Format: Net Galley Advanced Reader Copy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Page Length: 449 pages
Publisher: Forever (May 18, 2021)
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mr. Darcy‘s Rating: “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
A Chasing Mr. Darcy Review
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is my first Alexis Hall book, but it will not be my last! I enjoyed this book so much.
Here’s a plot synopsis from Amazon: Following the recipe is the key to a successful bake. Rosaline Palmer has always lived by those rules—well, except for when she dropped out of college to raise her daughter, Amelie. Now, with a paycheck as useful as greaseproof paper and a house crumbling faster than biscuits in tea, she’s teetering on the edge of financial disaster. But where there’s a whisk there’s a way . . . and Rosaline has just landed a spot on the nation’s most beloved baking show. Winning the prize money would give her daughter the life she deserves—and Rosaline is determined to stick to the instructions. However, more than collapsing trifles stand between Rosaline and sweet, sweet victory. Suave, well-educated, and parent-approved Alain Pope knows all the right moves to sweep her off her feet, but it’s shy electrician Harry Dobson who makes Rosaline question her long-held beliefs—about herself, her family, and her desires. Rosaline fears falling for Harry is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Yet as the competition—and the ovens—heat up, Rosaline starts to realize the most delicious bakes come from the heart.
I Rosaline was a really well-written bisexual woman in this story. Alexis Hall really did every character their justice in this book, and I was really impressed with the authenticity each character brought to the page. Even the character(s) I didn‘t like were still authentic and well-written, and I really appreciate the effort it probably took to write a villain and write them well. Rosaline stands out, though, because she’s constantly overcoming something in this story. Whether it’s the condescension from her best friend (wasn’t a huge fan of bestie TBH), the emotional and verbal abuse of her parents, or the insufferable manipulation from Alain, Rosaline is always facing an uphill battle. I thought her character showed what it takes to fight the good fight every day while also showcasing what efforts it takes to triumph over these forces as well. My heart literally broke when Alain revealed his true colors, and I literally couldn’t breathe during what is IMO a sexual assault scene. I felt for Rosaline in those moments, and I really felt like I was in her shoes. I also think the story shows just how oversexualized bisexual women are by others.
I also want it on the record I did not like Alain from the first time he came into the story, and I loved Harry from the first moment he appeared. I won’t go into too much detail here other than to say I told you so. :) I thought Harry and Alain were a nice contrast to the story, despite my strong feelings for each character (in opposite directions, I might add), because both characters really dive deep into what misperceptions and misconceptions mean about relationships. It hurts my heart to think Rosaline nearly passed over Harry because she found him too basic and nearly stayed with Alain because he gave all the appearance of luxury.
This is a wonderful start to a new series, and while it is a bit long, it is enjoyable from start to finish. You’ll laugh, cry, and swoon in this one, I promise!
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