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Ready, Set, Bake
There's no recipe for true love...
Joey McGinnis literally doesn't know how to crack an egg. But when her best friend Kate asks her to make up the numbers on a new baking show, she can hardly say no. Especially when the invitation means a chance to play private detective.
But when things don't go exactly according to plan, Joey finds herself allied with top competitor Sophia. All Sophia wants is to save her cupcake store and pay off her sister's debts. All Joey wants is a chance to solve a mystery.
Joey's flighty and Sophia's cold and neither one is looking for a one-night-stand, let alone love. Yet for some reason, they just can't keep their hands off each other.
Somehow a rogue attack of chickenpox is about to turn into a love story with two very reluctant participants... And there's cake. A lot of cake.
Ready, Set, Bake is a new stand-alone lesbian romance from Sienna Waters, the author of the Oakview and Monday's Child lesfic series, as well as the bestsellers The Wrong Date and A Perfect Mess.
Joey McGinnis literally doesn't know how to crack an egg. But when her best friend Kate asks her to make up the numbers on a new baking show, she can hardly say no. Especially when the invitation means a chance to play private detective.
But when things don't go exactly according to plan, Joey finds herself allied with top competitor Sophia. All Sophia wants is to save her cupcake store and pay off her sister's debts. All Joey wants is a chance to solve a mystery.
Joey's flighty and Sophia's cold and neither one is looking for a one-night-stand, let alone love. Yet for some reason, they just can't keep their hands off each other.
Somehow a rogue attack of chickenpox is about to turn into a love story with two very reluctant participants... And there's cake. A lot of cake.
Ready, Set, Bake is a new stand-alone lesbian romance from Sienna Waters, the author of the Oakview and Monday's Child lesfic series, as well as the bestsellers The Wrong Date and A Perfect Mess.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2021
19 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 10, 2021
Baking show.
This book is a light toaster-oven romance with a touch of humour. It is a good read if you aren't looking for something profound to ponder about or a romance that cuts deep. And you don't even need to like baking to enjoy it.
The story revolves around a televised baking competition show and its cast and crew. We have Joey who joins the show to help a friend out. The only problem is, she can't bake. At all. But then she goes and stumbles upon a little mystery along the way and she's determined to stay on the show to play detective. We also have Sophia who is more serious about competing. She needs to win the prize money and hopefully earn some fame to save her bakery. But she gets sidetracked along the way by both Joey and her mystery solving.
This book is entertaining. The mystery that revolves around the show is fun to solve and you will enjoy Joey and Sophia together even though the romance is a little superficial. If you are up for some light fun, give this a try. It's a good stress reliever and it's on KU, so why not?
I received an ARC through Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a light toaster-oven romance with a touch of humour. It is a good read if you aren't looking for something profound to ponder about or a romance that cuts deep. And you don't even need to like baking to enjoy it.
The story revolves around a televised baking competition show and its cast and crew. We have Joey who joins the show to help a friend out. The only problem is, she can't bake. At all. But then she goes and stumbles upon a little mystery along the way and she's determined to stay on the show to play detective. We also have Sophia who is more serious about competing. She needs to win the prize money and hopefully earn some fame to save her bakery. But she gets sidetracked along the way by both Joey and her mystery solving.
This book is entertaining. The mystery that revolves around the show is fun to solve and you will enjoy Joey and Sophia together even though the romance is a little superficial. If you are up for some light fun, give this a try. It's a good stress reliever and it's on KU, so why not?
I received an ARC through Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2021
I knew I would love this book because I love to bake. Joey is still trying to find where she fits in after her divorce. Her friend Kate needs a fill-in on her new baking show and Joey steps up to help her out even though she doesn't know the first thing about baking. Sophia feels like she needs to fix everything in her family. Her cupcake shop is failing and she needs money. She gets a spot on the baking show and joins forces with Joey. The pair have an immediate connection. The story has a lot going on and the backstage antics are quite interesting. Sophia finds Joey very distracting and Joey helps her alleviate that tension. Sophia has a hard time asking for help and that's all Joey wants to do for her. They need to find a balance because they are so good together. The story is fun and romantic. I toughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
I had so much fun reading this book. I mean what’s better than being a participant in a baking show on tv when you can’t bake. Joey totally knows of course that she shouldn’t do that but what can you do when you wanna help your best friend.
Sophia on the other hand is a baking pro. She needs to win to save her business. Soon something happens at the set that makes her realise that she won’t come far with only her baking skills. The same goes for Joey that suddenly needs to stay at the set no matter how bad she is at baking. Both need an ally and so they decide to help each other.
What both not expect is being the attraction that follows. Actually Joey isn’t Sophia‘s type at all. At least this is what she thinks (if only her hormones would listen to her...). And Joey on the other hand never thought about being with a woman before. And then there is the fact that Sophia is more of a reserved person and Joey loves to joke and doesn’t really know what she wants in life.
All of this are the perfect requirements for a hilarious ride that also contains enough heat at the right places. And who would have thought baking could be so attractive. ☺️ Besides loving Sophia and Joey together I also loved the side story at the set. Thing after thing happens and you just wanna know what’s behind all of it and why. At least that’s how I felt.
Of course everyone has to read and hopefully enjoy for themselves. This definitely is another fantastic story by Sienna Waters. And like I already said at the beginning I had so much fun. Including the moments Joey made fun of yoga. Something I love but definitely can laugh about it when it’s described like here. ☺️
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sophia on the other hand is a baking pro. She needs to win to save her business. Soon something happens at the set that makes her realise that she won’t come far with only her baking skills. The same goes for Joey that suddenly needs to stay at the set no matter how bad she is at baking. Both need an ally and so they decide to help each other.
What both not expect is being the attraction that follows. Actually Joey isn’t Sophia‘s type at all. At least this is what she thinks (if only her hormones would listen to her...). And Joey on the other hand never thought about being with a woman before. And then there is the fact that Sophia is more of a reserved person and Joey loves to joke and doesn’t really know what she wants in life.
All of this are the perfect requirements for a hilarious ride that also contains enough heat at the right places. And who would have thought baking could be so attractive. ☺️ Besides loving Sophia and Joey together I also loved the side story at the set. Thing after thing happens and you just wanna know what’s behind all of it and why. At least that’s how I felt.
Of course everyone has to read and hopefully enjoy for themselves. This definitely is another fantastic story by Sienna Waters. And like I already said at the beginning I had so much fun. Including the moments Joey made fun of yoga. Something I love but definitely can laugh about it when it’s described like here. ☺️
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
This was a fun read, I mean cake and sabotage , WHY NOT.
I have rated this 3.5 due to some elements of the story not being explained like the sabotage and to be honest it didn't need it. I think I would of preferred the book without it and at the end we never really found out the main reason for it either.
Waters is a great writer and I liked how our MC Joey was determined knew what she want despite not having it before. Cryptic but once you start reading you will understand me.
Look forward to what comes next.
I have rated this 3.5 due to some elements of the story not being explained like the sabotage and to be honest it didn't need it. I think I would of preferred the book without it and at the end we never really found out the main reason for it either.
Waters is a great writer and I liked how our MC Joey was determined knew what she want despite not having it before. Cryptic but once you start reading you will understand me.
Look forward to what comes next.
December 8, 2024
Another ruby from my TBR shelves! I had a great time reading this book, with hoping Joey and Sophia get together and trying to solve the mystery! I highly recommend it! 5 stars!
August 5, 2021
What do you get if you add a girl who can't bake and a pro cupcake maker into a bowl and mix? A wonderful book full of fun that also includes a baddie who is wreaking havoc on the TV set, that our hapless main characters find themselves on.
Joey can't even crack an egg and is only there to make up the numbers for her best friend.
Sophia is a top class cupcake maker, but her business is failing so she agrees to take part in the show as a last ditch attempt to raise awareness and promote her shop. Queue lots of fun as the dynamic duo are forced to become allies, as the competition gets serious. Joey isn't Sophia's 'type' and Sophia isn't Joey's 'gender type' but as things heat up they find themselves becoming closer and closer. Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joey can't even crack an egg and is only there to make up the numbers for her best friend.
Sophia is a top class cupcake maker, but her business is failing so she agrees to take part in the show as a last ditch attempt to raise awareness and promote her shop. Queue lots of fun as the dynamic duo are forced to become allies, as the competition gets serious. Joey isn't Sophia's 'type' and Sophia isn't Joey's 'gender type' but as things heat up they find themselves becoming closer and closer. Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this lighthearted romance in the contemporary setting of an elimination cooking show. The characters are very sweet and struggle through their own issues as they try to cook themselves to success.
The added complication is the unraveling of a conspiracy to bring by the tv series to a halt.
This was a pleasant read and I cheered on the main characters and interestingly enough I was invested in positive outcomes for even the minor characters.
August 6, 2021
Sweet treat
A wonderful sweet story. Joey has no idea what she wants. Sophia has to take care of everything. Maybe together they could be right I all ways.
A wonderful sweet story. Joey has no idea what she wants. Sophia has to take care of everything. Maybe together they could be right I all ways.
December 31, 2021
Waters has delivered my new favorite of her stories with Ready, Set, Bake. This story has it all, delicious sexual tension and delicous food, an opposites attract romance, and even a bit of mystery.
A baking competition where one woman needs to win to save her business and the other doesn’t even know how to bake, A mysterious saboteur who has it out for the show’s producer, and distraction in the form of an unlikely and irresistible attraction, all combine to make one fantastic story.
Joey and Sophia are excellent characters. Both women have been hurt by divorce but that’s where their similarities end. Sophia carries the world on her shoulders and feels it is her job to do everything on her own, she is focused and serious. After Joey’s divorce she realized she lost herself in her last relationship so now she tries everything but commits to nothing. She has a carpe diem mindset. Both women have a lot to learn throughout the story.
Joey and Sophia’s chemistry is electric. The mutual attraction is strong and surprising for both women. Their Interactions are incredibly saucy and brimming with sexual tension. I loved the honest and open communication between them, there were several instances where they put themselves out there to avoid miscommunication and it was very refreshing. They built a solid foundation very quickly by both being so forthcoming.
The mystery surrounding the show added another layer of intrigue an excitement and really brought the story together. I loved watching it all unfold.
This book is super fun and sweet. Joey and Sophia are lovely and their romance was sexy as hell. All around amazing read.
A baking competition where one woman needs to win to save her business and the other doesn’t even know how to bake, A mysterious saboteur who has it out for the show’s producer, and distraction in the form of an unlikely and irresistible attraction, all combine to make one fantastic story.
Joey and Sophia are excellent characters. Both women have been hurt by divorce but that’s where their similarities end. Sophia carries the world on her shoulders and feels it is her job to do everything on her own, she is focused and serious. After Joey’s divorce she realized she lost herself in her last relationship so now she tries everything but commits to nothing. She has a carpe diem mindset. Both women have a lot to learn throughout the story.
Joey and Sophia’s chemistry is electric. The mutual attraction is strong and surprising for both women. Their Interactions are incredibly saucy and brimming with sexual tension. I loved the honest and open communication between them, there were several instances where they put themselves out there to avoid miscommunication and it was very refreshing. They built a solid foundation very quickly by both being so forthcoming.
The mystery surrounding the show added another layer of intrigue an excitement and really brought the story together. I loved watching it all unfold.
This book is super fun and sweet. Joey and Sophia are lovely and their romance was sexy as hell. All around amazing read.
August 29, 2021
I enjoyed this book overall for what it was. I think when you go into a book knowing that there’s going to be a happy ending, you feel more at ease when reading it. I don’t really like books that tend to throw in unnecessary drama for the sake of it and I felt that a little bit with this one.
I get the sabotage thing but why did that even need to happen? And even as I think back to everything, I still don’t know what the reasons were for it. Maybe it was jealousy but then does that really even make sense? The whole sabotage thing just seemed so pointless to me and then add to the fact that Sophia just got eliminated so quickly was like what? All of that talk about wanting to win and doing anything to win and she just accepted it. Then don’t even get me started on Nico. So he was willing to leave in place of Joey when they found out she got the ‘most’ votes but when it was announced that Sophia got eliminated after that whole fridge fiasco, he didn’t say a single word. So what was even the point in his little speech?
I mean, overall the book was okay. Seemed a bit abrupt in terms of feelings and attraction but I was willing to let that go because I enjoy cliché stories. However, some of the things in the storyline just didn’t make sense to me and that’s something I’m not willing to let go, hence why I’ve rated it a three instead of a four.
I get the sabotage thing but why did that even need to happen? And even as I think back to everything, I still don’t know what the reasons were for it. Maybe it was jealousy but then does that really even make sense? The whole sabotage thing just seemed so pointless to me and then add to the fact that Sophia just got eliminated so quickly was like what? All of that talk about wanting to win and doing anything to win and she just accepted it. Then don’t even get me started on Nico. So he was willing to leave in place of Joey when they found out she got the ‘most’ votes but when it was announced that Sophia got eliminated after that whole fridge fiasco, he didn’t say a single word. So what was even the point in his little speech?
I mean, overall the book was okay. Seemed a bit abrupt in terms of feelings and attraction but I was willing to let that go because I enjoy cliché stories. However, some of the things in the storyline just didn’t make sense to me and that’s something I’m not willing to let go, hence why I’ve rated it a three instead of a four.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
Another delightful tale from the author and this one has the central theme of a T.V. Baking Show mixed in with some intrigue and of course romance. Our lead characters in this one are Joey, divorced and unsure of where she's going in life and Sophia, trying to keep her cupcake business afloat. Joey's best friend Kate needs a final participant for a baking show and drags in a reluctant, clueless non-baker Joey. Sophia is also one of the competitors and there's an unexpected attraction between the two. But Joey is straight, isn't she?? Baking shenanigans abound wrapped in with some drama, humor, slow romance and a great supporting group particularly Laura and Nico.
Sweet tooth be damned, another hit from Ms. Waters which I easily recommend.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a voluntary and unbiased review.
Sweet tooth be damned, another hit from Ms. Waters which I easily recommend.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a voluntary and unbiased review.
August 9, 2021
A number of sub-plots grow through this book and, like most tales told by our author, it makes for a captivating read from beginning to end.
Sienna Waters is, for me, a gentle raconteur who builds mystery into a main theme of difficult emotions which are not likely to be sorted out well by the individuals alone. The circumstances in which they find themselves force them to look more carefully at other people who are caught up in the same whirl. Sienna has the skill to describe the pressures and joy that flow from these unlikely liaisons in a really intimate way, from anger, exasperation and self-doubt to overwhelming love and warmth. Finally, in the last lines we conclude with beautifully written understatement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Sienna Waters is, for me, a gentle raconteur who builds mystery into a main theme of difficult emotions which are not likely to be sorted out well by the individuals alone. The circumstances in which they find themselves force them to look more carefully at other people who are caught up in the same whirl. Sienna has the skill to describe the pressures and joy that flow from these unlikely liaisons in a really intimate way, from anger, exasperation and self-doubt to overwhelming love and warmth. Finally, in the last lines we conclude with beautifully written understatement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 3, 2021
Joey is a good friend to Kate, and Joey is just looking for her next steps after her divorce from Ross
Kate is moving up at her local tv station, on the production side. maybe not everyone is happy about her successes
Sophia and sister Laura are working hard to keep their family bakery going - a bakery Sophia brought about through a lot of hard work
A survivor type reality tv competition brings out romance, and their personal insecurities and inner drama and demons
Can they survive the competition and their real life drama?
egg crushing baking fun along with romance .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kate is moving up at her local tv station, on the production side. maybe not everyone is happy about her successes
Sophia and sister Laura are working hard to keep their family bakery going - a bakery Sophia brought about through a lot of hard work
A survivor type reality tv competition brings out romance, and their personal insecurities and inner drama and demons
Can they survive the competition and their real life drama?
egg crushing baking fun along with romance .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2021
The mystery had me hooked!
The red herrings has me convinced the entire time that it was V/D instead of who it turned out to be which was fascinating because my mind was made up. Sophie and Joey were the cutest. I love the fact the aspect of love at first sight it's something we all dream about but very few accomplish it like these two characters have. Definitely a great end of the summer read, Sienna continues to add new layers to every novel and keeps us coming back for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The red herrings has me convinced the entire time that it was V/D instead of who it turned out to be which was fascinating because my mind was made up. Sophie and Joey were the cutest. I love the fact the aspect of love at first sight it's something we all dream about but very few accomplish it like these two characters have. Definitely a great end of the summer read, Sienna continues to add new layers to every novel and keeps us coming back for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2021
I didn't get attached to this book in any particular way. Not the characters or the plot or anything. It felt a little contrived, and little effort was put into really making the plot worthwhile. It was just a convenient meet cute for the main couple.
The writing technique was sloppy, too. Run-on sentences, and not just in dialogue. Weird phrasing, weird breaks in weird places. Was there an editor on this project?
That isn't to say I hated it. I just didn't love it or particularly get into it. I wasn't rooting for them. I was apathetic, which is the worst thing to be in a romance.
The writing technique was sloppy, too. Run-on sentences, and not just in dialogue. Weird phrasing, weird breaks in weird places. Was there an editor on this project?
That isn't to say I hated it. I just didn't love it or particularly get into it. I wasn't rooting for them. I was apathetic, which is the worst thing to be in a romance.
July 22, 2021
I always enjoy Sienna Waters' books. And I enjoyed this one. I like the believable characters and how they forge through the obstacles life puts in front of them. Joey and Sophia were no exception. And, okay, I admit it. I had to seek out some cupcakes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
Another great story from Ms Waters. Joey is talked into going on a tv baking show by best friend who is involved with the show. She has no idea about cooking or baking, but is prepared to help her friend. On the show she meets Sophia , who is on the show to save her bakery. Although they are complete opposites they are attracted to each other. A well written story, with some mystery as well as romance. Would highly recommend.
August 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this lighthearted romance in the contemporary setting of an elimination cooking show. The characters are very sweet and struggle through their own issues as they try to cook themselves to success.
The added complication is the unraveling of a conspiracy to bring by the tv series to a halt.
This was a pleasant read and I cheered on the main characters and interestingly enough I was invested in positive outcomes for even the minor characters.
August 20, 2021
This is a really woderful romatic comedy with a pretty good selection of rather interesting characters, even the supposedly villain of which in the end turns out to be quite lovable. Of course the story also has a happy end and both ladies get their desired partner. There even is a taste of suspense and a bit of mystery in the story, it really is something for everyone but homophobes in there.
August 18, 2021
One of her best
Ms. Waters is always a reliable read but this was one of her better ones. Set around a baking TV show it has a very nice mix of romance with a bit of mystery thrown in. Highly recommended.
Ms. Waters is always a reliable read but this was one of her better ones. Set around a baking TV show it has a very nice mix of romance with a bit of mystery thrown in. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2021
Perfect read
Wow perfect read you want to know what happened next I was hooked from first page till last what a beautiful storyline congratulations.
Wow perfect read you want to know what happened next I was hooked from first page till last what a beautiful storyline congratulations.
January 2, 2022
If Bake off, Survivor, and Nancy Drew had a cute sapphic baby it would be this book.
May 5, 2023
“sweet” story
Nice romance & mystery set in a baking show. If readers like Louisa in Encanto they will love this lead character.
Nice romance & mystery set in a baking show. If readers like Louisa in Encanto they will love this lead character.
Read
August 5, 2021Desperate to save her cupcake shop the owner enters a baking reality show. She finds out everything is not as it seems. There are strange going on and partly it feels everything is fixed and she can't win. There's also something going on that may harm someone. But most imporou up reading it to find out what happens nexttant of all the girl who's the friend of one of the crew doesn't know how to bake. As things progress baking is resulting in more romance than baking from a friendship. This is a great romance novel you expect from Sierra Waters. It will keep you up and losing sleep to find out what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2023
3.5. I couldn’t tell where this was set or if the author is an Anglophile or actually British or something. The verbiage was often vaguely British sounding but I thought it was set in the states? Super confusing. Not a bad story but it didn’t grab or excite me. It just felt like listening to a friend describe how she met her partner.
December 21, 2021
Impact
This book was a nice read with well defined characters that drew you in to the story! The ending seemed a bit rushed.
This book was a nice read with well defined characters that drew you in to the story! The ending seemed a bit rushed.
March 18, 2022
Good book. Enjoyed the start, didn’t expect the bit of intrigue and I am not sure how true to life the setting was but I am sure I enjoyed it.
May 9, 2023
A baking contest romance that did little to describe the main characters. I did not feel the chemistry between them. They talk as acquaintances for a little while, and then they are in love??? I don’t think they know anything about each other as they try to survive the baking show all the while stealing kisses.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews