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Wedding Novellas
Piece of Cake: The Wedding
Kendal Moore knows she’s being used shamelessly by her boss, Holly McAllister. What’s more, Kendal has willingly agreed to it. Holly needs a wife to remain in the US despite an expired visa. Now it’s their wedding day. Kendal is about to marry the woman she secretly loves, but she is afraid. What if she fails Holly by getting last-minute cold feet?
Holly McAllister tries to keep up her usual stern demeanor. If she doesn’t marry, all she’s worked for is lost. She is surprised that the only person she can imagine marrying is her assistant, Kendal, whose loyalty she always relied on. Now Holly’s heart and conscience insist she must talk to Kendal and call off the wedding. She can’t take advantage of the woman she’s grown to love. Kendal deserves more.
Holly McAllister tries to keep up her usual stern demeanor. If she doesn’t marry, all she’s worked for is lost. She is surprised that the only person she can imagine marrying is her assistant, Kendal, whose loyalty she always relied on. Now Holly’s heart and conscience insist she must talk to Kendal and call off the wedding. She can’t take advantage of the woman she’s grown to love. Kendal deserves more.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
7 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Gun Brooke
44 books225 followersGun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 17, 2017
Short sweet and straight to the point: mature dialogue,family drama,questionable chemistry,admire the author on taking this risk on writing about diverse coupling where others have not or ever so often you might see a book out. This was funny at times,little intimate scenes and the storytelling digs deeper on true feelings instead of 'documents' and that is what it really boils down to plus after-all there was a good ending for this couple eventually.
March 7, 2017
The premise of this story (the third in the Wedding Novellas series) is interesting -- a false gay marriage for a permanent visa. This is my third book in a row with a visa/green card theme (the first two being The Color of Love and Far from Home) so I had to add a new shelf on Goodreads. It is a kind of an epidemic probably due to the fact that same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide in US since June 2015. Marriage of convenience is an intriguing topic so we can expect more such stories.
It is a pity that Piece of Cake: The Wedding is not a full length novel instead of just a novella. The shorter form is not enough to get to know the characters and their motives for the behavior in this story well. It is just not fleshed enough for my liking. Nevertheless, there is a lot of good for me here besides an interesting topic -- an interracial couple with an age gap, nicely done description of character external appearance, good dialogue, good pacing... Overall, quite an enjoyable read that reads easily and quickly.
3 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
It is a pity that Piece of Cake: The Wedding is not a full length novel instead of just a novella. The shorter form is not enough to get to know the characters and their motives for the behavior in this story well. It is just not fleshed enough for my liking. Nevertheless, there is a lot of good for me here besides an interesting topic -- an interracial couple with an age gap, nicely done description of character external appearance, good dialogue, good pacing... Overall, quite an enjoyable read that reads easily and quickly.
3 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
July 15, 2016
I'm not sure that this format is working for me.
I understand what the authors are trying to do, creating a series set around "the big day" - but this and the previous novella that I read in the series have tried too hard to inject all the elements you would expect in a romance novel into a shortened format. None have succeeded in my opinion.
Too much angst, too many misunderstandings, too much meh...
I have read and enjoyed previous books by this author, but this novel fell well short of these other works.
Again, I didn't pay for this book - thank god.
Book provided free by the publisher for an honest review.
I understand what the authors are trying to do, creating a series set around "the big day" - but this and the previous novella that I read in the series have tried too hard to inject all the elements you would expect in a romance novel into a shortened format. None have succeeded in my opinion.
Too much angst, too many misunderstandings, too much meh...
I have read and enjoyed previous books by this author, but this novel fell well short of these other works.
Again, I didn't pay for this book - thank god.
Book provided free by the publisher for an honest review.
November 20, 2016
This was a very cute read, but I wish it would have been a full length novel. I suspect that if it were, I would have LOVED it. As it stands, the whole novel is working through the mutual misunderstanding around the feelings that each woman has for the other. I would like to see those feelings develop, or at the other end of their story, see them as an established couple.
3.5 stars rounded up.
3.5 stars rounded up.
June 29, 2016
To short and just when it finally was getting good it ended. I hope there is another book in store for this couple I would like to know what happens next.
Arc Given By NetGalley for a Honest review
Arc Given By NetGalley for a Honest review
July 17, 2019
A really sweet novella... Story is mainly focused on the wedding day itself when feelings were all laid out on the table by Holly and Kendal.
Would have loved reading the book from the start; from the time they first met till they say ‘I do’....
3.5 ⭐️
Would have loved reading the book from the start; from the time they first met till they say ‘I do’....
3.5 ⭐️
July 1, 2016
It wasn't my kind of story, I guess. Too less chemistry, too much blahblah. I wanted to like it (the plot really had potential).
September 15, 2016
Beautiful. Sweet. Wonderful story, although too short. Did I say sweet?
March 15, 2022
Piece of Cake: The Wedding
Gun Brooke
Short story
MC Kendal Moore & Holly McAllister
Kendal is in love with her boss, who has no clue. When Holly realizes her work visa is expiring and she could lose the life she created here in the states, she comes up with an idea to ask her employee Kendal to marry her. Kendal agrees.
Kendal loves Holly, she speaks to her family the day of the wedding and begins to have doubts. Her sister goes into protective sister mode, she doesn’t want Kendal to be used or hurt.
Will Kendal confess her true feelings to Holly? How does Holly feel? Will they get married?
This is a great novella and a quick read, let’s not forget a super sexy scene in the book. Check this out, you won’t regret it.
A nice quick read. I’ve always loved the authors work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gun Brooke
Short story
MC Kendal Moore & Holly McAllister
Kendal is in love with her boss, who has no clue. When Holly realizes her work visa is expiring and she could lose the life she created here in the states, she comes up with an idea to ask her employee Kendal to marry her. Kendal agrees.
Kendal loves Holly, she speaks to her family the day of the wedding and begins to have doubts. Her sister goes into protective sister mode, she doesn’t want Kendal to be used or hurt.
Will Kendal confess her true feelings to Holly? How does Holly feel? Will they get married?
This is a great novella and a quick read, let’s not forget a super sexy scene in the book. Check this out, you won’t regret it.
A nice quick read. I’ve always loved the authors work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 13, 2016
I've received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a couple of books by this author which in my opinion were an average read so I didn't have big expectations about this one. Piece of cake is the third book in the Wedding novellas collection published by Bold Strokes Books. I really liked the first one, Just say yes by Kris Bryant, so I decided to have a go at this one. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me, hence, the low rating.
One big issue I had with this book is that I didn't find chemistry between the main characters. The whole wedding situation was a bit unrealistic for me. Maybe the problem is that this story needed a better background introduction and just wouldn't fit in the format of a novella. The dialogues seemed a bit unnatural and the characters too stereotyped. I liked the idea of opposites in the couple: different ethnicities, ages and job ranks but I don't think they were exploited thoroughly in the book, again, maybe because of its extension.
Not the best in the series but if you love weddings, this one might be for you...
I've read a couple of books by this author which in my opinion were an average read so I didn't have big expectations about this one. Piece of cake is the third book in the Wedding novellas collection published by Bold Strokes Books. I really liked the first one, Just say yes by Kris Bryant, so I decided to have a go at this one. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me, hence, the low rating.
One big issue I had with this book is that I didn't find chemistry between the main characters. The whole wedding situation was a bit unrealistic for me. Maybe the problem is that this story needed a better background introduction and just wouldn't fit in the format of a novella. The dialogues seemed a bit unnatural and the characters too stereotyped. I liked the idea of opposites in the couple: different ethnicities, ages and job ranks but I don't think they were exploited thoroughly in the book, again, maybe because of its extension.
Not the best in the series but if you love weddings, this one might be for you...
July 4, 2016
Kendal Moore agreed to marry her boss, Holly McAllister, in order for Holly to remain in the US. Kendal is secretly in love with her, meanwhile Holly began to care for her during the whole process. Holly decides that she's going to tell her that she's calling off the wedding because Kendal deserves more.
A good book to read on an afternoon that won't take up too much of your time. It was an enjoyable read with likable characters. I would've liked to have seen this book as a full-length novel, to read more of how they both arrived to that point in their feelings for each other. Maybe then I would've been more invested in the book than I already was.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-kF
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A good book to read on an afternoon that won't take up too much of your time. It was an enjoyable read with likable characters. I would've liked to have seen this book as a full-length novel, to read more of how they both arrived to that point in their feelings for each other. Maybe then I would've been more invested in the book than I already was.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-kF
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2016
ARC received from Bold Strokes via net galley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly did not like it. At all. I wanted to like it. The premise was interesting...Boss asks Assistant to marry her so she can remain in the country due to visa issues. All kinds of feelings are lurking underneath the facade of their professional relationship. They have worked together for years...so come on they had to have a little bit of a clue?
The entire story takes place on the day of the wedding. I found the conversations stilted. The flow was awkward at times. The gamut of emotions for one day was pretty spectacular. There was very little chemistry...maybe because there was no time for the build?
I'm sorry, it just didn't work for me.
I honestly did not like it. At all. I wanted to like it. The premise was interesting...Boss asks Assistant to marry her so she can remain in the country due to visa issues. All kinds of feelings are lurking underneath the facade of their professional relationship. They have worked together for years...so come on they had to have a little bit of a clue?
The entire story takes place on the day of the wedding. I found the conversations stilted. The flow was awkward at times. The gamut of emotions for one day was pretty spectacular. There was very little chemistry...maybe because there was no time for the build?
I'm sorry, it just didn't work for me.
July 22, 2016
ARC received from NetGalley in return for an impartial review.
This is another in the weddings novella series. This one focuses on the day itself, and the leads are entering into a marriage of convenience so that one of them can stay in the US. Since it is a novella and it starts with the wedding taking place, we really know nothing about the characters outside of that they work together and are getting married. Unfortunately this means that there's nothing of any substance in the story. It has a happily ever after, but I didn't really care about the outcome because I wasn't invested in the characters. It gets points for having a POC as a main character, but that was the only point of interest for me.
2.5-3 stars.
This is another in the weddings novella series. This one focuses on the day itself, and the leads are entering into a marriage of convenience so that one of them can stay in the US. Since it is a novella and it starts with the wedding taking place, we really know nothing about the characters outside of that they work together and are getting married. Unfortunately this means that there's nothing of any substance in the story. It has a happily ever after, but I didn't really care about the outcome because I wasn't invested in the characters. It gets points for having a POC as a main character, but that was the only point of interest for me.
2.5-3 stars.
February 4, 2021
The novella format is not something that everyone can handle. And this one falls short despite the author’s many, many attempts at adding all possible elements: unspoken love, interfering family, bi-racial couple, age gap, angst. But it just doesn’t fall together.
It may work for a quick read if you’re really have nothing else at hand. But for this length of a novel, we would definitely recommend Ab Kaāl’s Payback’s a Bitch and Everything Has Changed for the sheer fun in them.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
It may work for a quick read if you’re really have nothing else at hand. But for this length of a novel, we would definitely recommend Ab Kaāl’s Payback’s a Bitch and Everything Has Changed for the sheer fun in them.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
August 17, 2016
Gun Brooke is an experienced author with many successful books to her credit. So, one can't fault this book on its narration or pacing. But perhaps the short story format is not the most appropriate for this kind of a plot where a marriage of convenience becomes one of love. There is no room for character development or to witness the journey of the characters. Perhaps a different story might have worked better here.
A review copy received from NetGalley.
A review copy received from NetGalley.
June 4, 2018
Review to come!
July 19, 2016
*ARC provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes for an honest review*
No...just no! I have read other works by Gun Brooke which I have thoroughly enjoyed but this novelle just didn't do it for me. In both of the other novellas in this series I have been able to find something which endeared me to the character and I have always taken into consideration the fact that this is meant to be a short story but this was far too rushed.
The characters feeling were all over the place and we didn't even get a chance to see their relationship develops in any way before it went from mutual acquaintances to being head over heels in love. I felt that they acted too immaturely and there was way too much angst. For people who claimed to have spent 24 hours a day together for the months leading up to their wedding, I don't believe that they never once spoke about their insecurities of realised that there was at least a physical attraction if not an emotional one.
I believe that this storyline could work if it had been a full novel and had been properly fleshed out into more believable characters and situations but as it stands I give it 2stars because I give anyone who has the guts to publish their work 1 and their wrinting was excellent even if the story wasn't.
No...just no! I have read other works by Gun Brooke which I have thoroughly enjoyed but this novelle just didn't do it for me. In both of the other novellas in this series I have been able to find something which endeared me to the character and I have always taken into consideration the fact that this is meant to be a short story but this was far too rushed.
The characters feeling were all over the place and we didn't even get a chance to see their relationship develops in any way before it went from mutual acquaintances to being head over heels in love. I felt that they acted too immaturely and there was way too much angst. For people who claimed to have spent 24 hours a day together for the months leading up to their wedding, I don't believe that they never once spoke about their insecurities of realised that there was at least a physical attraction if not an emotional one.
I believe that this storyline could work if it had been a full novel and had been properly fleshed out into more believable characters and situations but as it stands I give it 2stars because I give anyone who has the guts to publish their work 1 and their wrinting was excellent even if the story wasn't.
September 3, 2016
This book reminded me of the movie the Proposal, but in a completely different setting. Holly (the boss) needs to marry Kendal (the staff) in order to ensure that she won't get deported from the states. Given the length of the story, we only see the immediate events almost at the wedding but not the whole backstory so it was a little bit more difficult to get into the relationship between the two and what happened that leads to the current events. I have a feeling I would like the book a lot more if it were a full length novel.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
*ARC provided by NetGalley
October 13, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. You can never go wrong with Gun Brooke and this short novella proved it. Novellas always leave you wanting more, and there is nothing anyone can do about it, but for the short book, this is it leaves the reader enthralled. This was a cute, quick read that if you love Gun Brooke, you shouldn't miss!
August 16, 2016
Loved it!
The Author has not disappointed yet, her stories do what good stories are intended for and that is taking us to New Romantic World's with her sci-fi and new and interesting friends with her Romance. This novella was sweet and way too short.
The Author has not disappointed yet, her stories do what good stories are intended for and that is taking us to New Romantic World's with her sci-fi and new and interesting friends with her Romance. This novella was sweet and way too short.
February 17, 2021
I give this a 3 1\2 stars. I'm a fan of most of Gun Brooke's writing though I do have a pet peeve with the use of the romantic pet name 'darling'. I kinda of really hate that term of endearment because it sounds so old and stuffy. But aside from that this story is not terrible but it also wasn't great. I was drawn to it because of the author and because the cover art is so incredibly beautiful. As it went on the story improved for me with the exception of the drawn out doubts about how each character truly felt about each other. I wanted to shake them and say " your grown -ass professional women, grow a pair and tell the other how you really feel."
November 4, 2017
This was my first Gun Brooke story so I was interested to see what she brought to the table. I'm a little disappointed as this reads like a lesbian Mills and Boon. I'm not sure if it's the writing style or the fact that it starts on the wedding day and I feel like I have missed out on part of the story.
The dialogue felt stilted and there wasn't much chemistry between Kendal and Holly. It was repetitive and frankly I just couldn't connect with the characters. It was just too beige for me.
The dialogue felt stilted and there wasn't much chemistry between Kendal and Holly. It was repetitive and frankly I just couldn't connect with the characters. It was just too beige for me.
September 14, 2021
It was really simple and exciting, and because of how short the stories you can't have many expectations and i wasn't let down, it was two hours of fun and 3 and half start from me. And I love the diversity in this book
May 7, 2017
This novella may have satisfied me 10 years ago, but an awkward participial phrase killed it for me. It was a truly cringeworthy one.
November 23, 2018
Linda historia, lo único malo que tiene es que es muy corta.
August 4, 2016
4.5 stars
This is such a sweet short. Holly and Kendal struggle with their situation because both are afraid to expose the feelings they each have for the other. At the 11th hour, both women are having second thoughts, not because they can't stomach the idea of being together, but because they're afraid that the other will have sacrificed too much and come to resent the other. And they each care too much for that to happen. Even so, most of the story the two are dancing around any type of admittance of how they really feel. It almost feels like an entire courting ritual in the space of a few hours. I liked how each genuinely had feelings for the other. Also, I really enjoyed the interracial aspect of the relationship, because it was dealt with so matter-of-factly. And also Brooke used such a deft touch letting us know about it that we got the picture without the type of heavy-handed repeated descriptors reminding us that Kendal was black every time Holly looked at her. It felt like it was mentioned because it was notable, but then, having let us know, we were allowed to relax in to their relationship without having to constantly be reminded. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was treated like it was just a normal thing, and that was wonderful to read. I did knock off a half a star, simply because like most short stories that I enjoy, I would've liked more. I would have loved to have gotten more of their story before the wedding, and mostly because I liked Holly and Kendal so much I didn't want to let them go. I believe this was written and included in an anthology centering around a wedding theme, and if so, I'd definitely go looking for the anthology based just on how good this story was.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads for review.
This is such a sweet short. Holly and Kendal struggle with their situation because both are afraid to expose the feelings they each have for the other. At the 11th hour, both women are having second thoughts, not because they can't stomach the idea of being together, but because they're afraid that the other will have sacrificed too much and come to resent the other. And they each care too much for that to happen. Even so, most of the story the two are dancing around any type of admittance of how they really feel. It almost feels like an entire courting ritual in the space of a few hours. I liked how each genuinely had feelings for the other. Also, I really enjoyed the interracial aspect of the relationship, because it was dealt with so matter-of-factly. And also Brooke used such a deft touch letting us know about it that we got the picture without the type of heavy-handed repeated descriptors reminding us that Kendal was black every time Holly looked at her. It felt like it was mentioned because it was notable, but then, having let us know, we were allowed to relax in to their relationship without having to constantly be reminded. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it was treated like it was just a normal thing, and that was wonderful to read. I did knock off a half a star, simply because like most short stories that I enjoy, I would've liked more. I would have loved to have gotten more of their story before the wedding, and mostly because I liked Holly and Kendal so much I didn't want to let them go. I believe this was written and included in an anthology centering around a wedding theme, and if so, I'd definitely go looking for the anthology based just on how good this story was.
I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads for review.
July 21, 2016
I got the copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and considering the fact that I loved Gun Brooke's novels I was eager to get it, but:
I really had a problem with this one, even though it's short. The plot of arranged marriage for a Visa / Green Card can be such a winner for romance genre, but here, I had a feeling like the author completely failed. I am a big fan of Gun Brooke's previous work, especially novels like "The Course of Action", "Coffee Sonata", "Fierce Overture", "Blush Factor", but this story - no. I really don't understand why the author has the urge to literally explain every single action, each statement between them, every single look, touch, movement... Everything had to be explained afterwards like it wasn't clear what was happening, and it led to excessive sentences, it led to creating false aura of insecurity, literally to the feeling each one of them were constantly fishing for compliments... It was to sugary, too explanatory, like a bad, mediocre Telenovela moments, and I know Gun Brooke can do light years better. She already did it before.
I really had a problem with this one, even though it's short. The plot of arranged marriage for a Visa / Green Card can be such a winner for romance genre, but here, I had a feeling like the author completely failed. I am a big fan of Gun Brooke's previous work, especially novels like "The Course of Action", "Coffee Sonata", "Fierce Overture", "Blush Factor", but this story - no. I really don't understand why the author has the urge to literally explain every single action, each statement between them, every single look, touch, movement... Everything had to be explained afterwards like it wasn't clear what was happening, and it led to excessive sentences, it led to creating false aura of insecurity, literally to the feeling each one of them were constantly fishing for compliments... It was to sugary, too explanatory, like a bad, mediocre Telenovela moments, and I know Gun Brooke can do light years better. She already did it before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
"Piece of Cake" is exactly as advertised. It's a very short novella about Holly and Kendal who have decided to marry for a greencard, despite their working boss-employee status. In fact, this is very similar to "The Proposal." If you could imagine just the wedding scenes of "The Proposal" that would be this book. Kendal's family knows and is against it, convincing them to call it off just before the ceremony is about to start, and they do, because they've grown to care for each other too much. However, when they talk and realize their mutual feelings, they decide to go through with it so they can be in the same country and enjoy their time together. The book describes the wedding plus some stolen intimate moments around the reception. It is predictable and not really unique, but cute/fun with those gooey love feelings... if you like the description, you'll like it! I think I'd like it more with the build up and history in a full book, but it's got what would've been the best scenes in this short novella instead. Please note that I received this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2016
This book charmed me despite myself. The whole novel begins and ends between just before the marriage vows and just after the cake cutting. We hardly had any time in which to get to know the characters, which I felt was to the story's detriment.
Holly and Kendal are about to commit to what looks like on the surface a marriage of convenience. Through split viewpoints, we come to realise, as they come to realise, that both of them are actually in love with the other, though neither of them have said as much to the other.
In the offset, it seems as though this book is going to be a little bit like Sandra Bullock's movie The Proposal, but it suffered through what I felt was starting at the end of the story.
Despite the fact that most of the character descriptions were given in a hurried way at the start, I found myself actually invested enough in the characters that I was happy when they finally realised the inevitable of their feelings for each other.
September 11, 2016
I waited a while to read this one after reading the previous two in this series. I have to say that out of the three this one is the best. I really like this author, but novellas are very difficult for me. I always want a bit more, and usually feel like I didn't get enough even to satisfy the small amount of time dedicated. This one is no different. I actually could like the characters... maybe.. actually I have no idea if I would. I do however love books with interracial relationships. I am unsure why more authors do not have relationships like this. I may have enjoyed this full length book, but I would really need more from the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews