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The Mix-Up
Readers have fallen in love with Paige and Noah:'Totally touched my heart''I completely LOVED this book''I'm now obsessed with this author and can't wait to see what she does next!''A hilarious and heartwarming novel ... a definite five star read''If you're a fan of rom-coms, you HAVE to pick this up!''I adored this book and raced through it'---------------------------Two men to choose from. One fantastic mistake.Paige might bake wedding cakes for a living but that doesn't mean shes dreaming about her own perfect day. Far from it.Trusting people is hard after she was badly let down by her family and boyfriend just when she needed them most. And to make things worse, her ex has just walked into her bakery with his new fiancée...Needing a little no-strings-attached fun, Paige goes to a party where her friend knows just the guy - the guy in the black top.There's just one problem. There are two men wearing black tops.Noah was meant to be her perfect distraction...instead, he wants more than just a bit of fun. But could the wrong guy turn out to be the right choice?PRAISE FOR THE 'So funny and so moving. I could not stop reading" Sophie Cousens, author of This Time Next Year'Holly strikes a perfect balance between raw and relatable, funny and heart-warming' Abigail Mann, author of The Lonely Fajita'A gorgeous, uplifting read that packs a real emotional punch' Gillian Harvey, author of Perfect on Paper
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2021
88 people are currently reading
1895 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
November 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this one, but I do feel like the blurb was a bit misleading. This is pitched as a fun, mistaken identity romance, but this was a much heavier read than I was expecting. The story deals pretty heavily with a woman's experience after having survived breast cancer, and while I do recommend this one and thought it was well written and entertaining, I wanted to make sure to mention that as it is mentioned nowhere in the blurb and I wouldn't want anyone to go in unawares. But other than that this was fun and I do recommend if you can handle the subject matter!
CW: cancer, death of a loved one
CW: cancer, death of a loved one
March 25, 2022
Despite loving this story, I have to mention how misleading the synopsis (and cover, to be honest) is. It certainly has a lot of funny moments and dialogue, but it also features a deep storyline of recovering from cancer. I'd hate for someone to go in with the wrong expectations.
Although an expert at baking wedding cakes, Paige is not open to romance. Roped into designing the cake for her ex-boyfriend's wedding, she is desperate for a mental distraction. And while at a party, her friend knows the perfect choice for no-strings fun: the guy wearing the black shirt. But oh no, which black shirt?
Very sweet and silly, Noah was effortlessly charming. I absolutely loved him. As Paige continually pushes Noah away, her pessimism and bold rudeness really created a lot of self-sabotage. I'll admit, it was HARD to see precious Noah not treated well at times. Paige was not a likeable character. But at the same time, I found myself incredibly invested in the slow reveal of why she is so hesitant of relationships. In the end, I really empathized with her. And I loved the ins and outs of her baking business!
"It would be easy to fall in love with someone like him."
It is harder to fall in love with someone like me."
I appreciate a story that hits every single emotion, and it truly did that for me!
Although an expert at baking wedding cakes, Paige is not open to romance. Roped into designing the cake for her ex-boyfriend's wedding, she is desperate for a mental distraction. And while at a party, her friend knows the perfect choice for no-strings fun: the guy wearing the black shirt. But oh no, which black shirt?
Very sweet and silly, Noah was effortlessly charming. I absolutely loved him. As Paige continually pushes Noah away, her pessimism and bold rudeness really created a lot of self-sabotage. I'll admit, it was HARD to see precious Noah not treated well at times. Paige was not a likeable character. But at the same time, I found myself incredibly invested in the slow reveal of why she is so hesitant of relationships. In the end, I really empathized with her. And I loved the ins and outs of her baking business!
"It would be easy to fall in love with someone like him."
It is harder to fall in love with someone like me."
I appreciate a story that hits every single emotion, and it truly did that for me!
April 2, 2021
I find this difficult to write because the blurb discloses something that isn't apparent until well over half way through the book and omits something that is hinted at from the start and revealed fairly early in the book.
Paige learned to bake from her grandmother and inherited her cake business (and flat above the workshop) when her grandmother died. Although her business has been doing nicely, she wants to expand into higher end wedding cakes so business is a little precarious as she tries to change focus. Oh, and she is also the least romantic person in the world, something she has to keep quiet from the hopeful brides who make up her clientele.
What she could never be prepared for was for her ex-boyfriend Chris to walk into her workshop with his fiancé Pippa looking for a wedding cake. Chris might have been equally surprised but he gets over the shock quickly enough, and bizarrely still wants Paige to make their wedding cake. Six years ago Chris let Paige down very badly, he wasn't there for her and he put his own needs ahead of hers. But now he's back in her life he seems to be a changed man, wanting to make amends, and it seems as though he is having second thoughts about marrying Pippa.
To get Chris out of her mind Paige goes to a party hosted by a wedding planner that Paige is keen to work with, who promises her a no-strings one-night stand with an ex-boyfriend, a guy who is known for a good time, but not for a long time. The friend doesn't have time to introduce them but points at a group of guys and says its the one in the black top. Of course there are two guys in black tops!
Paige has a great night with Noah, the guy in the black t-shirt, but he doesn't seem to be on the same page when it comes to one-night stands, he says they are having fun and why can't it continue?
As the book continues we see why Paige has this attitude about love and marriage, and the reason why she never cries. Unfortunately this is where the book lost a star for me, because Paige is one of those characters who clings onto a belief, a mantra, a worldview regardless of how stupid it has become. The more ridiculous the belief, the longer they cling to it, despite all evidence to the contrary. Also there was a whole thing with her toxic family that went nowhere.
This was an easy read, I sped through it in a single day, and an enjoyable read, but I don't think the characters will stay with me for long. A beach read (if we ever get to go on holiday this year).
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Paige learned to bake from her grandmother and inherited her cake business (and flat above the workshop) when her grandmother died. Although her business has been doing nicely, she wants to expand into higher end wedding cakes so business is a little precarious as she tries to change focus. Oh, and she is also the least romantic person in the world, something she has to keep quiet from the hopeful brides who make up her clientele.
What she could never be prepared for was for her ex-boyfriend Chris to walk into her workshop with his fiancé Pippa looking for a wedding cake. Chris might have been equally surprised but he gets over the shock quickly enough, and bizarrely still wants Paige to make their wedding cake. Six years ago Chris let Paige down very badly, he wasn't there for her and he put his own needs ahead of hers. But now he's back in her life he seems to be a changed man, wanting to make amends, and it seems as though he is having second thoughts about marrying Pippa.
To get Chris out of her mind Paige goes to a party hosted by a wedding planner that Paige is keen to work with, who promises her a no-strings one-night stand with an ex-boyfriend, a guy who is known for a good time, but not for a long time. The friend doesn't have time to introduce them but points at a group of guys and says its the one in the black top. Of course there are two guys in black tops!
Paige has a great night with Noah, the guy in the black t-shirt, but he doesn't seem to be on the same page when it comes to one-night stands, he says they are having fun and why can't it continue?
As the book continues we see why Paige has this attitude about love and marriage, and the reason why she never cries. Unfortunately this is where the book lost a star for me, because Paige is one of those characters who clings onto a belief, a mantra, a worldview regardless of how stupid it has become. The more ridiculous the belief, the longer they cling to it, despite all evidence to the contrary. Also there was a whole thing with her toxic family that went nowhere.
This was an easy read, I sped through it in a single day, and an enjoyable read, but I don't think the characters will stay with me for long. A beach read (if we ever get to go on holiday this year).
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 20, 2023
--2.5 stars--
Mini review, WITH SPOILERS!
THRIGGER WARNINGS: cancer, death of a loved one,
the cover and title are so misleading.
there's never really any drama, just a ridiculous amount of miscommunication.
oh joy of joys.
the blurb also leaves out a large part of the story: Page's cancer.
Page had breast cancer, and its mentioned throughout the book--she also worries that it's coming back at one point.
cancer is an incredibly hard subject to talk about, and i think it was misplaced in this romcom.
while we all know someone who has/had cancer (for instance, my grandma had breast cancer when i was a baby), it doesn't make it any less hard to read about.
it does need talked about more, but it should always be mentioned as a trigger warning, because it could affect so many people.
the romance itself was pretty meh, and i slightly lost the will to live after Noah decided to name Page's boobs.
i guess it's a nice idea, but it gave me the ick tbh.
thanks for reading!❤
Mini review, WITH SPOILERS!
THRIGGER WARNINGS: cancer, death of a loved one,
the cover and title are so misleading.
there's never really any drama, just a ridiculous amount of miscommunication.
oh joy of joys.
the blurb also leaves out a large part of the story: Page's cancer.
Page had breast cancer, and its mentioned throughout the book--she also worries that it's coming back at one point.
cancer is an incredibly hard subject to talk about, and i think it was misplaced in this romcom.
while we all know someone who has/had cancer (for instance, my grandma had breast cancer when i was a baby), it doesn't make it any less hard to read about.
it does need talked about more, but it should always be mentioned as a trigger warning, because it could affect so many people.
the romance itself was pretty meh, and i slightly lost the will to live after Noah decided to name Page's boobs.
i guess it's a nice idea, but it gave me the ick tbh.
thanks for reading!❤
June 23, 2021
1.5 stars
I was really looking forward to reading this. The synopsis sounded like a lot of fun and the cover really drew me in. I was super happy to get an arc of this from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
However, this book really wasn't for me. I struggled through it from the beginning but really didn't want to DNF in case it got better. But the issues I had whilst reading it remained throughout the entire book.
Things I did enjoy:
- Noah as a love interest
- Sara is a great best friend
- Cake content
Let me try and explain a little better. In this book we have our main character Paige. She bakes wedding cakes for a living and is VERY against romance and never wants to be married herself. One day, her ex-boyfriend walks into her shop with his fiancé looking for a wedding cake! He is having second thoughts about his marriage and is now flirting with our main character. To try and forget about her ex, she has a one night stand with Noah, a doctor. Although, it never is just a one night stand.
I hated the storyline with her ex-boyfriend. I understand it is explained to us that he isn't the nicest guy in the world in the past either but I didn't want to read about him flirting with his ex-girlfriend when he was engaged to another woman! And Paige let's him and spends the book deciding what she wants to do? Nothing would be the best choice, considering he is still engaged!? Then at one point in the book it is basically just wiped off and barely spoken about again.
Considering how 'against' romance our main character is, she still spend a lot of time around Noah being romantic. At one point, he introduces Paige to his sister and calls her his friend and she isn't happy about it? But all she wants is sex? No relationship of course. It's all very contradictory and Paige as a character is not very consistent. This trait of hers is carried on through the entire book and this idea of her being so against romance becomes quite irritating considering the way her life is going with Noah. Noah is a really nice guy and a super lovely partner. He deserves better than how he was treated.
There is a cancer story line in here for anyone who wants to be aware of that before going on. It seems like it was written in to the story then partially edited out or something at the beginning? It would be brought up a couple of times at the beginning and I would have no idea what was going on all of a sudden as it felt like it has never been properly explained to me. It gets developed on throughout the story but it felt very odd to me.
There was also this very unnecessary and out of place plot line that involves Paige not getting along with her family that I felt took up barely any time so was very pointless and didn't really add much to the story.
There were a lot of smaller things in this book that I didn't like either. There was one point where Paige thought that she was going to be asked to make a vegan cake and she said "I had worried the 'thing' would be something disastrous like one of the couples wants the whole cake to be vegan. One vegan tier is fine, but a whole cake is too much." It was just so unnecessary to be included and annoyed me on top of everything else I already wasn't particularly enjoying.
The writing in this was meant to be funny, and I think for the majority of people, it will be. My opinion on the book has already been tainted and that hindered my enjoyment of any other aspects of it.
I can see so many other people potentially enjoying this book but for some reason it just did not agree with me at all. I am settling on a 1.5 star rating. I want to be able to give it more but I just can't in good conscience lie to people when arcs are provided for honest reviews. I wish I had enjoyed it a lot more than I did.
I was really looking forward to reading this. The synopsis sounded like a lot of fun and the cover really drew me in. I was super happy to get an arc of this from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
However, this book really wasn't for me. I struggled through it from the beginning but really didn't want to DNF in case it got better. But the issues I had whilst reading it remained throughout the entire book.
Things I did enjoy:
- Noah as a love interest
- Sara is a great best friend
- Cake content
Let me try and explain a little better. In this book we have our main character Paige. She bakes wedding cakes for a living and is VERY against romance and never wants to be married herself. One day, her ex-boyfriend walks into her shop with his fiancé looking for a wedding cake! He is having second thoughts about his marriage and is now flirting with our main character. To try and forget about her ex, she has a one night stand with Noah, a doctor. Although, it never is just a one night stand.
I hated the storyline with her ex-boyfriend. I understand it is explained to us that he isn't the nicest guy in the world in the past either but I didn't want to read about him flirting with his ex-girlfriend when he was engaged to another woman! And Paige let's him and spends the book deciding what she wants to do? Nothing would be the best choice, considering he is still engaged!? Then at one point in the book it is basically just wiped off and barely spoken about again.
Considering how 'against' romance our main character is, she still spend a lot of time around Noah being romantic. At one point, he introduces Paige to his sister and calls her his friend and she isn't happy about it? But all she wants is sex? No relationship of course. It's all very contradictory and Paige as a character is not very consistent. This trait of hers is carried on through the entire book and this idea of her being so against romance becomes quite irritating considering the way her life is going with Noah. Noah is a really nice guy and a super lovely partner. He deserves better than how he was treated.
There is a cancer story line in here for anyone who wants to be aware of that before going on. It seems like it was written in to the story then partially edited out or something at the beginning? It would be brought up a couple of times at the beginning and I would have no idea what was going on all of a sudden as it felt like it has never been properly explained to me. It gets developed on throughout the story but it felt very odd to me.
There was also this very unnecessary and out of place plot line that involves Paige not getting along with her family that I felt took up barely any time so was very pointless and didn't really add much to the story.
There were a lot of smaller things in this book that I didn't like either. There was one point where Paige thought that she was going to be asked to make a vegan cake and she said "I had worried the 'thing' would be something disastrous like one of the couples wants the whole cake to be vegan. One vegan tier is fine, but a whole cake is too much." It was just so unnecessary to be included and annoyed me on top of everything else I already wasn't particularly enjoying.
The writing in this was meant to be funny, and I think for the majority of people, it will be. My opinion on the book has already been tainted and that hindered my enjoyment of any other aspects of it.
I can see so many other people potentially enjoying this book but for some reason it just did not agree with me at all. I am settling on a 1.5 star rating. I want to be able to give it more but I just can't in good conscience lie to people when arcs are provided for honest reviews. I wish I had enjoyed it a lot more than I did.
June 23, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Mix-Up is the definition of a “beach read” (or in my case, a “lounging in the garden read”). I could have flown through it even quicker if I wasn’t reading other things in between.
Right off the bat, Paige’s love life appears to be turbulent at times. She works as a cake baker, predominantly for weddings, and her ex Chris walks into her shop one day with his new bride Pippa *awkwardness ensues*.
Yet, it seems as though Chris still wants Paige to bake them a wedding cake. This, combined with some failed dates with a not-very-funny-“comedian”, have her feeling quite unlucky in love.
Her outgoing wedding planner friend Mika hosts a party and she tells Paige to approach “the guy in the black shirt” for some fun. But there are seemingly two guys stood at the bar wearing black shirts. The one she approaches is called Noah, but will he be the right man for her? And has she even moved on from her feelings for Chris?
If you’re an avid baker, I’m sure you will get even more out of this story with all the little details.
Overall The Mix-Up is a fine story, nothing massively riveting beyond a romcom-esque plot, but an easy, enjoyable, and relaxing read from start to finish. Paige’s past battles with illness does give some more depth and strength to her character.
The Mix-Up is the definition of a “beach read” (or in my case, a “lounging in the garden read”). I could have flown through it even quicker if I wasn’t reading other things in between.
Right off the bat, Paige’s love life appears to be turbulent at times. She works as a cake baker, predominantly for weddings, and her ex Chris walks into her shop one day with his new bride Pippa *awkwardness ensues*.
Yet, it seems as though Chris still wants Paige to bake them a wedding cake. This, combined with some failed dates with a not-very-funny-“comedian”, have her feeling quite unlucky in love.
Her outgoing wedding planner friend Mika hosts a party and she tells Paige to approach “the guy in the black shirt” for some fun. But there are seemingly two guys stood at the bar wearing black shirts. The one she approaches is called Noah, but will he be the right man for her? And has she even moved on from her feelings for Chris?
If you’re an avid baker, I’m sure you will get even more out of this story with all the little details.
Overall The Mix-Up is a fine story, nothing massively riveting beyond a romcom-esque plot, but an easy, enjoyable, and relaxing read from start to finish. Paige’s past battles with illness does give some more depth and strength to her character.
July 11, 2021
The Mix-Up is the hilarious and heartwarming story of wedding cake baker Paige, who, at a work-related event, finds herself after some no strings attached fun. Colleague Mika points Paige in the direction of the guy in the black top who Mika knows will be up for a one night stand. But as Paige approaches to initiate, she realises there are two guys in black tops. Which one should she go for?
I devoured this in two sittings, the quick-witted humour and cutesy romance kept me hooked. There were some unexpected issues dealt with which weren't mentioned in the blurb; Paige is a cancer survivor, still dealing with the aftermath of this - her diagnosis led to the demise of her long-term relationship and most of her friendships. This element of the story was well-written and not overly dramatic, it was refreshing to experience a character attempting to rebuild their life and confidence after such a traumatic event.
My only qualm is the rushed ending; it felt as though Paige found herself in a perilous situation around the 98% mark which was miraculously resolved and suddenly everything was perfect - all within the last 2% of the book.
Overall, a lovely and easy read which I would definitely recommend!
I devoured this in two sittings, the quick-witted humour and cutesy romance kept me hooked. There were some unexpected issues dealt with which weren't mentioned in the blurb; Paige is a cancer survivor, still dealing with the aftermath of this - her diagnosis led to the demise of her long-term relationship and most of her friendships. This element of the story was well-written and not overly dramatic, it was refreshing to experience a character attempting to rebuild their life and confidence after such a traumatic event.
My only qualm is the rushed ending; it felt as though Paige found herself in a perilous situation around the 98% mark which was miraculously resolved and suddenly everything was perfect - all within the last 2% of the book.
Overall, a lovely and easy read which I would definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
probably one of the worst romance books i've read. i'm probably being picky but this just wasn't for me. and once i started to dislike it i began to nitpick at every little thing even if it wasn't a big deal and then i really started to hate it
November 12, 2021
*Thank you to Penguin Random House for sending me a review copy of this book!*
If you want a cute little fade-to-black romance novel to distract you from your real life problems, this one will definitely do the trick. It’s very wholesome, very cute, very feelgood.
I got through this book in no time at all, it’s very fast paced and full of quippy dialogue which keeps it moving forward. It made me smile several times and it has some great one liners. I liked the writing overall, and I found it to be such an easy read and would definitely recommend for my lighthearted romance lovers.
Plot wise not much happened, so it felt more character focused which was fine. We spend a lot of time with our protagonist as she navigates her own feelings about her past relationship and her insecurities and hang ups when it comes to future relationships. There’s some solid character development in here and I love the message of self love and finding peace with your body. It was a lot darker and heavier than I was anticipating - with discussions of moving on after cancer. I f this is a sensitive topic for you, I'd be wary about reading it.
The relationships are what made this book, and not just the romantic ones. I liked the element of friendship here and the fact she had friends she constantly talks to and hangs out with outside of romance. Sometimes books forget about everyone except the love interest, so I’m glad this didn't happen. I also liked how her job was a consistent part of the plot and it didn’t just magically disappear but became something crucial to the story.
The characters were fine, I wasn’t overly in love with our love interest but he was okay. Classically handsome, funny and ridiculously caring - but not a character I ended up finding myself swooning over. The relationship did feel a bit rushed and I would’ve loved more pining and a bit of slow burn/tension - but also maybe I’ve just been reading too many Mariana Zapata books.
When it came to finding out what the title of the book meant I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I thought the premise and the cover was leading to a more love triangle aspect, but that actually wasn’t true so it felt misleading.
The third act conflict annoyed me because there’s nothing more I hate than miscommunication and issues that could be easily resolved yet drag out. It just felt incessant to be honest. We still got our cute little happily ever after so I can’t complain too much, but it is what it is.
Overall a cute quick read, but probably something that over time I’ll forget as nothing sticks out.
If you want a cute little fade-to-black romance novel to distract you from your real life problems, this one will definitely do the trick. It’s very wholesome, very cute, very feelgood.
I got through this book in no time at all, it’s very fast paced and full of quippy dialogue which keeps it moving forward. It made me smile several times and it has some great one liners. I liked the writing overall, and I found it to be such an easy read and would definitely recommend for my lighthearted romance lovers.
Plot wise not much happened, so it felt more character focused which was fine. We spend a lot of time with our protagonist as she navigates her own feelings about her past relationship and her insecurities and hang ups when it comes to future relationships. There’s some solid character development in here and I love the message of self love and finding peace with your body. It was a lot darker and heavier than I was anticipating - with discussions of moving on after cancer. I f this is a sensitive topic for you, I'd be wary about reading it.
The relationships are what made this book, and not just the romantic ones. I liked the element of friendship here and the fact she had friends she constantly talks to and hangs out with outside of romance. Sometimes books forget about everyone except the love interest, so I’m glad this didn't happen. I also liked how her job was a consistent part of the plot and it didn’t just magically disappear but became something crucial to the story.
The characters were fine, I wasn’t overly in love with our love interest but he was okay. Classically handsome, funny and ridiculously caring - but not a character I ended up finding myself swooning over. The relationship did feel a bit rushed and I would’ve loved more pining and a bit of slow burn/tension - but also maybe I’ve just been reading too many Mariana Zapata books.
When it came to finding out what the title of the book meant I was a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I thought the premise and the cover was leading to a more love triangle aspect, but that actually wasn’t true so it felt misleading.
The third act conflict annoyed me because there’s nothing more I hate than miscommunication and issues that could be easily resolved yet drag out. It just felt incessant to be honest. We still got our cute little happily ever after so I can’t complain too much, but it is what it is.
Overall a cute quick read, but probably something that over time I’ll forget as nothing sticks out.
October 3, 2021
I’ve been reading some heavy books lately so I wanted my next read to be light. I didn’t really have any expectations when I started reading this one but I finished it in 2 days. It was so entertaining, funny, heart warming and it touched on some serious life issues. Noah was such a sweetheart! What a beautiful story!
March 26, 2022
So the actual plot of the book had little to do with the blurb, or the illustrated cover.
First of all, there was no choice between two guys, there was only one guy throughout the entire book. With the title “the mix up” and two guys on a scale on the cover, why was there only ONE MAN?? HMM? Secondly, the central plot (Paige recovered from cancer which led to insecurities and commitment issues) was not mentioned any where in the synopsis and sprung up only midway through. The entire first half of the book was focused on her cute little bakery, her gross ex and a miscomm with the male MC (Noah) that could have been solved with a single text, and then suddenly the second half was like wham! Heavy stuff! She had cancer 6 years ago! Her family is toxic! She has body insecurities! It was a lot all at once.
Noah was a great male MC, pure, wholesome, patient, a total cinnamon roll - but he also wanted to name her boobs, and he named them jean grey… so that’s that.
Paige started out okay, but then she was pretty cruel to Noah, so it was hard to empathise with her - I was still happy to see her get her HEA I guess.
A lot of plot points were brought up to never be addressed again, some family drama, some shitty ex, some misunderstanding with Noah .. but with all that, not much happened with the plot at all.
It’s a fine story, wholesome, but probably won’t stick with me for very long.
I think I felt let down because I was promised a fun frivolous time, but the book brought up heavier topics than what was pitched.
First of all, there was no choice between two guys, there was only one guy throughout the entire book. With the title “the mix up” and two guys on a scale on the cover, why was there only ONE MAN?? HMM? Secondly, the central plot (Paige recovered from cancer which led to insecurities and commitment issues) was not mentioned any where in the synopsis and sprung up only midway through. The entire first half of the book was focused on her cute little bakery, her gross ex and a miscomm with the male MC (Noah) that could have been solved with a single text, and then suddenly the second half was like wham! Heavy stuff! She had cancer 6 years ago! Her family is toxic! She has body insecurities! It was a lot all at once.
Noah was a great male MC, pure, wholesome, patient, a total cinnamon roll - but he also wanted to name her boobs, and he named them jean grey… so that’s that.
Paige started out okay, but then she was pretty cruel to Noah, so it was hard to empathise with her - I was still happy to see her get her HEA I guess.
A lot of plot points were brought up to never be addressed again, some family drama, some shitty ex, some misunderstanding with Noah .. but with all that, not much happened with the plot at all.
It’s a fine story, wholesome, but probably won’t stick with me for very long.
I think I felt let down because I was promised a fun frivolous time, but the book brought up heavier topics than what was pitched.
June 28, 2022
Hilarious, touching, fantastic, fun, emotional, this book has it all, it’s such a great read. I mean I love to bake so tell me someone is a baker or runs a bakery etc I’ll be there, but like if it’s a library or bookstore it’s an obsession but it never lets me down. Fantastic romance without too much schmaltz and a perfect book to pick you up when you feel down.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 21, 2021
This was about a wedding cake baker named Paige who is disillusioned with the notion of love, and who ends up having her ex boyfriend come into her bakery for a cake for his wedding. Fed up she accepts an invite to a party where she is set up by a friend to meet a man in a black shirt, only unbeknown to Paige, she actually meets the wrong black shirt man…
Can I just say first off that this is 3.5 stars rounded up, and is purely because the first half of this book was hard to read. Paige was such an unlikeable character for the majority of the novel, but especially for the first half before she had started to open up and be nicer to herself and others. She was selfish and rude and at times just plain mean- it’s easy to see why though later when *spoilers* are revealed, but it was just a bit hard to read through her perspectives at times.
On the other hand, Noah is the ultimate book boyfriend and is niceness personified. The man is a literal ray of sunshine and it was so lovely to read about how he absolutely fell head over heels for Paige.
The last half of the book amps up the conflict, but it resolved nicely and with the characters actually having a mature conversation about things instead of lots of miscommunication; which was a nice change from a lot of other novels going around.
Overall, this is an easy beach read with a simple plot and cute characters, but you have to stick with it because it takes a bit of time to get going.
Can I just say first off that this is 3.5 stars rounded up, and is purely because the first half of this book was hard to read. Paige was such an unlikeable character for the majority of the novel, but especially for the first half before she had started to open up and be nicer to herself and others. She was selfish and rude and at times just plain mean- it’s easy to see why though later when *spoilers* are revealed, but it was just a bit hard to read through her perspectives at times.
On the other hand, Noah is the ultimate book boyfriend and is niceness personified. The man is a literal ray of sunshine and it was so lovely to read about how he absolutely fell head over heels for Paige.
The last half of the book amps up the conflict, but it resolved nicely and with the characters actually having a mature conversation about things instead of lots of miscommunication; which was a nice change from a lot of other novels going around.
Overall, this is an easy beach read with a simple plot and cute characters, but you have to stick with it because it takes a bit of time to get going.
April 22, 2021
Paige finds herself facing a situation with her ex boyfriend Chris. She can’t believe he’s walked into her shop to order his wedding cake! Plus she’s also got her current fling Noah to contend with. On paper he’s perfect, a doctor, fantastic kisser and a wonderful romantic but can Paige truly commit?
A easy and pleasant read that I picked up after wanting something to read that was a little lighter. It has drama, dilemmas and family and commitment issues. Can Paige finally confront her past to enable her to move forward with her future?
Thank you to Random House UK and Netgalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
A easy and pleasant read that I picked up after wanting something to read that was a little lighter. It has drama, dilemmas and family and commitment issues. Can Paige finally confront her past to enable her to move forward with her future?
Thank you to Random House UK and Netgalley for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2021
This was such a light, easy and well-written romance that is perfect to delve into. I felt as though I could connect well with the characters and I really empathised with Paige. When she's asked to bake a wedding cake for her ex, you'd think it would be awkward enough! There's definitely plenty of mix-up in this story and it was a joy to read.
I don't often feel very emotional reading books but this one definitely struck a chord with me. A fabulous strong female protagonist you'll be rooting for until the end. A fantastic read you won't want to miss.
I don't often feel very emotional reading books but this one definitely struck a chord with me. A fabulous strong female protagonist you'll be rooting for until the end. A fantastic read you won't want to miss.
January 7, 2023
This book isn’t as lighthearted as the blurb makes it out to be. The protagonist has cancer and it’s not at all alluded to in the blurb but regardless of it being nothing like what I expected. I didn’t hate it. It’s a book you definitely have to go into blind and the whole ex plot kinda annoyed me but once we got past that. It was sweet.
May 29, 2021
“He pulls me to him and this time, instead of pushing him away, I hold on tight. I plan on never letting go.”
Paige is a baker, and an incredibly skilled one at that. She was taught how to bake by her grandmother before she passed, and has made a relatively successful career out of it, making wedding cakes for starry-eyed, hopeful couples.
But, Paige is the least romantic person to ever exist. She’s also perpetually alone. Which is why it’s the shock of the century when her ex-boyfriend of six years walks through the door with his new fiancé, seeking a cake for their big day.
After seeing Chris again for the first time in over half a decade, she can’t get him out of her mind. So, in order to try and forget about the mess that is her love life, she vies to focus on her work life by attending a party with a wedding planner that she is dying to work with.
What she gets from that party, however, is something entirely unexpected. Paige is promised a flirtatious, easy, no-strings-attached one night stand with a man in a black top, if she just goes to the bar…and so she does. But she is shocked to find that there are two men in black tops: the only question is which is the guy she was destined to meet?
The Mix-Up was a fun, lighthearted read perfect for this time of year. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the majority of it.
There wasn’t much substance to the characters, for me personally, but I didn’t mind it too much as it felt right for the storyline that way.
Paige was a funny, independent and strong-willed main character with such an intense belief of what love should be that it hinders everything in her life, including when love is right before her very eyes.
Sped through this in 24 hours, and it was cute.
3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4!)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book early.
Paige is a baker, and an incredibly skilled one at that. She was taught how to bake by her grandmother before she passed, and has made a relatively successful career out of it, making wedding cakes for starry-eyed, hopeful couples.
But, Paige is the least romantic person to ever exist. She’s also perpetually alone. Which is why it’s the shock of the century when her ex-boyfriend of six years walks through the door with his new fiancé, seeking a cake for their big day.
After seeing Chris again for the first time in over half a decade, she can’t get him out of her mind. So, in order to try and forget about the mess that is her love life, she vies to focus on her work life by attending a party with a wedding planner that she is dying to work with.
What she gets from that party, however, is something entirely unexpected. Paige is promised a flirtatious, easy, no-strings-attached one night stand with a man in a black top, if she just goes to the bar…and so she does. But she is shocked to find that there are two men in black tops: the only question is which is the guy she was destined to meet?
The Mix-Up was a fun, lighthearted read perfect for this time of year. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the majority of it.
There wasn’t much substance to the characters, for me personally, but I didn’t mind it too much as it felt right for the storyline that way.
Paige was a funny, independent and strong-willed main character with such an intense belief of what love should be that it hinders everything in her life, including when love is right before her very eyes.
Sped through this in 24 hours, and it was cute.
3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4!)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book early.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
There is A LOT going on in this narrative including a cancer story, family issues, relationship problems and low self-esteem; honestly it seemed endless🙄. I struggled with the constant self-doubt of the main character, Paige, a wedding cake baker looking for a distraction when her ex boyfriend turns up at her cake tasting workshop with his fiance. It was a predictable tale but an easy read with a happy ending!
September 22, 2021
This was a very easy read - I did get frustrated at times with Paige’s character and Noah did seem too perfect at times. I found myself craving food when reading this as there are some great descriptive passages around pancakes, cake and savoury treats. I enjoyed the humour used by the author and would read more of her books.
March 24, 2022
To be honest, I struggled a lot with the main character, Paige. She came across as very insensitive & obsessed over her tool of an ex.
But my heart was completely with Noah. He was such a goof ball; sweet and caring.
The 3 stars is solely for him.
But my heart was completely with Noah. He was such a goof ball; sweet and caring.
The 3 stars is solely for him.
February 27, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Light hearted with a deep story line. I really felt I knew the characters- loved Paige, Sara and Noah!
March 3, 2022
More like a 3.5. I want a Noah 🥺
April 1, 2022
3,5 ⭐️
I had a good time reading this book! It was a cute and fun read!
I had a good time reading this book! It was a cute and fun read!
March 19, 2023
worst romance book
Read
December 24, 2024The older I get the less patience I have for books that don't hold my attention. Moving on.
September 11, 2025
I liked this more than I thought I would. At first she’s seems flakey and I can’t understand her thinking. But then I get it. I SO get it. Shed a few years for this one even.
November 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It had far more depth than you’d expect from the blurb. Yes, there’s romance and a bit of mistaken identity but this is more about a woman who has survived breast cancer and the impact it has had on her life. I feel that’s a major topic that people should be aware of in case it’s something they are not comfortable reading about.
June 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. It was a romance story where she “mixes up” a man who her friend has told her is good for a one night stand.
I enjoyed the story and connected with the main character. I found the side story of her having cancer a bit difficult to deal with but other than that I did enjoy this romance!
I enjoyed the story and connected with the main character. I found the side story of her having cancer a bit difficult to deal with but other than that I did enjoy this romance!
May 5, 2025
Didn’t even get to the real point of the story until the last hour of listening… how are we supposed to discuss this in book club?
May 7, 2021
The Mix Up by Holly McCulloch a fantastic five-star read. (Possible spoilers ahead, I hate them but couldn’t write without possibly saying the wrong thing, it’s not a plot spoiler but a possible reveal spoiler) This was a weird one and I didn’t know what to rate it, as I did spend the first half/two thirds of the story wondering if I had missed something, as there is a major thing alluded to but revealed after you have been wondering for ages. That being said, I got it, in the end I could see why, Paige herself admits it after the reveal, that point alone made it five stars for me, the sheer subtlety of the reason blew me away. I didn’t realise until after I had finished just why it had taken so long then boom, like her words playing in my head I realised and had to take a moment. Paige was such a strong character even if she didn’t see it in herself, to create such beauty is a rare thing. Also we all a need a Mika in our lives.
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