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The Cursed Painting #1
Valhalla Cupcakes
Audrey Allen thought she was about to live her dream of running her own cupcake shop.
Now she’s got loansharks breathing down her neck for a hundred thousand dollars she doesn’t even owe, and her five hundred year old painting of a sexy Viking just came to life.
Fortunately for her, he has to do whatever she says, and pretty soon, he’s stirring up more than just cupcake batter.
A lighthearted, steamy standalone romance with no cliffhanger!
Now she’s got loansharks breathing down her neck for a hundred thousand dollars she doesn’t even owe, and her five hundred year old painting of a sexy Viking just came to life.
Fortunately for her, he has to do whatever she says, and pretty soon, he’s stirring up more than just cupcake batter.
A lighthearted, steamy standalone romance with no cliffhanger!
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2016
179 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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February 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/20/2020)! 🎁
July 6, 2018
The story wasn't bad itself. Yes, it was silly, unbelievable and totally over-the top with the plot that could be predicted in the first few chapters and absolutely lacked any logic whatsoever, plus the "reveal" was pretty rushed and weak, but that is not why the rating is so low. I can live with over the top, I can live with bizarre scenarios and silly characters. What I cannot overlook are those more than TWENTY! times when the heroine "went week in the knees/lost her mind/turned into a jello/ got lightheaded with lust/ etc." whenever she saw the hero... The book is 245 pages, so on average every 10 pages she goes whacka whacka booo boo, when the hero appears. Don't get me wrong, I love insta love, I love dreamy heroes and the sexy mush, but this was just over the top. If the girl suddenly becomes an absolutely stupid vegetable whenever she sees a hot guy, then she should get some treatment. And the fact that it was so heavily accented how weak-minded she becomes whenever a hot man is near her, just made me remember all the nasty "women are weak and pathetic and should always be governed by men, because they cannot do anything themselves" prejudice. So sorry, but no. Too much.
February 18, 2016
I thought this book was cute. It was well written and I felt like i got to know Erik and Audrey through the books, the characters were well developed and the story itself was quick and fluffy. All in all a cute book. I wish there had been a better reason for Erik's curse other then just...having sex with women which seems like a viking thing to do, but seems a bit legit for this book. I just couldn't help but compare it to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Fantasy Lover, which happens to be one of my favorite books.
February 27, 2018
I absolutely love this book. I've been on a kick of reading different to me books, and this just hit the right spot. I loved the story.
I've actually had this book on my Kindle for a while, and I've tried starting it a couple times. I don't know what it was about my mood or the book that kept me from reading it the other times, but when I picked it up this time I was instantly trapped in the book and I did not want to put it down. I absolutely loved every moment.
I loved Audrey and Erik. I love getting to know both of them, and watching their relationship grow. I love that even though he's from a different time, he absorbed enough over his 500 years that he wasn't completely official Out of Water. There were still a lot of things that were new and unfamiliar, but he caught on quickly. And I love that. A lot of times when you get a book like this the person whose traveled through time is such a fish out of water that everything is a mystery and can freak them out.
I will say, that I picked up on the twist with the witch pretty quickly. I totally called that. I was both surprised and a little disappointed with how that played out at the end, but I think it would have been disappointed if it had played out differently as well. And I know that sounds confusing, but I can't say more without really spoiling things.
This book was definitely awesome and I'm super stoked that this is the first book in the series. I can't wait to check out the others!
I've actually had this book on my Kindle for a while, and I've tried starting it a couple times. I don't know what it was about my mood or the book that kept me from reading it the other times, but when I picked it up this time I was instantly trapped in the book and I did not want to put it down. I absolutely loved every moment.
I loved Audrey and Erik. I love getting to know both of them, and watching their relationship grow. I love that even though he's from a different time, he absorbed enough over his 500 years that he wasn't completely official Out of Water. There were still a lot of things that were new and unfamiliar, but he caught on quickly. And I love that. A lot of times when you get a book like this the person whose traveled through time is such a fish out of water that everything is a mystery and can freak them out.
I will say, that I picked up on the twist with the witch pretty quickly. I totally called that. I was both surprised and a little disappointed with how that played out at the end, but I think it would have been disappointed if it had played out differently as well. And I know that sounds confusing, but I can't say more without really spoiling things.
This book was definitely awesome and I'm super stoked that this is the first book in the series. I can't wait to check out the others!
November 5, 2022
Delightful Read
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as I downloaded it for free on a whim. I wasn’t expecting much from this. It was a very sweet read full of domestic bliss moments between the MMC and FMC. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in the series. 😊
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, as I downloaded it for free on a whim. I wasn’t expecting much from this. It was a very sweet read full of domestic bliss moments between the MMC and FMC. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in the series. 😊
October 15, 2022
ridiculous and totally unbelievable
Just so far fetched to stomach. I didn’t get very far on this book. The Mob part was nonsense especially when she didn’t even bother to call the police. Then Eric can read. I don’t think so. I know it is fantasy but some things are beyond belief and way to silly.
Just so far fetched to stomach. I didn’t get very far on this book. The Mob part was nonsense especially when she didn’t even bother to call the police. Then Eric can read. I don’t think so. I know it is fantasy but some things are beyond belief and way to silly.
January 14, 2016
The cover caught my attention, then I read the blurb.
Who wouldn't be intrigued with the story.
It was a very charming story with interesting characters.
I hope the author does more along this lines.
Who wouldn't be intrigued with the story.
It was a very charming story with interesting characters.
I hope the author does more along this lines.
October 21, 2022
Could have been better.
Valhalla Cupcakes by Cassidy Cayman definitely had potential, but (for me) it fell far short of what it could have been.
I have read other “a hero lost in a different time” books that had the right balance of romance, suspense, humor, etc, and they actually worked. Sadly, this book lacked that type of balance. The most glaring imbalance was page after page of internal dialogue and insecure feelings.
And then there was the sex. Okay (duh), I expected sex because after all the hero is a Viking. I just didn't expect that when they weren't having sex, they were thinking about sex and talking about sex. To be fair, at least the sex was not as explicit as found in other books, but still....really. With all of the real and dangerous problems the heroine was facing page, after page of sex was not very realistic.
All in all, this is a fluff read that tried to hit all the marks, but just fell short.
Content 411: In addition to the sex, this book also contains religious and secular swearing, but no use of the “f” word.
Valhalla Cupcakes by Cassidy Cayman definitely had potential, but (for me) it fell far short of what it could have been.
I have read other “a hero lost in a different time” books that had the right balance of romance, suspense, humor, etc, and they actually worked. Sadly, this book lacked that type of balance. The most glaring imbalance was page after page of internal dialogue and insecure feelings.
And then there was the sex. Okay (duh), I expected sex because after all the hero is a Viking. I just didn't expect that when they weren't having sex, they were thinking about sex and talking about sex. To be fair, at least the sex was not as explicit as found in other books, but still....really. With all of the real and dangerous problems the heroine was facing page, after page of sex was not very realistic.
All in all, this is a fluff read that tried to hit all the marks, but just fell short.
Content 411: In addition to the sex, this book also contains religious and secular swearing, but no use of the “f” word.
May 7, 2023
You know how you feel after you eat a glazed doughnut (or three)? You got a good taste of it, but it wasn't filling. I'm a nut for time travel love stories and Valhalla Cupcakes did not disappoint. I just wanted more of it - backstory, day to day, more insight into the characters and their emotions. It's a very fast paced story that I feel would have benefited from slowing down just a little to give the characters more depth. The storyline is phenomenal and just the visual of that big, strong Viking in an apron and little horned hat made me laugh more than once. More, please!
February 14, 2024
I just loved this book. There is humour running throughout which is always good. Audrey is opening her cupcake shop called Valhalla Cupcakes but moneylenders come calling to get the money her uncle borrowed and had left only a fraction to Audrey which was used to open the shop. Seda is a descendant of a witch who put Erik into a painting until he met his true love. Turns out the witch had a liking for doing this. The ensuing story where Erik helps Audrey get the money is fantastic and I can't wait to read the next one.
October 15, 2022
A Viking Comes to Life "O MY"
I read this book in one sitting( although I was supposed to go out to mulch leaves). It is a lovely, romantic story of a baker who finally has the money to open her own bakery but unfortunately finds out where Uncle Charley got the money. There is humor, drama, some sexiness,of course! I. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will manage next months buddy to buy Book 2..
I read this book in one sitting( although I was supposed to go out to mulch leaves). It is a lovely, romantic story of a baker who finally has the money to open her own bakery but unfortunately finds out where Uncle Charley got the money. There is humor, drama, some sexiness,of course! I. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will manage next months buddy to buy Book 2..
April 7, 2021
Let me Describe this in two words. Sex and Cupcakes.
It's Basically some Beauty and The Beast Meets Thor kind of story. Steamy, Captivating and Overwhelming numbers of love scenes and dry humor. It took me two days to finish the whole thing. If anyone has a sweet tooth this is what I would reccomend.
It's Basically some Beauty and The Beast Meets Thor kind of story. Steamy, Captivating and Overwhelming numbers of love scenes and dry humor. It took me two days to finish the whole thing. If anyone has a sweet tooth this is what I would reccomend.
October 26, 2022
3.5 stars for this one! I grabbed this book because of the title 😆
It was a light hearted read, with some serious romance, a decent story, and the whole idea just made me giggle.
It could’ve been more serious with the “loan sharks” coming in but it was thrown in like “oh I guess I owe this people 100G’s” and Jade just took it as is.
I think I’ll probably read book number 2!
It was a light hearted read, with some serious romance, a decent story, and the whole idea just made me giggle.
It could’ve been more serious with the “loan sharks” coming in but it was thrown in like “oh I guess I owe this people 100G’s” and Jade just took it as is.
I think I’ll probably read book number 2!
December 21, 2022
Eh
The first two thirds of the book really dragged for me. I had a hard time getting into the story and accepting the relationship. A little heavy on the relationship scenes for me. However, as the rest of the story developed, and the witch cursing the portraits was very interesting.
The first two thirds of the book really dragged for me. I had a hard time getting into the story and accepting the relationship. A little heavy on the relationship scenes for me. However, as the rest of the story developed, and the witch cursing the portraits was very interesting.
March 22, 2018
Fab
So enjoyed this book. Erik the large and muscled Viking is described brilliantly that I can see him. Great characters and storyline. Kept me reading into the small hours every night until was finished.
So enjoyed this book. Erik the large and muscled Viking is described brilliantly that I can see him. Great characters and storyline. Kept me reading into the small hours every night until was finished.
May 8, 2021
Ridiculous, Childish Plot
I stopped reading at Page 21. I had already started skimming before. I’m embarrassed that I even downloaded this.
STEAM = ?
SEX SCENES = ?
DO NOT RECOMMEND
I stopped reading at Page 21. I had already started skimming before. I’m embarrassed that I even downloaded this.
STEAM = ?
SEX SCENES = ?
DO NOT RECOMMEND
May 20, 2021
An entertaining romance about a lady opening a cupcake shop who gets a painting from a friend of a viking that comes to life. A witch cursed him and put him in the painting 500 years ago. and now he wants revenge. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2022
Love the storyline
Interesting storyline, touch of time travel and a bit of magic. Interesting characters and supporting characters and seems like could be an interesting series. Well written my only complaint is in places dragged a bit. Has humor, heat and intrigue
Interesting storyline, touch of time travel and a bit of magic. Interesting characters and supporting characters and seems like could be an interesting series. Well written my only complaint is in places dragged a bit. Has humor, heat and intrigue
March 1, 2020
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
October 19, 2020
Interesting plot with lots to laugh about. I read it so long ago and totally forgot about it. Now I'm posting weekly on Facebook about Romances with recipes and I remembered enjoying this one.
October 17, 2022
Couldn't stop reading!
October 18, 2022
a very light read, a silly little romance to enjoy. a lot of sweetness, a lot of okay-ish smut, a misunderstanding and a curse. the main couple was a little bland but likeable tho.
Read
October 27, 2022🧁 Wacky and cute! 🧁
Free e-book from Barnes & Noble
Free e-book from Barnes & Noble
November 10, 2022
*2.75 stars*
Read
February 6, 2023Dnf at 20%, too plain for me to like it
dnf
June 6, 2023DNF @ 9%
Mediocre writing for a mediocre tale of insta-lust and OTT contrived conflict. Yawn.
Mediocre writing for a mediocre tale of insta-lust and OTT contrived conflict. Yawn.
September 25, 2025
DNF. Weird. Not for me.
January 13, 2023
A fun story. Not very deep. Time traveling viking who is very modern.
January 10, 2016
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
Opening the doors to her very own gourmet bakery was Audrey’s dream come true, but she hadn’t even had her grand opening before her dream was in jeopardy. Given a bit of money from her uncle after his death, she had no idea that the sum and more was owed to mobsters for lending fees. She has a week to get them twenty thousand dollars and a total of one hundred thousand dollars before they wreck everything she’s ever wanted. Things take a dire turn to be sure and so Audrey is quite overcome when a creepy, angry painting of a Viking actually comes to life.
Erik has been trapped in a painting for over five centuries, cursed by a witch to spend his time watching the world tick by. Suddenly he’s in the middle of a cute bakery, intrigued by a woman who is desperate for protection from mobsters and completely in awe of the world around him. As they begin to work together and discover their mutual attraction, Erik finds that he is less interested in revenge on the witch who cursed him and falling for Audrey. Can it work for a baker and a Viking?
Opening the doors to her very own gourmet bakery was Audrey’s dream come true, but she hadn’t even had her grand opening before her dream was in jeopardy. Given a bit of money from her uncle after his death, she had no idea that the sum and more was owed to mobsters for lending fees. She has a week to get them twenty thousand dollars and a total of one hundred thousand dollars before they wreck everything she’s ever wanted. Things take a dire turn to be sure and so Audrey is quite overcome when a creepy, angry painting of a Viking actually comes to life.
Erik has been trapped in a painting for over five centuries, cursed by a witch to spend his time watching the world tick by. Suddenly he’s in the middle of a cute bakery, intrigued by a woman who is desperate for protection from mobsters and completely in awe of the world around him. As they begin to work together and discover their mutual attraction, Erik finds that he is less interested in revenge on the witch who cursed him and falling for Audrey. Can it work for a baker and a Viking?
February 1, 2016
So cute!!!! Vikings and baked goods!!!
When you read this, you will think it's Thor, or Rangar come to a-Viking you nearest bakery. Yummm. The Viking hero is cursed into a painting, but new cupcake and baked good shop owner with a love of all things Norse does not know that. Suddenly, Erik our Viking is free of the painting after hundreds of years. He helps our heroine baker, and the results are delicious. Find out what transpires after he helps by being the muscle when loan sharks come calling!!!! Lovely story, so exciting, funny, and great storytelling!!!! Very well worth reading!!!!
When you read this, you will think it's Thor, or Rangar come to a-Viking you nearest bakery. Yummm. The Viking hero is cursed into a painting, but new cupcake and baked good shop owner with a love of all things Norse does not know that. Suddenly, Erik our Viking is free of the painting after hundreds of years. He helps our heroine baker, and the results are delicious. Find out what transpires after he helps by being the muscle when loan sharks come calling!!!! Lovely story, so exciting, funny, and great storytelling!!!! Very well worth reading!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews