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Bakery Brothers #1
Rocked to Death
Stone Briggs.
Ex-con, big brother, and not a fan of baking. Which was strange considering he owned, Stud Muffins, a reputable bakery in a dodgy part of town.
Stone’s goal in life is to be there for his brothers, and if at all possible, keep them out of prison. Which sounds simple, only… Newt just stole something, Mickey wants to take part in illegal fights, and Jude is keeping a secret.
Things are complicated enough for Stone without Robin strolling into his life and falling at his feet. Not his feet exactly. He falls five metres along from where Stone had his bare butt cheeks against the bakery window…
Why bare butt cheeks?
That might have something to do with the dead man he just wiped off the kitchen walls.
Which wasn’t Stone’s fault.
That was down to the assassin, Donnie King, and Yates Matthews, the crazy florist across the street.
Why did Robin fall?
That might have something to do with the bible that hit the back of his head.
Which was partly Stone’s fault.
If Robin—the priest—hadn’t forced him to take the bible, Stone wouldn’t have thrown it at him.
He didn’t mean to knock Robin unconscious and break his nose. He’s not a monster despite what some people might think.
Stone is just a guilt-ridden guy who runs a stupidly named bakery.
And the ear sliding down the wall has nothing to do with him…
Ex-con, big brother, and not a fan of baking. Which was strange considering he owned, Stud Muffins, a reputable bakery in a dodgy part of town.
Stone’s goal in life is to be there for his brothers, and if at all possible, keep them out of prison. Which sounds simple, only… Newt just stole something, Mickey wants to take part in illegal fights, and Jude is keeping a secret.
Things are complicated enough for Stone without Robin strolling into his life and falling at his feet. Not his feet exactly. He falls five metres along from where Stone had his bare butt cheeks against the bakery window…
Why bare butt cheeks?
That might have something to do with the dead man he just wiped off the kitchen walls.
Which wasn’t Stone’s fault.
That was down to the assassin, Donnie King, and Yates Matthews, the crazy florist across the street.
Why did Robin fall?
That might have something to do with the bible that hit the back of his head.
Which was partly Stone’s fault.
If Robin—the priest—hadn’t forced him to take the bible, Stone wouldn’t have thrown it at him.
He didn’t mean to knock Robin unconscious and break his nose. He’s not a monster despite what some people might think.
Stone is just a guilt-ridden guy who runs a stupidly named bakery.
And the ear sliding down the wall has nothing to do with him…
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2023
114 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Louise Collins
44 books610 followersWriter of mm romance and erotica.
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
Facebook
I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.
Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.
Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.
https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...
♥
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 6, 2023
Oh, wow!!! I’m a bit dizzy after reading this because damn, what a fun, crazy-ass book this is !!!! It’s silly and wacky and so OTT funny! I shouldn’t be surprised after reading her previous series even though this one is definitely not as good as those books -or maybe I’m biased because Ranger is my baby and I missed him (We get to see him a little bit here and I wanted to hug him!!!!)
The Stud Muffins (bakery) brothers are adorable and hilarious and I think this will be a memorable series, as long as you don’t expect epic love stories. And this is one of the two small niggles I had about the book that made me drop a star , the fact that the love story was thin and barely there. Don’t get me wrong I loved Stone and Robin and that they got together but the romance had a very small significance and part in the book. I could even say that this isn’t a rom-com (even though it had a love story) but a comedy all around. Even the sex is ..meh. I mean it would have been so freaking hot if they just ..fucked already. You know, I hate too much sex in a book , I prefer 2 or 3 sex scenes but I want them sensual,HOT and ingenious. And they would have been so good had they just stopped talking!!! I was sooo bored with Stone edging Robin and with their conversations during the sex ,I wanted to scream “Fucking hell, less chit chat more fucking , PLEAAASE !!!”. The only talking I want in my smutty scenes is DIRTY TALK!
Otherwise the brothers are interesting and so so funny, very lovable and they all have secrets and painful pasts that left a mark on their soul and that I can’t wait to see unfold (especially Jude’s , I’m so intrigued by him, he’s my favorite of all) . My second niggle is the whole muffin in the face that Robin did and I found it childish, plain silly and totally not funny-I rolled my eyes every time.
So , if you are looking for something fun to put you in a good mood, if you want to meet some crazy but ADORABLE guys read this book. The banter, the dialogues and the crazy plot are absolutely delicious!
And OMG, the plot twist at the very end is TO DIE FOR!!! It had me screaming- I did NOT see that coming and I freaking loved it!
The Stud Muffins (bakery) brothers are adorable and hilarious and I think this will be a memorable series, as long as you don’t expect epic love stories. And this is one of the two small niggles I had about the book that made me drop a star , the fact that the love story was thin and barely there. Don’t get me wrong I loved Stone and Robin and that they got together but the romance had a very small significance and part in the book. I could even say that this isn’t a rom-com (even though it had a love story) but a comedy all around. Even the sex is ..meh. I mean it would have been so freaking hot if they just ..fucked already. You know, I hate too much sex in a book , I prefer 2 or 3 sex scenes but I want them sensual,HOT and ingenious. And they would have been so good had they just stopped talking!!! I was sooo bored with Stone edging Robin and with their conversations during the sex ,I wanted to scream “Fucking hell, less chit chat more fucking , PLEAAASE !!!”. The only talking I want in my smutty scenes is DIRTY TALK!
Otherwise the brothers are interesting and so so funny, very lovable and they all have secrets and painful pasts that left a mark on their soul and that I can’t wait to see unfold (especially Jude’s , I’m so intrigued by him, he’s my favorite of all) . My second niggle is the whole muffin in the face that Robin did and I found it childish, plain silly and totally not funny-I rolled my eyes every time.
So , if you are looking for something fun to put you in a good mood, if you want to meet some crazy but ADORABLE guys read this book. The banter, the dialogues and the crazy plot are absolutely delicious!
And OMG, the plot twist at the very end is TO DIE FOR!!! It had me screaming- I did NOT see that coming and I freaking loved it!
March 7, 2023
This was fun, we finally get to see what happens in the bakery in front of the flower shop.
February 27, 2023
Are you looking for a story with a great plot and delightful humor? Stop right here!!
The blurb already made me snort. I smiled and laughed so much while reading my cheeks hurt.
The bakery brothers are one by one extraordinary.
There are four of them, Stone is thirty-three and the oldest, there’s Jude, Mickey and the youngest Newt he’s twenty.
The first installment of this new series it’s about Stone and Robin, better to call him Father Robin, but the other brothers are emphatically present!!
Every time Stone and Robin meet it ends with Robin rubbing cupcakes in Stone’s face.
Yes, they like each other.
“Miss me?”
“I missed getting semi-hard from you nibbling your cupcakes.”
The bakery with the name Stud Muffins (I know lol) is just a cover-up. Behind the curtains in the back, the real job happens. Mostly it involves blood.
After a body splattered through their back door and Donny, one of the Flowershop guys apologized for the mess, things changed. They got visitors asking, threats on their doorstep, and people killed.
As the big brother of the four, Stone wants to keep his brothers safe, feelings of guilt and that. For the time he was in prison and… you got to read it yourself!
It’s about shady business, illegal boxing, and… a stone… I know! Priest Robin with his dirty mouth and Stone with his dirty mind are the best. Add three brothers with amazing characteristics and you got a story with a more than wonderful plot!!
Brilliantly written story, with top-level humor!
The blurb already made me snort. I smiled and laughed so much while reading my cheeks hurt.
The bakery brothers are one by one extraordinary.
There are four of them, Stone is thirty-three and the oldest, there’s Jude, Mickey and the youngest Newt he’s twenty.
The first installment of this new series it’s about Stone and Robin, better to call him Father Robin, but the other brothers are emphatically present!!
Every time Stone and Robin meet it ends with Robin rubbing cupcakes in Stone’s face.
Yes, they like each other.
“Miss me?”
“I missed getting semi-hard from you nibbling your cupcakes.”
The bakery with the name Stud Muffins (I know lol) is just a cover-up. Behind the curtains in the back, the real job happens. Mostly it involves blood.
After a body splattered through their back door and Donny, one of the Flowershop guys apologized for the mess, things changed. They got visitors asking, threats on their doorstep, and people killed.
As the big brother of the four, Stone wants to keep his brothers safe, feelings of guilt and that. For the time he was in prison and… you got to read it yourself!
It’s about shady business, illegal boxing, and… a stone… I know! Priest Robin with his dirty mouth and Stone with his dirty mind are the best. Add three brothers with amazing characteristics and you got a story with a more than wonderful plot!!
Brilliantly written story, with top-level humor!
November 27, 2023
This is a spin-off from the author's Flowershop Assassins series, which I haven't read, but will go back and start. I had no trouble jumping in and reading this story and I really enjoyed it.
Stone and his brothers are likable characters, back together after Stone is released from prison. They ostensibly run a bakery, but the real money comes from Stone's backroom business. Robin is a visiting priest who crosses paths with Stone in a not-so-meet cute that results in Stone throwing a bible at him and breaking his nose. What follows is snark, an attempt at friendship, and the two fighting their attraction. All the while Stone, with a heavy dose of guilt, is trying to keep his brothers from ending up in prison or worse.
I enjoyed Stone and Robin's banter, their conversations, and their chemistry. The story has a bit of everything. The brothers are all very different and I am intrigued by them. There is a lot of building of all their characters which may have taken away from the MCs story just a bit. There are a couple of twists at the end, one I suspected and one I didn't see coming. I've already grabbed the second book.
Stone and his brothers are likable characters, back together after Stone is released from prison. They ostensibly run a bakery, but the real money comes from Stone's backroom business. Robin is a visiting priest who crosses paths with Stone in a not-so-meet cute that results in Stone throwing a bible at him and breaking his nose. What follows is snark, an attempt at friendship, and the two fighting their attraction. All the while Stone, with a heavy dose of guilt, is trying to keep his brothers from ending up in prison or worse.
I enjoyed Stone and Robin's banter, their conversations, and their chemistry. The story has a bit of everything. The brothers are all very different and I am intrigued by them. There is a lot of building of all their characters which may have taken away from the MCs story just a bit. There are a couple of twists at the end, one I suspected and one I didn't see coming. I've already grabbed the second book.
February 25, 2023
*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars 🌟
I LOVED IT!! I had so much fun while reading. This story has a similar vibe to The Floweshop Assassins Series, but I think it's a lot better than those books.
I laughed, but I also cried a little with Stone's past. He's such a great character, relatable, and kind of a dork. He loves his brothers more than anything and you can feel that with everything he does. His guilt and his feelings of impotence when his brothers are concerned were a hard blow for me.
The brother's interactions were hilarious. I'm so curious about their past. I can't wait to read their stories.
Robin was a big mystery. I had theories and I was right about most of the details (yay me). I liked their dynamics. They were cute together and they made sense. The banter was the best part of the book but the bad sex it's a close second (Oh my God that's a new kink for me).
There were a lot of things going on. Some of them may seem random but everything is connected at the end.
I loved seeing Ranger and Yates again! It's funny how other people interpret their crazy.
I had a great time reading. If you are looking for something different, with low angst, a swearing priest, and bad sex (I promise it's sexy...) this is the book for you.
4.5 stars 🌟
I LOVED IT!! I had so much fun while reading. This story has a similar vibe to The Floweshop Assassins Series, but I think it's a lot better than those books.
I laughed, but I also cried a little with Stone's past. He's such a great character, relatable, and kind of a dork. He loves his brothers more than anything and you can feel that with everything he does. His guilt and his feelings of impotence when his brothers are concerned were a hard blow for me.
The brother's interactions were hilarious. I'm so curious about their past. I can't wait to read their stories.
Robin was a big mystery. I had theories and I was right about most of the details (yay me). I liked their dynamics. They were cute together and they made sense. The banter was the best part of the book but the bad sex it's a close second (Oh my God that's a new kink for me).
There were a lot of things going on. Some of them may seem random but everything is connected at the end.
I loved seeing Ranger and Yates again! It's funny how other people interpret their crazy.
I had a great time reading. If you are looking for something different, with low angst, a swearing priest, and bad sex (I promise it's sexy...) this is the book for you.
July 4, 2023
So he bangs a priest?
And takes care of damaged bros?
But why?!!? No one knows.
And takes care of damaged bros?
But why?!!? No one knows.
July 9, 2023
Well, this was something...
I read this one on a lark and mostly enjoyed it.
Spoilers ahead
So in here we have the beginning of a series, so a lot of back story had to be put in, by the way, I have not read the assassin flower shop series and was able to jump right in, even though there were people from that series that showed up.
Anyways, we have Stone, the eldest brother of the family who went to prison for killing a guy with one punch. While he was in there, his parents killed themselves and the other three brothers went into foster care. Jude was raised fairly normal but the younger two (Mickey and Newt) seem to have been abused. Stone feels great guilt for not being there.
A few years later, he starts a bakery as a front to being a doctor for those who cannot go to get legitimate care. After a man gets killed by one of the previous series character and Stone has to clean up the mess, he meets Father Robin.
These two have an instaconnection but Robin is a priest.
Eventually things happen, we find out that the assassin group thinks Stone's family tortures people and Robin decides to stick around.
We also have a brother who boxes but has panic attacks, refuses to wear a shirt, and has a large wingdinger, a brother who is young but steals a moon rock from a museum, and a brother who is the lookout for the group but I'll be honest, Jude's reveal shocked me. I was not expecting that.
But, I only liked but did not love this one. I found it very funny in places, but absolutely boring in others. Like this book had lots of words but nothing really happened. I will be reading the next book in the series, I need to know more about Jude.
I read this one on a lark and mostly enjoyed it.
Spoilers ahead
So in here we have the beginning of a series, so a lot of back story had to be put in, by the way, I have not read the assassin flower shop series and was able to jump right in, even though there were people from that series that showed up.
Anyways, we have Stone, the eldest brother of the family who went to prison for killing a guy with one punch. While he was in there, his parents killed themselves and the other three brothers went into foster care. Jude was raised fairly normal but the younger two (Mickey and Newt) seem to have been abused. Stone feels great guilt for not being there.
A few years later, he starts a bakery as a front to being a doctor for those who cannot go to get legitimate care. After a man gets killed by one of the previous series character and Stone has to clean up the mess, he meets Father Robin.
These two have an instaconnection but Robin is a priest.
Eventually things happen, we find out that the assassin group thinks Stone's family tortures people and Robin decides to stick around.
We also have a brother who boxes but has panic attacks, refuses to wear a shirt, and has a large wingdinger, a brother who is young but steals a moon rock from a museum, and a brother who is the lookout for the group but I'll be honest, Jude's reveal shocked me. I was not expecting that.
But, I only liked but did not love this one. I found it very funny in places, but absolutely boring in others. Like this book had lots of words but nothing really happened. I will be reading the next book in the series, I need to know more about Jude.
July 24, 2024
After loving the flower shop assassin books I thought for sure I’d love this too. No, it was pretty rough getting through it.
First of all, nothing happens for so much of the book. The story is about all the brothers and barely focuses on Stone and Robin. We barely get to know Robin at all. I felt like him and Stone had zero chemistry. When they do get together the sex is terrible! Who teases someone with starting and stopping and thinks it’s funny when the other is begging them to just continue. Not romantic, just bad.
It felt like everything was forced with the end just to have some type of major conflict. The best part of the book was the part with Ranger. I liked all the brothers but this was one big introduction to them and did not feel like a romance book of any kind.
I will leave this world for a while but I do want to see if I enjoy the next book better. Eventually.
First of all, nothing happens for so much of the book. The story is about all the brothers and barely focuses on Stone and Robin. We barely get to know Robin at all. I felt like him and Stone had zero chemistry. When they do get together the sex is terrible! Who teases someone with starting and stopping and thinks it’s funny when the other is begging them to just continue. Not romantic, just bad.
It felt like everything was forced with the end just to have some type of major conflict. The best part of the book was the part with Ranger. I liked all the brothers but this was one big introduction to them and did not feel like a romance book of any kind.
I will leave this world for a while but I do want to see if I enjoy the next book better. Eventually.
July 11, 2023
Louise as always rocking it with the humor! The love not so much, but the humor was on point!!
I mean:
"Stone had long come to terms with the fact that he was going to hell"
AND
Mickey pocketed his phone. “You’re going up against God. Not even I could win that fight. You’re going to lose.”
The ONLY thing I would have liked is if the priest... The SPOILER ALERT of all spoilers down bellow.
.
.
.
.
Was actually a priest, when Robin came clean I was soooo disappointed, it took all the tension away and a lot of the scenes were taken down a notch after this revelation.
Still. Good one Collins!
I mean:
"Stone had long come to terms with the fact that he was going to hell"
AND
Mickey pocketed his phone. “You’re going up against God. Not even I could win that fight. You’re going to lose.”
The ONLY thing I would have liked is if the priest... The SPOILER ALERT of all spoilers down bellow.
.
.
.
.
Was actually a priest, when Robin came clean I was soooo disappointed, it took all the tension away and a lot of the scenes were taken down a notch after this revelation.
Still. Good one Collins!
June 20, 2023
2.5⭐️. This was…. Very lackluster. The interactions between the characters were often times a riot, I LOL’ed more than once, but the plot, the romance, the reason for the title of the book??? Nothing worked well.
February 23, 2023
I absofreakinglutely loved it!
I felt like I was reading a Guy Ritchie movie, you know the one I’m talking about, with the two Jasons… I mean, there are even a few similar plot points. When you read the book you’ll see what I mean. It was awesome.
Highly recommend. Best read after the Flowershop Assassins series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt like I was reading a Guy Ritchie movie, you know the one I’m talking about, with the two Jasons… I mean, there are even a few similar plot points. When you read the book you’ll see what I mean. It was awesome.
Highly recommend. Best read after the Flowershop Assassins series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
I absolutely loved the Flowershop Assassins series so I've been looking forward to this spin off series. Rocked to Death has the same level of witty banter and quirky characters that made it a pure joy to read. While there's a lot of humor, there are a few emotional parts that just hit you right in the gut, especially that church scene. And the scenes where the Flowershop guys pop up were "chef's kiss" & OMG the revelation about Jude!! I am even more excited for the next book!
March 31, 2023
Pure crazy fun
Some books are insightful, others are emotional. And some are just fun from beginning to end. Rocked to death is a spin off that can be read as a standalone. It doesn’t take itself seriously in the very best way.
It also managed to surprise me a couple of times and I am incredibly excited for the rest of this series!
Some books are insightful, others are emotional. And some are just fun from beginning to end. Rocked to death is a spin off that can be read as a standalone. It doesn’t take itself seriously in the very best way.
It also managed to surprise me a couple of times and I am incredibly excited for the rest of this series!
July 7, 2023
This was hilarious! I love the relationship the brothers have, the unique way of making a living, and all the secrets. I can’t wait to find out everything.
July 15, 2023
This was such a ridiculous book but I loved it!
March 5, 2023
“That’s a bit of a misleading title…”
Really funny. Just like with the flower shop assassins, it’s the manic and fast paced story telling style that makes it so fun. Cant wait for more
Really funny. Just like with the flower shop assassins, it’s the manic and fast paced story telling style that makes it so fun. Cant wait for more
March 4, 2023
Absurd. Funny. Frustrating. Gory and ekky at times. Intriguing brotherly relationships. Cant wait to read abt all of then.
May 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Rocked to Death is told from a third person POV with Stone being the main focus. The prologue introduces us to Stone just getting out of prison and wanting to find his three younger brothers. Chapter 1 begins six years later with Stone owning a ‘legitimate’ business called Stud Muffins. It’s not legitimate at all but he swears he tried. Stone and two of his brothers - Mickey & Newt - work together, and the other brother Jude tries to stay on the outskirts but doesn’t have much luck with his nosey and pushy brothers. These four brothers gave such an endearing quality to this read. They all have their issues, their past, their troubles but you can feel their shared love for one another. They’re trying.
I start by talking about the brothers because although this is an M/M, I found that the romance was not the sole focus. In this case, that was a very good thing. It was refreshing in the sense that a lot of stories these days can tend to focus too much on the MC pairing and not enough on the plot. This was juicy with plot and plenty of characters to fall in love with. By the end I had a whole list of people I wanted more and more of and I’m glad this is a series. I also found out while writing this that there’s another series with some of those characters I liked in it. I’ll have to hop over there to read.
Now, although not the show stealers here, Stone and Robin are still a great pairing. They have a very unconventional meet cute where Stone is resting bare butt cheeks on a glass window after just cleaning up exploded brains in the back of the bakery. Robin happens to walk by and well, Robin is a priest. Next thing you know Stone is throwing a Bible at the back of Robin’s head and knocks him unconscious. While cleaning up Robin’s now broken nose, Stone can’t help some of the thoughts he’s having. There was instant attraction from Stone with Robin and although Robin tries to deny it, he was also immediately attracted to Stone.
These two then begin a very slow burn that starts as a friendship while Robin pushes Stone away because of his connection to God, but inevitably they fall into each other.
The slow burn here worked perfectly for them because it just made the chemistry build and build and by the time they burst it made me as the reader celebrate for them 🤭
Just like everyone else in this book has their issues and things they’re working through, Robin does as well. There’s more to this priest than what meets the eyes and he might be just the perfect person for Stone.
”Selling cakes is easy compared to dealing with the kitchen.”
Rocked to Death is told from a third person POV with Stone being the main focus. The prologue introduces us to Stone just getting out of prison and wanting to find his three younger brothers. Chapter 1 begins six years later with Stone owning a ‘legitimate’ business called Stud Muffins. It’s not legitimate at all but he swears he tried. Stone and two of his brothers - Mickey & Newt - work together, and the other brother Jude tries to stay on the outskirts but doesn’t have much luck with his nosey and pushy brothers. These four brothers gave such an endearing quality to this read. They all have their issues, their past, their troubles but you can feel their shared love for one another. They’re trying.
I start by talking about the brothers because although this is an M/M, I found that the romance was not the sole focus. In this case, that was a very good thing. It was refreshing in the sense that a lot of stories these days can tend to focus too much on the MC pairing and not enough on the plot. This was juicy with plot and plenty of characters to fall in love with. By the end I had a whole list of people I wanted more and more of and I’m glad this is a series. I also found out while writing this that there’s another series with some of those characters I liked in it. I’ll have to hop over there to read.
Now, although not the show stealers here, Stone and Robin are still a great pairing. They have a very unconventional meet cute where Stone is resting bare butt cheeks on a glass window after just cleaning up exploded brains in the back of the bakery. Robin happens to walk by and well, Robin is a priest. Next thing you know Stone is throwing a Bible at the back of Robin’s head and knocks him unconscious. While cleaning up Robin’s now broken nose, Stone can’t help some of the thoughts he’s having. There was instant attraction from Stone with Robin and although Robin tries to deny it, he was also immediately attracted to Stone.
These two then begin a very slow burn that starts as a friendship while Robin pushes Stone away because of his connection to God, but inevitably they fall into each other.
The slow burn here worked perfectly for them because it just made the chemistry build and build and by the time they burst it made me as the reader celebrate for them 🤭
Just like everyone else in this book has their issues and things they’re working through, Robin does as well. There’s more to this priest than what meets the eyes and he might be just the perfect person for Stone.
”Selling cakes is easy compared to dealing with the kitchen.”
May 11, 2025
Most of the books I read are series, I love them more than standalones because I love slipping into a world, a family, a group of friends, and to follow them along in several books.
Though, I sometimes find myself disappointed by series where we don’t get to see much of the other characters in the following books, but I have a feeling this one won’t be one of those.
The first book of a series often barely introduces the characters of the following books, and that’s probably the norm, the one that suits a lot of readers. Each book would really focus on the two main MC’s and just quickly mentions the MC’s of the previous books, and that’s probably usually gets me frustrated. I like to think, and hope, that this series won’t be like that.
Indeed, this first book is a full introduction to the series, at least that how it felt to me, and I loved it. Of course, Stone and Robin have a story of their own, but I felt more like it was a lengthy introduction of each of the brothers and even who they will end up with. By the end of the last chapter, we get a very detailed picture of each personality, which is great to me because I know what I’m jumping into for each book. I already know that it’ll be a struggle to define who my little favourite will be, though I’d bet more on Newt and his adorableness.
Now, about this first book, I really loved it. The guys were vaguely introduced in the previous series, and I loved that we got to see a bit of Yates and his friends here too.
It was hinted that the bakery guys might be assassins too, but it turned out completely different. Stone is just an adorable big bear with such selflessness. He did a mistake and paid his due for it, and I absolutely loved that he was objective about it and genuinely regretted his act, how he then decided try and make it up to his younger brothers. He’s protective and supportive. It’s like he served another sentence for his crime and that one was probably even more useful than the time he spent in prison.
As for Robin, my only regret is that we didn’t get much about his background. I wish we’d known more about his family and I would have loved to see him meet them again with an evil way to get revenge on his homophobic parents. Now I’m hoping to see what he had in mind in the last few lines of the epilogue against that prick of Ben Price. That could be fun.
Though, I sometimes find myself disappointed by series where we don’t get to see much of the other characters in the following books, but I have a feeling this one won’t be one of those.
The first book of a series often barely introduces the characters of the following books, and that’s probably the norm, the one that suits a lot of readers. Each book would really focus on the two main MC’s and just quickly mentions the MC’s of the previous books, and that’s probably usually gets me frustrated. I like to think, and hope, that this series won’t be like that.
Indeed, this first book is a full introduction to the series, at least that how it felt to me, and I loved it. Of course, Stone and Robin have a story of their own, but I felt more like it was a lengthy introduction of each of the brothers and even who they will end up with. By the end of the last chapter, we get a very detailed picture of each personality, which is great to me because I know what I’m jumping into for each book. I already know that it’ll be a struggle to define who my little favourite will be, though I’d bet more on Newt and his adorableness.
Now, about this first book, I really loved it. The guys were vaguely introduced in the previous series, and I loved that we got to see a bit of Yates and his friends here too.
It was hinted that the bakery guys might be assassins too, but it turned out completely different. Stone is just an adorable big bear with such selflessness. He did a mistake and paid his due for it, and I absolutely loved that he was objective about it and genuinely regretted his act, how he then decided try and make it up to his younger brothers. He’s protective and supportive. It’s like he served another sentence for his crime and that one was probably even more useful than the time he spent in prison.
As for Robin, my only regret is that we didn’t get much about his background. I wish we’d known more about his family and I would have loved to see him meet them again with an evil way to get revenge on his homophobic parents. Now I’m hoping to see what he had in mind in the last few lines of the epilogue against that prick of Ben Price. That could be fun.
June 10, 2024
old post reposted
The Bakery Brothers series is a Flowershop Assassins spin-off series by Louise Collins. The first novel is "Rocked to Death."
["Stone Briggs.
Ex-con, big brother, and not a fan of baking. Which was strange considering he owned, Stud Muffins, a reputable bakery in a dodgy part of town.
Stone’s goal in life is to be there for his brothers, and if at all possible, keep them out of prison. Which sounds simple, only… Newt just stole something, Mickey wants to take part in illegal fights, and Jude is keeping a secret.
Things are complicated enough for Stone without Robin strolling into his life and falling at his feet. Not his feet exactly. He falls five metres along from where Stone had his bare butt cheeks against the bakery window…
Why bare butt cheeks?
That might have something to do with the dead man he just wiped off the kitchen walls.
Which wasn’t Stone’s fault.
That was down to the assassin, Donnie King, and Yates Matthews, the crazy florist across the street.
Why did Robin fall?
That might have something to do with the bible that hit the back of his head.
Which was partly Stone’s fault.
If Robin—the priest—hadn’t forced him to take the bible, Stone wouldn’t have thrown it at him.
He didn’t mean to knock Robin unconscious and break his nose. He’s not a monster despite what some people might think.
Stone is just a guilt-ridden guy who runs a stupidly named bakery.
And the ear sliding down the wall has nothing to do with him…"]
"'...more like rocked to death' // 'I feel like thats a misleading title.'"
I can't decide if I like Yates's crew more or Stone's crew. Either way, Stone is a papa bear with overwhelming guilt and a bit of an over-protective issue. Then again, Robin isn't perfect either, so... ;)
These two... wow. It was well over 50% into the novel until anything actually happened between the two of them. But when it did.. *fire*
Also, Yates is totally and completely wrong about what goes down in the bakery (and its fucking hilarious).
#rockedtodeath #mycowlickcop #bakerybrothers #bakerybrothersseries #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
The Bakery Brothers series is a Flowershop Assassins spin-off series by Louise Collins. The first novel is "Rocked to Death."
["Stone Briggs.
Ex-con, big brother, and not a fan of baking. Which was strange considering he owned, Stud Muffins, a reputable bakery in a dodgy part of town.
Stone’s goal in life is to be there for his brothers, and if at all possible, keep them out of prison. Which sounds simple, only… Newt just stole something, Mickey wants to take part in illegal fights, and Jude is keeping a secret.
Things are complicated enough for Stone without Robin strolling into his life and falling at his feet. Not his feet exactly. He falls five metres along from where Stone had his bare butt cheeks against the bakery window…
Why bare butt cheeks?
That might have something to do with the dead man he just wiped off the kitchen walls.
Which wasn’t Stone’s fault.
That was down to the assassin, Donnie King, and Yates Matthews, the crazy florist across the street.
Why did Robin fall?
That might have something to do with the bible that hit the back of his head.
Which was partly Stone’s fault.
If Robin—the priest—hadn’t forced him to take the bible, Stone wouldn’t have thrown it at him.
He didn’t mean to knock Robin unconscious and break his nose. He’s not a monster despite what some people might think.
Stone is just a guilt-ridden guy who runs a stupidly named bakery.
And the ear sliding down the wall has nothing to do with him…"]
"'...more like rocked to death' // 'I feel like thats a misleading title.'"
I can't decide if I like Yates's crew more or Stone's crew. Either way, Stone is a papa bear with overwhelming guilt and a bit of an over-protective issue. Then again, Robin isn't perfect either, so... ;)
These two... wow. It was well over 50% into the novel until anything actually happened between the two of them. But when it did.. *fire*
Also, Yates is totally and completely wrong about what goes down in the bakery (and its fucking hilarious).
#rockedtodeath #mycowlickcop #bakerybrothers #bakerybrothersseries #flowershopassassins #flowershopassassinsseries #louisecollins #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
March 4, 2023
Mix romance, mystery, danger, and a lot of snark= bake, frost, and enjoy. This recipe was provided to you by Bakery Brothers and swearing, hot as an oven priest!
I love The Flower Shop Assassins. And then some exciting things started happening across the road from the shop. I mean, there was a puzzle of why one of the brothers was covered in blood and I couldn't wait to find the reason for what was really happening behind the Stud Muffins' secrets (torture, mafia, bloody criminals?).
Introduction of the Bakery Brothers family- pure hilarity. Those boys made me laugh so much, and when Stone met "Father Robin"- I was so hooked! Seriously, where and in which religion you can meet the priest that swears like a sailor and smashes cupcakes in the owner's face, and also has sheets burning sex?
Newt and his love of rocks, he is the sweetest cinnamon roll, and Mickey "the buffed brother", whose sense of humor is so randomly funny and bizarre, and the scenes of them watching their favorite show and Newt's "fan club". Jude, the really mysterious one, like really, when you'll find out the truth about him, you'll be stunned!
Thanks to Louise for bringing my favorite assassins for cameo appearances- they are old acquaintances from Flowershop Assassins, Ranger is still the "village idiot” and
Yates is snarky and a bit rude, although boys think that he is a
bit deranged, lol.
I can't wait for the continuation of Brothers stories, they became my new favorite read with just the first book.
I love The Flower Shop Assassins. And then some exciting things started happening across the road from the shop. I mean, there was a puzzle of why one of the brothers was covered in blood and I couldn't wait to find the reason for what was really happening behind the Stud Muffins' secrets (torture, mafia, bloody criminals?).
Introduction of the Bakery Brothers family- pure hilarity. Those boys made me laugh so much, and when Stone met "Father Robin"- I was so hooked! Seriously, where and in which religion you can meet the priest that swears like a sailor and smashes cupcakes in the owner's face, and also has sheets burning sex?
Newt and his love of rocks, he is the sweetest cinnamon roll, and Mickey "the buffed brother", whose sense of humor is so randomly funny and bizarre, and the scenes of them watching their favorite show and Newt's "fan club". Jude, the really mysterious one, like really, when you'll find out the truth about him, you'll be stunned!
Thanks to Louise for bringing my favorite assassins for cameo appearances- they are old acquaintances from Flowershop Assassins, Ranger is still the "village idiot” and
Yates is snarky and a bit rude, although boys think that he is a
bit deranged, lol.
I can't wait for the continuation of Brothers stories, they became my new favorite read with just the first book.
March 3, 2023
One of my favorite reads – ever! This book had me grinning so much and at other times near to tears with how deeply moving it was. Stone is a character that stays with you. I adore him. He is quite simply fascinating, gruff but also very caring. Not easily figured out. Complicated and unexpected. He is quite the tortured hero and also quaintly staid in his own way. I loved how he turned his life around, and his devotion to his brothers, if sometimes uniquely expressed, is one of the qualities I most loved him for. Robin is a wonderful match for him. Quite the mystery, for a priest!
I so appreciated the subtlety in the writing, and how it gives the reader the opportunity to read between the lines and wonder about what’s going unsaid. I thoroughly enjoyed the dark, absurd humor, which brilliantly offsets the heartfelt emotional scenes that were sprinkled throughout. The depth of the bond between the Bakery brothers is as amazing. There’s so much to discover beneath the surface of their banter and the rather grisly nature of certain events and life choices.
One of the many great things about this book is that we get to reconnect with the MCs from the Flowershop series too. They all have their moment to shine and are still very uniquely true to themselves. Stone's brothers are all highly intriguing, very promising MCs-to-be!!
Recommend this so hard!!
I so appreciated the subtlety in the writing, and how it gives the reader the opportunity to read between the lines and wonder about what’s going unsaid. I thoroughly enjoyed the dark, absurd humor, which brilliantly offsets the heartfelt emotional scenes that were sprinkled throughout. The depth of the bond between the Bakery brothers is as amazing. There’s so much to discover beneath the surface of their banter and the rather grisly nature of certain events and life choices.
One of the many great things about this book is that we get to reconnect with the MCs from the Flowershop series too. They all have their moment to shine and are still very uniquely true to themselves. Stone's brothers are all highly intriguing, very promising MCs-to-be!!
Recommend this so hard!!
March 18, 2023
Rocked to death!!!
So an Ex convict and a priest fall in love…*
•I read this a few weeks ago and it was a lot of fun! The only way I know how to describe this book is: It’s like a slightly edgy, very funny MM rom-com full of banter, brotherhood and blood!
•I love the banter between Stone and Robin. And the Dynamic and jokes and teasing between the brothers was so fun and brotherly lol.
•And that ranger cameo!!! And that Yates fight scene cameo. I f*cking loved seeing my babies from The flower shop Assassins series!
•lol I had the same opinion about stud muffins as Yates, I though some Sweeney Todd action was happening while dreading the flower shop series but the truth is just as good, maybe even better!
•That bible scene between Stone and Robin in the first few chapters. Lol. I can’t believe stone did that but it was so funny and I’m so happy he did.
•I honestly never really suspected that stuff about Robin, but all the signs were there, I just fell so head over heels with Robin and Stone and wanting them to be together I just overlooked it. And that’s how you can tell you are reading a good book. You get so hooked on the characters and banter you overlook all the little setups along the way to get to that omg moment or that “I didn’t see it coming moment” and then it all clicks and your speechless!
•omg I totally forgot about the list thing while i was reading until sh!t hit the fan, I was just so consumed by the characters and relationship dynamics. But that fight scene! and Yates didn’t step in. Lol.
•and omg Jude’s occupation. It all makes so much sense now. I really didn’t see that coming.
•I really really enjoyed this book the characters, relationships, all the Cameos, I’m so excited to continue on in the series!
•Couples predictions!
-Newt and Mr.NoPain!!!
-Mickey and The Raven!
-Jude and ??? (Jude and his mini vacuum or maybe his mop lol. I’m kidding I’m kidding! 🤣)
•if you like bothersome brothers, a swearing priest, banter, an angry florist, purposely shit sex, lots of blood, boxing, grumpy sunshine vibes, a cover store bakery that never bakes, boxing, and so much more you should read this book!
*and they live happily ever after.
So an Ex convict and a priest fall in love…*
•I read this a few weeks ago and it was a lot of fun! The only way I know how to describe this book is: It’s like a slightly edgy, very funny MM rom-com full of banter, brotherhood and blood!
•I love the banter between Stone and Robin. And the Dynamic and jokes and teasing between the brothers was so fun and brotherly lol.
•And that ranger cameo!!! And that Yates fight scene cameo. I f*cking loved seeing my babies from The flower shop Assassins series!
•lol I had the same opinion about stud muffins as Yates, I though some Sweeney Todd action was happening while dreading the flower shop series but the truth is just as good, maybe even better!
•That bible scene between Stone and Robin in the first few chapters. Lol. I can’t believe stone did that but it was so funny and I’m so happy he did.
•I honestly never really suspected that stuff about Robin, but all the signs were there, I just fell so head over heels with Robin and Stone and wanting them to be together I just overlooked it. And that’s how you can tell you are reading a good book. You get so hooked on the characters and banter you overlook all the little setups along the way to get to that omg moment or that “I didn’t see it coming moment” and then it all clicks and your speechless!
•omg I totally forgot about the list thing while i was reading until sh!t hit the fan, I was just so consumed by the characters and relationship dynamics. But that fight scene! and Yates didn’t step in. Lol.
•and omg Jude’s occupation. It all makes so much sense now. I really didn’t see that coming.
•I really really enjoyed this book the characters, relationships, all the Cameos, I’m so excited to continue on in the series!
•Couples predictions!
-Newt and Mr.NoPain!!!
-Mickey and The Raven!
-Jude and ??? (Jude and his mini vacuum or maybe his mop lol. I’m kidding I’m kidding! 🤣)
•if you like bothersome brothers, a swearing priest, banter, an angry florist, purposely shit sex, lots of blood, boxing, grumpy sunshine vibes, a cover store bakery that never bakes, boxing, and so much more you should read this book!
*and they live happily ever after.
January 23, 2024
⭐⭐
Una buena idea que no se desarrolló como esperaba
Cuando empecé a leer estaba emocionada por descubrir una historia que prometía drama familiar y problemas interesantes ademas de un protagonista que es un exconvicto y que la autora nunca decepciona cuando de estos se trata. Pero a medida que avanzaba, la historia se volvía lenta y aburrida.
La idea central del libro es buena: tratar los líos familiares y resolver problemas personales. Sin embargo, la autora no logró hacerlo emocionante. La historia no avanzaba mucho y el conflicto principal, aunque empezó siendo interesante, se resolvió de una manera predecible y sin mucha emoción.
Lo que me decepcionó más fue cómo se manejaron los problemas entre los hermanos. En solo dos capítulos, se solucionaron rápidamente sin explorar realmente lo complicadas que pueden ser las relaciones familiares.
En lugar de sentir que estaba empezando una emocionante serie, parecía más como si este libro solo estuviera preparando el terreno para los siguientes. Esto es decepcionante porque el primer libro debería emocionar para seguir leyendo, pero no lo logró para mí.
Aunque la idea del libro era buena, la forma en que se contó la historia no cumplió mis expectativas. La lentitud, la falta de sorpresas en la trama y la resolución rápida de los problemas principales me hacen dudar de si quiero seguir con la serie.
Una buena idea que no se desarrolló como esperaba
Cuando empecé a leer estaba emocionada por descubrir una historia que prometía drama familiar y problemas interesantes ademas de un protagonista que es un exconvicto y que la autora nunca decepciona cuando de estos se trata. Pero a medida que avanzaba, la historia se volvía lenta y aburrida.
La idea central del libro es buena: tratar los líos familiares y resolver problemas personales. Sin embargo, la autora no logró hacerlo emocionante. La historia no avanzaba mucho y el conflicto principal, aunque empezó siendo interesante, se resolvió de una manera predecible y sin mucha emoción.
Lo que me decepcionó más fue cómo se manejaron los problemas entre los hermanos. En solo dos capítulos, se solucionaron rápidamente sin explorar realmente lo complicadas que pueden ser las relaciones familiares.
En lugar de sentir que estaba empezando una emocionante serie, parecía más como si este libro solo estuviera preparando el terreno para los siguientes. Esto es decepcionante porque el primer libro debería emocionar para seguir leyendo, pero no lo logró para mí.
Aunque la idea del libro era buena, la forma en que se contó la historia no cumplió mis expectativas. La lentitud, la falta de sorpresas en la trama y la resolución rápida de los problemas principales me hacen dudar de si quiero seguir con la serie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2023
Not really sure how to rate this book..parts were 3 or less and parts were a 4.....I have not read her previous series and I guess some of these characters are from those books..However, the writing is inconsistent and that may be because I didn't read the prior series..Like I loved the scenes with Stone and "the Priest" but then the writing goes off half cocked ;) ...There were quite a few times I wanted to DNF but I liked Stone, Robin and Stone's brothers so I finished it...I don't think I will read more though because of the chaotic writing style...there were funny parts and some great banter/dialogue but still SO MUCH left unsaid...I get it that it is the first book in the series but the layout of it all had me scratching my head .....it bounced around A LOT..almost like she wanted to tell all the stories but then stopped herself mid stride...I guess I would say the writing style is not for me but I definitely liked the premise...And waiting until 70% for smexy times was wayyyyyy tooooooo long......given what we find out...Needs some good editing...because there is a very good story base there....
July 20, 2023
I had forgotten what a special voice Louise Collins has. You might not like every character or agree with their every decision, but her writing is fantastic.
This one had a bit of a slow start. The prison prologue, the tense first chapter at the police station, the weird banter for the brothers. I honestly wasn't sure this would be for me. BUT then Robin, the other half of our OTP enters. The romance between Robin and Stone was amazing. I just loved their banter. Robin as a swear-y priest stuffing cupcakes in Stone's inappropriate mouth was perfect. The ridiculousness of the brothers owning a bakery that doesn't bake anything was funny too. Once I was sold on the romance, the brothers and their problems grew on me, until I was sold on the whole package. The twist in the final chapter was perfection. And the final scene with Stone and Robin and all of his brothers hit me right in the feels.
FYI this is a continuation of the Flowershop assassins books, and while I was able to read it as a standalone (I read one Flowershop assassin book years ago) it wasn't always easy. I had to work for it :)
This one had a bit of a slow start. The prison prologue, the tense first chapter at the police station, the weird banter for the brothers. I honestly wasn't sure this would be for me. BUT then Robin, the other half of our OTP enters. The romance between Robin and Stone was amazing. I just loved their banter. Robin as a swear-y priest stuffing cupcakes in Stone's inappropriate mouth was perfect. The ridiculousness of the brothers owning a bakery that doesn't bake anything was funny too. Once I was sold on the romance, the brothers and their problems grew on me, until I was sold on the whole package. The twist in the final chapter was perfection. And the final scene with Stone and Robin and all of his brothers hit me right in the feels.
FYI this is a continuation of the Flowershop assassins books, and while I was able to read it as a standalone (I read one Flowershop assassin book years ago) it wasn't always easy. I had to work for it :)
March 26, 2023
Delightfully twisty and turny! These brothers are hilarious, and it was fun to find out what's actually going on in the bakery.
I have to admit, though, the romance made me squirm. Stone's pursuit of Robin felt a little icky right up until the church scene, and even after that, I wasn't completely at ease with it. Everything worked out, of course. Wouldn't be a romance without that HEA.
My main enjoyment, however, comes from the utter chaos surrounding Stone, Mick, Newt, and Jude. That and the cameos from the flower shop assassin boys. Those guys need to add a cleaner to their crew. Sheesh. Murder and run-leaving your host to clean up the mess-is just rude! 🤣
No idea who is up next in this series, but I'm here for it. 😁
I have to admit, though, the romance made me squirm. Stone's pursuit of Robin felt a little icky right up until the church scene, and even after that, I wasn't completely at ease with it. Everything worked out, of course. Wouldn't be a romance without that HEA.
My main enjoyment, however, comes from the utter chaos surrounding Stone, Mick, Newt, and Jude. That and the cameos from the flower shop assassin boys. Those guys need to add a cleaner to their crew. Sheesh. Murder and run-leaving your host to clean up the mess-is just rude! 🤣
No idea who is up next in this series, but I'm here for it. 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
December 1, 2023All these spin-off series, in which like it or not you do miss something if you haven't read the other books, are starting to feel like the MCU: more annoying than exciting. The characters were like The raven is fighting tonight. And I'm like greeeat ... And who is that and why should I care??
Despite that and that everything was all over the place and every scene felt totally disconnected from one another, this was entertaining and had charming characters. (Newt, love ya). But I was kinda lost about where we were going with what was happening. And the constant references were tiring me tbh.
Not a bad book in the end, just might be best enjoyed if you've read the previous series imho.
Despite that and that everything was all over the place and every scene felt totally disconnected from one another, this was entertaining and had charming characters. (Newt, love ya). But I was kinda lost about where we were going with what was happening. And the constant references were tiring me tbh.
Not a bad book in the end, just might be best enjoyed if you've read the previous series imho.
March 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I usually read the first book in an author's universe, but I didn't pay attention when I started this one.
I liked the ensemble of characters, the setting, the story, and the twists and turns. It was such a fun ride.
The spicy scenes are also chef's kiss. I can't remember the last time I've read something hot and also funny.
The characters all have their distinct personalities, and no one feels like a copy of someone.
This book has a lot of campy old school thriller elements, which was quite refreshing.
I'm looking forward to reading the author's other works in this universe.
I usually read the first book in an author's universe, but I didn't pay attention when I started this one.
I liked the ensemble of characters, the setting, the story, and the twists and turns. It was such a fun ride.
The spicy scenes are also chef's kiss. I can't remember the last time I've read something hot and also funny.
The characters all have their distinct personalities, and no one feels like a copy of someone.
This book has a lot of campy old school thriller elements, which was quite refreshing.
I'm looking forward to reading the author's other works in this universe.
April 13, 2023
Two things: Jude! And, are there any more stars to give? Also, Newt is a sweetheart, Mickey is funny and loyal, Robin was great, and Stone is the steady hand that holds them together, while struggling with guilt about the past. The backstory for Newt and Mickey is going to be heart aching.
I was blown away by the plot twists and turns. The author obviously took great care in writing the brothers and their world. Which wasn’t quite as macabre as I thought it would be. No Sweeney Todd twist here, but oh, the plot surprises were so very well written!
It was a pleasure to read this book. Is Jude’s next??
I was blown away by the plot twists and turns. The author obviously took great care in writing the brothers and their world. Which wasn’t quite as macabre as I thought it would be. No Sweeney Todd twist here, but oh, the plot surprises were so very well written!
It was a pleasure to read this book. Is Jude’s next??
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