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Cookie Bait
A Sweet Romantic Comedy
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
At least, that's what my best friend Tessa tells me when she wrangles me into testing out her lastest alternative to dating apps. She believes that a little cookie bribery is all it takes to land Prince Charming.
It's up to me to protect Tessa from herself and the entire male population of Cache Valley from her baking.
When Tessa has a cookie emergency, I dash to her rescue, only to run into (literally) the most attractive man I've ever seen.
It wouldn't have been a problem if there hadn't been sparks (there were) and I didn't dump my cookies and dash like a baked goods Cinderella (I did). Luckily, I will never see him again and have to relive that embarrassment.
That is, until my Cookie Prince Charming starts working in the department next to mine.
I was out to prove Tessa wrong, but what if the man I accidentally cookie baited is Mr. Right?
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
At least, that's what my best friend Tessa tells me when she wrangles me into testing out her lastest alternative to dating apps. She believes that a little cookie bribery is all it takes to land Prince Charming.
It's up to me to protect Tessa from herself and the entire male population of Cache Valley from her baking.
When Tessa has a cookie emergency, I dash to her rescue, only to run into (literally) the most attractive man I've ever seen.
It wouldn't have been a problem if there hadn't been sparks (there were) and I didn't dump my cookies and dash like a baked goods Cinderella (I did). Luckily, I will never see him again and have to relive that embarrassment.
That is, until my Cookie Prince Charming starts working in the department next to mine.
I was out to prove Tessa wrong, but what if the man I accidentally cookie baited is Mr. Right?
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2022
26 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
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October 25, 2022DNFing this at 47%.
The story was okay but nothing special and I'm not feeling the writing at all.
The story was okay but nothing special and I'm not feeling the writing at all.
January 3, 2026
Cookie Bait by Ashley Funk is a sweet contemporary romantic comedy about a woman who, skeptical of dating apps and love in general, ends up testing her best friend’s theory that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, resulting in an accidental cookie‑powered meet‑cute with the most attractive man she’s ever seen, only for him to reenter her life unexpectedly when he starts working next to her at her job in Cache Valley, dragging both embarrassment and unexpected sparks into every shift.
From the very first cookie calamity I felt like I was sharing laughs with a dear friend, caught in that delightful tension between cringe and charm as the protagonist tries to protect her friend from dating chaos while inadvertently cookie‑baiting a man she instantly knows is trouble in all the best ways. Her dry humor, self‑deprecating thoughts and minor mishaps made me grin often, and the way Funk uses food and baking as a backdrop for connection felt both deliciously literal and metaphorically sweet, like every batch of cookies was a tiny step toward vulnerability.
There is a breezy warmth to the narrative that makes the awkwardness of their first meeting feel like a promise of something more, and reading their growing attraction reminded me how delightful it can be when a story leans into gentle laughter and sincere emotion. While the book is relatively light on extensive world building and deep emotional arcs, and I wished for a bit more depth and clarity at times, I still found myself swept up in the cozy charm of its humor and hopefulness.
I’m giving Cookie Bait 4 out of 5 stars because it made me smile in all the right places and offered a genuinely sweet romance with personality and heart.
From the very first cookie calamity I felt like I was sharing laughs with a dear friend, caught in that delightful tension between cringe and charm as the protagonist tries to protect her friend from dating chaos while inadvertently cookie‑baiting a man she instantly knows is trouble in all the best ways. Her dry humor, self‑deprecating thoughts and minor mishaps made me grin often, and the way Funk uses food and baking as a backdrop for connection felt both deliciously literal and metaphorically sweet, like every batch of cookies was a tiny step toward vulnerability.
There is a breezy warmth to the narrative that makes the awkwardness of their first meeting feel like a promise of something more, and reading their growing attraction reminded me how delightful it can be when a story leans into gentle laughter and sincere emotion. While the book is relatively light on extensive world building and deep emotional arcs, and I wished for a bit more depth and clarity at times, I still found myself swept up in the cozy charm of its humor and hopefulness.
I’m giving Cookie Bait 4 out of 5 stars because it made me smile in all the right places and offered a genuinely sweet romance with personality and heart.
September 27, 2022
I started following Ashley very shortly after I started my bookstagram account this year and I knew immediately that I couldn’t go wrong with a book rec from her. So when she announced that she was writing her own RomCom I was so excited. I know the girl knows good RomCom. Cookie Bait was such a fun, sweet read and I’m so excited for everyone else to read it too!
Things I Loved:
-“The cure for a broken heart is Chick-fil-A and Disney music.”
-“We’ve really got to stop meeting like this.”
-Anastasia reference
-Princess Bride references
-The Hill incident 😂
-Blake’s family
-Mood killer (iykyk 😂)
-“The Cave of Coziness was a lie.” 😂😍
-Cookie Showdown
-Christmas Pajamas
-Question Game
-Harper’s family
-The bow (thank you, Kelsey 😉)
-Cutest little epilogue ♥️
-Recipes at the end! 🍪☕️
If you are looking for a pick me up, look no further. I’m loving that I’m finding more and more sweet reads without dramatic, annoying miscommunication and a lot more healthy, realistic, and heartwarming communication instead. I’m really looking forward to Tessa and Theo’s story, but I’m told I have to wait for another before them. I’d say I’m disappointed, but that wouldn’t be true—I’m here for anything Ashley writes!
Things I Loved:
-“The cure for a broken heart is Chick-fil-A and Disney music.”
-“We’ve really got to stop meeting like this.”
-Anastasia reference
-Princess Bride references
-The Hill incident 😂
-Blake’s family
-Mood killer (iykyk 😂)
-“The Cave of Coziness was a lie.” 😂😍
-Cookie Showdown
-Christmas Pajamas
-Question Game
-Harper’s family
-The bow (thank you, Kelsey 😉)
-Cutest little epilogue ♥️
-Recipes at the end! 🍪☕️
If you are looking for a pick me up, look no further. I’m loving that I’m finding more and more sweet reads without dramatic, annoying miscommunication and a lot more healthy, realistic, and heartwarming communication instead. I’m really looking forward to Tessa and Theo’s story, but I’m told I have to wait for another before them. I’d say I’m disappointed, but that wouldn’t be true—I’m here for anything Ashley writes!
September 25, 2022
Love love loved this book—no doubt one of my favorite rom-coms of the year. I loved how individual and unique this story was. Harper is such a relatable character, seriously I’m obsessed with her personality. She is quirky, lovable and just so dang good. And now Blake will happily reside in the realm of my fictional boyfriends😂🥰😍
Stellar debut novel. If you love romances, especially clean ones—you’ll love Cookie Bait. I can’t wait to see what else the author Ashley puts out.
Stellar debut novel. If you love romances, especially clean ones—you’ll love Cookie Bait. I can’t wait to see what else the author Ashley puts out.
Read
January 11, 2025DNF… Harper is the worst & she spent too much time describing Blake’s physique… it was annoying. Not unclean, just annoying. And I didn’t love the writing.
January 21, 2023
This absolutely adorable debut novel is based on the premise that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach as Harper and her friend Tessa create a dating competition involving chocolate chip cookies.
This cute romcom is free of angst but full of so much heart and emotion and to be honest, I binge read the entire thing in one sitting because I could not put it down!
This is one to read for
🍪Dual POV
🍪Loveable characters with great chemistry
🍪Memorable meet cute
🍪All the holiday scenes
🍪Pop culture references (loved LOTR!!)
🍪Cute banter
🍪Hilarious LOL moments
🍪Close-knit family
🍪Kitchen food fights
🍪No miscommunication trope
🍪Oh my, so many swoony kissing scenes!! 🔥🔥
You need to grab your favorite cookie, a cup of milk and a warm blanket and enjoy this sweet and gooey romance! 4.5 stars
I will absolutely be reading whatever Ashley Funk writes next…and hopefully someday that is Theo and Tessa’s story!
This cute romcom is free of angst but full of so much heart and emotion and to be honest, I binge read the entire thing in one sitting because I could not put it down!
This is one to read for
🍪Dual POV
🍪Loveable characters with great chemistry
🍪Memorable meet cute
🍪All the holiday scenes
🍪Pop culture references (loved LOTR!!)
🍪Cute banter
🍪Hilarious LOL moments
🍪Close-knit family
🍪Kitchen food fights
🍪No miscommunication trope
🍪Oh my, so many swoony kissing scenes!! 🔥🔥
You need to grab your favorite cookie, a cup of milk and a warm blanket and enjoy this sweet and gooey romance! 4.5 stars
I will absolutely be reading whatever Ashley Funk writes next…and hopefully someday that is Theo and Tessa’s story!
Read
January 12, 2025Dnf at around 33ish%
This had the potential to be cute if Harper wasn't noticing and talking about whats-his-name's body and muscles every 2 seconds. No thanks.
Other content warnings: A-word used once within the few chapters I read
This had the potential to be cute if Harper wasn't noticing and talking about whats-his-name's body and muscles every 2 seconds. No thanks.
Other content warnings: A-word used once within the few chapters I read
December 4, 2022
Absolutely OBSESSED with this book! Harper and Blake will steal your heart and NEVER give it back. Right from the beginning with their not-so-meet-cute with her running full speed into him like a Star Wars-ified Cinderella, you instantly fall in love with these characters. The banter, the sweet fluffy moments, and especially football pants ;) cookie bait is a must read and will forever be a comfort read for me, love love love this book, swooning until I die.
October 9, 2022
“She swooped in and out of my life faster than Cinderella at the ball.”
“He smacks the top of my head with his palm, and I am christened as part of Saruman’s army.”
“Harper: If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Me: Caution: Hot
Harper: *cry laughing emoji*
Me: You can’t deny the truth
Harper: You win. I was just going to say “extremely messy”.”
I have so many more than these three quotes, but I love them all! The references to LOTR and Disney’s Cinderella. And then the texting thread about what label would describe them! 😂😂😂🥵
This fun read has cookies, fake dating, real dating, honest conversations and deep hurts that I haven’t seen before in books. It just released on Friday, so snatch up your copy, a whole box of cookies, and a glass of you favorite *milk* (I have to have almond or oat milk 🥛) and then settle in for a fun read! It’s perfect for this season as it’s a fall-Christmas season book.
Thanks Ashley for allowing me to be on your ARC team! And for the complementary copy of the ebook! I loved it so much I ordered a physical copy too!!
“He smacks the top of my head with his palm, and I am christened as part of Saruman’s army.”
“Harper: If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Me: Caution: Hot
Harper: *cry laughing emoji*
Me: You can’t deny the truth
Harper: You win. I was just going to say “extremely messy”.”
I have so many more than these three quotes, but I love them all! The references to LOTR and Disney’s Cinderella. And then the texting thread about what label would describe them! 😂😂😂🥵
This fun read has cookies, fake dating, real dating, honest conversations and deep hurts that I haven’t seen before in books. It just released on Friday, so snatch up your copy, a whole box of cookies, and a glass of you favorite *milk* (I have to have almond or oat milk 🥛) and then settle in for a fun read! It’s perfect for this season as it’s a fall-Christmas season book.
Thanks Ashley for allowing me to be on your ARC team! And for the complementary copy of the ebook! I loved it so much I ordered a physical copy too!!
October 3, 2022
Super cute romcom filled with adorably awkward moments and a plethora of Star Wars references👌the holiday parts made me feel like I was watching a Hallmark movie. Great debut!
January 1, 2023
As someone who is not really a romcom reader, I absolutely love this book! I love how much like real-life it felt. Getting to see the story from both Blake and Harper's perspectives was so great because you got to see them both fall for the other, their insecurities and how the other supported them, and just got to know them as people. This is such a heartwarming, wholesome, feel-good story and I know I'll return to it again!
July 12, 2023
I loved this book so much! It hit so many of my favorite things like Survivor, The Princess Bride, Chick-fil-A, and more! I also loved that it was set in a real city that I have visited several times. Overall super cute and clean romance. I’m going to go make some cookies now!
September 26, 2022
Such a fun debut novel!
Ashley has such a unique and distinguishable voice in her writing that is an absolute delight to read!
The small little details and reference jokes will have anyone who reads this busting up.
Super cute concept with super cute characters, and I am looking forward to her future books!
Ashley has such a unique and distinguishable voice in her writing that is an absolute delight to read!
The small little details and reference jokes will have anyone who reads this busting up.
Super cute concept with super cute characters, and I am looking forward to her future books!
March 2, 2025
So fun that this took place in Cache Valley and featured places that hold wonderful memories for me ❤️
September 25, 2022
I was so excited for this book to be released and I was so glad I got to read an ARC copy. I loved it. It was so funny that I had to stop reading (or reread) in order to process and calm myself in order to move on. The characters were well developed and I loved how small details were encorported which made it feel even more real. My only complaint is that I wish there was more!
January 12, 2025
Five Five Five stars is literally what came out of my mouth when I finished this book! This book made me laugh, made me smile, and even made me say awe at times. This was such a lovely wholesome romance that anyone would enjoy! Ashley has done a fantastic job with her debut novel. She has a shining career ahead of her.
This book is about finding that right person who understands you and thinks the world of you. Blake and Harper are such great characters. Ashley does a great job of taking their story and making you feel like this is a possible life romance. They talk about their fears and their past. One thing I’m hoping for is maybe a story about Theo and Tessa. Hmmmm
Also this book is a great fall read and would also be a great one to read for Christmas. Fall, romance, cookies, and hot chocolate!
Dang I want cookies now! Hehe
This book is about finding that right person who understands you and thinks the world of you. Blake and Harper are such great characters. Ashley does a great job of taking their story and making you feel like this is a possible life romance. They talk about their fears and their past. One thing I’m hoping for is maybe a story about Theo and Tessa. Hmmmm
Also this book is a great fall read and would also be a great one to read for Christmas. Fall, romance, cookies, and hot chocolate!
Dang I want cookies now! Hehe
October 7, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Harper & Blake’s points of view
Review:
If you haven’t already decided to pick-up Cookie Bait to read, you really should! Harper and Blake were so adorable and I loved their entire story! I loved how unsure Blake was at first with how to go about showing that he was interested in Harper. I loved Harper’s tendency to do something ridiculous on accident anytime Blake was around. I also loved their families and friends and how they all interacted with the two of them. I loved that Blake’s family accepted Harper right off the bat and were pushing them together in their own ways. I loved Tessa and Theo’s banter with our main characters and with each other. Some of my favorite scenes from this book included: a cookie competition, a broken heater, a trip down the hill, a flour war, a piggy back ride, Thanksgiving day, baby cuddles, a triple date fail, matching pjs, and Christmas!
Summary:
Harper’s best friend Tessa wants Harper to join her in an alternative to dating apps after another failed date. Her plan: bribe guys with cookies in order to get a date. Only problem? Tessa isn’t good at making cookies at all, but thankfully, Harper makes really great ones. So they make a deal where Harper will make the cookies and they’ll both use them to get dates. When Tessa spots a great cookie bait candidate for herself, she realizes that she doesn’t have any on her and asks Harper if she could bring her some. Harper to the rescue…almost. When Harper is almost to Tessa with a bunch of cookies, she accidentally bumps into a cute guy, ends up giving him all the cookies, and runs away before she remembers that she should have given him her name. Oops! At least she won’t have to see him again…
Blake hasn’t had much luck since his divorce at finding the one for him. Dates don’t pan out and he just isn’t that interested in the women who make it past the first date. By chance, Blake meets a woman who does give him sparks. And though he doesn’t get her name before she ran away, he can’t get her out of his mind. So Blake is quite happy when he starts his new job and runs into her again on his way out. Maybe things are starting to look up.
Can Blake reenter the dating scene with the woman who caught his eye without making a fool of himself? Could Harper have accidentally found the one for her by participating in Tessa’s scheme?
– this is told from Harper & Blake’s points of view
Review:
If you haven’t already decided to pick-up Cookie Bait to read, you really should! Harper and Blake were so adorable and I loved their entire story! I loved how unsure Blake was at first with how to go about showing that he was interested in Harper. I loved Harper’s tendency to do something ridiculous on accident anytime Blake was around. I also loved their families and friends and how they all interacted with the two of them. I loved that Blake’s family accepted Harper right off the bat and were pushing them together in their own ways. I loved Tessa and Theo’s banter with our main characters and with each other. Some of my favorite scenes from this book included: a cookie competition, a broken heater, a trip down the hill, a flour war, a piggy back ride, Thanksgiving day, baby cuddles, a triple date fail, matching pjs, and Christmas!
Summary:
Harper’s best friend Tessa wants Harper to join her in an alternative to dating apps after another failed date. Her plan: bribe guys with cookies in order to get a date. Only problem? Tessa isn’t good at making cookies at all, but thankfully, Harper makes really great ones. So they make a deal where Harper will make the cookies and they’ll both use them to get dates. When Tessa spots a great cookie bait candidate for herself, she realizes that she doesn’t have any on her and asks Harper if she could bring her some. Harper to the rescue…almost. When Harper is almost to Tessa with a bunch of cookies, she accidentally bumps into a cute guy, ends up giving him all the cookies, and runs away before she remembers that she should have given him her name. Oops! At least she won’t have to see him again…
Blake hasn’t had much luck since his divorce at finding the one for him. Dates don’t pan out and he just isn’t that interested in the women who make it past the first date. By chance, Blake meets a woman who does give him sparks. And though he doesn’t get her name before she ran away, he can’t get her out of his mind. So Blake is quite happy when he starts his new job and runs into her again on his way out. Maybe things are starting to look up.
Can Blake reenter the dating scene with the woman who caught his eye without making a fool of himself? Could Harper have accidentally found the one for her by participating in Tessa’s scheme?
October 9, 2022
Cookie Bait by Ashley Funk.
When her best friend Tessa begged her to engage in a foolproof plan –bribe men with cookies for a date– Harper Davis thought it wouldn't hurt to try. What could possibly happen in this fun game? Harper's bake and date was going so well until she ran into a literal prince charming. Blake Avery was taken by both the cookies and the baker. As they bump into each other more than they could count, will they deny that they are attracted to each other? Will they try to be something more or is it just a time thing? Will this ridiculous scheme actually work? Was Tessa right– a little cookie bribery will lead to Mr. Right?
***
My Opinion: I love this idea so much!
I was so intrigued with the concept of the cookie bait– Here's a cookie, go on a date with me. I think the idea is very clever, the thought of going for a fun date in exchange for a cookie is so fun, and it's totally okay if you don't feel like continuing to a second date, it's a win-win for everyone. I have this urge to try this one day, maybe I will stumble on this book and review in the future and bring this idea to life. I enjoyed this book a lot and could probably finish it in one sitting if a lot of things didn't come up. It was a bit fast for me, I thought I would lose interest halfway through the book but I actually find the story refreshing, the plot isn't complicated, it has a lot of scenes that puts a goofy smile on my face, and reading it was just thoroughly fun.
~
Blake Avery is the cinnamon roll hero, I love how sweet and modest he is, and it is so adorable watching Blake fall for Harper. Harper is the confident and witty heroin who bakes heavenly cookies, I love reading her funny thoughts and her actions are hilarious. I love Tessa and wish I have a best friend just like her but at the same time I know I probably am *that* type of friend. I noticed Tessa and Theo has something going on between them and I hope I get to read their story next!
~
I love this book because: It is refreshing, it's easy to follow, the plot is simple, it is beautifully written, it's fluffy, the concept of the book is interesting, and it has a sweet ending.
***
^A sweet insta-love small town clean romance^
When her best friend Tessa begged her to engage in a foolproof plan –bribe men with cookies for a date– Harper Davis thought it wouldn't hurt to try. What could possibly happen in this fun game? Harper's bake and date was going so well until she ran into a literal prince charming. Blake Avery was taken by both the cookies and the baker. As they bump into each other more than they could count, will they deny that they are attracted to each other? Will they try to be something more or is it just a time thing? Will this ridiculous scheme actually work? Was Tessa right– a little cookie bribery will lead to Mr. Right?
***
My Opinion: I love this idea so much!
I was so intrigued with the concept of the cookie bait– Here's a cookie, go on a date with me. I think the idea is very clever, the thought of going for a fun date in exchange for a cookie is so fun, and it's totally okay if you don't feel like continuing to a second date, it's a win-win for everyone. I have this urge to try this one day, maybe I will stumble on this book and review in the future and bring this idea to life. I enjoyed this book a lot and could probably finish it in one sitting if a lot of things didn't come up. It was a bit fast for me, I thought I would lose interest halfway through the book but I actually find the story refreshing, the plot isn't complicated, it has a lot of scenes that puts a goofy smile on my face, and reading it was just thoroughly fun.
~
Blake Avery is the cinnamon roll hero, I love how sweet and modest he is, and it is so adorable watching Blake fall for Harper. Harper is the confident and witty heroin who bakes heavenly cookies, I love reading her funny thoughts and her actions are hilarious. I love Tessa and wish I have a best friend just like her but at the same time I know I probably am *that* type of friend. I noticed Tessa and Theo has something going on between them and I hope I get to read their story next!
~
I love this book because: It is refreshing, it's easy to follow, the plot is simple, it is beautifully written, it's fluffy, the concept of the book is interesting, and it has a sweet ending.
***
^A sweet insta-love small town clean romance^
October 24, 2022
I adored this debut novel from Ashley Funk! I hope we get many more books from this author!
*Sweet/Clean Romance
*Dual POV
I can not believe that this is Ashley Funk's first novel! This book has so much going for it:
*MCs that you can't help but root for - Harper and Blake are the best!
*Beautiful friendships - I adored the MCs best friends (Kelsey and Tessa)! I hope we get Tessa's story in the future!
*Quirky fun families - The interactions with the families were fun, light-hearted and meaningful.
*An original premise which leads to a really fun meet cute - I enjoyed the unique premise of offering a cookie when asking for a date and how the author slightly twisted this premise for the meet cute.
*So many fun pop culture references - I love how many pop culture references were thrown in. It was reminiscent of Stars Hollow in the best possible way!
*Great communication between the MCs - possibly one of my favorite aspects of this story was the communication between the MCs. The author didn't rely on a miscommunication to propel the story. The MCs showed a level of maturity by discussing things and looking to one another for support/clarification.
*Ashley Funk knows how to write chemistry!!! - I love when I find an author of sweet/clean books that can deliver on the chemistry. It's magic when an author can convey so much feeling and emotion with a glance or a brush of fingers. (Don't worry, she also excels at the kissing scenes!)
Some of my favorites:
*Meet-cute
*Cookie competition
*Bad triple date
*Awesome pop culture references
*The Hill
*Broken heater rescue
*The question game
*All the holidays
*The first kiss
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun romance that will leave you smiling!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I actually loved this book so much that I bought a copy when it was released!
*Sweet/Clean Romance
*Dual POV
I can not believe that this is Ashley Funk's first novel! This book has so much going for it:
*MCs that you can't help but root for - Harper and Blake are the best!
*Beautiful friendships - I adored the MCs best friends (Kelsey and Tessa)! I hope we get Tessa's story in the future!
*Quirky fun families - The interactions with the families were fun, light-hearted and meaningful.
*An original premise which leads to a really fun meet cute - I enjoyed the unique premise of offering a cookie when asking for a date and how the author slightly twisted this premise for the meet cute.
*So many fun pop culture references - I love how many pop culture references were thrown in. It was reminiscent of Stars Hollow in the best possible way!
*Great communication between the MCs - possibly one of my favorite aspects of this story was the communication between the MCs. The author didn't rely on a miscommunication to propel the story. The MCs showed a level of maturity by discussing things and looking to one another for support/clarification.
*Ashley Funk knows how to write chemistry!!! - I love when I find an author of sweet/clean books that can deliver on the chemistry. It's magic when an author can convey so much feeling and emotion with a glance or a brush of fingers. (Don't worry, she also excels at the kissing scenes!)
Some of my favorites:
*Meet-cute
*Cookie competition
*Bad triple date
*Awesome pop culture references
*The Hill
*Broken heater rescue
*The question game
*All the holidays
*The first kiss
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun romance that will leave you smiling!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I actually loved this book so much that I bought a copy when it was released!
October 1, 2022
This book was so SWEET. The premise was great! Going on dates prompted by cookies, who can say no to that! I loved Harper and Tessa’s friendship so much. All of the sweet family moments between Harper’s family and Blake’s family! Harper and Blake were so sweet together! I thought both Harper and Blake were funny; in parts of their narration when they were talking to themselves it was funny to see them chastising themselves, or when Harper said ‘hubba hubba’ when she first ran into Blake. It was sweet and cheesy in a really good way! I think this was a really good debut novel!
I didn’t love how quickly everything happened. Don’t get me wrong, when you know you know! And that’s what Harper and Blake were. They were both looking for the one. Maybe not actively seeking it out like Tessa was, but they didn’t want to just date around. And I did like that a lot. But the short timeline of the book just didn’t do it for me. They spent a lot of time really getting to know each other, so we didn’t necessarily need months and months that, because they were getting it done! Everything just happened so quickly I was kind of shocked.
Again, I loved Harper and Blake. Once they were finally open and honest about their feeling, and not just beating around the bush, everything was great. They meshed so well with both families, and both families welcomed the other with open arms!
I am also glad there was no third act break up! I was so convinced that the conflict was going to go one way, and if it had I would have been so upset. But it worked out in the best possible way, and I am grateful for that!!
I hope we get a book about Tessa and Theo. The epilogue kind of alluded to that. I didn’t love how they acted throughout the book, so I’m hoping for some redemption for them!
Thank you so much to Ashley Funk for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I didn’t love how quickly everything happened. Don’t get me wrong, when you know you know! And that’s what Harper and Blake were. They were both looking for the one. Maybe not actively seeking it out like Tessa was, but they didn’t want to just date around. And I did like that a lot. But the short timeline of the book just didn’t do it for me. They spent a lot of time really getting to know each other, so we didn’t necessarily need months and months that, because they were getting it done! Everything just happened so quickly I was kind of shocked.
Again, I loved Harper and Blake. Once they were finally open and honest about their feeling, and not just beating around the bush, everything was great. They meshed so well with both families, and both families welcomed the other with open arms!
I am also glad there was no third act break up! I was so convinced that the conflict was going to go one way, and if it had I would have been so upset. But it worked out in the best possible way, and I am grateful for that!!
I hope we get a book about Tessa and Theo. The epilogue kind of alluded to that. I didn’t love how they acted throughout the book, so I’m hoping for some redemption for them!
Thank you so much to Ashley Funk for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 9, 2022
Romance level: kissing 🔥.
This book ranked in one of my top 5 fav books of the year! 😍
I loved their first meeting w/muscles, cookies & handsome guy included 😂. Harper was so precious & Blake the sweetest!
The cookie bait worked like a charm. Really🍪. I loved that there were no games. Their conversations were so open. I love how awkward Harper was! Super clumsy & shy in front of Blake.
Their communication took the gold🥇. Even if they were not sure what was going on, they talked about it.
Their first kiss was amazing 🥺. The baking cookies scene was the best! I loved them😂.
I loved seeing them increase their friendship, the bond, those kisses were amazing! You could see how much they meant to each other, even if it was a short time.
Blake's the sweetest! I love how he struggled with his past experiences but he chose Harper every time . I love their chemistry & their families were amazing.
I can't stress enough the awesome communication & maturity of the characters to address problems. They looked for support w/ each other.
The final chapters & epilogue had my heart! It was perfect😍. This book had me from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what's next w/Tessa & Theo.
My favorite scenes:
🦃 Thanksgiving
🍦Triple date
🥶 Freezing scene
🛋️ Couch scene
💜 Deep talks
🎄 Christmas
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
This book ranked in one of my top 5 fav books of the year! 😍
I loved their first meeting w/muscles, cookies & handsome guy included 😂. Harper was so precious & Blake the sweetest!
The cookie bait worked like a charm. Really🍪. I loved that there were no games. Their conversations were so open. I love how awkward Harper was! Super clumsy & shy in front of Blake.
Their communication took the gold🥇. Even if they were not sure what was going on, they talked about it.
Their first kiss was amazing 🥺. The baking cookies scene was the best! I loved them😂.
I loved seeing them increase their friendship, the bond, those kisses were amazing! You could see how much they meant to each other, even if it was a short time.
Blake's the sweetest! I love how he struggled with his past experiences but he chose Harper every time . I love their chemistry & their families were amazing.
I can't stress enough the awesome communication & maturity of the characters to address problems. They looked for support w/ each other.
The final chapters & epilogue had my heart! It was perfect😍. This book had me from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what's next w/Tessa & Theo.
My favorite scenes:
🦃 Thanksgiving
🍦Triple date
🥶 Freezing scene
🛋️ Couch scene
💜 Deep talks
🎄 Christmas
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
January 21, 2023
My review
This was a cute story! I loved the humor, the romance and all the chocolate chip cookies. It was also fun to read about a place I'm familiar with. Harper and Blake are a swoony couple (and if this wasn't fiction😘) proves that love can happen quickly and feel as if you've known someone forever. I'm really looking forward to read a sequel about Theo and Tessa.
Description: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
At least, that's what my best friend Tessa tells me when she wrangles me into testing out her latest alternative to dating apps. She believes that a little cookie bribery is all it takes to land Prince Charming.
It's up to me to protect Tessa from herself and the entire male population of Cache Valley from her baking.
When Tessa has a cookie emergency, I dash to her rescue, only to run into (literally) the most attractive man I've ever seen.
It wouldn't have been a problem if there hadn't been sparks (there were) and I didn't dump my cookies and dash like a baked goods Cinderella (I did). Luckily, I will never see him again and have to relive that embarrassment.
That is, until my Cookie Prince Charming starts working in the department next to mine.
I was out to prove Tessa wrong, but what if the man I accidentally cookie baited is Mr. Right?
This was a cute story! I loved the humor, the romance and all the chocolate chip cookies. It was also fun to read about a place I'm familiar with. Harper and Blake are a swoony couple (and if this wasn't fiction😘) proves that love can happen quickly and feel as if you've known someone forever. I'm really looking forward to read a sequel about Theo and Tessa.
Description: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach...
At least, that's what my best friend Tessa tells me when she wrangles me into testing out her latest alternative to dating apps. She believes that a little cookie bribery is all it takes to land Prince Charming.
It's up to me to protect Tessa from herself and the entire male population of Cache Valley from her baking.
When Tessa has a cookie emergency, I dash to her rescue, only to run into (literally) the most attractive man I've ever seen.
It wouldn't have been a problem if there hadn't been sparks (there were) and I didn't dump my cookies and dash like a baked goods Cinderella (I did). Luckily, I will never see him again and have to relive that embarrassment.
That is, until my Cookie Prince Charming starts working in the department next to mine.
I was out to prove Tessa wrong, but what if the man I accidentally cookie baited is Mr. Right?
August 9, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: romcom
Content: kisses, no language
This was such a cute story! I loved Like Cabins on Fire so I was excited to get my hands on @ashleyfunk.writes ‘s debut novel. The premise was so interesting and totally something I could see happening in Utah! 😂 I really enjoyed seeing Harper and Blake’s relationship develop. I was a little unhappy with Blake not telling Harper that they were meeting his EX-WIFE until they were literally at the restaurant but that was the only part that made me shake my head.
Favorite Quotes:
•Sorry, babe, Prince Charming isn't hanging out on a dating app. 🤣
•Have my expectations for men really been so low that all it's taking for my heart to do somersaults is a pair of kind eyes, some nice muscles, and the common decency to help someone up who just biffed it on the concrete?
•”I literally Cinderella-ed the most beauti ful man I've ever seen. He told me his name and I left him high and dry with an armful of chocolate chippies. You can't try cookies on for size!”
•His presence is like a deep breath-the secret to complete re-laxation; I should bottle it up and sell it as a patented cure for chronic stress.
•The movies make it seem like the perfect moments to profess your love are in the pouring rain, or right before driving away, or anywhere but somewhere as mundane as on a busy street corner. But real love-and real life-is the mundane. The daily grind of working together to make a relationship work. Love cannot survive on grand gestures alone. ❤️
Genre: romcom
Content: kisses, no language
This was such a cute story! I loved Like Cabins on Fire so I was excited to get my hands on @ashleyfunk.writes ‘s debut novel. The premise was so interesting and totally something I could see happening in Utah! 😂 I really enjoyed seeing Harper and Blake’s relationship develop. I was a little unhappy with Blake not telling Harper that they were meeting his EX-WIFE until they were literally at the restaurant but that was the only part that made me shake my head.
Favorite Quotes:
•Sorry, babe, Prince Charming isn't hanging out on a dating app. 🤣
•Have my expectations for men really been so low that all it's taking for my heart to do somersaults is a pair of kind eyes, some nice muscles, and the common decency to help someone up who just biffed it on the concrete?
•”I literally Cinderella-ed the most beauti ful man I've ever seen. He told me his name and I left him high and dry with an armful of chocolate chippies. You can't try cookies on for size!”
•His presence is like a deep breath-the secret to complete re-laxation; I should bottle it up and sell it as a patented cure for chronic stress.
•The movies make it seem like the perfect moments to profess your love are in the pouring rain, or right before driving away, or anywhere but somewhere as mundane as on a busy street corner. But real love-and real life-is the mundane. The daily grind of working together to make a relationship work. Love cannot survive on grand gestures alone. ❤️
October 7, 2022
🍪 Can Cookie Baiting be the new dating model?
I like you, I offer you a cookie in exchange for a date. I get to enjoy the date, you get to enjoy the cookie. Win-win for everyone, even if you never make it to date two. Perfect, right?
To start, I’m not sure if I have ever met as quirky of a MC as Harper! She was a hoot and a total joy to be friends with while we read her story.
Her and her bff Tessa set up this Cookie Bait scheme to get dates and honestly it is hilarious and so ridiculous, but also kinda fun and wild. And I oddly really loved it!
I squealed with joy during the meet cute between Harper and Blake and how it unconventionally fit into the Cookie Bait ploy, despite not being part of their plan.
Their relationship was cute, sweet and romantic. They built a friendship and understanding before they worked up the courage to admit how they felt, and I loved that journey and thought it was super natural/realistic.
But my favorite part was the triple date that Tessa and Blake planned to get Harper to finally agree to her feelings for him. It was hilarious and something I could totally see my own best friend doing.
Read further if you would like to know some out of context favorite moments of mine that is a silly attempt to convince you to read CB too!
🍪 Princess Bride references (especially the tumble down the hill part 🤪)
🍪 Stars Wars lovers unite
🍪 Blake’s family
🍪 The epilogue
🍪 The cookie baking showdown (most specifically the bathroom moment)
🍪 “The cure for a broken heart is Chick-Fil-A and Disney music”
🍪 Hazel’s “mood killer” moment at Thanksgiving
🍪 The Cave of Coziness
🍪 “The movies make it seem like the perfect moments to profess your love are in the pouring rain, or right before driving away, or anywhere but somewhere as mundane as on a busy street corner. But real love — and real life — is mundane. The daily grind of working together to make a relationship work. Love cannot survive on grand gestures alone.”
I like you, I offer you a cookie in exchange for a date. I get to enjoy the date, you get to enjoy the cookie. Win-win for everyone, even if you never make it to date two. Perfect, right?
To start, I’m not sure if I have ever met as quirky of a MC as Harper! She was a hoot and a total joy to be friends with while we read her story.
Her and her bff Tessa set up this Cookie Bait scheme to get dates and honestly it is hilarious and so ridiculous, but also kinda fun and wild. And I oddly really loved it!
I squealed with joy during the meet cute between Harper and Blake and how it unconventionally fit into the Cookie Bait ploy, despite not being part of their plan.
Their relationship was cute, sweet and romantic. They built a friendship and understanding before they worked up the courage to admit how they felt, and I loved that journey and thought it was super natural/realistic.
But my favorite part was the triple date that Tessa and Blake planned to get Harper to finally agree to her feelings for him. It was hilarious and something I could totally see my own best friend doing.
Read further if you would like to know some out of context favorite moments of mine that is a silly attempt to convince you to read CB too!
🍪 Princess Bride references (especially the tumble down the hill part 🤪)
🍪 Stars Wars lovers unite
🍪 Blake’s family
🍪 The epilogue
🍪 The cookie baking showdown (most specifically the bathroom moment)
🍪 “The cure for a broken heart is Chick-Fil-A and Disney music”
🍪 Hazel’s “mood killer” moment at Thanksgiving
🍪 The Cave of Coziness
🍪 “The movies make it seem like the perfect moments to profess your love are in the pouring rain, or right before driving away, or anywhere but somewhere as mundane as on a busy street corner. But real love — and real life — is mundane. The daily grind of working together to make a relationship work. Love cannot survive on grand gestures alone.”
October 4, 2022
This is one of the sweetest little happily every after read! It has all the perfect feels like a classic Hallmark love story. Harper is a college graduate looking to move onto the next chapter of her life while Blake is a divorced man looking to just move on from heartbreak. Harper is coerced into helping her friend Tessa find love with a little dating 'scheme'. The line 'the way to a man's heart is through is stomach' is exactly what Tessa and Harper are trying to prove.
This was such a sweet, clean romance story that is perfect for an afternoon wearing cozy socks, wrapped in the fluffiest blanket you own and sipping on a perfect mug of hot chocolate. I loved the way Haper and Blake meet, the use of a sharpie marker, the close friendships that each of them have with their besties, the love they grow for each other, and the perfect Christmas gift Blake gives Harper. If you love Hallmark movies, sweet clean romance (only kisses), Chick-fil-A, Chocolate Chip cookies, Family Christmas PJ's, and Star Wars this is the perfect holiday read for you!
This was such a sweet, clean romance story that is perfect for an afternoon wearing cozy socks, wrapped in the fluffiest blanket you own and sipping on a perfect mug of hot chocolate. I loved the way Haper and Blake meet, the use of a sharpie marker, the close friendships that each of them have with their besties, the love they grow for each other, and the perfect Christmas gift Blake gives Harper. If you love Hallmark movies, sweet clean romance (only kisses), Chick-fil-A, Chocolate Chip cookies, Family Christmas PJ's, and Star Wars this is the perfect holiday read for you!
January 28, 2024
Favorite parts:
-Meet cute
-Blake's nephew welcoming Harper to Thanksgiving dinner
-Thanksgiving dinner
-Blake holding his niece
-Dinner at Angie's
-Semi-DTR at the office
-Triple date
-The day of the broken furnace
-Cookie baking competition
-Christmas caroling
-Christmas day
-New Years Eve Karaoke
This was a fun quick read. With it being set in a college town, it kind of gave off those college dating vibes even though the main characters have both already graduated.
Blake is the perfect cinnamon roll man. He is a hard worker, has a great family, is a good friend and is totally adorable with his baby niece.
Harper's character is very easy to identify with. She is pretty easy going, has a good family life with her mom and step-dad and step-siblings. She is also a really great friend.
I love Harper's friend, Tessa! She was so much fun. Every girl needs a friend like that who helps them to get out of their comfort zone and have adventures.
-Meet cute
-Blake's nephew welcoming Harper to Thanksgiving dinner
-Thanksgiving dinner
-Blake holding his niece
-Dinner at Angie's
-Semi-DTR at the office
-Triple date
-The day of the broken furnace
-Cookie baking competition
-Christmas caroling
-Christmas day
-New Years Eve Karaoke
This was a fun quick read. With it being set in a college town, it kind of gave off those college dating vibes even though the main characters have both already graduated.
Blake is the perfect cinnamon roll man. He is a hard worker, has a great family, is a good friend and is totally adorable with his baby niece.
Harper's character is very easy to identify with. She is pretty easy going, has a good family life with her mom and step-dad and step-siblings. She is also a really great friend.
I love Harper's friend, Tessa! She was so much fun. Every girl needs a friend like that who helps them to get out of their comfort zone and have adventures.
July 9, 2024
This was such a cute book by Ashley Funk! I loved the setting, I've been to the town of Logan many times. The characters were fun and the plot made me laugh many times.
I loved Harper so much! She's just happily living her life when her friend, Tessa, has a great idea. The two of them should use Harper's fantastic cookies to get men to date them. This is such a fun plot line! I loved the way Harper doesn't want to do this at all, but goes along with Tessa, only to find the perfect guy for her. But...the roads are not all smooth sailing.
I really liked Blake as well. I loved that the reader gets to see what he's thinking as well as Harper. He's a really great guy. But he had been divorced before. And that really did a number on him when it came to dating and relationships. I loved that he was willing to try. And his family was so great!
This is such a cute, quick read. I hope you love it as much as I did!
I loved Harper so much! She's just happily living her life when her friend, Tessa, has a great idea. The two of them should use Harper's fantastic cookies to get men to date them. This is such a fun plot line! I loved the way Harper doesn't want to do this at all, but goes along with Tessa, only to find the perfect guy for her. But...the roads are not all smooth sailing.
I really liked Blake as well. I loved that the reader gets to see what he's thinking as well as Harper. He's a really great guy. But he had been divorced before. And that really did a number on him when it came to dating and relationships. I loved that he was willing to try. And his family was so great!
This is such a cute, quick read. I hope you love it as much as I did!
October 23, 2022
Cookie Bait is as sweet and gooey as a pile of warm chocolate chip cookies.
This debut from author Ashley Funk is a fast paced romantic comedy based on the concept of baiting dates with cookies. When Harper has a literal run in with Blake (swoon) and leaves him with only her cookies, Blake is left wondering who his cookie Cinderella is.
And then she walks into his meeting and it’s game over for them both. These two are so sweet together; I love the progression and growth of their relationship throughout the book, and watching them traverse the hurdles they face.
Also! NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! Thank you, Ashley, for this gift…because I don’t think I could have handled a breakup between them. Which reminds me…I need to know more about Tessa and Theo!!
If you’re looking for a sweet, closed door, romantic comedy this is the book for you!
This debut from author Ashley Funk is a fast paced romantic comedy based on the concept of baiting dates with cookies. When Harper has a literal run in with Blake (swoon) and leaves him with only her cookies, Blake is left wondering who his cookie Cinderella is.
And then she walks into his meeting and it’s game over for them both. These two are so sweet together; I love the progression and growth of their relationship throughout the book, and watching them traverse the hurdles they face.
Also! NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP! Thank you, Ashley, for this gift…because I don’t think I could have handled a breakup between them. Which reminds me…I need to know more about Tessa and Theo!!
If you’re looking for a sweet, closed door, romantic comedy this is the book for you!
January 2, 2023
This book is just too darn cute. Seriously, Harper and Blake are just a big ball of cutesy romantic mush that I loved throughout the entire thing.
This strangers-to-lovers romance is fast-paced, wholesome, and, most surprisingly, without any major conflicts. Seriously. At no point did I feel like a catastrophe was coming, and while that might sound like a boring book, it really wasn't. That's not to say Harper and Blake had a super smooth progression of the relationship, but there wasn't anything that left me panicking about a happily ever after.
It was refreshing to simply watch their bond form without chaos nipping at their heels. While I'm a sucker for angst and conflict, this is a nice palate cleanser if you're looking for something light and fluffy like I was.
This strangers-to-lovers romance is fast-paced, wholesome, and, most surprisingly, without any major conflicts. Seriously. At no point did I feel like a catastrophe was coming, and while that might sound like a boring book, it really wasn't. That's not to say Harper and Blake had a super smooth progression of the relationship, but there wasn't anything that left me panicking about a happily ever after.
It was refreshing to simply watch their bond form without chaos nipping at their heels. While I'm a sucker for angst and conflict, this is a nice palate cleanser if you're looking for something light and fluffy like I was.
November 21, 2022
I read this book in four hours. Its so sweet and gentle and I love it. This book will be one of my comfort reads, when ever I want something happy to read or a palate cleanser when I've been on a fantasy reading kick.
Blake is the cutest cinnamon role MMC and I love how quirky Harper is. I love that there was no 3rd act breakup ( dont think my heart could have handled it) and they are mature and handle tough topics well.
I love Ashley's writing style and the dual POV was great as both characters have very distinct voices.
If you are looking for a warm fuzzy, sweet, feel good, closed door rom com I highly suggest this book!
Blake is the cutest cinnamon role MMC and I love how quirky Harper is. I love that there was no 3rd act breakup ( dont think my heart could have handled it) and they are mature and handle tough topics well.
I love Ashley's writing style and the dual POV was great as both characters have very distinct voices.
If you are looking for a warm fuzzy, sweet, feel good, closed door rom com I highly suggest this book!
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