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Baking For Keeps
People have always said a way to a man's heart is through his stomach ...
When Tamara Conrad goes over to welcome her new neighbor in her apartment building the last thing she is expecting is to come face to face with the sexiest man she has ever seen in her life. Too bad he reacts just like every other guy she has come across, not interested in the slightest. Oh well, just because he isn't interested doesn't mean she can't enjoy a fantasy or two while whipping up batches of treats.
The last thing Mark Reese needs is the complication of wanting his sweet new neighbor, but with her enchanting his fellow firefighters with baked goods how is he expected to keep his distance. Especially when the moochers all want to get to know her better. What’s a guy to do when food is involved?
Book One of the Men Worth Melting For Series
*Can be read as a stand alone with a HEA. No cliff hanger. Readers should be 18+ due to scenes of hanky panky.*
Book One: Baking For Keeps
Book Two: Stitching With Love (Coming Soon)
~*If you enjoy this book, please leave a review!*~
When Tamara Conrad goes over to welcome her new neighbor in her apartment building the last thing she is expecting is to come face to face with the sexiest man she has ever seen in her life. Too bad he reacts just like every other guy she has come across, not interested in the slightest. Oh well, just because he isn't interested doesn't mean she can't enjoy a fantasy or two while whipping up batches of treats.
The last thing Mark Reese needs is the complication of wanting his sweet new neighbor, but with her enchanting his fellow firefighters with baked goods how is he expected to keep his distance. Especially when the moochers all want to get to know her better. What’s a guy to do when food is involved?
Book One of the Men Worth Melting For Series
*Can be read as a stand alone with a HEA. No cliff hanger. Readers should be 18+ due to scenes of hanky panky.*
Book One: Baking For Keeps
Book Two: Stitching With Love (Coming Soon)
~*If you enjoy this book, please leave a review!*~
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2015
11 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 28, 2017
I really needed this type of read. It was low angst with no breakups or big misunderstandings.
The book is about Mark Reese who is a firefighter that is moving into his new apartment. He meets his neighbor, Tamara aka Tam or Tammy, when she comes over with a big basket of her homemade goodies to welcome him. They both think each other are attractive and a friendship develops that turns into love.
This wasn't a insta love even if it felt that way because of the length of book but it actually took time. The heroine was sweet and some may feel more of a mary sue type but I loved her giving nature and appreciated that she wasn't immature. She also was a little socially awkward due to being sheltered. I loved watching the hero fall for her. I enjoyed the hero because he was a little alpha but also sweet. The other characters brought in some humor that really worked and wasn't too much.
It was a well balanced sweet read with a very mild sex and doesn't come to the end. It is cheesy for sure and so have to be in the mood to enjoy for many.
I really recommend for those wanting something a little laid back. It doesn't go into his past hookups. Doesn't come across as a manho and no OW/OM after they meet or any in the book at all.
The book is about Mark Reese who is a firefighter that is moving into his new apartment. He meets his neighbor, Tamara aka Tam or Tammy, when she comes over with a big basket of her homemade goodies to welcome him. They both think each other are attractive and a friendship develops that turns into love.
This wasn't a insta love even if it felt that way because of the length of book but it actually took time. The heroine was sweet and some may feel more of a mary sue type but I loved her giving nature and appreciated that she wasn't immature. She also was a little socially awkward due to being sheltered. I loved watching the hero fall for her. I enjoyed the hero because he was a little alpha but also sweet. The other characters brought in some humor that really worked and wasn't too much.
It was a well balanced sweet read with a very mild sex and doesn't come to the end. It is cheesy for sure and so have to be in the mood to enjoy for many.
I really recommend for those wanting something a little laid back. It doesn't go into his past hookups. Doesn't come across as a manho and no OW/OM after they meet or any in the book at all.
February 28, 2017
3 FULLY BAKED STARS
"Please let her say any floor but this one and that she has a huge husband that doesn’t take kindly to men looking at his wife, he chanted over and over again in his head."
And this is why I couldn't not give this book 5 stars. The hero didn't want the heroine and even was actively trying to dismiss her!
I don't like that...at all
Also, the whole set up was kind of nuts!!
Who makes that many muffins, cookies, food, etc and who can afford to give all this food away?
I make loads and loads of baked goods and ingredients are super expensive.
I don't get it!
But mostly it was just a nice story with a sweet couple and loads of baking in the kitchen and some in the bedroom.
A little action and a sweet ending.
Enjoyable but not the best.
It was just a nice safe read without drama.
"Please let her say any floor but this one and that she has a huge husband that doesn’t take kindly to men looking at his wife, he chanted over and over again in his head."
And this is why I couldn't not give this book 5 stars. The hero didn't want the heroine and even was actively trying to dismiss her!
I don't like that...at all
Also, the whole set up was kind of nuts!!
Who makes that many muffins, cookies, food, etc and who can afford to give all this food away?
I make loads and loads of baked goods and ingredients are super expensive.
I don't get it!
But mostly it was just a nice story with a sweet couple and loads of baking in the kitchen and some in the bedroom.
A little action and a sweet ending.
Enjoyable but not the best.
It was just a nice safe read without drama.
April 25, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
This was very cute with a sweet heroine and a great hero. Unfortunately the author is MIA after this book in 2015. It's a shame. I would have definitely liked to have read more about these characters.
This was very cute with a sweet heroine and a great hero. Unfortunately the author is MIA after this book in 2015. It's a shame. I would have definitely liked to have read more about these characters.
October 3, 2017
re read...still a great read
May 16, 2020
2 MEH STARS
Loved the sound of this but honestly it was one of those reads which I never really engaged with, I read it but never truly absorbed the tale.
A fluffy and light read - no real angst.
Acquired via KU.
Loved the sound of this but honestly it was one of those reads which I never really engaged with, I read it but never truly absorbed the tale.
A fluffy and light read - no real angst.
Acquired via KU.
April 27, 2017
This story was not instalove which I usually go for but a sweet build that had me turning the pages.
September 20, 2016
I just couldn't go on with this book. I have to check what genre it is under because it definitely isn't romance or erotica. I gave up at 59%. It seems like the author could not make up her mind about what story to tell. Mark and Tam, or Mark, Tam and the other 5 men, or Mark and Tam and her 3 brothers, or Marks's sisters _Lexa_ and Josh. I can't say it's bad execution, because there was nothing there to be progressed or worked on. The story was like a circle, it goes nowhere, and it always go back to the same place. Tamara baking, Mark trying to figure out what he's thinking, while at the same time all the other people were involved at the same time. there's no privacy in this story, and when they get the opportunity to be alone or talk the other 5 men always show up or he has to go to work. The author should make up her mind. I did. I quit
December 29, 2021
2.5✯
°Virgin heroine
°Hero's past - he hadn't been with anyone in almost 2 months when he met the heroine, and he said that was the longest he'd gone without sex so I'd say he was a manho
°Switching POVs
°No insta love/lust - they became friends first and then lovers although during their friendship they were attracted to each other
°He was celibate after meeting the h...
°Push/pull - he fought his attraction to her for months because he thought he wasn't cut out for a serious relationship and he knew that's what she deserved
°I liked both MCs, he was sweet and protective but I wish he had made his move sooner, the h was basically a saint, I mean who cooks and bakes for that many people almost everyday and for free? and some of them she didn't even know...
°No OW/OM drama
°No separation
°Low steam
°No cheating or scenes with OP
°Epilogue: I think a few months later
°Virgin heroine
°Hero's past - he hadn't been with anyone in almost 2 months when he met the heroine, and he said that was the longest he'd gone without sex so I'd say he was a manho
°Switching POVs
°No insta love/lust - they became friends first and then lovers although during their friendship they were attracted to each other
°He was celibate after meeting the h...
°Push/pull - he fought his attraction to her for months because he thought he wasn't cut out for a serious relationship and he knew that's what she deserved
°I liked both MCs, he was sweet and protective but I wish he had made his move sooner, the h was basically a saint, I mean who cooks and bakes for that many people almost everyday and for free? and some of them she didn't even know...
°No OW/OM drama
°No separation
°Low steam
°No cheating or scenes with OP
°Epilogue: I think a few months later
September 21, 2016
The story was cute but I didn’t feel really connected to the characters.
While the heroine was adorable and sweet, which I have to say is one of my favorite kind of heroine this book was incredibly cheesy with basically no angst. I didn’t really feel this incredible love that I like to read about.
Overall, nothing to complain about but nothing to rave about either.
While the heroine was adorable and sweet, which I have to say is one of my favorite kind of heroine this book was incredibly cheesy with basically no angst. I didn’t really feel this incredible love that I like to read about.
Overall, nothing to complain about but nothing to rave about either.
February 10, 2017
Fun read with sweet characters.
September 19, 2016
I did not like this at all. The h is one of those types that are ultra-perfect---I call them the Cinderellas. They do no wrong, they're completely selfless and everyone adores them except for a character thrown in to play the evil step mom. This always makes for a one-dimensional character that is ultra-boring.
The only reason I read through the whole book was because I thought some things that bothered me would get answered. What was her mysterious job that kept her closed up for several days? The bat call? How did the H/h have dinner together for several months and yet had no idea she had brothers??? How can she afford to pay for feeding all these people?! A loner that goes out of her way to surround herself with people? That doesn't sound like a loner to me. The H has her brother's cell number when he oh so conveniently needs it, but how did he get it when he just met the brother??? Well, guess what? I still don't know because even after reading the whole thing, nothing was ever cleared up. There was so much random shit in here that it seems like whole pages are missing. Nothing made sense!
September 14, 2016
Cheesy
Intense cheese factor... Could Tammy be any more perfect. Gives her trust fund to charity, bakes muffins, cookies, lasagna, and pies for the elderly, firemen and their wives. Loves football and chicken wings. Give this chick a halo. I mean i love all those things too, just not all on the same day. Geesh
Intense cheese factor... Could Tammy be any more perfect. Gives her trust fund to charity, bakes muffins, cookies, lasagna, and pies for the elderly, firemen and their wives. Loves football and chicken wings. Give this chick a halo. I mean i love all those things too, just not all on the same day. Geesh
February 27, 2017
This was just TOO CUTE FOR WORDS TOO SWEET FOR WORDS TOO MUCH EVERYTHING it made me smile from page one and I really did not expect enjoying it so much bec there was no OTT no insta love! I loved the close knit family feeling and I can't wait to read more from this author!
dnf
September 13, 2016DNF - 40%
September 25, 2017
I read this book on the recommendation of the "Sweet Heroines" romance novel group.
I liked the book, but the heroine, Tam, was much too sweet for my liking. She has the time and money to spend all her time baking for Mark--her new neighbor--and his friends. She and become friends, along with his friends and their companions.
But although Mark and the others are helpful to her as they can be, it really seemed to be a one-way street, with her doing all the work of courtship, constantly cooking and baking.
The book needed a bit of proofreading, but otherwise, it was a good read.
I liked the book, but the heroine, Tam, was much too sweet for my liking. She has the time and money to spend all her time baking for Mark--her new neighbor--and his friends. She and become friends, along with his friends and their companions.
But although Mark and the others are helpful to her as they can be, it really seemed to be a one-way street, with her doing all the work of courtship, constantly cooking and baking.
The book needed a bit of proofreading, but otherwise, it was a good read.
June 29, 2018
This is my first read by this author.
Loved both main characters.. Which is unusual for me.
Mark was sweet alpha. He had a possessive side, but he wasn't over the top with it. He tried to fight the pull he felt towards Tamara, but it was a losing battle.
Tamara was a gentle soul. Always helping others. I thought she was a breath of fresh air.
This is a sweet, safe read. Has some steam.
I also want to say that I LOVE Marks fire fighter buddies. Hoping she gives them all their own book books in the future.
4 big stars
Loved both main characters.. Which is unusual for me.
Mark was sweet alpha. He had a possessive side, but he wasn't over the top with it. He tried to fight the pull he felt towards Tamara, but it was a losing battle.
Tamara was a gentle soul. Always helping others. I thought she was a breath of fresh air.
This is a sweet, safe read. Has some steam.
I also want to say that I LOVE Marks fire fighter buddies. Hoping she gives them all their own book books in the future.
4 big stars
June 19, 2019
Such a sweet story
It's been a while and I was looking for something sweet and quick to read and this book was exactly what I needed. Even though in the summery says it is not insta-love, for me it kind of was, but it was well delivered and very balanced and the character are so lovable that I just kept reading and reading! I loved it.
It's been a while and I was looking for something sweet and quick to read and this book was exactly what I needed. Even though in the summery says it is not insta-love, for me it kind of was, but it was well delivered and very balanced and the character are so lovable that I just kept reading and reading! I loved it.
December 6, 2017
3.5 stars.
Very sweet
Very sweet
July 17, 2019
Sweet and sexy. This one was short, but I’m interested in checking out other writings of this author - hopefully there’s some full-length novels!
January 4, 2024
Really sweet story. I loved Tammy, and how sweet she was and loved taking care of other people by cooking for them.
July 12, 2024
Decent read.
October 11, 2017
It was a sweet, sexy, short read! Laughed a couple of times and was genuinely touched by the story! Will definitively read the next one of this series when it comes out!
September 15, 2016
3 stars. This was just okay for me. This is the story of Mark and Tamara. Tamara is an artist and bleeding heart who bakes and makes meals for all her neighbors. Mark is her new neighbor and a firefighter. Tamara bakes Mark some welcome to the neighborhood muffins, which leads to her baking batches of muffins for the whole fire department every day., and leads to a romance between the couple.
Both Tamara and Mark were a little immature without a lot of depth to them. There was instalove that came out of nowhere, IMO. The story was cute, but I didn't feel enough connection to it or the characters. There were a lot of grammatical errors as well. This was not a bad book, but it wasn't really anything special either.
Both Tamara and Mark were a little immature without a lot of depth to them. There was instalove that came out of nowhere, IMO. The story was cute, but I didn't feel enough connection to it or the characters. There were a lot of grammatical errors as well. This was not a bad book, but it wasn't really anything special either.
September 20, 2016
3.25 RATING- This was a cute read. Expect a perfect heroine with cute quirks and all, a sexy firefighter neighbor, and a healthy dose of cheese. I noticed some editing issues throughout, nothing huge but enough to mention. Still, a good enough filler read that I enjoyed. I probably won't read more in this series though.
Note: At the time this review was posted, this book was available to borrow through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.
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July 9, 2019
Such a sweet romance. I loved Tam, she was so cute and lovable. Mark was swoon worthy. It's definitely a fluffy romance book but it was exactly what I was looking for.
Jela Clayton is an exceptional writer. I loved the flow of the story. I wish Clayton wenr more in depth about other things like her artwork and what exactly Tam did, but nevertheless its still a nice cohesive story.
Definitely will look into reading the next few books from this author.
Jela Clayton is an exceptional writer. I loved the flow of the story. I wish Clayton wenr more in depth about other things like her artwork and what exactly Tam did, but nevertheless its still a nice cohesive story.
Definitely will look into reading the next few books from this author.
August 14, 2015
My Review
Engaging characters . Engaging story. When a firefighter moves into her building, Tamara Conrad's lonely life takes an unexpectedly interesting turn. Funny and hot, a dangerous combo.
Engaging characters . Engaging story. When a firefighter moves into her building, Tamara Conrad's lonely life takes an unexpectedly interesting turn. Funny and hot, a dangerous combo.
April 26, 2021
I read this in 2017 and decided to do a reread. This story is just so cute. I love all the characters you meet. Safe not with others after meeting. Dual POV. Virgin heroine no word on hero’s past. Don’t think he was a man whore once he got older. No ow/om drama. Cute epilogue
April 23, 2017
Cute and sweet. Really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews