A charming big-city romance packed with heart, humor, and sizzling chemistry—perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, Annie Rains, and Susan Mallery.
When Hollywood heartthrob Hank Haverill ducks into Bethany Parker's restaurant kitchen to escape a swarm of fans, she doesn't expect her quiet life to be flipped upside down. But this surprise encounter is just the beginning.
Hank may play a superhero on screen, but his real life is anything but heroic. With his TV show on the brink of cancellation, a lawsuit looming, and relentless pressure from his agent to launch a flashy fitness empire, he's desperate to turn things around. And his newest investment—a downtown building he plans to turn into his brand's flagship location—seems like the perfect move.
The only problem? Bethany runs her popular eatery out of that very building. And she's not about to let a handsome face with a Hollywood smile shut her down.
Bethany couldn't care less about fame or fortune—she's focused on feeding the hungry, not Hank's ego. But when their standoff turns into a game of wits, charm, and unexpected attraction, things start heating up in more ways than one.
Can Bethany convince Hank to sell her the building before she loses everything she's worked for? Or will sparks—and stubbornness—get in the way?
If you love romance with humor, heart, and a touch of danger, you’re in the right place.
Amanda Uhl is an award-winning author of contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Her stories feature big-city energy, small-town charm, witty banter, and emotionally satisfying happily-ever-afters. Her books have received multiple honors, including the 2024 Heart Award, 2024 New England Reader’s Choice Award, a 2024 National Excellence in Storytelling Award, and a Gold Medal from the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Amanda holds a BFA in Theatre and an MBA in Marketing. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, biking the Metroparks, and searching for beach glass along the shores of Lake Erie. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio, the setting of many of her books.
*chef's kiss* This is a quick read with a hunk of an MMC. I was swooning. And not going to lie, I was more interested in his story than Bethany's. That being said, Bethany was equally adorable, and I really admired her determination in supporting her business and the community.
It's a simple read, but Amanda does a great job at capturing the vibes of certain areas and moments. For example, her describing how unsafe Bethany felt at night walking to her car. I felt that nervousness myself. That's how you know it's a good read. You feel it, too. Also, I really liked how the side characters added to the storyline. They weren't just there; they interacted with the FMC and MMC all throughout the story.
What kept this at 4 stars: - The build of the book was a bit unbalanced. It wasn't necessarily a slow build, but compared to the ending, the pacing felt uneven. It just felt a bit like whiplash. It was good throughout, though. It didn't impact my ability to enjoy the story. - The other thing was the mention of eyes in the first few chapters. The eyes of a person can say a lot, but I found myself noticing how often eyes were described. Again, it didn't take away from the story, but it was definitely noticeable and put me off a tad bit.
If you like opposites attract + celebrity x civilian + a grounded, real-world setting + character-driven romance with real stakes, read this.
Thank you NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not giving this one a star rating since I didn’t finish it, but I did give it a fair shot before deciding to call it.
I ended up DNF’ing around 45% because I was struggling to make myself keep going. It’s not that anything was outright bad, it just… wasn’t engaging. Not much really happened in the first half, and what did happen felt pretty dull.
The setup had potential. He’s a movie star expanding his business portfolio, and she owns a business in a building he just purchased with plans to turn into a fitness center. I stuck with it through the point where she goes to his place for dinner and they decide to be friends, but even then I wasn’t feeling any real spark or momentum.
The tone also didn’t quite work for me. It leaned very sweet, almost overly saccharine. I usually enjoy a cozy, Hallmark-style romance, but this felt like too much. The MMC’s constant “darns” and the FMC’s very “grandma speak” way of talking just didn’t land for me.
The writing itself was fine, just a bit simplistic, and I do think the first half could have been cut down significantly without losing anything important.
Maybe the second half picks up and brings in more chemistry and banter, but I just couldn’t push through to find out.
This is a good Clean romance!! Wonderful characters, even the stinky ones, fun and quirky customers moving through a beautiful story of love and community!!
Icing on the Cake by Amanda Uhl was a super sweet enemies to lovers and celebrity + civilian romance. In this book we initially follow Bethany who lives in Cleveland and runs a restaurant/bakery that was originally started by her grandparents with her brother. As started by their grandparents, they not only run a business, but do what they can to help others in the neighborhood by giving free food to those that need it. Bethany has had her share of heartache and the siblings are struggling to keep their business alive among significant obstacles.
“She didn’t much enjoy having to fight for justice for herself or others. But quite often, she’d discovered that her life required an uppercut, or in this case, a kick in the fancy pants.”
When newly single actor Hank Haverill comes into the restaurant, Bethany is startled to find out that he now owns their building and intends to convert the building into a fitness center. Hank has also had a history of heartaches and has difficulty trusting people but finds it difficult not to want to get to know Bethany.
“Would he ever know what it felt like to be loved for something other than his money?”
The set up of this story was very cute. Each character has flaws and difficulties overcoming past relationships to get to know one another. Some of the story is somewhat predictable, and like icing it is very sweet and sugary. A few spicy comments/thoughts, but no significant spicy scenes make this fall into a cozy romance. There are several secondary characters, but they do add to the color and richness of the story. Especially the characters from the restaurant give so much depth to the neighborhood setting in Cleveland and how much of a community these people belong.
“He groaned and framed her face with his large hands, deepening the kiss. She heard herself mew like a kitten. Her hands tangled in his golden hair like she’d seen his female costar do on the television screen. After seeing the on-screen kiss, she’d imagined what it would feel like to be his costar. Now she knew. Her blood heated into a roaring inferno.”
The part I had difficulty wrapping my brain around was the rushed speed of the resolution considering the depth of the issues each of the characters struggled with and that the time frame of the story is mostly within a few weeks.
Overall, this was a cute cozy romance. Somewhat predictable storyline, but with lots of sweetness.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Bethany can't believe what the woman in front of her is saying. Her ex-boyfriend left, taking all her savings and the money from her parents' life insurance and she had just gotten the foreclosure notice.
Now Hank Haverill's publicist was in her restaurant, surrounded by crazy women hoping to be near him, informing her that they were in town to announce the new location of his gym, Fitaholics.
The gorgeous actor who begged her just minutes ago to hide him was now the owner of her building? An owner planning to put her family restaurant out of business?
She didn't think so!
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
Bethany and her younger brother had been working hard since the deaths of their parents to keep their restaurant above water. It wasn't just a family restaurant started by their grandparents, but it was also where many wouldn't be fed if it wasn't for Bethany and her determination no-one go hungry.
This book is action-packed and will have you laughing from start to finish. Bethany is determined to not be taken in by another celebrity and the steam and angst will have you turning the pages. Highly recommend this rom-com.
This book is near and dear to my heart because it expresses so much of what I personally believe to be important—love, relationships, family, and community. I wondered: What would happen if I took a genuinely good person, trying to do good in the world, and set them against a hero who seems to have it all? The minute I started writing, the words flowed and the story came alive on the page.
I could picture the family restaurant, Grandma Lou's Kitchen and Pantry, operating out of a historic building—a fixture in the old neighborhood—and our sweet heroine, Bethany, desperately working to save her family's legacy. I could picture Hank (who I imagined as Chris Hemsworth), tired of his life but not really knowing why, coming to town because it was the only place he'd ever experienced a sense of family. And I could picture a whole cast of characters who felt a sense of community and relied on Grandma Lou's for food and fellowship.
In the end, this story became a love letter to the kind of life I believe we’re all quietly longing for—one built on connection, belonging, and the people who make a place feel like home. I hope you enjoy stepping into this world as much as I loved creating it.
I love every one of this author's books. She is one of my favorite authors. I wasn't sure how I would like this read because it's different then any of her past books. I LOVED IT! I started this morning and stayed up very late (or early) to finish it. I couldn't put it down. I loved how the story flowed so well. I never give out story lines in my reviews, I never want to be a spoiler. I will say to others who love romance, this is a much read.
This was an easy read, a feel good romance with likable characters and a familiar trope. A witty relationship of give and take between the leads, it gives you depth whilst giving you what you are looking for in a romance; a hunky lead, an everyday girl and a background issue that hovers between them.
This was an easy, sweet read that felt like settling in with a cozy Hallmark movie. I wasn’t sold on Hank at first, but he definitely grew on me as the story went on. Overall, a light, feel-good read that’s perfect when you just want something comforting and low-stress.
It was cute romantic story. I found Bethany frustrating with her back and forth about Hank. The story was also a bit difficult to get into at first but after a few chapters I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a great easy and fun read that I’d recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Amanda. A small bakery in need of some luck and a handsome movie star. Find out how Bethany saves her bakery. Learn how two people can overcome their own personal obstacles and learn to love again.
This book had me from page 1. Bethany and Hank captured my attention and I fell in love with their struggles, their love for each other and their strength to complete their story. This is a story you will want to read. I laughed and cried and had so much fun reading their story. Amanda has such a way with bringing out so much emotion when reading her stories and this one is amazing.
📚 Book Review by R.M. Campbell 📚 Icing on the Cake By Amanda Uhl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bethany Parker and her brother, Travis, run Grandma Lou’s Kitchen and Pantry in a building her grandparents opened in Tremont, a suburb of Cleveland, in 1950. Unfortunately, Bethany was swindled out of ownership of the building, but she intended on getting it back. Bethany’s world is turned upside down when a gorgeous man unexpectedly enters her life and turns it upside down. The man, Hank Haverill, is the star of a popular TV show and a fitness buff, who is looking for a change, but is not certain what that change is, until he meets Bethany and is drawn into her world. To say their relationship is complicated does not even cover what fate has in store for the two. Hank previously bought the building housing the kitchen, and Bethany’s only hope to buy it back is winning a baking contest, with a huge cash prize. From Hank's overbearing publicist, Elizabeth, to Bethany’s ex-fiancé, Desmond, who drained her bank accounts and took off to New York, Hank and Bethany's attraction and commitment to each other and to their extended family and friends develop into an undertaking neither expected. When Bethany’s recipe wins the contest but is soon disqualified on allegations of plagiarism by her ex-fiancé, Bethany’s life is turned upside down, especially since Hank disappeared without a word. I have two recommendations when reading this book: one, have tissues on hand when reading this book, and two, don’t read this book hungry. Amanda Uhl does a fabulous job of creating a storyline that pulls at your heartstrings and provides mouthwatering culinary delights. The characters' interactions were well-developed and written with a compelling and staunch sense of purpose. The plot’s emotional spectrum was wide and included desire, love, loss, deception, and forgiveness. I found the story suspenseful, emotional, fun, and romantic. The pacing was steady, and I found it to be a page turner the more I read. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend Icing on the Cake.
"He longed for her to look at him the way she seemed to look at every other stray who wandered into her inner circle. He yearned for her to find him worthy. He was caught in her spell—a spell woven from loneliness and need and desire."
× Review: This book has become one of my favourite reads for 2026! It has yearning, longing, second chances and healing!
- The story is fast-paced yet has the right pauses on each emotion and experience. It didn't feel rushed but rather thrilling and exciting!
- Beth's push and pull with Hank made so much sense, it created tension and depth to the story. I also loved her kindness and Grandma Lo's warm vibes 🥹
- Hank's love for Beth might appear physical at first, but he only started making actual moves on her after getting to know her personality. And for someone who "doesn't know how to love" he surely knew how to save her every time she needed help! 🥹💕
- The ending was thrilling and exciting, it kept me on my toes!!! I truly loved it and I really enjoyed the book. It's a whole experience to be honest!
My first time reading for Amanda Uhl, but definitely not the last! Thanks to Netgalley and Harpethered for this beautiful ARC 🥰🥰
P.s: Reading about Beth baking, made me want to start learning baking! It's something I've been putting off for a long time 😂😂😂
× More Quotes:
"If there was one thing she’d learned about Hank over the course of the day, it was that persistence was his middle name."
"I’ve given up making wishes on falling stars. Childish really—putting the burden of my deepest desires on something entirely outside my control.” - Bethany
"I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you taking a bite of chocolate cake, and I promise, I’ll love you until your last.” - Hank
I’ll admit it: my literary comfort zone usually involves morally grey men, questionable decisions, and the occasional emotional devastation. So picking up Icing On The Cake by Amanda Uhl felt… suspicious. Where was the angst? The chaos? The emotional ruin?
Reader, it turns out, sometimes what you need is frosting.
This is, unapologetically, a romance that leans into every trope it can get its hands on and then serves them with a wink. Famous actor (and yes, picture a blond, god-tier specimen suspiciously reminiscent of Chris Hemsworth, you’re welcome) meets small-town restaurant owner with a heart of gold. Sparks fly, lives collide, and suddenly we’re knee-deep in a story that feels like it walked straight out of a Hallmark fever dream… but with better banter and a lot more charm.
Because here’s the thing: it works.
What could have been overly saccharine somehow lands as genuinely heartwarming. He finds something real, connection, belonging, that elusive “found family” magic. She, blessedly, sees past the fame, the face, and the bank account, and falls for the man underneath. It’s predictable, yes, but in the way your favorite dessert is predictable. You know what you’re getting, and that’s precisely the point.
And then there’s Bethany. Sweet, earnest, and carrying that kind of emotional sincerity that could melt even the iciest of hearts (mine included, apparently—rude). Add to that a cast of side characters who feel like a warm hug and dialogue that actually sparkles, and suddenly you’re smiling far more than you intended.
The romance itself is a slow burn, gentle, playful, and laced with humor that keeps it from ever feeling too heavy or too sugary. The banter between the leads is sharp enough to keep things interesting, but never cruel, striking that perfect balance between flirtation and genuine affection.
Is it cheesy? Absolutely. Is it tropey? Without shame. Did I devour it like a woman starved of softness? Also yes.
Icing On The Cake is that rare kind of palate cleanser, a reminder that not every love story needs to break you to be memorable. Sometimes, it just needs to make you feel good.
And honestly? My little black heart didn’t hate that one bit.
Bethany is hanging on by a thread to her cafe - her money is gone and her tendency to help the needy is not helping now. When TV superhero/superstar Hank walks into her cafe, little does she know that he will turn her world around. However, there is a catch. Hank is planning to buy her building and start a fitness centre.
Will Bethany be able to run her cafe with all these challenges? Will Hank allow her cafe to run after the takeover?
My Thoughts:
This light hallmark read came as a welcome break after a series of heavy reads. It is a simple story of two unlikely people coming together for a single goal but the characterizations were on-point. Hank, as the superstar, brings his own baggage. Bethany, with her compulsive need to help others, was relatable (in fact, I liked her so much, I started skipping Hank chapters to get to her! It is rare to see such a kind main character).
The miscommunication trope at the 75% mark could have been entirely avoided (I am not a fan of this trope) and I also felt that Bethany and Hank fell for each other a bit too soon. Enemies-to-lovers sounds a bit believable only if there has been beef between them for at least 50% of the story.
Anyway, I feel these two are my problems and others might not feel this way.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC.
This book had me right away! Bethany Parker and her brother Travis own and run Grandma Lou’s restaurant and pantry. They are have a difficult time keeping the place running as well as paying the bills. They own The Parker building and it has gone to the bank due to foreclosure. So Bethany has decided to enter a baking contest with her grandmother’s chocolate cake recipe to win the money to buy the building back from the bank. Hank Haverill , a celebrity, walks in to Grandma Lou’s and introduces himself as the new owner and asks for a couple donuts and coffee. It has been said that he will be turning the building into a fitness center, but he states that that isn’t a definite thing. Hank said until he decides what to do he will continue renting to the businesses in there. This is an easy read that has your emotions going everywhere. You wonder if Hank will keep his word or not. Is he a womanizer with a line of broken hearts miles long. And who accused Bethany of plagiarism with the recipe that she used to win the contest? Thanks for the opportunity to be one of the first to read this book Amanda Uhl. I loved it ! Awesome job of drawing me in and keeping me reading. I couldn’t put it down until my eyes refused to work!
Bethany Parker and her brother Travis have been struggling to keep their family restaurant afloat. The inevitable foreclosure of the Parker building leaves Bethany at a loss for what to do. Hank Haverill, a Hollywood heartthrob, unexpectedly enters Bethany’s restaurant kitchen to escape a group of fans.
Hank’s career is on the verge of collapse. His TV show is on the brink of cancellation, and he faces a lawsuit. His agent pressures him to launch a fitness empire, and the perfect location for this venture is the same building where Bethany’s restaurant is located. However, Bethany refuses to compromise her livelyhood for fame. As time runs out, so does her ability to keep her heart guarded. Will Bethany and Hank be able to save her restaurant, or will they both walk away with nothing?
“Icing on the Cake” by Amanda Uhl is a delightful rom-com that showcases great chemistry between its wonderful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Bethany’s story, while Hank’s humor added a lot of levity to the narrative. The banter between the two kept me engaged and entertained throughout the book.
This book would definitely make for a captivating rom-com movie on the big screen. I highly recommend reading this fabulous read.
Bethany is trying to keep her family owned restaurant afloat. She feeds the homeless and wants this to continue. Her ex fiancé emptied her savings account and just did her wrong. In walks Hank, an actor, hiding from fans. Well, this opens a can of worms, when his agent wants to buy the building and put in a fitness center. This doesn’t make Bethany a very happy camper. Needless to say, Bethany and Hank don’t start out on the same page.
As the story goes on, Bethany wants to make it known she will do all she can to keep her business open regardless of what Hank may try to do. An opportunity arises where Bethany can possibly win enough money to keep her restaurant open. This involves a recipe for her grandma’s chocolate cake, votes, her ex fiancé-who is downright evil, and possibly some help from Hank. As time goes on, it seems Hank and Bethany start sparking some chemistry. Will this stop Hank from building a fitness center? Will this help save her restaurant? You won’t want to miss what happens in the end! What a perfect ending to a perfect story!
I really enjoyed the overall concept and storyline of this book, it felt sweet and thoughtfully put together. The conflicts made sense and felt natural within the story, and I especially loved the cozy “small town everyone knows everyone” vibe.
That said, there were a few elements that didn’t work quite as well for me. The writing style is beautiful, but the third-person perspective made it a bit harder for me to fully immerse myself in the story, as I tend to connect more with first-person narration. I think this will come down to personal preference, though, and may not be an issue for other readers.
The romance also leaned a bit toward insta-love, which at times made it feel slightly rushed. I found myself wishing for a bit more development to make the connection feel more gradual and realistic.
Overall, while this book didn’t fully click for me, I can absolutely see it resonating with other readers—it just wasn’t quite the right fit for my personal taste, and that’s okay!
What a delightful story about a woman and her brother struggling to keep her grandparents restaurant in business. In addition to selling delicious pastries and deserts they provided lunch and dinners to anyone who came by whether they could afford to pay or not. Their only hope was to win a baking contest so they could pay off the mortgage. Enter TV star Hank Haverhill who had just bought the building to turn into a fitness center. Exercise might be good but it can't beat Bethanys Whoopie Pies. Hank can't resist and while his team is still planning a fitness center Hank is repairing the old building. This is a story about a woman who goes after what she wants without relying on a man to save her. While she struggles financially she doesn't cut back on helping others. When she has all her money stolen she picks herself up and continues. When all seems lost she rallies her brother to go out with a party. She is a great example for young women everywhere. When love finally comes it is worth the wait.
Get transported to Grandma Lou’s Kitchen and Pantry where the sweet treats are plentiful in this big-city romance packed with heart, humor, and sizzling chemistry. A surprise encounter between onscreen superhero Hank Haverill and restaurant owner Bethany Parker turns into an unexpected attraction that heats up in more ways than one.
Bethany is trying to save her struggling restaurant and food pantry. A baking competition with a cash prize just may be the opportunity she needs to save the family owned business. Hank is trying to save his career and reinvent himself under pressure by his agent to launch a fitness center in the very building that houses Grandma Lou’s. But Bethany is not about to let a handsome face shut her down no matter the growing attraction between them.
Icing on the Cake is a sweet treat of a book. Bethany was so cute and spunky and Hank was absolutely charming. The secondary characters were just as delightful and I loved that the restaurant was also a food pantry. Flew through this book and can’t wait to read more from the author.
Thank you Netgalley, Harpeth Road Press, and Amanda Uhl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
🌟Netgalley ARC Review🌟 A very famous and handsome actor, Hank, buys the historic building in his childhood hometown of Cleveland—the same building that houses Bethany’s family restaurant—and that’s how their paths cross. Bethany’s past relationship experiences make her a bit guarded and skeptical of Hank at first, but we follow her journey as she gets to know him and gradually changes her perspective.
For me, the main issue with the book was that I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them. Because of that, the ups and downs in their relationship didn’t keep me very curious as the story went on. Even though the premise caught my interest at the beginning, I found myself reading the middle parts more just to move forward. Still, toward the end, I can say the story became a bit more intriguing and engaging again.
I finished the book in about two days—it’s actually a very fast, sweet small-town romance. I wouldn’t call it one of my favorites, but I did enjoy reading it. 3.5🌟
Thank you BooksGoSocial through NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Overall this was a cute and fun read. Bethany is trying to keep her family's bakery afloat after her ex stole her inheritance to make it big on a cooking show and Hank is the Hollywood star that just bought the building her baker is in. She has a bleeding heart so a lot of the money goes to feeding those who can't afford it. He's in a slump after his show was canceled and his ex is suing him. Bethany is entering a competition to try an win the prize money to buy the building back. Sparks fly and they try to fight the building feelings.
Enter meddling characters both good and bad and ultimately we have a lot of drama. I did feel like the ending wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly. Like one page he's broken her heart and the next they are engaged. It definitely has an HEA and we all need that!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.
This is such a sweet book! (No pun intended.) It reads like a Hallmark romance and I mean that in the best way.
I thought the writing overall was lovely and the story moved at a good pace. It also wasn't spicy at all, which I really appreciated.
As I said it was sweet, but I didn't find it too cloying or over the top - until the ending. I won't spoil it, but there were a couple of things in the last chapter that did make me scrunch my nose in a not good way. I also found the dialogue in the last couple of chapters to be a bit clunky and bordered on cliché.
Hank and Bethany clash like there is no tomorrow. He needs to save his career and his image. One thing he didn’t count on is the owner of a coffee shop. Bethany doesn’t care about his good looks or his ego. The stands offs, playing games to out Witt the other had me laughing out loud. Soon clashing soon turns into heat and chemistry. I found myself not wanting to stop reading. The characters are ill of witt, stubbornness and the chemistry is brilliant.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It's a well written romance with in depth characters that you're rooting for from beginning to end. It starts with tv star Hank Haverille hiding in Bethany's bakery. He's also the new owner and plans on turning the historic building into a gym. It's a fast paced read, lots of laughs and tears and of course there's someone out there doing their best to put a stop our main characters happiness. I absolutely loved this story, great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fun, lighthearted, flirty romance full of witty banter, slow burn tension & a happily ever after.
I enjoyed the characters - Hank is an actor & Bethany doesn't watch TV, so she doesn't recognize him. 😍 I enjoyed the supporting characters as well. The book was well written & a fast read. Bethany has a heart of gold & basically runs a soup kitchen out of a professional kitchen. Love the idea.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to the author (Amanda Uhl), publisher (BooksGoSocial) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Loved this book, opposites attract sweet romance. Bethany owns the small town bakery with her brother and the building that they rent from is bought by movie star, Hank. Hank will do anything to appease Bethany, but it takes a long time for her to warm up to him, she has burned before in the romance dept. This is a slow burn romance. I wasn't sure who I was drooling over more . Hank are yummy dessert creations that Bethany made. I also think, Travis, Bethany's brother needs a happily ever after, he is hard working, going to college and helping at the bakery.