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Kelly and Elana’s relationship is a recipe for disaster. First, they meet at a wedding, and that never works. Second, Kelly’s older brother is marrying Elana’s ex-lover. And third, Elana is still painfully, undeniably in love with said ex.
When it comes to other people’s lives, Elana Verdad is an expert. As a licensed psychologist and life coach, she helps people overcome obstacles. Her own life, on the other hand, is a disaster. Her lover left her for a man, so she drove over his mailbox accidentally on purpose. Now, not only did the judge take away her driver’s license, he also assigned her to community service at the local women’s prison. In what may be her worst idea ever, Elana decides to crash their wedding.
Kelly Miller may not understand her brother’s rush to marry his girlfriend, but when he asks her to bake his wedding cake, it’s not as if she can refuse. She’s in the catering business after all. At the wedding, she meets a beautiful, complicated, and seriously damaged woman. Although Kelly knows it’s crazy, she’s drawn to her nonetheless.
Despite the reasons they shouldn’t be together, there’s still an undeniable something between them. All they need is a chance to enjoy their slice of the cake.
When it comes to other people’s lives, Elana Verdad is an expert. As a licensed psychologist and life coach, she helps people overcome obstacles. Her own life, on the other hand, is a disaster. Her lover left her for a man, so she drove over his mailbox accidentally on purpose. Now, not only did the judge take away her driver’s license, he also assigned her to community service at the local women’s prison. In what may be her worst idea ever, Elana decides to crash their wedding.
Kelly Miller may not understand her brother’s rush to marry his girlfriend, but when he asks her to bake his wedding cake, it’s not as if she can refuse. She’s in the catering business after all. At the wedding, she meets a beautiful, complicated, and seriously damaged woman. Although Kelly knows it’s crazy, she’s drawn to her nonetheless.
Despite the reasons they shouldn’t be together, there’s still an undeniable something between them. All they need is a chance to enjoy their slice of the cake.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2016
10 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Jove Belle
29 books205 followersJove Belle was born and raised against a backdrop of orchards and potato fields. The youngest of four children, she was raised in a conservative, Christian home and began asking why at a very young age, much to the consternation of her mother and grandmother. At the customary age of eighteen, she fled southern Idaho in pursuit of broader minds and fewer traffic jams involving the local livestock. The road didn’t end in Portland, Oregon, but there were many confusing freeway interchanges that a girl from the sticks was ill-prepared to deal with. As a result, she has lived in the Portland metro area for over fifteen years and still can’t figure out how she manages to spend so much time in traffic when there’s not a stray sheep or cow in sight.
She lives with her partner of twelve years. Between them they share three children, two dogs, two cats, two mortgage payments, one sedan, and one requisite dyke pickup truck. One day she hopes to live in a house that doesn’t generate a never ending honey-do list.
Incidentally, she never stopped asking why, but did expand her arsenal of questions to include who, what, when, where and, most important of all, how. In those questions, a story is born.
She lives with her partner of twelve years. Between them they share three children, two dogs, two cats, two mortgage payments, one sedan, and one requisite dyke pickup truck. One day she hopes to live in a house that doesn’t generate a never ending honey-do list.
Incidentally, she never stopped asking why, but did expand her arsenal of questions to include who, what, when, where and, most important of all, how. In those questions, a story is born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 28, 2020
This was a spicy little novella. I’m a big Belle fan. I have read all of her books except for her Bitterroot Saga books since I was saving them for a rainy day. So while this is a revised addition of the first book in the Bitterroot universe, I had not read it before now. Therefore I can’t say what changes have been made from the original version to this one, but I can say that I really enjoyed it.
I like the way Belle writes. It really clicks with me and I feel comfortable with her style. She is always good at hooking you into a story quickly and with a novella that’s pretty important. Could you date your sister-in-law’s ex-girlfriend? That premise right there was enough to have me hooked.
Since this is a novella, the romance moves pretty quickly. It is pretty much lust from first site, with the question of could it be anything more? For two characters getting together so fast, I was a little surprised how much the chemistry did work. I really should not have been surprised since Belle writes good chemistry. The sex scenes were really hot too. Including reviews of both versions of this novella, some people were putting the erotic or erotic-romance category tag on this. I didn’t really think that personally, I just more thought steamy romance.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more. I liked both mains quite a bit. I wanted more of their story. I wanted more of the family dynamics and the story of the break-up with the sis-in law. Between working at a prison and bakery, even their jobs were interesting. I don’t know if these characters show up in the next book Bitterroot Queen, but I would sure love to read more with them.
If you are looking for a fun and spicy novella, this is a great choice. If you have not read Belle before this would be a good way to try out her writing. After how much I enjoyed this novella I really want to read Bitterroot Queen soon.
An ARC was given to me for an honest review.
I like the way Belle writes. It really clicks with me and I feel comfortable with her style. She is always good at hooking you into a story quickly and with a novella that’s pretty important. Could you date your sister-in-law’s ex-girlfriend? That premise right there was enough to have me hooked.
Since this is a novella, the romance moves pretty quickly. It is pretty much lust from first site, with the question of could it be anything more? For two characters getting together so fast, I was a little surprised how much the chemistry did work. I really should not have been surprised since Belle writes good chemistry. The sex scenes were really hot too. Including reviews of both versions of this novella, some people were putting the erotic or erotic-romance category tag on this. I didn’t really think that personally, I just more thought steamy romance.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more. I liked both mains quite a bit. I wanted more of their story. I wanted more of the family dynamics and the story of the break-up with the sis-in law. Between working at a prison and bakery, even their jobs were interesting. I don’t know if these characters show up in the next book Bitterroot Queen, but I would sure love to read more with them.
If you are looking for a fun and spicy novella, this is a great choice. If you have not read Belle before this would be a good way to try out her writing. After how much I enjoyed this novella I really want to read Bitterroot Queen soon.
An ARC was given to me for an honest review.
January 22, 2016
Cake is a sexy, smart read. The cover art drew my interest as did the book blurb and the author delivers with a well-paced, fully developed story considering its novella length.
The chemistry between Kelly and Elana makes the book sizzle. Elana has every reason to be miserable at the big event but the support shown by Kelly and their incredible connection from the moment they meet makes the wedding a memorable one. Their “dance” is addictive.
Comic relief comes courtesy of Kelly's brother David (“old enough to get married, just not old enough to keep from whining”) and Elana's hapless ex-girlfriend Brianna. Kelly's parents add needed conflict and bring double meaning to the book's title.
My thanks to Jove Belle for the opportunity to read a proof copy for review.
The chemistry between Kelly and Elana makes the book sizzle. Elana has every reason to be miserable at the big event but the support shown by Kelly and their incredible connection from the moment they meet makes the wedding a memorable one. Their “dance” is addictive.
Comic relief comes courtesy of Kelly's brother David (“old enough to get married, just not old enough to keep from whining”) and Elana's hapless ex-girlfriend Brianna. Kelly's parents add needed conflict and bring double meaning to the book's title.
My thanks to Jove Belle for the opportunity to read a proof copy for review.
February 25, 2016
A yummmmmmy appetizer!
Let me just go right out and say it: The sex is amazing. So much so that I needed some effort to recall what the rest of the book was about (and I'm usually pretty good with these things, lol). Let's see. There was a wedding. A broken mailbox. And... okay, I'm gonna cheat and go read the blurb, lol. Anyway, so our ladies meet at a wedding. One is the sister of the groom and the other is the ex of the bride. It was insta-lust. But oh so inappropriate....for the occasion, at least. ;) The rest of the book (about 50% of it, I think, though I could be wrong because I could hardly think at that point, lol) is about their almost superhuman effort to try to keep their hands off each other and how massively they fail at it (yes!)...first, in the middle of the grand wedding reception and everywhere else.
But..that is pretty much it. A lesbian romance without the drama just isn't. And I don't remember any romance either. Our ladies were so preoccupied from the get go, the romance and the drama will just have to wait, because the book just ends. :( At least, we have something to look forward to in Cake 2.
The thing I miss with physical books is that you can always tell how long the book you're getting is. Not with ebooks. Unless you're paying close attention. This one felt a little on the short side. Even for a novella. It could be because I was too caught up in the uhm...erotic stuff, and the pages just flew by furiously fast. Let's see. For the record, a peek at Amazon says its 82 pages. A bit of copy/pasting shows the word count at 23,020, not including extras like the TOC and the promotional stuff at the end, which all take up about 5% of the page count, according to my e-reader. Is it worth it? I can't really tell unless we look at the price, which according to Amazon is just $3.00. For such a yummy appetizer, I'd say it's more than worth it.
Let's just hope we don't have to wait too long before the next dish is served.
4.25 stars (3.5 for the story and a perfect 5 with a standing ovation for the erotic scenes)
ARC received from the publisher.
Note: This is best enjoyed in private. Definitely NSFW. ;) Oh, and thumbs up for the cover. They got the look perfectly!
P.S. Now that I'm thinking a bit more clearly, I do recall that there was a bit of drama with the brother and the parents, and something about the other lead doing community service for something... But honestly, everything feels like the backstory they show in video game cutscenes--you can't wait to start playing the game. The erotic scenes are so intense (and detailed and extended) they feel like they ARE the book, even though strangely this is not marketed as erotica.
Let me just go right out and say it: The sex is amazing. So much so that I needed some effort to recall what the rest of the book was about (and I'm usually pretty good with these things, lol). Let's see. There was a wedding. A broken mailbox. And... okay, I'm gonna cheat and go read the blurb, lol. Anyway, so our ladies meet at a wedding. One is the sister of the groom and the other is the ex of the bride. It was insta-lust. But oh so inappropriate....for the occasion, at least. ;) The rest of the book (about 50% of it, I think, though I could be wrong because I could hardly think at that point, lol) is about their almost superhuman effort to try to keep their hands off each other and how massively they fail at it (yes!)...first, in the middle of the grand wedding reception and everywhere else.
But..that is pretty much it. A lesbian romance without the drama just isn't. And I don't remember any romance either. Our ladies were so preoccupied from the get go, the romance and the drama will just have to wait, because the book just ends. :( At least, we have something to look forward to in Cake 2.
The thing I miss with physical books is that you can always tell how long the book you're getting is. Not with ebooks. Unless you're paying close attention. This one felt a little on the short side. Even for a novella. It could be because I was too caught up in the uhm...erotic stuff, and the pages just flew by furiously fast. Let's see. For the record, a peek at Amazon says its 82 pages. A bit of copy/pasting shows the word count at 23,020, not including extras like the TOC and the promotional stuff at the end, which all take up about 5% of the page count, according to my e-reader. Is it worth it? I can't really tell unless we look at the price, which according to Amazon is just $3.00. For such a yummy appetizer, I'd say it's more than worth it.
Let's just hope we don't have to wait too long before the next dish is served.
4.25 stars (3.5 for the story and a perfect 5 with a standing ovation for the erotic scenes)
ARC received from the publisher.
Note: This is best enjoyed in private. Definitely NSFW. ;) Oh, and thumbs up for the cover. They got the look perfectly!
P.S. Now that I'm thinking a bit more clearly, I do recall that there was a bit of drama with the brother and the parents, and something about the other lead doing community service for something... But honestly, everything feels like the backstory they show in video game cutscenes--you can't wait to start playing the game. The erotic scenes are so intense (and detailed and extended) they feel like they ARE the book, even though strangely this is not marketed as erotica.
November 17, 2020
I loved it. It's a perfectly contained novella that's just so, so good. While I could have happily read a full length novel about these characters, I'm glad things ended with a happy-for-now ending, because anything else would have been inappropriate. Oh and, of course, it's hot as hell.
Full review here: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/cake...
Full review here: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/cake...
July 12, 2018
In this charming short story, Jove Belle succesfully wrapped up:
- erotic, classy, hot scenes
- feelings and romance
- indipendence and loyalty themes
- the fading of a love and the blossoming of a new one
Very nice!
- erotic, classy, hot scenes
- feelings and romance
- indipendence and loyalty themes
- the fading of a love and the blossoming of a new one
Very nice!
May 8, 2020
French / English review
Il y a deja beaucoup de critiques sur ce livre donc je vais faire ça court. C’est une histoire courte mais attachante. La chimie entre les deux personnages principaux s’installe rapidement malgré un contexte nuisible pour développer une relation. C’est une histoire assez simpliste et agréable à lire. La fin est heureuse et il n’y a rien de dramatique. C’est une histoire qui fait du bien en ce moment. C’est mon premier livre de Belle et je suis bien contente d’avoir essayé, je vais surement récidiver.
********
There are already a lot of reviews on this book so I'll make it short. It's a short but engaging story. The chemistry between the two main characters quickly sets up despite a weird context to develop a relationship. It’s a pretty simplistic story and fun to read. The end is happy and there is nothing dramatic. It's a story that feels good right now. This is my first Belle book and I'm glad I tried it, I'm probably going to read her again.
Il y a deja beaucoup de critiques sur ce livre donc je vais faire ça court. C’est une histoire courte mais attachante. La chimie entre les deux personnages principaux s’installe rapidement malgré un contexte nuisible pour développer une relation. C’est une histoire assez simpliste et agréable à lire. La fin est heureuse et il n’y a rien de dramatique. C’est une histoire qui fait du bien en ce moment. C’est mon premier livre de Belle et je suis bien contente d’avoir essayé, je vais surement récidiver.
********
There are already a lot of reviews on this book so I'll make it short. It's a short but engaging story. The chemistry between the two main characters quickly sets up despite a weird context to develop a relationship. It’s a pretty simplistic story and fun to read. The end is happy and there is nothing dramatic. It's a story that feels good right now. This is my first Belle book and I'm glad I tried it, I'm probably going to read her again.
March 14, 2018
Detailed score: 3.5
*grumbley grumble grumble*
OK so this is going to be one of those 'series' where each novella, rather than being completely stand alone in and of itself, is going to be more like episodes in a TV series - the protagonists remain the same across multiple 'episodes' (aka novella-length books) and, while you get some action in the 'episode' itself, multiple threads are left hanging between episodes as a wider story arc that carries across the season (or, in some instances, multiple seasons). It works a treat in TV land but I struggle to think of instances where this style has been used in book land that hasn't left me feeling disgruntled and cheated. I don't like being teased. [To be clear - I feel completely differently where a book forms part of a series but is stand alone in its own rite with the main storylines wrapped up at the end.].
As you've probably guessed, then, I am currently one pretty grumpy amateur reviewer. Humph. I feel like I've just read the first third of a novel - it ends just as we were getting somewhere meaty. As it was left, we've barely scraped the surface of our main protagonists and our secondary characters are mere silhouettes. Having said that, there are some very hot pwoar scenes in this novel third. In fact, this novella is definitely more (les)erotic-rom than lesrom - which I wasn't expecting from the blurb. And even through this lens - which often requires a suspension of belief from the reader - Cake pushes this to the limit.
Having said all that, I will probably read the next in the series as I was somewhat taken in by the rather zany ride so far and curious to see where it goes. And maybe I'll be made to eat humble...wait for it...Cake [see what I did there? Yup. You're welcome *note sarcasm*] re my grumblings as to the chosen format. As it currently stands, though, I can't help but wish I'd been made to wait longer but been given a more complete work some point in the distant future.
*grumbley grumble grumble*
OK so this is going to be one of those 'series' where each novella, rather than being completely stand alone in and of itself, is going to be more like episodes in a TV series - the protagonists remain the same across multiple 'episodes' (aka novella-length books) and, while you get some action in the 'episode' itself, multiple threads are left hanging between episodes as a wider story arc that carries across the season (or, in some instances, multiple seasons). It works a treat in TV land but I struggle to think of instances where this style has been used in book land that hasn't left me feeling disgruntled and cheated. I don't like being teased. [To be clear - I feel completely differently where a book forms part of a series but is stand alone in its own rite with the main storylines wrapped up at the end.].
As you've probably guessed, then, I am currently one pretty grumpy amateur reviewer. Humph. I feel like I've just read the first third of a novel - it ends just as we were getting somewhere meaty. As it was left, we've barely scraped the surface of our main protagonists and our secondary characters are mere silhouettes. Having said that, there are some very hot pwoar scenes in this novel third. In fact, this novella is definitely more (les)erotic-rom than lesrom - which I wasn't expecting from the blurb. And even through this lens - which often requires a suspension of belief from the reader - Cake pushes this to the limit.
Having said all that, I will probably read the next in the series as I was somewhat taken in by the rather zany ride so far and curious to see where it goes. And maybe I'll be made to eat humble...wait for it...Cake [see what I did there? Yup. You're welcome *note sarcasm*] re my grumblings as to the chosen format. As it currently stands, though, I can't help but wish I'd been made to wait longer but been given a more complete work some point in the distant future.
March 30, 2020
I am a foodie to the core and this story has made my day, no scratch that, this story has made my entire week because this talented author has given me a delightful romance that has scorching hot sex scenes and undeniable chemistry between two headstrong and endearing women. I could easily picture Elana and Kelly in my mind because the author has done a wonderful job of vividly portraying their quirky personalities and their emotions. I really wished this story was a bit longer though because I wanted more of Kelly and Elana. I got seriously attached to Kelly because she enjoys baking just as much as I do and she makes one of my favorite comfort treats and that's cake! I just hope this isn't the end of Kelly and Elana because I am hoping to meet them again in another story.
May 23, 2016
The romance was going well, but the ending is kinda abrupted. I thought it is gonna be a first installment, and there will be the second installment that waited to be released. However, for the next book of Bitterroot Saga, it seemed like the story will not concentrate on the main couple in "Cake".
The sex scene is hot, I'll give the author that. But this whole read seemed like a casual reading that meant for passing time.
The sex scene is hot, I'll give the author that. But this whole read seemed like a casual reading that meant for passing time.
June 8, 2016
Charming and sexy, wish it was longer and I didn't have to wait for the next instalment.
February 14, 2016
Sweet!
Kelly is a beautiful baker. One day her brother, David, surprises her with the news he is getting married and asks her to do the cake. She is not happy about the wedding since she has never heard of this woman before but agrees to make the cake.
Elana is a sexy life coach whose ex, Bree, left her to marry a man. For some reason she has been sent an invitation to the wedding and she is unable to stay away. Once there she locks onto Kelly. She confesses her reason for being there and while it is hard to watch Bree get married to David, Kelly understands and stays by her side. Sparks fly between the two women but is this just some harmless fun or is there something more to it?
Cake is such a sweet story and not just because of the baked goodies. I truly enjoyed it very much. The writing was solid, the plot good (I do wonder about where the parents were during the wedding but I went with it), and the characters so engaging (no pun intended this time). I loved them both. I liked how many emotions they shared and experienced. This story was very gentle and heart warming with the exception of the sex scenes. They were some of the most erotic, fast and frenzied, smoking hot and VERY pleasing I've seen in quite awhile! Ms Belle has outdone herself. Read with soft romantic music in the background, this was the perfect book to cuddle up to on a lazy day.
Kelly is a beautiful baker. One day her brother, David, surprises her with the news he is getting married and asks her to do the cake. She is not happy about the wedding since she has never heard of this woman before but agrees to make the cake.
Elana is a sexy life coach whose ex, Bree, left her to marry a man. For some reason she has been sent an invitation to the wedding and she is unable to stay away. Once there she locks onto Kelly. She confesses her reason for being there and while it is hard to watch Bree get married to David, Kelly understands and stays by her side. Sparks fly between the two women but is this just some harmless fun or is there something more to it?
Cake is such a sweet story and not just because of the baked goodies. I truly enjoyed it very much. The writing was solid, the plot good (I do wonder about where the parents were during the wedding but I went with it), and the characters so engaging (no pun intended this time). I loved them both. I liked how many emotions they shared and experienced. This story was very gentle and heart warming with the exception of the sex scenes. They were some of the most erotic, fast and frenzied, smoking hot and VERY pleasing I've seen in quite awhile! Ms Belle has outdone herself. Read with soft romantic music in the background, this was the perfect book to cuddle up to on a lazy day.
March 3, 2016
Ms Belle sent me a proof of the book.
I gotta say, I really enjoyed it. From Kelly's less than perfect relationship with her brother and parents to her intense attraction to Elana, even though it's a "bad idea".
Elana's heartbreak and vulnerability due to the breakup with Bree and her need to see her again, even if it's at her wedding, strikes a chord.
I wish the story were longer, but then it wouldn't be a novella. Somewhat patiently awaiting the release of book 2.
Is it here yet?
A word of caution: DO NOT read this story with your girlfriend. It leads to misread sentences and an attempt to acquire a perceived extra hand (to please said girlfriend). Many thanks to Ms Belle who graciously provided a solution.
I gotta say, I really enjoyed it. From Kelly's less than perfect relationship with her brother and parents to her intense attraction to Elana, even though it's a "bad idea".
Elana's heartbreak and vulnerability due to the breakup with Bree and her need to see her again, even if it's at her wedding, strikes a chord.
I wish the story were longer, but then it wouldn't be a novella. Somewhat patiently awaiting the release of book 2.
Is it here yet?
A word of caution: DO NOT read this story with your girlfriend. It leads to misread sentences and an attempt to acquire a perceived extra hand (to please said girlfriend). Many thanks to Ms Belle who graciously provided a solution.
March 25, 2020
Can’t complain when a story has cake!!!
Kelly makes the wedding cake for her Brother’s wedding, but when a particularly sexy guest joins her during the ceremony, Kelly ends up getting more out of the wedding day than she expected. Elana is only there because the bride, is her ex and when she discovers the woman she is attracted to is the sister of the groom, they both know this can only end in disaster. But with a slice of cake, and an amazing attraction to one another they wonder what they really have to lose and so one thing just has to lead to another.
This was a cute, sexy and slightly comedic novella with all the sweetness of the best wedding cake you have ever tasted. Set in the Bitterroot universe, Jove Belle introduces us to two new characters who really are destined for disaster but you can’t help getting swept up in the drama of the day, and the events it leads to. Kelly and Elana have an instant connection and it’s quite bittersweet the circumstances that bring them together.
Two strong female characters with their own unique vulnerabilities and quite the decision to make. It was a lot of fun reading this novella and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
Kelly makes the wedding cake for her Brother’s wedding, but when a particularly sexy guest joins her during the ceremony, Kelly ends up getting more out of the wedding day than she expected. Elana is only there because the bride, is her ex and when she discovers the woman she is attracted to is the sister of the groom, they both know this can only end in disaster. But with a slice of cake, and an amazing attraction to one another they wonder what they really have to lose and so one thing just has to lead to another.
This was a cute, sexy and slightly comedic novella with all the sweetness of the best wedding cake you have ever tasted. Set in the Bitterroot universe, Jove Belle introduces us to two new characters who really are destined for disaster but you can’t help getting swept up in the drama of the day, and the events it leads to. Kelly and Elana have an instant connection and it’s quite bittersweet the circumstances that bring them together.
Two strong female characters with their own unique vulnerabilities and quite the decision to make. It was a lot of fun reading this novella and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
March 8, 2016
Cake by Jove Bell is hot, smoking hot, to tell you the honest truth. This novella is short and sexy and just what the doctor ordered if you need to jump start your heart. (I am not a doctor, so read at your own risk). The writing is solid, the characters are great. I could have easily read an entire novel about these two ladies.
I was given this book by Book Enthusiast Promotions
I was given this book by Book Enthusiast Promotions
February 1, 2025
This wedding disaster centered novel by Jove Belle is something else. I loved the representation of the damaged woman who finally finds her match, its exciting.
March 29, 2016
Note: I received this ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find the review on my blog, FarNerdy.
This was my first read by Jove Belle, and I was not disappointed. A little fast-paced for my liking (but this only due to the novella length, and not a judgment on the author's writing ability at all), I still enjoyed the story of Kelly and Elena, and their trepidation adventuring into a relationship after some challenges set before them, both from the past, as well as the present.
I thoroughly enjoyed the language Jove Belle used in her descriptions of their emotions, the connection between the two main characters, and, ironically, the sex scenes. I am not one for gratuitous sex, just to have it in a novel but serve no other purpose. But this erotic exploration into sex without strings until the strings become too thick to ignore was something worth the entire read.
A great first read from an author that I can see myself reading again. I look forward to more books by Jove Belle, as well as more in the Bitterroot Series she's created here.
Okay, and I have to say it. Does anybody else think that the woman on the cover looks a HELL of a lot like Ruby Rose?
I mean...come on.
You can also find the review on my blog, FarNerdy.
This was my first read by Jove Belle, and I was not disappointed. A little fast-paced for my liking (but this only due to the novella length, and not a judgment on the author's writing ability at all), I still enjoyed the story of Kelly and Elena, and their trepidation adventuring into a relationship after some challenges set before them, both from the past, as well as the present.
I thoroughly enjoyed the language Jove Belle used in her descriptions of their emotions, the connection between the two main characters, and, ironically, the sex scenes. I am not one for gratuitous sex, just to have it in a novel but serve no other purpose. But this erotic exploration into sex without strings until the strings become too thick to ignore was something worth the entire read.
A great first read from an author that I can see myself reading again. I look forward to more books by Jove Belle, as well as more in the Bitterroot Series she's created here.
Okay, and I have to say it. Does anybody else think that the woman on the cover looks a HELL of a lot like Ruby Rose?
I mean...come on.
March 6, 2020
I'm really conflicted on my rating. This is really good for what it is. The problem is that this is a beginning. There is no middle or end. This is an exceptional first quarter of a story. I dont know if this story was meant to be a short erotica scene that grew a life of it's own or if the intent was to come back to these characters. Either way, I finished this book feeling frustrated.
I should make note that in general, it is really hard for a short story to win me over. They are hardly long enough and there always seem more to the story that I never get. There are some, but not many.
I really enjoyed the characters and their chemistry. But because this was a beginning, there is no character development or movement. I wanted to know more about Elana and Bree's breakup, Kelly's family dynamic, Bree and David's relations, and how they navigate a relationship they both think is a good idea.
4 stars for the beginning of a great romance but 2 stars for having no middle or end. I think of the story was more clear about what it is, I wouldnt have been frustrated.
This is a second edition and I received an ARC for an honest review.
I should make note that in general, it is really hard for a short story to win me over. They are hardly long enough and there always seem more to the story that I never get. There are some, but not many.
I really enjoyed the characters and their chemistry. But because this was a beginning, there is no character development or movement. I wanted to know more about Elana and Bree's breakup, Kelly's family dynamic, Bree and David's relations, and how they navigate a relationship they both think is a good idea.
4 stars for the beginning of a great romance but 2 stars for having no middle or end. I think of the story was more clear about what it is, I wouldnt have been frustrated.
This is a second edition and I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 20, 2016
Who doesn’t love a good piece of Cake?!
This was a sweet read and if you didn’t love Cake before you certainly will after reading this book by Jove Belle. This was a quick read and it was perfect for a cold winters day and definitely will warm you up! Kelly and Elana should be a recipe for disaster but instead they find a way to heat up the house and will have you opening a window to cool off before you know it. Novella’s are usually too short and I don’t feel like I get to really know and connect with the characters, but in this book I felt like I got a chance to connect with them and it didn’t feel as rushed as most short stories I have read. There was a little bit of serious, a little bit of humor and a whole lotta sexy in this new book by Jove and I look forward to the next installment in the Bitterroot Queen series.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet read and if you didn’t love Cake before you certainly will after reading this book by Jove Belle. This was a quick read and it was perfect for a cold winters day and definitely will warm you up! Kelly and Elana should be a recipe for disaster but instead they find a way to heat up the house and will have you opening a window to cool off before you know it. Novella’s are usually too short and I don’t feel like I get to really know and connect with the characters, but in this book I felt like I got a chance to connect with them and it didn’t feel as rushed as most short stories I have read. There was a little bit of serious, a little bit of humor and a whole lotta sexy in this new book by Jove and I look forward to the next installment in the Bitterroot Queen series.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
A very quick, erotic lesbian novel. So quick I was shocked when I reached the last page on my Kindle. But it's labeled as "Bitterroot Saga #1", so if there are more stories with Elana and Kelly to come, I'd be thrilled to read them.
It's a very simple beginning to what is hopefully a longer story. Elana's ex-girlfriend marries Kelly's brother. Elana and Kelly meet at the wedding and fall in mad lust with each other. Shenanigans (and sex) ensue (mostly sex). At the end of the book they reach a decision about whether to keep seeing each other, and that's that.
Short but sweet, with likable characters (psst, Elana, call me!). Currently only $2.99 at Amazon, and well worth it.
It's a very simple beginning to what is hopefully a longer story. Elana's ex-girlfriend marries Kelly's brother. Elana and Kelly meet at the wedding and fall in mad lust with each other. Shenanigans (and sex) ensue (mostly sex). At the end of the book they reach a decision about whether to keep seeing each other, and that's that.
Short but sweet, with likable characters (psst, Elana, call me!). Currently only $2.99 at Amazon, and well worth it.
July 17, 2016
This was both a charming and sexy story. I'm now waiting for Bitterroot Queen -- the second book in the Bitterroot Saga.
January 27, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this novella, the subtle dance of attraction was engaging, and watching the two women decide what they really wanted from each other was entertaining. It was just too bad the story was a novella as it was a great read and it would be fun to see more of Kelly and Elana.
March 28, 2016
A nice, quick, steamy read.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 27, 2016
A sexy hot read
December 31, 2020
This is a short, good, very spicy and fun novella
What was the book about?
Kelly Miller is a baker and when her brother asks her to bake his wedding cake, she can’t say no; no matter how rushed she thinks he and his girlfriend are going. At the wedding she meets Elana, a licensed psychologist and life coach, also a complicated woman with serious baggage and a very good reason not to be there at all, also the reason why they shouldn’t be together. But their chemistry is not one to be ignored and disregarding all the reasons why they should take separate ways, they defy everything and everyone.
Featured Tropes: not a romance…yet, lesbian sex, cake, steamy, a bit of erotica, mild family drama
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review
Full review at https://lesreveur.com/2020/07/28/cake...
What was the book about?
Kelly Miller is a baker and when her brother asks her to bake his wedding cake, she can’t say no; no matter how rushed she thinks he and his girlfriend are going. At the wedding she meets Elana, a licensed psychologist and life coach, also a complicated woman with serious baggage and a very good reason not to be there at all, also the reason why they shouldn’t be together. But their chemistry is not one to be ignored and disregarding all the reasons why they should take separate ways, they defy everything and everyone.
Featured Tropes: not a romance…yet, lesbian sex, cake, steamy, a bit of erotica, mild family drama
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review
Full review at https://lesreveur.com/2020/07/28/cake...
August 5, 2025
4 stars. Kelly’s brother is marrying Elena’s ex girlfriend. Kelly makes the cake for the wedding, Elena crashes the wedding and the two of them meet. I thought all of that was very different and I liked it a lot. This was a really light and sexy little read. I liked both characters a lot and I thought they had great chemistry with each other. Even when Kelly was feeling a bit weird about dating her brother’s wife’s ex that never was a big thing between them and I appreciated that. I will definitely be reading more from this author because this was well written and fun.
July 6, 2020
Spicy, and normally this would be a fun toes-dip into enemies-to-lovers, but not based on "my family doesn't think we should be together."
The ex literally got a wedding invitation from her ex-girlfriend? I'm probably not the right person for who this is targeted, because my family has never set ultimatums on who we associate with. If your family is very tribal, this book might be better for you.
The ex literally got a wedding invitation from her ex-girlfriend? I'm probably not the right person for who this is targeted, because my family has never set ultimatums on who we associate with. If your family is very tribal, this book might be better for you.
September 19, 2018
The only reason I'm marking this down is how short it is. It felt really unfinished and rushed. But the words, as always for Jove, are well written and I admire her turn of phrase. She's a good author.
October 8, 2019
For a novella, this was highly erotic, (the air conditioner did me some good), and I wish it didn't end this fast, just when they were really starting their realtionship.
Can we have an extended version of this :( . It can't end this way.
I'll highly recommend
Can we have an extended version of this :( . It can't end this way.
I'll highly recommend
March 7, 2017
Looking forward to the rest of the Bitterroot series. This is a great taster.
December 19, 2018
This book has a pretty nice story but it's a bit short. I would have liked to have it a bit longer. The sex scenes, on the other hand, are very nice ;).
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