The Winning Ingredient

by Kelly Swan Taylor

As the past and the present collide, one baker and one quarterback team up. The two might be the winning ingredient in a timeless recipe.

Mia DeSalvo is one tough cookie, who can throw a perfect spiral and bake perfect biscotti. But, as George Washington High’s top student and ninth-grade class president, she’s thrown off her game when asked to tutor boarding school drop-out and secret-weapon-on-the-football-field, Bryce Fitzgerald. Despite his to-die-for dimples, he’s a total bore. Besides, her plate is already full, trying to save her family’s struggling century-old Italian bakery.


Determined to tackle her family’s business woes, Mia secretly devotes her free time to developing new recipes, with the help of her Sicilian great-great-grandmother’s handwritten cookbook. She soon discovers that blending her own innovations with her Nonna Antoinette’s history may be the key to the bakery’s success.


But Mia’s not the only one with a secret. As rumors swirl around Bryce’s lightning-speed exit from prestigious Chadwick Academy, she’s resolved to get to the bottom of it. Unfortunately, the star quarterback’s bad attitude, mixed with her flaming temper, is a recipe for disaster.


When Mia stumbles upon Bryce’s beautifully written journal, it’s clear his talents aren’t confined to the football field, and there’s much more to the hazel-eyed quarterback than she could’ve imagined. While the journal may hold all the answers she’s looking for, the weight of its heartbreaking words may be too much for her to carry.


With the future of the DeSalvo Bakery and the football State Championship hanging in the balance, Mia and Bryce might just have what the other is missing.


Armed with an antique cookbook and a football, this unlikely pair will discover the importance of embracing an enduring legacy and keeping cherished memories alive.


This lower young adult novel is a patriotic story of unwavering friendship through loss and triumph.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult

264 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2021

About the author

Growing up immersed in beloved “Teen” novels, award-winning author Kelly Swan Taylor now crafts her own sweet stories that bridge the gap between middle grade (MG) and young adult (YA) fiction. From friendship adventures to chilling mysteries and thrillers, all with a sporty twist and a dash of romance, her contemporary novels ignite the imagination while championing the everyday hero.

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher/tour organiser in exchange of an honest review.

Baking, sports, romance, and a very well-written book! This was just the best.

Two things I got to mention before heading to the goodies and the favourites and all the YASSES. This book was just so good and I wanted to read it in one go. But sadly PDFs x Kindles are still not working. The font had three styles. Itty bitty tiny ouch my head/eyes to OK-ish still not good to YAS. Sadly, the YAS was only there a few times, most was itty bitty. That kind of ruined the experience for me.

The next thing, given the cover, given the story, given how the characters were, they are definitely not 14-15. Believe me. No. Just no. I remember being 14 and just no. Yes, I was responsible, but if I saw a hot guy, no one in my class or my friend group would be mature about it, we would giggle and preen. XD Also I just know very little 14 year olds that are that mature. That dedicated and responsible. There are some, I know, but a whole book of them? No. Just no. I honestly had forgotten that in the blurb it was mentioned she was in 9th grade (which according to google is 14/15) so I was shocked when it popped up in the story that she was a freshman (had to look that up as we don’t work with that system here). No. I mean, what parent would allow all these things that these kids can do? And how is Chloe or anyone able to buy fancy lattes and other foods at that age? How is the dad allowing his 14 (maybe 15) year old kid to stand in the kitchen at midnight and just continue through the night? OK, he doesn’t know, but they are bound to hear something and I know the mom knew. There were so many things that just didn’t match. And so, for me, they are 17, maybe 16. Not lower. And this isn’t a negative thing, but something that really stood out for me.
Now on to the GOOD stuff. And BOY I got so much GOOD stuff.

Favourite #1: Baking, FOOD, YUM.

The whole book is about baking. A lot of things I cannot eat (nut allergies, yas), but there was so much other stuff that I could eat and I really wanted to lick my Kindle. Many a times. Believe me. I just wanted to give my Kindle a big slobber to see if any taste would come true. I just love all that Mia cooks up in the kitchen and I loved how she kept adjusting, trying, reverse engineering the food. I wanted to be her friend. To be a tester for her. And not only baked goods make an appearance, we also read about delicious lasagne, pasta and meatballs, and a lot of other food and yes, while writing my stomach remembers those and is rumbling. XD

Favourite #2: The romance, the chemistry, just KISS already.

While for most of the book nothing exactly happens between Mia and Bryce, I was still shipping hard. Cheering loudly for these two. From the moment they met I just loved their chemistry and I was looking forward to seeing them connect, get closer. However, with Mia reading something she shouldn’t have, things were a bit bumpier. Oh, and Mia is also just like me, totally oblivious to anyone’s advances. XD But despite it taking a long time for Mia to figure out her feelings, I loved the romance. Because anyone can see the spark. And I don’t mind a slowburn with tons of sweet moments that make you scream that the characters should just Kiss already.

Favourite #3: Sports, tackles, oh my.

I am normally not a football (was that the sport) fan, I mean it is not a thing in my country. And normally I am not 100% in it, but the author managed to make me very excited for the sports in this one. It helps that it was a big part of the story. The it was something important to all the characters. Plus, the matches were very well-written and it was as if I was there. I also love that Mia knows a lot about the sports and can also kick some butt at it. It is quite rare for books with football in it to have a female character being good at it/having a very big interest in it.

Favourite #4: Side-characters, Zach, Eli, Chloe, YAS

This book has a TON of fantastic side-characters and I just love love love them. From tiny little brother Eli who is just the cutest (and maybe a bit overdosed on sugar after the events in this book) to friends Chloe and Harper who were so fun and sweet. There wasn’t a side-character I didn’t like, in fact I loved all of them and loved it when we got a new character added to the cast. I loved the friendships between the characters.

Favourite #5: Mental health, standing up for yourself, mourning, I am struggling with the words

There are various in this one. From Mia needing to stand up for herself and take better care of herself because she is burning out at this rate and how her friends try to talk to her about it and try to help her to Zach’s and Bryce’s losses. Bryce’s a bit fresher, but Zach’s still very present in life. We see how each character try to grow, get better, feel better. I love how everyone is there for each other. Mia has her friends and Bryce. And Mia tries to help her friends as well, I just ADORED what she did for both Bryce and Zach to help them out.
And not just that, but Mia is learning how to stand up for what she believes in, like the bakery. Throughout the book we see her try to perfect everything, but her friends also tell her that she should just go for it. I was so proud of her when she finally went for it.

Favourite #6: The Writing Style

I just adored the writing style of this book. Everything really flowed and clicked and matched together. As I said, great side characters, but that is also a clear sign of great writing style. I have read enough books with tons of side characters and in the end they just felt like the same character… or they just never stood out. In this one each character was brought to life. The writing style kept me into this book, made me want to read.

There you have it 6 favourites! I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Emily | booksandbedtime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet YA romance book. Full disclosure, I get really nervous picking up a YA book these days. I’m 33, and a lot of times I just can’t connect to YA. But this was not the case with this book.

Mia is an overachiever. She’s a straight A student, class president, plans school charity events and a nonstop baker. When Bryce - the new hotshot quarterback - needs a tutor, it’s up to Mia to get him up to speed.

This was a really sweet book that I devoured. Mia is a great MC and the perfect voice for this lovely novel.

Thank you to Kelly Swan Taylor for sending me a copy of your book!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, fast-paced YA novel. In the author’s debut novel, Mia, freshman class president and star student, hopes her baking skills and secretive baking sessions, will result in new recipes that will help save her family’s fledgling bakery. Enter transfer student Bryce, star football quarterback, who she is asked to tutor to help improve his grades. As the sparks, baked goods, and an occasional football, fly between them, they discover that by being open, vulnerable, and willing to take advice from each other, they can discover the winning ingredients to successfully meet their dreams.

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winning Ingredient is a novel full of heart, baking, and football.

Mia is a top student, ninth-grade class president, and a baker with some football skills. Bryce is a new-to-school football player who needs a tutor. When Mia is volunteered for the position, the two do not get along. But as Mia discovers more about Bryce and Bryce starts letting down his walls with Mia, the unlikely pair might just realize that they’re on the same team.

This was a cute novel. The ups and downs of Bryce and Mia’s relationship (and the way Mia’s friends handled it) never had a dull moment. The relationships were great. First, Mia and her best friend Zach had a strictly platonic relationship this whole book. It’s kind of rare to see this in a YA novel. It’s refreshing to see a girl and a guy stay friends without any romance added. I am extremely grateful to the author for this. Also, the friendship between Chloe, Harper, and Mia really felt like an authentic girl friendship. They each had outside interests and while there was teasing about different boys they had crushes on, it never took over their friendship. Also, Mia’s relationship with her parents was great! The focus on family, in general, and cherishing memories of lost loved ones is poignant. Honestly, this might be one of my favorite portrayals of grief in a YA novel. This never felt forced either.

All in all, The Winning Ingredient contains many winning ingredients that help this book shine. I am really excited to see what Kelly Swan Taylor writes next! I can’t believe this is her debut. (Also be sure to read the author’s note – it includes some insight into the novel’s background).

Many thanks to Turn the Page Tours for inclusion on The Winning Ingredient Book Tour and Link Press for a physical copy of this novel!

[Brinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super fun read! It bothered me in some regards, but as a whole, it was super enjoyable.

Before I start raving about it though, I feel like I should discuss my only complaint. I hated that Mia read Bryce's journal. It was a huge invasion of privacy, and everything about it frustrated me. She knew it was wrong, and still did it. Even though she grew on me as time continued, that initial act really bothered me.

Other than that, I really loved the baking aspects! They were both super fun and infuriating. I wanted the cannoli and biscotti Mia was always making, and i was so sad that I couldn't have it. Seriously, torturing us with all of those beautiful descriptions was evil.

As for the romance, Bryce and Mia weren't my favorite couple, but they were cute. I enjoyed the way this flipped the normal stereotypes in romances, it was a breath of fresh air. Their personalities complimented each other nicely, and I enjoyed their banter.

Over the past week, I've been bingeing baking romances, and this one was just as good as the rest!

Thanks to Turn the Page Tours for providing a free copy!

[Riddhi B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I think this might be the first novel I've read written in this age range. And well it was okayish.

Honestly, I didn't realise the book coming to an end, but yet it felt super long.

Plot:
The plot was pretty basic honestly, and I felt that the author had difficulty carrying it forward. Every aspect wasn't explored as it should have been.

Characters:
I did not like Mia. A 13-year-old is rarely ever that mature, and doesn't really have that many sleepless nights.
I didn't like Harper either- who says boss, to a fellow ninth grader?
I loved Zach, Chloe and Bryce though, they were so sweet!

Writing Style:
I loved the banter between the characters, and how the author had tried to include so many things- football, baking and whatnot. The writing style was goodish.

I would give this book three stars, as it had a lot of potential, but that just wasn't explored.

Thank you to Turn the Page Tours for a free copy of this novel.

[Tristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia, a Freahman in High School, is hoping she can use her Great Great Grandmothers re-imagined recipes to save her parents failing bakery, but is having a hard time navigating around her very stubborn Italian Father. When her teachers ask her to tutor the “New Kid” Bryce, Mia is less than thrilled. Bryce is a Private School jock with a major attitude. They soon realize they can work together to help each other out, and may even build a friendship at the same time.

I adored this book! A YA story about budding friendship, overcoming insecurities and learning to lean on others. I enjoyed the football scenes, they were told just right, not too in depth, but enough for me to really understand what was happening in the games. There was a part where tears were just streaming down my cheeks! Patriotism gets me every time. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to drool over the amazing baked good descriptions, totally had me craving a cannoli!

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read the synopsis of this book I thought this has all the makings of a teenage Hallmark story! While there's some Hallmark vibes this story is has its own uniqueness. The author brings two unlikely people together who while discovering each other's struggles also find an unexpected friendship that encompasses their community. The ending was perfect!

[E.B. MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this spunky YA novel! Fun characters (ok, ok—Bryce is adorable!) giggle-worthy lines and plenty of Italian baked goodies! Recommended for all ages.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super cute, fun read with writing that stands on its own merit rather than relying on shock-value. It's real. The characters are loveable, and the Italian heritage element makes it a rich and engrossing story. Oh, and it definitely made me hungry for cookies, cannoli, biscotti, and all the rest!

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Swan Taylor kicks off fall right with a story of championing old and new friendships in THE WINNING INGREDIENT. Bryce Fitzgerald and Mia DeSalvo show that sometimes a fresh perspective and a new beginning are exactly what it takes to come out on top. Working together and sticking up for each other, Mia and Bryce find a way to make the challenges of life, football, and a great-great-grandmother’s recipes work. Their new friendship blossoms as they tackle aversion with dedication, pride, and allegiance. Combining friendship and passion, high school football and a family’s Italian bakery is a touchdown. My only warning is: don’t read on an empty stomach!

[diya~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Winning Ingredient’ by Kelly Swan Taylor is quirky and sweet and is a treat to all sweet-toothed readers out there. It is a beautiful lower YA tale of two teenagers, Bruce and Mia as they make their way through their younger teenage years and face their fears, burdens and uncertainties and come out stronger than ever, together. It stresses on the importance of history, family, strong friendships and is a perfect showcase of – teamwork DOES make dreamwork!

The budding romance between Mia and Bruce is slow, sweet but also a bit too… cheesy? But they are 14 years old right? Given the fact that I was Hella cheesy at 14 too, I forgive them 😅🙌 I like how they started out from friendship and also the fact that their friends – who were pretty annoying in the way friends are when you’re crushing on somebody – figured that they’re both in love even before they did themselves. (which is exactly how it happens, you know…)😂

One of the strongest elements of the book is surely its cultural representation as our protagonist Mia, is Italian-American. Her bakery is an extension of her past, ancestors and culture and carrying on this legacy is a burden Mia carries quite proudly. She is, to put it simply – ‘a perfect all rounder’. She’s the class president, is the best in her class at maths and science. So good in fact, that her teachers want her to tutor another student (?!), Is an insanely talented baker, is an ah-me-zing best friend and daughter and apart from that, is somehow a football master too. She is so much more productive than I’ll ever be, it almost makes me not like her. She was too perfect, I was afraid of her becoming a mini ‘Mary-Sue’ most of the time and maybe that’s why I kept leaning towards our Bruce, Zach and Chloe who seemed to me, more layered and three dimensional (and interesting)

Overall, The Winning Ingredient is a nice and sweet light read which can put a smile on your face and make you have some serious biscotti’s and croissants cravings!🍨🍪💗

“The best way to hide the evidence is to eat it”

(and this people, has to be my favourite quote from the book. It’s so freaking misleading!😂)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect book for me to read when I felt down! I realize I'm probably not the target audience for this book, it being a middle school / young adult book, but when the story telling is strong, people of any age can enjoy it. It's almost like Hallmark for teenagers, with lessons that can be applied for people in all walks of life.

I had some nostalgia while readings this. It brought me back to high school, the highs and lows, the friendships and crushes, and the hysteria surrounding football and team spirit. Mia was so mature for her age - driven, smart, and focused. She had insecurities and weaknesses like anyone else though, and it was great to see her push through adversity and open herself up to friends and family. Her love language is definitely food and her friendship with Chloe and Harper was perfect, because they for sure love to eat their feelings! I laughed out loud during the championship game when they were stress eating everything in sight. That's what I do during hockey games!

I loved Mia's friendship with Zach, how they've been with each other through everything, the good and bad, and how they can have honest conversations without worrying about hurting the others feelings. Bryce was so swoony and sweet! Even though Mia could be eccentric and head strong, he never took things too personally and just wanted to be there for her. He understood her.

Overall, this was just a very sweet book that kept me very entertained and put a smile on my face. Going to recommend to my niece who just started middle school!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this story not knowing what to expect, but honestly it was a breath of fresh air. Such a sweet novel filled with not just a budding friendship, sports and even a budding romance! Add in all the delicious recipes, wonderful friendships, family growth and tackling grief... it was such an amazing read! I need to recommend it to adults that like YA, and to teens and even tweens, the content was clean and really uplifting. Mia's character is exemplary, and Bryce manages to be this hot shot football player while being humble and kind. I loved it!

Bryce has moved to a new school and is in need of a tutor. Mia is the class president and given the job of tutoring Bryce. At first glance she is not so sure about the moody new football player. But with time she learns more about him, and she opens up to him as well. He needs better grades, and is still struggling with the loss of a loved one. And she is working hard to juggle it all while keeping her grades up, trying to save the family bakery, tutor and host a fundraiser. Can Bryce and Mia create a friendship and help each other with everything that's on their plate? And what happens when Bryce's former life (before moving to her school) comes calling him back?

He has his secret journal and she has her secret recipes, will they help or hurt this new friendship?

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Swan Taylor is bridging the gap of middle grade and YA and absolutely killing it. The Winning Ingredient reminds me of the “romance light” books I read in late middle/early high school.

Kelly has female main characters who are all champions in maturity, creativeness, and empathy. While it could be easy to assume high school freshman aren’t so mature or are cheesy with their romance, we were all that age at one point and also very cheesy. I love that I see a little bit of myself in Mia despite I’m an adult now.

The ability to write in tough hitting topics without the book feeling heavy is such a gift. Death of a parent (past tense), grief, financial issues, self-doubt, and stress are all covered in this book in an age-appropriate and easily digested way.

This romance isn’t supposed to be full of steam and spice, it is supposed to be a little cheesy and full of those awkward high school moments and miscommunications- it’s written for that awkward age group which is why it fits so well!

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winning Ingredient is an incredible, fun, adorable, emotional, and heartwarming read! This book truly has it all and will evoke a wide range of emotions from the reader. It is recommended for 12 to 18 year olds but I would reccomend it to any adult who loves a book that has a cute romance, strong friendships, family, an emphasis on cultural heritage, cherishing the memories of those who have past, baking, and football! Let's not forget the multigenerational aspect of this book which I am a sucker for! This book combines so many things I love and portrays each aspect in a relatable and dimensional way. I love that this romance starts out Mia thinking little of Bryce and shifts until the two of them see each other for the amazing individuals they truly are. I absolutely adore this book and am deeming it a must read!

[B Pastore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me to enjoy and to share with the community by way of our Little Free Library!

This is a great story of a young girl whose parents own a bakery which is failing. She loves to bake new things and wants to help her families bakery. Her father will not change his ways and refuses to try new things. The story is also about how she tutors the schools football quarterback and how they start out as enemies and the time she is done tutoring him they have become fast friends.

This is an outstanding book for young adults and adults alike. I highly recommend for all.

Looking forward to sharing this gem with visitors to our Little Free Library who I know will love it too!!!

[Laurie Gommermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story with a young 14 yo inspiration Mia DeSalvo
She selflessly puts herself out there for everyone. She’s shy, snarky, smart, sensitive, athletic and supportive. She’s unaware how her actions impact others. She stimulates others to be better, to do more for the school, the community and each other.
Kelly Swanson Taylor Wow ! What a powerful story dealing with adolescence. She touches on life’s tough lessons: encompassing friendship, loss of a parent, parental love, academics, sports, respect , traditions, sacrifice and commitment. Most importantly acceptance of self
I’m looking forward to reading more of her stories! Kudos to KST!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was created for the YA audience. It has high school students, coffee shops with tasty food and beverages along with academic angst and football games. Many of the student's parents and their occupations also add to the plot. Therefore, the book will entertain teens along with their parents and grandparents. After all, who would refuse new bakery treats and a latte? I would suggest this book as an excellent option for Book Discussion groups of all ages. 5 STARS

[Kate L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastically cute book! Perfect for middle and high school students. Lots of first crushes and pure cuteness! I just adore Mia and Bryce and all the characters! They are believable and make up such a great group of kids. I wish I could go to the football games with them and bake with them too! This book touches on some loss which is a sensitive topic but something many teens do have to face. I think it was done just perfectly. Great read and left me smiling!

[Laurel Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

YAs aren’t my usual genre, but I thought this was a cute book. For the most part, the characters (main and supporting) rang true, although there were some aspects that seemed more “adult”, 16-17, like her staying up at night baking, seemingly with her parents’ knowledge. His being on the varsity team, rather than jv, things like that. The banter between Mia and Bryce was engaging. While she’s tutoring the football star, do they discover the winning ingredient?

[Kelly Coffey-Behrens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I would definitely say this book is geared towards teenagers/young adults due to the storyline and the writing style.

I loved how it included specific details and references to both football and baking as those are two of my passions, but the plot was pretty basic in my opinion.

Overall, a very cute story!

[Jo Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet YA read

[Lisa Benton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. I don't usually read about high schoolers, but I would definitely recommend it to teens. They could learn something about themselves and others.

[Joannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA book but I would recommend it for adults too. I really enjoyed it! It was very well written.

[Kelly Reitmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is geared towards junior high students. Not quite middle school and not quite YA, this debut novel was well geared towards preteen and young teen readers.

I do feel that the characters were written a bit too mature for their age. There were just some character mannerisms that didn’t feel typical of a 14 year old. The odd few maybe, but not a whole group of them.

That being said, the writing flowed beautifully. The story was well paced. The chemistry between love interests was tasteful and developed naturally.

Who would have thought that sports, baking and love would tie together so nicely to form a cute teen romance novel?

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated this book a lot, like the premise sounded cute but there were just so many plot issues that it just made me mad while I was reading it.

First I’m supposed to believe that all of these characters are freshman, yet Bryce just waltzes in and becomes star quarterback in like a week? Also Mia is organizing every event ever even though she’s only a freshman? I could believe it if everyone was a junior but I can’t see any of these characters being 14.

Mia also has very strong Mary Sue vibes, she is amazing at everything and is in every club somehow and has time for everything and is perfect. She does so many fucked up things and everyone immediately forgives her every time.

A big gripe I had was that Bryce was apparently an amazing writer but we don’t get to read any of his actual writing ever. Just Mia telling us it’s amazing and makes references to it that we don’t understand since she now knows more than us?

This book was a struggle to get through

[Ayana Guerra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice and sweet romance story with short chapter. The two main character had the sweet chemistry throughout the story.

I love the family dynamic and how the story brought some of her culture into it. Like it's not a American store it also has some Italian in it. The friendship between not only Zach but also harper and Chloe was amazing how they helped each other at times as well have what they are passionate about

Throughout the story there were parts that wished were more or that should have been more clear or something was missing. I also felt like the character portray being mature. Like high schools students will never always be mature and not every single one of us either. Parents will never had their kids do current things at the age 14 years old.

Overall this is a nice and sweet romance story