Reviews

A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee, Jayci Lee

glendareads39's review against another edition

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4.0

An enemies to lovers trope with lots of baking and a good setting. Aubrey and Landon are a beautiful couple and they belong together. Descriptions of the scenery and food throughout the story. The best part of this Rom-Com was the food. On the audiobook, there's a recipe at the end of the story. Aubrey and Landon started off as enemies by Landon writing a bad review on Aubrey's bakery.

emilye33's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

hugbandit7's review against another edition

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4.0

I think I gained 5 lbs just reading this book and all of the delicious foods that were described.  I do wish that there were a few more recipes at the end especially for the desserts that Aubrey makes for a television show.

Aubrey and Landon have that instant animal reaction to each other sexually as evidenced by their one night stand.  When a review of Aubrey's bakery goes awry due to miscommunications, Landon seeks to make it right without compromising his no second review policy.  What ensues is their attempts to keep things platonic despite the intense attraction they feel for one another.  Let's just say it doesn't work.

If you are in the mood for something light and fluffy (my terminology for most romance novels) then you won't be disappointed.  True love does not run smoothly for these two and it is definitely a case of communication that can solve all of their problems if they would just not be so obstinate about being true to themselves and their relationship.

I really liked several of the supporting characters.  Tara, Aubrey's BFF, is a hoot but also loyal to Aubrey.  There is a hint of a possible book featuring her and another character.  Aria and Lucien are two other characters that I liked because they pulled no punches when it came to Landon.  They may be his friends but they knew when he was not making wise choices.

Outside of the romance, there is a subplot regarding Aubrey and her mother and their reconciliation and some truths that come to light that are best for both of them.

I devoured this book and if you are a foodie that loves romance books, I think you will like this book too.  We give this 4 paws up.

natcatsbookishcafe's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars
Audiobook

I thought this romance was a lot of fun. We have a fun setting and lots of food references! It is pretty insta-lust, but I didn't mind that. It also wasn't super smutty, so its on the sweeter side of romance.

This book does have pregnancy, which isn't my favorite, but it didn't turn me off the story this time, in fact, I enjoyed the drama lol.

While this book was fun, its not something I foresee myself remembering.

teaandlibri's review against another edition

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2.0

Hadn't been planning on reading this but I saw that Daniel Dae Kim was going to star and produce an adaptation. Aubrey is happy with her bakery, away from her parents and thought she could have her own little slice of peace...only to end up meeting up with a one night stand of hers. Who also happens to be a food critic.

So now we have Aubrey at a villa with Landon after a mishap, where they end up spending more time together. And you can somewhat guess where they go from here.

I had been in the mood for something "sweeter" as it were and thought, why not? But this wasn't it. I've never been a fan of romance stories, and it was pretty clear from the get go as to how this would proceed. I never found anything about the story actually interesting except for the initial opening where a birthday cake had to be saved.

Ultimately it was skimmable, and this is the type of book that might lend really well to an adaptation. And I liked that this didn't make my eyes fall out from boredom with the more romantic aspects of this outing. Just not my thing. So if you're looking for more "sweet" than "sexytimes" this might not be a bad read.

Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.

historianvik's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I was really enjoying this audiobook and would have rated at least 3.5 if not for awful trope that hit 70% through!
pregnancy tropes without warning are such a major turnoff!
  I eventually got over my anger at this trope and finished the book. Glad they got their happy ending but I did not enjoy the last 30% of the book.
also there's a 3rd quarter break up that only vaguely makes sense

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axmlx's review against another edition

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3.0

3 ⭐️

Not bad, not great either.
The beginning was promising but the middle and the ending felt meh… I skimed most of the last chapters

dani17731's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

lunarcatbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

Overall this was super meh. I don't know if I've been picking bad books or what. This book didn't thrill me. Didn't even wow me. Readable, I'm sure someone will enjoy it. I just. Eh.

albloomy's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

The intro to this book with a high profile food critic accidentally getting a rather odd cake meant for a kids party from a small bakery draws the reader in early and doesn’t let go.

The recipes sound delightful and I want to eat all of them. The Korean representation is wonderful to see and well written.

The book was lovely to read and the book follows a semi romcom plot. It is a little too angsty to be a true romcom but the banter and romantic build up is worth reading.

I am already waiting for book two and three in the series.