evelynyle_88's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
5.0
Well, where to start? This book is just perfect for my liking. It's cute, sweet and all. Of course there are some trigger warnings or content warnings in it... but not too heavy and I could count this as light reading.
I love the character development in Shireen Malik; the main character of this book. And I love how while reading The Dos and Donuts of Love from start to finish... it was like watching Masterchef in baking version! Very creative idea to this donut book after all.
And the ending? It was perfect; as sweet as donuts should be. Thank you, Adiba for this cute story of a young love. Overall... I enjoyed my journey knowing Shireen Malik and her best friend also her competitors in Junior Irish Baking Show.
Good job! Can't wait for your another work (if there will be any). Teehee...
I love the character development in Shireen Malik; the main character of this book. And I love how while reading The Dos and Donuts of Love from start to finish... it was like watching Masterchef in baking version! Very creative idea to this donut book after all.
And the ending? It was perfect; as sweet as donuts should be. Thank you, Adiba for this cute story of a young love. Overall... I enjoyed my journey knowing Shireen Malik and her best friend also her competitors in Junior Irish Baking Show.
Good job! Can't wait for your another work (if there will be any). Teehee...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Racial slurs, and Toxic relationship
headinthepages's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Grief, Racial slurs, Panic attacks/disorders, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Racism, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
lettuce_read's review
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Fatphobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Racial slurs, and Bullying
readingthroughinfinity's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.0
Thanks to Libro FM for sending me an advance copy in exchange for a review.
GBBO fans are definitely going to enjoy this one! The story focuses on Shireen, a young Irish/Bangladeshi baker, and her journey through the Junior Irish Baking Competition. Shireen is a lovely character, driven and confident in what she wants out of the show (and her future career). I guessed some of the twists and the end-game romance, but this was a very fun, fly-through-it-in-one-sitting kind of book. Adiba Jaigirdar has done it again.
GBBO fans are definitely going to enjoy this one! The story focuses on Shireen, a young Irish/Bangladeshi baker, and her journey through the Junior Irish Baking Competition. Shireen is a lovely character, driven and confident in what she wants out of the show (and her future career). I guessed some of the twists and the end-game romance, but this was a very fun, fly-through-it-in-one-sitting kind of book. Adiba Jaigirdar has done it again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Racism, and Fatphobia
brokenbodybitch's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
4 - 4.5 ⭐️
I thought it was super cute and I would have been obsessed with this in high school and I wish I had this book back then.
Adiba Jaigirdar has single handedly reminded me how much I love cleaver chapter titles! The chapter titles in this book are mostly, if not all, puns that relate to the coming chapter and I think it was a small little detail that really just elevated the book; as it plays into Shireen’s knack and love for puns and it was such a nice touch!
This book was so fun! It follows Shireen, a fat, queer, Bangladeshi/Irish Teen, who applies for a TV baking competition in hopes of winning to not only make her dreams a reality but to bring money and attention to her parent’s Donut Shop. Things get complicated when Shireen gets there and finds Chris, the daughter of her parent’s shop’s biggest rival and her ex girlfriend… Shireen also befriends one of her fellow competitors, Niamh and things heat up between the two of them, causing the trio to have tensions you could cut with their chefs knife... Will there be betrayal in the Kitchen? Who will win the competition? Will Shireen‘s Parent’s shop be ok in the end?
I really adore the way Jaigirdar writes the connection between characters, her characters are all well defined so the relationships between them are also beautifully defined. Particularly I love the relationship between Shireen and her best friend, their relationship felt so realistic to that age range; although best friends, they argued and didn’t get along at every second of the book and their arguments felt true to that time in life. I also adored the way the love between Shireen and Chris was depicted; although their relationship evolves and changes over the course of the book, even when they aren’t currently together or even talking they still have such an obvious place in each others hearts and I think the way it is written was very beautiful and relatable especially to queer kids.
however can get fucked, she was not only a toxic friend but just a bad person, she was cause for suspicion from the start but the further into the book you get the worse she gets
I thought it was super cute and I would have been obsessed with this in high school and I wish I had this book back then.
Adiba Jaigirdar has single handedly reminded me how much I love cleaver chapter titles! The chapter titles in this book are mostly, if not all, puns that relate to the coming chapter and I think it was a small little detail that really just elevated the book; as it plays into Shireen’s knack and love for puns and it was such a nice touch!
This book was so fun! It follows Shireen, a fat, queer, Bangladeshi/Irish Teen, who applies for a TV baking competition in hopes of winning to not only make her dreams a reality but to bring money and attention to her parent’s Donut Shop. Things get complicated when Shireen gets there and finds Chris, the daughter of her parent’s shop’s biggest rival and her ex girlfriend… Shireen also befriends one of her fellow competitors, Niamh and things heat up between the two of them, causing the trio to have tensions you could cut with their chefs knife... Will there be betrayal in the Kitchen? Who will win the competition? Will Shireen‘s Parent’s shop be ok in the end?
I really adore the way Jaigirdar writes the connection between characters, her characters are all well defined so the relationships between them are also beautifully defined. Particularly I love the relationship between Shireen and her best friend, their relationship felt so realistic to that age range; although best friends, they argued and didn’t get along at every second of the book and their arguments felt true to that time in life. I also adored the way the love between Shireen and Chris was depicted; although their relationship evolves and changes over the course of the book, even when they aren’t currently together or even talking they still have such an obvious place in each others hearts and I think the way it is written was very beautiful and relatable especially to queer kids.
Spoiler
Niamh
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic friendship, and Racism
nobeliumreads's review
funny
lighthearted
4.0
Thank you Netgalley for providing an ALC.
When Shireen gets accepted into the Junior Irish Baking Show, it’s a dream come true and a way to bring some attention to her parents’ donut shop. But finding out her ex-girlfriend Chris is on the show and getting close to the outgoing rival contestant Niamh means all sorts of complicated feelings--which is NOT what Shireen needs when the stakes are already so high.
When Shireen gets accepted into the Junior Irish Baking Show, it’s a dream come true and a way to bring some attention to her parents’ donut shop. But finding out her ex-girlfriend Chris is on the show and getting close to the outgoing rival contestant Niamh means all sorts of complicated feelings--which is NOT what Shireen needs when the stakes are already so high.
--
Another really sweet contemporary romance from Adiba Jaigirdar and personally my favourite of the three. It might have something to do with the fact that I’m more attuned with what to expect this time around, but regardless, I did enjoy this book! Did I also crack a smile at every pun? Yes, yes I did. I’m a simple person and puns make me weak (personal favourite if I’m recalling it correctly was ‘I knew you were truffle when you walked in’).
I found myself getting quite invested, especially around the competition. Some elements were predictable, but it was still engaging even when I did know what to expect. Shireen deals with some tough things whilst going through the competition but her determination and love for baking had me as invested as she was and really wanting to try every dessert in the book. She shares some cute moments with the love interests, and whilst I do admit that I found some of Shireen’s actions frustrating, I was able to understand why she dealt with things the way she did or jumped to the conclusions she jumped to.
I can’t speak on the representation personally, but I thought it was well done. Fat Bangladeshi MC, Taiwanese LI, ginger LI (this is a joke lmao, iykyk). The narrator was also really good, and I think definitely helped the reading experience like in The Henna Wars.
Overall, though it does touch on heavier topics, it was still a fun read that I recommend for anyone who enjoys contemporary sapphic romances, baking, reality TV, or puns.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racial slurs
katiemack's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this better than the other book of Adiba Jaigirdar's that I've read--A Million to One--and I'm glad to see she returned to contemporary YA romance with this because it works well!
As an avid Great British Bakeoff fan, I loved the spin-off Jaigirdar creates and appreciated all the thinly veiled references to the show and other folks within the celebrity cooking sphere. I'm also glad she addresses the cyberbullying and racism inherent in reality TV, even a cozy cooking show. Love triangles can become annoying quickly, but I liked how this one resolves (and was not expecting the twist or secret motivations of a particular character!); my main qualm is that the book doesn't really address the reason Shireen and Chris broke up before the show. It feels like an oversight, but maybe it's a lesson in closure and expectations.
This book doesn't have a fairytale ending, and that's to its merit. Grab it if you're a fan of cooking shows and want something light and romantic.
I liked this better than the other book of Adiba Jaigirdar's that I've read--A Million to One--and I'm glad to see she returned to contemporary YA romance with this because it works well!
As an avid Great British Bakeoff fan, I loved the spin-off Jaigirdar creates and appreciated all the thinly veiled references to the show and other folks within the celebrity cooking sphere. I'm also glad she addresses the cyberbullying and racism inherent in reality TV, even a cozy cooking show. Love triangles can become annoying quickly, but I liked how this one resolves (and was not expecting the twist or secret motivations of a particular character!); my main qualm is that the book doesn't really address the reason Shireen and Chris broke up before the show. It feels like an oversight, but maybe it's a lesson in closure and expectations.
This book doesn't have a fairytale ending, and that's to its merit. Grab it if you're a fan of cooking shows and want something light and romantic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Bullying
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
General disclaimer if you've read other reviews by me and are noticing a pattern: You're correct that I don't really give starred reviews, I feel like a peasant and don't like leaving them and most often, I will only leave them if I vehemently despised a book. Thus, no stars doesn't indicate that the book wasn't worthy of any starred system. It just means I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all, even if the lesson is that I'm a ho for the smut, or confronting my own mommy/daddy issues lol. Everyone's reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Happy reading! Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I AM SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP OVER HOW MUCH I ADORED THIS BOOK! ADIBA NEVER MISSES!
Quick Premise:
Shireen (Desi FMC who is grappling with her anxiety/panic attacks) has recently dumped her girlfriend of one year, Christina (we have a Taiwanese ex who got a haircut) but then, she is invited to compete in the Junior Irish Baking Show! The only problem is.... Christina has also been invited and they immediately get paired up during the first round. It's not all bad though; Shireen meets Niamh, a sweet and outgoing competitor who quickly offers up friendship to her :) However, Shireen needs to focus so she can use the semi-fame of the show to hopefully drive more business to her family's donut business, You Drive Me Glazy.
My thoughts:
First of all, the chapters are titled as food puns, like "Pudding Up With Exes" LOL! If you're a dad joke/punny joke connoisseur, one star immediately is given for the cleverness of that alone! Shireen's angst and inner monologue is so fun (you get first-person narrative), as most main characters Adiba writes are. I just have no notes!
Read this if you love:
-Great British Bake Off (or any adjacent baking shows)
-save-the-family-business trope!
-teen fictional coming of age
-Irish Desi representation <3
-reality tv competition & everything that comes with it, such as the diverse cast of competitors & camaraderie (for most of them), behind-the-scenes moments & the feelings of achievement/pride after completing a bake!
-a fat teenage girl who is not ashamed of her body & won't let anyone else put down her looks/confidence either!
Thank you Adiba for consistently giving us young characters who stand strong in their convictions & inspire me to love myself & go after what I want no matter what.
Adiba's books are so incredibly healing & toe the line between moving coming of age stories and swoon-worthy romantic moments so beautifully!!
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I AM SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP OVER HOW MUCH I ADORED THIS BOOK! ADIBA NEVER MISSES!
Quick Premise:
Shireen (Desi FMC who is grappling with her anxiety/panic attacks) has recently dumped her girlfriend of one year, Christina (we have a Taiwanese ex who got a haircut) but then, she is invited to compete in the Junior Irish Baking Show! The only problem is.... Christina has also been invited and they immediately get paired up during the first round. It's not all bad though; Shireen meets Niamh, a sweet and outgoing competitor who quickly offers up friendship to her :) However, Shireen needs to focus so she can use the semi-fame of the show to hopefully drive more business to her family's donut business, You Drive Me Glazy.
My thoughts:
First of all, the chapters are titled as food puns, like "Pudding Up With Exes" LOL! If you're a dad joke/punny joke connoisseur, one star immediately is given for the cleverness of that alone! Shireen's angst and inner monologue is so fun (you get first-person narrative), as most main characters Adiba writes are. I just have no notes!
Read this if you love:
-Great British Bake Off (or any adjacent baking shows)
-save-the-family-business trope!
-teen fictional coming of age
-Irish Desi representation <3
-reality tv competition & everything that comes with it, such as the diverse cast of competitors & camaraderie (for most of them), behind-the-scenes moments & the feelings of achievement/pride after completing a bake!
-a fat teenage girl who is not ashamed of her body & won't let anyone else put down her looks/confidence either!
Thank you Adiba for consistently giving us young characters who stand strong in their convictions & inspire me to love myself & go after what I want no matter what.
Adiba's books are so incredibly healing & toe the line between moving coming of age stories and swoon-worthy romantic moments so beautifully!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Fatphobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racism
More...