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Baking Bears #3
Bread and Books
To Matthew, Jake is a mild-mannered mystery. He bought a failing bookstore, but he doesn't know how to run a bookstore at all. And by the number of books he's giving away, the man has to be an optimistic idiot. A business can't survive by giving things away!
Still, neighboring bakery owner (and secret bear shifter) Matthew can't help being drawn to him and finding excuses to talk to him. The man calls to him in a way no one else does: with his pheromones, his sweet smiles, and his cinnamon-colored eyes. He makes Matthew want things desperately...
The two men grow closer, and friendship turns to something more. They might even have a chance at forever, if they can bear to share their secrets with one another...
The Baking Bears series: sweet stories focus on bear shifters finding their forever mates in this gentle series of standalone shifter romances.
Still, neighboring bakery owner (and secret bear shifter) Matthew can't help being drawn to him and finding excuses to talk to him. The man calls to him in a way no one else does: with his pheromones, his sweet smiles, and his cinnamon-colored eyes. He makes Matthew want things desperately...
The two men grow closer, and friendship turns to something more. They might even have a chance at forever, if they can bear to share their secrets with one another...
The Baking Bears series: sweet stories focus on bear shifters finding their forever mates in this gentle series of standalone shifter romances.
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First published April 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 24, 2016
This one is my favorite of the series so far. Matthew and Jake felt the most balanced of all the couples in these standalone romances. They're very low steam, but still satisfying because the romance between the MC's is incredibly sweet and strong. I'd love to read more about these two.
October 8, 2021
I’ve read other Hollis Shiloh books and found that this one is very different. He does like the “shifter” theme for his characters but the “heat factor” between the guys is much milder than in the other books. Actually, it was a great idea...bookstore owner that gave most his books away and a baker that wanted a bit more from the bookshop owner than just free books and friendship...but it came across a bit too “wordy” ...especially with the history information of the bear shifters. Overall, it was a warm, sweet story. I loved the ways that Matthew's bear incorporated its characteristics into his human side. Anyone that doesn’t mind same sex romances and likes cozies will like this little series.
February 4, 2018
Sweet but pretty forgettable.
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November 9, 2017DNF @44%. I just couldn't keep reading this. So much is wrong, and even though I liked the characters at first they started being too cliche, and then I really stopped caring.
I cannot recommend this book, all the nope. At least it was a freebie.
I cannot recommend this book, all the nope. At least it was a freebie.
June 10, 2018
Rating: 3
I thought the story itself was sweet. Very low heat and no angst to speak of. It wasn’t anything really special. I did like the grumpy bear Matthew and the bookstore owner Jake. I think my main problem with the book was the writing style. We were told everything and the story telling felt really dry. There was no way to get fully immersed in the story. A shame really because I liked reading a book that focused on story for a change and wasn’t all about bedroom antics. Just glad I got it for free.
I thought the story itself was sweet. Very low heat and no angst to speak of. It wasn’t anything really special. I did like the grumpy bear Matthew and the bookstore owner Jake. I think my main problem with the book was the writing style. We were told everything and the story telling felt really dry. There was no way to get fully immersed in the story. A shame really because I liked reading a book that focused on story for a change and wasn’t all about bedroom antics. Just glad I got it for free.
January 8, 2018
Sweet story, but ultimately, this just didn’t work for me.
First of all, I got annoyed with the info dump. I don’t need to know the history of bear shifters in the US for this story to work, particularly not when the story is only 110 or so pages, and a lot of the MCs relationship development is glossed over. I’ve read other paranormal stories that are much shorter but only offer hints and tidbits of information. They work perfectly because the authors of those stories trust the imagination of the readers - we can fill in the blanks just fine!
However, this book is primarily telling not showing. It seemed like the author wanted to pack too much into the story and therefore had to summarize a lot. This story is definitely not lacking in detail and descriptions, but a lot of potentially interesting interactions happened off-page. For example, we are told of Matthew’s sweet and shy niece, and I was really hoping to see some interaction with her and the rest of Matthew’s family, but even Jake meeting them was simply summarized to a couple of lines. Likewise, I got excited about the shifter meetings and seeing them all interact with each other, but instead, it happened off-page and was summarized by Jake.
I really wanted to like this story more - I liked the premise and the characters, but they just weren’t allowed room to really unfold.
First of all, I got annoyed with the info dump. I don’t need to know the history of bear shifters in the US for this story to work, particularly not when the story is only 110 or so pages, and a lot of the MCs relationship development is glossed over. I’ve read other paranormal stories that are much shorter but only offer hints and tidbits of information. They work perfectly because the authors of those stories trust the imagination of the readers - we can fill in the blanks just fine!
However, this book is primarily telling not showing. It seemed like the author wanted to pack too much into the story and therefore had to summarize a lot. This story is definitely not lacking in detail and descriptions, but a lot of potentially interesting interactions happened off-page. For example, we are told of Matthew’s sweet and shy niece, and I was really hoping to see some interaction with her and the rest of Matthew’s family, but even Jake meeting them was simply summarized to a couple of lines. Likewise, I got excited about the shifter meetings and seeing them all interact with each other, but instead, it happened off-page and was summarized by Jake.
I really wanted to like this story more - I liked the premise and the characters, but they just weren’t allowed room to really unfold.
December 29, 2017
I liked the cute ideas of this book, and there were a few scenes that had me smiling, and overall it's not a bad book, but it had some trouble.
It suffered quite a bit from page after page of "tell." I usually read a book in a day or two, but this one I kept putting down because of the "tell" pages. Many passages felt like listing off things, rather than characters experiencing things with the reader. For example, once they get together, there's a long series of pages about their commitment ceremony, and they decide to go to Hawaii and they go to Hawaii and then: "Hawaii was lovely." None of it is described in any way, and it sort of feels like a reading someone's checklist or "year in review" letter that came with a Christmas card.
When the characters are actively interacting, however, there's so much potential happening. I liked the grumpy baker bear, and given the whole "fated mate" trope, there's an in-world pass at the insta-love.
The bookstore owner is a bit more of a cypher, and the ultimate reveal of why he's sometimes sad—and what his plans are—was a bit of a shock for a book described as a "sweet" read. I'm not sure really fits in with a book described/marketed as a fluffy comfort read. It was jarring, and given the tone of the rest of the book, it felt out of place. Also, although there's some prose (again, unfortunately, done in a "tell" manner) mentioning this problem isn't completely solved, it reads as solved because of their instant love, which feels a bit off, but again, this is a world with fated mates, so..?
A minor character (a chipmunk shifter who is gluten intolerant) stole a few scenes he was in, and there was a side-plot with a young kid who'd been kicked out for being gay that I was really enjoying until the solution went to a place that's over-visited in fiction (and happens nearly never in real life). I do struggle to understand how reuniting an abuser with the abused is considered a "happy ending." (And yes, kicking your kid out before he's of age is definitely abuse; change the kid into a puppy and ask yourself if you'd want a character who abandoned a puppy to come to the realization that puppies don't deserve to be abandoned and then reunite that character with the puppy thereafter. I'm willing to bet you'd rather the puppy went to a home where someone who didn't have to learn puppies don't deserve mistreatment, neglect, and being shut out in the cold.)
So, overall, this was okay. It needed a bit of a tighter edit, and maybe less of a time-span to cover so we could be deeper in the heads of the characters rather than pushed to the outside of the list of events that happened to them. There's some solid world-building happening, the characters in and of themselves were intriguing, and if you're a fan of "fated mate" stories where love solves everything, easily? It might be for you. Just be warned about the spoiler above for content.
It suffered quite a bit from page after page of "tell." I usually read a book in a day or two, but this one I kept putting down because of the "tell" pages. Many passages felt like listing off things, rather than characters experiencing things with the reader. For example, once they get together, there's a long series of pages about their commitment ceremony, and they decide to go to Hawaii and they go to Hawaii and then: "Hawaii was lovely." None of it is described in any way, and it sort of feels like a reading someone's checklist or "year in review" letter that came with a Christmas card.
When the characters are actively interacting, however, there's so much potential happening. I liked the grumpy baker bear, and given the whole "fated mate" trope, there's an in-world pass at the insta-love.
The bookstore owner is a bit more of a cypher, and the ultimate reveal of why he's sometimes sad—and what his plans are—was a bit of a shock for a book described as a "sweet" read. I'm not sure really fits in with a book described/marketed as a fluffy comfort read. It was jarring, and given the tone of the rest of the book, it felt out of place. Also, although there's some prose (again, unfortunately, done in a "tell" manner) mentioning this problem isn't completely solved, it reads as solved because of their instant love, which feels a bit off, but again, this is a world with fated mates, so..?
A minor character (a chipmunk shifter who is gluten intolerant) stole a few scenes he was in, and there was a side-plot with a young kid who'd been kicked out for being gay that I was really enjoying until the solution went to a place that's over-visited in fiction (and happens nearly never in real life). I do struggle to understand how reuniting an abuser with the abused is considered a "happy ending." (And yes, kicking your kid out before he's of age is definitely abuse; change the kid into a puppy and ask yourself if you'd want a character who abandoned a puppy to come to the realization that puppies don't deserve to be abandoned and then reunite that character with the puppy thereafter. I'm willing to bet you'd rather the puppy went to a home where someone who didn't have to learn puppies don't deserve mistreatment, neglect, and being shut out in the cold.)
So, overall, this was okay. It needed a bit of a tighter edit, and maybe less of a time-span to cover so we could be deeper in the heads of the characters rather than pushed to the outside of the list of events that happened to them. There's some solid world-building happening, the characters in and of themselves were intriguing, and if you're a fan of "fated mate" stories where love solves everything, easily? It might be for you. Just be warned about the spoiler above for content.
March 14, 2020
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class.
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class.
December 17, 2020
Something less than 3-stars. This could have been so good; baking bear shifter, adorable but sad bookstore owner. The set-up was there but it all collapsed under the weight of extreme wordiness. This is told entirely from Matthew’s grumpy bear perspective. I felt like instead of watching Matthew’s and Jake’s relationship blossom, I was stuck inside Matthew’s head as he over-analyzed and over-processed everything. We didn’t get to see things, but rather got told everything and much of it over and over. And then, as if their relationship didn’t provide enough to write about, it seemed like our MC’s were trying to save the world! It just became too preachy.
I like this author and will continue to read her works, but this was very disappointing.
I like this author and will continue to read her works, but this was very disappointing.
November 12, 2017
This was a truly sweet read with very thoughtful, and caring characters. I especially liked, October. He was funny and adorable as a secondary character. The fact that there were no hunters, or hateful people (bigots) made the story a refreshing change for me. It was very detailed (sometimes too much so), but the feelings of the characters were extremely well conveyed. This book did leave me with the warm fuzzies (which I appreciate). My favorite part was when Jake sees Matthew's bear for the first time, (I just wish that it was sooner) which was so cute. Overall, a touching and charming read.
November 12, 2017
This is the first in this series I've read...so sweet. I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series to see what the other 'bears' have gotten themselves into!
You have the normal 'getting to know you' foibles as in any new relationship...along with the whole bear shifter thing! Matthew trying to be less intimidating...though I really wish he'd gone ahead and gotten the 'Boxcar Children' book! I love the idea of an independent book store catering to it's customer base so this one was stuck in my heart from the first page. And rainbow bread sounded really pretty.
You have the normal 'getting to know you' foibles as in any new relationship...along with the whole bear shifter thing! Matthew trying to be less intimidating...though I really wish he'd gone ahead and gotten the 'Boxcar Children' book! I love the idea of an independent book store catering to it's customer base so this one was stuck in my heart from the first page. And rainbow bread sounded really pretty.
November 16, 2017
Fun short read
Bread and books was a sweet romantic story about a lonely bear shifter and his human mate. When Jake buys the bookstore next to Matthew's bakery the two become fast friends. Over time the friendship blossoms into a sweet romance. Though the two have secrets their affection for one another helps them continue to stay together. The book is moderately paced with a little bit of drama and angst.
Bread and books was a sweet romantic story about a lonely bear shifter and his human mate. When Jake buys the bookstore next to Matthew's bakery the two become fast friends. Over time the friendship blossoms into a sweet romance. Though the two have secrets their affection for one another helps them continue to stay together. The book is moderately paced with a little bit of drama and angst.
December 21, 2017
I really liked it. A nice comfort read, not really exciting but very fluffy and cute. I so love the way Hollis Shiloh makes and develops characters, and makes them seem so interesting een if there's nothing big happening, and that goes for both Matthew and Jake.
For lovely supernatural fluff, do get this book
For lovely supernatural fluff, do get this book
January 4, 2018
3.5 stars
I liked this story, but I feel like more time could have been spent in some areas and less time repeating the same information. There were just a few mistakes, but nothing crazy.
I liked the characters, but I wanted to feel more emotion from them. They talk about how they are feeling, but I didn't feel it.
I liked this story, but I feel like more time could have been spent in some areas and less time repeating the same information. There were just a few mistakes, but nothing crazy.
I liked the characters, but I wanted to feel more emotion from them. They talk about how they are feeling, but I didn't feel it.
November 24, 2017
Very sweet story
A nice sweet and charming story. One of those harlequin types where you just fall for the characters and don't want to put the story down until you finish. Really would like more of the story though. Where do they go next...
A nice sweet and charming story. One of those harlequin types where you just fall for the characters and don't want to put the story down until you finish. Really would like more of the story though. Where do they go next...
November 26, 2017
A honey of a jaunt
Hollis Shiloh has whipped up a sweet little confection, a honey of a jaunt, through bear-shifter romance. His characters display real emotion and strive to be worthy of love. You'll enjoy this book.
Hollis Shiloh has whipped up a sweet little confection, a honey of a jaunt, through bear-shifter romance. His characters display real emotion and strive to be worthy of love. You'll enjoy this book.
December 4, 2017
A Sweet, Caring, and Loving Adventure!
Come join the fun as Bear, Man, and others find a journey to share! Laughs, sadness, fear, sharing and most of all Love and Future Adventures await Your Pleasure!!!
Come join the fun as Bear, Man, and others find a journey to share! Laughs, sadness, fear, sharing and most of all Love and Future Adventures await Your Pleasure!!!
January 29, 2021
Bread and books
Couldn't put it down this author knows how to weave a good story and keeps u wanting more loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Couldn't put it down this author knows how to weave a good story and keeps u wanting more loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
October 28, 2017
Bread and books
Very enjoyable sweet shifter romance, glad to read the grumpy baking bear fall in love with the quirky bookseller next door
Very enjoyable sweet shifter romance, glad to read the grumpy baking bear fall in love with the quirky bookseller next door
November 18, 2017
Cute Story.
November 19, 2017
MM romance.
November 30, 2017
Super cute and fluffy
I found this in the free books and it is such a delightful bit of fluff! Definitely worth a read.
I found this in the free books and it is such a delightful bit of fluff! Definitely worth a read.
December 27, 2017
A sweet story.
December 28, 2017
Nice
Entertaining short story. Good characters. My friends should enjoy this piece of work. The rest of series should be fun.
Entertaining short story. Good characters. My friends should enjoy this piece of work. The rest of series should be fun.
March 18, 2018
Sweetness, bear shifters, love and a lot of bakery. What more could someone ask for? ;)
May 7, 2018
Sweeter than any of the baked goods in the book!
April 10, 2019
🐻👤
I just loved this story, it had me smiling throughout the whole book 📖. Very interesting characters and story line. Loved the very happy ending 🥰
I just loved this story, it had me smiling throughout the whole book 📖. Very interesting characters and story line. Loved the very happy ending 🥰
June 15, 2020
Comfortable mm shifter/human romance. Jake gets Matthew out of his shell, and Matthew helps with Jake's grief. There are also a few delightful secondary characters.
January 18, 2017
3.5 stars
September 9, 2016
I liked this more than I thought I would, and when I read of the reason behind Jake buying the bookstore and giving away books, well, that gave me shivers. The bear element took a back seat to the couple, which is saying something.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews