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Cupcakes & Christmas
The story of long nights in a wintry mountain hotel, a baking show with secrets, a snowman called Jeremy, and finding the greatest love of all.
After winning season four of ratings hit the World’s Best Baking Show, Brody Thomas had become a sought-after cake maker to the stars. Happily married, he dreamed of a bright future, but his perfect life imploded when he discovered that his husband had done nothing but lie to him. A year later, Brody is mid-divorce, and his life has been turned upside down, so being part of the WBBS charity event is excellent timing. He’s sure it will give him time away from home and space to get his head straight, only he never expected to meet the man of his dreams in a snowy Alberta.
Winning season one of WBBS gave Justin Mallory a chance to outrun the demons of a childhood lost in the foster system. He’s a social media influencer, with millions of followers, and works every hour to make money that equals security for the rest of his life. His marketing team signs him up for the WBBS Christmas charity show, but he’s convinced he’ll fall at the first hurdle. Only, after a few days in the competition, his worry isn’t that he’ll be the first to leave, it’s that he’ll lose his heart to a rival baker, Brody.
After winning season four of ratings hit the World’s Best Baking Show, Brody Thomas had become a sought-after cake maker to the stars. Happily married, he dreamed of a bright future, but his perfect life imploded when he discovered that his husband had done nothing but lie to him. A year later, Brody is mid-divorce, and his life has been turned upside down, so being part of the WBBS charity event is excellent timing. He’s sure it will give him time away from home and space to get his head straight, only he never expected to meet the man of his dreams in a snowy Alberta.
Winning season one of WBBS gave Justin Mallory a chance to outrun the demons of a childhood lost in the foster system. He’s a social media influencer, with millions of followers, and works every hour to make money that equals security for the rest of his life. His marketing team signs him up for the WBBS Christmas charity show, but he’s convinced he’ll fall at the first hurdle. Only, after a few days in the competition, his worry isn’t that he’ll be the first to leave, it’s that he’ll lose his heart to a rival baker, Brody.
ebook
First published November 17, 2020
About the author
R.J. Scott
274 books2,643 followersRJ Scott is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military, she believes that love is love and every man deserves their own happy ending.
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
November 16, 2020
First, a confession. I'm one of the few people who isn't a mad fan of either The Great British Bake Off, or its current Channel 4 incarnation.
I've seen the odd episode and I watched it when a friend of a friend took part in season six, but It's never been a must watch.
However, that didn't stop me from loving everything about this book, from its premise based on GBBO through to the location and the romance itself.
I loved how baking brought two broken men with damaged hearts together and strengthened each man individually as well as a pair.
Every festive romance has to have a hiccup or two, but they never felt inserted just to create a plot point.
And, as someone who deals with social media marketing in the day job, all the talk of ROI, demographics and product placement made me chuckle.
Definitely one of favourite festive feel good romances from RJ
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I've seen the odd episode and I watched it when a friend of a friend took part in season six, but It's never been a must watch.
However, that didn't stop me from loving everything about this book, from its premise based on GBBO through to the location and the romance itself.
I loved how baking brought two broken men with damaged hearts together and strengthened each man individually as well as a pair.
Every festive romance has to have a hiccup or two, but they never felt inserted just to create a plot point.
And, as someone who deals with social media marketing in the day job, all the talk of ROI, demographics and product placement made me chuckle.
Definitely one of favourite festive feel good romances from RJ
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Read
November 17, 20202020 Christmas Release!
OUT NOW!!
ALL BUY LINKS: https://rjscott.co.uk/read-cupcake
OUT NOW!!
ALL BUY LINKS: https://rjscott.co.uk/read-cupcake
November 10, 2020
RJ knew how to make me hungry and craving the sweets. Also, cooking and baking TV shows are my favorite show to watch.
Brody and Justin are too delicious to pass. The cooking show they're both enter also interesting with some tricky things I didn't know exist. I'm too naïve like that. LOL.
Overall, this was a nice adorable Christmas second chance story with a snow man named Jeremy.
Read this!
November 20, 2020
One of the things I enjoy most about holiday reads is that they always turn out to be the most comforting, lighthearted books to lose yourself in when times are rough. This is one of them.
Cupcakes and Christmas is a warm, fluffy book about two men who are participating in a charity baking show -- both with problems they are facing in their hearts and minds. But, this holiday season they will learn how to take back what they've lost and forgotten along the way all while finding out that just perhaps they belong together.
If you're looking for something so extremely adorable, that'll put a smile on your face and keep you invested throughout I recommend this one for you.
4 stars
Cupcakes and Christmas is a warm, fluffy book about two men who are participating in a charity baking show -- both with problems they are facing in their hearts and minds. But, this holiday season they will learn how to take back what they've lost and forgotten along the way all while finding out that just perhaps they belong together.
If you're looking for something so extremely adorable, that'll put a smile on your face and keep you invested throughout I recommend this one for you.
4 stars
February 8, 2021
Sweet 3.5 Bake Off stars! 🥰🎂🍰🧁
November 5, 2021
Darum geht's:
Die Backsendung "World's Best Baking Show" dreht ein Weihnachtsspecial, in dem alle bisherigen Gewinner gegeneinander antreten sollen. Mit dabei ist Justin, der die erste Sendung gewonnen hat und seitdem als Influencer viel Geld verdient. Aus ihm ist ein Medienprofi geworden, der ein ganzes Team beschäftigt, um ihn ins rechte Licht zu setzen und lukrative Werbung zu platzieren. Brody hat die vierte Staffel für sich entschieden und bis vor kurzem lief für ihn alles bestens. Dann hat er herausgefunden, dass sein Ehemann ihn finanziell ausgenutzt hat und regelmäßig fremd gegangen ist. Obwohl er eine große, liebevolle Familie hat, liegt er emotional und finanziell am Boden. Als Justin und Brody im verschneiten Kanada zu den Aufzeichnungen für die Weihnachtsshow aufeinandertreffen, wandelt sich gegenseitige Bewunderung schnell zu etwas sehr Intensivem.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Die Backsendung "World's Best Baking Show" dreht ein Weihnachtsspecial, in dem alle bisherigen Gewinner gegeneinander antreten sollen. Mit dabei ist Justin, der die erste Sendung gewonnen hat und seitdem als Influencer viel Geld verdient. Aus ihm ist ein Medienprofi geworden, der ein ganzes Team beschäftigt, um ihn ins rechte Licht zu setzen und lukrative Werbung zu platzieren. Brody hat die vierte Staffel für sich entschieden und bis vor kurzem lief für ihn alles bestens. Dann hat er herausgefunden, dass sein Ehemann ihn finanziell ausgenutzt hat und regelmäßig fremd gegangen ist. Obwohl er eine große, liebevolle Familie hat, liegt er emotional und finanziell am Boden. Als Justin und Brody im verschneiten Kanada zu den Aufzeichnungen für die Weihnachtsshow aufeinandertreffen, wandelt sich gegenseitige Bewunderung schnell zu etwas sehr Intensivem.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
November 21, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This was a very welcome early Christmas treat and I highly recommend it to you. A group of winning bakers from previous series of a Bake Off show in the USA are pitched against each other in a Christmas special. Already this was shaping up to be a must read - I love thinking about what the machinations behind the scenes might be when we watch these shows. The cattiness, the disasters, the requirements for putting on a popular tv show. And then here we get a chance at romance ... two unexplored mutual crushes which were never expected to see the light of day may just implode, or may give two winning bakers a chance of real love.
Justin, who won season 1, has an influencer life-style, employing a team to ensure that he capitalises on his 'brand' and fills his bank account, turns out to be someone who has a deep need to ensure he has a stable future. He has avoided later winners as he is not entirely sure that he should have won, and suffers from imposter syndrome - something his 'team' have fostered for some unaccountable reason - well other than gaining control. That bit made me very angry on his behalf! He cannot believe he is going to meet his crush Brody - Brody who's boyfriend proposed at the final show where he won. Little does he know that Brody has been destroyed by his husband's behaviour, and is about to finalise the divorce. Brody is at his lowest, and the show seemed like a good chance to get away from home for a while and lick his wounds.
I loved how these two men fought their way through the artificial world they were living in and made the effort to get a real chance at a happy future. I loved the back stage shenanigans and the final result ... I am sure you will too!
This was a very welcome early Christmas treat and I highly recommend it to you. A group of winning bakers from previous series of a Bake Off show in the USA are pitched against each other in a Christmas special. Already this was shaping up to be a must read - I love thinking about what the machinations behind the scenes might be when we watch these shows. The cattiness, the disasters, the requirements for putting on a popular tv show. And then here we get a chance at romance ... two unexplored mutual crushes which were never expected to see the light of day may just implode, or may give two winning bakers a chance of real love.
Justin, who won season 1, has an influencer life-style, employing a team to ensure that he capitalises on his 'brand' and fills his bank account, turns out to be someone who has a deep need to ensure he has a stable future. He has avoided later winners as he is not entirely sure that he should have won, and suffers from imposter syndrome - something his 'team' have fostered for some unaccountable reason - well other than gaining control. That bit made me very angry on his behalf! He cannot believe he is going to meet his crush Brody - Brody who's boyfriend proposed at the final show where he won. Little does he know that Brody has been destroyed by his husband's behaviour, and is about to finalise the divorce. Brody is at his lowest, and the show seemed like a good chance to get away from home for a while and lick his wounds.
I loved how these two men fought their way through the artificial world they were living in and made the effort to get a real chance at a happy future. I loved the back stage shenanigans and the final result ... I am sure you will too!
November 12, 2020
I am beginning to absolutely adore anything written by RJ Scott. Holy cupcakes! This one was amazing. I am a binge-watcher of all things bake-off competition related and it was so much fun to read about one!!! I loved this book! The titles of the chapters were also giggle inducing. I think one of my favorites was “Cupcakes are just muffins that believed in miracles.” Justin and Brody were so loveable and I will probably be adding this book to my list of comfort reads. And there is always that one contestant that everyone loves to hate #WhereisClare. This book provided me with a few hours of much needed escape into a land of a snowman named Jeremy, flour, sugar, and lots of love! Now this doesn’t mean that our main squeezes were all laughter. Brody had his heart ripped out by someone he loved and trusted. Justin has to learn to let himself be loved and believe in his own dream and his own talents. They have some serious flaws to overcome but there is so much laughter and love in here that this book really takes the cake!
November 14, 2020
This is a charming story that I couldn’t put down. The author has crafted a story with plenty of sweet treats, compelling characters, and a festive backdrop to bring Justin and Brody’s romance to life. I enjoyed following along on Justin and Brody’s journey through the baking competition and path towards each other. A delightful story.
November 17, 2020
Sweet adorable Christmas romance.
Both Justin and Brody are unhappy when they come to Banff to participate in a charity baking show. Justin doubts his abilities as a baker and feels that his life is completely controlled by his media persona. Brody is shuttered by his ex-husband betrayal. They meet, re-gain their confidence both professionally and personally and fall in love. Both men shared their stories and doubts with each other and the connection felt genuine despite relationships progressing relatively fast.
I thoroughly enjoyed this simple but sweet and warm story, definitely recommended to anybody looking for a holiday read
Both Justin and Brody are unhappy when they come to Banff to participate in a charity baking show. Justin doubts his abilities as a baker and feels that his life is completely controlled by his media persona. Brody is shuttered by his ex-husband betrayal. They meet, re-gain their confidence both professionally and personally and fall in love. Both men shared their stories and doubts with each other and the connection felt genuine despite relationships progressing relatively fast.
I thoroughly enjoyed this simple but sweet and warm story, definitely recommended to anybody looking for a holiday read
November 27, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
This is a frothy and light holiday story but there were two issues I had with this book that, unfortunately, made it hard to get past. During the first big discussion Brody and Justin are having, something that’s both argument and confession where Brody is explaining why he wants to take things slow and where Justin is trying to explain his own feelings, Brody’s twin brother calls to yell at Brody. He then demands to talk to Justin, gives a cheesy, cheery, shotgun speech — “I’ll break your dick if you hurt him, now go get him tiger, grr!” — that breaks the mood and adds nothing to the scene. Brody and Justin were already connecting; Adam’s involvement added nothing and took away everything.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
This is a frothy and light holiday story but there were two issues I had with this book that, unfortunately, made it hard to get past. During the first big discussion Brody and Justin are having, something that’s both argument and confession where Brody is explaining why he wants to take things slow and where Justin is trying to explain his own feelings, Brody’s twin brother calls to yell at Brody. He then demands to talk to Justin, gives a cheesy, cheery, shotgun speech — “I’ll break your dick if you hurt him, now go get him tiger, grr!” — that breaks the mood and adds nothing to the scene. Brody and Justin were already connecting; Adam’s involvement added nothing and took away everything.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
November 25, 2020
4.5 Stars
Being a BIG fan of the show The Great British Bake Off and the Canadian version, The Great Canadian Baking Show I knew I was going to love this story! It was sweet, fun and super sexy with a bit of angst thrown in. This was a happy holiday read!
Placing this story in Banff, Alberta was just the perfect setting! If you're ever able to come and visit Canada, Banff is definitely one place that's a must see. It's just beautiful at anytime of the year.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- Reality TV Cooking Show -- just enough drama -- just enough angst -- a horrible ex -- a broken man -- made me laugh -- warmed my heart -- LOVED the MCs... Brody & Justin -- loved the ending -- a sigh worthy story
Being a BIG fan of the show The Great British Bake Off and the Canadian version, The Great Canadian Baking Show I knew I was going to love this story! It was sweet, fun and super sexy with a bit of angst thrown in. This was a happy holiday read!
Placing this story in Banff, Alberta was just the perfect setting! If you're ever able to come and visit Canada, Banff is definitely one place that's a must see. It's just beautiful at anytime of the year.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- Reality TV Cooking Show -- just enough drama -- just enough angst -- a horrible ex -- a broken man -- made me laugh -- warmed my heart -- LOVED the MCs... Brody & Justin -- loved the ending -- a sigh worthy story
Read
December 11, 2020After 3 days and 41% I'm calling it quits.
This is just not working for me. It's dual POV, but I can't distinguish between the two. I don't like either character. The storyline is all over the place. I simply can't continue.
This is just not working for me. It's dual POV, but I can't distinguish between the two. I don't like either character. The storyline is all over the place. I simply can't continue.
November 13, 2020
The World’s Best Baking Show is having a reunion bakeoff for charity. Brody Thomas was the winner of season four. He owns his own bakery and bakes for celebrities as well. He's currently in the process of divorcing his cheating, thieving husband. He thinks he has a chance to win and is going to work hard to get there.
Justin Mallory was the winner of season one. He had a hard upbringing and is constantly feeling like a fake. He's a good baker but is more interested in endorsements and getting to his monetary goal. Money equals stability and Justin wants it. He's all about the social media. He's sure he'll be booted in the first round but this is for charity, so he's going to try his best.
So neither Brody or Justin are looking for the one. Brody just wants to get over the ex and get his business back where it was. He's dealing with other issues that the ex caused and it's hurt his connection with someone close to him. Justin doesn't feel like there is a one for him. He doesn't date and has never had a serious relationship. When these two meet, there's instant attraction and lust on both sides. Navigating a new relationship is hard for both of them, for obvious reasons. As the show progresses there seems to be someone who wants to sabotage the end result. Along with their new relationship, Brody has to deal with the ex showing up and causing trouble. Will these two completely different men be able to work things out? Will they have a future after the bakeoff is over?
So I really liked this book. There's a little angst and trouble brewing but nothing to much for this cute Christmas book. I did think that the first third of the book dragged a little IMO. It seemed like the two MCs had trouble finding their footing and it showed in the interactions. The book had some really good supporting characters that made the book even better. Adam and Ivan made every scene they were in thoroughly enjoyable. As a straight man, Adam is especially entertaining. He always had some vocal and sometimes lewd advice for Brody. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes second chances, hurt comfort and Christmas books.
Justin Mallory was the winner of season one. He had a hard upbringing and is constantly feeling like a fake. He's a good baker but is more interested in endorsements and getting to his monetary goal. Money equals stability and Justin wants it. He's all about the social media. He's sure he'll be booted in the first round but this is for charity, so he's going to try his best.
So neither Brody or Justin are looking for the one. Brody just wants to get over the ex and get his business back where it was. He's dealing with other issues that the ex caused and it's hurt his connection with someone close to him. Justin doesn't feel like there is a one for him. He doesn't date and has never had a serious relationship. When these two meet, there's instant attraction and lust on both sides. Navigating a new relationship is hard for both of them, for obvious reasons. As the show progresses there seems to be someone who wants to sabotage the end result. Along with their new relationship, Brody has to deal with the ex showing up and causing trouble. Will these two completely different men be able to work things out? Will they have a future after the bakeoff is over?
So I really liked this book. There's a little angst and trouble brewing but nothing to much for this cute Christmas book. I did think that the first third of the book dragged a little IMO. It seemed like the two MCs had trouble finding their footing and it showed in the interactions. The book had some really good supporting characters that made the book even better. Adam and Ivan made every scene they were in thoroughly enjoyable. As a straight man, Adam is especially entertaining. He always had some vocal and sometimes lewd advice for Brody. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes second chances, hurt comfort and Christmas books.
November 23, 2020
Check out our full post for CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This was a very welcome early Christmas treat and I highly recommend it to you. A group of winning bakers from previous series of a bake-off show in the USA are pitched against each other in a Christmas special. Already this was shaping up to be a must read – I love thinking about what the machinations behind the scenes might be when we watch these shows. The cattiness, the disasters, the requirements for putting on a popular TV show. And then here we get a chance at romance... two unexplored mutual crushes which were never expected to see the light of day may just implode, or may give two winning bakers a chance of real love.
Justin, who won season one, has an influencer lifestyle, employing a team to ensure that he capitalises on his 'brand' and fills his bank account, turns out to be someone who has a deep need to ensure he has a stable future. He has avoided later winners as he is not entirely sure that he should have won and suffers from imposter syndrome – something his 'team' have fostered for some unaccountable reason, well other than gaining control. That bit made me very angry on his behalf! He cannot believe he is going to meet his crush Brody – Brody whose boyfriend proposed at the final show where he won. Little does he know that Brody has been destroyed by his husband's behaviour and is about to finalise the divorce. Brody is at his lowest, and the show seemed like a good chance to get away from home for a while and lick his wounds.
I loved how these two men fought their way through the artificial world they were living in and made the effort to get a real chance at a happy future. I loved the backstage shenanigans and the final result... I am sure you will too!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
November 11, 2020
Oh my gosh! I loved this book so much! First of all, it takes place on a baking show. I love baking shows! Then you throw in two of the most adorable guys you could ever meet. Brody is a very talented baker who has a heart of gold. While he is confident in his baking skills, he has a lack of confidence about whether any one would find him attractive after his ex did a number on him. He’s from a big family that is full of love. Justin on the other hand, has spent most of his childhood in the foster system and he is really unsure that he is capable of loving someone, or that someone could love him with his imperfections. He is a good baker, but has let his insecurities rule the choices he has made. These two can’t resist the chemistry between them, but can they overcome their own insecurities and the pressure of this baking competition to be together? This book will give you all the feels and you will be very happy with the ending. And, to answer the question, Die Hard is a Christmas movie. I did receive a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reads, and this is my honest opinion. Read this! You will fall in love with Brody and Justin!
November 14, 2020
Fans of GBBO rejoice, because we’ve finally got all the sweet cream and none of the soggy bottoms (too much?) in this super sweet holiday baking tale! If you only like your MCs super confident and cocky, this will not be the book for you. Both MCs have been crushed by life and by circumstances, but it made it all the more sweeter to watch them grow and love together. Justin had lost himself to his fame and desire not to be left wanting ever again, and Brody (whom I love!), sweet sweet Brody, had his confidence shattered by his evil ex. But they were able to work through it together while being daddies to a snowman, fighting production and social media gurus, and making epic and amazing bakes that made me wish I had a mug cake while reading. I definitely recommend adding this one to your holiday reading list!
November 17, 2020
This is a delightfully, sweet MM romance with a gorgeous festive undertone. The plot is well-written with heartwarming events & some intense moments. The amazingly well-developed characters have great chemistry between them. There is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: a grand bake-off for charity, a heart-broken male baker (Brody Thomas) in the middle of a divorce, his despicable thieving ex (Marc), a insecure male baker & social media star (Justin Mallory) with memories of a difficult upbringing, friendship, a supportive family, social media, some humour, drama, intrigue, deceit, betrayal, anguish, attractions, vulnerabilities, emotional issues, fantasies, baking challenges, playfulness, attempted manipulations, unexpected confrontations, insecurities, determination, love, happiness & a well-deserved HEA
There is: a grand bake-off for charity, a heart-broken male baker (Brody Thomas) in the middle of a divorce, his despicable thieving ex (Marc), a insecure male baker & social media star (Justin Mallory) with memories of a difficult upbringing, friendship, a supportive family, social media, some humour, drama, intrigue, deceit, betrayal, anguish, attractions, vulnerabilities, emotional issues, fantasies, baking challenges, playfulness, attempted manipulations, unexpected confrontations, insecurities, determination, love, happiness & a well-deserved HEA
November 13, 2020
I wanted to read this because I love baking. Cupcakes are my thing. I loved the premise of the book. I think this book was really well done. I loved the inclusion of actual competition and what happens in the background of a show. I liked that marketing was included. It seemed like the author did their research, and it shows.
Brody and Justin are great characters, and both are vulnerable and have their own baggage. They helped each other find their confidence again, and I think that's what I loved most about this book. I found a parallel to Brody and Justin with baking. Maybe it's just me, but what this book made me see: it's ok to make mistakes, it's ok if your bakes (lives) aren't perfect, in the end what matters is you have fun, you be you, and you be true to yourself.
Brody and Justin are great characters, and both are vulnerable and have their own baggage. They helped each other find their confidence again, and I think that's what I loved most about this book. I found a parallel to Brody and Justin with baking. Maybe it's just me, but what this book made me see: it's ok to make mistakes, it's ok if your bakes (lives) aren't perfect, in the end what matters is you have fun, you be you, and you be true to yourself.
November 16, 2020
This is so good, you can easily imagine all of the drama going on behind the scenes of The Great British Bake Off as it does in this book's World's Best Baking Show.
Brody is going through a divorce and has a serious dip in confidence. Justin is getting tired of selling himself via social media and has crippling anxiety and self doubt. Both men have been winners on the WBBS but on different series so have never actually met before but have been attracted to each other from afar. The characters work very well together, balancing each other out especially when it comes to how they can get lost in their own heads, bringing themselves down but they are there, offering support and friendship to each other that slowly develops into so much more. Time is taken for them to get comfortable with each other and trust to build, even allowing for intrusions from the outside world that bring a little drama to the tale.
It has a festive feel even with the story being set in October but the snowy setting and the Christmas themed show help bring that about. I really enjoyed Brody's family and the other contestants on the show, brought fun and love to the story.
A wonderful story filled with hurt/comfort, slow burn romance in a beautiful setting. highly recommended.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Brody is going through a divorce and has a serious dip in confidence. Justin is getting tired of selling himself via social media and has crippling anxiety and self doubt. Both men have been winners on the WBBS but on different series so have never actually met before but have been attracted to each other from afar. The characters work very well together, balancing each other out especially when it comes to how they can get lost in their own heads, bringing themselves down but they are there, offering support and friendship to each other that slowly develops into so much more. Time is taken for them to get comfortable with each other and trust to build, even allowing for intrusions from the outside world that bring a little drama to the tale.
It has a festive feel even with the story being set in October but the snowy setting and the Christmas themed show help bring that about. I really enjoyed Brody's family and the other contestants on the show, brought fun and love to the story.
A wonderful story filled with hurt/comfort, slow burn romance in a beautiful setting. highly recommended.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
November 9, 2020
Justin posts everything on Social Media - Brody avoids Social Media.
Christmas baking competition brings the two together. Brody is in the midst of a divorce when he meets Justin.
Justin is trying to figure out his brand if he wants to keep with status quo or go in a different direction.
Seeing the the relationship build and evolve was really sweet.
Great, quick read!!
~~~ ARC provided by author for unbiased review ~~~
Christmas baking competition brings the two together. Brody is in the midst of a divorce when he meets Justin.
Justin is trying to figure out his brand if he wants to keep with status quo or go in a different direction.
Seeing the the relationship build and evolve was really sweet.
Great, quick read!!
~~~ ARC provided by author for unbiased review ~~~
November 16, 2020
Audiobook Review
Sean Crisden nailed it!
This was effortless and sweet and while I was waiting for the proverbial angst to ruin the holiday mood, it never came. Yes, there were ups and downs, but this story was so charming, even if you don't keep up with baking shows!
Sean Crisden nailed it!
This was effortless and sweet and while I was waiting for the proverbial angst to ruin the holiday mood, it never came. Yes, there were ups and downs, but this story was so charming, even if you don't keep up with baking shows!
November 22, 2020
GBBO fan fiction with fake characters set during fake Christmas? YES PLEASE
I loved this. I loved Justin and his insecurities. I loved Brody and his insecurities. I loved how they got each other and just simply liked each other from the beginning. I love how they crushed on each other during their seasons on the show.
Low angst (slight hiccup but still lower on the angst scale. Much pining. Strong family connections. Excellent desserts.
Highly recommend for holiday and GBBO fans.
I loved this. I loved Justin and his insecurities. I loved Brody and his insecurities. I loved how they got each other and just simply liked each other from the beginning. I love how they crushed on each other during their seasons on the show.
Low angst (slight hiccup but still lower on the angst scale. Much pining. Strong family connections. Excellent desserts.
Highly recommend for holiday and GBBO fans.
November 17, 2020
Cakes and sugar and cupcakes oh my! This one is literally so sweet. Two of the best bakers come together to compete and showcase their skills. The two men have painful pasts that have shaped them into the men they are today. Can the two bond over cupcakes, competition and a mutual project? Read this heartwarming Christmas love story to find out.
November 17, 2020
Cupcakes and Christmas is absolutely beautiful and I'm welling up now as I'm writing this. Brody and Justin are amazing characters and I loved the Bake Off element. One thing's for sure - I'm certainly never going to be able to view Bake Off the same way ever again!
August 14, 2023
CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a sweet, seasonal romance that actually takes place for the most part in October. Stick with me, it does make sense, I promise.
Justin and Brody are both chefs and have been asked to take part in a charity show that is featuring six season's winners. Justin won season one and although he still bakes, most of his time now is being an 'influencer'. He has imposter syndrome and doesn't think he'll be able to stay past week one. Oh, and he also had a crush on Brody when he watched season four. Brody is, as you may have guessed, the winner from season four. He has had his self-confidence severely knocked by his ex-husband and doesn't feel like he should be there, even though he desperately wants to win. Oh, and he had a crush on Justin from season one!
These two connect in an adorably sweet and awkward way. I loved how Justin stood up for himself against Erin. Both of them need to find themselves and they both help the other with that. Along with the aid of a magical snowman called Jeremy!
The pace is fast but both our guys know what they want. There are flies in the ointment but nothing is going to come in between Brody and Justin. I have never watched GBBO or been to Banff but this book made me want to do both.
A book guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies in time for the Yuletide season, CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a story I definitely recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 27, 2020
Justin and Brody are both chefs and have been asked to take part in a charity show that is featuring six season's winners. Justin won season one and although he still bakes, most of his time now is being an 'influencer'. He has imposter syndrome and doesn't think he'll be able to stay past week one. Oh, and he also had a crush on Brody when he watched season four. Brody is, as you may have guessed, the winner from season four. He has had his self-confidence severely knocked by his ex-husband and doesn't feel like he should be there, even though he desperately wants to win. Oh, and he had a crush on Justin from season one!
These two connect in an adorably sweet and awkward way. I loved how Justin stood up for himself against Erin. Both of them need to find themselves and they both help the other with that. Along with the aid of a magical snowman called Jeremy!
The pace is fast but both our guys know what they want. There are flies in the ointment but nothing is going to come in between Brody and Justin. I have never watched GBBO or been to Banff but this book made me want to do both.
A book guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies in time for the Yuletide season, CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a story I definitely recommend.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 27, 2020
November 14, 2021
This was a sweet holiday read. Brody is recently divorced from a POS man, who of course has to pop up to cause trouble. Justin is a foster kid who is less than self confident. In his mind the more money he has the more stable his life is. His PR people are worthless, they care more about the brand and loss so about Justin. Both Justin & Brody are former winners of the Great British Bake Off and along with other winners come together for a Christmas bake off competition for charity. I have never seen the show, but I think I will try to find the episodes & watch them. We get to see these two grow and heal each other & eventually fall in love. My only issue is that there are too many villains in the story.
ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2020
A wonderfully sweet holiday story. Brody and Justin were great characters and although they each entered the competition for their own reasons, Brody to take his mind off of his divorce from his cheating husband and Justin to secure a future far from his upbringing in the foster care system, they end up not just fighting to win but they also fight falling for each other. Sweet, festive, and enjoyable from beginning to end.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the GRR team*
November 20, 2020
This was a very sweet holiday story. The theme of the story was entertaining and fun. The main characters are well developed, and the secondary characters bring their own additions to the story.
This is a story about a reality bake-off television series. After several successful seasons, the producers have put together a Christmas charity special bake-off event among the previous seasons' winners. Several of the contestants have met at the show reunions, but one of the MCs, Justin, the winner of season one, has never attended.
Justin is an influencer, getting paid outrageous amounts of money from sponsors for shamelessly name dropping or adding a hashtag to any and all social media platforms. Although he won the first season, his confidence in his baking ability has been depleted after years of professionals making his work look perfect. He's been working toward a set dollar amount before he can live his life the way he wants, but his team's plans for a big payout may come to naught when Justin lays eyes on Brody, season four's winner.
Brody is looking forward to this event, probably more than any other person involved. Not only is he going to get to meet the gorgeous Justin, but he's going to make an important decision and change his luck for the better. Brody actually made a name for himself with his baking skills, but he's a few steps away from losing his business and more if he doesn't get rid of some unnecessary baggage. All he has to do is sign...and not let his past ruin his immediate future.
It was cute how a stranger's snowman became common ground for the two MCs in good times and the not so good; rescuing Jeremy was often cathartic. With employees trying to get the highest dollar, competitors willing to do anything to win, and exes that display exactly why they are exes, things get a bit tense. But, when Brody and Justin decided to do what they want to do, I knew a happily ever after was not far off.
Overall, the book is a quick and easy read, full of sweet and a bit of spice! I loved the ending; it warmed my heart. The descriptions of the beautiful creations made by the contestants almost made me wish that my daughters were of marrying age...but, not so much. A beautiful ending and a wonderful HEA for Justin and Brody and their new adventures.
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
This is a story about a reality bake-off television series. After several successful seasons, the producers have put together a Christmas charity special bake-off event among the previous seasons' winners. Several of the contestants have met at the show reunions, but one of the MCs, Justin, the winner of season one, has never attended.
Justin is an influencer, getting paid outrageous amounts of money from sponsors for shamelessly name dropping or adding a hashtag to any and all social media platforms. Although he won the first season, his confidence in his baking ability has been depleted after years of professionals making his work look perfect. He's been working toward a set dollar amount before he can live his life the way he wants, but his team's plans for a big payout may come to naught when Justin lays eyes on Brody, season four's winner.
Brody is looking forward to this event, probably more than any other person involved. Not only is he going to get to meet the gorgeous Justin, but he's going to make an important decision and change his luck for the better. Brody actually made a name for himself with his baking skills, but he's a few steps away from losing his business and more if he doesn't get rid of some unnecessary baggage. All he has to do is sign...and not let his past ruin his immediate future.
It was cute how a stranger's snowman became common ground for the two MCs in good times and the not so good; rescuing Jeremy was often cathartic. With employees trying to get the highest dollar, competitors willing to do anything to win, and exes that display exactly why they are exes, things get a bit tense. But, when Brody and Justin decided to do what they want to do, I knew a happily ever after was not far off.
Overall, the book is a quick and easy read, full of sweet and a bit of spice! I loved the ending; it warmed my heart. The descriptions of the beautiful creations made by the contestants almost made me wish that my daughters were of marrying age...but, not so much. A beautiful ending and a wonderful HEA for Justin and Brody and their new adventures.
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
November 13, 2020
Cupcakes and Christmas takes place over the course of a 'champion of champions' charity Christmas bake-off competition. Our MCs are two of the competitors, both previous season winners of the World's Best Baking Show. Justin (season 1) and Brody (season 4) have not met before, but have mutual admiration for each other's bakes and gravitate towards each other once the bakers and crew arrive on location for recording the show.
OK, I LOVE Great British Bake Off and know a previous finalist so it's great to read all the behind the camera stuff - I definitely had a wry grin on my face in some parts - as well as the actual baking aspect. The descriptions of the location are lovely...Banff is now on my post-Covid travel list. As for Justin and Brody, I think they work so well as a couple. There's an opposites attract vibe as the men have very different backgrounds and experiences. Justin has no family and lives his life through his social media channels as well as that being his main income; whilst Brody comes from a very close-knit family and runs a physical business/limits his engagement with social media. It's not an easy ride for the guys due to their insecurities but the slow burn development of their relationship is as sweet as their cupcakes...and the chapter titles.
I'm not usually one for Christmas schmalz, but I'm so glad I got to read this book. 4 sparkly stars for Cupcakes and Christmas from me.
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
OK, I LOVE Great British Bake Off and know a previous finalist so it's great to read all the behind the camera stuff - I definitely had a wry grin on my face in some parts - as well as the actual baking aspect. The descriptions of the location are lovely...Banff is now on my post-Covid travel list. As for Justin and Brody, I think they work so well as a couple. There's an opposites attract vibe as the men have very different backgrounds and experiences. Justin has no family and lives his life through his social media channels as well as that being his main income; whilst Brody comes from a very close-knit family and runs a physical business/limits his engagement with social media. It's not an easy ride for the guys due to their insecurities but the slow burn development of their relationship is as sweet as their cupcakes...and the chapter titles.
I'm not usually one for Christmas schmalz, but I'm so glad I got to read this book. 4 sparkly stars for Cupcakes and Christmas from me.
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
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