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Whisked Away at Christmas
A Delicious Christmas Romance
Love. Success. Baking. Some things are all about timing.
Set against a backdrop of glamorous balls and designer fashion in beautiful, fairy-tale-like Vienna, the Golden Whisk competition promises everything for Gina Rajasinghe: it’s her big break, a chance to prove herself and win international recognition in the culinary world. The opulent concert halls and charming Christmas markets are a far cry from her humble café in Hackney, where she’s been working hard to perfect her baking skills. If only she could relax and enjoy herself, instead of worrying about her application, and the one or two tiny lies on there. Such as the professional training she never had.
And then there’s Nick Barradine to worry about, fellow competitor and media darling who seems to have it all: money, success, and his own patisserie cafés that have been heralded on both sides of the Atlantic. Oh, and he used to work with Gina. In fact, they used to be close: Nick helped train Gina at his family’s prestigious Barradine’s café back in London, until she disappeared three years ago without an explanation.
It seems they must learn how to work together again, but more than sparks fly when Nick confronts Gina about their shared past. And now there’s a video of the two of them on social media...
Whisked Away at Christmas is the perfect festive romance for listeners with a sweet tooth: a must-listen for fans of Jasmine Guillory or Jessica Redland.
Length: 6hr58min
Love. Success. Baking. Some things are all about timing.
Set against a backdrop of glamorous balls and designer fashion in beautiful, fairy-tale-like Vienna, the Golden Whisk competition promises everything for Gina Rajasinghe: it’s her big break, a chance to prove herself and win international recognition in the culinary world. The opulent concert halls and charming Christmas markets are a far cry from her humble café in Hackney, where she’s been working hard to perfect her baking skills. If only she could relax and enjoy herself, instead of worrying about her application, and the one or two tiny lies on there. Such as the professional training she never had.
And then there’s Nick Barradine to worry about, fellow competitor and media darling who seems to have it all: money, success, and his own patisserie cafés that have been heralded on both sides of the Atlantic. Oh, and he used to work with Gina. In fact, they used to be close: Nick helped train Gina at his family’s prestigious Barradine’s café back in London, until she disappeared three years ago without an explanation.
It seems they must learn how to work together again, but more than sparks fly when Nick confronts Gina about their shared past. And now there’s a video of the two of them on social media...
Whisked Away at Christmas is the perfect festive romance for listeners with a sweet tooth: a must-listen for fans of Jasmine Guillory or Jessica Redland.
Length: 6hr58min
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 24, 2022
14 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 19, 2023
*Recipe for Love*
**3.5 Stars**
This is a Christmas story full of misunderstandings and lies. This is based around a prestigious competition called The Golden Whisk held in Vienna. Among the contestants are two people Gina who loves to bake and make unique designs and experiment with flavours. She is struggling as her family do not agree with her choice of career so they cut off her funding so she takes a job as a waitress and the head chef was teaching her how to create dishes using pastry. They had a great working relationship and she admired Nick but had to leave under a cloud. She is now running a modest cafe but needs a break. To win this would open doors for her.
Nick was that very chef and was asked to be a judge in the competition but wanted to prove he was more than his family name and line of pastry chef’s from his late father and beyond. He is already a celebrity chef but something is missing.
They have not set eyes on each other for 3 years, this will be a frosty meet up as he was fed lies by a family re her departure and she has her own reasons.
The trouble for Gina is that Nick knows she lied about her credentials to get to the competition. When they lock horns tempers flare and someone secretly films them and uploads it on social media, they then have to work together to save the reputation of the competition. This is all set on the beautiful backdrop of Vienna where someone will win the much coveted Golden Whisk…. Will the right person win? Will Gina’s lies catch up to her and Nick comes to a decision about his career….. is there room for love…..
**3.5 Stars**
This is a Christmas story full of misunderstandings and lies. This is based around a prestigious competition called The Golden Whisk held in Vienna. Among the contestants are two people Gina who loves to bake and make unique designs and experiment with flavours. She is struggling as her family do not agree with her choice of career so they cut off her funding so she takes a job as a waitress and the head chef was teaching her how to create dishes using pastry. They had a great working relationship and she admired Nick but had to leave under a cloud. She is now running a modest cafe but needs a break. To win this would open doors for her.
Nick was that very chef and was asked to be a judge in the competition but wanted to prove he was more than his family name and line of pastry chef’s from his late father and beyond. He is already a celebrity chef but something is missing.
They have not set eyes on each other for 3 years, this will be a frosty meet up as he was fed lies by a family re her departure and she has her own reasons.
The trouble for Gina is that Nick knows she lied about her credentials to get to the competition. When they lock horns tempers flare and someone secretly films them and uploads it on social media, they then have to work together to save the reputation of the competition. This is all set on the beautiful backdrop of Vienna where someone will win the much coveted Golden Whisk…. Will the right person win? Will Gina’s lies catch up to her and Nick comes to a decision about his career….. is there room for love…..
January 2, 2023
This was kind of dumb.
December 27, 2022
Audible Review
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Engaging holiday read.
I really quite enjoyed this story. It solidified my desire to visit that part of the world during the Christmas season, that's for sure.
The idea of a baking championship that took place during the holidays was fun. Gina and Nick were both likeable characters, though they both frustrated me a little at different times.
I'm glad the misunderstanding/drama wasn't drawn out very long, that could have put a real damper on the story.
The ending and epilogue were both sweet.
I'm happy this was told in dual points of view, it was good to see things through both their eyes.
The narrators were great, I enjoyed their performances. They are both new to me narrators but I look forward to checking out more books from both of them. I thought they voiced the opposite and secondary characters really well.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
Engaging holiday read.
I really quite enjoyed this story. It solidified my desire to visit that part of the world during the Christmas season, that's for sure.
The idea of a baking championship that took place during the holidays was fun. Gina and Nick were both likeable characters, though they both frustrated me a little at different times.
I'm glad the misunderstanding/drama wasn't drawn out very long, that could have put a real damper on the story.
The ending and epilogue were both sweet.
I'm happy this was told in dual points of view, it was good to see things through both their eyes.
The narrators were great, I enjoyed their performances. They are both new to me narrators but I look forward to checking out more books from both of them. I thought they voiced the opposite and secondary characters really well.
December 12, 2022
2.5
i didnt hate it but it was definitely below average.
i didnt hate it but it was definitely below average.
December 29, 2022
Gina and Nick have a shared past that has never really had closure, until they both enter a famed and coveted competition - the golden whisk.
Nick was born into a life of patisserie cooking, his father owns well known businesses that have a high reputation in the baking world.
Gina used to work under Nick but after an uncomfortable incident left her reeling, she set out to start her own cafe.
Gina needs to win this competition to give her the exposure and money she needs to truly make her mark.
Nick needs to prove to himself that he has what it takes to be known for his own talents, not his father's legacy.
This was a fun, festive audio listen for me.
Nick was born into a life of patisserie cooking, his father owns well known businesses that have a high reputation in the baking world.
Gina used to work under Nick but after an uncomfortable incident left her reeling, she set out to start her own cafe.
Gina needs to win this competition to give her the exposure and money she needs to truly make her mark.
Nick needs to prove to himself that he has what it takes to be known for his own talents, not his father's legacy.
This was a fun, festive audio listen for me.
December 18, 2022
If what you love reading about delicious food in your Christmas books can I directed you to Whisked Away at Christmas by Mahi Cheshire which is not only filled to the gunnels with delicious patisserie but is about a prestigious Viennese baking competition, The Golden Whisk. And this year, cafe owner and baker Gina has decided she is going to win it. Even if it takes a couple of white lies to get her in the door.
Which is further complicated by the arrival of Nick Barradine, her ex-friend, ex-mentor, ex… something before she disappeared three years ago without an explanation. He’s a contestant for The Golden Whisk having turned down the opportunity to judge, as he just wants to prove that he is a expert chef in his own right, not just because of the family name of Barradine’s that follows him everywhere.
But can they keep away from each other? And can they keep their history a secret?
It’s gorgeously narrated, swoony and absolutely swept me away like it was a fairytale. Mahi Cheshire’s prose and descriptions of all the cakes had me drooling all over the house, and I loved the historical tension in Nick and Gina’s relationship.
Which is further complicated by the arrival of Nick Barradine, her ex-friend, ex-mentor, ex… something before she disappeared three years ago without an explanation. He’s a contestant for The Golden Whisk having turned down the opportunity to judge, as he just wants to prove that he is a expert chef in his own right, not just because of the family name of Barradine’s that follows him everywhere.
But can they keep away from each other? And can they keep their history a secret?
It’s gorgeously narrated, swoony and absolutely swept me away like it was a fairytale. Mahi Cheshire’s prose and descriptions of all the cakes had me drooling all over the house, and I loved the historical tension in Nick and Gina’s relationship.
December 15, 2022
Literally exactly what you’d expect and exactly what I need this time of year. Perfect. A+
December 12, 2022
2 stars
There was not much about this book that was original. I found it overly dramatic at times and boring. I didn't care one bit about any of the characters, couldn't tell you their names just a day after reading and don't really remember much about the plot, with the exception that there was a cooking competition which wasn't very exciting.
Skip this one, you're not missing much.
There was not much about this book that was original. I found it overly dramatic at times and boring. I didn't care one bit about any of the characters, couldn't tell you their names just a day after reading and don't really remember much about the plot, with the exception that there was a cooking competition which wasn't very exciting.
Skip this one, you're not missing much.
December 21, 2022
At some point around August or something I told my friend Lisa I would probably not be reading romcoms at Christmas this year and like anyways here we are ! 👍🏻
December 12, 2022
Silly happy ending romance. Good enough characters, even though annoying, and who refuse to talk like grown ups!
December 14, 2022
Randomly found this one on Audible while looking for something else. Works!
Here we follow Gina and Nick. This baking competition is the big break Gina needs. This is the chance to prove herself and win international recognition in the culinary world. She never had professional training, but what is a little lie or two? Nick is already successful but only because of his father's name. This is his chance to prove to himself and the world that he can win on his own talent. Little do any of them know that the other is joining the competition. They have...well...a past. Gina worked at his family's café in London. He thought they were at least friends but she vanished without explanation.
This was a lot of fun. I loved both Gina and Nick. They have different reasons for wanting to prove themselves. She is a no-name-no-education gal. He had the education, but is just riding on daddy's coattails? I also loved that they did have a past. Nothing really romantic happened....they both wanted to take that step, but she had to go. When we find out the REAL reason she had to bail without a word....it broke my heart. Poor thing. I'm glad Nick believed her and was equally PO'ed.
I was slightly annoyed at how long it took for them to put it all out on the table. If he truly believed his uncle's story...why would he wait SO long to confront her??? I felt like that convo should've happened a little sooner.
The baddie was pretty obvious but it didn't bug me. Sometimes baddies are easy to spot.
I wanted to kick Nick's friend/assistant/manager in the butt. How could he be so blind to what Nick wanted and why he was doing what he was doing??
The contest was fun. I loved the sounds of all the yummy food. Made me hungry!
The narrators did well. They fit perfectly for their main characters and the side characters. The accents were done well. His voice for her and her voice for him...okay-ish.
In the end, my only real issue was how long it took Nick to confront her. I feel like it should've been WAY sooner. Besides that and some of the narration...I enjoyed this. This was perfect for the holidays. Food, love, and a heated competition? Yes, please! 3 stars from me.
Here we follow Gina and Nick. This baking competition is the big break Gina needs. This is the chance to prove herself and win international recognition in the culinary world. She never had professional training, but what is a little lie or two? Nick is already successful but only because of his father's name. This is his chance to prove to himself and the world that he can win on his own talent. Little do any of them know that the other is joining the competition. They have...well...a past. Gina worked at his family's café in London. He thought they were at least friends but she vanished without explanation.
This was a lot of fun. I loved both Gina and Nick. They have different reasons for wanting to prove themselves. She is a no-name-no-education gal. He had the education, but is just riding on daddy's coattails? I also loved that they did have a past. Nothing really romantic happened....they both wanted to take that step, but she had to go. When we find out the REAL reason she had to bail without a word....it broke my heart. Poor thing. I'm glad Nick believed her and was equally PO'ed.
I was slightly annoyed at how long it took for them to put it all out on the table. If he truly believed his uncle's story...why would he wait SO long to confront her??? I felt like that convo should've happened a little sooner.
The baddie was pretty obvious but it didn't bug me. Sometimes baddies are easy to spot.
I wanted to kick Nick's friend/assistant/manager in the butt. How could he be so blind to what Nick wanted and why he was doing what he was doing??
The contest was fun. I loved the sounds of all the yummy food. Made me hungry!
The narrators did well. They fit perfectly for their main characters and the side characters. The accents were done well. His voice for her and her voice for him...okay-ish.
In the end, my only real issue was how long it took Nick to confront her. I feel like it should've been WAY sooner. Besides that and some of the narration...I enjoyed this. This was perfect for the holidays. Food, love, and a heated competition? Yes, please! 3 stars from me.
December 2, 2024
After a rocky start it had so much promise and just needed up falling flat.
Gina has a shot at her dream, winning a prestigious baking competition that could change her life. It would show her talent and prove that she is worth it. What she doesn’t count on is running into Nick who she hates for literally no reason and he is nothing but nice to her. She has a big secret that she thinks Nick will spill.
After we get past that into the actual competition, there relationship forming, scandal around the televised show, and meet the real villain. It was good, she was fining her voice and hand a friend. She was sticking off or herself and killing it. Then she blew it.
Some will probably like this better than me.
Gina has a shot at her dream, winning a prestigious baking competition that could change her life. It would show her talent and prove that she is worth it. What she doesn’t count on is running into Nick who she hates for literally no reason and he is nothing but nice to her. She has a big secret that she thinks Nick will spill.
After we get past that into the actual competition, there relationship forming, scandal around the televised show, and meet the real villain. It was good, she was fining her voice and hand a friend. She was sticking off or herself and killing it. Then she blew it.
Some will probably like this better than me.
December 19, 2025
3.5 🌟 (Audible Plus Catalog)
Honestly more than I expected. Good balance of characters, story structure solid, excellent narrators. Thankful for a hidden gem after several duds.
Honestly more than I expected. Good balance of characters, story structure solid, excellent narrators. Thankful for a hidden gem after several duds.
December 8, 2025
This was such a good audiobook with great narration.
Sometimes, you find a book you never want to stop reading or listening to. This is one of those books.
I won't write the blurb. You can read it for yourself.
However, it's about 2 pastry chefs who enter a competition, and there is history....
This book has a bit of everything. Fun, angst, romance, and a tiny bit of mystery when someone keeps messing with Gina's creations.
The characters are deep and the side characters are interesting.
All likeable except one who I won't mention for spoiling the plot.
It's so festive with divine pastries I felt like I'd put weight on just listening to it.
Highly recommend this as a quick Christmas listen or read.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Sometimes, you find a book you never want to stop reading or listening to. This is one of those books.
I won't write the blurb. You can read it for yourself.
However, it's about 2 pastry chefs who enter a competition, and there is history....
This book has a bit of everything. Fun, angst, romance, and a tiny bit of mystery when someone keeps messing with Gina's creations.
The characters are deep and the side characters are interesting.
All likeable except one who I won't mention for spoiling the plot.
It's so festive with divine pastries I felt like I'd put weight on just listening to it.
Highly recommend this as a quick Christmas listen or read.
Kerry Kennedy Author
June 24, 2025
I listened to this title as I walked, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Gina and Nick, two pastry chefs with a history and each with a thirst to win the Golden Whisk Award.
I really enjoyed this story of two individuals who are so perfect for each other, but with huge barriers, such as misconceptions that they struggle to clear up.
Set with the backdrop of Vienna at Christmas time, it's a perfect Christmas read(listen)!
I really enjoyed this story of two individuals who are so perfect for each other, but with huge barriers, such as misconceptions that they struggle to clear up.
Set with the backdrop of Vienna at Christmas time, it's a perfect Christmas read(listen)!
December 28, 2022
I enjoyed this one. I liked Nick and Gina. The descriptions of Vienna and the various desserts that they created made me feel as if I was watching a top-notch cooking contest. Honestly, if you like Top Chef and those types of shows then this is a book you will enjoy.
December 22, 2022
This was a cute Christmas romance that wasn't actually that much to do with Christmas, but more the fancy pastry competition. I wasn't mad; it was a fun read.
January 8, 2023
Very cute and I devoured this!
January 8, 2023
Nice read with lots of baking/dessert (not so much Christmas) :)
December 25, 2023
Sweet. Pun intended.
January 20, 2023
The story is cute. Gives you a Hallmark Christmas vibe.
December 28, 2022
Another favourite ‘festive’ story! A baking competition and miscommunications, wonderful! The audible narration of this was also brilliant. Recommend to anyone!
December 28, 2023
The MCs didn’t really trust each other and the fem MC got vicious when they argued and flung personal attacks which showed a strong disregard for the male MC’s feelings during some of their most important moments as an almost couple.
There was so much detail put into describing the baking show (and the related drama) that the “romance” took a backseat. I didn’t feel like I got to know the MCs at all, nor do I think they put in much effort to grow their relationship from friends to partners, but I do suddenly feel like I can make a miniature house out of chocolate with no prior experience.
The award ceremony was a joke. Completely outside my realm of suspended disbelief.
I didn’t like all the drama around the MC’s relationship and the tv show + the male MC’s bestie sticking his nose where he wasn’t invited. I didn’t get why the show would care about any of it. If prestige and image were so important, why not quietly remove both or one of the MCs from the competition? Why all the hullabaloo instead?
There was also a lot of mention of “a person like the fem MC” being on the show later on in the book. Her sex was referenced, which didn’t make sense because there were two other women competing. And then her ethnicity being non-white was brought up out of the blue and made into a point of contention. I don’t even remember anyone mentioning anything about her being Sri Lankan or having features that were anything other than white features (dark hair, hued skin, specific customs or family expectations related to her culture. None of it). I do zone out sometimes when an audiobook isn’t super interesting, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have missed any of that. As a POC I usually notice those kinds of things. But ultimately, why did the fem MC’s ethnicity matter to the story at all? She said her dad was well to do (he was paying for her law schooling and paid for her sister’s) so her ethnicity didn’t have a negative impact on her socioeconomic mobility, there was no mention of herself or anyone in the family being first or second generation immigrants or a language barrier being a barrier to her success. Plus, there was another woman from Asia in the competition and there were no problems/mention of her ethnicity except that she was far from home and missed her family. It was wholly unnecessary and I felt the fem MC was having a pity party or it was a poorly developed plot device to garner sympathy for the “underdog” heroine. I didn’t buy into it.
I hated the “you know what you did” thing the MCs had going on for most of the book. I hate the guessing game in my romances. It’s circular and pointless and frustrating.
Not my cuppa.
There was so much detail put into describing the baking show (and the related drama) that the “romance” took a backseat. I didn’t feel like I got to know the MCs at all, nor do I think they put in much effort to grow their relationship from friends to partners, but I do suddenly feel like I can make a miniature house out of chocolate with no prior experience.
The award ceremony was a joke. Completely outside my realm of suspended disbelief.
I didn’t like all the drama around the MC’s relationship and the tv show + the male MC’s bestie sticking his nose where he wasn’t invited. I didn’t get why the show would care about any of it. If prestige and image were so important, why not quietly remove both or one of the MCs from the competition? Why all the hullabaloo instead?
There was also a lot of mention of “a person like the fem MC” being on the show later on in the book. Her sex was referenced, which didn’t make sense because there were two other women competing. And then her ethnicity being non-white was brought up out of the blue and made into a point of contention. I don’t even remember anyone mentioning anything about her being Sri Lankan or having features that were anything other than white features (dark hair, hued skin, specific customs or family expectations related to her culture. None of it). I do zone out sometimes when an audiobook isn’t super interesting, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have missed any of that. As a POC I usually notice those kinds of things. But ultimately, why did the fem MC’s ethnicity matter to the story at all? She said her dad was well to do (he was paying for her law schooling and paid for her sister’s) so her ethnicity didn’t have a negative impact on her socioeconomic mobility, there was no mention of herself or anyone in the family being first or second generation immigrants or a language barrier being a barrier to her success. Plus, there was another woman from Asia in the competition and there were no problems/mention of her ethnicity except that she was far from home and missed her family. It was wholly unnecessary and I felt the fem MC was having a pity party or it was a poorly developed plot device to garner sympathy for the “underdog” heroine. I didn’t buy into it.
I hated the “you know what you did” thing the MCs had going on for most of the book. I hate the guessing game in my romances. It’s circular and pointless and frustrating.
Not my cuppa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
A 3.5 star review.
This book came free with my Audible subscription, so I figured, why not. And why not indeed :) It was exactly as twee and predictable as I had expected, but with a setting of a cooking competition in Vienna I greatly enjoyed it all the same. I loved reading about the different heats and how they turned out (even if most of it was given ahead of time).
The "3rd act breakup" still annoyed me, as it could so easily have been avoided with better communication, but fortunately it was fixed a lot quicker than I had feared.
This book came free with my Audible subscription, so I figured, why not. And why not indeed :) It was exactly as twee and predictable as I had expected, but with a setting of a cooking competition in Vienna I greatly enjoyed it all the same. I loved reading about the different heats and how they turned out (even if most of it was given ahead of time).
The "3rd act breakup" still annoyed me, as it could so easily have been avoided with better communication, but fortunately it was fixed a lot quicker than I had feared.
January 11, 2026
Anticipation mixed with irritation and festive comfort from the very beginning, which turned out to be part of the fun. The story unfolded around ambition, misunderstanding, and second chances, set against a wintry European backdrop that felt indulgent without being overdone. At its heart, it explored creative passion, family pressure, and the cost of walking away from something you love. Christmas hovered in the background as atmosphere rather than message, making this feel more like a seasonal setting than a holiday morality tale.
The storytelling was well balanced and easy to sink into. Pacing moved smoothly, giving space for tension to build between characters without dragging the plot down. The structure worked particularly well in audio form, with clear emotional beats and strong momentum. Character development stood out, especially in how past resentment and unresolved hurt shaped present choices. Dialogue felt natural and occasionally sharp, which added realism to confrontational moments and warmth to quieter ones.
What worked best for me was how confidently it leaned into familiar tropes. Second chance romance, professional rivalry, forced collaboration, and public scandal were all in play, but they were handled with enough care to avoid feeling tired. The atmosphere did a lot of heavy lifting, from the competitive pressure to the indulgent descriptions that made everything feel rich and festive. While a few conflicts resolved a little too neatly for my taste, it still delivered an engaging, cosy, and emotionally satisfying story that hit its mark without trying to be more than it needed to be.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
The storytelling was well balanced and easy to sink into. Pacing moved smoothly, giving space for tension to build between characters without dragging the plot down. The structure worked particularly well in audio form, with clear emotional beats and strong momentum. Character development stood out, especially in how past resentment and unresolved hurt shaped present choices. Dialogue felt natural and occasionally sharp, which added realism to confrontational moments and warmth to quieter ones.
What worked best for me was how confidently it leaned into familiar tropes. Second chance romance, professional rivalry, forced collaboration, and public scandal were all in play, but they were handled with enough care to avoid feeling tired. The atmosphere did a lot of heavy lifting, from the competitive pressure to the indulgent descriptions that made everything feel rich and festive. While a few conflicts resolved a little too neatly for my taste, it still delivered an engaging, cosy, and emotionally satisfying story that hit its mark without trying to be more than it needed to be.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
December 14, 2022
I'm really picky with the kind of rom-coms I enjoy, so what a delight to find a Christmassy story with such a compelling couple at the centre. This doesn't have Christmas cliches, but having seen that done before, it was a nice alternative to set the story in the wintery magic of Vienna. Twinkly lights, Christmas markets and a spectacular ball at the end - it really captured the feel of the city.
As for the storyline itself, the Golden Whisk competition was well executed and believable and helped add to the tension between the characters. As for the love story: Nick and Gina made a wonderful couple. Their connection was built on an emotional bond, both believed in each other when they were wrecked with self doubt. Their conflicts felt believable and never contrived, and when they did finally share that first elusive kiss (and more) their interactions were full of sparks and chemistry. By the end, I had tears in my eyes imagining their future together.
Not only was this brilliantly written but I love the vocal performances too. A real treat all round. I wouldn't say no to a sequel!
As for the storyline itself, the Golden Whisk competition was well executed and believable and helped add to the tension between the characters. As for the love story: Nick and Gina made a wonderful couple. Their connection was built on an emotional bond, both believed in each other when they were wrecked with self doubt. Their conflicts felt believable and never contrived, and when they did finally share that first elusive kiss (and more) their interactions were full of sparks and chemistry. By the end, I had tears in my eyes imagining their future together.
Not only was this brilliantly written but I love the vocal performances too. A real treat all round. I wouldn't say no to a sequel!
December 9, 2022
Geena and Nick both have their reasons for entering the Golden Whisk pastry competitions, they just don't know their reasons have got them on a collision course to compete against one another.
Nick has no idea why the beautiful and talented Geena left working for his father's restaurant 3 years ago, she's not his ex girlfriend, more like an ex-almost, and ex-maybe except she never explained why she took off, only horrible rumors fed to him by his uncle. Geena's been on her own since her dad cut her off, doing her best to get the experience she needed despite not getting to culinary school, she wants to win the Golden Whisk and launch her shop in Hackney to another level, she feels like a fraud. She lied about her qualifications to get into the competition, and now she's worried Nick will expose her.
Soon their almost-nothing becomes something, and romance is baking away beside the cakes in the kitchen.
Loved this Christmas story, even if it wasn't much of a holiday tale.
Nick has no idea why the beautiful and talented Geena left working for his father's restaurant 3 years ago, she's not his ex girlfriend, more like an ex-almost, and ex-maybe except she never explained why she took off, only horrible rumors fed to him by his uncle. Geena's been on her own since her dad cut her off, doing her best to get the experience she needed despite not getting to culinary school, she wants to win the Golden Whisk and launch her shop in Hackney to another level, she feels like a fraud. She lied about her qualifications to get into the competition, and now she's worried Nick will expose her.
Soon their almost-nothing becomes something, and romance is baking away beside the cakes in the kitchen.
Loved this Christmas story, even if it wasn't much of a holiday tale.
December 14, 2023
If you keep saying 'I know what you did, admit it, and the other person repeatedly says they don't know what you're talking about...maybe elaborate. Maybe they don't know. Use your words!
Urgh! Nick was such a man child. So immature and moody, with some anger issues that he should deal with. He kept acting like he was such a victim when he was also a git and saw nothing wrong with his gossiping about Gina. No remorse just 'poor me'! Shame on you, Nick! Also Alex, what's your damage? Why was he even there? Go be bitter somewhere else.
I was rooting for Gina from the start! Yeah she lied to get into the contest but the contest was pretentious and elitist so I was on her side.
I really liked the whole romance/patisserie contest storyline but Gina deserved so much better! Not just from the contest but from life
Urgh! Nick was such a man child. So immature and moody, with some anger issues that he should deal with. He kept acting like he was such a victim when he was also a git and saw nothing wrong with his gossiping about Gina. No remorse just 'poor me'! Shame on you, Nick! Also Alex, what's your damage? Why was he even there? Go be bitter somewhere else.
I was rooting for Gina from the start! Yeah she lied to get into the contest but the contest was pretentious and elitist so I was on her side.
I really liked the whole romance/patisserie contest storyline but Gina deserved so much better! Not just from the contest but from life
December 10, 2025
Whisked Away at Christmas by Mahi Cheshire (2022)
6h 59m narrated by Ritu Arya and Jeremy Irvine
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas
Featuring: England, Pastry Chef Competition, Vienna, Television, Dual POVs, Second Chance Trope - Old Crush, Miscommunication; Sri Lankan MC, Friends-to Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Sex - Off Camera, Media, Drama, Harassment
Rating as a movie: PG-15
Books and Authors mentioned: Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Four Christmases by Matt R. Allen, Caleb Wilson, Jon Lucas, and Scott Moore
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🥐🧁🥧👩🏽🍳👨🏻🍳🇬🇧🇦🇹📺👨⚖️
My thoughts: 📱17% 1:12:55 Chapter 6 Gina - Well the Air Force book put me to sleep and I almost slept through my Audible challenge, plus I had to find a new book. So far this may not be it.
It was okay. I wasn’t a fan, the plot was pretty thin.
Recommend to others: Not likely, but you never know.
6h 59m narrated by Ritu Arya and Jeremy Irvine
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas
Featuring: England, Pastry Chef Competition, Vienna, Television, Dual POVs, Second Chance Trope - Old Crush, Miscommunication; Sri Lankan MC, Friends-to Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Sex - Off Camera, Media, Drama, Harassment
Rating as a movie: PG-15
Books and Authors mentioned: Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Four Christmases by Matt R. Allen, Caleb Wilson, Jon Lucas, and Scott Moore
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🥐🧁🥧👩🏽🍳👨🏻🍳🇬🇧🇦🇹📺👨⚖️
My thoughts: 📱17% 1:12:55 Chapter 6 Gina - Well the Air Force book put me to sleep and I almost slept through my Audible challenge, plus I had to find a new book. So far this may not be it.
It was okay. I wasn’t a fan, the plot was pretty thin.
Recommend to others: Not likely, but you never know.
December 12, 2023
I love a baking competition! Really any competition, especially when the MCs used to work together, had a fallout. and now they’re competing against each other!
I loved Gina! She worked SO hard to get where she was, and it shouldn’t matter that she doesn’t have formal training - but of course for the competition it does. And Nick was great too. He’s gotten comments that he’s NOT his dad - and it takes it negatively so he’s trying to up his game.
And they were sweet together. It’s clear they had a good connection, even when they were still very much in their enemies era! And their banter was great! And I loved watching them learn so many new things during the competition, baking and otherwise!
I loved Gina! She worked SO hard to get where she was, and it shouldn’t matter that she doesn’t have formal training - but of course for the competition it does. And Nick was great too. He’s gotten comments that he’s NOT his dad - and it takes it negatively so he’s trying to up his game.
And they were sweet together. It’s clear they had a good connection, even when they were still very much in their enemies era! And their banter was great! And I loved watching them learn so many new things during the competition, baking and otherwise!
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