A review by donnicakelsey
Battle Royal: A Novel by Lucy Parker

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.25

I was already sold by the sunshine-meets-grump/ enemies-to-lovers trope, and then adding the British Bake Off type plot was truly icing on the cake. (Sorry had to!)

Sylvie Fairchild was a popular contestant on a baking competition show who captured the audience with her colorful hair and unicorns and sparkles vibe. Dominic De Vere, a judge on the show, is her opposite in every way -- traditional, stoic, and somewhat distant. Four years after he eliminates her from the show, they find themselves running rival bakeries on opposite sides of the same Notting Hill street, competing for a contract to bake the royal wedding cake, and working as judges on the show.

Battle Royale is moderately spicy, but the attraction between are main characters feels real. I would’ve rated this book higher if there weren’t so many storylines

e.g. Dominic's relationship/backstory with his sister Pet, the royals in need of a traditional wedding cake with a personal twist and a mystery flavor top layer, stolen recipes, Sylvie's business partner love interest, and the Operation Cake competitors

. There are almost too many to round them all out and give each a satisfying conclusion.  

However, I do look forward to the next book - which I believe is Pet’s story. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief