fluffy” for me, based on the title, but it had more depth and emotion than I expected. There was an underlying sweetness to it that wasn’t a surprise, but Cupcakes and Crushes is small-town romance at its finest, filled with humor, heart and heat.
Full review here.
I was a little worried that the book would be a little too “fluffy” for me, based on the title, but it had more depth and emotion than I expected. There was an underlying sweetness to it that wasn’t a surprise, but Cupcakes and Crushes is small-town romance at its finest, filled with humor, heart and heat.
Full review here.
July 26, 2015
This was such a sweet book. This romance was cute and touching and it's only book one in the series. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
Annie Cookie left her hometown and never looked back. She did not want to stay in the that she was most betrayed in. Unfortunately for her, her grandfather broke his wrist and would not be able to do his job. This would not have been all that bad except that his bakery would be at risk at losing two big orders.
Annie is happy to help out her grandparents, especially since they took her in when no one else wanted her, but she just wish that she did not have to go back into the place where her heart was broken.
You can read the rest of my review on my blog at:
http://swanangel15home.blogspot.com/2...
Annie Cookie left her hometown and never looked back. She did not want to stay in the that she was most betrayed in. Unfortunately for her, her grandfather broke his wrist and would not be able to do his job. This would not have been all that bad except that his bakery would be at risk at losing two big orders.
Annie is happy to help out her grandparents, especially since they took her in when no one else wanted her, but she just wish that she did not have to go back into the place where her heart was broken.
You can read the rest of my review on my blog at:
http://swanangel15home.blogspot.com/2...
December 10, 2015
This tale of a small town girl who left and returns, is not on a new theme, but there are nice elements such as family relationships and baking for special occasions which make it original.
Getting a catering qualification and hightailing it out of Turtle Pine, Alabama meant that this girl escaped the most likely occupation, single motherhood. She never felt part of society anyway as a remarriage meant that she was thrust into an existing family with new half-sisters. Now she's just coming home briefly as a favour to her grandparents, bakers. They need a cupcake for every child in the school, and a wedding cake, and their health isn't good.
There's more than one good-looking young man in town though, and putting old issues to rest would raise the possibility of staying.
This is a light, friendly read for fans of small town adult romances without too much drama.
Getting a catering qualification and hightailing it out of Turtle Pine, Alabama meant that this girl escaped the most likely occupation, single motherhood. She never felt part of society anyway as a remarriage meant that she was thrust into an existing family with new half-sisters. Now she's just coming home briefly as a favour to her grandparents, bakers. They need a cupcake for every child in the school, and a wedding cake, and their health isn't good.
There's more than one good-looking young man in town though, and putting old issues to rest would raise the possibility of staying.
This is a light, friendly read for fans of small town adult romances without too much drama.
April 15, 2015
With Cupcakes and Crushes, Ford cooks up a wonderful book about letting go of the past in order to embrace the future. Annie finds that it is easier to avoid issues than face them but being back in town and seeing it through adult eyes makes her re-evaluate things. Plus the handsome, smart and sweet Cade gives her extra reasons to make peace with her past.
The story is short but the perfect warm weather read. And although it seems like Annie and Cade fall in love quickly, Ford makes it totally believable. I love them both and I was pulling for them from page one. They make such a fun and cute couple and it is fantastic watching them give in to their feelings.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
The story is short but the perfect warm weather read. And although it seems like Annie and Cade fall in love quickly, Ford makes it totally believable. I love them both and I was pulling for them from page one. They make such a fun and cute couple and it is fantastic watching them give in to their feelings.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
April 9, 2015
A very sweet (ha!) and sexy romance about going home again and seeing it for the first time. Stay tuned for a link to the First Look at Heroes and Heartbreakers.
ETA: Here is the link to the First Look at Heroes and Heartbreakers!
ETA: Here is the link to the First Look at Heroes and Heartbreakers!
March 8, 2016
Bueno una historia que comenzó muy bien, pero se fue desinflando como un globo. La verdad la portada me enamoró y pensé que el libro iba hacer una maravilla. Pero en los últimos capis, se volvió muy predecible; ya a mitad de libro sabía cómo iba a terminar y no me equivoque. El único personaje que me gustó fue Cade, el protagonista.
April 21, 2015
A nice feel good book. After running from home because of a boyfriend dumping her for her sister Annie returns home because her Granddad needs her help. She is met at the airport by her ex,s brother and so the fun begins.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews