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Cake Clash
Finn Leighton loves owning his bakery and tries not to dwell on the boyfriend that was the love of his life in culinary school. When his co-worker sends in an application for him to compete on the reality baking show, Cake Clash, he’s nervous but also excited for the opportunity. Even if he secretly wishes he was competing alongside Josiah.
Chef Jos, one of the youngest, renowned celebrity chefs, and a notorious recluse, is surprised when he’s asked to be a judge on the reality television baking show, but takes the opportunity as a fresh start. He’s blown away when he recognizes Finn as one of the contestants.
The years separated from Finn have transformed him from Josiah Stevens to Chef Jos, and seem to disappear in the presence of his first love. Can they make up for lost time, and reconnect for love on the rollercoaster ride that is Cake Clash?
Chef Jos, one of the youngest, renowned celebrity chefs, and a notorious recluse, is surprised when he’s asked to be a judge on the reality television baking show, but takes the opportunity as a fresh start. He’s blown away when he recognizes Finn as one of the contestants.
The years separated from Finn have transformed him from Josiah Stevens to Chef Jos, and seem to disappear in the presence of his first love. Can they make up for lost time, and reconnect for love on the rollercoaster ride that is Cake Clash?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2018
26 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 26, 2021
I’m going to be brutally honest... this was a mess. I couldn’t look away from said mess but it was a mess nevertheless.
First things first, I listened to the audio of this which turned out being a huge mistake. I have no idea how this mess of an audiobook was ever approved by the authors. Not only did the narrator completely fail to make the MC’s voices different enough for the reader to tell them apart. He also made the weirdest French accent I’ve ever heard. The pacing was way off with weird pauses and breaks where I was questioning if my audio had stopped playing. On top of all those things, there where some chapters that sounded as they where read in a tunnel. Do yourself a favor and read this book. The audio is not worth your time or money.
On to the story. I loved the premise of this book. I’m a sucker for baking shows and what more would I need than a book set around a baking show and some gay love? Turns out quite a lot. Jos and Finn where a couple in college until the day Jos just disappeared. Ten years later, and they met again. This time in Cake Clash where Finn is a contestant and Jos a judge. And they just reconnect straight away. There’s about no hard feelings towards Jos for leaving him and the most exciting thing happening is the couple having to hide their reconnecting while doing the show. But then again, not really because almost everyone is surprisingly fine about it when finding out. And most of them do find out. Pretty early. Then they just hide it for no good reason.
I think I might have enjoyed this a little bit more if I was reading it, however the writing and the story is not that great either. There’s too much dialogue not leading anywhere and too many things where glossed. Like Jacob, the villain.
I can’t recommend this book but if you decide to read it, at least don’t do the audio.
First things first, I listened to the audio of this which turned out being a huge mistake. I have no idea how this mess of an audiobook was ever approved by the authors. Not only did the narrator completely fail to make the MC’s voices different enough for the reader to tell them apart. He also made the weirdest French accent I’ve ever heard. The pacing was way off with weird pauses and breaks where I was questioning if my audio had stopped playing. On top of all those things, there where some chapters that sounded as they where read in a tunnel. Do yourself a favor and read this book. The audio is not worth your time or money.
On to the story. I loved the premise of this book. I’m a sucker for baking shows and what more would I need than a book set around a baking show and some gay love? Turns out quite a lot. Jos and Finn where a couple in college until the day Jos just disappeared. Ten years later, and they met again. This time in Cake Clash where Finn is a contestant and Jos a judge. And they just reconnect straight away. There’s about no hard feelings towards Jos for leaving him and the most exciting thing happening is the couple having to hide their reconnecting while doing the show. But then again, not really because almost everyone is surprisingly fine about it when finding out. And most of them do find out. Pretty early. Then they just hide it for no good reason.
I think I might have enjoyed this a little bit more if I was reading it, however the writing and the story is not that great either. There’s too much dialogue not leading anywhere and too many things where glossed. Like Jacob, the villain.
I can’t recommend this book but if you decide to read it, at least don’t do the audio.
December 24, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It took me a little bit to snap out of annoyance at the characters in the beginning when they first saw each other. One minute you know they recognize, the next they are saying “it’s me” and seeming surprised. Then there was the harping on old feelings and anger towards the other that all suddenly seemed to go away once they said hi. But overall, that was a minor quibble at the beginning. The book got better with the characters, and I loved Finn. This was really sweet, and it was nice to see Josiah and Finn reconnect and reunite after 10 years, even if it did seem a little too perfect with the lack of angst. Don't get me wrong, I prefer low angst, it just seemed very unlikely that things would work out so perfectly with a huge prize on the line. It was good, though.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
December 9, 2018
This rating system seems brutal sometimes, but the two stars says it was ok, and that's where my feelings are at with this one.
I like the premise, because I adore cooking competition shows. I also am a fan of a good second chance romance.
Jos is this famous chef who has been added as a judge, to Finn's chef contestant. The two knew each other 10 years prior but have seen hide nor hair of each other since Jos up and left. They had hopes and dreams, and were each other's first loves.....
When the two are reunited it's basically all like nothing in the past mattered. And while i can find that endearing, I found that the character's kind of annoyed me. I cannot pin point the exact thing however, it just didn't really work for me. Thus, the two stars for an "it was ok" rating.
I like the premise, because I adore cooking competition shows. I also am a fan of a good second chance romance.
Jos is this famous chef who has been added as a judge, to Finn's chef contestant. The two knew each other 10 years prior but have seen hide nor hair of each other since Jos up and left. They had hopes and dreams, and were each other's first loves.....
When the two are reunited it's basically all like nothing in the past mattered. And while i can find that endearing, I found that the character's kind of annoyed me. I cannot pin point the exact thing however, it just didn't really work for me. Thus, the two stars for an "it was ok" rating.
January 19, 2019
Loved this one!
Cake Clash is the collaboration between authors B.L. Maxwell and Claire Castle. If you’re a fan of the Food Network, then you’ll really love the concept behind this story.
Finn Leighton is a contestant on the popular TV show, Cake Clash, where he competes with others through many different challenges to win a prize of $250,000. He’s highly skilled and quite successful with his own bakery.
Chef Josiah Stevens is a successful chef as well but goes by the name Jos—which is just enough for Finn not to recognize who he really is: Finn’s long lost lover from his culinary school days. Needless to say, when the two reconnect at the show, Jos has some ‘splainin’ to do!
And he does. I have to say I love that this story didn’t dwell too much on the negative part of their time away from each other. As the contestants move further along in the competition, not only do *their* ovens heat up—but Josiah and Finn are sizzlin’ it up in the bedroom too. Boy, these two are certainly making up for lost time! They’re absolutely adorable together and each other’s biggest fan.
The best part about this book is the detail and descriptions that went into each competition round. The desserts are mouth-watering, and I found myself rummaging through my pantry looking to bake whatever I could! (No lie.) The authors also did a nice job of explaining the crazed frenzy between all the bakers as they try to create the best version of what’s required. It really kept me glued to the story and in a panic myself!
In the end, it really didn’t matter if Finn won the contest or not. Having Josiah back in his life and the two finding their HEA was the best prize of all. I definitely recommend this light and fun read, but just a warning—eat before you read!
Cake Clash is the collaboration between authors B.L. Maxwell and Claire Castle. If you’re a fan of the Food Network, then you’ll really love the concept behind this story.
Finn Leighton is a contestant on the popular TV show, Cake Clash, where he competes with others through many different challenges to win a prize of $250,000. He’s highly skilled and quite successful with his own bakery.
Chef Josiah Stevens is a successful chef as well but goes by the name Jos—which is just enough for Finn not to recognize who he really is: Finn’s long lost lover from his culinary school days. Needless to say, when the two reconnect at the show, Jos has some ‘splainin’ to do!
And he does. I have to say I love that this story didn’t dwell too much on the negative part of their time away from each other. As the contestants move further along in the competition, not only do *their* ovens heat up—but Josiah and Finn are sizzlin’ it up in the bedroom too. Boy, these two are certainly making up for lost time! They’re absolutely adorable together and each other’s biggest fan.
The best part about this book is the detail and descriptions that went into each competition round. The desserts are mouth-watering, and I found myself rummaging through my pantry looking to bake whatever I could! (No lie.) The authors also did a nice job of explaining the crazed frenzy between all the bakers as they try to create the best version of what’s required. It really kept me glued to the story and in a panic myself!
In the end, it really didn’t matter if Finn won the contest or not. Having Josiah back in his life and the two finding their HEA was the best prize of all. I definitely recommend this light and fun read, but just a warning—eat before you read!
February 28, 2021
I really liked this book. What I loved most is that there is no unnecessary drama, and I was just in the mood for this! Finn and Jos meet again during a baking contest, where one is a judge and the other a contender, after being together in culinary school, and since they never really stopped loving each other, they pick up right where they left. No grudges held, no recriminations, just stepping right back into their path together.
December 14, 2018
this was seriously adorable... these two characters were so sweet and fluffy and cute.. their bantar was funny.. they made me smile.. and the emotions were raw and real.. i felt as if i was a part of their lives with them not just reading about them. very well done and good story
January 10, 2019
A very sweet book, with a helping of icing. Josiah and Finn meet again, after many years apart, in a baking contest; as judge and contestant. They have to face both the contest and their feelings.... and it's just oh so sweet!!! Fair warning: reading this book is bound to make you hungry, don't approach on an empty stomach. Even the strange combinations sound delicious!
January 2, 2019
What a delightful read. A second chance story with a lost love set behind the scenes of a baking competition reality show. Finn gets a chance of a lifetime to show off his baking skills but gets much much more when Chef Jos (one of the judges) turns out to be his college lover Josiah.
I enjoyed reading about the baking challenges the contestants had to make. Probably more than I would enjoy watching a show about baking (definitely not my thing) lol. This book is right in your kitchen if you do love these shows. or even if you don't fun times await. 😊
I enjoyed reading about the baking challenges the contestants had to make. Probably more than I would enjoy watching a show about baking (definitely not my thing) lol. This book is right in your kitchen if you do love these shows. or even if you don't fun times await. 😊
July 18, 2021
I’ve read both these authors before but not a book written together. This is a mm contemporary romance story set in the USA. Main characters are Chef Jos a judge in a cake baking reality show and Finn one of the contestants on the show. Second chance love. Told from duel POV. I had no real connection with the main characters.
December 24, 2018
Love baking shows!
I loved the challenges that Finn had to compete in and second chance romances will always be my favorite. I do feel like their reunion could have been developed a little more, but overall I loved Finn and Josiah’s love story.
I loved the challenges that Finn had to compete in and second chance romances will always be my favorite. I do feel like their reunion could have been developed a little more, but overall I loved Finn and Josiah’s love story.
December 23, 2018
Successful bakers, Finn and Josiah, were once lovers. Not just lovers, but in love, the forever kind...or so they thought. There's no denying their hearts still belong to one another, but neither of them have reached out after they were separated a decade prior. A television competition, however, just might give them a chance to have the future they always dreamed of. But first they'll have to navigate competitors, work through the pain of their separation, and learn who they are as men.
The premise of this story was so cute, I could hardly wait to dive in. The final product, though, left a bit to be desired. There was an immense amount of telling instead of showing, so much minutiae that I skipped pages of text and missed virtually nothing. The relationship progressed very quickly after they were "reunited" and while I wouldn't have a problem with pretty much zero angst, it seemed too simplistic, as did the writing which was basic and lacked depth and punch. Once they decided that there was nothing that would keep them apart, not even their roles in the competition, they wasted no time being together in every way possible. The many, many mentions of their dwindling time together on the show and how they felt about that came off as the authors trying way too hard to make the future seem shaky and their present bittersweet. Their deep moments felt a little juvenile, a little forced, and a lot too cheesy. Overall, though, it was a sweet story with lots of passion and no real angst except the contrived descriptions of an unsure future following the show.
The premise of this story was so cute, I could hardly wait to dive in. The final product, though, left a bit to be desired. There was an immense amount of telling instead of showing, so much minutiae that I skipped pages of text and missed virtually nothing. The relationship progressed very quickly after they were "reunited" and while I wouldn't have a problem with pretty much zero angst, it seemed too simplistic, as did the writing which was basic and lacked depth and punch. Once they decided that there was nothing that would keep them apart, not even their roles in the competition, they wasted no time being together in every way possible. The many, many mentions of their dwindling time together on the show and how they felt about that came off as the authors trying way too hard to make the future seem shaky and their present bittersweet. Their deep moments felt a little juvenile, a little forced, and a lot too cheesy. Overall, though, it was a sweet story with lots of passion and no real angst except the contrived descriptions of an unsure future following the show.
December 18, 2018
Baker's Delight
I loved this second chance romance. A sweet contemporary romance for MM story lovers everywhere.
What do you do when you're not out, but you're in love with your roommate and your dad finds out and ships you off to another country to attend a more prestigious culinary school? Fast forward a decade and Chef Jos (Josiah Stevens) is a renowned celebrity chef, but reclusive and mysterious. He is invited to be a judge for a televised baking competition.
On the other side of the equation, we have Finn Leighton who, despite being broken-hearted, completed his studies and went on to own his own bakery, called F & J Bakery, as he and Josiah had planned. His best friend has entered him into the baking competition, and nobody is more surprised when the elusive Chef Jos, whom he greatly admires and considers his idol, turns out to be none other than his first love Josiah. The two meet in the studio and realise that their lost love is right in front of them. Are they brave enough to take a second chance at love? Will they get caught out if they get together on the down low? If so, will it matter in the outcome of the competition? Things are heating up in the studio kitchen and the baking competitive level is high! Will the guys make it or flame out? I recommend this slow burning romance.
I loved this second chance romance. A sweet contemporary romance for MM story lovers everywhere.
What do you do when you're not out, but you're in love with your roommate and your dad finds out and ships you off to another country to attend a more prestigious culinary school? Fast forward a decade and Chef Jos (Josiah Stevens) is a renowned celebrity chef, but reclusive and mysterious. He is invited to be a judge for a televised baking competition.
On the other side of the equation, we have Finn Leighton who, despite being broken-hearted, completed his studies and went on to own his own bakery, called F & J Bakery, as he and Josiah had planned. His best friend has entered him into the baking competition, and nobody is more surprised when the elusive Chef Jos, whom he greatly admires and considers his idol, turns out to be none other than his first love Josiah. The two meet in the studio and realise that their lost love is right in front of them. Are they brave enough to take a second chance at love? Will they get caught out if they get together on the down low? If so, will it matter in the outcome of the competition? Things are heating up in the studio kitchen and the baking competitive level is high! Will the guys make it or flame out? I recommend this slow burning romance.
December 15, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I love cooking and baking shows, they are my favorite when I actually have time to turn the TV on. I've read a few books with this theme (there are not enough, btw), but Cake Clash was fairly original. I really enjoyed the contest portion of the book, it was entertaining and detailed, without being overbearing or boring.
This book is a collab between BL Maxwell and Claire Castle and they did a great job. Their writing styles meshed well and their characters, both main and secondary, were amazing and tridimensional.
I loved Finn from the start, it took me a bit longer to warm up to Jos, but they were both very likable and relatable. They fit well together and it was a delight seeing them recapture the magic of the relationship they had before. They were both hot and sweet together.
I absolutely adored Annie, one of the contestants, and the other two judges in the show, Guy and Daniel. They were so much fun!
Overall, this was a solid, engaging second chances book, one that I'm sure I'll re-read again sometime soon, that's how much I enjoyed it. There was a good balance between the baking contest and the romance and I really hope these two authors will collaborate again in the future!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I love cooking and baking shows, they are my favorite when I actually have time to turn the TV on. I've read a few books with this theme (there are not enough, btw), but Cake Clash was fairly original. I really enjoyed the contest portion of the book, it was entertaining and detailed, without being overbearing or boring.
This book is a collab between BL Maxwell and Claire Castle and they did a great job. Their writing styles meshed well and their characters, both main and secondary, were amazing and tridimensional.
I loved Finn from the start, it took me a bit longer to warm up to Jos, but they were both very likable and relatable. They fit well together and it was a delight seeing them recapture the magic of the relationship they had before. They were both hot and sweet together.
I absolutely adored Annie, one of the contestants, and the other two judges in the show, Guy and Daniel. They were so much fun!
Overall, this was a solid, engaging second chances book, one that I'm sure I'll re-read again sometime soon, that's how much I enjoyed it. There was a good balance between the baking contest and the romance and I really hope these two authors will collaborate again in the future!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 17, 2018
Finn Leighton just secured a spot on the hot new reality baking show Cake Clash! As a small business owner this could be a huge break for him. And who knows, maybe it'll help him get over the love that broke his heart and help him find a new love.
Chef Jos has made cakes for royalty and is one of the youngest celebrity chefs out there. He's also a recluse, but he's been made a judge on Cake Clash. It's stepping out of his comfort zone, exposing himself this way, but maybe - just maybe, he'll finally loosen up a little and live instead of just working.
But what happens when Finn and Chef Jos meet and realize they not only knew each other but they'd been lovers in culinary school? That they'd been the love of each other's life once and had lost it through youthful fear and insecurity? The spark reignites while the two film the show but they're always in the spotlight of the other judges and contestants. Will their love survive the pressure cooker of competition or will it be sabotaged?
Read and find out.
Chef Jos has made cakes for royalty and is one of the youngest celebrity chefs out there. He's also a recluse, but he's been made a judge on Cake Clash. It's stepping out of his comfort zone, exposing himself this way, but maybe - just maybe, he'll finally loosen up a little and live instead of just working.
But what happens when Finn and Chef Jos meet and realize they not only knew each other but they'd been lovers in culinary school? That they'd been the love of each other's life once and had lost it through youthful fear and insecurity? The spark reignites while the two film the show but they're always in the spotlight of the other judges and contestants. Will their love survive the pressure cooker of competition or will it be sabotaged?
Read and find out.
August 16, 2020
Cake Clash was generously offered as a freebie for a limited time by Claire Castle and BL Maxwell which so kind of them. I love both of these authors because they're fabulous writers and good friends in life. This book made me so hungry but in a really good way because it's a cooking show second-chance romance between Jos and Finn. This book will give you a sugar and sweetness rush in a very good way. Jos and Finn deserve another shot at love and when they find each other on the same cooking show...wow the chemistry is off the charts! Time and life experiences have given them both the maturity and emotional development to resume their relationship since they never stopped loving each other. The secondary characters, Guy and Daniel, are amazing as well :) The ending was really well-written and wrapped everything up in a nice package for me. I hope both of them team up for future books again because they make a wonderful team!
December 15, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a blast to read. Jos and Finn reconnecting after years apart was so sweet but they had a lot of decisions to make. I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Daniel and Guy were a trip. Annie was a pure delight. Even spunky Chloe had me smiling. But the authors didn’t stop there. Some of the chapter titles made me think. I was trying to figure out how they fit in before I read them yet they were perfect. I liked how they had Finn handle the competition situation. That showed true character. Both the ending of the competition and the book were done perfectly. By doing it the way they did it was an all around win. This will definitely go in my re-read list for when I need a feel good book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LCHDHCQ/...
www.reviewsforthosewholoveagoodbook.w...
This was a blast to read. Jos and Finn reconnecting after years apart was so sweet but they had a lot of decisions to make. I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Daniel and Guy were a trip. Annie was a pure delight. Even spunky Chloe had me smiling. But the authors didn’t stop there. Some of the chapter titles made me think. I was trying to figure out how they fit in before I read them yet they were perfect. I liked how they had Finn handle the competition situation. That showed true character. Both the ending of the competition and the book were done perfectly. By doing it the way they did it was an all around win. This will definitely go in my re-read list for when I need a feel good book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LCHDHCQ/...
www.reviewsforthosewholoveagoodbook.w...
July 12, 2020
This was a really sweet (pun intended) story, Finn and Jos, who lost contact with each other years ago, reunite and instantly sparks fly again, these two grieved their loss and longed for each other over the years, their reunion was lovely. Trying to keep in control during the Cake competition, Finn a contestant and Jos a judge, they had to be very discreet, but once alone in their hotel rooms they made up for lost time, sexy indeed. Reading the process of the competition/tv show production was really interesting, reminded me of the time my grand-daughter and I would watch Nailed It! when she got home from school, lovely memories for me. Once again Claire Castle has given us a wonderful romantic story, along with B.L. Maxwell of course.
December 16, 2018
I really enjoyed Cake Clash. I love baking and baking shows and competitions. I love that a judge and contestant re—meet and how it’s dealt with. It was cute, fast read, hot and sexy. I thought Finn and Jos were interesting MCs and very likable. I loved the competitions and even the title of each chapter was about food. I thought the description of the foods and baking were easy to read and follow. It was a cute story and would recommend this book.
December 16, 2018
A great shot at a second chance
This story was absolutely adorable and I loved reading every bit of it. The main characters had great chemistry and every spark between them flew off the page. The storyline was easily followed and never felt lost in the story. I loved the little twists and turns that made the story flow as well as the titles of the chapters. I do wish we could have had a little bit more of their backstory, but there is enough there to ensure the flow of the story.
This story was absolutely adorable and I loved reading every bit of it. The main characters had great chemistry and every spark between them flew off the page. The storyline was easily followed and never felt lost in the story. I loved the little twists and turns that made the story flow as well as the titles of the chapters. I do wish we could have had a little bit more of their backstory, but there is enough there to ensure the flow of the story.
December 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. Finn and Jos haven't seen each other since college but now Finn is a contestant on a baking competition show where Jos is one of the judges. When they see each other again, the old passion reignites. I really enjoyed watching them restart their relationship and I love the premise of the baking show competition. The end of this story is super cute!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 19, 2018
This was a sweet and funny second chance romance. OK, it's not always funny, but there is a lot of humor in there. Chefs Daniel and Guy are mean AF, but in a good way, to the contestants. The tasks they give them are hard, but it's not a competition if it isn't hard, right?
Meanwhile Jos and Finn are just delightful when they are together. I love the chemistry between the two of them and how it seems to stand out from the page.
Truly a lovely read.
Meanwhile Jos and Finn are just delightful when they are together. I love the chemistry between the two of them and how it seems to stand out from the page.
Truly a lovely read.
December 19, 2018
How to begin. I read this book until the end. I enjoyed it. Did I love it,,,no.....would I reread....no.
This was just a cute love story with no real meat to it. Every time something could have been something to cause angst, it was quickly resolved and moved on. I am happy that the characters are happy, in love and ready to just be together but man there was a lot that happened in their past, a lot happening during the show and NOTHING seems to have really been dealt with.
The writers did a great job with writing this story, I just think they could have done more is all.
This was just a cute love story with no real meat to it. Every time something could have been something to cause angst, it was quickly resolved and moved on. I am happy that the characters are happy, in love and ready to just be together but man there was a lot that happened in their past, a lot happening during the show and NOTHING seems to have really been dealt with.
The writers did a great job with writing this story, I just think they could have done more is all.
February 19, 2021
Story : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Narration : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was such a sweet opposites second chance romance.
I absolutely loved the setting and theme of this story. It was original, refreshing and engaging.
The characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
Jack Watson is a new to me narrator and I absolutely loved his audio delivery and narration.
The audio clean and easy to listen to and Jack's narration gave the characters their own voices.
Narration : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This was such a sweet opposites second chance romance.
I absolutely loved the setting and theme of this story. It was original, refreshing and engaging.
The characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
Jack Watson is a new to me narrator and I absolutely loved his audio delivery and narration.
The audio clean and easy to listen to and Jack's narration gave the characters their own voices.
December 17, 2018
This book mixes my two favorite things....cooking competitions and romance!! Jos and Finn we’re together when they were younger but due to unfortunate circumstances they boys were torn apart. Years later they meet up again and it’s like no time passed. This is a very sweet, sexy read. Very low angst and very little drama. Highly recommend this one!!!
July 4, 2022
Fun & Sweet
Finn & Josiah's second chance story is sweet and a lot of fun. I enjoyed the cake competition backstory along with following them as they reconnected. While there is a bit of angst in this, I appreciated that it wasn't within the relationship. This is worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Finn & Josiah's second chance story is sweet and a lot of fun. I enjoyed the cake competition backstory along with following them as they reconnected. While there is a bit of angst in this, I appreciated that it wasn't within the relationship. This is worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
December 6, 2021
DNF - I didn't like the narrator & I didn't really care for the story. After 10 years, you just are like, okay no problems with ghosting me & just fall back into bed with him?
December 16, 2018
A second chance at love with a chance meeting during a baking competition. Finn and Jos haven’t seen each other for 10 years until now. Baking challenges, competitors playing dirty, new friendships and renewed love. This is a wonderful book about love, baking and above all reconnection and second chances. Loved it!
dnf
January 9, 2019DNF @ 36%
The writing really didn't work for me. It wasn't exactly bad, but something was just really off. Stuff happened too fast, scenes were disconnected despite happening right after each other and PoV changes were confusing time-line wise.
There was a strange focus of the main relationship that I found weird, and the way Finn and Josiah were still thinking of each other after 10 years wasn't believable to me. They get back together immediately after meeting without really discussing the events of the past which threw me off. Furthermore I'm honestly still not entirely sure what happened between them to drive them apart. There might be more revealed later in the book, but the fact that there was no real explanation before or while they got back together irked and confused me.
I really liked the baking show setup, though I wish there had been more about the TV show aspect of it. I was really looking forward to that, but as it was it felt more like a background thing that barely got attention.
The baking itself was great though, all the food sounded delicious and made me hungry while reading. It also gave me a lot of inspiration for cooking!
The writing really didn't work for me. It wasn't exactly bad, but something was just really off. Stuff happened too fast, scenes were disconnected despite happening right after each other and PoV changes were confusing time-line wise.
There was a strange focus of the main relationship that I found weird, and the way Finn and Josiah were still thinking of each other after 10 years wasn't believable to me. They get back together immediately after meeting without really discussing the events of the past which threw me off. Furthermore I'm honestly still not entirely sure what happened between them to drive them apart. There might be more revealed later in the book, but the fact that there was no real explanation before or while they got back together irked and confused me.
I really liked the baking show setup, though I wish there had been more about the TV show aspect of it. I was really looking forward to that, but as it was it felt more like a background thing that barely got attention.
The baking itself was great though, all the food sounded delicious and made me hungry while reading. It also gave me a lot of inspiration for cooking!
July 24, 2022
Could have been really good
A book about a cake contest and a long lost love should have been great but this one was a flat as a pancake.
I don't know where to start but there was so much wrong (and if you don't want to know, don't read past this paragraph and the next). Perhaps I should begin with the bits that did work. The contest itself made me hungry with the descriptions of all the delicious treats the bakers made, and we weren't made to suffer too much detail of the actual baking process so that was good. I liked Daniel and Guy and Annie.
I read 'A Teaspoon Of Desire' by Alex Danvers, which was about two enemy bakers from the same town competing against each other in a baking competition. Their enemies to lovers story was very good, sweet men who deserved happiness, but there were too unnecessary baking details and that got so boring. The balance between baking and romance was too unequal but the overall story was much better. Cake Clash has a better balance of love (actually, sex!) and baking, but would definitely be sent home way before 'A Teaspoon Of Desire.
Spoilers
For a baking competition with a quarter of a million prize money and a magazine article, they didn't have to bake much. One bake per round? They'd never pass muster in the GBBO. Wimps.
As for Finn and Jos, they fell back into love and lust in the first ten seconds, After being apart for ten years when Jos abandoned Finn without a word, that was completely unbelievable because Finn had been incredibly hurt and spent those long years pining. And don't get me started on the sex. There was soooo much of it and that hotel suite is going to need a reeeaaallly deep clean from floor to ceiling. Eurgh.
Josiah is a famous baker who made a cake for a princess, got overwhelmed with all the attention so became 'Chef Jos' who has a huge following, including Finn who never realised that it was 'his Josiah'. Jos says he isn't on social media which is why Finn couldn't find him. What business owner, or shy celebrity chef (what???), isn't on social media these days? And Jos says he never looked for Finn because he thought Finn would hate him for ghosting him. After ten years, maybe, but if he'd tried a lot earlier, probably not.
This is a competition and there's nothing in the celebrity chefs' contracts that they can't be involved with a contestant? As if.
Finn and Jos 'hide' their relationship but there are lots of long loving glances when at the studio, sleeping in Jos' suite every night for six weeks in the same hotel as the other contestants, going out together with the other celebrity judges (who are both world famous male chefs, have been married to each other for years, but have managed to keep their relationship a secret from the whole world).
The villain was pantomime, all black cape and moustache-twirling, but that played out really badly too. No one who was caught sabotaging others on camera would be allowed to continue, just because Finn told Jos that he could handle it himself and would come to Jos if he needed his help. Give me a break.
A book about a cake contest and a long lost love should have been great but this one was a flat as a pancake.
I don't know where to start but there was so much wrong (and if you don't want to know, don't read past this paragraph and the next). Perhaps I should begin with the bits that did work. The contest itself made me hungry with the descriptions of all the delicious treats the bakers made, and we weren't made to suffer too much detail of the actual baking process so that was good. I liked Daniel and Guy and Annie.
I read 'A Teaspoon Of Desire' by Alex Danvers, which was about two enemy bakers from the same town competing against each other in a baking competition. Their enemies to lovers story was very good, sweet men who deserved happiness, but there were too unnecessary baking details and that got so boring. The balance between baking and romance was too unequal but the overall story was much better. Cake Clash has a better balance of love (actually, sex!) and baking, but would definitely be sent home way before 'A Teaspoon Of Desire.
Spoilers
For a baking competition with a quarter of a million prize money and a magazine article, they didn't have to bake much. One bake per round? They'd never pass muster in the GBBO. Wimps.
As for Finn and Jos, they fell back into love and lust in the first ten seconds, After being apart for ten years when Jos abandoned Finn without a word, that was completely unbelievable because Finn had been incredibly hurt and spent those long years pining. And don't get me started on the sex. There was soooo much of it and that hotel suite is going to need a reeeaaallly deep clean from floor to ceiling. Eurgh.
Josiah is a famous baker who made a cake for a princess, got overwhelmed with all the attention so became 'Chef Jos' who has a huge following, including Finn who never realised that it was 'his Josiah'. Jos says he isn't on social media which is why Finn couldn't find him. What business owner, or shy celebrity chef (what???), isn't on social media these days? And Jos says he never looked for Finn because he thought Finn would hate him for ghosting him. After ten years, maybe, but if he'd tried a lot earlier, probably not.
This is a competition and there's nothing in the celebrity chefs' contracts that they can't be involved with a contestant? As if.
Finn and Jos 'hide' their relationship but there are lots of long loving glances when at the studio, sleeping in Jos' suite every night for six weeks in the same hotel as the other contestants, going out together with the other celebrity judges (who are both world famous male chefs, have been married to each other for years, but have managed to keep their relationship a secret from the whole world).
The villain was pantomime, all black cape and moustache-twirling, but that played out really badly too. No one who was caught sabotaging others on camera would be allowed to continue, just because Finn told Jos that he could handle it himself and would come to Jos if he needed his help. Give me a break.
July 26, 2022
Super cute with a side dish of drama
This is the story of Josiah who is a famous chef who bakes the most exquisite cakes for celebrities. And he has just been asked to be a judge on the TV hits show Cake clash. On the first day of filming where he gets to meet the contestants he gets the shock of his life when he finds his first ever boyfriend that he lost contact with 10 years ago called Finn.
Finn has his own bakery called F & J bakery. And his boss had put him through to be a contestant on the TV hits show called cake clash. He was a bit unsure at first but as he got there and got ready to meet some of his idols he got excited. He had been a huge fan of chefs, Chef Daniel Oliveras, Chef Guy Soyar and very private Chef Jos Stevens. But when the chefs came in he was shocked to see his book Josiah standing as one of the judges. He hadn’t seen him in 10 years they had been a couple in Culinary school together but then he just didn’t turn up for college and he never heard of him again. That is until today.
After the first Day of filming, Josiah and Finn quickly came together it was like they never spent time apart but Josiah had some answers to questions that FInn had for 10 years because not one day went by that Finn hadn’t thought of him and it seems the same for Josiah so why did they never find each other before today. They had to decide if they wanted to be together or wait till the show was over?? Whether to come clean to the producers, the other judges and the other contestants that was a lot to decide but the biggest question of all was would they make it through the competition and still want to be together at the end??
This book is so super cute I thoroughly enjoyed Finn and Josiah coming together and the little twists with the other contestants of the show. I really like Annie I think everyone that read this book is going to like Annie. I also really enjoyed chefs Dan and guy they are just gorgeous men who need their own book about how they met and how their years had developed together. Honestly I don’t wanna give anything away so I’m finding it really hard but if you want a book about a second chance this isn’t one for you. It’s a really good story and I really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of Josiah who is a famous chef who bakes the most exquisite cakes for celebrities. And he has just been asked to be a judge on the TV hits show Cake clash. On the first day of filming where he gets to meet the contestants he gets the shock of his life when he finds his first ever boyfriend that he lost contact with 10 years ago called Finn.
Finn has his own bakery called F & J bakery. And his boss had put him through to be a contestant on the TV hits show called cake clash. He was a bit unsure at first but as he got there and got ready to meet some of his idols he got excited. He had been a huge fan of chefs, Chef Daniel Oliveras, Chef Guy Soyar and very private Chef Jos Stevens. But when the chefs came in he was shocked to see his book Josiah standing as one of the judges. He hadn’t seen him in 10 years they had been a couple in Culinary school together but then he just didn’t turn up for college and he never heard of him again. That is until today.
After the first Day of filming, Josiah and Finn quickly came together it was like they never spent time apart but Josiah had some answers to questions that FInn had for 10 years because not one day went by that Finn hadn’t thought of him and it seems the same for Josiah so why did they never find each other before today. They had to decide if they wanted to be together or wait till the show was over?? Whether to come clean to the producers, the other judges and the other contestants that was a lot to decide but the biggest question of all was would they make it through the competition and still want to be together at the end??
This book is so super cute I thoroughly enjoyed Finn and Josiah coming together and the little twists with the other contestants of the show. I really like Annie I think everyone that read this book is going to like Annie. I also really enjoyed chefs Dan and guy they are just gorgeous men who need their own book about how they met and how their years had developed together. Honestly I don’t wanna give anything away so I’m finding it really hard but if you want a book about a second chance this isn’t one for you. It’s a really good story and I really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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