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Bluewater Bay #12
How the Cookie Crumbles
After losing a rigged cooking show competition — and a potential lover — to another baker, Frederic Jackson packs up his considerable baggage and moves to Bluewater Bay. He uses the network’s hush money to buy a new bakery where he hopes the small town’s revitalized economy will let him start anew.
Blaire Caruthers never wanted to work for his father at Caruthers Industries. He should have known that fixing the company’s show results was a mistake, and that choosing another man over kind, generous Frederic was an even bigger one. But the damage is done. To escape the fallout, he’s gone to Bluewater Bay to oversee the company’s interest in Wolf’s Landing merchandise.
Stuck in a small, nowhere town doing a job he hates, Blaire wants nothing more than to prove to Frederic he’s changed. However, Frederic struggles to trust the man who betrayed him once already. As Blaire loses ground with his father, and Frederic starts falling back into self-destructive habits, they both have to find the balance and control that’s been missing from their lives.
* * * * * * *
The Bluewater Bay stories can be read in any order — jump in wherever you'd like!
Word 91,300; page 345
Blaire Caruthers never wanted to work for his father at Caruthers Industries. He should have known that fixing the company’s show results was a mistake, and that choosing another man over kind, generous Frederic was an even bigger one. But the damage is done. To escape the fallout, he’s gone to Bluewater Bay to oversee the company’s interest in Wolf’s Landing merchandise.
Stuck in a small, nowhere town doing a job he hates, Blaire wants nothing more than to prove to Frederic he’s changed. However, Frederic struggles to trust the man who betrayed him once already. As Blaire loses ground with his father, and Frederic starts falling back into self-destructive habits, they both have to find the balance and control that’s been missing from their lives.
* * * * * * *
The Bluewater Bay stories can be read in any order — jump in wherever you'd like!
Word 91,300; page 345
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2016
19 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Samms
105 books276 followersJaime Samms is a plaid-hearted Canadian who spends the too-long winters writing stories about love between men and the too-short summers digging in the garden. There are dust bunnies in the corners of her house—which she blames on a husky named Kai. There are dishes on the counter—which is clearly because teenagers! There is hot coffee in the pot and the occasional meal to keep her from starving—because her husband is remarkable and patient.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 26, 2016
This was a long. slow moving book. While it was nice to visit the town of BlueWater Bay I found the overall plot to be boring. I was more interested in the bakery stuff like "Pancake Day" then any of the characters. The writing used some really awkward phrasing which made it difficult for me to pay attention. There was very little tie in to the Wolf's Landing show and not many characters from other books aside from the guys from Burnt Toast. I hadn't read this author previously and this has not encouraged me to seek her other works. If anything I will be more cautious when buying books from this series unless I know the author already. Total letdown for me as I enjoy books with cooking themes as well as exes reunited but this book just wasn't for me.
May 20, 2023
I haven't read this author before and I need start of this review by saying that I don't think their work is for me. I found both Frederic and Blair to be quite unlikable characters but for very different reasons. Frederic kept lashing out for every little thing and while I get that he was hurt by Blairs previous actions, it just didn't work for me. And Blair, well, while he was sorry for cheating on Frederic and the reasoning for doing so was painfully glossed over. What I loved and what brought to give this book a two star rating was seeing the whole town coming together to help Frederic out when he needed it.
February 15, 2016
My Review:
I've enjoyed most of the Bluewater Bay novels, but this one rates up there as one of my favorites in the series.
Blaire and Frederic have a history, but it's not a happy one. Blaire was in charge of a cooking show/contest that Frederic was participating in. He *thought* that he and Blaire had a connection so it was a blow to him to find out that not only had that not been true, but that Blaire rigged the contest so the guy who he was sleeping with won. It all came out and was a huge fiasco...one that Frederic got paid off so he'd never talk about it. But he needed the kitchen equipment, not the cash...for his bakery. His father wouldn't have been able to guilt him out of the equipment...like he has every bit of money Frederic has earned.
So, Frederick is in Bluewater Bay doing everything he can to make his struggling bakery a success. He works 18-22 hours a day and is exhausted. But he keeps thinking if he does one more thing, then he can make enough money to catch a break, hire a helper, or fix the oven that keeps malfunctioning. Then something else happens and it all comes crashing down.
And then Blaire walks back into his world...making everything just that much worse.
Screwing Frederic over was the biggest regret of Blaire's life. He's in Bluewater Bay hoping to fix that mistake. But he quickly realizes that Frederic needs more than just a boyfriend (one that he doesn't want anyway...there's no way he's going to trust Blaire again), he needs a keeper before he ends up dead from exhaustion or the klutziness that comes with that exhaustion. Blaire is also working to set up his own business out from under his father's thumb...so he has a lot on his plate too.
I really liked these two. I loved how much Frederic really needs Blaire, although he is so stubborn and independent, he refuses to give in. I love that Blaire is this totally put together gorgeous executive who should have it all together, but he's completely taken down at the knees by his need for Frederic. I loved that Frederic is so determined at the same time he's barely surviving, but that will of his was so freaking strong. I loved him and his determination...until it became dangerous. I loved that Blaire was able to see what Frederic needed and despite everything, he'd rather have Frederic mad and hate him than see Frederic suffer for his stubborn will to do it all himself.
There's a lot happening in this story...for both men and their family situation on top of them both struggling to get businesses off the ground. Top that off with a fledgling relationship...and yeah, they have way too much on their plates. A lot of stress. But even when Frederic was falling-down exhausted, they connected and wanted them to find their HEA in the worst way. It was a really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I've enjoyed most of the Bluewater Bay novels, but this one rates up there as one of my favorites in the series.
Blaire and Frederic have a history, but it's not a happy one. Blaire was in charge of a cooking show/contest that Frederic was participating in. He *thought* that he and Blaire had a connection so it was a blow to him to find out that not only had that not been true, but that Blaire rigged the contest so the guy who he was sleeping with won. It all came out and was a huge fiasco...one that Frederic got paid off so he'd never talk about it. But he needed the kitchen equipment, not the cash...for his bakery. His father wouldn't have been able to guilt him out of the equipment...like he has every bit of money Frederic has earned.
So, Frederick is in Bluewater Bay doing everything he can to make his struggling bakery a success. He works 18-22 hours a day and is exhausted. But he keeps thinking if he does one more thing, then he can make enough money to catch a break, hire a helper, or fix the oven that keeps malfunctioning. Then something else happens and it all comes crashing down.
And then Blaire walks back into his world...making everything just that much worse.
Screwing Frederic over was the biggest regret of Blaire's life. He's in Bluewater Bay hoping to fix that mistake. But he quickly realizes that Frederic needs more than just a boyfriend (one that he doesn't want anyway...there's no way he's going to trust Blaire again), he needs a keeper before he ends up dead from exhaustion or the klutziness that comes with that exhaustion. Blaire is also working to set up his own business out from under his father's thumb...so he has a lot on his plate too.
I really liked these two. I loved how much Frederic really needs Blaire, although he is so stubborn and independent, he refuses to give in. I love that Blaire is this totally put together gorgeous executive who should have it all together, but he's completely taken down at the knees by his need for Frederic. I loved that Frederic is so determined at the same time he's barely surviving, but that will of his was so freaking strong. I loved him and his determination...until it became dangerous. I loved that Blaire was able to see what Frederic needed and despite everything, he'd rather have Frederic mad and hate him than see Frederic suffer for his stubborn will to do it all himself.
There's a lot happening in this story...for both men and their family situation on top of them both struggling to get businesses off the ground. Top that off with a fledgling relationship...and yeah, they have way too much on their plates. A lot of stress. But even when Frederic was falling-down exhausted, they connected and wanted them to find their HEA in the worst way. It was a really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
Gosh, I really enjoyed this one. Fredric and Blair have very good chemistry. They have this sad history that starts off the story, it's repercussions weaving throughout. Blair works to rebuild a trust that was broken, while also trying to help Fredric help himself.
Poor Fredric is a frazzled pastry chef, working hard to overcome all the crap that he went through with Blair, while trying to deal with family issues. On top of his father siphoning all the money he can out of him, Fredric is also suffering from his own personal addictions. He's seriously taken previous problems in his life and turned them into a working addiction. He works himself to death. It's so sad to watch. On the other side of the coin, Blair is also dealing with his own father issues, all the while trying to build back that trust that he so carelessly broke.
This was a very good story and I had so few issues with it that they're not worth mentioning. Another great addition to the Bluewater Bay Series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Poor Fredric is a frazzled pastry chef, working hard to overcome all the crap that he went through with Blair, while trying to deal with family issues. On top of his father siphoning all the money he can out of him, Fredric is also suffering from his own personal addictions. He's seriously taken previous problems in his life and turned them into a working addiction. He works himself to death. It's so sad to watch. On the other side of the coin, Blair is also dealing with his own father issues, all the while trying to build back that trust that he so carelessly broke.
This was a very good story and I had so few issues with it that they're not worth mentioning. Another great addition to the Bluewater Bay Series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
March 17, 2016
Thank you to RIPTIDE PUBLISHING and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How the Cookie Crumbles was a sweet story about a man who doesn’t know when to ask for help because no one has ever been there for him, and the man determined to change that. This was the twelfth book in the Bluewater Bay series (all by different authors,) and I didn’t feel lost while reading it. There were some characters that I found interesting, so I will go back and check the back list for the series so I can find out if they have books.
Frederic and Blaire are on the outs at the start of the story, as their history didn’t leave them in a good place. But Blaire knows he made a mistake, and he’s here to prove to Frederic that he loves him and wants to be with him. After being paid off to keep silent about a rigged cooking show, Frederic makes his way to Bluewater Bay and starts his own bakery – Cookie Crumbles. Unfortunately, the money Frederic made from the reality show isn’t enough to keep him afloat and when his father bleeds him nearly dry, Frederic begins to work himself into the ground. Frederic was a bit scatterbrained, though I think this was more because he was overwhelmed by his to-do list than actually being ditzy, and he was incredibly clumsy. To be honest, this story reminded me very much of the billionaire trope saturating the market right now. Except this one happens to be about two men, and Frederic, while stereotypically clumsy (again, specific to this trope,) is way more likable and experienced than any of the clumsy heroines I’ve read. Whnen Blaire shows up, it’s under the guise of doing business for his father, but his work could have been done anywhere. Proximity is what he needs.
While this was told from both points of view, it was clearly Frederic’s story and Blaire was just along for the ride. Parts of it felt a bit slow; it centered mostly around Blaire trying to win Frederic back, and the back and forth was sometimes a bit much. While we are given a resolution to Frederic and Blaire’s situation, I feel like at the end of the book, Frederic was pulled out of character and maybe just a little too brazen for me to buy. My favorite parts of the story were their pasts – Frederic’s upbringing was very sad, and Blaire’s father was such a jerk there was no pleasing him. I did like what tore Blaire and Frederic apart, and Blaire’s revelations as he finally realized how much he’d hurt Frederic and that he’d taken much more from him than some reality show prize.
As I mentioned earlier, there were some interesting characters I’d like to read more about, and I liked the author’s writing style enough to read more from her. There was nothing extraordinary about How the Cookie Crumbles, but it was entertaining and I’m glad I read it.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
How the Cookie Crumbles was a sweet story about a man who doesn’t know when to ask for help because no one has ever been there for him, and the man determined to change that. This was the twelfth book in the Bluewater Bay series (all by different authors,) and I didn’t feel lost while reading it. There were some characters that I found interesting, so I will go back and check the back list for the series so I can find out if they have books.
Frederic and Blaire are on the outs at the start of the story, as their history didn’t leave them in a good place. But Blaire knows he made a mistake, and he’s here to prove to Frederic that he loves him and wants to be with him. After being paid off to keep silent about a rigged cooking show, Frederic makes his way to Bluewater Bay and starts his own bakery – Cookie Crumbles. Unfortunately, the money Frederic made from the reality show isn’t enough to keep him afloat and when his father bleeds him nearly dry, Frederic begins to work himself into the ground. Frederic was a bit scatterbrained, though I think this was more because he was overwhelmed by his to-do list than actually being ditzy, and he was incredibly clumsy. To be honest, this story reminded me very much of the billionaire trope saturating the market right now. Except this one happens to be about two men, and Frederic, while stereotypically clumsy (again, specific to this trope,) is way more likable and experienced than any of the clumsy heroines I’ve read. Whnen Blaire shows up, it’s under the guise of doing business for his father, but his work could have been done anywhere. Proximity is what he needs.
While this was told from both points of view, it was clearly Frederic’s story and Blaire was just along for the ride. Parts of it felt a bit slow; it centered mostly around Blaire trying to win Frederic back, and the back and forth was sometimes a bit much. While we are given a resolution to Frederic and Blaire’s situation, I feel like at the end of the book, Frederic was pulled out of character and maybe just a little too brazen for me to buy. My favorite parts of the story were their pasts – Frederic’s upbringing was very sad, and Blaire’s father was such a jerk there was no pleasing him. I did like what tore Blaire and Frederic apart, and Blaire’s revelations as he finally realized how much he’d hurt Frederic and that he’d taken much more from him than some reality show prize.
As I mentioned earlier, there were some interesting characters I’d like to read more about, and I liked the author’s writing style enough to read more from her. There was nothing extraordinary about How the Cookie Crumbles, but it was entertaining and I’m glad I read it.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
January 16, 2016
I’ve been familiar with the Bluewater Bay books for some time now. One of my reviewers (who quit me recently) devoured the series. She was completely gaga over these books. I was very excited to get my very own chance to visit this quiet little logging town.
The cooking show disaster that left Frederic devastated and heartbroken left Blaine in an even more awkward place with his father within Caruthers Industries. Blaine wants nothing more that to get out from under his father's thumb and get Frederic back in his good graces, hopefully in his life. Frederic took his hush money and used it to live his dream. He now has his own bakery in Bluewater Bay. Nothing seems to be going smoothly for Frederic or Blaine though. Frederic has some obsessive/control issues that he is not dealing with well. Blaine is discovering that his father’s claws extend far and too close to home. Frederic has to work on delegating. Blaine has to get Frederic to trust him, again. All in all they are both in a big mess that just keeps getting crazier.
I was left wanting a little more closure with the ending. I really needed an epilogue. Perhaps what Blaire was up to with his career will pan out in a future book with another couple, but still a few month ahead glimpse would have been a nice wrap up with where he was going with his plans.
The Bluewater Bay books definitely work as stand-alones. This is the twelfth installment and the only one that I have read. A few of the characters and couples from the previous books make tiny appearances but none of them have significant enough roles that they require reading the previous books.
The cooking show disaster that left Frederic devastated and heartbroken left Blaine in an even more awkward place with his father within Caruthers Industries. Blaine wants nothing more that to get out from under his father's thumb and get Frederic back in his good graces, hopefully in his life. Frederic took his hush money and used it to live his dream. He now has his own bakery in Bluewater Bay. Nothing seems to be going smoothly for Frederic or Blaine though. Frederic has some obsessive/control issues that he is not dealing with well. Blaine is discovering that his father’s claws extend far and too close to home. Frederic has to work on delegating. Blaine has to get Frederic to trust him, again. All in all they are both in a big mess that just keeps getting crazier.
I was left wanting a little more closure with the ending. I really needed an epilogue. Perhaps what Blaire was up to with his career will pan out in a future book with another couple, but still a few month ahead glimpse would have been a nice wrap up with where he was going with his plans.
The Bluewater Bay books definitely work as stand-alones. This is the twelfth installment and the only one that I have read. A few of the characters and couples from the previous books make tiny appearances but none of them have significant enough roles that they require reading the previous books.
March 20, 2016
Each time another book in this series is released I end up shuffling around my favorites. I wasn't sure exactly where How the Cookie Crumbles was going to fall because... well... frankly Blaire sounded like an unredeemable jerk. I love it when an author can change your opinion about a character. ;)
Frederic wasn't hard to fall for. I loved him from the beginning. I could appreciate him wanting to do everything on his own, I'm kind of the same way. Basically because I hate asking anyone for help. He took that trait to a whole new level though. On the flip side, he had a lot of amazing people jump in and insist on helping him... including Blaire.
Blaire had a lot to make up for and he knew it. Frederic wasn't easily won over and he had a lot more going on than just his mixed feelings for Blaire. He tried to be everything to everyone and came dangerously close to falling into a position where he couldn't even help himself. Blaire had no idea what kind of inner demons Frederic was fighting, but he was determined to prove that he had changed enough to be the kind of man to help fix it.
As with many of the books in the Bluewater Bay series, How the Cookie Crumbles can be read as a stand alone. I've read them all though and have found few I wouldn't recommend. There were a couple of familiar characters that popped up, which always makes me smile. This is also the first book by Jaime Samms that I've read, but I doubt it will be my last. Selfie by Amy Lane is next in the series.
I received How the Cookie Crumbles in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Frederic wasn't hard to fall for. I loved him from the beginning. I could appreciate him wanting to do everything on his own, I'm kind of the same way. Basically because I hate asking anyone for help. He took that trait to a whole new level though. On the flip side, he had a lot of amazing people jump in and insist on helping him... including Blaire.
Blaire had a lot to make up for and he knew it. Frederic wasn't easily won over and he had a lot more going on than just his mixed feelings for Blaire. He tried to be everything to everyone and came dangerously close to falling into a position where he couldn't even help himself. Blaire had no idea what kind of inner demons Frederic was fighting, but he was determined to prove that he had changed enough to be the kind of man to help fix it.
As with many of the books in the Bluewater Bay series, How the Cookie Crumbles can be read as a stand alone. I've read them all though and have found few I wouldn't recommend. There were a couple of familiar characters that popped up, which always makes me smile. This is also the first book by Jaime Samms that I've read, but I doubt it will be my last. Selfie by Amy Lane is next in the series.
I received How the Cookie Crumbles in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 5, 2017
This was, surprisingly good and acceptable. Everyone who knows me, knows that I have a hard limit about cheating. But it was mentioned in a blurb, so I read it with my own risk. Because, this is Bluewater Bay. That alone saying much why I read this.
Let's picture this. Hollywood, anything could happen to anyone, even the strongest one. You know what I mean? The Jerry thing, that little sh**? So it happened. Unfortunately, with Blaire, a son of the producer, and Jerry won over Blaire and leave Frederic bleed. Not pretty.
Good thing with Blaire is, I can see how much he put effort to win Frederic back, he's all patient with Frederic's stubborn behavior. I can see how he tried to prove to Frederic that 'on his own way', he was sorry and regretted what was happened back then.
I also liked how Frederick not trying to complicated to stay away from Blaire. Because, yeah, attraction was there from the start.
My only complaint is this book felt too long, there are some thing doesn't need explanation or to be there. Just cut a few chapters will do.
Will I recommend this to my friends? I think so. If they're okay with Blaire's cheating that is.
But, I was kinda glad it was not on page and not after they get together again. Blaire is kinda determine, this time and forever, it's going to be only him and Frederic.
Lesson learned.
* I received the ARC from Netgalley in exchange of a fair review, no high rating needed.*
Let's picture this. Hollywood, anything could happen to anyone, even the strongest one. You know what I mean? The Jerry thing, that little sh**? So it happened. Unfortunately, with Blaire, a son of the producer, and Jerry won over Blaire and leave Frederic bleed. Not pretty.
Good thing with Blaire is, I can see how much he put effort to win Frederic back, he's all patient with Frederic's stubborn behavior. I can see how he tried to prove to Frederic that 'on his own way', he was sorry and regretted what was happened back then.
I also liked how Frederick not trying to complicated to stay away from Blaire. Because, yeah, attraction was there from the start.
My only complaint is this book felt too long, there are some thing doesn't need explanation or to be there. Just cut a few chapters will do.
Will I recommend this to my friends? I think so. If they're okay with Blaire's cheating that is.
But, I was kinda glad it was not on page and not after they get together again. Blaire is kinda determine, this time and forever, it's going to be only him and Frederic.
Lesson learned.
* I received the ARC from Netgalley in exchange of a fair review, no high rating needed.*
March 27, 2016
1.5 stars
This was my least favorite Bluewater Bay story so far; it was too long and it dragged to much, the characters were hard to connect with and I didn't care much for either of them.
Frederic seemed like too much of a pushover and it annoyed me that he allowed Blaire back into his life. I probably would've liked this book better if Frederic's love interest was anyone other than Blaire.
Blaire was an entitled asshole who didn't own up to his mistakes and wasn't truly sorry for what de did to Frederic. He was supposedly interested in Frederic, yet his thoughts and feelings in regards with the competition and everything that took place didn't convince me he cared about Frederic one bit. He spent well too much time fantasizing about the hot ass and the crazy sex he had with the man he chose over Frederic.
I didn't finish this book because it didn't hold my interest and my dislike for Blair kept me from enjoying it even a little bit. I read more than half (it was hard work, I'm not gonna lie) and the choppy writing style made this a chore instead of a recreation.
This was my least favorite Bluewater Bay story so far; it was too long and it dragged to much, the characters were hard to connect with and I didn't care much for either of them.
Frederic seemed like too much of a pushover and it annoyed me that he allowed Blaire back into his life. I probably would've liked this book better if Frederic's love interest was anyone other than Blaire.
Blaire was an entitled asshole who didn't own up to his mistakes and wasn't truly sorry for what de did to Frederic. He was supposedly interested in Frederic, yet his thoughts and feelings in regards with the competition and everything that took place didn't convince me he cared about Frederic one bit. He spent well too much time fantasizing about the hot ass and the crazy sex he had with the man he chose over Frederic.
I didn't finish this book because it didn't hold my interest and my dislike for Blair kept me from enjoying it even a little bit. I read more than half (it was hard work, I'm not gonna lie) and the choppy writing style made this a chore instead of a recreation.
dnf
October 31, 2017A guy opens a bakery and relies on a Walgreens within walking distance to supply it with flour and the like? These are the kind of details that drive me up a wall.
September 24, 2016
While a lot of things in this story actually worked really well for me I could not get past the fact that Frederic was an annoying asshole. Like there seriously comes a point where all the bad stuff that has happened to him stops making you wanna hug him and just turns into white noise in the background of his ever increasing idiocy and stubbornness. I get that Blaire did him wrong. I even think Blaire deserved to grovel a bit for it. But even after the groveling Frederic kept slapping him down like the dude had stabbed his grandma with a whisk. The way everyone around Frederic was basically forced to take care of him because he couldn't be bothered to ask for help just got too damn annoying for me. I stopped caring.
2.75 stars
2.75 stars
December 27, 2017
I'm not sure if there was one before this that outlined why these two are at odds or not, but you can figure out what happened based on this. So it seems Blaire has had a personality transplant now that he's out from under his father's thumb and Frederic is working himself to the bone to support his alcoholic father's lifestyle and refuses to listen to reason. I found that very frustrating. There is being supportive and being a door mat. I liked the stuff in the bakery and the fact that his best friend kept trying to pound it into his head, but he needed some therapy to deal with the father issues.
So it was okay but I just kept shaking my head and in the end, did not have a whole lot of sympathy for someone who keeps beating their head against the wall and then wonders why it hurts. I'm harsh. Sorry.
So it was okay but I just kept shaking my head and in the end, did not have a whole lot of sympathy for someone who keeps beating their head against the wall and then wonders why it hurts. I'm harsh. Sorry.
January 11, 2017
3¾ stars
I'm not sure how to review this book. I liked it, I did enjoy it, but I somehow had too many misgivings about it. I considered DNFing it about half way in, but decided I SHOULD give it a better chance because I liked the idea behind the story and WAS interested in seeing how things would work out between Blaire and Frederic.
Blaire and Frederic have history, and not a positive one.. while participating in a Reality TV Show about baking, Frederic falls for Blaire who not only deceives him, but chooses someone else, not only for his bed, but for winning the big prize (since he was one of the producers). Even though Frederic was compensated for what happened it basically screwed with his big plans.. He needed more than money, he needed the equipment because having money means his father will be at his door asking for more and more to buy alcohol. While for the most part Frederic's father was a HORRIBLE dad, Frederic is incapable of pushing him away though he deserves it for sure. He also can't leave his grandmother with the liability which is his father - her son, so he does what he can, and even what he can't really and works himself almost literally to death in the bakery he opened in Bluewater Bay.
Blaire is so very sorry about EVERYTHING that happened on that show. He made all the wrong decisions and now he is determined to UNDO them ALL and even see if he can have another chance with Frederic. He has his issues himself, also father issues, but his are different. His father, also his boss, swims in money and enjoys using it to control people as he is TRYING to do with Blaire, this time not so successfully.. Blaire had enough and coming to Bluewater Bay means working for his father but not directly under his thumb and so he has more time to consider what he truly wants for a future, if possible with Frederic by his side.
Though Blaire is VERY controlling himself, and though he made really bad decisions in the past, I DID come to like him. In the end, he was doing everything he could to help Frederic and make him forgive him. That means he was trying to use the money he obviously has to help but Frederic wasn't liking it one bit. He WOULDN'T be "bought" again by him. Thing is, Blaire really doesn't know any other way, he was doing what he did best, he was REALLY trying to help, to support Frederic, be there for him, care for him. At a certain point I felt Frederic should have realized this is FOR REAL. But it kept dragging with Frederic's distrust in Blaire, second guessing him at every step. Yeah Blaire did things behind his back, things that could be considered controlling, but in the end, I think he would have told Frederic if he thought he would accept ANY help. So I can't really fault Blaire for everything Frederic was accusing him of.
The trust issue was a HUGE part of the story, and while it made sense it was also VERY tiring. It mostly made Frederic's character sort of redundant. Though he should have had a lot of sweet and caring characteristics, I found him to be mostly foolish in his behavior. It took him TOO LONG to realize basically EVERYTHING, not just how much Blaire cares for him, but how much the people in his community do. His back story was HORRIBLE, and I didn't' even have time to pity him because he was making everything SO difficult for himself..
I enjoyed seeing a little bit of characters we've met in the 5th installment "The Burnt Toast B&B", but I gotta say, Blaire's assistant and Frederic's best friends were SO annoying. I didn't like their characters AT ALL. Frederic's best friend was not only too nosey but SO judgmental! and Blaire's assistant was "evil" right up until he sort of wasn't? his whole behavior was unclear to me.
So as you can see I had MANY issues with this book which is why I can't give it a solid 4 stars rating, but I DID enjoy the way the romance built between Blaire and Frederic, the way the trust was slowly established, how much Blaire did for Frederic, how much Frederic wanted all of it to be true. How Blaire changed and grew as he started not only focusing on Frederic buy making a different future for himself. Frederic also had to make a few difficult decisions about his life, those took longer and in a way we didn't get to see them happening it's more of a promise he will be better now with so many people on his side.
I really liked how independent Frederic was, and how much he accomplished on his own and the fact he WOULDN'T let anyone take over his life. He wanted Blaire the lover, not Blaire the huge bank account. he wanted a partner. Blaire wanted it all too, but not using his money to make things better isn't something he is used to, not to mention, since he is independent as Frederic is, he was used to doing things HIS way and Frederic wouldn't accept that. It took them time to realize what the other one needs. I enjoyed seeing it evolve throughout the book. Sadly there were too many things distancing me from the MCs, I can't even say I like Frederic, but I did come to appreciate Blaire. Considering the other supporting characters I was left with too little to truly enjoy this novel which is really a shame because the issues the MCs were dealing with really appealed to me. So, yeah, I guess a nice read, though not a favorite for sure.
More Reviews HERE
I'm not sure how to review this book. I liked it, I did enjoy it, but I somehow had too many misgivings about it. I considered DNFing it about half way in, but decided I SHOULD give it a better chance because I liked the idea behind the story and WAS interested in seeing how things would work out between Blaire and Frederic.
Blaire and Frederic have history, and not a positive one.. while participating in a Reality TV Show about baking, Frederic falls for Blaire who not only deceives him, but chooses someone else, not only for his bed, but for winning the big prize (since he was one of the producers). Even though Frederic was compensated for what happened it basically screwed with his big plans.. He needed more than money, he needed the equipment because having money means his father will be at his door asking for more and more to buy alcohol. While for the most part Frederic's father was a HORRIBLE dad, Frederic is incapable of pushing him away though he deserves it for sure. He also can't leave his grandmother with the liability which is his father - her son, so he does what he can, and even what he can't really and works himself almost literally to death in the bakery he opened in Bluewater Bay.
Blaire is so very sorry about EVERYTHING that happened on that show. He made all the wrong decisions and now he is determined to UNDO them ALL and even see if he can have another chance with Frederic. He has his issues himself, also father issues, but his are different. His father, also his boss, swims in money and enjoys using it to control people as he is TRYING to do with Blaire, this time not so successfully.. Blaire had enough and coming to Bluewater Bay means working for his father but not directly under his thumb and so he has more time to consider what he truly wants for a future, if possible with Frederic by his side.
Though Blaire is VERY controlling himself, and though he made really bad decisions in the past, I DID come to like him. In the end, he was doing everything he could to help Frederic and make him forgive him. That means he was trying to use the money he obviously has to help but Frederic wasn't liking it one bit. He WOULDN'T be "bought" again by him. Thing is, Blaire really doesn't know any other way, he was doing what he did best, he was REALLY trying to help, to support Frederic, be there for him, care for him. At a certain point I felt Frederic should have realized this is FOR REAL. But it kept dragging with Frederic's distrust in Blaire, second guessing him at every step. Yeah Blaire did things behind his back, things that could be considered controlling, but in the end, I think he would have told Frederic if he thought he would accept ANY help. So I can't really fault Blaire for everything Frederic was accusing him of.
The trust issue was a HUGE part of the story, and while it made sense it was also VERY tiring. It mostly made Frederic's character sort of redundant. Though he should have had a lot of sweet and caring characteristics, I found him to be mostly foolish in his behavior. It took him TOO LONG to realize basically EVERYTHING, not just how much Blaire cares for him, but how much the people in his community do. His back story was HORRIBLE, and I didn't' even have time to pity him because he was making everything SO difficult for himself..
I enjoyed seeing a little bit of characters we've met in the 5th installment "The Burnt Toast B&B", but I gotta say, Blaire's assistant and Frederic's best friends were SO annoying. I didn't like their characters AT ALL. Frederic's best friend was not only too nosey but SO judgmental! and Blaire's assistant was "evil" right up until he sort of wasn't? his whole behavior was unclear to me.
So as you can see I had MANY issues with this book which is why I can't give it a solid 4 stars rating, but I DID enjoy the way the romance built between Blaire and Frederic, the way the trust was slowly established, how much Blaire did for Frederic, how much Frederic wanted all of it to be true. How Blaire changed and grew as he started not only focusing on Frederic buy making a different future for himself. Frederic also had to make a few difficult decisions about his life, those took longer and in a way we didn't get to see them happening it's more of a promise he will be better now with so many people on his side.
I really liked how independent Frederic was, and how much he accomplished on his own and the fact he WOULDN'T let anyone take over his life. He wanted Blaire the lover, not Blaire the huge bank account. he wanted a partner. Blaire wanted it all too, but not using his money to make things better isn't something he is used to, not to mention, since he is independent as Frederic is, he was used to doing things HIS way and Frederic wouldn't accept that. It took them time to realize what the other one needs. I enjoyed seeing it evolve throughout the book. Sadly there were too many things distancing me from the MCs, I can't even say I like Frederic, but I did come to appreciate Blaire. Considering the other supporting characters I was left with too little to truly enjoy this novel which is really a shame because the issues the MCs were dealing with really appealed to me. So, yeah, I guess a nice read, though not a favorite for sure.
More Reviews HERE
April 11, 2022
Sometimes the people crumble, sometimes the cookie crumbles.
It always takes time and preparation for baking delightful treats and beautiful edibles.
It also takes time and preparation for love to develop until it is ready. Done is relative, but relatives can mess up the kitchen or your life as they try to manipulate things their way.
But if your bakery or your business treats people well, it will be returned and multiplied.
It is developing trust that matters in everything. Money is not as important as love and trust.
It always takes time and preparation for baking delightful treats and beautiful edibles.
It also takes time and preparation for love to develop until it is ready. Done is relative, but relatives can mess up the kitchen or your life as they try to manipulate things their way.
But if your bakery or your business treats people well, it will be returned and multiplied.
It is developing trust that matters in everything. Money is not as important as love and trust.
January 23, 2016
This book is part of the Bluewater Bay series but can be enjoyed on its own.
Frederic is a twenty-ish y/o man who is starting his life over again in Bluewater Bay. He'd recently competed in a reality cooking contest program and seemed a favorite to win the big prize, and perhaps the heart of one of the sponsors/judges, Blaire Carruthers, but that all bottomed out when one of the other contestants, Jerry, interfered. He turned Blaire's head, and got the votes and the guy. The scandal that was close to breaking was settled between Frederic and Blaire's overbearing, homophobic father for $500K. Frederic used it to pay for a fixer-upper bakery in Bluewater Bay, and goodness knows how many medical bills and IOUs of his alcoholic, ill, homophobic father.
Now Frederic works tirelessly at his fledgling bakery to pay the bills and answer further demand for cash from his good-for-nothin' POS demon-spawn of a dear ol' dad. He's startled one day by Blaire's unexpected and unwanted appearance at the bakery. Blaine, it seems, has had a full change of heart, regarding Jerry, and wants to make amends to Frederic, for abusing his trust and letting him down--by rigging the contest in Jerry's favor. Frederic wants nothing to do with Blaire--who frankly makes a nuisance of himself by moving to Bluewater Bay and doing a bit of low-level stalking to catch Frederic whenever he's in need of a little boost. He sees how hard Frederic works, and assumes he needs money, so he arranges a complicated scheme to drum up business for Frederic's bakery, causing a spiral of near-constant work that has dire consequences for Frederic's health.
Okay, so this book is a good read. Not as upbeat as others in the series. Both guys have a rough family history, even Blaire who's always had enough money has never had love or approval from his father. Blaire really had affection for Frederic, and hopes against hope that he can get Frederic to give him another chance. Frederic has serious trust issues, but is a forgiveness machine, especially for people who generally do not deserve it. Though, I will admit that Blaire works hard for his approval. He takes care of Frederic, in both genuine and misguided ways, but this is all to the good, for it brings Frederic back...sometimes.
This is book low on sexytimes. For the length, there are few (3-4) scenes of lovin' and many scenes of fighting, not the best mix for me, though some might favor that approach. Also, I struggled a little with the verbiage as there were turns of phrase that more suited the British English--and these are East Coast boys through and through. Most troubling for me, however, was the pace. Again, with so little page time devoted to the romance, the bulk of the story was fighting, illness, and dealing with depressing family problems. I wanted more heat, and less hate. That said, if the book was this long and had 18 smoking hot sexytime scenes, I wouldn't be frustrated with the slow almost-burn of the plot. This is an enemies-to-lovers plot, but without the incendiary passion that often accompanies those types of stories. Blaire almost immediately went into caretaker mode, and Frederic needed lots of caretaking--so they were more psuedo-enemies in a hurt/comfort scenario. When there was sexytimes there was a hint of kink, a bit of pain for Frederic and a bit of dominance for Blaire.
I consider this an HEA. The characters work through their issues and have a definite plan to stay together. It's definitely a 3.5 star read, but maybe a 4. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Frederic is a twenty-ish y/o man who is starting his life over again in Bluewater Bay. He'd recently competed in a reality cooking contest program and seemed a favorite to win the big prize, and perhaps the heart of one of the sponsors/judges, Blaire Carruthers, but that all bottomed out when one of the other contestants, Jerry, interfered. He turned Blaire's head, and got the votes and the guy. The scandal that was close to breaking was settled between Frederic and Blaire's overbearing, homophobic father for $500K. Frederic used it to pay for a fixer-upper bakery in Bluewater Bay, and goodness knows how many medical bills and IOUs of his alcoholic, ill, homophobic father.
Now Frederic works tirelessly at his fledgling bakery to pay the bills and answer further demand for cash from his good-for-nothin' POS demon-spawn of a dear ol' dad. He's startled one day by Blaire's unexpected and unwanted appearance at the bakery. Blaine, it seems, has had a full change of heart, regarding Jerry, and wants to make amends to Frederic, for abusing his trust and letting him down--by rigging the contest in Jerry's favor. Frederic wants nothing to do with Blaire--who frankly makes a nuisance of himself by moving to Bluewater Bay and doing a bit of low-level stalking to catch Frederic whenever he's in need of a little boost. He sees how hard Frederic works, and assumes he needs money, so he arranges a complicated scheme to drum up business for Frederic's bakery, causing a spiral of near-constant work that has dire consequences for Frederic's health.
Okay, so this book is a good read. Not as upbeat as others in the series. Both guys have a rough family history, even Blaire who's always had enough money has never had love or approval from his father. Blaire really had affection for Frederic, and hopes against hope that he can get Frederic to give him another chance. Frederic has serious trust issues, but is a forgiveness machine, especially for people who generally do not deserve it. Though, I will admit that Blaire works hard for his approval. He takes care of Frederic, in both genuine and misguided ways, but this is all to the good, for it brings Frederic back...sometimes.
This is book low on sexytimes. For the length, there are few (3-4) scenes of lovin' and many scenes of fighting, not the best mix for me, though some might favor that approach. Also, I struggled a little with the verbiage as there were turns of phrase that more suited the British English--and these are East Coast boys through and through. Most troubling for me, however, was the pace. Again, with so little page time devoted to the romance, the bulk of the story was fighting, illness, and dealing with depressing family problems. I wanted more heat, and less hate. That said, if the book was this long and had 18 smoking hot sexytime scenes, I wouldn't be frustrated with the slow almost-burn of the plot. This is an enemies-to-lovers plot, but without the incendiary passion that often accompanies those types of stories. Blaire almost immediately went into caretaker mode, and Frederic needed lots of caretaking--so they were more psuedo-enemies in a hurt/comfort scenario. When there was sexytimes there was a hint of kink, a bit of pain for Frederic and a bit of dominance for Blaire.
I consider this an HEA. The characters work through their issues and have a definite plan to stay together. It's definitely a 3.5 star read, but maybe a 4. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 15, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
How The Cookie Crumbles takes us back to Bluewater Bay, Washington and while this book has not much to do with the Wolf's Landing production, it is still a compelling and enjoyable story. Two men who were torn apart by the deceit of one are reunited, but issues abound as they try and find their way back to one another. A good look at a couple learning to accept, forgive and built trust in the aftermath of a scandal that left them both reeling.
Frederic Jackson moved to Bluewater Bay after losing a rigged cooking show competition and getting a hefty payout to keep his silence. He's living his dream after opening the bakery he always wanted, but family problems have left him struggling for money and working day and night to pay his bills. The last thing he needs is Blaire Caruthers the man who wronged him and the reason he lost the kitchen of his dreams waltzing back into his life. Blaire is fully aware that getting Frederic to listen to him and let him apologize is an uphill battle but it is one he's willing to fight because he knows that screwing him over was the worst mistake of his life.
There was a lot of baggage between these two and the both have family baggage to boot. While I liked these two characters I didn't really love or form an attachment to either one. Frederic made me crazy with his stubbornness and refusal to believe he needed help even when those closest to him could see it. I understand part of that was his personality and part of it was part of a much bigger issue, but at some point you have to be able to see you are struggling and letting a friend help is okay. Honestly I think Blaire was a good guy who got caught up in playing games to piss off his father and while his reasons weren't unfounded, they may have been more believable if he was in his 20's versus his 30's. All in all both of these men needed some intensive individual therapy and to be honest couple's therapy probably wouldn't have been a bad idea either.
I did appreciate Blaire trying to help Frederic in so many ways even when he knew it would probably tick Frederic off. He was doing it out of the goodness of his heart and to try and make amends, but mostly because he was concerned for Frederic. While it took a good while Frederic did come through for Blaire when he needed it most and it was pretty awesome to see. I liked these two together and I think they complimented each other well, but their actions made them seem immature for their age.
While I had some issues with the characters, overall the story was entertaining and engaging and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
How The Cookie Crumbles takes us back to Bluewater Bay, Washington and while this book has not much to do with the Wolf's Landing production, it is still a compelling and enjoyable story. Two men who were torn apart by the deceit of one are reunited, but issues abound as they try and find their way back to one another. A good look at a couple learning to accept, forgive and built trust in the aftermath of a scandal that left them both reeling.
Frederic Jackson moved to Bluewater Bay after losing a rigged cooking show competition and getting a hefty payout to keep his silence. He's living his dream after opening the bakery he always wanted, but family problems have left him struggling for money and working day and night to pay his bills. The last thing he needs is Blaire Caruthers the man who wronged him and the reason he lost the kitchen of his dreams waltzing back into his life. Blaire is fully aware that getting Frederic to listen to him and let him apologize is an uphill battle but it is one he's willing to fight because he knows that screwing him over was the worst mistake of his life.
There was a lot of baggage between these two and the both have family baggage to boot. While I liked these two characters I didn't really love or form an attachment to either one. Frederic made me crazy with his stubbornness and refusal to believe he needed help even when those closest to him could see it. I understand part of that was his personality and part of it was part of a much bigger issue, but at some point you have to be able to see you are struggling and letting a friend help is okay. Honestly I think Blaire was a good guy who got caught up in playing games to piss off his father and while his reasons weren't unfounded, they may have been more believable if he was in his 20's versus his 30's. All in all both of these men needed some intensive individual therapy and to be honest couple's therapy probably wouldn't have been a bad idea either.
I did appreciate Blaire trying to help Frederic in so many ways even when he knew it would probably tick Frederic off. He was doing it out of the goodness of his heart and to try and make amends, but mostly because he was concerned for Frederic. While it took a good while Frederic did come through for Blaire when he needed it most and it was pretty awesome to see. I liked these two together and I think they complimented each other well, but their actions made them seem immature for their age.
While I had some issues with the characters, overall the story was entertaining and engaging and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 14, 2016
3.5 stars
This is another sweet romance in the Bluewater Bay series. New Bluewater baker Frederick is a great character. Talented, bull-headed and working himself into the ground to support his family, it is impossible not to love him. Blaine took a little longer to love. He works for his wealthy, corrupt father. He has already cheated on Frederick once. Never mind love - it took me a while to trust him.
The connections to Wolf’s Landing are loose in this twelfth book. Blaine’s father’s company is somehow involved in production and Blaine himself is involved in merchandising for the show. While I loved the bakery scenes, I found myself skimming the detailed descriptions of Blaine’s job.
In this story, Bluewater Bay presents as a small Pacific town that is gentrifying quickly. I love all the different angles Bluewater Bay has been written from and the geekiest part of me enjoys piecing together characters and timelines across the various authors’ books.
While Frederick and Blaine are quite damaged characters at the start, I loved the warmth of Frederick’s customers and the sense of small town community that shines through this story. And the baking is absolutely sumptuous.
Together, Frederick and Blaine are not my favourite Bluewater Bay couple. Too many artificial barriers are put in their way and too much manufactured angst is added to draw the story out to novel length. Disproportionate miscommunications and the standard M/M hospital-emergency-brings-clarity plot enhancer lengthen the story but don’t necessarily add anything to the central relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance and I enjoyed returning to Bluewater Bay for another gentle romance.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
This is another sweet romance in the Bluewater Bay series. New Bluewater baker Frederick is a great character. Talented, bull-headed and working himself into the ground to support his family, it is impossible not to love him. Blaine took a little longer to love. He works for his wealthy, corrupt father. He has already cheated on Frederick once. Never mind love - it took me a while to trust him.
The connections to Wolf’s Landing are loose in this twelfth book. Blaine’s father’s company is somehow involved in production and Blaine himself is involved in merchandising for the show. While I loved the bakery scenes, I found myself skimming the detailed descriptions of Blaine’s job.
In this story, Bluewater Bay presents as a small Pacific town that is gentrifying quickly. I love all the different angles Bluewater Bay has been written from and the geekiest part of me enjoys piecing together characters and timelines across the various authors’ books.
While Frederick and Blaine are quite damaged characters at the start, I loved the warmth of Frederick’s customers and the sense of small town community that shines through this story. And the baking is absolutely sumptuous.
Together, Frederick and Blaine are not my favourite Bluewater Bay couple. Too many artificial barriers are put in their way and too much manufactured angst is added to draw the story out to novel length. Disproportionate miscommunications and the standard M/M hospital-emergency-brings-clarity plot enhancer lengthen the story but don’t necessarily add anything to the central relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance and I enjoyed returning to Bluewater Bay for another gentle romance.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
September 11, 2016
The Bluewater Bay series is an intriguing concept from Riptide Publishing. Each book is written by a different author, with a different perspective. I’ve read several of them and not necessarily in order so I can tell you that these books can be read as stand alone stories if you wish.
How the Cookie Crumbles is an episode by Jaime Samms and focuses on bakers and a reality TV show production company. Actually, it’s the aftermath of the reality competition, which involved a rigged outcome and broken hearts.
Frederic (definitely not Freddy!) accepted a large cash payout to lose the competition. It should have been enough money to open his own bakery and start over in Bluewater Bay, Washington. If it weren’t for Frederic being an enabler for his alcoholic father it would have been plenty of money, but for two reasons. Frederic bought a very old bakery that needed many repairs, and his father continually plays on Frederic’s guilt to get more money from him.
Blaire’s father owns the production company. Blaire is gay and that is enough for his father to punish him by sending him to Bluewater Bay to resolve problems with the company’s merchandising arm. The story revolves around Blaire trying to overcome the control his father holds over him, Blaire’s attempt to gain Frederic’s trust back, and Blaire’s attempt to stop allowing his father to use him. Lot’s of father/son issues in this story.
I really enjoyed this book. Both men are flawed and allow themselves to be controlled by their manipulative fathers. All the reader can do is sit back for the rough ride as they try to work out their issues and hopefully find love again, because they once had it.
How the Cookie Crumbles is an episode by Jaime Samms and focuses on bakers and a reality TV show production company. Actually, it’s the aftermath of the reality competition, which involved a rigged outcome and broken hearts.
Frederic (definitely not Freddy!) accepted a large cash payout to lose the competition. It should have been enough money to open his own bakery and start over in Bluewater Bay, Washington. If it weren’t for Frederic being an enabler for his alcoholic father it would have been plenty of money, but for two reasons. Frederic bought a very old bakery that needed many repairs, and his father continually plays on Frederic’s guilt to get more money from him.
Blaire’s father owns the production company. Blaire is gay and that is enough for his father to punish him by sending him to Bluewater Bay to resolve problems with the company’s merchandising arm. The story revolves around Blaire trying to overcome the control his father holds over him, Blaire’s attempt to gain Frederic’s trust back, and Blaire’s attempt to stop allowing his father to use him. Lot’s of father/son issues in this story.
I really enjoyed this book. Both men are flawed and allow themselves to be controlled by their manipulative fathers. All the reader can do is sit back for the rough ride as they try to work out their issues and hopefully find love again, because they once had it.
February 20, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
Not every author is for every reader and I am going to preface this review by stating that this author may just not be for me. There were many areas that didn’t work for me and it was a test of sheer willpower to make it all the way through this book.
Neither character was appealing to me. Frederic is exhausted all of the time and, while he seems to stay on his feet in the kitchen, every place else he is a stumbling mess. He has a colorful history with his father and we are shown specific instances that his father did not treat Frederic well, yet Frederic continues to have a soft spot for the man who is verbally abusive and treats him as a bank account. Frederic is working all of the time in an attempt to live out his dream, but also to support his father and all of his father’s medical bills.
Blaire always had it easy financially, but also has issues with his controlling father. A good portion of the book, for both characters, was father issues and when it’s not that, it’s issues with each of their businesses.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
Not every author is for every reader and I am going to preface this review by stating that this author may just not be for me. There were many areas that didn’t work for me and it was a test of sheer willpower to make it all the way through this book.
Neither character was appealing to me. Frederic is exhausted all of the time and, while he seems to stay on his feet in the kitchen, every place else he is a stumbling mess. He has a colorful history with his father and we are shown specific instances that his father did not treat Frederic well, yet Frederic continues to have a soft spot for the man who is verbally abusive and treats him as a bank account. Frederic is working all of the time in an attempt to live out his dream, but also to support his father and all of his father’s medical bills.
Blaire always had it easy financially, but also has issues with his controlling father. A good portion of the book, for both characters, was father issues and when it’s not that, it’s issues with each of their businesses.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
April 15, 2016
3.5 Stars
I am always happy to return to Bluewater Bay and this was another decent read in the series. I liked the premise of the couple knowing each other from a rigged reality show and being reunited. Frederic was fascinating especially with his bakery obsession. I really felt for Blaire as he tried to prove himself to Frederic. I just wanted more romance development before the I Love Yous. Still I had a good time reading this and recommend it for fans of sweet M/M contemporaries.
I received a free eARC of this book from Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am always happy to return to Bluewater Bay and this was another decent read in the series. I liked the premise of the couple knowing each other from a rigged reality show and being reunited. Frederic was fascinating especially with his bakery obsession. I really felt for Blaire as he tried to prove himself to Frederic. I just wanted more romance development before the I Love Yous. Still I had a good time reading this and recommend it for fans of sweet M/M contemporaries.
I received a free eARC of this book from Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2016
4.5 Stars
This is part of the Bluewater Bay series but can be read as a stand-alone and you will still enjoy it. In this story we have Fredrick and Blaire, who were a second chance kind of love. In the beginning I did not like Blaire but immediately fell in love with Fredrick. Then I realize Blaire was just trying to prove to Fredrick that he had changed. All-in-all this book really fit in with the Bluewater Bay series and I absolutely loved it but then I love Jaime Samms. I hope this series continues as I love to see the men of Bluewater Bay falling in love.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is part of the Bluewater Bay series but can be read as a stand-alone and you will still enjoy it. In this story we have Fredrick and Blaire, who were a second chance kind of love. In the beginning I did not like Blaire but immediately fell in love with Fredrick. Then I realize Blaire was just trying to prove to Fredrick that he had changed. All-in-all this book really fit in with the Bluewater Bay series and I absolutely loved it but then I love Jaime Samms. I hope this series continues as I love to see the men of Bluewater Bay falling in love.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2016
3.5 stars
Good story, good characters and good solid writing - I enjoyed this read. The thing is, I was left wanting a little more of the love and happiness to balance out the angst, and, yes, a little more heat. I love the way Jaime Samms writes kink/BDSM (loved Bound to Fall SO much) and I'd have liked to see more of that explored within the context of the MCs' relationship. It could have brought more out of them, and would have most certainly stepped up the heat and possibly the romance. That being said, I love this series, and I'm hoping author Jaime Samms has more in store for us in the world of Bluewater Bay.
Good story, good characters and good solid writing - I enjoyed this read. The thing is, I was left wanting a little more of the love and happiness to balance out the angst, and, yes, a little more heat. I love the way Jaime Samms writes kink/BDSM (loved Bound to Fall SO much) and I'd have liked to see more of that explored within the context of the MCs' relationship. It could have brought more out of them, and would have most certainly stepped up the heat and possibly the romance. That being said, I love this series, and I'm hoping author Jaime Samms has more in store for us in the world of Bluewater Bay.
August 30, 2018
This longer M/M Romance took off in directions I never anticipated-- addressing many issues of 'the baggage' two people individually bring to a relationship. What starts out as a simple, interesting premise gets complicated very quickly. Blaire and Frederic are both interesting and likeable characters in their own right. The color that their families add to the story is enough to doom relationships of many average couples.
I loved the bakery, Alicia and of course, our two heroes. I thought the story got a little bogged down with the constant reminders of Jerry but the reasoning behind that becomes clear as the story progresses. What I found most interesting about this story is that- what it lacks in erotic passion between Frederic and Blaire seems to amplify what appears to be real love-- or at least commitment.
The narrative of the book is so clear in expressing the thoughts and feelings of the characters 'beyond their words'. So I was a little unclear as to why that was suddenly dropped in the final pages of the book. The ending felt like a rush to the finish. This book is longer than many M/M Romances so maybe it was edited for space? In any case, this complicated relationship was compelling and kept my interest from beginning to end.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange fro an honest review.
I loved the bakery, Alicia and of course, our two heroes. I thought the story got a little bogged down with the constant reminders of Jerry but the reasoning behind that becomes clear as the story progresses. What I found most interesting about this story is that- what it lacks in erotic passion between Frederic and Blaire seems to amplify what appears to be real love-- or at least commitment.
The narrative of the book is so clear in expressing the thoughts and feelings of the characters 'beyond their words'. So I was a little unclear as to why that was suddenly dropped in the final pages of the book. The ending felt like a rush to the finish. This book is longer than many M/M Romances so maybe it was edited for space? In any case, this complicated relationship was compelling and kept my interest from beginning to end.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange fro an honest review.
April 27, 2023
Review posted on my blog, Life As Katherine. https://lifeaskatherine.blogspot.com/
I adored this book. Frederic was an adorable, geekish man who worked hard to escape the pain of the loss of Blaine and his father's addictions. His troubled past made his solid dependability in the present a show of strength. I enjoyed reading about this complex character.
Blaine was less complex, though he did have some layers—hatred of his father and the empire he's destined to inherit. He's cunning and intelligent, and his dedication to Frederic won me over.
The climax surprised me, which is always a good thing, and when reduced to simple terms is sort of comical, though it was far from comical in the story.
I found the prose smooth and easy to read, making the book pass faster than I guessed it would. The character development was detailed and layered, and the reader learns more and more about the characters as the book progresses, which is not as common as you'd think and a wonderful aspect of any plot. The plot was believable and had fantastic structure.
Overall, a wonderful addition to the series.
I adored this book. Frederic was an adorable, geekish man who worked hard to escape the pain of the loss of Blaine and his father's addictions. His troubled past made his solid dependability in the present a show of strength. I enjoyed reading about this complex character.
Blaine was less complex, though he did have some layers—hatred of his father and the empire he's destined to inherit. He's cunning and intelligent, and his dedication to Frederic won me over.
The climax surprised me, which is always a good thing, and when reduced to simple terms is sort of comical, though it was far from comical in the story.
I found the prose smooth and easy to read, making the book pass faster than I guessed it would. The character development was detailed and layered, and the reader learns more and more about the characters as the book progresses, which is not as common as you'd think and a wonderful aspect of any plot. The plot was believable and had fantastic structure.
Overall, a wonderful addition to the series.
March 27, 2024
Obsession and addiction can take many forms and recognizing them may not always be easy. Frederick's silence was paid for after he lost a cooking competition when the winner seduced the producer. He's used the hush money to open a bakery in Bluewater Bay. Unfortunately some of the money has also been used to ‘help’ his alcoholic father who continues to drain his finances. Blaire has moved to the area to get out from under his father's sight and to try to win back Frederick after his disastrous affair with the ‘winner’. Building trust is difficult and Frederick's past has left him easily addicted. The continued financial pressure sees him becoming addicted to work as if it were a drug. Like any addiction it affects his physical and mental well-being. Will Frederick be able to trust Blaire? Will Blaire be able to trust his instincts to find a way to free himself from his father? Definitely a very engaging read.
June 30, 2025
I just love how all the books in the Bluewater Bay series are linked but you can read each as a standalone. Blaire and Frederic first met when Frederic was a contestant on a cooking show that Blaire was producing for his father. Though they are attracted to each other, along comes slimy Jerry, another contestant who lures Blaire away. Blaire, clearly leading with his dick, allows Jerry to win the cooking show and the ensuing scandal has Frederic running across the country to Bluewater Bay to buy a bakery with the money from the settlement awarded to him after the scandal. Guess who turns up in Bluewater Bay, too. Frankly I think I would have punched Blaire in the throat the first time he turned up on my doorstep but Frederic is a marshmallow! Enjoy J. Samms writing and the push and pull between our two MCs. Great read!!
July 16, 2021
DNF. The enemies-to-lovers transition was too stark, food and f***ing is not sufficient to overcome a betrayal involving both personal and professional lives.
Unresolved daddy issues are not a shortcut to a likable character, or to character cohesiveness.
Also, the clumsiness of one character is so extreme it becomes hard to believe they haven’t sustained major injuries. Physical exhaustion is used as an excuse for the ‘comic relief’ of the character injuring himself repeatedly. No other effects of exhaustion (memory/concentration issues, muscle aches etc) are portrayed.
I just found myself wanting to skip past scenes just to get to something interesting and it didn’t get interesting. Not recommended.
Unresolved daddy issues are not a shortcut to a likable character, or to character cohesiveness.
Also, the clumsiness of one character is so extreme it becomes hard to believe they haven’t sustained major injuries. Physical exhaustion is used as an excuse for the ‘comic relief’ of the character injuring himself repeatedly. No other effects of exhaustion (memory/concentration issues, muscle aches etc) are portrayed.
I just found myself wanting to skip past scenes just to get to something interesting and it didn’t get interesting. Not recommended.
November 22, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I love that they didn’t immediately put the two main characters together. They built on their past history and the tension between them before they became love interests and I like that because I think it adds so much to not only the characters but also to the story. The only thing I wish there was more of was the ending. They spent so much time building up their relationship and then they are truly together for such a short period of time before the book ends, I wish there was more of their relationship and how their relationship continued to grow. Hopefully we will get to see more of them in future books.
March 22, 2022
How the Cookie Crumbles by Jaime Samms was given to me in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed returning to Bluewater bay and meeting Blaire and Frederic. Frederic, a baker, works hard to make everyone happy to his own detriment. Blaire, producer and businessman broke Frederic 's heart by pushing him aside for someone else. Blaire is in Bluewater to try and win Frederic's forgiveness and ultimately love. Jaime has such a wonderful sense of ease with each of her characters that you feel as if you know them and find yourself hoping that all will be as it should be with Blair and Frederic together. They really do make wonderful couple.
July 13, 2025
Fredric is the stereotype guy who had a really rough childhood and thinks he has to do everything on his own. Blair grew up rich and largely ignored and he fits all those stereotypes. The explanation that Blair has for cheating on Fredric is almost “because I could”. No regret at the time, just a little pissed that Fredrick would not immediately forgive him. Blair then love bombs Fredric to get what he wants. While reading I thought that Blair was a man in love, but as I started thinking about writing this review red flags popped up everywhere. Fredric really needs is some intense therapy and to kick Blair to the curb.
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