The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
rickireadss's review
3.5
⚠️: bullying, toxic relationship (FMC & parents), addiction, emotional abuse, ableism, fire/fire injury
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Ableism, and Fire/Fire injury
carole_cookie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse
headinthepages's review
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
It was a cute story and I liked the characters so I will definitely try another book by the same author!
Moderate: Sexual content, Mental illness, Addiction, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, and Emotional abuse
lindsayerin's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Minor: Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Bullying
mandathebiblio's review against another edition
4.5
But overall, even with that, I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice fun romance that also included just enough baking. We were left knowing who the next book will follow and I definitely want to pick that one up as well.
I listened to this on audio on 2x speed and I would say that was fine. 1.75 would have been as well, honestly. The narrator did a really good job in my opinion and the only reason I wouldn't give the audio 5 stars is because I wish there had been a separate narrator for each POV. I felt that would have just made this experience a full 5 star for me if that were the case.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Ableism
ashleycmms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Addiction and Emotional abuse
nbreezy17's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Bullying and Emotional abuse
readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Having said that, I did enjoy the baking, the initial 'enemies' vibes, and Jada's grandmother, who was a great character. I also liked the focus on Jada's dyslexia and the way her parents' ableism was challenged. There's a particular scene when Jada explains (live on television) that her dyslexia doesn't mean she can't read things, just that she may need a little more time and patience from people, which I thought was fantastic and so well worded. I also thought the use of social media and the online hate Jada receives felt (sadly) very realistic to real life.
But there were other things that felt like they'd been added to the story without much thought and they ended up needing more time spent on them. Donovan's football career, for example, is introduced early on but then never really developed. I also wanted to see Jada challenge her own financial privileges more, instead of just accepting that her grandmother's wealth could bail her out of most situations.
On the whole, this was an enjoyable read, but sadly not a new favourite.
Moderate: Ableism and Bullying
Minor: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Sexual content
vaniavela's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Fake It Til You Bake It is a cute, lighthearted read. Even when the romance moves too fast for my taste, I enjoyed it.
The author's writing is really good. I could picture the desserts perfectly, and I was craving cupcakes non-stop while reading this book.
I love the fake dating trope. If I put aside how insta-love their romance was, I loved it. There is so much chemistry between them, even when they've known each other for a couple of days. They complement each other's personalities, full of flirting and banter. That being said, when they started saying "I love you" to each other after a week I cringed.
I found this charming, and the addition of deep themes like gambling addiction, social media harassment, and family relationships make this book better.
tw: Sexual content, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Ableism, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia.
Graphic: Sexual content, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Ableism, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Fatphobia
churrosmom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Such a fun, sweet, tension filled fake dating Black romance between Donovan, a pro football player who owns a struggling cupcake shop, and Jada, a rich young woman who social media made into a reality TV show villain. In a last minute bid to get access to her trust fund, Jada goes to work for Donovan at his cupcake shop. And in a moment of panic in response to paparazzi, Jada ropes Donovan into a fake relationship. There is great banter and chemistry, and unlike some other reviewers, I don't feel like it was insta-love. Insta-attraction, definitely, and the pace does move quickly, but I think that is pretty realistic for someone you have a strong attraction to and basically are spending 24/7 with working together.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Ableism, and Emotional abuse