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Romancing Blake
A fake date. A fictional job. An epic scheme…
Except falling for the girl was never part of the plan.
Blake Minola had the prettiest smile—that is, when she chose to smile. And she could bake a cake so mouthwatering, you’d beg to gain five pounds.
However, at work, she had been stuck on gender reveal cake duty. In her personal life, she’d been burned by her ex—crunchy, black, smoking burned. Between the two, she rarely showed off that pretty smile. Yep, Blake Minola was in a funk, a boring-bake, non-smiling, unhappy funk.
Royce Valentine had one job… one little task and his cousin would set him up with the promotion of a lifetime… All he had to do was make the sister of his cousin’s crush happy. Complicated? Not for Royce. He could do that, no sweat. A little swooning, a little charming, and Royce would have Blake Minola smiling again. Or so he thought.
The trouble is, Blake refuses to be charmed. If only she’d accept ONE of his many date offers. But then, getting to know Blake isn’t how Royce imagined it to be. He’d hoped to be able to survive her company. He never realized he’d enjoy it. And her cake? He’d do just about anything to eat something Blake decided to bake.
Just because nothing went as planned didn’t mean Royce couldn’t handle the situation. The scheme wasn’t spiraling. He’d never go and do something stupid—like say—falling for the girl.
Except falling for the girl was never part of the plan.
Blake Minola had the prettiest smile—that is, when she chose to smile. And she could bake a cake so mouthwatering, you’d beg to gain five pounds.
However, at work, she had been stuck on gender reveal cake duty. In her personal life, she’d been burned by her ex—crunchy, black, smoking burned. Between the two, she rarely showed off that pretty smile. Yep, Blake Minola was in a funk, a boring-bake, non-smiling, unhappy funk.
Royce Valentine had one job… one little task and his cousin would set him up with the promotion of a lifetime… All he had to do was make the sister of his cousin’s crush happy. Complicated? Not for Royce. He could do that, no sweat. A little swooning, a little charming, and Royce would have Blake Minola smiling again. Or so he thought.
The trouble is, Blake refuses to be charmed. If only she’d accept ONE of his many date offers. But then, getting to know Blake isn’t how Royce imagined it to be. He’d hoped to be able to survive her company. He never realized he’d enjoy it. And her cake? He’d do just about anything to eat something Blake decided to bake.
Just because nothing went as planned didn’t mean Royce couldn’t handle the situation. The scheme wasn’t spiraling. He’d never go and do something stupid—like say—falling for the girl.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
80 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 14, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this one. The author had great characters, an interesting plot and I really loved the differing points of view. This book is kind of two romance stories in one. And that was intriguing.
The first character the reader meets is Juliana. She was a likeable girl. One thing about her was that her job came before literally everything. Including her sister and her dad. That made her love story with Jack just a little harder that it had to be. She had a hard time making time for anything or anybody.
I liked Jack. He was a caring guy. One thing I really liked about him was the way he noticed people and what they needed. He was the one to let Juliana know that she needed to be there more for Blake. I kind of felt bad for him, at least in some parts of the story. Because Juliana didn’t notice him for quite a long time. But he was ever there, ever caring for her in the background.
Blake is Juliana’s sister. And Blake had a rough breakup. She hasn’t come out of her angry phase yet. And she’s forced to make baby reveal cake after baby reveal cake. Blake clearly needed an intervention! I really loved her character when she started to be herself again!
Then there’s Royce. Royce is Jack’s cousin and he is tasked, by Jack, with helping Blake. He needed to find someone to hire her to make a lovely cake. And he did, or thought he did. Only it didn’t work out. And he was also supposed to fake a few dates. I loved that he got himself into so much trouble with this one. And that he was able to see beyond Blake’s prickly exterior to the true girl.
This book has tons to keep the reader’s attention. I really enjoyed it!
I was sent an e-copy of Romancing Blake as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
The first character the reader meets is Juliana. She was a likeable girl. One thing about her was that her job came before literally everything. Including her sister and her dad. That made her love story with Jack just a little harder that it had to be. She had a hard time making time for anything or anybody.
I liked Jack. He was a caring guy. One thing I really liked about him was the way he noticed people and what they needed. He was the one to let Juliana know that she needed to be there more for Blake. I kind of felt bad for him, at least in some parts of the story. Because Juliana didn’t notice him for quite a long time. But he was ever there, ever caring for her in the background.
Blake is Juliana’s sister. And Blake had a rough breakup. She hasn’t come out of her angry phase yet. And she’s forced to make baby reveal cake after baby reveal cake. Blake clearly needed an intervention! I really loved her character when she started to be herself again!
Then there’s Royce. Royce is Jack’s cousin and he is tasked, by Jack, with helping Blake. He needed to find someone to hire her to make a lovely cake. And he did, or thought he did. Only it didn’t work out. And he was also supposed to fake a few dates. I loved that he got himself into so much trouble with this one. And that he was able to see beyond Blake’s prickly exterior to the true girl.
This book has tons to keep the reader’s attention. I really enjoyed it!
I was sent an e-copy of Romancing Blake as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2022
Delightfully sweet- Laugh-out-loud romantic comedy. It’s a relatively quick read, which I appreciate there not being parts that don’t add to the story. getting perspectives from 4 people can be a little bit confusing but in this case, it worked. I like every character our heroine is salty and our hero is a sweet guy. the perfect combination, I loved watching the transformation of these sisters, Blake and Juliana, as they are loved by a couple of good men... adorable, witty banter, clean/closed-door romance,...And all the talk about cake, well, I couldn't resist.
June 5, 2023
adorable modern taming of the shrew
September 29, 2022
Couldn't put it down! Romancing Blake was such a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! So much so I ended up staying up all night cause I just couldn't put it down but it was so worth it! Definitely a recommend great from a fantastic author!
September 29, 2022
I love this book. It was so much fun to write. :)
September 18, 2023
Blake is upset because of her broken engagement a year ago and not owning her own bakery. Her sister Julianna tries to help her. Jack is in love with Julianna and wants to get her attention and a date. He offers to help Blake gain her happiness back and hopes Julianna will date him. He enlists his cousin, Royce, to help him. Jack tells Royce to hire Blake for some big event and he will recommend him for a promotion. Royce agrees and hires Blake for the Cherry Blossom Festival. He finds out Blake has been dumped by her ex-fiancé and is the reason she is so depressed and grumpy. He plots with Jack, that Royce will get her to go out with him and then she can dump him and feel like she got the upper hand. However, Royce doesn’t expect for Blake to turn him down for a date, repeatedly. How is his plan to work if she won’t go out with him? How will Jack get Julianna?
I absolutely loved this story! So fun! This story has 4 different points of view Jack, Julianna, Blake and Royce. I loved reading about the interactions between all the characters. Blake and Royce were quite entertaining, and Julianna and Jack were sweet. Overall, this was a great read! Clean read Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved this story! So fun! This story has 4 different points of view Jack, Julianna, Blake and Royce. I loved reading about the interactions between all the characters. Blake and Royce were quite entertaining, and Julianna and Jack were sweet. Overall, this was a great read! Clean read Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 29, 2022
It’s not easy to heal a broken heart, but it’s not impossible.
Positive thoughts:
I loved seeing Royce break the ice, Blake may be an ice queen, but even she melts with Royce. I love how real it was, it was not an insta-love, they both grew on each other. I loved the banter with them, it was amazing.
All the cake making in this book got me cake hungry!
Negative thoughts:
I loved Jack (our secondary character in the book), but I wish he had had his own book, he is the sweetest and I really wanted more of him, but in his own story.
Overall:
This is a clean and proper romance, with two couples getting their HEA after some struggles. It all started as a scheme but Royce fell hard and he was truly a good guy. It was a slow burn for the first half, but it was still good with all that banter. The book just flew by and I couldn’t put it down.
Romance: 2/5
Chemistry: 2/5
Swoon: 3/5
Humour: 3/5
Foul language: 0/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean romance yall!)
Banter: 4/5
1st kiss: at +- 50%
Tropes:
- Multiple POVs
- James Bond hero
- Ice queen
- Baker
- Web designer
- 1st bad intentions
- Betrayed by ex
- Gender reveal cakes
- Broken FMC
Positive thoughts:
I loved seeing Royce break the ice, Blake may be an ice queen, but even she melts with Royce. I love how real it was, it was not an insta-love, they both grew on each other. I loved the banter with them, it was amazing.
All the cake making in this book got me cake hungry!
Negative thoughts:
I loved Jack (our secondary character in the book), but I wish he had had his own book, he is the sweetest and I really wanted more of him, but in his own story.
Overall:
This is a clean and proper romance, with two couples getting their HEA after some struggles. It all started as a scheme but Royce fell hard and he was truly a good guy. It was a slow burn for the first half, but it was still good with all that banter. The book just flew by and I couldn’t put it down.
Romance: 2/5
Chemistry: 2/5
Swoon: 3/5
Humour: 3/5
Foul language: 0/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean romance yall!)
Banter: 4/5
1st kiss: at +- 50%
Tropes:
- Multiple POVs
- James Bond hero
- Ice queen
- Baker
- Web designer
- 1st bad intentions
- Betrayed by ex
- Gender reveal cakes
- Broken FMC
April 4, 2023
What I read: Romancing Blake by Jen Atkinson
Why I picked it up: I read a book of hers that I loved just yesterday so I decided to start another right away and this one had a good cover!
How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited.
What it’s about: Blake was hurt a few years back when her fiancé left her for the woman he was cheating on her with, now her days are full of making gender reveal cakes (that she purposefully messes up). Her sister decides to take advantage of the guy who likes her, Jack, saying she’ll think about going out with him if he does something to help her sister find her joy again. That plan ends up being Royce, and soon enough, it’s not just a “make Blake happy for a moment” plan – he falls for real.
What I liked: I loved reading about the cake baking business Blake works in – and I think I want to bake a cake now!
What I disliked: The “date her and make her happy” plot was a bit ridiculous.
Genre: Chaste love story.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and sure – not the best book, but not terrible.
Why I picked it up: I read a book of hers that I loved just yesterday so I decided to start another right away and this one had a good cover!
How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited.
What it’s about: Blake was hurt a few years back when her fiancé left her for the woman he was cheating on her with, now her days are full of making gender reveal cakes (that she purposefully messes up). Her sister decides to take advantage of the guy who likes her, Jack, saying she’ll think about going out with him if he does something to help her sister find her joy again. That plan ends up being Royce, and soon enough, it’s not just a “make Blake happy for a moment” plan – he falls for real.
What I liked: I loved reading about the cake baking business Blake works in – and I think I want to bake a cake now!
What I disliked: The “date her and make her happy” plot was a bit ridiculous.
Genre: Chaste love story.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and sure – not the best book, but not terrible.
May 27, 2023
Jack has been in love with Juliana for awhile, but has had difficulty in being able to spend more time with her, due to her busyness as work and her trying to help care for her sister, Blake, who is recovering from heartbreak. Jack and his cousin, Royce, come up with a plan. Royce will try to rebuild Blake's confidence by hiring her for an event, and maybe even taking her out on a couple of dates then letting her dump him. However, once Royce begins spending time with Blake, he finds he is drawn to her until his feelings grow to something resembling love.
This was such a fun read! I got Ten Things I Hate About You vibes, and the author did so well at weaving together these two couples and their stories. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching how they navigated relationships among the obstacles of past hurts and trying to building careers. I look forward to reading more from this author!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun read! I got Ten Things I Hate About You vibes, and the author did so well at weaving together these two couples and their stories. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching how they navigated relationships among the obstacles of past hurts and trying to building careers. I look forward to reading more from this author!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2022
This book is an adorable clean-romance read! I was in a bit of a book slump before reading it, but this is such a feel-good book to get you out of a slump. It’s a relatively quick read, which I appreciate there not being parts that don’t add to the story. It got my attention from the very beginning when the main character shows her inner mischievousness with gender revel cakes! I found myself smiling and really enjoying the humor in this book. I love the four perspectives throughout the book and found it to give a really well-rounded story. I loved seeing the two potential romances grow side by side and the overall growth of the characters. The ending did wrap up rather quickly and a little cheesily, which is my only reason it’s a 4.5 instead of a 5 for me. Overall, this is a really excellent read and I am looking forward to reading more books by this author!
This ebook was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This ebook was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2022
It was such a sweet romantic story. It was like a breath of fresh air for me after reading some really depressing/sad books.
It was so good that I finished it in just one sitting. It has been a while since I did that. I loved all three characters i.e. Blake, Royce, Juliana. I don't know why but I kinda didn't like Jake. There was something about him that didn't sit well with me. I don't know but his feelings seemed kinda forced and unreal to me. Maybe because I already made up my mind or whatever (sorry Jack). His and Juliana's chemistry didn't work well in my opinion. Maybe when I reread it, I'll like them better as a couple.
But I did love Blake and Royce's chemistry. The way Royce could do anything to make Blake back whole again was sooo sweet and cute, although I have to thank Jack for it.
It was so good that I finished it in just one sitting. It has been a while since I did that. I loved all three characters i.e. Blake, Royce, Juliana. I don't know why but I kinda didn't like Jake. There was something about him that didn't sit well with me. I don't know but his feelings seemed kinda forced and unreal to me. Maybe because I already made up my mind or whatever (sorry Jack). His and Juliana's chemistry didn't work well in my opinion. Maybe when I reread it, I'll like them better as a couple.
But I did love Blake and Royce's chemistry. The way Royce could do anything to make Blake back whole again was sooo sweet and cute, although I have to thank Jack for it.
February 28, 2023
Jen Atkinson is a rockstar. I was in some real book slump but then this little gem got me out of it. It was a quick read and I got it done within 24 hours. Who knew this was exactly what I needed
I loved both of the main characters, Blake and Royce. They were fully formed and loveable people with their own histories and their own quirks. Royce who was just trying to help Blake gain her confidence again after a terrible broken engagement and was not in the market for a relationship. But somewhere along the line, Blake and Royce found comfort in each other, despite Blake being so mean and cynical, they formed a friendship and fell in love. I love books where the heroine is the grump! But their interaction was so fun to read. It was packed with banter and teasing that will have you chuckling all the way to the end. It’s not a complicated book, but by the end your heart will bursting with love.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, I suggest picking up Romancing Blake. After reading this, I am excited to pick up her next novel, Insta Connection, that comes out in May!
I loved both of the main characters, Blake and Royce. They were fully formed and loveable people with their own histories and their own quirks. Royce who was just trying to help Blake gain her confidence again after a terrible broken engagement and was not in the market for a relationship. But somewhere along the line, Blake and Royce found comfort in each other, despite Blake being so mean and cynical, they formed a friendship and fell in love. I love books where the heroine is the grump! But their interaction was so fun to read. It was packed with banter and teasing that will have you chuckling all the way to the end. It’s not a complicated book, but by the end your heart will bursting with love.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, I suggest picking up Romancing Blake. After reading this, I am excited to pick up her next novel, Insta Connection, that comes out in May!
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July 12, 2023This is a very fun romance that is very clean. The author of this book is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ so it is a very clean romance which is great. Blake is actually the main girl in the story and she is a baker. There is a guy name Royce who is trying to swoon her so he can get a job promotion. Blake has been in a funk and he is trying to get her out of it. She doesn't accept any of his date offers and is not easily persuaded. Royce realizes that getting to know her isn't as bad as he previously though especially with her baking skills.
This is such a fun book and can be read by anyone. It is a cute fun loving love story that will bring a smile to your face. If you like baking as well this book could be for you!
This is such a fun book and can be read by anyone. It is a cute fun loving love story that will bring a smile to your face. If you like baking as well this book could be for you!
January 4, 2025
Ooo this was a fun read!! 4 POV which was different for a rom com but Jen Atkinson did a great job with it!!
Blake— she was hilarious!! I loved her snark. She had been burned from an ex and wasn’t the same. Enter Royce who brings a spark back to her.
Juliana- workaholic with a huge heart for her sister (Blake) and her dad. She needed a challenge of what her priorities should be. Enter Jack, the man she was trying to avoid but didn’t know she needed!
Jack- he just wanted his shot with Juliana and he was so sweet. He pushed her to be better but was so kind about it.
Royce- what started as a challenge to get a promotion and to help Jack out, ended up being the real deal!
Blake— she was hilarious!! I loved her snark. She had been burned from an ex and wasn’t the same. Enter Royce who brings a spark back to her.
Juliana- workaholic with a huge heart for her sister (Blake) and her dad. She needed a challenge of what her priorities should be. Enter Jack, the man she was trying to avoid but didn’t know she needed!
Jack- he just wanted his shot with Juliana and he was so sweet. He pushed her to be better but was so kind about it.
Royce- what started as a challenge to get a promotion and to help Jack out, ended up being the real deal!
October 9, 2022
It was two books in 1! Not only was Blake being romanced, but so was her sister. This was a cute rom-com about finding love after being hurt not only as an adult, but as a child as well. I liked how the author told the stories of both sisters and their journey to healing. I don’t always love each chapter of a book being the perspective of someone different, but in this case it worked. Jen Atkinson in a wonderful author with beautiful stories to tell.
October 26, 2022
This is loosely based on Taming of the Shrew. It’s, unusually, written from 4 different viewpoints, all in the first person. This did not detract from the story at all, instead giving the reader all 4 points of views and thoughts. The first few
meetings between Blake and Royce were properly funny and I enjoyed the slow romance of Julianna and Jack. Funny yet moving and a definite winner in my opinion.
meetings between Blake and Royce were properly funny and I enjoyed the slow romance of Julianna and Jack. Funny yet moving and a definite winner in my opinion.
January 5, 2023
Loved the humor! Great book to stay up reading all night
I really liked this book. It’s written from four different points of view and has two main love stories going on. I loved all the characters. It’s funny and snarky. I love the humor. I was hooked on the book from the first pages of the Russian roulette gender reveal cakes scene. I read this in one night. I would read this again.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Rating: G, clean, sweet.
I really liked this book. It’s written from four different points of view and has two main love stories going on. I loved all the characters. It’s funny and snarky. I love the humor. I was hooked on the book from the first pages of the Russian roulette gender reveal cakes scene. I read this in one night. I would read this again.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Rating: G, clean, sweet.
July 1, 2023
This romcom is loosely based on Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew and knowing that going in helps to understand Blake's character a little better because she is extremely bitter toward men and life and does some immature things.
It took me awhile to like her character but once she and Royce became close and she started to thaw, I felt like we were seeing the real Blake.
This book has 4 POV, 2 sweet romances and lots of cute moments!
It took me awhile to like her character but once she and Royce became close and she started to thaw, I felt like we were seeing the real Blake.
This book has 4 POV, 2 sweet romances and lots of cute moments!
June 7, 2024
Living Life
Juliana's life is work, Blake is bitterly baking gender reveal cakes, and Jack and Royce work for Jack's Mom. All of them have issues with balancing work with whatever else may make them happy. It is such fun reading the dialogs and ensuing dynamics between all the key players. There are plenty of twists and turns, but there is indeed a happily ever after for all four main characters.
Juliana's life is work, Blake is bitterly baking gender reveal cakes, and Jack and Royce work for Jack's Mom. All of them have issues with balancing work with whatever else may make them happy. It is such fun reading the dialogs and ensuing dynamics between all the key players. There are plenty of twists and turns, but there is indeed a happily ever after for all four main characters.
December 1, 2025
Cute story
I enjoyed reading this sweet romance, Blake is a baker who makes amazing cakes, but has to keep making gender reveal cakes so much she no longer enjoys it so she does something funny. Royce wants a promotion at work and agreed to find a way to make Blake less prickly. Little did he expect feelings to grow. A sweet and swoony story with some half truths to overcome. This story made me smile and laugh, great read.
I enjoyed reading this sweet romance, Blake is a baker who makes amazing cakes, but has to keep making gender reveal cakes so much she no longer enjoys it so she does something funny. Royce wants a promotion at work and agreed to find a way to make Blake less prickly. Little did he expect feelings to grow. A sweet and swoony story with some half truths to overcome. This story made me smile and laugh, great read.
October 15, 2022
I almost stopped reading this book after about 20%. I felt like Blake was immature, and the word "cynical" was used way too much in the first couple chapters. And then getting perspectives from 4 people took getting used to. I read a few reviews, and decided to give it a longer chance. I'm glad I did. I started to enjoy everything about the book more. It had a sweet ending.
October 3, 2022
This is a wonderful romance book to read. It is a book you can not put down. The details in the book make it feel like your really in the book your reading. I loved how the author twisted the book on who you thought would fall in love. Totally worth your reading time.
February 11, 2023
I always love reading these books! They make me feel good and they give me hope. I love her writing style because I know who she is as well so I get to talk to her throughout the time that I read the book. Thanks again Jen for an awesome read.
October 16, 2022
A good rom-com: I really enjoyed reading would recommend.
January 29, 2023
This story is adorable! As adorable as Hallmark but less predicting. The visual imagery makes me think I saw the movie and not just read the book. Clean RomCom for all ages to thoroughly enjoy!
March 12, 2023
Super cute, clean romance with characters that I’d love to have for my best friends. Loved them all!
August 13, 2023
Sweet Read
Jen does a great job creating characters that are real and believable while weaving a tale of love. Quick, easy read that leaves you feeling good.
Jen does a great job creating characters that are real and believable while weaving a tale of love. Quick, easy read that leaves you feeling good.
October 27, 2023
The cake baking aspects were fun. The characters were all a bit of a mess and not necessarily in a good way. I dunno. There was a lot of oddities in this one.
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January 12, 2024⭐️ 3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews