jaime_fiction_fangirl's review against another edition
3.0
I wish that this book would have been broken down into two separate books for each couple. I think I would have enjoyed it more if there would've been focus on them individually. Too much time was spent on Morgan and Garret's story and it took away from Tanner and Paige and/or vice versa.
Honestly I could've fallen in love with Tanner except for the fact that he never really apologized or talked about how badly he messed up when they were younger. It was sort of just glossed over and then they moved on. I NEED closure on that type of thing!!! Also, let's be honest, he wasn't very nice to Paige for a majority of the book. I understand that the way he was acting was out of some sort of need to get any kind of attention or reaction from her, but it never came across that way. Instead he just seemed like a bit of jerk.
I thought that Morgan and Garret's story was sweet and I would've liked to see more of them. Like I said, I think if there was just glimpses into their budding relationship scattered throughout this book to introduce us to their characters in preparation for the next book, then there could've been more time spent delving into Paige and Tanner's relationship and would have made me feel more forgiving.
Honestly I could've fallen in love with Tanner except for the fact that he never really apologized or talked about how badly he messed up when they were younger. It was sort of just glossed over and then they moved on. I NEED closure on that type of thing!!! Also, let's be honest, he wasn't very nice to Paige for a majority of the book. I understand that the way he was acting was out of some sort of need to get any kind of attention or reaction from her, but it never came across that way. Instead he just seemed like a bit of jerk.
I thought that Morgan and Garret's story was sweet and I would've liked to see more of them. Like I said, I think if there was just glimpses into their budding relationship scattered throughout this book to introduce us to their characters in preparation for the next book, then there could've been more time spent delving into Paige and Tanner's relationship and would have made me feel more forgiving.
lilyelement's review against another edition
3.0
Mann Cakes is a standalone novel about two brothers opening a savory cupcake bakery in their home town. This novel revolves around two different sets of siblings and their respective cupcake shops and the romance that follows. I've really been loving books that have baking in them lately so I had to try this one out!
Tanner and Garrett Mann are having a hard time settling in after coming back from their deployment to Iraq. They find out their business was burned down while they were gone, so they're left to go back to their hometown and try to start over. While in Beach Point, they come up with the genius idea to open a cupcake shop that makes savory cupcakes. The whole idea is to give men an option they would actually want to eat at a party. What they didn't expect was them opening their business would take away customers from the Two Sisters Cupcakes run by Paige and Morgan Baxter. Paige and Tanner have a romantic history from back in high school that is causing some major tension between the duo and then we have Morgan and Garrett who have always wanted to date but never got the chance. In this novel, you actually get to see both romances happen along with a bit of whodunit when someone seems out to cause the brothers trouble.
Mann Cakes was a yummy mix of romance, second chances and a dash of mystery. I was a bit mixed on this book mainly because of the parallels between the different romances. Then we had a bit of relationship building that had love entering the picture fast. I feel like it would have been stronger if it had focused on one couple and then had a second book with the other siblings as the leads. Don't get me wrong though, this was still a good read. I'd recommend this book if you're a fan of romance with baking mixed in.
The Narrator:
This was my first book narrated by Addison Spear and won't be my last. I thought she did a wonderful job and enjoyed her narration of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Tanner and Garrett Mann are having a hard time settling in after coming back from their deployment to Iraq. They find out their business was burned down while they were gone, so they're left to go back to their hometown and try to start over. While in Beach Point, they come up with the genius idea to open a cupcake shop that makes savory cupcakes. The whole idea is to give men an option they would actually want to eat at a party. What they didn't expect was them opening their business would take away customers from the Two Sisters Cupcakes run by Paige and Morgan Baxter. Paige and Tanner have a romantic history from back in high school that is causing some major tension between the duo and then we have Morgan and Garrett who have always wanted to date but never got the chance. In this novel, you actually get to see both romances happen along with a bit of whodunit when someone seems out to cause the brothers trouble.
Mann Cakes was a yummy mix of romance, second chances and a dash of mystery. I was a bit mixed on this book mainly because of the parallels between the different romances. Then we had a bit of relationship building that had love entering the picture fast. I feel like it would have been stronger if it had focused on one couple and then had a second book with the other siblings as the leads. Don't get me wrong though, this was still a good read. I'd recommend this book if you're a fan of romance with baking mixed in.
The Narrator:
This was my first book narrated by Addison Spear and won't be my last. I thought she did a wonderful job and enjoyed her narration of the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
eve888's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
critterbee's review
1.0
Not my cup of soup. I will explain.
Twin brothers have history with sisters in a small town. One twin is an testosteroney hothead, the other is a shy wholesome computer geek. They are both 'smokin' hot.' Of the sisters, one is a overemotional hothead and the other one is a sweet wholesome artist. They are both 'smokin' hot.' The 'smokin' hot' theme is repeated often throughout the book, in various boob-tastic parlance.
The hotheads ended a high school romance on a bad note, involving (of course) a former best friend that was so horrible she 'slept with half the football team' and then took advantage of hothead hero.
The brothers leave town, start a computer shop, then join the USAF, and zoom off to be heroes in ground combat in a war zone. Then they get out of the USAF and come back to their small town.
The wholesome two were merely good friends, and now want to sensibly proceed with starting a romantic relationship.
Wholesome couple's hothead siblings start a war, involving the guys' suddenly buying a diner and remodeling it into a male-oriented savoury cupcake business. This is in direct competition of the sisters' cupcake business, which loses five clients on the very first day that the brother's mancakery is open.
Shenanigans ensue. Sounds fluffy enough, if you don't take into account the arson, murder, stalking, death threats, oh-there's-a-kid-but-who's-the-dad, almost accidental drowning, unrelated escaped felon danger, and a creepy deputy sheriff. Cause all that is going on as well.
Throw in some off-hand comments about PTSD including a flippant
‘I choose not to obsess over it. PTSD can kiss my ass."
because we all know PTSD is a choice, and top everything with
'Thank goodness they weren’t atoms - it was about to get nuclear hot in here.’
Not my cup of Soup.
Twin brothers have history with sisters in a small town. One twin is an testosteroney hothead, the other is a shy wholesome computer geek. They are both 'smokin' hot.' Of the sisters, one is a overemotional hothead and the other one is a sweet wholesome artist. They are both 'smokin' hot.' The 'smokin' hot' theme is repeated often throughout the book, in various boob-tastic parlance.
The hotheads ended a high school romance on a bad note, involving (of course) a former best friend that was so horrible she 'slept with half the football team' and then took advantage of hothead hero.
The brothers leave town, start a computer shop, then join the USAF, and zoom off to be heroes in ground combat in a war zone. Then they get out of the USAF and come back to their small town.
The wholesome two were merely good friends, and now want to sensibly proceed with starting a romantic relationship.
Spoiler
Which quite wholesomely and quickly involves filming their sexy times. No judging here, that was one of the more interesting surprises in the story.Wholesome couple's hothead siblings start a war, involving the guys' suddenly buying a diner and remodeling it into a male-oriented savoury cupcake business. This is in direct competition of the sisters' cupcake business, which loses five clients on the very first day that the brother's mancakery is open.
Shenanigans ensue. Sounds fluffy enough, if you don't take into account the arson, murder, stalking, death threats, oh-there's-a-kid-but-who's-the-dad, almost accidental drowning, unrelated escaped felon danger, and a creepy deputy sheriff. Cause all that is going on as well.
Throw in some off-hand comments about PTSD including a flippant
‘I choose not to obsess over it. PTSD can kiss my ass."
because we all know PTSD is a choice, and top everything with
'Thank goodness they weren’t atoms - it was about to get nuclear hot in here.’
Not my cup of Soup.
krypto6661's review
3.0
Title: Mann Cakes
Author: Mysti Parker
Series: (if any) Beach Pointe book 1
Rating:3/5 stars
Format: Ebook
Why'd you pick this book? Hot guy on the cover and the summary intruiged me
Summary: Twin brothers and Air Force vets, Tanner and Garrett Mann, return from deployment to find their thriving business burned to the ground. Time for Plan B: Move back to their hometown of Beach Pointe to start over.
But that means running into Paige and Morgan Baxter - gorgeous, curvy, and owners of Two Sisters Cupcakes.
There’s an old diner for sale across town, Garrett’s a great cook, and Tanner has an idea. They’ll make savory cupcakes that men would like. We’re talking bacon and Cheez Whiz. Even better? They'll call it Mann Cakes. Problem is, they end up attracting an unexpected crowd.
Paige is furious. Every man in her life has left her behind, including Tanner. She’s sacrificed everything for her shop. She won’t lose it over some egotistical ex-boyfriend, even if he does have an Air Force-chiseled body. Her younger sister, Morgan, isn’t helping matters. She’s been gaga over Garrett since high school.
To hell with that. If it’s a fight Tanner wants, it’s a fight he’ll get. But how much is Paige willing to risk to win a cupcake war?
Favorite and Least Favorite part: Least, the conflict didn't make sense. A stalker! gasp. Like it shouldve just been an accidental fire and bam but whatevs
Favorite, I think this book could've been really hilarious and feel-good, but it just fell short
If you like this book you might like: Man Hands by Sarina Bowen
Author: Mysti Parker
Series: (if any) Beach Pointe book 1
Rating:3/5 stars
Format: Ebook
Why'd you pick this book? Hot guy on the cover and the summary intruiged me
Summary: Twin brothers and Air Force vets, Tanner and Garrett Mann, return from deployment to find their thriving business burned to the ground. Time for Plan B: Move back to their hometown of Beach Pointe to start over.
But that means running into Paige and Morgan Baxter - gorgeous, curvy, and owners of Two Sisters Cupcakes.
There’s an old diner for sale across town, Garrett’s a great cook, and Tanner has an idea. They’ll make savory cupcakes that men would like. We’re talking bacon and Cheez Whiz. Even better? They'll call it Mann Cakes. Problem is, they end up attracting an unexpected crowd.
Paige is furious. Every man in her life has left her behind, including Tanner. She’s sacrificed everything for her shop. She won’t lose it over some egotistical ex-boyfriend, even if he does have an Air Force-chiseled body. Her younger sister, Morgan, isn’t helping matters. She’s been gaga over Garrett since high school.
To hell with that. If it’s a fight Tanner wants, it’s a fight he’ll get. But how much is Paige willing to risk to win a cupcake war?
Favorite and Least Favorite part: Least, the conflict didn't make sense. A stalker! gasp. Like it shouldve just been an accidental fire and bam but whatevs
Favorite, I think this book could've been really hilarious and feel-good, but it just fell short
If you like this book you might like: Man Hands by Sarina Bowen
nic_w's review
4.0
Mann Cakes by Mysti Parker is a contemporary romance standalone with a HEA.
I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I haven't read anything by Mysti before and was recommended by a friend to pick up this book and am so glad that I did.
It's mostly a romantic comedy but with a hint of suspense and touch of angst thrown in as well.
I found all the characters engaging and with different personalities. I found the story light and dark where it needed to be, easy to read and original. It had a great contrast of sweet, sexy, funny, thrilling and entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading more of a Mysti in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I haven't read anything by Mysti before and was recommended by a friend to pick up this book and am so glad that I did.
It's mostly a romantic comedy but with a hint of suspense and touch of angst thrown in as well.
I found all the characters engaging and with different personalities. I found the story light and dark where it needed to be, easy to read and original. It had a great contrast of sweet, sexy, funny, thrilling and entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading more of a Mysti in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
jaimereadsromance's review
3.0
I wish that this book would have been broken down into two separate books for each couple. I think I would have enjoyed it more if there would've been focus on them individually. Too much time was spent on Morgan and Garret's story and it took away from Tanner and Paige and/or vice versa.
Honestly I could've fallen in love with Tanner except for the fact that he never really apologized or talked about how badly he messed up when they were younger. It was sort of just glossed over and then they moved on. I NEED closure on that type of thing!!! Also, let's be honest, he wasn't very nice to Paige for a majority of the book. I understand that the way he was acting was out of some sort of need to get any kind of attention or reaction from her, but it never came across that way. Instead he just seemed like a bit of jerk.
I thought that Morgan and Garret's story was sweet and I would've liked to see more of them. Like I said, I think if there was just glimpses into their budding relationship scattered throughout this book to introduce us to their characters in preparation for the next book, then there could've been more time spent delving into Paige and Tanner's relationship and would have made me feel more forgiving.
Honestly I could've fallen in love with Tanner except for the fact that he never really apologized or talked about how badly he messed up when they were younger. It was sort of just glossed over and then they moved on. I NEED closure on that type of thing!!! Also, let's be honest, he wasn't very nice to Paige for a majority of the book. I understand that the way he was acting was out of some sort of need to get any kind of attention or reaction from her, but it never came across that way. Instead he just seemed like a bit of jerk.
I thought that Morgan and Garret's story was sweet and I would've liked to see more of them. Like I said, I think if there was just glimpses into their budding relationship scattered throughout this book to introduce us to their characters in preparation for the next book, then there could've been more time spent delving into Paige and Tanner's relationship and would have made me feel more forgiving.
onebeanshy's review
4.0
Felt quick at the end, but I enjoyed the bit of mystery and romance mixed. :)
emmaareads's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5