Paris Daillencourt is a recipe for disaster. Despite his passion for baking, his cat, and his classics degree, constant self-doubt and second-guessing have left him a curdled, directionless mess. So when his roommate enters him in Bake Expectations, the nation’s favourite baking show, Paris is sure he’ll be the first one sent home.
But not only does he win week one’s challenge—he meets fellow contestant Tariq Hassan. Sure, he’s the competition, but he’s also cute and kind, with more confidence than Paris could ever hope to have. Still, neither his growing romance with Tariq nor his own impressive bakes can keep Paris’s fear of failure from spoiling his happiness. And when the show’s vicious fanbase confirms his worst anxieties, Paris’s confidence is torn apart quicker than tear-and-share bread.
But if Paris can find the strength to face his past, his future, and the chorus of hecklers that live in his brain, he’ll realize it’s the sweet things in life that he really deserves.
Release Date: Nov 1, 2022
Series: Winner Bakes All
Book: 2
Heat Level: Warm
Publisher: Grand Central
Imprint: Forever
Price: 9.99
Paris is the anxiety monster.
This book is so different from what Hall has delivered in the past, which is what makes it so good. Hall once again displays the depth of writing chops and talent in this story about a baker who’s a little too wrapped up in his head, and a little too much for this baking competition.
Our hero, but is he thought, Paris Daillencourt, is a walking talking disaster. Whether he’s spouting something that doesn’t make much sense, bashing people accidentally in the face with freezer doors, or genuinely putting himself down he’s just someone you want to wrap up in a hug. Though from all descriptors of those around him, Paris is smoking hot, though his fashion sense is miles from his famous fashion designer father and model mother. All of this is made worse when all of his mess is filmed for television.
How does this happen? Well, Paris’s best friend, a fat Glaswegian sex goddess, signed him up for the show. He’s a fabulous baker so of course, he got in. Though the competition isn’t going like he planned and meeting someone like Tariq Hassan, confident in his walk, his talk, and his baking skills throws Paris even more off-guard.
These two falling for each other makes sense, and while most would think this has the potential for an Alexis Hall romcom, it alas is not. This is new adult and there is plenty of angst, growing pains, and a lot of deep emotions around mental illness, boundaries, and growing up that tore at my heartstrings a little. At times this story was even difficult to read and my heart ached for Paris and some of the challenges that he couldn’t seem to overcome.
This book is a romance though and there is a HEA, though it’s hard-fought. The characterization is top notch and as I mentioned above Hall really does Paris just in the accuracy of his portrayal. While this isn’t always a feel-good, laughable story, there are plenty of moments that are chuckling-inducing. There is also Four Daves, a laser gun fight with children, plenty of yummy goodness, and lots of quirky side characters.
If you want something off the beaten path, a romance that showcases a hero battling for love and against mental illness this is definitely the book for you.
~ Landra
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