Falling for You

Big Sky Hathaways #1

by Jessica Gilmore

Now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie

Lacey Hathaway has it all — a job she loves as a local radio DJ, a home with her adored, eccentric aunt and, best of all, a community after a childhood traveling with her musical parents. So what if her life is a little too safe? Marietta is everything to Lacey. Not only is she helping to organize the Bachelor Bake-Off and filming a documentary about the process, she’s also volunteered her brother as a Bachelor. But, when her brother backs out, Lacey has to find a last-minute replacement. And who better than her aunt’s lodger, gorgeous – if taciturn – Zac Malone?

Zac’s not exactly community-minded. In fact, he makes it clear that the sooner he’s out of Marietta the better. But when Lacey persuades him of the powerful impact the Bake-Off funds will have on local children, he decides to give it a go. On one condition. If he has to learn to bake, so does disaster-in-the-kitchen Lacey. Desserts aren’t the only thing heating up, and as the attraction flares and Zac makes plans to leave, Lacey’s beginning to realize that maybe there is a world beyond Marietta’s borders after all… if she’s brave enough to take that step.

*previously titled Baking for Keeps

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Small Town Romance, Adult

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2017

About the author

After several very happy years as a bookseller, Jessica Gilmore moved into the charity sector and now works in the Arts. Married with one daughter and two dogs, she lives in the beautiful Chilterns where she can usually be found with her nose in a book. A lover of a happy-ever-after, Jessica loves to write emotional romance with a hint of humour and a splash of sunshine.

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview:

This series, set in Marietta, Montana concerns the participants in the Bachelor Bake-Off which is being organised to help finance ‘Harry’s House’, a house where it is planned children can go, take part in activities, learn key life skills and be helped with their studies. A safe place for them all being created in memory of Harry Monroe, a first responder who was tragically killed whilst endeavouring to help an elderly couple. Each story in the series has one of the bachelor’s participating in the bake-off as the focus.

My Review:

This is the fourth novel in this series and stars the very taciturn, insular, Zac Malone and his antithesis, the bubbly, open, warm and friendly Lacey Hathaway. Zac has travelled to Marietta on business, expecting to stay for a few months whilst sorting out the financial records and software for the town hall and training up the staff to use it. His company specialise in such transactions and Zac is the boss. He usually stays in a hotel whilst working away from home but this time his assistant has booked him lodgings in the home of two feisty elderly ladies who are fantastic bakers. This would be fine. He can maintain his reclusive behaviour, eat, sleep and work in his room and really not have to socialise at all. Well, that’s what he hoped originally. Fate has other plans in store for him!

Lacey lives with her aunts, having settled with them after a childhood spent travelling around the globe with her musical parents and brother. Now she’s thoroughly enjoying her job as the manager and a DJ at the local radio station. She’s also eagerly anticipating the return home of her brother who has agreed to participate in the Bachelor Bake-Off . . . Have you guessed it? Her brother lets her and his aunt’s down so they need to find another Bachelor quickly - and there’s one right under their roof! They manage to persuade Zac to participate but he has a major condition of his own - inept baker Lacey must also learn to cook the required dishes! Is this a recipe for disaster - or a delicious dessert topped with a sprinkling of romance?

This is a delectable tale, with great main characters who bring out the best in each other and a plot which pulls threads from community interactions, interweaving them to create a emotive tale of Marietta as well as their romance. It is another heart warming romance in this delicious series and I have no hesitation in highly recommending this - and all the other books in the series that I’ve read so far! I can’t wait to read more in this series. Whilst the books have the same overview, the stories are actually written so they can be read as a standalone or in any order.

Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

עוד ספר בסדרה "בייק-אוף של רווקים" המתרחש בעיירה הבדיונית מארייטה.
לייסי האת'אווי היא מנהלת תחנת הרדיו המקומית. בילדותה נסעה ממקום למקום בעקבות הוריה המוזיקאים, וכשגדלה חזרה למארייטה בחיפושה אחר יציבות ומשפחה. אביו של זאק נטש אותו ואת אימו כשהיה נער, אימו התדרדרה לאלכוהוליזם והוא נאלץ לגדל את עצמו ולפרנס אותו ואת אימו. כשבגר הקים עסק תוכנה לראיית חשבון. הוא נמצא הרבה בדרכים, בודד, ומשקיע את עצמו בעבודתו. זאק מגיע למארייטה לכמה שבועות לבצע פרויקט בעירייה ומתאכסן בחדר בביתן של הדודות של לייסי, שם גם היא גרה. אחיה של לייסי אמור להשתתף בבייק-אוף של רווקים, אך מבריז ברגע האחרון, ולייסי משכנעת את זאק למלא את מקומו, והוא מסכים כי פרויקט הצדקה (הקמת בית בטוח לבני נוער שיספק להם ארוחה חמה ומקום בטוח לבלות בו) מזכיר לו את חייו הקשים כנער. הם מתקרבים ומתאהבים וכו' וכו'.
ספר ממש חמוד, מאוד מתוק ומרגש. כל הדמויות מקסימות ונוגעות ללב. אהבתי.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Opposites attract’ is what this book is about. On one hand we have Zac, who likes to keep to himself and cannot wait to get away from Marietta once his business is done. On the other hand, we have Lacey, a bubbly and charming girl who has only known the community life of Marietta. With Lacey’s brother backing out at the last moment, Lacey needs to find a bachelor to step in and save the day. Zac would have probably not cared otherwise but the bake off was for a cause even he could not ignore. But he sets a condition that if he has to learn to bake, then so does Lacey. With their paths crossing, and spending more and more time together it gets harder to ignore the chemistry between them. But is this attraction enough to keep them together forever? Especially when Zac’s time in Marietta is coming to an end and it is the only home Lacey has ever known.

I loved this story because of both the characters and their dynamics. The characters of Zac and Lacey are well developed. They are simple and complicated at the same time. And irrespective of the fact that their personalities are so poles apart, they make a couple that is easy to believe in. They are the anchors of the book. Apart from that the author has an easy going narrative and constant flow of the story also make the pages keep turning. The climax was predictable and expected, however that doesn’t take away much from the reading experiences.

This is the fourth book in the story but can be read as a standalone. A sweet romance that is good for a couple of hours of entertainment.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Wit and Sin

Baking for Keeps is sweet as pie. In Lacey and Zac’s story, author Jessica Gilmore has delivered a truly charming, feel-good romance that is sure to leave you smiling.

Lacey has a sunny personality that I absolutely adored. After a rootless childhood spent travelling with her musician parents, Lacey Hathaway yearns for stability. Putting down roots in Marietta has been all she’s ever wanted, so she’s content with her life. That is, until Zac Malone comes to town and challenges her perspective. Zac’s a loner by choice and his childhood has made him skeptical that Marietta could be as caring a community as Lacey claims it is. But even though he wants to do the job he came to Marietta to do and leave, knowing how much Harry’s House could mean to a child means he can’t turn down Lacey’s plea to participate in the Bachelor Bake-Off.

Zac and Lacey are a case of somewhat-opposites attract and I adored their banter as they fell in love. The two of them challenge each other’s outlooks on life and each of them tempts the other to move outside their comfort zone. Their romance is soft and sweet and just about melted my heart. I’ve read Baking for Keeps twice now and both times I’ve found it heartwarming and fun. The residents of Marietta continue to be a delight and the baking show fan in me can’t help but be entertained by Zac and Lacey’s various attempts at baking. If you’re looking for a genuinely sweet romance with kind characters, a sprightly love story, and a picture-perfect happily ever after that will sweep you away for a little while, I highly recommend Baking for Keeps .


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty's review:

The Bachelor Bake-off series is just making me smile. I am so enjoying reading about all the bachelors and how hard they fall. Zac and Lacey’s story is so lively, funny and romantic.

Zac starts off as an ornery, uptight ass. Back in a small town bringing back memories of a time he worked his whole life to forget. Lacey is persuasive but it the reason why she’s helping organize the bake-off that pulls Zac in. Facing his past may be hard but learning to bake may be the death of him. But, he knows that he has to make the Aunts proud and he has to do this for the kids. What he’s not ready for is the impact it’s having on him and making him realize how empty his life is.

Lacey is attracted to the moody accountant living in her Aunts B&B but isn’t prepared for the zing she gets just when he walks into a room. Well, that’s when he graces them with his presence. When her brother backs out of the bake-off, she’s at her wit’s end. She needs to find someone to fill in for him. Zac it is … now to convince him why he should do it. Then, everything falls apart … he’ll do it as long as she learns to bake right alongside of him with a little side bet. But, spending time with Zac is proving to be somewhat of a challenge for her. He has her feeling things that she knows she shouldn’t. He has her talking about her past and why Marietta is really where she thinks she wants to be. He has her rethinking her life plan and thinking about moving on.

While both of them are battling the demons within, facing the decisions they made, enjoying learning to bake and just spending time together, love blossoms.

I adored this story. Witnessing Zac and Lacey face their pasts and start looking to the future was so fulfilling. Lacey’s family was fantastic. The Aunts were unique and had back-stories of their own that were wonderful. I know that this series is about the Bachelor Bake-off but it’s so much more.

Baking For Keeps was just plain fun. It was well written and brought in some zany characters. Jessica Gilmore, a new to me author, really had me interested in the way this story was going. She was innovative and original with her characters and her story-line. She brought the plight of the down-trodden to the forefront and made me realize just how much more than a bake-off this series is about. She gave me a happily-ever-after that was original, if not unexpected. I am really looking forward to see who’s next on the list of bachelors and hoping that the next author keeps up the with the sweet, sassy and romantic that I am coming to expect.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Claire McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet romance about an emotionally closed-off hero who thinks he's created the perfect life for himself, until he meets some aunties who teach him how to bake, and a woman who teaches him how to live. I recommend this book if you're in the mood for something sweet and light. Warning: It will make you crave cookies. And cake. And pie. Yum.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really loving this bachelor series of books.

Lacey is the owner of the local radio station. She is going to interview everyone for her radio station and she also is streamlining everything on the internet trying to raise more money for Harry's House. She has her brother entered in the contest. He calls and lets her know that he will be unable to attend the bachelor bake off. She is trying to figure out what to do when their quest Zac comes into the room.

Zac is an auditor that is hired by the town to audit their books. Zac is a good looking bachelor and he reluctantly agrees to help the ladies out and be part of the auction.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey runs the local radio station in Marietta. After a nomadic childhood she's happy she's finally found a home. She lives with her great aunts who run a guesthouse and are professional bakers. Lacey is helping with the local bachelor Bake-Off, an event to raise money for charity. She films the contestants. Lacey's brother is supposed to be one of them, but last minute obligations are forcing her to find a replacement, the best option is their new guest Zac, but will he say yes?

Zac prefers the anonymity of large cities. He doesn't like small town life, because it's too intimate. When he meets Lacey he's intrigued and before he knows it he's saying yes when he means no and is part of the bachelor Bake-Off. Zac has no baking experience and the baking gene seems to have passed Lacey, so he challenges her to do a contest of their own. Who is going to win and what will happen when Lacey and Zac spend a lot of time together?

Baking for Keeps is a fun romantic story. Lacey used to travel all the time and is now never going anywhere again. Her life is a little too safe and she could use a challenge. The silent and distant Zac definitely provides one, he isn't an easy man to defrost. The lovely gentle man Zac, however, has his reasons to stay away from others and I kept hoping he'd loosen up a little. There are plenty of sparks between them and their easy friendship was great to read about. I especially enjoyed witnessing their time in the kitchen, it isn't always a succes, but that makes the story even sweeter.

Jessica Gilmore's heartwarming writing style made me fall in love with Baking for Keeps straight away. The main characters are both kindhearted and wonderful. Marietta suits them and I loved reading about the vibrant small town. There's always something going on and people are there for each other, I liked that community spirit very much. Especially since it's being combined with a delicious story about finding the one. Baking for Keeps is sweet, tasty and endearing.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to Marietta, Montana once again feels like coming home. Each story enveloping the town, by different authors, with different characters...while maintaining the core ones...creates a sense of familiarity and comfort. Ms Gilmore had continued in that vein through her wonderfully talented storytelling style.

For all his protesting the need for solitude, there ran through Zac a certain sadness and loneliness (a constant reminder of all he never had and missed) that was touching while at the same time heart wrenching. The author's depiction of him as a loner set the stage for a man in need of a family, no matter how hard he fought, or protested that need.

Lacey's generous, giving heart, to her family and community, has served her well, giving her a sense of continuity and the roots she missed as a child. Meeting Zac opened her eyes to what she may be missing by the need to stick so close to home. I enjoyed how her giving nature opened up Zac's eyes to how much he truly needed other people in his life...giving them the opportunity to care for him.

The overall story is touching, with its gentle humor and moments of sentiments, revealing more about human nature and how others may not always recognize our needs until we let them in.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Runner10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great series for anyone who loves a sweet romance. I recommend starting with book one in series to fully appreciate the characters and bachelor bake-off. Each bachelor competes in a baking competition and ends up with a lot more than sweet treats.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Tule Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth installment in the Bachelor Bake-Off series, I found this one well written and enjoyable.

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zac Malone and Lacey Hathaway are complete opposites whose current lives are influenced by their pasts. Zac is a loner who prefers not to make connections or rely on anyone. Lacey craves familiarity, surrounded by people she knows and loves.
When Zac’s job brings him to Marietta, the only place available for him to stay is a room at the B&B run by Lacey’s aunts, who also have a small baking business they run out of the house. Preferring sterile hotel rooms, Zac’s plan to keep to himself is quickly blown out of the water. Lacey is content with her life and excited about her involvement in the Bachelor Bake-Off. When her brother backs out of his visit to Marietta and participation in the Bake-off, Lacey and her Aunts are scrambling to find a replacement for their Sponsorship. Zac is intrigued by the way the people of Marietta are actually working together to help those in need, unlike the town he grew up in. His only condition: Lacey has to learn to bake with him, and participate in a mini bake-off before his actual competition.
I enjoyed Lacey and Zac. Their intereactions were fun and Lacey was a genuinely likeable person whowas ccontent with where she was in life. Each challenged the other’s view of their life and saw that they could have more than they realized, and that sometimes being a bit of a nomad or having ties to people or places is not such a bad thing.
This was a well-written story packed with interesting characters. The bake-off and its goals were front and center, and I had fun with the mini competition between Lacey and Zac. The secondary characters were enjoyable as well, and I loved Lacey’s Aunts and their place in the town. This was a very enjoyable read and a great addition to both the Bachelor Bake-off Series and Marietta.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Angela
Book provided by NetGalley

Baking for Keeps follows the two main characters of Lacey Hathaway and Zac Malone. The story flips back and forth between the two characters flawlessly throughout the book. This type of writing makes it so much easier to get to know the characters on a much deeper level. It brings both Lacey and Zac to life and lets the reader see how the character evolves throughout the story.

The hard nut to crack in Baking for Keeps is Zac Malone. He left the small town he grew up in and never looked back. Now big city living is for him and he doesn’t ever see himself wanting to go back. All it takes though in this case is the right woman, Lacey to make him see what he has been missing all these years. What started as a business trip for Zac has turned into learning more about Lacey and his feelings for her. Reading how he evolves from such a single man without looking for more, and to see him open up to Lacey and make her see her full potential was so heartwarming and well written.

The pace of the book moved right along throughout the entire story. I was never left wondering why a character did something or where they were in a point in time or location. I found Baking for Keeps to be full of details and never left me wanting. That is why I give Baking for Keeps a Rose that Rules All rating. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Arti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth novel in this series and I liked the way the series is progressing. Though the characters are different but the theme of the story is Bachelor’s BakeOff where eight bachelors from Marietta are participating in order to collect money for Harry’s House, an activity place for the children. Zac is one of the eight bachelors.
The characters are well developed. The back stories of the characters have been portrayed and that helped me understand the characters better. Both of them are completely opposites in their personalities. One is an introvert and one, an extrovert. One has a large family and one has no family. I also enjoyed the conversations between them and also the arguments. I loved the easy banter between them and the baking competition. The secondary characters, the Marietta community and the other contestants make it all the more interesting.
The narrative and the flow kept me glued to the story. The story is funny, romantic, happy and interesting. The story moves back and forth between the characters.
Though all the books in the series have been written by different authors, all the books are set in Marietta maintaining the continuity in the series. And the best part is that all the books can be read as a standalone.
This is the first book by the author that I have read and am looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I happen to love the time of year when we’re once again introduced to some handsome bachelors in Marietta, Montana and are allowed into their romantic moments. Baking For Keeps brings us an unusual couple. Two travelers at different times in their lives. One who prefers the road filled with people and familiar places. The other is running from the past and believes that there is only one person to trust, themselves. Both are somewhat broken, neither truly realizes that fact or at least acknowledges it. But one chance business trip, one no-show brother, the magic that can only be called Marietta and a lighthearted baking competition for a good cause will shake up the balance for Zac and Lacey. Now we simply have to see on what side the scales will tip.

I liked Zac and Lacey. One standoffish man who needs no other person to be close to will find himself smack in the middle of a town that knows no stranger, a family that is as warm, and down to earth as the delicious creations that come from their kitchen. Zac is a nomad, moving from place to place for his business. This time, as the owner, he had to step in and do a project himself. He may be back in a small town that brings back painful memories, but that doesn’t mean he has to take part in any of it. Lacey has found her place in Marietta. After a childhood of the nomadic life traveling with her family of musicians, she’s content with her job at the radio station and her home with the aunts. As we spend more time with Zac and Lacey we’ll begin to see the cracks in their beliefs of being perfectly content as they are. As Zac begins to loosen up his intense desire for alone-ness, Lacey will start to realize that she’s floating, waiting for something that will magically appear without any effort or participation on her part. Their attraction to each other is a slow awakening to possibilities, but the risks are huge – they have to decide if loving someone else is worth the risk, because there is no guarantee in life but the journey can be sweeter with the right person at your side.

The “Marietta Universe” has become so defined now, that most of us who live in that small town (through the numerous series) can feel quite protective of it. A story set in Marietta has some living up to that cannot be denied.. I was…impressed… with Ms Gilmore’s first entrance into Marietta. She got the feel of the town, the sense of community, the small nuances that – well, matter, to a long time reader. I certainly hope she makes a return visit there very soon for I love when an author “gets” an established community and slides right in like an old comfortable front porch swing. I admit that I’ve read some stories set in Marietta that did not have that feel, at all… and that always saddens me a bit. Those are compliments within that paragraph *grin* and I really hope to be reading more of Jessica Gilmore’s works in the near future.

I would recommend Baking For Keeps to any Romance reader who loves a good story, believable characters and a secondary character cast that pull it all together in a natural way.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Jenn C Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

This one had such promise. I loved the premise of the bachelor bake-off with a man determined to live a bachelor lifestyle and the woman who only wants a home. And actually, for most of the book, I was really enjoying it. I was enjoying watching Lacey convince Zac to open his heart to small town life and Zac pushing Lacey to see that she actually wanted more. But then the ending came.

***spoilers below***

It ended so quickly and with the purchase of a house and marriage proposal after one kiss. ONE KISS? I don't mind insta-love but this was a lot for me. I wish there would have been more leading up to this point in their relationship to make this step an appropriate one.

[Caranna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed something light to take a break from some heavier books I've read lately. When a book's cover proclaims that it's been made into a Hallmark movie, you know what you're in for! Which once in a while are just the vibes you're going for.
This one was sticky sweet, Bachelor Baking Competition, did you say? The characters, although they each had their own little backstory, seemed a tad shallow/surface level people, but that's OK. I do feel like the ending was a little rushed. IMO, you need more than a couple of pages to tie it all together with the 'and they lived happily ever after bit.'

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zac Malone caught my attention in early stories and I was wondering about his mystery. He is the type of guy with a really hard exterior and in all actuality is a softy hidden deep with in. Lacey likes to play it safe but is very persistent. She is the opposite as she is very extrovert in public to hid her weakness, where Zac becomes an introvert. I enjoyed how she kept pecking at Zac to get him to open up.

The ending was my favorite part and the way Zac showed that he loved Lacey.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honey sooo good! You always feel happy while listening (I got the audiobook) to it and it is written in a friendly style. Myself, I listened to the audiobook to fall asleep, which was really amazing. The autor and the narrator as well, did a good job. I liked to mood that I got listening to this book. The story was also entertaining. It is a lighthearted and kind narrative and I became so happy as I saw that there is a part two. This book gets 5/5 stars and I can just recommend you to read or listen to it!
Thanks for reading and I hope that this review was helpful for you. :)

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for You by Jessica Gilmore
Like this holiday read because it encompasses a lot of different holiday things.
Love baking and all the tips along the way, the treats sound So good.
The bachelor bake off is a good fund raiser for the town.
Like how Zac fits the bill. She hadn't seen herself falling for him. He didn't see her as his one and only either... They both are from totally different background that don't go together well...
Love the vents that take place and outcome of this story. Great read.

[Kaygen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was such a plastic, flat, predictable, cookie-cutter romance that it was painful to listen to. There was zero character development, absolutely no chemistry whatsoever, and I had negative interest in learning what happened. Had it not been an audiobook I could listen to at 2x speed to get it overwith while I did household chores, I would have marked it DNF and moved onto another book at the 25% mark. If you like stories that pull you in and get you invested in the characters and plot, this is NOT the book for you.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: ebook
Tissue warning: no
HEA: Yes.
Triggers: not that I can think of
My reviewer rating: 4 out of 5.
Recommend read: Yes, this will make a great beach or weekend read or stuck on an airplane.
Published: February 28, 2017 pre-order on Amazon



This is book 4 in the Bachelor Bake-Off Series, but it is completely stand alone. *high five*

see full review on my Blog! http://www.iseeyoursmile.com/2017/02/...

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read! I really liked these characters. Lacey with her outgoing easy way and Zac's lone wolf persona are a perfect opposites attract couple. As with the other bachelors Zac is roped into the bake off. Having no skills for baking he definitely needs help and Lacey is the woman to help him. With more than just baking too! This is book 4 of the Bachelor Bake-Off series but each of these can be read standalone. I highly recommend this one.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks like this is a series by different authors. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but it made no difference. I didn't even realize it was part of a series until I started reading some of the other reviews. Oh, well. Did I enjoy this book? I didn't not enjoy it, but "enjoyable" may be a little too enthusiastic of a word to use. It was OK. Nothing exciting but it was easy enough to stick with until the end.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC for my voluntary review for netgalley. This was an OK book. It is slow, so you need to keep that in ind. Was also a really clean sweet book, they only kissed and that was at end of story. I know that Zac and Lacey were attracted to each other, and they did spend a little time together. However, I don't buy the ending

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something so good about this Bake off book, I think it's not just the love story but Zac's childhood story and how fast he picked up on Ty's troubles and how he helped him and encouraged others to help to.
Also I love a feel good ending, three cheers to Jessica Gilmore's writing style it just gently tugs you in and holds you to the last page.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley.com for the copy of this book.
This story has so much potential but goodness it was very wordy and slow. The aunts were great and the mini bake off between them was fun, but it could have used more fun and flirty times between them. It was just depressing and it had a very sad and lonely undertone to this book.

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very small-town, sweet & chaste kind of romance which was lacking on the romance part instead we got to read about h's job, H's job etc. Not sure if this series is for me though I do see one of my favourite HP authors Kate Hardy writing an installment which I may try out.

[D Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!

Fantastic character development! And such a real life plot--no artificial devices to create unreal problems. I love this story!!

Clean! Very very few swear words and only kissing. Every bit as romantic as those with sex scenes I have to skip over.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baking for Keeps by Jessica Gilmore A Bachelor Bake-Off Romance
Lacey Hathaway has it all — a job she loves as a local radio DJ, a home with her adored, eccentric aunt and, best of all, a community after a childhood traveling with her musical parents. So what if her life is a little too safe? Marietta is everything to Lacey. Not only is she helping to organize the Bachelor Bake-Off and filming a documentary about the process, she’s also volunteered her brother as a Bachelor. But, when her brother backs out, Lacey has to find a last-minute replacement. And who better than her aunt’s lodger, gorgeous – if taciturn – Zac Malone?

Zac’s not exactly community-minded. In fact, he makes it clear that the sooner he’s out of Marietta the better. But when Lacey persuades him of the powerful impact the Bake-Off funds will have on local children, he decides to give it a go. On one condition. If he has to learn to bake, so does disaster-in-the-kitchen Lacey. Desserts aren’t the only thing heating up, and as the attraction flares and Zac makes plans to leave, Lacey’s beginning to realize that maybe there is a world beyond Marietta’s borders after all… if she’s brave enough to take that step.
This is Lacey Hathaway and Zac Malone's story.
Marietta is having a bake-off to raise money for a community center for the town's youth.
the Bachelor Bake-Off promotional material. We have eight bachelors all signed up and ready to go, tickets are selling well, and there’s a real buzz around town.”
“This is Lacey Hathaway and you’re listening to drive time here on KMCM, Paradise Valley’s very own radio station. I hope everyone’s enjoying this glorious sunny January day.“Just a reminder it’s cold out there, folks, and the roads are iiiicyyyy! Watch yourselves on the drive home, it doesn’t matter if it takes a little longer, I’m here keeping you company through till six.
Zac you’re booked in at an adorable-sounding guesthouse. The Crooked Corner—isn’t that the quaintest thing you ever heard?”
Zac’s jaw set. Quaint was another thing on the list of things he didn’t do. “A guesthouse?” He wasn’t a fussy guy. He just insisted that Katie book him into a nice anonymous motel somewhere.
“Zac, there’s nowhere else in town,” she said hurriedly.
Will Lacey and Zac be more than friend? read this book to find out.
Baking for Keeps by Jessica Gilmore is a wonderful well written 5 stars book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
I highly recommend reading this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jessica Gilmore.

The Bachelor Bake-Off Book 1
A Teaspoon of Trouble by Shirley Jump

Book 2
A Spoonful of Sugar by Kate Hardy

book 3
Sprinkled with Love by Jennifer Faye

book 4
Baking for Keeps by Jessica Gilmore

Book 5
A Recipe for Romance by Lara Van Hulzen