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Knitting Club Gals #2
The Baking Pact
Who’s hotter than Thor?
Grumpier than a grizzly bear?
And entirely too interested in my buns—cinnamon, that is?
Aiden Knight.
Sunnyvale’s sexiest detective… and now my baking student.
Aiden’s been roped into joining a bachelor’s baking competition. Problem is, he doesn’t know the difference between a tart and a turkey.
That’s why the Viking-of-a-man asks for my help. I’m the queen of carbs.
Muffins, cookies, cakes- I rule at baking them all.
But there’s one huge problem with us baking together. Aiden’s way too stiff, and I’m one tablespoon sweet, mixed with two cups spicy. I drive him crazy, and he makes my body temperature rise.
Can I teach Aiden how to bake without things heating up between us?
Or will this end up being a recipe for sweet disaster?
The Baking Pact is a standalone novel in the Knitting Club Gals series. It’s an opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine romance complete with a dual POV and a sweet, swoon-worthy happily-ever-after.
Grumpier than a grizzly bear?
And entirely too interested in my buns—cinnamon, that is?
Aiden Knight.
Sunnyvale’s sexiest detective… and now my baking student.
Aiden’s been roped into joining a bachelor’s baking competition. Problem is, he doesn’t know the difference between a tart and a turkey.
That’s why the Viking-of-a-man asks for my help. I’m the queen of carbs.
Muffins, cookies, cakes- I rule at baking them all.
But there’s one huge problem with us baking together. Aiden’s way too stiff, and I’m one tablespoon sweet, mixed with two cups spicy. I drive him crazy, and he makes my body temperature rise.
Can I teach Aiden how to bake without things heating up between us?
Or will this end up being a recipe for sweet disaster?
The Baking Pact is a standalone novel in the Knitting Club Gals series. It’s an opposites-attract, grumpy/sunshine romance complete with a dual POV and a sweet, swoon-worthy happily-ever-after.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2022
37 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Li
11 books55 followersGinger loves the color yellow, baked goods, and all things Halloween. When she's not busy playing with kids, she enjoys reading, listening to sappy pop music, and dreaming up love stories featuring brave heroines, a touch of magic, and hopeful endings.
To find out more about Ginger and her books, visit https://linktr.ee/GingerLiWrites
To find out more about Ginger and her books, visit https://linktr.ee/GingerLiWrites
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 13, 2022
Had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of the newest release by the wonderful Ginger Li (@gingerliwrites)
Part of her Knitting Club Gals series and second in the trilogy we follow Joy and Aiden.
She is a single mom to twin boys who is trying her best to do it all. He's a grumpy policeman and her landlord. A competition involving baking (not Aiden's strong suit) leads to Joy giving him some lessons and well.... Fluffiness and good romance ensues.
I found Joy a wonderful character. Her love for her boys, her passion for baking and her plant shop and her compassion for those around her makes you root for things to go her way. Aiden professes to be hard hearted but is great with Joy's boys, gets possessive over her baked goods and hides a sensitive soul.
A cast of really likable characters and a sweet romance that will leave a smile on your face.
If this sounds like your thing, I highly recommend when it comes out!
Part of her Knitting Club Gals series and second in the trilogy we follow Joy and Aiden.
She is a single mom to twin boys who is trying her best to do it all. He's a grumpy policeman and her landlord. A competition involving baking (not Aiden's strong suit) leads to Joy giving him some lessons and well.... Fluffiness and good romance ensues.
I found Joy a wonderful character. Her love for her boys, her passion for baking and her plant shop and her compassion for those around her makes you root for things to go her way. Aiden professes to be hard hearted but is great with Joy's boys, gets possessive over her baked goods and hides a sensitive soul.
A cast of really likable characters and a sweet romance that will leave a smile on your face.
If this sounds like your thing, I highly recommend when it comes out!
November 7, 2022
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐
Joy and Aiden might be one of my favourite couples ever written into existence. They had such a fun relationship. I loved how it was a bit of a rom-com but had all the wonderful, real aspects that make a book pull at your heartstrings. And the boys were so cute especially mixed with Aiden’s brother. The twists and turns in this novel were wonderfully written and I just loved the ending. I want to see more of this couple for sure. Can’t wait for the next couple that will be matched up!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joy and Aiden might be one of my favourite couples ever written into existence. They had such a fun relationship. I loved how it was a bit of a rom-com but had all the wonderful, real aspects that make a book pull at your heartstrings. And the boys were so cute especially mixed with Aiden’s brother. The twists and turns in this novel were wonderfully written and I just loved the ending. I want to see more of this couple for sure. Can’t wait for the next couple that will be matched up!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2022
Loved it. Made me tear up in some places and laugh in others. I enjoyed the banter between the two of them. Beautiful story. Super excited for Quinn's book after that sneak peek.
November 19, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Joy and Aiden’s points of view
– there is some innuendo
– a character is dealing with the effects a miscarriage had on them & their life
– a character deals with low self-worth (due to the words of a horrible ex)
Review:
I absolutely loved this funny and sweet romance! Joy’s boys and Aiden’s brother Ben were very funny and provided a ton of humorous moments throughout the story (I am so glad to see Ben’s story next!!). I loved watching Joy mess with Aiden just to pull a reaction out of him or to see what he would do. I loved Mrs. Senger (their neighbor) with her various kitchen appliances as well as the conversations she would have with our main characters! I loved that Aiden was so good with the twins and had a soft spot for them and Joy. Some of my favorite scenes/moments from the story included: Aiden reading to the boys, anytime the boys got into mischief, anytime Ben caused mischief, the baking competition, the carnival, the wedding expo, Joy teaching Aiden how to bake, poker night, the father lunch at school, and Aiden taking care of Joy and the boys when she got sick.
Summary:
Joy and her friends made a dating pact where they get to set each other up on blind dates in hopes of finding the one for them. Joy is next, but she is finding it difficult to deny her attraction to her next door neighbor and landlord, Aiden…especially since he is so good with her boys. Though he is off-limits, not only is he a grump but he is also her friend Everly’s brother, Joy can’t help herself. So when he asks her to teach him how to bake, she jumps at the chance. Joy just hopes that her and her boys’ hearts will be able to handle if Aiden isn’t interested in anything more…
Aiden somehow got volunteered to join in the town’s bachelor baking competition. Only he doesn’t know how to bake and if he could turn it down he would. But that’s not an option when his boss is the one giving him instructions, so Aiden will just have to learn. Though it pains him to say it, he knows he will probably have to ask his whirlwind of a neighbor for help. At least Aiden is confident in Joy’s baking abilities due to having been the recipient of quite of few of her treats. But as he spends more time with Joy, Aiden finds that he enjoys spending time in the hectic looking life she and her sons lead…and maybe even with Joy herself. But with how his life has gone, does he really deserve the happiness they bring him?
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Joy and Aiden’s points of view
– there is some innuendo
– a character is dealing with the effects a miscarriage had on them & their life
– a character deals with low self-worth (due to the words of a horrible ex)
Review:
I absolutely loved this funny and sweet romance! Joy’s boys and Aiden’s brother Ben were very funny and provided a ton of humorous moments throughout the story (I am so glad to see Ben’s story next!!). I loved watching Joy mess with Aiden just to pull a reaction out of him or to see what he would do. I loved Mrs. Senger (their neighbor) with her various kitchen appliances as well as the conversations she would have with our main characters! I loved that Aiden was so good with the twins and had a soft spot for them and Joy. Some of my favorite scenes/moments from the story included: Aiden reading to the boys, anytime the boys got into mischief, anytime Ben caused mischief, the baking competition, the carnival, the wedding expo, Joy teaching Aiden how to bake, poker night, the father lunch at school, and Aiden taking care of Joy and the boys when she got sick.
Summary:
Joy and her friends made a dating pact where they get to set each other up on blind dates in hopes of finding the one for them. Joy is next, but she is finding it difficult to deny her attraction to her next door neighbor and landlord, Aiden…especially since he is so good with her boys. Though he is off-limits, not only is he a grump but he is also her friend Everly’s brother, Joy can’t help herself. So when he asks her to teach him how to bake, she jumps at the chance. Joy just hopes that her and her boys’ hearts will be able to handle if Aiden isn’t interested in anything more…
Aiden somehow got volunteered to join in the town’s bachelor baking competition. Only he doesn’t know how to bake and if he could turn it down he would. But that’s not an option when his boss is the one giving him instructions, so Aiden will just have to learn. Though it pains him to say it, he knows he will probably have to ask his whirlwind of a neighbor for help. At least Aiden is confident in Joy’s baking abilities due to having been the recipient of quite of few of her treats. But as he spends more time with Joy, Aiden finds that he enjoys spending time in the hectic looking life she and her sons lead…and maybe even with Joy herself. But with how his life has gone, does he really deserve the happiness they bring him?
December 23, 2022
The baking pact is the second book in the knitting gals series. I thought this book was cute but also dealt with tough topics.
Joy is a single mother of two boys. Aiden is her landlord and a grumpy police officer. This book starts with the water heater shooting flames so she texts him to deal with it. He isn’t happy with having to fix something that has to deal with Joy but he realizes he needs her. His police department signed him up for a baking competition but he has no idea how to bake.
Joy is a fantastic baker and I was definitely getting hungry while reading this book. I loved the attitude/wittiness between these two. Plus Aiden was great with Joys sons and became closer with them. Aiden is still dealing with things from his past though and I felt bad for him. He didn’t really open up to anyone except his brother and sister. You have no idea what’s going on with him until the author starts dropping hints.
Im so glad he finally opened up to Joy and realized that he wanted her in his life. I also enjoy seeing the characters from the first book and how they all intertwine. Excited for Ben and Quinn’s story!
Joy is a single mother of two boys. Aiden is her landlord and a grumpy police officer. This book starts with the water heater shooting flames so she texts him to deal with it. He isn’t happy with having to fix something that has to deal with Joy but he realizes he needs her. His police department signed him up for a baking competition but he has no idea how to bake.
Joy is a fantastic baker and I was definitely getting hungry while reading this book. I loved the attitude/wittiness between these two. Plus Aiden was great with Joys sons and became closer with them. Aiden is still dealing with things from his past though and I felt bad for him. He didn’t really open up to anyone except his brother and sister. You have no idea what’s going on with him until the author starts dropping hints.
Im so glad he finally opened up to Joy and realized that he wanted her in his life. I also enjoy seeing the characters from the first book and how they all intertwine. Excited for Ben and Quinn’s story!
May 26, 2024
Had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of the newest release by the wonderful Ginger Li (@gingerliwrites)
Part of her Knitting Club Gals series and second in the trilogy we follow Joy and Aiden.
She is a single mom to twin boys who is trying her best to do it all. He's a grumpy policeman and her landlord. A competition involving baking (not Aiden's strong suit) leads to Joy giving him some lessons and well.... Fluffiness and good romance ensues.
I found Joy a wonderful character. Her love for her boys, her passion for baking and her plant shop and her compassion for those around her makes you root for things to go her way. Aiden professes to be hard hearted but is great with Joy's boys, gets possessive over her baked goods and hides a sensitive soul.
A cast of really likable characters and a sweet romance that will leave a smile on your face.
If this sounds like your thing, I highly recommend when it comes out!
Part of her Knitting Club Gals series and second in the trilogy we follow Joy and Aiden.
She is a single mom to twin boys who is trying her best to do it all. He's a grumpy policeman and her landlord. A competition involving baking (not Aiden's strong suit) leads to Joy giving him some lessons and well.... Fluffiness and good romance ensues.
I found Joy a wonderful character. Her love for her boys, her passion for baking and her plant shop and her compassion for those around her makes you root for things to go her way. Aiden professes to be hard hearted but is great with Joy's boys, gets possessive over her baked goods and hides a sensitive soul.
A cast of really likable characters and a sweet romance that will leave a smile on your face.
If this sounds like your thing, I highly recommend when it comes out!
November 20, 2022
I guess I will be the grumpy reviewer who ruins the streak of 4 and 5 star reviews.
It was cute. It was worth whatever amount I paid for it. And I'll probably forget the whole thing pretty quickly.
This is a trope-filled romance between a single mom and her grumpy neighbor. Cute shenanigans from the kids, DARK BROODING BACKSTORY from the love interest, and familiar faces from the first book made it an enjoyable, easy read.
Looming Big Misunderstanding was handled without too much angst but not as well as The Dating Pact.
But hey, by this point I'm invested in this knitting club and looking forward to the next one.
It was cute. It was worth whatever amount I paid for it. And I'll probably forget the whole thing pretty quickly.
This is a trope-filled romance between a single mom and her grumpy neighbor. Cute shenanigans from the kids, DARK BROODING BACKSTORY from the love interest, and familiar faces from the first book made it an enjoyable, easy read.
Looming Big Misunderstanding was handled without too much angst but not as well as The Dating Pact.
But hey, by this point I'm invested in this knitting club and looking forward to the next one.
November 12, 2022
Once more, Ginger Li delivers a funny and heartwarming romance that made me smile and swoon and tugged those ole heartstrings. Joy was a lovely heroine, and I found it super easy to root for her (and Jasper and Leo!) to get her (their) HEA. I also loved how easily the boys managed to wrap uber-grump Aiden around their little fingers - those scenes sure were among my favorites. :) As expected, there was also plenty of banter, lots of well-meaning meddling (and needling) by their friends and families (looking at you, Ben!), and lots of corny puns ranging from groan- to snort-laugh-worthy.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
4.5 / 5 funny and heartwarming stars
I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
4.5 / 5 funny and heartwarming stars
December 10, 2022
Oh my God, I am melting. I loved every single minute of this book. There’s just something about this series that puts me in such a good mood. The storyline is great, I like that we get to see Aiden trying to solve the case. I like that Joy and Aiden had some type of relationship beforehand so it didn’t feel random when they finally gave into each other. And for me Joy was easy to relate to. What I would have liked to see more was them baking together, they started spending time because of this competition so I think a little more time in the kitchen, making more connections would’ve been great.
I definitely recommend this book for readers who love a happy ending and anyone looking for a good romance read.
I definitely recommend this book for readers who love a happy ending and anyone looking for a good romance read.
November 18, 2022
If you're looking for a cute, romantic, single mom book then this is what you need!
I absolutely love Joy and Aiden's story and can't wait to read book #3 😍
Joy is a single mom of twin boys. She absolutely loves to bake. Aiden is a detective & Joy's landlord. He got entered into a bake off, which he has no idea how to do, so he has no choice... He needs Joy's help.
This is book 2 in the series. The Dating Pack is book #1. If you have not read it yet, you definitely need to!
Both books are out now🎉
I absolutely love Joy and Aiden's story and can't wait to read book #3 😍
Joy is a single mom of twin boys. She absolutely loves to bake. Aiden is a detective & Joy's landlord. He got entered into a bake off, which he has no idea how to do, so he has no choice... He needs Joy's help.
This is book 2 in the series. The Dating Pack is book #1. If you have not read it yet, you definitely need to!
Both books are out now🎉
November 18, 2022
Holy Hotness! The dynamic between these two is dynamite! The author does a great job making you feel like the characters are your everyday friends. The book has depth in the plot line and the characters personalities shine. This book is the second in a series, but being as I haven't read the first, I didn't feel like I missed any context. It is definitely a stand alone, but I feel like I would have been happier reading the series in order. Start reading today, I highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
October 27, 2022
The Baking Pact was fun, funny, and right up my alley in the reading genre. ^_^ A sweet romance that will give you some laughs and that warm feeling is the type of story this one is. Nothing like a grouchy, alpha man and an enthusiastic optimist mom romance. Throw in a pair of mischievous twins and those giggles keep coming! I definitely recommend this one to those who are looking for something light. Oh, there's a cat involved somewhere. Yeah, you should pick the story up.
November 3, 2022
This was a fun and cute read! Grumpy Aiden meets sunshine Joy and sparks fly! The two of them are so sweet together and I loved how Aiden cared about Joy and her kids. They both had to get over their past mistrust and hurts in order to fall for each other, which I really enjoyed. There were some hilarious lines too! Can't wait for Quinn and Ben's story ;)
November 18, 2022
Loved this super cute book by Ginger Li, who always delivers a sweet romcom with sass.
If you're up for a book that features a feisty single mom with adorable twins + a cranky (yet good looking landlord), you're in for a treat. I love how Joy is a strong woman yet still has lessons to learn about love and self-love.
Overall, this is a great, fun read.
If you're up for a book that features a feisty single mom with adorable twins + a cranky (yet good looking landlord), you're in for a treat. I love how Joy is a strong woman yet still has lessons to learn about love and self-love.
Overall, this is a great, fun read.
November 18, 2022
This is a wonderful heartwarming and fun romance! It’s well written, it made me laugh, it made me teary and it made me swoon! With a great storyline, great baking and some awesome characters, the banter is fun, and the twists and turns surprising. It’s a cute rom com and I just love Joy and Aiden together.
November 22, 2022
This is book two in the Knitting Club Gals Series . This story is and opposites-attract, grumpy guy student and sweet nice baker gal . This book is funny with laughter and definitely a must read . I receive this copy of a ARC book for a honest review .
June 21, 2023
Funny
My first book by this author had me laughing and rooting for love. Love books with kids in this case precious twin boys. A frazzled funny mom, her ride or die friends and a sexy landlord. The next in serious also seems like a fun book.
My first book by this author had me laughing and rooting for love. Love books with kids in this case precious twin boys. A frazzled funny mom, her ride or die friends and a sexy landlord. The next in serious also seems like a fun book.
December 9, 2022
Aiden and Joy's story was adorable. I enjoyed the dynamics with the twins. The Harry Potter obsession was sweetly done. There was a lot of heart in the story.
January 30, 2023
A sexy detective and sweet mom come together to bake in a contest and find everyone loves them together as a couple. Ginger is new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed her characters and story.
June 13, 2023
Enjoyed it
I enjoyed this book and the characters. It was a good fluffy romance with the family feels. Definitely going to get the next one.
I enjoyed this book and the characters. It was a good fluffy romance with the family feels. Definitely going to get the next one.
June 22, 2023
Baking teacher wins
This is a great story. Hard to put down and easy to follow. Love the way the two of them come together over coming their walls.
This is a great story. Hard to put down and easy to follow. Love the way the two of them come together over coming their walls.
September 10, 2023
The ending was too quick; I think more things needed to be discussed/worked out.
October 4, 2023
Loving this series reading #3right now.
November 18, 2022
Grumpy/sunshine single parent romance. Sound like something you'd like?
Well, this is absolutely that. Aiden is the grumpiest grump in grumpsville, and he has a secret. Joy has had a hard life but still manages to spread sunshine wherever she goes. So what's gonna happen? Obviously, sparks are flying.
If you like single parent, opposites attract, back stories, neighbors, stand alone series, best friend brother's romances, I would recommend this.
Plus! Book 3, The Faking Pact has, what I think will be, a delightful couple.
I received a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well, this is absolutely that. Aiden is the grumpiest grump in grumpsville, and he has a secret. Joy has had a hard life but still manages to spread sunshine wherever she goes. So what's gonna happen? Obviously, sparks are flying.
If you like single parent, opposites attract, back stories, neighbors, stand alone series, best friend brother's romances, I would recommend this.
Plus! Book 3, The Faking Pact has, what I think will be, a delightful couple.
I received a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
joy and aiden are just so cute!!! and this series is so wholesome. can we talk about how GOOD of wingmans the twins are? like can you be mine??? they are both just so cute and i love that element to the story with their dynamic and it makes me laugh so much. and watching as joy slowly trusts aiden more to grow closer with him a fun trust him with her boys. also- ben you are a MASTERMIND for seeing the chemistry and getting them together. mr sunnyvale bakes comp is such a fun part of the book with her helping him out with cooking and him going on to win it!! i love derek honestly and how he was actually such a nice guy and he also got JEALOUS AIDEN. i we needed that. him helping her and taking her home when she’s sick? SWOON. the tension they had was so obvious and them kissing the going “friends” is just too fun. sunshine x grumpy all the way. i love how this book also have more depth to the book with aiden’s backstory and fiancée. it makes me connect so much more and fell so much more for him with skylah and caroline. and the robbery with jean (LOVE HER) and aiden working on it and now figuring it out to then joy and quinn LITERALLY walking in on it. like quinn is a badass and i love her. like the teasers for her and ben? PLEASE. and then taking down the baddies and joy and aiden getting together with his AMAZING confession? SO GOOD. i love them!!
joy and aiden are just so cute!!! and this series is so wholesome. can we talk about how GOOD of wingmans the twins are? like can you be mine??? they are both just so cute and i love that element to the story with their dynamic and it makes me laugh so much. and watching as joy slowly trusts aiden more to grow closer with him a fun trust him with her boys. also- ben you are a MASTERMIND for seeing the chemistry and getting them together. mr sunnyvale bakes comp is such a fun part of the book with her helping him out with cooking and him going on to win it!! i love derek honestly and how he was actually such a nice guy and he also got JEALOUS AIDEN. i we needed that. him helping her and taking her home when she’s sick? SWOON. the tension they had was so obvious and them kissing the going “friends” is just too fun. sunshine x grumpy all the way. i love how this book also have more depth to the book with aiden’s backstory and fiancée. it makes me connect so much more and fell so much more for him with skylah and caroline. and the robbery with jean (LOVE HER) and aiden working on it and now figuring it out to then joy and quinn LITERALLY walking in on it. like quinn is a badass and i love her. like the teasers for her and ben? PLEASE. and then taking down the baddies and joy and aiden getting together with his AMAZING confession? SO GOOD. i love them!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2023
I didn't know that I was going to get a growly bear shifter when I signed up for this book...
Jk ;) Aiden came very close to a bear shifter with how possesive and protective he was.
Throughout the book, I grinned, smiled, laughed out loud, cried a little, swooned over Aiden (most of the book) and shed a few happy tears. This book was such a great emotional rollercoaster ride. And I enjoyed every part of it. I lived Joy's meddling adorable twins, Indie's very unique personality every single one of Aiden's grins (yes, even though I couldn't see it) and Joy being so damn brave
On the whole, the writing was perfect. The story just flowed naturally and I couldn't put it down.
Be sure to check this one out! It was definitely worth it!!
Jk ;) Aiden came very close to a bear shifter with how possesive and protective he was.
Throughout the book, I grinned, smiled, laughed out loud, cried a little, swooned over Aiden (most of the book) and shed a few happy tears. This book was such a great emotional rollercoaster ride. And I enjoyed every part of it. I lived Joy's meddling adorable twins, Indie's very unique personality every single one of Aiden's grins (yes, even though I couldn't see it) and Joy being so damn brave
On the whole, the writing was perfect. The story just flowed naturally and I couldn't put it down.
Be sure to check this one out! It was definitely worth it!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews