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A review by readingthroughinfinity
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
slow-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
4.25
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Alexis Hall has done it again with another wonderful romance book. This is a brilliant, queer adult romance, between two lovable but very different main characters. Set on a Great British Bake Off-inspired baking show, Bake Expectations (I LOVE IT), the book follows Rosaline, an aspiring baker and single mother as she grapples with friendships, a new relationship, and trying to win a baking contest.
I adored Rosaline, she's such a sweet, funny protagonist and it's easy to tell how much she cares for her daughter. Rosaline is openly bisexual and the novel spends a lot of time discussing biphobia, challenging it, and dismantling stereotypes about bi people, which I absolutely loved. Alexis Hall also uses the narrative of Alan's and Rosaline's parents' prejudices to discuss classism and challenge stereotypes about working class people.
Hall's writing is, once again, and absolute triumph of humour and sharp wit. The dialogue and interactions between the contestants and between Rosaline and her best friend were incredibly entertaining. Harry is a cinnamon roll and I would throw my 5 ft 3 self in front of his 6 ft something self to protect him at all costs. Amelie is a sweetheart. Alan is a toad.
I also really want to know if Alexis Hall went undercover on the set of Bake Off to do research for this book because the descriptions of the show, how it works, and all the behind the scenes moments seem SO accurate (to how I imagine it being)??? Alexis Hall, if you're reading this please feel free to DM me, I would LOVE to know.
Overall, this is a DELIGHT, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Alexis Hall just writes brilliant books, thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
(One thing to note is that this book contains a sexual assault scene, so be careful going in if that's a trigger for you.)
Alexis Hall has done it again with another wonderful romance book. This is a brilliant, queer adult romance, between two lovable but very different main characters. Set on a Great British Bake Off-inspired baking show, Bake Expectations (I LOVE IT), the book follows Rosaline, an aspiring baker and single mother as she grapples with friendships, a new relationship, and trying to win a baking contest.
I adored Rosaline, she's such a sweet, funny protagonist and it's easy to tell how much she cares for her daughter. Rosaline is openly bisexual and the novel spends a lot of time discussing biphobia, challenging it, and dismantling stereotypes about bi people, which I absolutely loved. Alexis Hall also uses the narrative of Alan's and Rosaline's parents' prejudices to discuss classism and challenge stereotypes about working class people.
Hall's writing is, once again, and absolute triumph of humour and sharp wit. The dialogue and interactions between the contestants and between Rosaline and her best friend were incredibly entertaining. Harry is a cinnamon roll and I would throw my 5 ft 3 self in front of his 6 ft something self to protect him at all costs. Amelie is a sweetheart. Alan is a toad.
I also really want to know if Alexis Hall went undercover on the set of Bake Off to do research for this book because the descriptions of the show, how it works, and all the behind the scenes moments seem SO accurate (to how I imagine it being)??? Alexis Hall, if you're reading this please feel free to DM me, I would LOVE to know.
Overall, this is a DELIGHT, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Alexis Hall just writes brilliant books, thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
(One thing to note is that this book contains a sexual assault scene, so be careful going in if that's a trigger for you.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Biphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism