Mila Bailey has always had a special talent for creating unique, show-stopping pies. But until her great-aunt leaves her the entry fee to the Pine Ridge Spring Bake-Off, she’s only ever shared them with friends and family. Thrust into the spotlight, Mila is determined to prove to everyone—but mostly herself—that she has what it takes to compete with top-level bakers. There’s only one flaw in her plan: The not-so-half-baked feelings she’s starting to develop for her best friend, Jared Kirkland.
Jared has always believed in Mila’s gifts, but lately he’s struggling not to fantasize about sampling more than just the spoon from the batter. No matter how much he tries to tell himself that Mila is not for him—his dreams have always reached beyond Pine Ridge—he can’t deny this new spark between them.
Mila embodies Pine Ridge, and Jared wants to break free. How can either of them move on knowing the loves of their lives have been right under their noses all along?
Release Date: Sep 28, 2021
Series: Forever Adirondacks
Book: 2
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $7.99
This is the first book that I have read by Lauren Accardo and man it was a really good book. If you liked By A Thread by Lucy Score you will definitely enjoy this book. I enjoyed the angst between Mia and Jared from the beginning and loved the turbulence that came with them. The author did a great job of giving great backstory for each character. This is a contemporary best-friends-to-lovers romance. It has all the elements of story with a jaded man and a wishful love-struck girl. I loved Jared and Mila relationship. They are each others ride or die and both have feelings for the other they can’t and refuse to reveal. The angst between them is apparent. If you love a little hot steam in your books, you will love this. There isn’t a fade to black, the author goes all in. She also does an amazing job with characterization. The couple doesn’t totally obsess over each other, which is nice. They both have their own goals and lives but are always there for each other, and I loved that.
Mila is a self taught baker—her aunt pushed her—and is what she strives for in life with her new outlook of Mia 2.0. I love how she sticks to her guns and makes the most beautiful and carefully thought out pastries. I liked how she wouldn’t listen to anyone who tries to shoot her dreams down. Especially with her mother. I felt like her mom is a little dream destroyer. I wanted to reach in the book and scream, Don’t you dare listen to her. Mia really was a strong female character and enjoyed how she grows and comes into herself throughout the book.
Jared is stubborn man and totally jaded about love, and I loved every minute of his journey. He knows he wanted something with Mia but what, he isn’t sure. I thought his internal struggle was comical with each approach he took. I think the most hilarious moment is when he took advice from a friend who had no clue about wooing a girl himself. I enjoyed watching him grow through the book as he decides what’s best for him.
I would highly recommend this book. It is a great contemporary BFF to lovers book. I got engrossed in Mia and Jared’s story and didn’t want it to end. I will also be picking up Wild Love the next book in the series.
~ Brooke
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