Zest

The Accidental Baker #2

by Clare London

Donnie’s new romance with silver fox veterinarian Will looks like a real recipe for love. But first he has to deal with the problems of his job, his friends’ demands, and worries about Will’s privileged background. To say nothing of Donnie’s thwarted dreams of a catering career—and baking something that doesn’t come out a disaster.

Will is fascinated and entranced by Donnie. A mature, professional businessman, he’s far less confident in romance—and in the bedroom. Yet his eagerness to look after Donnie and show him a better life are misguided, and have a disastrous effect of their own.

Donnie is everyone’s friend. He’ll help anyone out. But who’s there to help him when he needs it?


Read about Donnie and Will's first meeting in The Accidental Baker - and the other couples whose stories will follow in this series.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, LGBT, Contemporary

ebook

Published August 19, 2019

About the author

Clare took the pen name London from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant. She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic and sexy characters.

Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter 3 stage and plenty of other projects in mind . . . she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.

All the details and free fiction are available at her website. Visit her today and say hello!

Clare also writes as Stella Shaw and launched a new series of rent boy romances in 2021.

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as cute as Accidental Baker, which is where Clare London first introduced Donnie and Will.

This is a romance about two ordinary blokes, one a little bit older than the other but both just fumbling their way through life and trying to make the best of things.

Donnie is such a sweetheart, he's the one everybody turns too but he finds it hard to put his own needs first.

Will is older and has his Veterinary practice, but he's a bit lacking in confidence both in bed and in relationships overall.

There's some stumbles on the way to the happy ending but this is really just a lovely feel good romance.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first meet Donnie and Will in "The Accidental Baker" when Donnie's tasty, but weirdly shaped chocolate Easter eggs bring the two men together into the beginning of a very sweet romance.

Will is captivated by the caring Donnie (and equally enthralled by all the exuberant sex) and they quickly settle down into quiet dinners together, cozy nights at home and working together at Will's veterinary clinic. Will thinks Donnie needs someone to keep him from doing everything for everyone - baking cakes for community events, raising money for a local shelter, helping his large family, etc. - and of course, Will goes about remedying this all wrong. "There were many times in Will's life he wished people were small, pliant, furry animals, much easier to deal with than the mess of emotions and thought processes that made up most humans." Donnie, rightly so, is upset that:

[Will] implied he'd make decisions for them both. That was the real issue. Donnie wondered what'd got into him. He hadn't ever been this assertive. About time, came that stern [internal] voice again.

But love prevails and we get a lovely sweet HEA for Donnie and Will. The author is writing novellas (Whisk, Blend and Glaze) about the three other couples introduced in "The Accidental Baker" and I look forward to reading them all! 4 stars.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes in the follow-up to the Accidental Baker and is even better
Brings us the couple Donnie and Will, who met on previous book.
It was great seeing some of the other people from The Accidental Baker together as a community brought together by Donnie's shapeless but tasty cakes
'm looking forward to reading the next book of this series

I received an ARC from the author (thank you) in return for an honest review.

[Penumbra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zest is the second book in the ‘Accidental Baker’ series. It stars Donnie, who likes to bake, and Will, a veterinarian. The story is told in third person, through Donnie and Will’s povs.



I’ve put off writing this review because…well, you’ll see. I’ll try to keep this as short as possible.

I’ve read books by this author before, some I’ve rated average and some have been cute. This book, I don’t know what happened. The writing style is very different from the other books I’ve read and it grated on me. There’s so much inner monologue, it took up over half the book. Have you ever met a person who just talks and talks and talks and never lets you get a word in edgewise? That’s what Donnie and Will were like. Incessant talking in their heads for the first two chapters as they recited their thoughts, feelings and events of what happened in the first book. There was so much prattling, I could only read a couple pages at a time because my mind would start to drift. I know other reviewers liked this story, but I was bored. The style of writing kept me distanced because of the large amounts of monologue. It was like the characters started talking in the author’s head and the author wrote it all down without being selective. One quarter of this book could’ve easily been cut and the rest of the monologue woven into the remainder of the story and it would have made the story more interesting. The writing style in this book drove me nuts, and still after having read at least three books since I read this one, just thinking back on this story, brings back negative feelings. If I’d not received this as an ARC from the author, this would have been a DNF for me, and I hardly ever DNF.

As to the characters, Donnie grew a bit from a doormat to asserting himself by the end of the story. I liked Will more. When the story finally picked up after half way through the book, I found Will the more interesting of the two characters. His insecurity came through, as did his obliviousness to the social differences between himself and Donnie.

There isn’t much else to say. I didn’t enjoy Zest and won’t read the other books in the series. I can’t recommend it to anyone, but plenty of other reviewers liked it. I give this book, 2 Stars.



I received this ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will and Donnie were so cute in Accidental Baker, but this was a fun surprise to get more of their story.

Will owns a veterinary practice in town. He's a bit older, but a rugged, even tempered guy until Donnie crashes into his life.

Donnie is young and still a bit unstable. He finds himself constantly offering to help out others and puts his own needs on the back burner. But Will can offer him stability and love.

If you are looking for a short, sweet, okay ADORABLE read with two very fun, perfect for each other MC's and just a bit of conflict, this is it. Wholly recommended.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

[Georgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and charming romance between Donnie and Will two men from different sides of the “tracks”. I loved how real their relationship with each other and their friends and family felt. There is a bit of an age difference and communication issues, but the two work beautifully together when all is said and done.

I didn’t read the first book, but that’s ok as I didn’t feel like I missed anything. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zest picks up immediately after the Easter egg incident from The Accidental Baker and follows Donnie and Will's relationship. Both men start dating until their relationship hits a bump in the road when Donnie gets fired from his job. Donnie is always good-natured and willing to help anyone. He always says yes to whatever his friends ask him to do. It's his personality and he can't help it. When Will hires him on as the new receptionist at his practice, Donnie suddenly notices all their differences. He comes from an average, large-sized family while Will and his parents have wealth and move in different social circles. Both men have a misunderstanding and Donnie finally stands firm with his friends and sets some boundaries. It was nice seeing Will's past resolve itself at the hospital and getting a glimpse of some familar couples from The Accidental Baker. I can't wait to read more stories about each couple :) Lovely story by Clare London

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

This was sweet with a few whoops in the mix. 😂 You first meet Donnie in The Accidental Baker and I was so glad Donnie was given a full story. It would be nice if the other couples were given one as well.

● Contemporary
● Fast easy read
● Age difference ( 10-1sh years although the story makes it sound like Will is much older than his almost 40 years)
● No angst
● Lots of sweet moments
● An annoying ex that gets put in his place 😛
● Great secondary characters (returning ones from The Accidental Baker)
● Loved the MCs 🥰
● Not really sure about the ending, satisfying enough I guess but I wish it didn't end with a sex scene

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a delightful introduction to a suburban London community and a selection of men finding love in The Accidental Baker, this second longer story focuses on the burgeoning romance between Donnie (of the baking accidents) and vet Will, newly arrived in the area.

It's lovely to see the other characters we met in book 1, but Donnie and Will's age gap and class difference romance rightly takes centre stage. These are both such sympathetic characters, lacking confidence in different ways but absolutely right for each other.

Any misunderstandings on the path to true love seem believable and in character, as these two lovely men negotiate their relationship. A delightful read!

[Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate brings everyone together.

Donnie and Will crossed paths in book one and now, they're trying to take it to the next level. What's holding them back is the old saying "wrong side of the tracks" but will it?

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story follows "The Accidental Baker" which was also a nice read. Here Donnie meets his future, in more ways than one. A very enjoyable tale, with a splash of angst of course.

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish. Anybody who gets upset and/or expects you to say YES all of the time clearly doesn’t have your best interest at heart...” – Stephanie Lahart

Everyone loves Donnie, of ‘Zest’ by Clare London, but who loves Donnie for himself? He is so good natured that he isn’t able to say no, even when he should. Most of the time, Donnie is so overextended that he is exhausted. Until he learns to put himself first, he will not be able to see that people care for him whether he does what they want or not.

At least Donnie’s love life is looking up. Will, a local veterinarian, is quite taken with him. One issue inhibiting their relationship is that they are both socially awkward. So far, their lives have been made difficult by the fact that their self-worth has been compromised by other people who haven’t had their best interests at heart. Both men are hesitant to get too close to anyone, for fear of being used.

Will hates the position Donnie puts himself in by allowing people to take advantage of him. When Will encourages Donnie to stand up for himself at work, he is fired. Will feels really bad about this, but Donnie accepts it because he is so used to being treated as if he is easily replaced, he has come to expect it. Will has the best of intentions when he gives Donnie a job at his practice, but Donnie will not accept charity, or special treatment. He will only take the job if he is paid a fair wage, not the overly generous salary that Will offers. Donnie flourishes in the job and becomes almost indispensable making Will’s life infinitely easier. Donnie’s confidence soars. Things are going well between Will and Donnie, until Will starts making decisions that involve Donnie, without first discussing them with him. When Donnie discovers what Will is up to, he becomes furious. At the time he finds out they are on a date. Usually Donnie invites Will in afterwards, but tonight, he does not. Will is hurt and worried that his lack of consideration is going to cause him to lose Donnie.

Donnie and Will endure a lot of angst in this endearing love story, but of self-actualization as well. I can identify with Donnie because I often say yes when I should say no; the story reminded me of how important it is to be mindful of that principle. Thanks, Clare, for helping Donnie and Will overcome their issues and find happiness.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Donnie and Will in The Accidental Baker so was very pleased that they have their own story! There is a brief recap of their first meeting in this, but it’s written so it doesn’t feel repetitive if you’ve already read it. I also enjoyed seeing other characters from that story, and revisiting them as now established couples. It was like catching up with old friends. I had a particular soft spot for Simon in this one when he comes to Donnie’s rescue.

I thought this was a very sweet story with flawed characters who are their own worst enemies. I found Donnie very easy to relate to. He’s a nice guy who goes out of his way to help people, and thought the situation of everyone taking that for granted and reacting negatively when he finally says no, very realistic. I felt his frustration, and Will’s who tries so hard to be who Donnie needs that it all backfires. I enjoy stories with characters who are opposites yet find common ground to build a friendship, romance, and more. I thought it was a nice flip with having Will the one who is less experienced, with romance as well as people, as he’s the older man in the relationship.

This story also has a fabulous sense of community being family. I loved the way everyone rallied around each other. It left me with a nice fuzzy feeling.

I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy reading sweet, low angst stories with likeable characters and a lovely sense of family.

[Susana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A casual encounter, an irresistible attraction, can lead to a beautiful relationship, but… Is caring for a person enough to make it work?
After a casual and somehow (un)fortunate first encounter, wannabe baker Donnie and mature vet doctor Will start a tentative relationship. There is enough attraction and affinity to make it a very promising start, but both Will and Donnie have issues they have to sort out before they can make it work. Because, as one of them states, sometimes caring for another person is not enough.
I really liked The Accidental Baker, the prelude to this story (although it is not necessary to have read it to fully enjoy Zest). Donnie’s misshaped creations where the ones to bring together the most unexpected pairs which I am sure will make for really interesting couples. The first one we encounter, in Zest, is Donnie and Will. Both characters are really endearing, but I liked Donnie a bit more, as Will comes up as a bit too bland for my liking. Donnie, on the other hand, is a sweetie, the kind of person who gets usually abused by his friends and family because of his giving nature, with neither him or his relations realising of the fact. Donnie has to learn to say no, even if it goes against his nature, and endangers his relationship with Will.
It is sweet, and funny, and very readable. A short story which will certainly leave a goofy smile in your face
Cute

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually did a happy dance when I found out that Clare London planned follow up stories for the couples formed in The Accidental Baker. (By the way,if you haven't read it yet,you really should, because it's so good! )

In Zest we have the full story of Donnie,who meets Will after the Easter eggs incident. Donnie is the sweetest, most caring and most generous man,always the first to offer his help and time to others. I was so sorry to see how little he thinks of himself when he starts comparing points in life and accomplishments with Will's. And Will, almost 40 and yet so innocent and new to so many things.

Donnie and Will together are adorable and so good for one another. They both have some growing to do,individually,and there are some difficult patches in their relationship but thankfully they learn to talk about their problems and help each other get past which ever hang-ups are tearing them apart.

Zest was so much fun to read. Not only because of Donnie and Will,but also because of the other characters. It was great seeing some of the other people from The Accidental Baker, all obviously involved in their community and into each other's lives.

I really enjoyed Zest and I can't wait to see which couple is next to have its  own story!

[Sharon Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the sequel to 'The Accidental Baker' although it is not necessary to have read that book first. We first met Donnie and Will in book 1 and it is nice that they now can tell their own story. I preferred the first book but I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book as well. My only complaint is that I felt that the book was a little rushed. We see their initial meeting in flashbacks and it seems to me that they moved on with their relationship very quickly. Donnie loves his neighbourhood and he wants to live there. Will has plans on extending his vet practice and so will be dividing his time between opposite ends of London. This is the part which I felt was rushed. One minute Will is starting his practice and the next he is talking about extending it and he expects Donnie to go with the flow.
Other than this, the story was a good one and is well worth reading.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't quite a five star but it is still a very enjoyable read. It's the second in The Accidental Baker series but it isn't necessary to have read that one first. We meet Donnie and Will again and see how the relationship between two men of very different backgrounds develops. Of course there are difficulties and the key to resolving these is communication. On their way to finding this out there are plenty of references to Donnie's somewhat dubious baking abilities. I would love to taste his chocolate shapes and see his presentation skills develop as I'm sure they eventually will. I hope we will see more of Will and Donnie in future books in the series. They are well worth a read.
I was given this book in return for a fair and honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins where The Accidental Baker left, and boy, I'm happy we get to revisit all the couples from that book with a new series!

Donnie is simply the kind of person that others can and will take advantage off, so seeing him finding his way to love and happiness with Will is fulfiling. And Will is just the kind of person whom Donnie needs: someone who will bring him back to earth when he needs it, who will give him calm and strength.

And both, the conflict and its resolution are realistic which is always a big thing for me. So, yes, another recommended read... but it's Clare London, so I'm sure this won't come as a surprise :P

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was cute and I was glad to see an extended story from when I read Accidental Baker a while ago. Donnie is such a sweetheart and wants nothing more than to help those around him and make them happy but at times it’s at a detriment to himself. Will sees this in Donnie and tries to help him manage that but hurts Donnie in the process. I liked these guys though something about all the interactions in the story left my head reeling. Though I’m still not entirely sure how everything worked out in the end but it did.

I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels all over the place! Donnie was such a doormat for everyone. His nature was just too kind for his own good. Maisie (his bff) kept harping on it to Donnie, but she had no problem taking advantage of Donnie too!!! Grrr... Donnie and Will were so cute together. Both lacked self esteem and bumbled around together- sweet! I was elated when Donnie stood up to Liam and then bulldozed him into free services for charity. And finally, Will was vindicated for past sexual harassment from Gerry due to his parents perseverance. Emotional and warm and fuzzy feels.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, fun, quirky and delightful story with great characters. Donnie and Will are so cute together and I love how their relationship develops. Their lack of communication causes a few issues for them but it makes for a very entertaining storyline. I love how much Donnie contributes to his family and community as well as his determination to bake for everyone. The ending is perfect, the secondary characters are intriguing and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donnie and Will's story. We were introduced to these two in Accidental Baker and this was a lovely tale of two "regular" guys and the ups and downs of starting a relationship. Donnie is always there for everyone, sometimes even to his own detriment. Will is the new Veterinarian on the parade and has some past angst to deal with. Getting a little peek at the other guys from Accidental Baker was a nice treat. I'm looking very much forward to the next book to see how things are going for all these guys!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zest is the continuation of The Accidental Baker, an Easter short story. Donnie and Will are two men from very different worlds. They could be a perfect match, but only if they are willing to try.
The plot and characters of this book are well crafted. It moves well, doesn't get bogged down. I really enjoyed watching these men get to know each other. It's a fun, sweet story with enough angst to make it Zest-y!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given and ARC for an honest review.

This book started out a little slow but after the first few chapters, it picked up. I found Donnie and Will cute and adorable together. Once the started to actually talk to eachother about their insecurities, things seemed to fall in line.

I look forward to the next book.

[Angelique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet,fun no nonsense romance,no drama or angst.
Just sweet and a good read for the lazy afternoon.
I enjoyed it very much,to bad I did not have read the first one.
But I liked it anyway



arc was given by the author

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt badly how everyone took advantage of Donnie and were oblivious to everything but their own wants. I was glad when they finally had their come-to-jesus moment. A cute story with interactions with the characters from the first story.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet, charming, grab-you-by-the-feels, engaging, and delightfully delicious tale. I was so glad to see both Donnie and Will get their HEA ending despite everything standing in their way.

[Heather Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed Zest. It was a sweet, cute love story. Donnie and Will are a perfect couple. I love books with baking or cooking in it and this was so cute. I definitely recommend this book.