What do you think?
Rate this book
The Winner Bakes It All
Elodie has big dreams for her little cake shop, so when a perfect bigger unit becomes vacant, she’s excited to finally expand. Except it turns out the space has already been snatched up – and by a fitness-obsessed gym bro who hates carbs and sugar!
But when a local influencer offers her the opportunity to bake for a big celebrity wedding, Elodie can’t believe her luck. Until she finds out that her new carb-hating nemesis, Mal, has been hired to cater the same event.
The two rivals have to put their personal feelings aside to work together to pull off the wedding of the year – and they only have two months to do it! But will they be able to resist trying to kill each other, or will sparks – and cupcakes – fly in the heat of the moment?
But when a local influencer offers her the opportunity to bake for a big celebrity wedding, Elodie can’t believe her luck. Until she finds out that her new carb-hating nemesis, Mal, has been hired to cater the same event.
The two rivals have to put their personal feelings aside to work together to pull off the wedding of the year – and they only have two months to do it! But will they be able to resist trying to kill each other, or will sparks – and cupcakes – fly in the heat of the moment?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
About the author
Jeevani Charika
8 books60 followersHi. It’s nice to meet you, I’m Jeevani, but you can call me Jeev. Everyone does.
I write women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism. I also write under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. So why the two names? Well… I’m British Sri-Lankan and the first book I wrote was about a bunch of middle class Sri Lankan people. I couldn’t find a home for it (even though I got some very nice rejection notes). The next book I wrote was a rom com with white main characters in it. That found a publisher within a year. I chose to use a pen name for those books, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that my real name is difficult to spell and difficult to pronounce and marks me out as non-white. My fifth book also had Sri Lankan main characters. It hasn’t found a publisher yet.
Recently, I got to write a book with Sri Lankan heroine. So it seemed only right for that book to be under my difficult to spell, difficult to pronounce name.
For the record, it’s pronounced Jeev-uh-nee.
There’s a whole lot of other stuff I could tell you – but mainly, I’m a former scientist, a fan of Lego, an embarrassing mum, a part time geek (see ’embarrassing mum’) and a very short person.
I write women’s fiction and contemporary romances with a hint of British cynicism. I also write under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. So why the two names? Well… I’m British Sri-Lankan and the first book I wrote was about a bunch of middle class Sri Lankan people. I couldn’t find a home for it (even though I got some very nice rejection notes). The next book I wrote was a rom com with white main characters in it. That found a publisher within a year. I chose to use a pen name for those books, for a variety of reasons, including the fact that my real name is difficult to spell and difficult to pronounce and marks me out as non-white. My fifth book also had Sri Lankan main characters. It hasn’t found a publisher yet.
Recently, I got to write a book with Sri Lankan heroine. So it seemed only right for that book to be under my difficult to spell, difficult to pronounce name.
For the record, it’s pronounced Jeev-uh-nee.
There’s a whole lot of other stuff I could tell you – but mainly, I’m a former scientist, a fan of Lego, an embarrassing mum, a part time geek (see ’embarrassing mum’) and a very short person.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Read
February 18, 2024Jeevani Charika is one of the most reliable, relatable, not to mention delectable romance authors out there. Her books revel in classic romance tropes (this one has the woman runs bakery / rivalry with cafe opposite set up) but the characters have a realness to them that grounds the stories and gives them a lot of emotional heft. We really care about Elodie's wobbles and her bakery and her crappy family because she feels like a person, not a heroine, and it doesn't have to devolve into high drama because the small problems feel quite big enough.
Mal is a lovely, gentle hero who makes me sympathise with a keto-eating gym bro, which shouldn't really have been possible. Really interesting backstory on the keto stuff, too.
A thoroughly engaging contemporary romance, I enjoyed every minute, but in the name of God stop giving me Abba earworms.
I had an ARC from the publisher.
Mal is a lovely, gentle hero who makes me sympathise with a keto-eating gym bro, which shouldn't really have been possible. Really interesting backstory on the keto stuff, too.
A thoroughly engaging contemporary romance, I enjoyed every minute, but in the name of God stop giving me Abba earworms.
I had an ARC from the publisher.
Read
May 26, 2024Title: The Winner Bakes It All by Jeevani Charika
Release Date: June, 4th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
Elodie has big dreams for her little cake shop, so when a perfect bigger unit becomes vacant, she’s excited to finally expand. Except it turns out the space has already been snatched up – and by a fitness-obsessed gym bro who hates carbs and sugar!
But when a local influencer offers her the opportunity to bake for a big celebrity wedding, Elodie can’t believe her luck. Until she finds out that her new carb-hating nemesis, Mal, has been hired to cater the same event.
The two rivals have to put their personal feelings aside to work together to pull off the wedding of the year – and they only have two months to do it! But will they be able to resist trying to kill each other, or will sparks – and cupcakes – fly in the heat of the moment?
Another wonderful romance by Jeevani Charika, "The Winner Bakes It All" is a delectable delight that mixes rivalry, romance, and baking into a perfect recipe. This book is a fantastic example of the enemies-to-lovers trope, set against the charming backdrop of a small town.
What I Loved:
1. Elodie's Passion and Determination: Elodie’s drive to make her cake shop a success and prove her family wrong is incredibly inspiring. Her creativity and talent in baking make her a character you root for from the very beginning.
2. The Dynamic Between Elodie and Mal: The chemistry between Elodie and Mal is electric. Their banter is witty and hilarious, making their transition from rivals to lovers a joy to read. The way they challenge and complement each other adds depth to their relationship.
3. Cultural Touches: Charika seamlessly weaves in cultural elements that enrich the story and provide a deeper connection to the characters’ backgrounds.
4. Humor and Heart: The book strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments. The antics at the celebrity wedding, from the high-stakes pickleball tournament to the bull-riding bachelorette party, are laugh-out-loud funny and add a unique twist to the typical wedding chaos.
5. Grumpy x Sunshine Trope: Mal's tough exterior and Elodie's sunny disposition create a delightful contrast. Watching Mal's softer side emerge as he interacts with Elodie is utterly charming.
"The Winner Bakes It All" is a fun, sweet read with all the good stuff—a base of rivals to lovers, a gooey baking-related centre, topped off with a cinnamon roll hero and a sprinkle of grumpy x sunshine. It’s a perfect summer read that will leave you with a big goofy smile and a craving for more of Charika’s delightful romances. Gorgeous!
Thank you to The Publisher HQ | HQ Digital ,The Author Jeevani Charika & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this dual POV British interracial, slow burn, rivals to lovers romance between bisexual South Asian Mal and Elodie, two neighbor bakers who are forced to work together to win a wedding catering contract. Full of electric chemistry, interesting food discussions (one of the bakers only makes Keto food), emotional depth, family problems and great disability rep (a secondary character has epilepsy and eats a strictly keto diet to help manage it). It was also excellent on audio narrated by Shalini Peiris and perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Smith and Sara Desai.
Steam level: fade to black/closed door
Steam level: fade to black/closed door
March 31, 2024
Another wonderful romance by Jeevani Charika, which has a dash of culture, and a sprinkle of health knowledge and a pinch of hate-to-love!
The Winner Bakes It All is a great example of rivalry to love, where our FMC, Elodie, is desperately trying to make her business venture a success. She's a talented baker and cake decorator and has a small unit in the arcade of shops in her small town. An opportunity arises for expansion, and she is excited. Finally, wanting to be able to prove her family wrong, she waits to sign a new lease.
Then Mal happens.
Mal is a man bun-toting gym bro with a penchant for all things Keto. He's appeared on the scene with a signed lease for the very space Elodie has been waiting for.
The story unfolds with a lot of negativity, and to top it off, a battle for an exclusive catering contract is thrown into the mix (-ing bowl? Sorry!)
I love cake, baking, and admiring those who can create amazing edible art through cake decorating. So, loving Elodie was going to be easy, wasn't it? I felt for her as she strives to make those around her believe that her dream isn't just a fad or a placeholder until something better or 'proper' comes along.
And Mal... what a sweetheart in muscly disguise! Here's me, the antithesis of anything healthy. (I'm Sitting here eating a coconut and raspberry sponge for breakfast!) Yet, somehow, I found myself sympathising with a gym-bro, lol! Thanks, Jeevani!
I also learned something about the Ketogenic diet, referred to throughout the story. I have tried it as a weight loss aid, but I didn't realise there were medical conditions that could be controlled, too!
An exciting cast of side characters, including Elodies' right-hand man, Marty, her not-too-nice brother, Travis, Mal's business partner and best friend, Jake, and a high-maintenance influencer, Saffron, added another layer of depth to the story.
Oh, and I didn't like Leon!
If you love cake, healthy eating, and drama, this book is for you!
Oh, and I am now humming ABBA tunes. Thanks again, Jeevani!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
The Winner Bakes It All is a great example of rivalry to love, where our FMC, Elodie, is desperately trying to make her business venture a success. She's a talented baker and cake decorator and has a small unit in the arcade of shops in her small town. An opportunity arises for expansion, and she is excited. Finally, wanting to be able to prove her family wrong, she waits to sign a new lease.
Then Mal happens.
Mal is a man bun-toting gym bro with a penchant for all things Keto. He's appeared on the scene with a signed lease for the very space Elodie has been waiting for.
The story unfolds with a lot of negativity, and to top it off, a battle for an exclusive catering contract is thrown into the mix (-ing bowl? Sorry!)
I love cake, baking, and admiring those who can create amazing edible art through cake decorating. So, loving Elodie was going to be easy, wasn't it? I felt for her as she strives to make those around her believe that her dream isn't just a fad or a placeholder until something better or 'proper' comes along.
And Mal... what a sweetheart in muscly disguise! Here's me, the antithesis of anything healthy. (I'm Sitting here eating a coconut and raspberry sponge for breakfast!) Yet, somehow, I found myself sympathising with a gym-bro, lol! Thanks, Jeevani!
I also learned something about the Ketogenic diet, referred to throughout the story. I have tried it as a weight loss aid, but I didn't realise there were medical conditions that could be controlled, too!
An exciting cast of side characters, including Elodies' right-hand man, Marty, her not-too-nice brother, Travis, Mal's business partner and best friend, Jake, and a high-maintenance influencer, Saffron, added another layer of depth to the story.
Oh, and I didn't like Leon!
If you love cake, healthy eating, and drama, this book is for you!
Oh, and I am now humming ABBA tunes. Thanks again, Jeevani!
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
May 26, 2024
The Winner Bakes It All by Jeevani Charika
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 18 July 2024
Elodie harbours grand ambitions for her quaint cake shop, envisioning its expansion into a larger, perfect unit. However, her excitement quickly deflates upon discovering that the space has already been snatched up—by none other than a fitness-obsessed gym enthusiast who detests carbs and sugar!
Just as Elodie grapples with this disappointing setback, a golden opportunity presents itself: a chance to bake for a prestigious celebrity wedding, courtesy of a local influencer. Yet, her elation soon turns to dismay upon learning that her newfound nemesis, Mal, the carb-hating counterpart, has also been enlisted to cater the same event.
Forced to set aside their personal animosity, Elodie and Mal must collaborate to orchestrate the wedding of the year, with only two months at their disposal.
Tropes:
🎂 Baking!
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🥐 Cinnamon roll love interest
🏠 Small town
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
💞 Forced proximity
🐾 Black cat x golden retriever
Jeevani Charika consistently delivers with her reliable, relatable, and downright delicious romance novels. This latest gem follows classic romance tropes, featuring the familiar setup of a woman running a bakery with a rivalry brewing with the café across the street. However, what sets Charika's stories apart is the authenticity of her characters, which lends emotional depth and resonance to the narrative.
We find ourselves deeply invested in Elodie's journey, from her struggles with the bakery to her complicated family dynamics. She feels like a genuine person rather than a cookie-cutter heroine, and it's this relatability that keeps us rooting for her without the need for excessive drama.
And then there's Mal, the unexpected hero who manages to make us sympathise with a gym enthusiast (who loathes carbs) — a feat we never thought possible. His character is fleshed out with an intriguing backstory that adds depth to the narrative.
Overall, this contemporary romance is a captivating read from start to finish.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HQ | HQ Digital, and the author, Jeevani Charika, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 18 July 2024
Elodie harbours grand ambitions for her quaint cake shop, envisioning its expansion into a larger, perfect unit. However, her excitement quickly deflates upon discovering that the space has already been snatched up—by none other than a fitness-obsessed gym enthusiast who detests carbs and sugar!
Just as Elodie grapples with this disappointing setback, a golden opportunity presents itself: a chance to bake for a prestigious celebrity wedding, courtesy of a local influencer. Yet, her elation soon turns to dismay upon learning that her newfound nemesis, Mal, the carb-hating counterpart, has also been enlisted to cater the same event.
Forced to set aside their personal animosity, Elodie and Mal must collaborate to orchestrate the wedding of the year, with only two months at their disposal.
Tropes:
🎂 Baking!
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🥐 Cinnamon roll love interest
🏠 Small town
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
💞 Forced proximity
🐾 Black cat x golden retriever
Jeevani Charika consistently delivers with her reliable, relatable, and downright delicious romance novels. This latest gem follows classic romance tropes, featuring the familiar setup of a woman running a bakery with a rivalry brewing with the café across the street. However, what sets Charika's stories apart is the authenticity of her characters, which lends emotional depth and resonance to the narrative.
We find ourselves deeply invested in Elodie's journey, from her struggles with the bakery to her complicated family dynamics. She feels like a genuine person rather than a cookie-cutter heroine, and it's this relatability that keeps us rooting for her without the need for excessive drama.
And then there's Mal, the unexpected hero who manages to make us sympathise with a gym enthusiast (who loathes carbs) — a feat we never thought possible. His character is fleshed out with an intriguing backstory that adds depth to the narrative.
Overall, this contemporary romance is a captivating read from start to finish.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HQ | HQ Digital, and the author, Jeevani Charika, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
May 30, 2024
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review*****
Elodie is hoping to expand her cake baking business when a new unit comes free in the arcade her shop is in, but before it's even advertised she finds out it's been let to someone else. Mal is the someone else - he's expanding his keto lunch business into a café. Then the two of them find themselves competing to cater the same wedding- and having to work together. I was a little worried reading this that Elodie and Mal were going to be fighting and misunderstanding each other as the main conflict in the book, but actually (and quite refreshingly!) that wasn't the case and there's plenty of other stuff going on here to generate conflict. And it was lovely to have another Jeevani Charika book so soon! It's not that long since her previous book came out (less than six months?) and this is set in the same world - it was great to see Jake again as a side character in this (among others). Lots of fun and a nice easy read.
Elodie is hoping to expand her cake baking business when a new unit comes free in the arcade her shop is in, but before it's even advertised she finds out it's been let to someone else. Mal is the someone else - he's expanding his keto lunch business into a café. Then the two of them find themselves competing to cater the same wedding- and having to work together. I was a little worried reading this that Elodie and Mal were going to be fighting and misunderstanding each other as the main conflict in the book, but actually (and quite refreshingly!) that wasn't the case and there's plenty of other stuff going on here to generate conflict. And it was lovely to have another Jeevani Charika book so soon! It's not that long since her previous book came out (less than six months?) and this is set in the same world - it was great to see Jake again as a side character in this (among others). Lots of fun and a nice easy read.
May 27, 2024
Elodie has a small cake making business and is hoping to take over the lease on a larger unit in the arcade where her shop is when she suddenly finds that instead it has been taken by another Ketone based cafe. She confronts the owner, Mal, and is particularly incensed when she finds that this was arranged through the "old boys network" at a local gym. After this in auspicious start she and Mal find that they might have to work together to cater at in influencer's wedding.
Elodie come across as a very feisty lady, battling against her parent's disapproval of her small business, but very talented at making cakes. I was not really aware of Ketone diets before reading this book and thought that it was described in a very thoughtful way, with its potential benefits given in a non-preachy way. Both Elodie and Mal have personal issues, the reasons for which are gradually revealed, but at the heart of the story is a (potential) enemies to lovers romance which is well worth reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book
Elodie come across as a very feisty lady, battling against her parent's disapproval of her small business, but very talented at making cakes. I was not really aware of Ketone diets before reading this book and thought that it was described in a very thoughtful way, with its potential benefits given in a non-preachy way. Both Elodie and Mal have personal issues, the reasons for which are gradually revealed, but at the heart of the story is a (potential) enemies to lovers romance which is well worth reading.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book
May 14, 2024
Fun summer read. Perfect for contemporary romance lovers. Be warned the FMC is annoying.
I received a copy via NetGally in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
I received a copy via NetGally in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
March 27, 2024
Huge thank you to the author, the publisher and NG for providing me an early copy of this book! My review is my honest opinion.
3.5 stars rounded up.
While I usually don't like romances that have to do with cooking and baking (I rarley read them at all), this was a pleasant surprise. Mal and Elodie start as sort of enemies, but they gradually grow closer, the spark between them appears and things get going from there. I thought they are really cute together. It wasn't so much grumpy x sunshine book in my opinion, more like Elodie as the stressed one and Mal as the helpful one. It was also nice to have them bond over work, and the way Mal was impressed by Elodia and wanted to learn from her.
One of the things that I really like about the way Jeevani Charika writes her characters is that their backstory really does make you understand them better, and it helped specifically with Elodie who was a little hardheaded a few times in the story. And when reading, you can see and appreciate how the author values her female characters--to their profession and work, and to their independence. Elodie faces a lot of shit from her family throughout the book and it was maybe the main thing that made me root for her so much.
I would definitley recommend this to anyone who like cooking/baking centered romances. If I enjoyed it I'm sure they would love it!
P. S, Maureen (and Jake? I wish I had a better memory and a physical copy to go check) from KMK Y was such a nice surprise, I kept waiting for Gihan and Alex to make an apprerance :)
3.5 stars rounded up.
While I usually don't like romances that have to do with cooking and baking (I rarley read them at all), this was a pleasant surprise. Mal and Elodie start as sort of enemies, but they gradually grow closer, the spark between them appears and things get going from there. I thought they are really cute together. It wasn't so much grumpy x sunshine book in my opinion, more like Elodie as the stressed one and Mal as the helpful one. It was also nice to have them bond over work, and the way Mal was impressed by Elodia and wanted to learn from her.
One of the things that I really like about the way Jeevani Charika writes her characters is that their backstory really does make you understand them better, and it helped specifically with Elodie who was a little hardheaded a few times in the story. And when reading, you can see and appreciate how the author values her female characters--to their profession and work, and to their independence. Elodie faces a lot of shit from her family throughout the book and it was maybe the main thing that made me root for her so much.
I would definitley recommend this to anyone who like cooking/baking centered romances. If I enjoyed it I'm sure they would love it!
P. S, Maureen (and Jake? I wish I had a better memory and a physical copy to go check) from KMK Y was such a nice surprise, I kept waiting for Gihan and Alex to make an apprerance :)
May 18, 2024
Totally relatable👩🍳🍰
4.5🌟stars
One of the things I liked best about Jeevani Charika's new novel was how I could totally relate to her driven female lead.
She's a real person, good qualities, flaws and all making for a good, entertaining story.
Elodie's got lots of positive qualities like her work ethic and her ambition to follow her dream despite discouraging family attitudes. She knows what she wants and what she doesn't, including when it comes to men. Her frustration with the way informal male networking upsets her plans to expand her business is palpable and probably the element that clicked fastest with me. She's not a paragon without flaws, including a stubborn streak, a quick temper and a tendency to judge first and only ask questions later. When she's wrong she admits it (eventually).
Mal, the guy who's foiled her expansion plans, is also a well-developed character. His life arc includes some hard times as a bullied youth and a distant relationship with his older brother. He's created a niche business catering to keto diet clients including his epileptic nephew. I liked the way it's quickly established that his nearby business not only does not compete for Elodie's customers but can work to the good, particularly when dealing with an influencer client and her fiance to cater their dream wedding.
The burgeoning romance was totally believable and sweet with a touch of heat but nothing explicit. I appreciated that the author could build a romance without relying on steam.
I am not a baker or connoisseur of cocktails myself but found the baking, food and drink descriptions did not overwhelm me. I liked that the story was well balanced with the human drama taking precedence over descriptions of their food prep. But the information about the variety of keto food plans and, particularly, the use of keto diet to control the effects of medical conditions like epilepsy was interesting and useful news to me.
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟stars
One of the things I liked best about Jeevani Charika's new novel was how I could totally relate to her driven female lead.
She's a real person, good qualities, flaws and all making for a good, entertaining story.
Elodie's got lots of positive qualities like her work ethic and her ambition to follow her dream despite discouraging family attitudes. She knows what she wants and what she doesn't, including when it comes to men. Her frustration with the way informal male networking upsets her plans to expand her business is palpable and probably the element that clicked fastest with me. She's not a paragon without flaws, including a stubborn streak, a quick temper and a tendency to judge first and only ask questions later. When she's wrong she admits it (eventually).
Mal, the guy who's foiled her expansion plans, is also a well-developed character. His life arc includes some hard times as a bullied youth and a distant relationship with his older brother. He's created a niche business catering to keto diet clients including his epileptic nephew. I liked the way it's quickly established that his nearby business not only does not compete for Elodie's customers but can work to the good, particularly when dealing with an influencer client and her fiance to cater their dream wedding.
The burgeoning romance was totally believable and sweet with a touch of heat but nothing explicit. I appreciated that the author could build a romance without relying on steam.
I am not a baker or connoisseur of cocktails myself but found the baking, food and drink descriptions did not overwhelm me. I liked that the story was well balanced with the human drama taking precedence over descriptions of their food prep. But the information about the variety of keto food plans and, particularly, the use of keto diet to control the effects of medical conditions like epilepsy was interesting and useful news to me.
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 1, 2024
So, I've finally finished this one - and have to admit that it took me a long time to plough through this.
The cover looked super cute and having now read the blurb (after reading) - it also sounds like a really cute, enemies to lovers, summer romance.
This just didn't deliver for me I'm afraid :(
The concept had great potential and when we got into it, the storyline worked well...
But, I really didn't connect with any of the characters.
Elodie was way too quick to judge and react, without thinking.
She was so sensitive to things that people said and did to her - but never thought how her words and actions came across.
I was quite frustrated with her immature behaviour in all areas of life - and I know that her parents treated her that way, but she did nothing to make me see anything different.
Mal would have been ok, but there's no way the relationship between him and Elodie would have worked given the conversations/interactions that they'd had.
There was also little that gave me chemistry vibes between them - even the "spicy" scenes were very tame.
The other thing I found difficult was the sheer number of times this went into quite minute detail about the keto diet, keto food, keto flu, keto ratios etc etc.
I am absolutely all for building awareness of relatively unknown medical issues - those who know me, know I have a son with one such condition - but this was relentless and repetitive.
Mentioning it was the reason Mal did what he did and pointing out some further information would have been sufficient.
I also - maybe due to all of this - found that the writing style just didn't engage me at all and so I found myself not really wanting to pick this one up. But I did finish it and did find it pretty underwhelming.
I'm very sad as it looked like it had so much potential and I hate not enjoying a book - I'm definitely one for the excitement, the fear, the passion - a read that evokes strong emotions in me and sadly this one just didn't.......but everything can't be for everyone and I'm sure that many of you will enjoy this read.
The cover looked super cute and having now read the blurb (after reading) - it also sounds like a really cute, enemies to lovers, summer romance.
This just didn't deliver for me I'm afraid :(
The concept had great potential and when we got into it, the storyline worked well...
But, I really didn't connect with any of the characters.
Elodie was way too quick to judge and react, without thinking.
She was so sensitive to things that people said and did to her - but never thought how her words and actions came across.
I was quite frustrated with her immature behaviour in all areas of life - and I know that her parents treated her that way, but she did nothing to make me see anything different.
Mal would have been ok, but there's no way the relationship between him and Elodie would have worked given the conversations/interactions that they'd had.
There was also little that gave me chemistry vibes between them - even the "spicy" scenes were very tame.
The other thing I found difficult was the sheer number of times this went into quite minute detail about the keto diet, keto food, keto flu, keto ratios etc etc.
I am absolutely all for building awareness of relatively unknown medical issues - those who know me, know I have a son with one such condition - but this was relentless and repetitive.
Mentioning it was the reason Mal did what he did and pointing out some further information would have been sufficient.
I also - maybe due to all of this - found that the writing style just didn't engage me at all and so I found myself not really wanting to pick this one up. But I did finish it and did find it pretty underwhelming.
I'm very sad as it looked like it had so much potential and I hate not enjoying a book - I'm definitely one for the excitement, the fear, the passion - a read that evokes strong emotions in me and sadly this one just didn't.......but everything can't be for everyone and I'm sure that many of you will enjoy this read.
June 4, 2024
I got offered an ARC after reading Jeevani's previous novel, Knowing Me, Knowing You. The cover and title meant I had to say yes. I ended up enjoying this more than Knowing Me, Knowing You. I think the plot was really fun, and I enjoyed seeing all the work going into preparing to cater a wedding. I also liked learning more about keto diets, which I'd actually had no idea could be used for anything other than weight loss! I'm starting to feel like a misogynist, but as with the last book, I loved the male lead more than the female. I did like Elodie, but her temper grated on me, and there were moments I really wanted to shake her. I can be an irritable cow myself, but it could be hard to read, especially when Mal was so sweet. Mal was such a great character. I'm not someone who's usually into the rude, borderline aggressive male leads. He was kind and respectable but still fun. I also especially loved how he acted as an uncle. As an aunt myself, I hope I have a similar close relationship with my nephew when he's older.
I also loved the representation in the book. Disability rep is always great and Dilan was one of my favourite characters. Marty occasionally felt a bit cliché but I enjoyed how his story progressed. As with the last book, I also enjoyed the family dynamics, especially that (slight spoiler), some relationships can be mended whilst others can't and that's okay. Overall, I enjoyed my time with the book. If you enjoy lovely male leads, baking and the fun of preparing for a wedding, as well as some family dynamics and character growth, I recommend giving this a try!
Thank you to netgalley and the author for gifting me this ARC.
I also loved the representation in the book. Disability rep is always great and Dilan was one of my favourite characters. Marty occasionally felt a bit cliché but I enjoyed how his story progressed. As with the last book, I also enjoyed the family dynamics, especially that (slight spoiler), some relationships can be mended whilst others can't and that's okay. Overall, I enjoyed my time with the book. If you enjoy lovely male leads, baking and the fun of preparing for a wedding, as well as some family dynamics and character growth, I recommend giving this a try!
Thank you to netgalley and the author for gifting me this ARC.
May 14, 2024
Baker Elodie wants to expand her business into a cafe and baking/decorating school. But when the neighbouring premesis she had her eye on is leased to Mal, who is opening a keto cafe, sparks fly.
When Mal and Elodie have to work together to cater their friends' wedding, a social media event which could make their businesses, they discover more about themselves and each other, leading to an unexpectedly sweet romance.
There is something of an air of pride and prejudice about this but handled with the unique Jeevani Charika style and charm. Two very loveable leads get off on the wrong foot and come to know, understand and love each other. There's a great cast of supporting characters (shout out to Jake and Marty) and all of them have their own journey. The wedding itself is a glorious affair. I particularly liked the way family relations were handled and examined, especially in terms of the contrast between our main characters' brothers. Charika is a really skillful writer, who makes everything seem so simple, but who at the same time weaves really complex themes through her work, draws amazingly rounded characters, and always makes me laugh and cry and pray its all going to turn out all right.
I highly recommend this one.
(Thanks to Jeevani, HQ and Netgalley for the review copy of this)
When Mal and Elodie have to work together to cater their friends' wedding, a social media event which could make their businesses, they discover more about themselves and each other, leading to an unexpectedly sweet romance.
There is something of an air of pride and prejudice about this but handled with the unique Jeevani Charika style and charm. Two very loveable leads get off on the wrong foot and come to know, understand and love each other. There's a great cast of supporting characters (shout out to Jake and Marty) and all of them have their own journey. The wedding itself is a glorious affair. I particularly liked the way family relations were handled and examined, especially in terms of the contrast between our main characters' brothers. Charika is a really skillful writer, who makes everything seem so simple, but who at the same time weaves really complex themes through her work, draws amazingly rounded characters, and always makes me laugh and cry and pray its all going to turn out all right.
I highly recommend this one.
(Thanks to Jeevani, HQ and Netgalley for the review copy of this)
July 20, 2024
Be warned make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand as you read this, as it will make you hungry.
After all it features a sugar loving cake baker, and a new rival in the same arcade a keto meal maker.
I loved Elodie and Mal's story, from their first meeting to how they started to grown on each other, it was heartwarming to see.
I love Mal's motives for having the cafe that he does, catering to keto diets. You learn a lot about keto in this, and how it can be good for you and it was really interesting.
But I do have to say that I would be a visitor to Elodie's bakery, as I have a sweet tooth, and her cakes sounded delicious and so pretty.
I really disliked some of the men in Elodie's life though, and her parents. Whereas i loved Mal's family and best friend.
From enemies into something more, I loved seeing how the story developed, and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of it. I especially loved Mal's nephew, who is really cool and smart!
There is just something about Jeevani Charika's writing that I tend to thoroughly enjoy and this was no exception. Another fabulous book from her that I devoured, almost as fast as I can devour a chocolate cake!
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
After all it features a sugar loving cake baker, and a new rival in the same arcade a keto meal maker.
I loved Elodie and Mal's story, from their first meeting to how they started to grown on each other, it was heartwarming to see.
I love Mal's motives for having the cafe that he does, catering to keto diets. You learn a lot about keto in this, and how it can be good for you and it was really interesting.
But I do have to say that I would be a visitor to Elodie's bakery, as I have a sweet tooth, and her cakes sounded delicious and so pretty.
I really disliked some of the men in Elodie's life though, and her parents. Whereas i loved Mal's family and best friend.
From enemies into something more, I loved seeing how the story developed, and thoroughly enjoyed reading all of it. I especially loved Mal's nephew, who is really cool and smart!
There is just something about Jeevani Charika's writing that I tend to thoroughly enjoy and this was no exception. Another fabulous book from her that I devoured, almost as fast as I can devour a chocolate cake!
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 25, 2024
Omggg perfect book.
This book is so extraordinary in every unique way, from the cast of characters and all the realistic representations that we are each of them. the writing is magnificent, when I got into it it was completely unexpected and a thousand times better than I could have imagined. Mal and Elodie are equally changeable parts of me, the problems suffered by both are so well resolved and real. the construction of their relationship was very well done! This book spoke to me a lot, especially about the issue of keto, a topic I'm currently obsessed with and everything that involves it. Simply obsessed with the form of love here, I love the way everyone looks, she is aggressive!!! and Mal says no, that's wrong, she's angry and rightfully so! The beginning of this anger between them was well constructed here, in this case, Elodie and the growing anger of the Mal side in a part of the book that was also very slow and real and so how this unfolded shows how happy I was to have already read it, I loved it, but the author really knows how to do a very good job, which can be seen throughout the book! What really impressed me most was how this story was woven, these characters, the themes raised here, how refreshing and tender it was.
This book is so extraordinary in every unique way, from the cast of characters and all the realistic representations that we are each of them. the writing is magnificent, when I got into it it was completely unexpected and a thousand times better than I could have imagined. Mal and Elodie are equally changeable parts of me, the problems suffered by both are so well resolved and real. the construction of their relationship was very well done! This book spoke to me a lot, especially about the issue of keto, a topic I'm currently obsessed with and everything that involves it. Simply obsessed with the form of love here, I love the way everyone looks, she is aggressive!!! and Mal says no, that's wrong, she's angry and rightfully so! The beginning of this anger between them was well constructed here, in this case, Elodie and the growing anger of the Mal side in a part of the book that was also very slow and real and so how this unfolded shows how happy I was to have already read it, I loved it, but the author really knows how to do a very good job, which can be seen throughout the book! What really impressed me most was how this story was woven, these characters, the themes raised here, how refreshing and tender it was.
October 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved to accompany the characters - who were very real people - through their struggles. I also loved that it didn’t follow the usual romance arc where you have to have a big misunderstanding or blow-up and some melodrama to get the story going after “oh-we-like-each-other”, but that the conflicts and problems arose out of the actual story and challenges of their life and were dealt with in a realistic way that was not more dramatic than it had to be - while still hard for them to go through.
Why only four stars then? Because I felt that this author could have developed her characters a bit more. The writing was truly good and the people and storyline well thought out. I wish she would have taken more time to let them develop and come to terms with their issues in small steps over a longer period of time. I’m ready to read 350 pages by this author, the story doesn’t have to be crammed into 280.
Why only four stars then? Because I felt that this author could have developed her characters a bit more. The writing was truly good and the people and storyline well thought out. I wish she would have taken more time to let them develop and come to terms with their issues in small steps over a longer period of time. I’m ready to read 350 pages by this author, the story doesn’t have to be crammed into 280.
July 16, 2024
brilliant read
I laughed. I cried, this book has it all, humour, romance, and a cracking story to boot.
Elodie is the family “surprise baby”, their “princess”. When Elodie decides to follow her dream of baking for a living, the family humour her. Realising she heeds more space than the tiny place she already has, Elodie eyes up the large, just right for a bakery shop opposite.
But fate puts a spoke in the works. And Elodie is not a very happy princess at all!
Mal has decided to branch out and run a keto based cafe, but he cannot for the life of him understand why the owner of the bakery is so mad at him.
Enter a couple of influencers with very different ideas on wedding catering and our story unfolds.
I hugely enjoyed this book. I will be looking out for more of this authors books.
I laughed. I cried, this book has it all, humour, romance, and a cracking story to boot.
Elodie is the family “surprise baby”, their “princess”. When Elodie decides to follow her dream of baking for a living, the family humour her. Realising she heeds more space than the tiny place she already has, Elodie eyes up the large, just right for a bakery shop opposite.
But fate puts a spoke in the works. And Elodie is not a very happy princess at all!
Mal has decided to branch out and run a keto based cafe, but he cannot for the life of him understand why the owner of the bakery is so mad at him.
Enter a couple of influencers with very different ideas on wedding catering and our story unfolds.
I hugely enjoyed this book. I will be looking out for more of this authors books.
July 20, 2024
ARC- THE WINNER BAKES IT ALL - JEEVANI CHARIKA
Ahh I really enjoyed this in the end! Took a while for me to get into as there is a lot of information to take in but once it got going I really loved the character development and growth especially between the FMC and
MMC
I learned so much about keto diets and how they help the body especially learning about the medical aspect of it! I really understood the authors reasoning behind giving so much information and explaination!
The enemies to lovers/slow burn was lovely and I really felt they had a connection.
No spice / fade to black scenes - perfect for me but I know a lot of people don't prefer that!
@rachaelmcreads
Ahh I really enjoyed this in the end! Took a while for me to get into as there is a lot of information to take in but once it got going I really loved the character development and growth especially between the FMC and
MMC
I learned so much about keto diets and how they help the body especially learning about the medical aspect of it! I really understood the authors reasoning behind giving so much information and explaination!
The enemies to lovers/slow burn was lovely and I really felt they had a connection.
No spice / fade to black scenes - perfect for me but I know a lot of people don't prefer that!
@rachaelmcreads
June 4, 2024
An unputdownable contemporary romance filled with enemies to lovers rivalry, mouth watering cakes and a carb hating gym bro with a man bun.
Elodie’s family thinks her ‘little cake shop’ in the old arcade in the town is just a fad until she settles down. But Elodie has plans for expanding her small shop into a serious business. So when a bigger unit opposite her becomes vacant, she draws up a business plan, speaks to the arcade manager and waits patiently for a shop to let sign to go up.
To meet the demand for keto lunches, Mal's Meals needs to expand. When Jake learns about a business unit in the arcade, it's an easy decision - a larger kitchen and space for tables too.
Elodie is fuming. She expected the first refusal only to be told that Mal, the manager’s gym buddy, has taken the unit.
For Mal, a Keto diet isn't only for health benefits but also helps with a medical condition that his nephew has. For Elodie, it's all about carbs and sugar, basically yummy cakes and she’s angry that no-one including her family, takes her seriously.
Add the mix of Saffron, an influencer, and Jamie, a fitness Youtuber asking both Mal and Elodie to cater for their wedding and we have a bidding war, or do we?
Charika can get you to root for her FMC and MC, by filling you in on the backstory. I really connected with Elodie who suffers from the negativity around her business as a baker and cake decorator. Even her brother Travis mocks her career choice.
Mal, backstory has a cultural resonance, especially the pressures South Asian children face. His relationship with his brother and parents is non-existent because of a childhood mistake. He is fortunate to have found a family with Jake, Maureen, and a strong connection with his sister-in-law Priya and his nephew and niece.
Despite Elodie's animosity, Mal is a sweetheart willing to help rather than make an enemy of her.
There’s a cast of characters that help and hinder the two from being together.
We meet Jake and Maureen from Knowing Me Knowing You again.
I'm waiting for a story about Jake and Marty.
Jeevani Charika's done it again, another enjoyable read with well-developed characters with a South Asian flavour.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
Elodie’s family thinks her ‘little cake shop’ in the old arcade in the town is just a fad until she settles down. But Elodie has plans for expanding her small shop into a serious business. So when a bigger unit opposite her becomes vacant, she draws up a business plan, speaks to the arcade manager and waits patiently for a shop to let sign to go up.
To meet the demand for keto lunches, Mal's Meals needs to expand. When Jake learns about a business unit in the arcade, it's an easy decision - a larger kitchen and space for tables too.
Elodie is fuming. She expected the first refusal only to be told that Mal, the manager’s gym buddy, has taken the unit.
For Mal, a Keto diet isn't only for health benefits but also helps with a medical condition that his nephew has. For Elodie, it's all about carbs and sugar, basically yummy cakes and she’s angry that no-one including her family, takes her seriously.
Add the mix of Saffron, an influencer, and Jamie, a fitness Youtuber asking both Mal and Elodie to cater for their wedding and we have a bidding war, or do we?
Charika can get you to root for her FMC and MC, by filling you in on the backstory. I really connected with Elodie who suffers from the negativity around her business as a baker and cake decorator. Even her brother Travis mocks her career choice.
Mal, backstory has a cultural resonance, especially the pressures South Asian children face. His relationship with his brother and parents is non-existent because of a childhood mistake. He is fortunate to have found a family with Jake, Maureen, and a strong connection with his sister-in-law Priya and his nephew and niece.
Despite Elodie's animosity, Mal is a sweetheart willing to help rather than make an enemy of her.
There’s a cast of characters that help and hinder the two from being together.
We meet Jake and Maureen from Knowing Me Knowing You again.
I'm waiting for a story about Jake and Marty.
Jeevani Charika's done it again, another enjoyable read with well-developed characters with a South Asian flavour.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an ARC.
August 2, 2024
I waited a long time for Jeevani to finish this book. It sounded great from the first time she mentioned it. I was disappointed at all. It is probably my favourite of all her books so far.
Two very determined characters with a strong goal business wise. But then it's not unusual to fall in love at work.
Two very determined characters with a strong goal business wise. But then it's not unusual to fall in love at work.
February 2, 2024
This was SO good! Cute, funny, romantic... and full of drool-worthy cakes! I absolutely loved Mal, he was a total sweetheart!
Tropes:
🎂 Baking!
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🥐 Cinnamon roll love interest
🏠 Small town
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
💞 Forced proximity
🐾 Black cat x golden retriever
Tropes:
🎂 Baking!
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
🥐 Cinnamon roll love interest
🏠 Small town
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
💞 Forced proximity
🐾 Black cat x golden retriever
June 4, 2024
Great cozy mystery. Highly recommend. Loved all the characters - two rivals that can't stand each other have to work together to make it a beautiful wedding but neither thought that the sparks would fly between them. Can they resist the temptation? Must read !
June 15, 2024
eu amoooo um bom livro com temática de confeitaria e acho que esse cumpriu isso muito bem, mas infelizmente achei que tinha tanta picuinha sem sentido 😭 tirou um pouco o clima do livro, mas foi legalzinho a experiência pelo menos.
June 17, 2024
Fun read, the story of rivals Elodie and Mal, who need to work together to win a client. Will the time spent together and getting to know each other change their minds about each other? I liked how it was told from both points of view.
April 25, 2024
A fun, sweet read with all the good stuff—a base of rivals to lovers, gooey baking-related centre, topped off with a cinnamon roll hero and a sprinkle of grumpy x sunshine! Gorgeous.
June 13, 2024
I absolutely loved Winner Bakes it All by Jeevani Charika. An easy heartwarming read about relatable characters. Lovely storyline with amazing characters. Enemies to friends to lovers.
June 29, 2024
A really enjoyable read. All the characters are believable. I particuarly liked the telling of a different type of dietary needs for Keto kids or medical needs.
August 13, 2024
Meh
Meh, not fully developed characters, plot lines left unfinished, closed door/fade to black romance. Dual POV. Could've been better, wouldn't read again.
Meh, not fully developed characters, plot lines left unfinished, closed door/fade to black romance. Dual POV. Could've been better, wouldn't read again.
August 23, 2024
Ended up dnf’ing this at 180 pages. It’s not bad it’s just a bit boring and I don’t care enough to finish it. I know it would be a 3 star read anyways so :)
October 26, 2024
Another brilliant romance from Jeevani Charika featuring one of my favourite subjects - cake! This tale of 2 baking rivals has so much heart and chemistry, I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews