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Beefcakes #1
Beefcakes
Things are about to get sticky...
I might as well permanently add the label "Ex" to my name. I'm an Ex-Mr. Universe. Ex-Mr. Olympus. An Ex-Hollywood Stuntman. But no one from my small hometown cares anything about that. They only care that I'm the ex-boyfriend to the beloved Mayor's daughter, Elaina Dyker.
And now, ten years later, I'm back, helping my siblings run my mother's bakery while she takes on chemo. What should have been a routine cupcake delivery turns into utter chaos when the bachelorette party thinks I'm a stripper. And what's worse? Elaina is the maid of honor.
But the meme about us sure went viral fast. My small hometown has become positively infested with tipsy bridesmaids looking for my erotic cupcakes.
Now Hollywood's knocking again—and this time they want me and my ex, Mr. Beefcake and Ms. Prude, to star in a reality show.
It could solve all my problems—except her.
I might as well permanently add the label "Ex" to my name. I'm an Ex-Mr. Universe. Ex-Mr. Olympus. An Ex-Hollywood Stuntman. But no one from my small hometown cares anything about that. They only care that I'm the ex-boyfriend to the beloved Mayor's daughter, Elaina Dyker.
And now, ten years later, I'm back, helping my siblings run my mother's bakery while she takes on chemo. What should have been a routine cupcake delivery turns into utter chaos when the bachelorette party thinks I'm a stripper. And what's worse? Elaina is the maid of honor.
But the meme about us sure went viral fast. My small hometown has become positively infested with tipsy bridesmaids looking for my erotic cupcakes.
Now Hollywood's knocking again—and this time they want me and my ex, Mr. Beefcake and Ms. Prude, to star in a reality show.
It could solve all my problems—except her.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
528 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
About the author
Katana Collins
97 books672 followersKatana Collins is a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, novellas, and comic books in a variety of genres. She is most known for her sensual contemporary romances and her wildly popular comic book— Batman White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn with DC Comics.
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
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March 19, 2020
Beefcakes by Katana Collins is a stand alone rom-com which is part of the Maple Grove series. I was pretty sure going in from reading the blurb that I was going to really enjoy this book. But, I don’t think I was prepared to love it as much as I did. Because I did love it!
Ten years ago when they were seniors in high school, Elaina (Lainey) Dyker and Neil Evans were in love. They had plans, futures all laid out as much as an eighteen year old could. But then Neil left. He just packed a bag and left without saying good bye.
Now, Lainey is again recovering from a broken heart. Her boyfriend cheated on her and left her right before Christmas. The only other man she had dated after Neil. In high school, Lainey was known as a party girl but now she is anything but. She is the town manager for Maple Grove, her father is the mayor. She’s all business, all the time.
Neil loved physical fitness. He has held the title of Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympus. Then he became a Hollywood stuntman until he injured his shoulder. When Neil received the call that his mother back in Maple Grove was sick, he knew it was time to go home.
Neil’s mom owned a small bakery in town so during her recuperation, Neil and his siblings took over. Neil loved to bake. He loved to incorporate his love of physical fitness and baking and created healthy cupcake options, options his mother would be able to eat while she was sick. But a cupcake delivery gone wrong to a bachelorette party, a party where the maid of honor was no other than the only girl he had ever loved, Lainey, reinvented their little bakery. What do you get when you combine a lot of muscles and delicious cupcakes? You get Beefcakes.
All the attention Beefcakes is getting brings Hollywood calling right to their door in Maple Grove with a baking reality show. Only not only do they want Neil, they want to pair him up with his ex, Lainey. Is this a recipe for disaster? Or could it be a second chance to prove to Lainey that he can be the man she deserves?
“On the outside, Neil and I didn’t look like an ideal couple. But for the first time in a decade, I truly wondered if maybe we could make a good team.”
This book was so adorable. It was obvious these two were meant to be together. They both needed to win the competition and I loved watching them come together as a team, as a couple, learning to work together and to trust one another. But of course, there are going to be obstacles to overcome as they find their way. Ten years is a long time, there was a lot of hurt to make up for. Is it too much, or can they forgive the past, and find a future together?
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Ten years ago when they were seniors in high school, Elaina (Lainey) Dyker and Neil Evans were in love. They had plans, futures all laid out as much as an eighteen year old could. But then Neil left. He just packed a bag and left without saying good bye.
Now, Lainey is again recovering from a broken heart. Her boyfriend cheated on her and left her right before Christmas. The only other man she had dated after Neil. In high school, Lainey was known as a party girl but now she is anything but. She is the town manager for Maple Grove, her father is the mayor. She’s all business, all the time.
Neil loved physical fitness. He has held the title of Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympus. Then he became a Hollywood stuntman until he injured his shoulder. When Neil received the call that his mother back in Maple Grove was sick, he knew it was time to go home.
Neil’s mom owned a small bakery in town so during her recuperation, Neil and his siblings took over. Neil loved to bake. He loved to incorporate his love of physical fitness and baking and created healthy cupcake options, options his mother would be able to eat while she was sick. But a cupcake delivery gone wrong to a bachelorette party, a party where the maid of honor was no other than the only girl he had ever loved, Lainey, reinvented their little bakery. What do you get when you combine a lot of muscles and delicious cupcakes? You get Beefcakes.
All the attention Beefcakes is getting brings Hollywood calling right to their door in Maple Grove with a baking reality show. Only not only do they want Neil, they want to pair him up with his ex, Lainey. Is this a recipe for disaster? Or could it be a second chance to prove to Lainey that he can be the man she deserves?
“On the outside, Neil and I didn’t look like an ideal couple. But for the first time in a decade, I truly wondered if maybe we could make a good team.”
This book was so adorable. It was obvious these two were meant to be together. They both needed to win the competition and I loved watching them come together as a team, as a couple, learning to work together and to trust one another. But of course, there are going to be obstacles to overcome as they find their way. Ten years is a long time, there was a lot of hurt to make up for. Is it too much, or can they forgive the past, and find a future together?
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
March 29, 2022
Beefcakes is a very long book. But I enjoyed it. Miss Collins slowly wins my heart as one of my favorite authors in romance. I read several of her books before and I liked them very much. In Beefcakes, she created two lovely characters who both deserve second chance not just in love, but in life.
Elaina is career woman who has no time to loosen up. She used to be carefree, smart and gifted teenagers. Neil is her best friend with benefit. Neil left her without any explanation one night and that night changed Elaina.
Neil on the other hand is a successful Mr Universe. He has soft and gentle soul. His love for his mother is swoon worthy. I love Neil. I think it is his character that brings out the best of Beefcakes.
The plot is mild and yet flowing nicely. The banter is also fun to read. The chemistry is kind of fast but it still hot and tender at the same time.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
Elaina is career woman who has no time to loosen up. She used to be carefree, smart and gifted teenagers. Neil is her best friend with benefit. Neil left her without any explanation one night and that night changed Elaina.
Neil on the other hand is a successful Mr Universe. He has soft and gentle soul. His love for his mother is swoon worthy. I love Neil. I think it is his character that brings out the best of Beefcakes.
The plot is mild and yet flowing nicely. The banter is also fun to read. The chemistry is kind of fast but it still hot and tender at the same time.
Overall a very enjoyable read.
4 stars
December 10, 2020
4 stars!
Check out my full review here!
Ladies and gentlemen… this one was a real surprise to me. I loved it! I’d totally forgotten how much fun rom-coms are 🥰 I’ve been deep in the paranormal-shifter / urban fantasy world, which are great places to be, but it felt very refreshing to step back into my love of cozy romantic comedies!
About ten years ago, Elaina “Lainey” Dyker and Neil Evans were high school sweethearts, until he abruptly left town the night before graduation, without saying goodbye. So years later, when ex-Mr. Universe (three years in a row!) and Ex-Hollywood Stuntman (after a rotator cuff injury) moves back home to help his mother’s bakery, Lainey isn’t too happy to see him. Or to know that he’s alive, to be quite honest.
Neil’s mom has cancer and no longer able to run her cupcakery, so Neil and his brother take over. But when out delivering an order to a bachelorette party, thanks to too many devilishly-placed potholes, the cupcakes get ruined. But Neil’s brother Liam comes up with an idea – and that’s how the Beefcakes business was born. Two sexy, shirtless guys showed up to that bachelorette party, except instead of the beautifully decorated cupcakes they ordered, they got blank (amazing zero-sugar) protein cupcakes Neil’d had in his trunk, and ex-Mr. Universe (plus his hot brother) to show the bachelorettes how to decorate their own cupcake. The picture of shirtless Neil balancing a cupcake on his bicep went Facebook viral, starting up a caption war – because guess who was in the background of the picture (rightfully) glaring at Neil? Lainey! Turns out, it was her sister’s bachelorette party :)
They both need money. Neil needs it to cover his mom’s medical debt and the cost of the upcoming surgery, and Lainey’s trying to make cash come out of nowhere to build a medical outreach center in the little town of Maple Grove, to avoid a Starbucks and Target coming in and taking business away from the Mom’n Pop stores that make Maple Grove special. I guess it’s good for them that a reality show, Bake It or Break It, offer them a spot on their show and a chance at the cash prize – a million dollars. The show puts ex’s together and has them complete baking challenges, and the Facebook caption war’d caught their attention.
Neil was the star of this book for me. I was worried going in, because he sounded like a meathead with his Ex-Mr. Universe and Ex-biceps that. Turns out, that was something Neil was working through, people thinking he’s dumb because he has muscles, and I felt bad for my thoughtless assumption 🥺 He quickly won my heart because he was such a genuine, warm, gentle character. He’s sexy and he flirts and coaxes Lainey from her defensive barriers, but mostly he’s just a really great guy. I’ve read a few too many books lately where Mr. Tall Dark and Sexy mind as well be a sexy cardboard cutout with outrageous dirty talk… but that wasn’t Neil. He wore his heart on his sleeve and I couldn’t help but fall for the sweet guy.
Lainey was a tougher nut to crack. She took awhile to win me over, because she had such a defensive wall up after Neil’s betrayal all those years ago and fresh after a breakup with her cheating ex-boyfriend of nine years. She had some hangups and was a bit of stuck-up, judge-y hard-ass, but as Neil wore her down and helped her have fun again, she dropped those barriers and I eventually enjoyed the warm, fun woman she was behind her guard. She was never obnoxious or annoying, but just kind of hard to warm up to. I wasn’t sure she deserved my beautiful Neil, but I got there 😊
It was such an adorable read, and I really loved them as a couple in the end. They both had to work through some things before they could fully embrace a relationship with the other, and watching them come together as a team and a couple was very rewarding as they learned to work together and trust again. They had lots of years of hurt to make up for, but they did it ✨ I definitely recommend this adorable small-town second-chance, hate-to-love foodie romance! Although be warned… all the yummy baking in this nearly sent me right to the store for a cupcake! Do yourself a favor, and have some based goods handy 😋 See Full Review here
Thank you Social Butterfly PR for the review copy ✨
Check out the full review from my book blog, Kate, a Dreamer Book Blog!
Check out my full review here!
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but it does not influence my opinion of the book nor this review in any way.
Ladies and gentlemen… this one was a real surprise to me. I loved it! I’d totally forgotten how much fun rom-coms are 🥰 I’ve been deep in the paranormal-shifter / urban fantasy world, which are great places to be, but it felt very refreshing to step back into my love of cozy romantic comedies!
About ten years ago, Elaina “Lainey” Dyker and Neil Evans were high school sweethearts, until he abruptly left town the night before graduation, without saying goodbye. So years later, when ex-Mr. Universe (three years in a row!) and Ex-Hollywood Stuntman (after a rotator cuff injury) moves back home to help his mother’s bakery, Lainey isn’t too happy to see him. Or to know that he’s alive, to be quite honest.
Neil’s mom has cancer and no longer able to run her cupcakery, so Neil and his brother take over. But when out delivering an order to a bachelorette party, thanks to too many devilishly-placed potholes, the cupcakes get ruined. But Neil’s brother Liam comes up with an idea – and that’s how the Beefcakes business was born. Two sexy, shirtless guys showed up to that bachelorette party, except instead of the beautifully decorated cupcakes they ordered, they got blank (amazing zero-sugar) protein cupcakes Neil’d had in his trunk, and ex-Mr. Universe (plus his hot brother) to show the bachelorettes how to decorate their own cupcake. The picture of shirtless Neil balancing a cupcake on his bicep went Facebook viral, starting up a caption war – because guess who was in the background of the picture (rightfully) glaring at Neil? Lainey! Turns out, it was her sister’s bachelorette party :)
They both need money. Neil needs it to cover his mom’s medical debt and the cost of the upcoming surgery, and Lainey’s trying to make cash come out of nowhere to build a medical outreach center in the little town of Maple Grove, to avoid a Starbucks and Target coming in and taking business away from the Mom’n Pop stores that make Maple Grove special. I guess it’s good for them that a reality show, Bake It or Break It, offer them a spot on their show and a chance at the cash prize – a million dollars. The show puts ex’s together and has them complete baking challenges, and the Facebook caption war’d caught their attention.
“I want you, Elaina. I want what we had in high school… only better. I want it all, the good, the bad, the mundane daily tasks and the adventures.”
Neil was the star of this book for me. I was worried going in, because he sounded like a meathead with his Ex-Mr. Universe and Ex-biceps that. Turns out, that was something Neil was working through, people thinking he’s dumb because he has muscles, and I felt bad for my thoughtless assumption 🥺 He quickly won my heart because he was such a genuine, warm, gentle character. He’s sexy and he flirts and coaxes Lainey from her defensive barriers, but mostly he’s just a really great guy. I’ve read a few too many books lately where Mr. Tall Dark and Sexy mind as well be a sexy cardboard cutout with outrageous dirty talk… but that wasn’t Neil. He wore his heart on his sleeve and I couldn’t help but fall for the sweet guy.
Lainey was a tougher nut to crack. She took awhile to win me over, because she had such a defensive wall up after Neil’s betrayal all those years ago and fresh after a breakup with her cheating ex-boyfriend of nine years. She had some hangups and was a bit of stuck-up, judge-y hard-ass, but as Neil wore her down and helped her have fun again, she dropped those barriers and I eventually enjoyed the warm, fun woman she was behind her guard. She was never obnoxious or annoying, but just kind of hard to warm up to. I wasn’t sure she deserved my beautiful Neil, but I got there 😊
It was such an adorable read, and I really loved them as a couple in the end. They both had to work through some things before they could fully embrace a relationship with the other, and watching them come together as a team and a couple was very rewarding as they learned to work together and trust again. They had lots of years of hurt to make up for, but they did it ✨ I definitely recommend this adorable small-town second-chance, hate-to-love foodie romance! Although be warned… all the yummy baking in this nearly sent me right to the store for a cupcake! Do yourself a favor, and have some based goods handy 😋 See Full Review here
Thank you Social Butterfly PR for the review copy ✨
Check out the full review from my book blog, Kate, a Dreamer Book Blog!
March 23, 2020
LOVED this one so much!!
I never wanted to put it down.
Neil, former Hollywood stunt man, former Mr. Universe, current Beefcake...has stolen my heart. And I don’t want it back.
Lainey, recently burned by her ex of 9 years, current town manager of Maple Grove, the Mayor’s daughter, has high, concrete walls up around her heart. With good reason.
Back in high school, Neil and Lainey had THEE BEST senior year as best friends and lovers with plans for the future. They hit it off in every way possible. But...Neil took off right before HS graduation without so much as a goodbye. So who can blame Lainey for holding a grudge.
Fast forward ten years...
Neil is back in town, helping at his mother’s bakery. A cupcake delivery gone very very wrong lands Neil face to face with Lainey at her sister’s bachelorette party. And guess what? That grudge? It’s still there and it’s as strong as ever.
But the sparks! Lordy, the sparks. They are unavoidable and undeniable, they are present, and they are sizzling. The author made me feel those sparks.
I loved these two together.
She’s feisty, he’s persistent.
She’s determined, so is he.
She’s witty and snarky, he’s witty and snarky right back.
To see them both working through their issues and insecurities was emotional and heartwarming. To see them visit the past, mend those wounds, and decide to move on and give each other another chance made my heart happy.
This second chance romance filled my heart with all the warm fuzzies and gave my body all those delicious tingles. The serious and emotional scenes pulled at my heartstrings. The feel-good humor had me smiling often and the passion and love between Lainey and Neil was intoxicating, making me fall harder with each turn of the page.
I can always count on this author for a story filled with so much passion and heart and all the feels I love. This one had it in spades.
**Even though this is set in the small town of Maple Grove, it is not officially part of the Maple Grove series by this author.
I never wanted to put it down.
Neil, former Hollywood stunt man, former Mr. Universe, current Beefcake...has stolen my heart. And I don’t want it back.
Lainey, recently burned by her ex of 9 years, current town manager of Maple Grove, the Mayor’s daughter, has high, concrete walls up around her heart. With good reason.
Back in high school, Neil and Lainey had THEE BEST senior year as best friends and lovers with plans for the future. They hit it off in every way possible. But...Neil took off right before HS graduation without so much as a goodbye. So who can blame Lainey for holding a grudge.
Fast forward ten years...
Neil is back in town, helping at his mother’s bakery. A cupcake delivery gone very very wrong lands Neil face to face with Lainey at her sister’s bachelorette party. And guess what? That grudge? It’s still there and it’s as strong as ever.
But the sparks! Lordy, the sparks. They are unavoidable and undeniable, they are present, and they are sizzling. The author made me feel those sparks.
I loved these two together.
She’s feisty, he’s persistent.
She’s determined, so is he.
She’s witty and snarky, he’s witty and snarky right back.
To see them both working through their issues and insecurities was emotional and heartwarming. To see them visit the past, mend those wounds, and decide to move on and give each other another chance made my heart happy.
This second chance romance filled my heart with all the warm fuzzies and gave my body all those delicious tingles. The serious and emotional scenes pulled at my heartstrings. The feel-good humor had me smiling often and the passion and love between Lainey and Neil was intoxicating, making me fall harder with each turn of the page.
I can always count on this author for a story filled with so much passion and heart and all the feels I love. This one had it in spades.
**Even though this is set in the small town of Maple Grove, it is not officially part of the Maple Grove series by this author.
March 26, 2020
Thank you Social Butterfly for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beefcakes
By: Katana Collins
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
What do you get if you mix a hot guy with a bakery and delicious cupcakes? A delicious guy, obviously-just joking, but you do get Beefcakes. Neil is a former Mr. Universe, Stunt Man, etc. returning home to Maple Grove. Why? His mother has chemo, and help is needed at her bakery, thus Neil becomes a bakery employee. The worst part, however, is seeing his ex young first love, Elaina, ten years after he left her. Awkward much? Elaina is a straight laced in the box woman who has been badly burned by men. Things get even worse when Neil, delivering cupcakes to a bridal party, is mistaken as the stripper, and Elaina is the maid of honor. Funny and humiliating make things interesting. Someone posted a video that goes viral, of course, and Hollywood comes calling with reality shows and money. I really love this story because it's just plain fun to read. It's a pick me up kind of story, and that's exactly what I wanted. Neil and Elaina are not over each other, but they have to figure this out for themselves. Both are wonderful characters with a genuine vibe about them, and this made them very relatable and real. This story is a charming romp down the road of reconciliation, and delight is on every page. Beefcakes is the perfect romcom for that time out from your kids and husband(really just a large child) that you likely need right about now. Don't forget your coffee!
Beefcakes
By: Katana Collins
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
What do you get if you mix a hot guy with a bakery and delicious cupcakes? A delicious guy, obviously-just joking, but you do get Beefcakes. Neil is a former Mr. Universe, Stunt Man, etc. returning home to Maple Grove. Why? His mother has chemo, and help is needed at her bakery, thus Neil becomes a bakery employee. The worst part, however, is seeing his ex young first love, Elaina, ten years after he left her. Awkward much? Elaina is a straight laced in the box woman who has been badly burned by men. Things get even worse when Neil, delivering cupcakes to a bridal party, is mistaken as the stripper, and Elaina is the maid of honor. Funny and humiliating make things interesting. Someone posted a video that goes viral, of course, and Hollywood comes calling with reality shows and money. I really love this story because it's just plain fun to read. It's a pick me up kind of story, and that's exactly what I wanted. Neil and Elaina are not over each other, but they have to figure this out for themselves. Both are wonderful characters with a genuine vibe about them, and this made them very relatable and real. This story is a charming romp down the road of reconciliation, and delight is on every page. Beefcakes is the perfect romcom for that time out from your kids and husband(really just a large child) that you likely need right about now. Don't forget your coffee!
March 26, 2020
Neil is coming back home to help care for his mother after her surgery, and to help his siblings with the family bakery. Upon delivery of an order, a sort of catastrophe-laden event, he runs into his ex best friend with benefits, Elaina, and she looks less than thrilled to see him. Can the charming ex Mr. Universe and former stunt man charm her into agreeing to be on a reality show about exes and baking? Or will he fall flat on his gorgeous face when her ice queen routine freezes him out?
This is such an adorable story! Sweet, a little spicy and so much fun. Neil is quite possibly one of the sweetest bbfs to come down the turnpike in a long time, and Elaina is perfect for him. I'm not sure which story is next in the Maple Grove world, but I will definitely be reading it.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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April 9, 2020
Cute premise. I usually don't like reality/show biz centered books. This one started off with just regular people. Lainey is a little uptight and wound up most of the time. She She's been ticked off at Neil since he left town 10 years ago.
There's a slow up in the middle.
I do love how the guys run their bakery and their relationship with their mom. They're sweet sons.
See what I did there? Baked goods? Sweet? Yes please.
I liked that Lainey softened up over time. Neil grew into quite the hero.
There's cupcake recipes at the end.
3.5 stars
There's a slow up in the middle.
I do love how the guys run their bakery and their relationship with their mom. They're sweet sons.
See what I did there? Baked goods? Sweet? Yes please.
I liked that Lainey softened up over time. Neil grew into quite the hero.
There's cupcake recipes at the end.
3.5 stars
March 27, 2020
Well, that was cute! It took me a little while to warm up to these MC’s but I grew to like them. I loved the fact that he’s the baker, not her.
March 25, 2020
Beefcakes is listed as the fourth book in the Maple Grove series by Katana Collins and I had no clue about that info until after I finished the book. That's how stand-alone this book is. The only connection I saw is the brief mention of Kandi from Bewitching You who is one of Lainey's friends. Also, there is a connection with two other stand-alone books, one of them being Roleplay. If you haven't read the other books, you won't even realize that some of the characters have their own books and that's what I call a stand-alone novel. I would like to add that I want Liam's book with a certain lady whose name I cannot reveal due to spoilers. Now that I think about it, we didn't see much of Lainey and Neil's friends, mostly their family and whoever was needed for the story to progress.
I wasn't a big fan of Lainey in the beginning, I liked her somewhere in the middle, and I kinda disliked her again towards the end although I applauded her actions. I cannot point why exactly, but I ended up not liking her. I don't think that she and I would ever be friends. I liked Neil's character more, to be honest. I found his actions justified more than did Lainey's, especially when it came to what he did in the past, but I feel like both of them couldn't put themselves in the other's shoes and that made me think less of the romance aspect of the book.
I liked seeing both main characters working and being passionate about something. The Beefcake situation was interesting and I thought that the book would be about that (I don't read a book's blurb before I read it). I found the pace of the book great and that the first half of the book was set up perfectly.
I have to say that I feel a little bitter or should I say off about the way the events unfolded after the surprise Lainey got at the bakery. I felt like the friction was not needed considering that there was enough of that in the first half of the book. Since I mostly enjoyed the book, I would recommend it.
I wasn't a big fan of Lainey in the beginning, I liked her somewhere in the middle, and I kinda disliked her again towards the end although I applauded her actions. I cannot point why exactly, but I ended up not liking her. I don't think that she and I would ever be friends. I liked Neil's character more, to be honest. I found his actions justified more than did Lainey's, especially when it came to what he did in the past, but I feel like both of them couldn't put themselves in the other's shoes and that made me think less of the romance aspect of the book.
I liked seeing both main characters working and being passionate about something. The Beefcake situation was interesting and I thought that the book would be about that (I don't read a book's blurb before I read it). I found the pace of the book great and that the first half of the book was set up perfectly.
I have to say that I feel a little bitter or should I say off about the way the events unfolded after the surprise Lainey got at the bakery. I felt like the friction was not needed considering that there was enough of that in the first half of the book. Since I mostly enjoyed the book, I would recommend it.
April 13, 2020
-Sara, 4 stars
A beefcake and baked goods, sign me up!
Beefcake, aka Neil, is a man of all trades including a stuntman.
Check - Mr Universe.
Double check - he has hung up his stunt shoes and put on an apron.
After all this time he finds himself back in his home town helping his family with his mom's business. All should be good, shouldn’t it?
Lainey is smart, sexy and funny but she is struggling to get over her recent breakup with her long term ex. She is the mayor's daughter so her life doesn’t go unnoticed. And now her ex from high school, who picked up and left without a word, is back..... What could this mean.
A beefcake and baked goods, sign me up!
Beefcake, aka Neil, is a man of all trades including a stuntman.
Check - Mr Universe.
Double check - he has hung up his stunt shoes and put on an apron.
After all this time he finds himself back in his home town helping his family with his mom's business. All should be good, shouldn’t it?
Lainey is smart, sexy and funny but she is struggling to get over her recent breakup with her long term ex. She is the mayor's daughter so her life doesn’t go unnoticed. And now her ex from high school, who picked up and left without a word, is back..... What could this mean.
March 25, 2020
This is a new author for me and I can honestly say this was the perfect book to find out about her. So we meet Neil who is back at his hometown because his mother is sick and needs his help. Her bakery is suffering and about to become bankrupt, due to a mishap on his way to a delivery there was a mess with the cupcakes and trying to figure out what to do a new opportunity arose. Lainey (Elaine) was shocked to bump into her ex, Neil the one she loved in high school the one who left without a word to her and went on to bigger and better thing. After being shocked at who was at the door doesn't make it easy for him, and due to both of them needing money and another chance that fell in there laps are spending time together and bickering. I liked that Elaine stuck up for herself and didn't just forgive him easily. At first I thought that Neil wasn't very considerate of her feelings but I was wrong.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
March 29, 2020
Adored this fun, sexy and action packed journey filled with engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists, exciting passion and a heartwarming and hard won second chance at everything! Was a great read from beginning to end.
April 5, 2020
The heroine was too "screechy"
December 9, 2021
Amazing
This was a great book it sucks you right in and man the feelings they have for each other in this book I say it’s a must read
This was a great book it sucks you right in and man the feelings they have for each other in this book I say it’s a must read
November 19, 2024
The way I giggled when I seen the name of this book, it gave me a laugh and then I read the description and boy, it had me intrigued fast forward a few months and now here we are, I’ve just started and finished and wow!
Elaina and Neil’s book was so cute and fun to read, I found myself laughing at their banter and the challenges they were made to do but even though there was a fair bit of laughter there was also some heartbreak.
Elaina is still reeling from being left by the love of her life, even a decade later when he shows back up that heartbreak is there. She’s mad and bitter and she sure wants him to see that but underneath the bitterness is a woman with insecurities and a broken heart.
Neil ran away for reasons he didn’t want people to know and he’s regretted it since he did. Leaving his family and his first love was the biggest mistake of his life so now that he’s back he plans of righting his wrongs but that proves hard to do when he comes face to face with Elaina.
These two seeing each other after so long was so addictive. I couldn’t put the book down. The animosity and the chemistry were so clear to see which just made it that much more fun.
Watching them try to overcome their hang ups and insecurities and learn to tryst each other again has been so good. I loved these two and I was rooting for them. Their story was fun, intriguing and lovely to read. The author gave us a great read.
This is my first read from this author and judging how good this one was I can’t wait to read more.
Elaina and Neil’s book was so cute and fun to read, I found myself laughing at their banter and the challenges they were made to do but even though there was a fair bit of laughter there was also some heartbreak.
Elaina is still reeling from being left by the love of her life, even a decade later when he shows back up that heartbreak is there. She’s mad and bitter and she sure wants him to see that but underneath the bitterness is a woman with insecurities and a broken heart.
Neil ran away for reasons he didn’t want people to know and he’s regretted it since he did. Leaving his family and his first love was the biggest mistake of his life so now that he’s back he plans of righting his wrongs but that proves hard to do when he comes face to face with Elaina.
These two seeing each other after so long was so addictive. I couldn’t put the book down. The animosity and the chemistry were so clear to see which just made it that much more fun.
Watching them try to overcome their hang ups and insecurities and learn to tryst each other again has been so good. I loved these two and I was rooting for them. Their story was fun, intriguing and lovely to read. The author gave us a great read.
This is my first read from this author and judging how good this one was I can’t wait to read more.
March 24, 2020
Amid everything that is going on right now with COVID-19, a good laugh is definitely needed and this book delivers it. I thought this was funny and fun and a good story, it took me a little time to relate to the characters, but it was an entertaining and heartwarming romance that had a realness to it that is very relatable.
All in all if you are looking for a second chance romance that is a must read for anyone that likes hunky guys (though they are more than just that) and cupcakes, you should read this book that checks so many different boxes. I give it 4 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Katana Collins and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
All in all if you are looking for a second chance romance that is a must read for anyone that likes hunky guys (though they are more than just that) and cupcakes, you should read this book that checks so many different boxes. I give it 4 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Katana Collins and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.
March 27, 2020
Coming back home is hard, coming back when you have to face your family, the town and the girl you left behind. The girl that held his heart. We all have insecurities, even the beautiful. For Neil being in the spotlight was not the life he wanted, but it was the life that gave him a comfortable loving. Now going back means he can be with out being in the spotlight. Until he messes up a cupcake delivery and call for drastic measures.
Lainey changed when her first love left. The first time she sees him he is in his shirtless glory, not what she expected.
I loved reading this book with its comedic twists and turns and yes the unique cupcakes. I was left with warmth in my heart and some fantastic recipes.
Lainey changed when her first love left. The first time she sees him he is in his shirtless glory, not what she expected.
I loved reading this book with its comedic twists and turns and yes the unique cupcakes. I was left with warmth in my heart and some fantastic recipes.
April 1, 2020
Beefcakes is the perfect fix for your sweet tooth! If you love The Bachelor and practically ANY baking competition, then you won't be able to get enough of this book. My cheeks were still sore the next day from laughing so much, and I honestly just want to watch a cake show and read the book all over again. A second chance romance with a clever twist, this is a book I promise you don't want to miss. I stayed up until nearly 4am to finish Beefcakes and don't regret my wake up call only three hours later, totally worth every moment. This is one romantic comedy I'll be adding to my yearly "read again" list!
Blog review - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.c...
Blog review - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.c...
May 9, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation Received from BookSprout 4.5 stars
Beefcakes is book 1 in the Beefcakes series by Katana. Collins and a second chance at love.
Neil and Lainey were high school sweethearts but he up and left town…now 10 years later he is back and helping to run his mother’s bakery. Lainey hires the bakery to make cupcakes for her sister, Chloe’s bachelorette party. When Neil and Liam arrive the cupcakes get destroyed and the boys must find a way to salvage the situation…what happens next is laughter, comedy of errors, rekindling love and so much more…can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Beefcakes is book 1 in the Beefcakes series by Katana. Collins and a second chance at love.
Neil and Lainey were high school sweethearts but he up and left town…now 10 years later he is back and helping to run his mother’s bakery. Lainey hires the bakery to make cupcakes for her sister, Chloe’s bachelorette party. When Neil and Liam arrive the cupcakes get destroyed and the boys must find a way to salvage the situation…what happens next is laughter, comedy of errors, rekindling love and so much more…can’t wait for the next book in this series!
September 17, 2024
I had picked up this book without knowing anything about it aside from it featured cupcakes. And I'm glad that I randomly found this gem for free during the last Stuff Your Kindle Day. It was a pure, heartwarming mixture of things I adore in romance novels: a second chance romance in small town settings,but was now coupled with my all-time guilty pleasure: reality TV cooking and/or baking competitions!
Saying I highly enjoyed this book is an understatement. I would gladly follow along the adventures jn the next books of this series.
Saying I highly enjoyed this book is an understatement. I would gladly follow along the adventures jn the next books of this series.
March 30, 2020
Katana Collins' latest is Beefcakes, a second chance rom-com that I couldn't put down. KC is a new to me author with a backlist I'll be picking up after reading Beefcakes. How have I missed her books? I absolutely loved Neil and Lainey. I loved the chemistry, the banter, and the cupcakes. I'm very much looking forward to catching up on the author's Maple Grove series.
September 26, 2025
Super cute rom-com. Literally had me laughing out loud a couple times. A little on the long side though. I also liked how it was a formulaic rom-com but JUST different enough to keep if fun and interesting.
March 25, 2020
Beefcakes by Katana Collins is book 4 of the Maple Grove series by Katana Collins. It's a standalone romcom read about 2nd chance romance between Neil Evans and Elaina (Lainey) Dyker who used to be high school sweethearts (first loves) 10 years ago until everything went wrong between them. Fast forward to now and we get Neil back in town, not expecting to see his ex Lainey.
Their love story is what makes this story feel realistic and relatable. The plot is funny, heartwarming , sizzling and sweet.
Without giving really much away, the story deals with family dynamics, heartbreak, 2nd chance at first love, chemistry, passion, feels, love and whole lotta of cupcakes.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
Their love story is what makes this story feel realistic and relatable. The plot is funny, heartwarming , sizzling and sweet.
Without giving really much away, the story deals with family dynamics, heartbreak, 2nd chance at first love, chemistry, passion, feels, love and whole lotta of cupcakes.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *********
March 19, 2023
It was funny and cute, but a bit too long. Sometimes I felt a bit lost while reading it. Even so, I enjoyed the writing and the characters.
February 8, 2025
Rating: 4.78
I think I enjoyed the storyline more than the romance. I was surprised how the plot and conflict was written to be more realistic and still managed to tie all the loose ends beautifully. Even the miscommunication/ lack of communication trope was smooth and didn’t have the typical lazy unnecessary drawn out resolution.
I think I enjoyed the storyline more than the romance. I was surprised how the plot and conflict was written to be more realistic and still managed to tie all the loose ends beautifully. Even the miscommunication/ lack of communication trope was smooth and didn’t have the typical lazy unnecessary drawn out resolution.
March 25, 2020
It’s been a decade since Neil left his hometown with no warning or explanation and left his high school sweetheart with a broken heart and a lot of questions. Since then he has found success as a bodybuilder and a stuntman but between his injury and his mom’s health, he finds himself back home trying to keep the family bakery viable.
Lainey is no longer the fun girl that Neil knew. She is now the town manager and is focused on doing what is best for the town and people she loves, but she also knows that appearances are everything. When Neil’s cupcake delivery turns into a media sensation, she now finds herself working with the man she swore that she would never speak to again let alone forgive.
When Lainey and Neil reunite it is like they haven’t been apart for years and the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever. Lainey is still hurt by what Neil did and she isn’t about to go down that road again but Neil wants a second chance and he is determined to show her that he is a man she can depend on both in love and in life.
Lainey is no longer the fun girl that Neil knew. She is now the town manager and is focused on doing what is best for the town and people she loves, but she also knows that appearances are everything. When Neil’s cupcake delivery turns into a media sensation, she now finds herself working with the man she swore that she would never speak to again let alone forgive.
When Lainey and Neil reunite it is like they haven’t been apart for years and the chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever. Lainey is still hurt by what Neil did and she isn’t about to go down that road again but Neil wants a second chance and he is determined to show her that he is a man she can depend on both in love and in life.
March 24, 2020
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
What do you get when you pair a former Mr. Universe/stuntman/baker and a current uptight, “colors within the lines” town manager together with a baking reality show about exes? You get Katana Collins’s romance, Beefcakes. While I am not the most prolific romance reader, I can tell you that this story read like a fresh take on second chance romance. From its first page to its last, you find yourself rooting for this couple to move beyond their past to find an exciting future together. What is here is a reminder that living an abundant life requires moving forward instead of always looking back.
Why should you read this book?
Neil is this anomaly of a hero. He’s an amalgamation of types. And I think this is Collins’s purpose. Throughout the story, Neil has to remind Elaina “Lainey” that she can be both intelligent and “buttoned-up” and also the carefree “party girl” of her youth. She can take chances and find freedom in losing her strict control. We see Collins crafting this lesson with Neil. He’s a former ex-Mr. Universe bodybuilder who moved into the life of a stuntman before he comes back to his hometown to help his mother’s bakery. He is also an amazing baker who crafts bakery items that are healthier, yet delicious. There is clearly a traditionally masculine side to Neil (we see this also evidenced in his possessiveness around Lainey), but there is also a more compassionate, feminine side to him. We find him worried over Lainey, even when he shows her his “cocky” side. Through his creation, Neil encompasses one of the truths of Collins’s Beefcakes: we can be more than one identity. We can be whomever we want to be. This is a profound message for her readers, an admonishment to be “more” than we allow for ourselves.
This is a story of second chances that emphasizes the need to stay and work through problems. Neil and Lainey are high school best friends with benefits. As they prepare to graduate high school, they have made plans for their future; however, at the last minute, Neil leaves town without a “good-bye” to Lainey. For ten years, Lainey nurses a broken heart, even though she engages in a nine-year relationship with another man. However, no one ever really compares to Neil, yet he left her without ever looking back. Or so she thinks. Neil has always regretted leaving Lainey, but he made a choice and he lives with it until he returns home. It is then that the gravity of his interest in Lainey becomes apparent, and he wants to do everything to win her back. Unfortunately, Lainey struggles with trust, not just due to Neil’s swift departure, but for other reasons. This is the reason for her control. In order for Neil to win her over, he will need to remedy his tendency to run when problems arise. I think this lesson is a profound one for today’s romance. We see this plotline in romantic stories, but it really is something that seems prevalent in today’s relationships. Through Neil and Lainey’s reconciliation, Collins proposes that the time and energy necessary for the maintenance of relationships breeds great rewards. Staying power and facing troubles together is always better than running from problems. It’s an important admonishment that Collins develops beautifully through Neil and Lainey’s story.
The contemporization of second chance romance by using a common media attribute: reality television. Collins’s use of a reality television baking show connects us to our own society where these shows are the “bread and butter” of their networks. As a plot device, it forces Neil and Elaina together, but it makes it easy for her readers to imagine. We can see the bachelor-esque beginning of this show as Neil’s exes compete against each other for the coveted spot in the baking competition. It is here where Neil and Elaina are reminded of the depth of their chemistry. It is also in those moments where the readers can enjoy the cattiness of his former ex. This adds some spice and tension to Neil and Lainey’s journey towards reconciliation. As Collins crafts the show in her story, we can see the equivalent of a Cupcake Wars-ish reality show as a means to fully unpack Neil and Lainey’s soulmate-ish chemistry and their inherent conflict. Attaching their journey with something we can “see” and understand from our own world makes this more distinct, more significant, as their happy ending becomes threatened. In my eyes, this was smart of Collins, setting her apart from most second chance romances.
There are enough differences with Beefcakes from other second chance romances that it makes for an engaging read. I found myself falling into Neil and Elaina’s story and hoping for their reconciliation while laughing at Neil and his brother, Liam’s sudden social media celebrity, empathizing with Elaina’s trust issues, and applauding the beauty of Katana Collins’s epilogue.
I signed up for an ARC for this book simply because I hadn’t read a story like it in terms of its characterization. It intrigued me, and I wanted to read these characters developed on the page. Katana Collins did not disappoint with Beefcakes. It was engaging and thoughtful and the type of second chance romance that makes you believe in happily-ever-afters for everyone. I am INDEED excited for any forthcoming stories in this series, maybe Liam’s story? Neil and Elaina in Beefcakes are an apt reminder that we must forgive and move forward to live a rich life without fear.
What do you get when you pair a former Mr. Universe/stuntman/baker and a current uptight, “colors within the lines” town manager together with a baking reality show about exes? You get Katana Collins’s romance, Beefcakes. While I am not the most prolific romance reader, I can tell you that this story read like a fresh take on second chance romance. From its first page to its last, you find yourself rooting for this couple to move beyond their past to find an exciting future together. What is here is a reminder that living an abundant life requires moving forward instead of always looking back.
Why should you read this book?
Neil is this anomaly of a hero. He’s an amalgamation of types. And I think this is Collins’s purpose. Throughout the story, Neil has to remind Elaina “Lainey” that she can be both intelligent and “buttoned-up” and also the carefree “party girl” of her youth. She can take chances and find freedom in losing her strict control. We see Collins crafting this lesson with Neil. He’s a former ex-Mr. Universe bodybuilder who moved into the life of a stuntman before he comes back to his hometown to help his mother’s bakery. He is also an amazing baker who crafts bakery items that are healthier, yet delicious. There is clearly a traditionally masculine side to Neil (we see this also evidenced in his possessiveness around Lainey), but there is also a more compassionate, feminine side to him. We find him worried over Lainey, even when he shows her his “cocky” side. Through his creation, Neil encompasses one of the truths of Collins’s Beefcakes: we can be more than one identity. We can be whomever we want to be. This is a profound message for her readers, an admonishment to be “more” than we allow for ourselves.
This is a story of second chances that emphasizes the need to stay and work through problems. Neil and Lainey are high school best friends with benefits. As they prepare to graduate high school, they have made plans for their future; however, at the last minute, Neil leaves town without a “good-bye” to Lainey. For ten years, Lainey nurses a broken heart, even though she engages in a nine-year relationship with another man. However, no one ever really compares to Neil, yet he left her without ever looking back. Or so she thinks. Neil has always regretted leaving Lainey, but he made a choice and he lives with it until he returns home. It is then that the gravity of his interest in Lainey becomes apparent, and he wants to do everything to win her back. Unfortunately, Lainey struggles with trust, not just due to Neil’s swift departure, but for other reasons. This is the reason for her control. In order for Neil to win her over, he will need to remedy his tendency to run when problems arise. I think this lesson is a profound one for today’s romance. We see this plotline in romantic stories, but it really is something that seems prevalent in today’s relationships. Through Neil and Lainey’s reconciliation, Collins proposes that the time and energy necessary for the maintenance of relationships breeds great rewards. Staying power and facing troubles together is always better than running from problems. It’s an important admonishment that Collins develops beautifully through Neil and Lainey’s story.
The contemporization of second chance romance by using a common media attribute: reality television. Collins’s use of a reality television baking show connects us to our own society where these shows are the “bread and butter” of their networks. As a plot device, it forces Neil and Elaina together, but it makes it easy for her readers to imagine. We can see the bachelor-esque beginning of this show as Neil’s exes compete against each other for the coveted spot in the baking competition. It is here where Neil and Elaina are reminded of the depth of their chemistry. It is also in those moments where the readers can enjoy the cattiness of his former ex. This adds some spice and tension to Neil and Lainey’s journey towards reconciliation. As Collins crafts the show in her story, we can see the equivalent of a Cupcake Wars-ish reality show as a means to fully unpack Neil and Lainey’s soulmate-ish chemistry and their inherent conflict. Attaching their journey with something we can “see” and understand from our own world makes this more distinct, more significant, as their happy ending becomes threatened. In my eyes, this was smart of Collins, setting her apart from most second chance romances.
There are enough differences with Beefcakes from other second chance romances that it makes for an engaging read. I found myself falling into Neil and Elaina’s story and hoping for their reconciliation while laughing at Neil and his brother, Liam’s sudden social media celebrity, empathizing with Elaina’s trust issues, and applauding the beauty of Katana Collins’s epilogue.
I signed up for an ARC for this book simply because I hadn’t read a story like it in terms of its characterization. It intrigued me, and I wanted to read these characters developed on the page. Katana Collins did not disappoint with Beefcakes. It was engaging and thoughtful and the type of second chance romance that makes you believe in happily-ever-afters for everyone. I am INDEED excited for any forthcoming stories in this series, maybe Liam’s story? Neil and Elaina in Beefcakes are an apt reminder that we must forgive and move forward to live a rich life without fear.
March 25, 2020
Beefcakes is second chance romance at its best! This book will draw you in from the first page to the last with its excellent writing, marvelous characters and unique storyline. Filled with lots of humor, challenging family dynamics and cupcakes, you will enjoy every word! 5 Stars #2OCCMS
March 20, 2020
This is a brilliant, delightfully unique premise for a book, and every maid of honor needs a Beefcakes to tap into for the bachelorette party! I fully expect they’ll be popping up across the country as a result of this book. Collins effortlessly reeled me in – hook, line, and sinker – with this phenomenal romantic comedy, and now I *have* to read all the books in the Maple Grove series! Also, I now have another fabulous author to follow.
Neil Evans left town a week before his high school graduation without so much as a goodbye to anyone, including his high school sweetheart. Since then, he's made his mark in both the body-building world and as a stuntman, but he's grown weary of the Hollywood façade. His mother's health has been poor and now he's back in Maple Grove to try to help his brother save her bakery and figure out a way to pay her mountain of medical bills. What he didn’t expect was for a ruined cupcake delivery and some quick thinking at a bachelorette party to result in demands for his baked goods to sky rocket after a meme went viral. And he never expected for his high school sweetheart to be in attendance.
Lainey Dykers went from nerdy girl to party girl in high school, and when the most popular guy noticed her it wasn’t long before they were crazy in love. She and Neil had so many plans and hopes and dreams, and all of them came crashing down around her when he left without saying goodbye. In the years since, Elaina has worked hard to reinvent herself as a responsible, organized, confident, capable woman and now acts as the town manager for Maple Grove. Although, she may have a little more work ahead of herself, with that little grudge and slight need for retribution when it comes to Neil now that he's back in town.
I adore this story for so many reasons. But Neil's insecurity from all those years of people seeing nothing but his muscles, and Elaina's struggle to figure out how to embrace both versions of herself are what resonate most with me. And the author handles these issues with a deft hand, giving us just enough to truly empathize with the characters and become invested, but not so much that we get to the point of, “oh, just get over it already.” This story is so beautifully balanced, carefully crafted and flawlessly written that it reads itself. All I had to do was sit back, hand over my heart, (gleefully, I might add) and enjoy the show.
Yes, there's romance and comedy, and Neil and Lainey's journey will keep you glued to the page, reading late into the night. I startled hubby's pet mouse back into its house with my barks of laughter, and the banter, the tension and the emotional ride are oh, so delicious. We also get a nice dose of steam, and some of the interactions are sweet enough to cause a tooth ache.
But the heart? Oh, my soul, the heart in this book is amazing and unforgettable. Between Lainey and Neil's romance, their love for their family, and their love and commitment to their town – my heart will never be the same after reading this book. And yet, this book is about so much more. It's about finding your way, finding yourself, finding your path and embracing your future. About letting go of fear, old hurts and uncertainty, and being brave enough to take a chance that will change your life. I read a lot of romcoms, but this one is in a class of its own. Without even trying, Lainey and Neil's story gets a spot on my top five romcoms for the year. Do your heart and funny bone a favor and start reading this one right away!
Neil Evans left town a week before his high school graduation without so much as a goodbye to anyone, including his high school sweetheart. Since then, he's made his mark in both the body-building world and as a stuntman, but he's grown weary of the Hollywood façade. His mother's health has been poor and now he's back in Maple Grove to try to help his brother save her bakery and figure out a way to pay her mountain of medical bills. What he didn’t expect was for a ruined cupcake delivery and some quick thinking at a bachelorette party to result in demands for his baked goods to sky rocket after a meme went viral. And he never expected for his high school sweetheart to be in attendance.
Lainey Dykers went from nerdy girl to party girl in high school, and when the most popular guy noticed her it wasn’t long before they were crazy in love. She and Neil had so many plans and hopes and dreams, and all of them came crashing down around her when he left without saying goodbye. In the years since, Elaina has worked hard to reinvent herself as a responsible, organized, confident, capable woman and now acts as the town manager for Maple Grove. Although, she may have a little more work ahead of herself, with that little grudge and slight need for retribution when it comes to Neil now that he's back in town.
I adore this story for so many reasons. But Neil's insecurity from all those years of people seeing nothing but his muscles, and Elaina's struggle to figure out how to embrace both versions of herself are what resonate most with me. And the author handles these issues with a deft hand, giving us just enough to truly empathize with the characters and become invested, but not so much that we get to the point of, “oh, just get over it already.” This story is so beautifully balanced, carefully crafted and flawlessly written that it reads itself. All I had to do was sit back, hand over my heart, (gleefully, I might add) and enjoy the show.
Yes, there's romance and comedy, and Neil and Lainey's journey will keep you glued to the page, reading late into the night. I startled hubby's pet mouse back into its house with my barks of laughter, and the banter, the tension and the emotional ride are oh, so delicious. We also get a nice dose of steam, and some of the interactions are sweet enough to cause a tooth ache.
But the heart? Oh, my soul, the heart in this book is amazing and unforgettable. Between Lainey and Neil's romance, their love for their family, and their love and commitment to their town – my heart will never be the same after reading this book. And yet, this book is about so much more. It's about finding your way, finding yourself, finding your path and embracing your future. About letting go of fear, old hurts and uncertainty, and being brave enough to take a chance that will change your life. I read a lot of romcoms, but this one is in a class of its own. Without even trying, Lainey and Neil's story gets a spot on my top five romcoms for the year. Do your heart and funny bone a favor and start reading this one right away!
March 26, 2020
Beefcakes was my first book by Katana Collins, and it was such a sweet story! Second chance romances are the best, especially when hey are as well written as Beefcakes!
Neil is a former Mr. Universe and retired stuntman who returns home to the town he grew up in to help out with his mum’s bakery, whilst she is going through chemo. He left suddenly just before high school graduation, leaving behind his family, friends and best friends with benefits, Lainey, who he hasn’t spoken to since.
A couple of months after he returns, on a standard delivery of cupcakes to a bachelorette party, a slight accident means Neil and his brother Liam must act on the spot and come up with the genius idea of Beefcakes, a shirtless cupcake delivery service. The bachelorette party love it, all except for Lainey, who’s the maid of honor for her sister. Recently dumped by her ex of 9 years, the last thing Lainey wants is to see is Neil her first love, especially shirtless and being fawned over by the rest of the party. She is still hurt about how he left without saying goodbye, throwing their plans for the future away and their feelings as he left. Lainey has changed, not the party girl she once was, and is now the town manager, working hard to help her beloved hometown and doesn’t have time for Neil and his antics anymore.
But after a photo of the bachelorette party goes viral, and with both of them in desperate need of cash for different reasons, when a baking dating show approaches them to be contestants, they must put their differences aside to be able to win over the nation and win the prize money. But the longer they spend together, baking, dating, living, they realise that the spark between them never left and the feelings are still there, if only they would let down their walls and trust each other again. Will they be able to push past their past hurt and build the future they always talked about together or will the cameras and pressure get too much for them?
I adored both Lainey and Neil. They were perfect for each other, balanced each other out and brought out the sides of each other that they kept hidden. Both addressed the other’s insecurities and showed them that they could be whatever they wanted to be, and that it doesn’t matter what the outside world thinks, only what you and your inner circle who know you best. You can be whatever you want to be, you don’t have to be just serious or just fun, that’s a very clear message from this book.
Beefcakes is the perfect second chance romance, it warmed my heart and I adored Neil and Lainey’s story. It was funny in places, serious in others and my heart ached at some parts. The chemistry was palpable between Neil and Lainey, I was rooting for them more and more with every page. The secondary characters balanced out the plot perfectly too, and I would love to read their story’s too, maybe Liam’s next?
This certainly will not be my last book by Katana Collins, she writes the perfect romance with comedy, emotion and true feelings. My only question is, where can I order my own Beefcake?
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
Neil is a former Mr. Universe and retired stuntman who returns home to the town he grew up in to help out with his mum’s bakery, whilst she is going through chemo. He left suddenly just before high school graduation, leaving behind his family, friends and best friends with benefits, Lainey, who he hasn’t spoken to since.
A couple of months after he returns, on a standard delivery of cupcakes to a bachelorette party, a slight accident means Neil and his brother Liam must act on the spot and come up with the genius idea of Beefcakes, a shirtless cupcake delivery service. The bachelorette party love it, all except for Lainey, who’s the maid of honor for her sister. Recently dumped by her ex of 9 years, the last thing Lainey wants is to see is Neil her first love, especially shirtless and being fawned over by the rest of the party. She is still hurt about how he left without saying goodbye, throwing their plans for the future away and their feelings as he left. Lainey has changed, not the party girl she once was, and is now the town manager, working hard to help her beloved hometown and doesn’t have time for Neil and his antics anymore.
But after a photo of the bachelorette party goes viral, and with both of them in desperate need of cash for different reasons, when a baking dating show approaches them to be contestants, they must put their differences aside to be able to win over the nation and win the prize money. But the longer they spend together, baking, dating, living, they realise that the spark between them never left and the feelings are still there, if only they would let down their walls and trust each other again. Will they be able to push past their past hurt and build the future they always talked about together or will the cameras and pressure get too much for them?
I adored both Lainey and Neil. They were perfect for each other, balanced each other out and brought out the sides of each other that they kept hidden. Both addressed the other’s insecurities and showed them that they could be whatever they wanted to be, and that it doesn’t matter what the outside world thinks, only what you and your inner circle who know you best. You can be whatever you want to be, you don’t have to be just serious or just fun, that’s a very clear message from this book.
Beefcakes is the perfect second chance romance, it warmed my heart and I adored Neil and Lainey’s story. It was funny in places, serious in others and my heart ached at some parts. The chemistry was palpable between Neil and Lainey, I was rooting for them more and more with every page. The secondary characters balanced out the plot perfectly too, and I would love to read their story’s too, maybe Liam’s next?
This certainly will not be my last book by Katana Collins, she writes the perfect romance with comedy, emotion and true feelings. My only question is, where can I order my own Beefcake?
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
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