A slice of audio deliciousness

At this stage, Melanie Moreland could announce she was writing absolutely any style, genre or trope and I would be all in. But no matter what she writes, she needs to have John Lane and Maxine Mitchell as her audiobook narrators. These two just ARE Melanie Moreland’s characters and they just get how to play them.

This newest offering is an opposites attract, unconventional romance between a slightly older man and the woman (and her cakes) that’s he’s crazy for. It’s a bit different for Ms Moreland but also feels delightfully familiar. Very much a lighter, funnier version of her Hidden Justice books.

Dante is the first to be introduced to us and immediately you can tell he’s got that in-charge, in-control vibe that speaks of a deliciously alpha hero. John Lane has that gloriously deep, husky and sexy tone that perfectly embodies the gruffness of Dante. You know from the first that this man is going to be the best kind to watch fall hopelessly, helplessly in love. And that he does. He is head over heels for the cake at the wedding of his niece. It shouldn’t be so funny to watch the lengths he’ll go to to get his hands on that cake. When he meets Brianna, all bets are off and he goes full-on caveman to get what he wants. But he’s a softie, really. And if you put aside that pesky kidnapping business, everything he does is for Brianna and her happiness.

When we meet Brianna, she is gloriously herself from the first. As soon as she slapped Dante’s hands away from the cake - I fell in love. She was so feisty, so sassy and didn’t stand for any of Dante’s nonsense. And yet she had her vulnerabilities and was honest enough to admit her reaction and attraction to Dante. Alone and determined to live the life she dreamed of, I couldn’t think of a better heroine to receive her happily ever after. Maxine Mitchell, as per usual, is perfect in her role as Brianna. She’s got a pleasing, slightly husky voice that manages to come across as both feisty and vulnerable. I totally believed her as Brianna and wouldn’t ask for anything more.

I also have to give slow claps to both our narrators for their superior portrayal of the opposite sex. You easily forget that it’s just one person talking during conversations rather than a man and woman talking to each other. It’s an amazing skill.

Individually, I loved Dante and his Little Bee (a nickname - squee!) but together they are just perfection. They both have the number on the other from their first meeting which leads to some sexy and hilarious banter! No matter how much Brianna fights it, she’s just as smitten with Dante as he is with her. It makes for a fabulous push and pull between our couple. Oh and of course we get some sexy times and of course, it’s as sweet as the rest of the book with a whole pinch of sexy added in. Happy sighs.

Brianna is younger than Dante - she is 26 to his 38 - and at first the power was firmly with him. He’s older, richer, more powerful, has better connections and is more worldly. Oh yeah, and the whole kidnapping thing. But as we move on and their relationship develops, you begin to realise that Brianna has a lot more power than even she realises. Dante worships her but the ending shows that she’s really the one in control. Basically what I’m saying is that they were perfect for each other and Brianna really grew into the best version of herself throughout the book. She went from being the kidnapped to being in charge of her own destiny.

Even if I’ve just read the book, I still love listening to the audiobook. It’s a difference experience, bringing out varied emotions in me. The narrators put a different spin on many elements or a different emphasis on what is being said which gives a different perspective. I also laughed out loud at more parts than I did in the book, just the way the lines were delivered.

Melanie Moreland’s stories make me so happy. She manages to make me fall in love with perfectly flawed characters as they themselves fall in love with each other. I don’t know what it is about her writing that just speaks to me. I fear I’m becoming obsessed. But I’m also happy with that fact.

This book was more delicious than the tastiest slices of cake slathered in rich, decadent cream cheese frosting. It was sweet, rich, delicious but just tart enough to keep you coming back for more. Oh and no calories! John Lane and Maxine Mitchell brought Dante and Brianna to life and I fell in love with the story even more. And yay for the extended epilogue being included in the audiobook. Happy, happy tears and definitely 5 stars.

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Great book

This was even better than it sounded in the blurb! It had heart , heat and intense love. Heartbreaking at times but oh so good. The epilogue and bonus epilogue were awesome. I really really enjoyed this story. As always the narration was excellent.

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My favorite love story

This will give you all the feels. You will laugh, swoon and even feel the urge to cry a little both with happiness and sadness. It’s a great story and it will satisfy your need for sweet and gentle along with a touch of suspense. The narration is wonderful and I highly recommend.

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A Treat...

This is one of the best books I have come across this year. Melanie has outdone herself, what a masterpiece. It's perfect from every perspective. It was worth every second... Thank you Melanie and my favourite narrators and the whole team for this magical presentation...

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Beautiful story

Loved this book!
Very emotional at times! Actually made me cry, as always fairly predictable but absolutely brilliant 👍🏻

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Romantic and funny, loved it!

Easy listening and feel good storyline, would recommend to fans of classic rom-com vibe

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1 person found this helpful

Holy moly ❤️

This is such a sweet book that I listened to in one go. Funny, quick wit, sweet and just a joy to listen to again and again. it certainly will be on my list for a pick me up on a bad day. We'll written and narators really brought the story to life.

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Well well…

I saw this title and initially I was a bit unsure. Who wants to listen to a book about cake right? I think sometimes I read the synopsis to a story and I tell myself that the storyline is unrealistic. If we think about it though, how many instances in our lives can we recall where a meal was used as an icebreaker? I bet you can think of at-least one.. What’s more realistic than food and how many times has a meal brought people together? In this book it’s about cake and Briyanna’s love of baking alongside Dante’s sweet tooth but I can’t think of a more realistic storyline.
I loved this story. Overall, it was very funny. There were so many moments where I just sat there giggling. The chemistry between Dante and Briyanna was beautiful. I also loved that everyone else considered him grumpy but to her he was just Dante; sexy, protective and sweet. I love that Briyanna doesn’t change too much throughout the book. She remained this sweet mouthed lady who was intelligent and low key hilarious. Let’s be honest, most of my laughter was thanks to her. Recently I’ve been on a dark romance binge but this book was so airy, funny and beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maxine does an amazing job at narrating as per usual. I have a love hate relationship with John but his performance was perfect for this story.
Don’t hesitate any longer.. Buy the book.

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loved it

Very enjoyable listen. A pleasant mix of fun and drama. Will probably listen to it again soon

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Love it!

As always John Lane & Maxine Mitchell are phenomenal in their portrayal of Melanie's characters. They just delight my ears every time.

Dante Frost is used to getting what he wants. A perk of being rather rich. So when the beautiful baker with a talent to fulfil his sweet tooth refuses to agree to his (perfectly reasonable) demands, a little light kidnapping is obviously his course of action.
This is not a dark tale, not even Canadian grey. This is a rather refreshing story with a strong, self-sufficient herione. Doing her best to make a life for herself when the world is intent on giving her lemons.

“Has anyone ever told you that you are a rude, overbearing tyrant?” I frowned at him. “Stop stealing my cupcakes.”

Brianna Michaels has a dream to own her own bakery, making custom designed, handmade cakes. She has worked hard at achieving her goal and is slowly building a reputation. But, the world has other plans. She has school debt, a boss who is taking advantage of her, and a crappy apartment. The world is truly not in her corner.

Dante Frost has it all. A very successful business, an awful lot of money, and a very sweet tooth! His niece is getting married & her cake is being made by her best friend Brianna.

She falls asleep one night in her own bed, but the next morning her bed feels too much. Too comfortable, too cosy, too quiet, too bright. It's all wrong for her tiny basement apartment.

I loved every second of this book. It's high on my list of favourites and will be on my TBR. I'd love to have that first read experience again, and I'm excited for everyone who gets to have that experience after me.

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