Baking with Nerds

The Morrison Family #13

by D.R. Grady

Baking with Nerds is Ainsley Morrison and that cranky former Marine, Brett Bentwater’s book. Brett is honorably discharged from the military—a fate worse than death—due to a PTSD diagnosis. He’s returned to civilian life with some major baggage. Meanwhile Ainsley, with the aid of her cousin, is suddenly thrust into opening a much needed coffeehouse in town. With his baggage and her new business they don’t have time to fall in love. Or do they?

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2022

About the author

From D.R. Grady comes vivid tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal and fantasy romance, all with a generous dollop of humor. D.R. Grady books are clean stories for avid readers who love witty dialogue between heartwarming, brainy characters, as well as extraordinary supernatural beings or powerful, capable warriors. No matter your preference, fall in love with these clever, empowered characters who recognize love and companionship when they find it. Choose your own adventure!

Be sure to follow D.R. on BookBub for the best deals! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-r-g...

And check out her website. www.drgradybooks.com

Reviews

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Ainsley Morrison is a pastry chef so when she gets a new neighbour of course she’s going to take him a welcoming gift after her brother encourages her to. Only when she gets there she doesn’t get a warm reception from the ex marine Brett Bentwater especially when he ends up shutting the door in her face. She returns home felling rejected and that Brett isn’t someone she wants to know and has no intention of seeing him again but will fate step in and bring them together?

Brett is trying to build a new life for himself now he is an ex marine, the things that he’s seem still haunt him and he is doing his best to deal with his PTSD but in the day that Ainsley turns up he is surprised by a panic attack and ends up shutting the door in her face whilst he tries to calm the storm within him. Knowing there is no way that Ainsley will forgive him so he hopes that they have as little interaction as possible, there is no way he wants to explain himself but it seems as if they are being thrown together at every turn and it’s not long until they are friends but could they be more?

This is my first book by this author and it was such a good read I didn’t feel that I couldn’t follow the story considering how late in to the Morrison family I’m joining the party. Would I read another book by this author the answer to that is yes. 3.8* read.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of an ongoing series. It is the first book that I have read in the series or by this author. I had no problems following along with all the characters. And believe me, there are a whole lot of Morrison's in this book. The is the love story between Ainsley Morrison, a pastry chef, and Brett Bentwater, a recently released Marine suffering from PTSD. The story starts off with Ainsley dropping off a plate of brownies to her new neighbor Brett. Her brother is an ex marine and he encouraged her to befriend Brett. Unfortunately during their first meeting a PTSD flashback starts up for Brett. Not knowing what else to do, he shuts the door in Ainsley's face. Brett goes into his living room to try and deal with the panic while Ainsley returns to her apartment thinking Brett is a first class jerk. Each believes they won't see each other again. Fate however, has other ideas. As they continually end up together a friendship of sorts begins to take place. Their adventure begins from there.

This is a fun read and the characters have lots of chemistry together. It is an enjoyable escape.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-Done Contemporary Romance

What a sweet and charming romance! This is the first book I have read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Contemporary romances often disappoint me, as I am more of a historical romance reader. This one had great characters in both the hero and heroine as well as in the heroine's very large extended family. I wanted to hang out with the Morrisons myself! The love and support they show each other is just what family should be. I think I will have to go back in this series and read some of the other couple’s stories. The heroine is kind hearted but very driven to fulfill her dream of running her own coffeehouse. The hero is struggling mightily with PTSD. Only recently discharged and new in town, his discomfort with civilian life and his constant surveillance rang true; the author did a good job with his characterization. He is definitely a bit of a prickly pear, which I rarely like in romantic heroes, but the author did a good job showing why he was like that; she made it understandable and believable, making him a very sympathetic character. The romantic arc was very enjoyable to watch unfold.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book thirteen in The Morrison Family Series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Ainsley Morrison and cranky former Marine, Brett Bentwater’s story. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat Wes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

I have followed this series since the first book was released. What I love most about it is that there is almost always some sort of suspense, alpha men, and smart women. All of this without the distraction of sex to detract from the actual plot of the story.

Keep writing these great stories!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.