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Love at First Sight #1
Baking Me Crazy
This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B07VF9SF12
I'm Levi Buchanan, and until five years ago, I thought the legend of my family's curse was a load of crazy, Southern nonsense.
I'm Levi Buchanan, and until five years ago, I thought the legend of my family's curse was a load of crazy, Southern nonsense.
No curse can make you fall in love at first sight. No curse can force a true, deep, passionate, all-consuming love that will haunt you all the days of your life.
Then I met Jocelyn Abernathy and I realized how completely wrong I was.
The problem is, Jocelyn guards her feelings like well-armed soldier. She's the most beautiful, stubborn, infuriating woman I've ever met. Every time she talks, I want to kiss the living daylights out of her. But I can't.
Because when we met, she didn't need true love. She needed a best friend. And that's what I've been to her... for five years.
But when Jocelyn meets a handsome stranger her first day working at Donner Bakery and she lets him buy her a dill pickle cupcake, I realize with ominous regret that I may have missed my window with my best friend.
If I can't get her to see past our friendship, my new curse may be to watch the love of my life move on with someone else.
'Baking Me Crazy' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#1 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
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January 30, 2021
** FREE BOOK **
AHHH! BAKING ME CRAZY by Karla Sorensen, is FREE! Grab it on Amazon for a VERY limited time. You don't want to miss this, go forth and READ <3
** LINKS **
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/33R7pqL
Amazon UK:https://amzn.to/31DvH67
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2MCwBLY
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2P6Trgm
** BLURB **
I’m Levi Buchanan, and until five years ago, I thought the legend of my family’s curse was a load of crazy, Southern nonsense.
No curse can make you fall in love at first sight. No curse can force a true, deep, passionate, all-consuming love that will haunt you all the days of your life.
Then I met Jocelyn Abernathy and I realized how completely wrong I was.
The problem is, Jocelyn guards her feelings like well-armed soldier. She’s the most beautiful, stubborn, infuriating woman I’ve ever met. Every time she talks, I want to kiss the living daylights out of her. But I can’t.
Because when we met, she didn’t need true love. She needed a best friend. And that’s what I’ve been to her… for five years.
But when Jocelyn meets a handsome stranger her first day working at Donner Bakery and she lets him buy her a dill pickle cupcake, I realize with ominous regret that I may have missed my window with my best friend.
If I can’t get her to see past our friendship, my new curse may be to watch the love of my life move on with someone else.
‘Baking Me Crazy’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#1 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
October 11, 2021
i'm... having a... good... reading month? i'm as surprised as you probably are.
January 4, 2020
4 stars
Baking Me Crazy is my first book by Karla Sorensen and I enjoyed it so much. I love that it’s written in Penny Reid’s Green Valley World and Levi & Joss were such great characters. Their friends to lovers romance was a joy to read.
Levi Buchanan comes from a family that’s cursed. It’s a love curse and when you meet the one, you fall in love at first site. Levi never believed the curse to be true…until he laid eyes on Jocelyn Abernathy and fell hard.
Jocelyn was going through a lot when she first met Levi and dating was the last thing on her mind. Because that was off the table they became fast friends, best friends. They’ve been best friends for five long years and for those five long years Levi still has it bad for Joss. And now that she’s finally ready to start dating he’s go to make his move. Before someone else does…
Levi was such a sweet guy and great friend. I love how just because Joss shot him down at first, didn’t mean he pushed her for more or left her life like most guys would do. He became her best friend and waited for her to be ready for him. Sigh. I adored him. Joss was a little oblivious to her best friends feelings, but she was great as well. Watching their romance bloom was so beautiful.
The narrators for this book were Chris Brinkley and Reba Buhr and they were both new to me narrators. I enjoyed the way they voiced Joss and Levi and they had great southern/country accents that made the audiobook so much fun to listen to.
This book was so sweet, so fun, and really makes me want to pick up more books by this author. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers/small town romances, this is a must read for you!
Baking Me Crazy is my first book by Karla Sorensen and I enjoyed it so much. I love that it’s written in Penny Reid’s Green Valley World and Levi & Joss were such great characters. Their friends to lovers romance was a joy to read.
Levi Buchanan comes from a family that’s cursed. It’s a love curse and when you meet the one, you fall in love at first site. Levi never believed the curse to be true…until he laid eyes on Jocelyn Abernathy and fell hard.
Jocelyn was going through a lot when she first met Levi and dating was the last thing on her mind. Because that was off the table they became fast friends, best friends. They’ve been best friends for five long years and for those five long years Levi still has it bad for Joss. And now that she’s finally ready to start dating he’s go to make his move. Before someone else does…
Levi was such a sweet guy and great friend. I love how just because Joss shot him down at first, didn’t mean he pushed her for more or left her life like most guys would do. He became her best friend and waited for her to be ready for him. Sigh. I adored him. Joss was a little oblivious to her best friends feelings, but she was great as well. Watching their romance bloom was so beautiful.
The narrators for this book were Chris Brinkley and Reba Buhr and they were both new to me narrators. I enjoyed the way they voiced Joss and Levi and they had great southern/country accents that made the audiobook so much fun to listen to.
This book was so sweet, so fun, and really makes me want to pick up more books by this author. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers/small town romances, this is a must read for you!
December 8, 2019
4 Stars!
"Levi Buchanan," I said. "It's nice to meet you, Joss."
Then, then she gave me a real smile—white teeth, pink lips, tiny dimple on the right side—and I never, ever got my heart back.
When Levi first met Joss as one of the coaches of her wheelchair basketball league, it was lights out, head over heels in love time. He didn’t care that she was sixteen and two years younger than him, he just knew the girl with the crazy curly hair and the snarky attitude was meant to be his. Fate can be a crazy bitch and though Joss was drawn to Levi from the beginning, all she could offer him was her friendship at that time.
Jumping ahead five years, Levi and Joss are the best of friends but Levi still wants…more. Friendship has never been enough for him and he finds himself more in love with Joss than ever. For her part, Joss is absolutely clueless as to Levi’s true feelings. After an illness left her wheelchair bound seven years ago, she’s had a hard enough time facing her new reality, much less even considering someone else might want to make a life with her under those circumstances. She’s wrong, of course. Joss is a total badass whether she’s wheeling or walking and everyone around her seems to realize that.
When a new man in town starts making his interest in Joss known, Levi realizes its finally time to let her know how he feels. If only five years of best friend bonding didn’t make that prospect a wee bit awkward.
Right off the bat, I have to mention how refreshing it was to read a romance that didn’t follow the same old boring tropes. Yes, we get a friends to lovers storyline (my personal fav) but there are actual, real life issues keeping Levi from acting on his feelings. Joss and the fact she’d steered them towards friendship at first meeting, coupled with her insecurities when it comes to all things wheelchair related had Levi keeping his feelings to himself until he felt Joss was ready to listen. And let me tell you, the very second Levi realized Joss was going to be putting her single and ready to mingle vibes out there for the world to see, he knew what he had to do.
Green Valley, folks! Yes, this Karla Sorensen bit of goodness takes place in Green Valley! Where Cletus lives and often makes an appearance! Okay, so you might not be as excited as I am by the prospect of more Cletus and I won’t judge you for that, but anytime I get the chance to head back for a little visit, I’ll take it.
I love how Joss and Levi’s story seemed to fit seamlessly into Penny Reid’s world and even though I don’t recommend this, you don’t have to read any of Ms. Reid’s stories to start Baking Me Crazy. I also appreciate how the author threw a little bit of her own crossover goodness into the story with mentions of characters from her Washington Wolves series.
Even though I loved Joss and Levi together, I would’ve liked more story about their actual relationship, both the friends and lovers variety, rather than the obstacles they were going to have to overcome. I completely understand why Joss felt the way she did, but I still could have used a little more of her feeling the “butterfly” thing for Levi.
Baking Me Crazy is the first in the Donner Bakery series released by Penny Reid’s Smartypants Romance. Joss and Levi’s story made a big fan out of me and I can’t wait to read the rest of these books.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
**Easy Buy Links**
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kwvT7z
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2ku8Pq7
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BakingMeCrazy
Nook: http://bit.ly/2lEMEh0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lU7066
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2klKiUj
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2k0ZaqL
"Levi Buchanan," I said. "It's nice to meet you, Joss."
Then, then she gave me a real smile—white teeth, pink lips, tiny dimple on the right side—and I never, ever got my heart back.
When Levi first met Joss as one of the coaches of her wheelchair basketball league, it was lights out, head over heels in love time. He didn’t care that she was sixteen and two years younger than him, he just knew the girl with the crazy curly hair and the snarky attitude was meant to be his. Fate can be a crazy bitch and though Joss was drawn to Levi from the beginning, all she could offer him was her friendship at that time.
Jumping ahead five years, Levi and Joss are the best of friends but Levi still wants…more. Friendship has never been enough for him and he finds himself more in love with Joss than ever. For her part, Joss is absolutely clueless as to Levi’s true feelings. After an illness left her wheelchair bound seven years ago, she’s had a hard enough time facing her new reality, much less even considering someone else might want to make a life with her under those circumstances. She’s wrong, of course. Joss is a total badass whether she’s wheeling or walking and everyone around her seems to realize that.
When a new man in town starts making his interest in Joss known, Levi realizes its finally time to let her know how he feels. If only five years of best friend bonding didn’t make that prospect a wee bit awkward.
Right off the bat, I have to mention how refreshing it was to read a romance that didn’t follow the same old boring tropes. Yes, we get a friends to lovers storyline (my personal fav) but there are actual, real life issues keeping Levi from acting on his feelings. Joss and the fact she’d steered them towards friendship at first meeting, coupled with her insecurities when it comes to all things wheelchair related had Levi keeping his feelings to himself until he felt Joss was ready to listen. And let me tell you, the very second Levi realized Joss was going to be putting her single and ready to mingle vibes out there for the world to see, he knew what he had to do.
Green Valley, folks! Yes, this Karla Sorensen bit of goodness takes place in Green Valley! Where Cletus lives and often makes an appearance! Okay, so you might not be as excited as I am by the prospect of more Cletus and I won’t judge you for that, but anytime I get the chance to head back for a little visit, I’ll take it.
I love how Joss and Levi’s story seemed to fit seamlessly into Penny Reid’s world and even though I don’t recommend this, you don’t have to read any of Ms. Reid’s stories to start Baking Me Crazy. I also appreciate how the author threw a little bit of her own crossover goodness into the story with mentions of characters from her Washington Wolves series.
Even though I loved Joss and Levi together, I would’ve liked more story about their actual relationship, both the friends and lovers variety, rather than the obstacles they were going to have to overcome. I completely understand why Joss felt the way she did, but I still could have used a little more of her feeling the “butterfly” thing for Levi.
Baking Me Crazy is the first in the Donner Bakery series released by Penny Reid’s Smartypants Romance. Joss and Levi’s story made a big fan out of me and I can’t wait to read the rest of these books.
ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest, voluntary review
**Easy Buy Links**
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kwvT7z
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2ku8Pq7
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BakingMeCrazy
Nook: http://bit.ly/2lEMEh0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lU7066
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2klKiUj
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2k0ZaqL
October 4, 2019
5 stars
I adored Baking Me Crazy, I loved the romance so much!It is a friends to lovers romance which is set in the same universe as Penny Reid's Winston Brother Series.It was fast pace,heartwarming and sweet romance!
I'm in love with Levi and Joss.Their romance is sweet and cute.I loved their moments together and I have butterflies in my stomach with these two.I seriously couldn't get enough of them!
If you are looking for a swooning romance Levi and Joss are the perfect couple!
I adored Baking Me Crazy, I loved the romance so much!It is a friends to lovers romance which is set in the same universe as Penny Reid's Winston Brother Series.It was fast pace,heartwarming and sweet romance!
I'm in love with Levi and Joss.Their romance is sweet and cute.I loved their moments together and I have butterflies in my stomach with these two.I seriously couldn't get enough of them!
If you are looking for a swooning romance Levi and Joss are the perfect couple!
November 1, 2023
LOVED BAKING ME CRAZY. Adorable voice. Great chemistry between the friends-to-lovers couple. Wonderful strong representation of a disabled character in a wheelchair in a romantic relationship. Joss got a virus when she was 14, and when it spread to her spine, loss sensation in her legs. Her best friend Levi fell in love with her the moment her saw her, but she wasn’t ready for a relationship back then. Years later, they’re still besties, but when another guy comes on the scene, does that change things? I loved getting to spend more time in Green Valley, in the bakery, loved the strong characters all around, and seeing these two fall in love. LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!!! And yay that the Green Valley expanded series is available in KU!! 5/5 stars.
October 9, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Joy's face morphed. Gone was the sweet, ebullient young woman who'd been my co-worker for the past couple of hours. Gone was the happiest person in the world. In her place was determined, scheming Joy. She narrowed her eyes, and I actually sat back in my chair from the force of it.
"There's a wild dog sitting outside." Her voice was shaky, but her eyes were unflinching. The skin around them was wrinkled and translucent, spotted with age. "Oh, that's my dog.”… "He looks scary." I smiled at her. "He's very sweet, I promise." "What's his name?" "Nero," I answered. She glanced over her glasses at me. "After the Roman emperor who burned people alive?"
Joy can't figure out how I learned so many swear words during my young life, and I had to try to explain how spending my impressionable teen years with the Buchanans gave me the vocabulary of a drunken pirate.
For as different as I felt on the inside, it was strange that it didn't reflect anywhere else. Shouldn't there be a sign above my head? Beware of the twenty-one-year-old virgin with repressed sexual feelings. Explosion imminent. Touch with extreme caution. May spontaneously combust with prolonged eye contact and cupcake purchasing and/or casual swimming sessions.
My Review:
I will confess to a complete lack of awareness of Karla Sorensen’s genius before picking up this delightful book, but as she was Penny Reid’s pick to blaze the trail and be the first rattle out of the box to kick off her new Smartypants Romance, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe, well, that was all I needed to know. And I wholeheartedly concur with the mastermind’s brilliant choice. Ms. Sorensen has produced an excellent lead-in for a new series and her contribution fit seamlessly into the oddly alluring and ever-appealing microcosm of Green Valley.
Written in my favorite dual POV, the storylines were relevant, engaging, and absorbing. The main character of Joss spent much of her time in a wheelchair and I was quite taken with the care, thoughtful observation, and sensitivity used in enlightening the reader of the impact her medical and mobility issues had on her social-emotional development and the energy and concentration required to complete even the most simple of tasks of day-to-day life that ambulatory bipeds take for granted.
Ms. Sorensen’s humor was well-honed and witty, her characters were endearing and assessable, and to my gleeful amusement, their captivating tale effortlessly rolled through my gray matter with an even balance of emotional tone, with heart-squeezes and giggle-snorts aplenty. I was besotted with sweet Levi and adored how he perceived and cataloged Joss in vivid Technicolor in his inner musings. Levi current reigns as King, occupying the top spot on my list of BBFs. Does it even need saying that Karla Sorensen has a new fangirl?
Joy's face morphed. Gone was the sweet, ebullient young woman who'd been my co-worker for the past couple of hours. Gone was the happiest person in the world. In her place was determined, scheming Joy. She narrowed her eyes, and I actually sat back in my chair from the force of it.
"There's a wild dog sitting outside." Her voice was shaky, but her eyes were unflinching. The skin around them was wrinkled and translucent, spotted with age. "Oh, that's my dog.”… "He looks scary." I smiled at her. "He's very sweet, I promise." "What's his name?" "Nero," I answered. She glanced over her glasses at me. "After the Roman emperor who burned people alive?"
Joy can't figure out how I learned so many swear words during my young life, and I had to try to explain how spending my impressionable teen years with the Buchanans gave me the vocabulary of a drunken pirate.
For as different as I felt on the inside, it was strange that it didn't reflect anywhere else. Shouldn't there be a sign above my head? Beware of the twenty-one-year-old virgin with repressed sexual feelings. Explosion imminent. Touch with extreme caution. May spontaneously combust with prolonged eye contact and cupcake purchasing and/or casual swimming sessions.
My Review:
I will confess to a complete lack of awareness of Karla Sorensen’s genius before picking up this delightful book, but as she was Penny Reid’s pick to blaze the trail and be the first rattle out of the box to kick off her new Smartypants Romance, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe, well, that was all I needed to know. And I wholeheartedly concur with the mastermind’s brilliant choice. Ms. Sorensen has produced an excellent lead-in for a new series and her contribution fit seamlessly into the oddly alluring and ever-appealing microcosm of Green Valley.
Written in my favorite dual POV, the storylines were relevant, engaging, and absorbing. The main character of Joss spent much of her time in a wheelchair and I was quite taken with the care, thoughtful observation, and sensitivity used in enlightening the reader of the impact her medical and mobility issues had on her social-emotional development and the energy and concentration required to complete even the most simple of tasks of day-to-day life that ambulatory bipeds take for granted.
Ms. Sorensen’s humor was well-honed and witty, her characters were endearing and assessable, and to my gleeful amusement, their captivating tale effortlessly rolled through my gray matter with an even balance of emotional tone, with heart-squeezes and giggle-snorts aplenty. I was besotted with sweet Levi and adored how he perceived and cataloged Joss in vivid Technicolor in his inner musings. Levi current reigns as King, occupying the top spot on my list of BBFs. Does it even need saying that Karla Sorensen has a new fangirl?
May 24, 2020
This was cute but a little bit boring, with a lack of romantic/sexual tension. I liked the main characters, and it was interesting reading about Joss's reality of living with a disability, but ultimately it was predictable.
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This is free on Kindle and seems cute 🤞🤞
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This is free on Kindle and seems cute 🤞🤞
September 16, 2019
I'm in that stage right now where life is cozy and wonderful. You know what I mean. It's called bliss—the happy sigh after you read something amazing.
Baking Me Crazy is ... well, what is it not? It's beautiful. It's thoughtful. It's so well-written that I'm jealous of Sorensen's pen. (Or fingers if I assume she typed this book. Anyway ...)
Each word was written with care. You can tell. This isn't a story strung together haphazardly while the author noshed on candy. I imagine her curled up on the sofa, as obsessed with her characters and their love story as I am.
This is a story filled with heart. It's a journey so different from anything you've ever read in the very best way that I promise you it's unforgettable. This one will stay with you.
I loved this book. I hate that it's over. If I could crawl into this world and eat pickle cupcakes for the rest of my life, I would.
Read this. You deserve a book this great.
Baking Me Crazy is ... well, what is it not? It's beautiful. It's thoughtful. It's so well-written that I'm jealous of Sorensen's pen. (Or fingers if I assume she typed this book. Anyway ...)
Each word was written with care. You can tell. This isn't a story strung together haphazardly while the author noshed on candy. I imagine her curled up on the sofa, as obsessed with her characters and their love story as I am.
This is a story filled with heart. It's a journey so different from anything you've ever read in the very best way that I promise you it's unforgettable. This one will stay with you.
I loved this book. I hate that it's over. If I could crawl into this world and eat pickle cupcakes for the rest of my life, I would.
Read this. You deserve a book this great.
Want to read
March 23, 2021
★★ FREE BOOK ★★
“This is a story filled with heart. It’s a journey so different from anything you’ve ever read in the very best way that I promise you it’s unforgettable. This one will stay with you.” USA Today bestselling author, Adriana Locke
We have exciting news, y’all! You can grab ‘Baking Me Crazy’ by Karla Sorensen for the low low price of zero dollars…for a short while. If you haven’t started the funny, heartwarming ‘Love at First Sight’ series, now is your chance! No Kindle Unlimited required!
★★ Your copy awaits ★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/33R7pqL
Amazon UK:https://amzn.to/31DvH67
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2MCwBLY
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2P6Trgm
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ku91Wg
** BLURB **
Life lessons from Levi Buchanan: If you’re going to fall in love with your best friend, make sure you have the patience of a freaking saint.
Levi knew Jocelyn Abernathy was The One the day he met her and she kicked his butt on the basketball court. He also knew she wanted nothing to do with romance, and for very good reasons. So what did he do? He was the best friend she needed for five long years.
The day Joss comes to tell her best friend that she’s ready for love—with another guy—it’s like a punch to his … well, you know.
How does he show her that the real love of her life isn’t the random guy who bought her a pickle cupcake at the bakery? Well … he needs to wage war–one touch, one moment at time. Joss isn’t the only stubborn one in their friendship, and he’ll prove that the man for her has been right in front of her the whole time.
‘Baking Me Crazy’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#1 in the Love At First Sight series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
December 21, 2019
Love the style, love the vibe, love Levi’s family, but not my cup of tea. However, I do have to give props on the representation of Transverse Myelitis – which quite frankly, I didn’t know anything about before, so I appreciate this book for opening my eyes.
In general, I like Joss’ character and learning her POV on having this disability. I also love that she’s introverted, sassy, and competitive.
Levi is nice, and a good best friend, but I did not like the romance. I really hate the friends-to-lovers trope, with very few exceptions, and unfortunately this did not click with me (more details on spoiler section at bottom of review).
Also, I do love learning about Levi’s family though and seeing how adoring and funny they are. And I like Joy, Joss’ new friend at the bakery who’s supportive and sweet.
So, I’m going to have give my honest rating, which is 2 stars - and there is nothing wrong with the writing, but the romance is not my preference, so I couldn’t like it. This book does go well with the Green Valley vibe though.
I am, however, looking forward to future books in the Pennyverse – this is such a fun idea! And I’m excited to see what other authors have in store.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
In general, I like Joss’ character and learning her POV on having this disability. I also love that she’s introverted, sassy, and competitive.
Levi is nice, and a good best friend, but I did not like the romance. I really hate the friends-to-lovers trope, with very few exceptions, and unfortunately this did not click with me (more details on spoiler section at bottom of review).
Also, I do love learning about Levi’s family though and seeing how adoring and funny they are. And I like Joy, Joss’ new friend at the bakery who’s supportive and sweet.
So, I’m going to have give my honest rating, which is 2 stars - and there is nothing wrong with the writing, but the romance is not my preference, so I couldn’t like it. This book does go well with the Green Valley vibe though.
I am, however, looking forward to future books in the Pennyverse – this is such a fun idea! And I’m excited to see what other authors have in store.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
October 28, 2019
4 stars!
Baking Me Crazy is the story of Levi and Joss. Levi’s family has a curse, one that makes them fall in love at first sight. Five years ago Levi met Jocelyn and knew she was the one, but she wasn’t ready for a relationship and they became friends. Now when a handsome stranger makes some moves on Jocelyn, Levi realizes it’s time to make his move, or lose her forever.
I went into this book blind, with an open mind and it really paid off. I was skeptical about books written in Penny Reid’s universe by a different author living up to the standards that Reid has already set in her own writing. I was an idiot. Honestly, this book fit so seamlessly into the universe. It felt like this author had been writing in it all along. So bravo Smartypants Romance and Karla Sorensen. You have me sold and I cannot wait to read more.
As for the actual story, I loved it. I’m not a huge friends to lovers trope fan but this book worked all around. I love that the heroine represents a group of people currently underrepresented in the romance and literary world. This book had just the right amount of angst (although I am an angst whore and always want more). This book reminded me of why I loved the romance genre so much and why I need to start reading more of it again.
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Baking Me Crazy is the story of Levi and Joss. Levi’s family has a curse, one that makes them fall in love at first sight. Five years ago Levi met Jocelyn and knew she was the one, but she wasn’t ready for a relationship and they became friends. Now when a handsome stranger makes some moves on Jocelyn, Levi realizes it’s time to make his move, or lose her forever.
I went into this book blind, with an open mind and it really paid off. I was skeptical about books written in Penny Reid’s universe by a different author living up to the standards that Reid has already set in her own writing. I was an idiot. Honestly, this book fit so seamlessly into the universe. It felt like this author had been writing in it all along. So bravo Smartypants Romance and Karla Sorensen. You have me sold and I cannot wait to read more.
As for the actual story, I loved it. I’m not a huge friends to lovers trope fan but this book worked all around. I love that the heroine represents a group of people currently underrepresented in the romance and literary world. This book had just the right amount of angst (although I am an angst whore and always want more). This book reminded me of why I loved the romance genre so much and why I need to start reading more of it again.
Follow me on ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter ♥
February 12, 2020
I love Levi and Joss. I love this book.
This is the first book in the Smartypants spin off books (this one is from the Winston Bros' series).
I think that this can be a standalone book. There are a couple of very brief appearances from previous books. I really enjoyed Karla Sorensen's writing. I plan to read more of her books.
I love that Joss wasn't portrayed as a martyr or that she felt sorry for herself. Joss is still young but is determined to get on a path to do great things with what she has.
I love Levi. I love his family. Neither of these two dwell on the past. Levi has a lot going for him & seemed to be the golden boy as he was growing up. He had to find his way too.
The story opens up with Levi and Joss (Jocelyn) are already bff since they graduated from high school.
I loved their relationship building, struggle and growth.
I need to give a shout out to Joy- Joss' boss at the Donner bakery, Levi's mom, and to Jennifer, and even Joss' mom who had to learn to let her daughter fly.
I won't say much specifics. This is a very sweet. Slow burn, love-love lovely romance.
I did get annoyed with Joss-just a little. I wanted her to just go for it. I'm a mom of a disabled daughter, so I just worried I guess. Will Levi find his way? Will Joss find her way? Read this and find out.
This is your chance to read a book in the Penny Reid Winston Brothers' world.
I received this advance copy from Spartypants Romance. Thank you!
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kwvT7z
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2ku8Pq7
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BakingMeCrazy
Nook: http://bit.ly/2lEMEh0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lU7066
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2klKiUj
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2k0ZaqL
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ku91Wg
This is the first book in the Smartypants spin off books (this one is from the Winston Bros' series).
I think that this can be a standalone book. There are a couple of very brief appearances from previous books. I really enjoyed Karla Sorensen's writing. I plan to read more of her books.
I love that Joss wasn't portrayed as a martyr or that she felt sorry for herself. Joss is still young but is determined to get on a path to do great things with what she has.
I love Levi. I love his family. Neither of these two dwell on the past. Levi has a lot going for him & seemed to be the golden boy as he was growing up. He had to find his way too.
The story opens up with Levi and Joss (Jocelyn) are already bff since they graduated from high school.
I loved their relationship building, struggle and growth.
I need to give a shout out to Joy- Joss' boss at the Donner bakery, Levi's mom, and to Jennifer, and even Joss' mom who had to learn to let her daughter fly.
I won't say much specifics. This is a very sweet. Slow burn, love-love lovely romance.
I did get annoyed with Joss-just a little. I wanted her to just go for it. I'm a mom of a disabled daughter, so I just worried I guess. Will Levi find his way? Will Joss find her way? Read this and find out.
This is your chance to read a book in the Penny Reid Winston Brothers' world.
I received this advance copy from Spartypants Romance. Thank you!
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kwvT7z
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2ku8Pq7
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BakingMeCrazy
Nook: http://bit.ly/2lEMEh0
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lU7066
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2klKiUj
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2k0ZaqL
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ku91Wg
October 8, 2019
5 Brilliant Sonic stars for Baking Me Crazy!
"Patience is a virtue, Levi Buchanan." "And a virtue never hurt you..” My heart is a jumbled up mess of feels. This was absolutely the most perfect, slow burn best friends to lovers story that I’ve read in a long time. First of all, to be instantly teleported into Green Valley is always where I want to be. Donner’s bakery, and seeing Jennifer, Cletus and a couple new characters was simply fantastic.
Karla outdid herself with this story. The way she worded things that Levi or Joss would say, I could feel in my bones. I loved that it was the guy that had feelings and the girl was oblivious. It was very interesting to read from that POV.
“There would never be a day when I didn't wish Jocelyn would just … wake up and realize it. That one day, she'd see me differently. That she could look back on the day we met and see that I'd never wavered because the way I loved her was as constant and unyielding as the Earth rotating around the sun. Something that couldn't be stopped or prevented.
Or this one that gave my chills, chills:
“Sometimes my brain struggled to remember that we were just friends. She'd never dated, never even hinted that she wanted to. She'd never given me a longing glance. Never stared at my mouth like she wondered what it tasted like. But my hands never, not once, stopped wanting to reach for hers. My fingers always, always itched to dig into her crazy hair and see what the curve of her scalp felt like. My brain knew what this relationship was, but sometimes, the signals it sent to the rest of my body didn't always match up with the truth of our situation.”
I could go on and on, but you just need to experience this goodness for yourself. Feels upon feels upon feels. SmartyPants Romance has got it going on!
"Patience is a virtue, Levi Buchanan." "And a virtue never hurt you..” My heart is a jumbled up mess of feels. This was absolutely the most perfect, slow burn best friends to lovers story that I’ve read in a long time. First of all, to be instantly teleported into Green Valley is always where I want to be. Donner’s bakery, and seeing Jennifer, Cletus and a couple new characters was simply fantastic.
Karla outdid herself with this story. The way she worded things that Levi or Joss would say, I could feel in my bones. I loved that it was the guy that had feelings and the girl was oblivious. It was very interesting to read from that POV.
“There would never be a day when I didn't wish Jocelyn would just … wake up and realize it. That one day, she'd see me differently. That she could look back on the day we met and see that I'd never wavered because the way I loved her was as constant and unyielding as the Earth rotating around the sun. Something that couldn't be stopped or prevented.
Or this one that gave my chills, chills:
“Sometimes my brain struggled to remember that we were just friends. She'd never dated, never even hinted that she wanted to. She'd never given me a longing glance. Never stared at my mouth like she wondered what it tasted like. But my hands never, not once, stopped wanting to reach for hers. My fingers always, always itched to dig into her crazy hair and see what the curve of her scalp felt like. My brain knew what this relationship was, but sometimes, the signals it sent to the rest of my body didn't always match up with the truth of our situation.”
I could go on and on, but you just need to experience this goodness for yourself. Feels upon feels upon feels. SmartyPants Romance has got it going on!
October 13, 2019
The good:
-I liked that the heroine is in a wheelchair, and it’s generally not told in a soap opera kind of way. She’s just trying to live her life like anybody else.
-Ummm...once they finally get together, Levi and Joss were cute.
The bad:
-This was really boring. Was there a plot?
-Levi’s supposed pining over Joss made no sense. He knew immediately that she was it for him, yet he kept dating other women. (It was unclear if he was also sleeping with them.) This strikes me as unfair both to his supposed soulmate and the other women, even if he pretty clearly wanted Joss.
-This book is barely funny at all. Like, it’s inevitable that the reader compare it to Penny Reid’s books, because it takes place in her universe. But the comparison isn’t all that favorable for this writer, unfortunately, because I didn’t laugh once while reading this.
Safety Stats:
-I liked that the heroine is in a wheelchair, and it’s generally not told in a soap opera kind of way. She’s just trying to live her life like anybody else.
-Ummm...once they finally get together, Levi and Joss were cute.
The bad:
-This was really boring. Was there a plot?
-Levi’s supposed pining over Joss made no sense. He knew immediately that she was it for him, yet he kept dating other women. (It was unclear if he was also sleeping with them.) This strikes me as unfair both to his supposed soulmate and the other women, even if he pretty clearly wanted Joss.
-This book is barely funny at all. Like, it’s inevitable that the reader compare it to Penny Reid’s books, because it takes place in her universe. But the comparison isn’t all that favorable for this writer, unfortunately, because I didn’t laugh once while reading this.
Safety Stats:
June 27, 2020
3.5-4 stars! This was my first Karla Sorensen book and I really enjoyed it. I’ll have to read more of her! This one is friends to lovers with disability rep.
April 1, 2021
4 A Solid Beginning Stars
* * * * A Wonderful Start to the new Smartypants Romance Publishing Group. This entry tackles real-life issues with the flavor of Reid's special sauce, interpreted masterfully by Karla Sorensen. I foresee many, many winners from this new writing group.
Baking Me Crazy (Donner Bakery #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
No Whisk No Reward(Donner Bakery #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beef Cake (Donner Bakery #4)
Battle of Wits (Donner Bakery #5)
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Excited to Dive into this SmartyPants Book!
❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Every Family has a Secret, a Code...
Or Even a Curse...
Levi Buchanan laughed and was sure...
The Whispered and Feared Curse of...
Love at First Sight...
Was some Leftover Haze, Cray Cray Southern Nonsense...
Levi would have Sworn on His Life...
No Curse can Force a True, Deep, Passionate, All-Consuming Love...
That will Haunt you All the Days of Your Life...
That Just Doesn't Happen...
Until It Does...
Yup, Levi got Gobsmacked...
One Look at Jocelyn Abernathy...
And He Was Done...
But Timing is Everything...
And at the time He met Jocelyn...
She needed a True Friend...
So, Friend, He Became...
Now His Heart and True Love...
Has Allowed a Stranger to...
Buy Her a Cupcake...
Maybe after Five Years...
The Timing is Right...
To Let Jocelyn Know...
She is...
Baking Me Crazy (Donner Bakery #1)-October 8, 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * A Wonderful Start to the new Smartypants Romance Publishing Group. This entry tackles real-life issues with the flavor of Reid's special sauce, interpreted masterfully by Karla Sorensen. I foresee many, many winners from this new writing group.
Baking Me Crazy (Donner Bakery #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
No Whisk No Reward(Donner Bakery #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beef Cake (Donner Bakery #4) Battle of Wits (Donner Bakery #5)~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Excited to Dive into this SmartyPants Book!
❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Every Family has a Secret, a Code...
Or Even a Curse...
Levi Buchanan laughed and was sure...
The Whispered and Feared Curse of...
Love at First Sight...
Was some Leftover Haze, Cray Cray Southern Nonsense...
Levi would have Sworn on His Life...
No Curse can Force a True, Deep, Passionate, All-Consuming Love...
That will Haunt you All the Days of Your Life...
That Just Doesn't Happen...
Until It Does...
Yup, Levi got Gobsmacked...
One Look at Jocelyn Abernathy...
And He Was Done...
But Timing is Everything...
And at the time He met Jocelyn...
She needed a True Friend...
So, Friend, He Became...
Now His Heart and True Love...
Has Allowed a Stranger to...
Buy Her a Cupcake...
Maybe after Five Years...
The Timing is Right...
To Let Jocelyn Know...
She is...
Baking Me Crazy (Donner Bakery #1)-October 8, 2019
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 9, 2019
I love love love this book! The sweetness was perfection. A really good friends to lovers romance with those tender, achy, heartwarming feels that leave you giddy! I more than adored it and I just felt like Levi and Joss were everything!
October 13, 2019
Check Out My full Review On The blog : https://bibliomedico.wordpress.com/20...
**************************
ARC provided by the publisher & Social Butterfly PR , Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the book.
**************************
" Then ... Then she gave me a real smile - White teeth , Pink lips , Tiny dimple on the right side - and I never .. Ever got my heart back "
WOW ! Did I just Read all this Perfection ??!!
When I read the news of The Smarty Pants Romance new books from Penny Reid Newsletter, I was really skeptical , Green Valley Fictional World IS so dear and special to my heart , I just Couldn't imagine how multiple writers other than Penny Reid could write stories from this fantastic world , I mean , Nothing good could get out from this mess !!
Ohhhhh Myyyyyy ! I was SO FREAKING WRONG! Baking me crazy was perfection, reading this book was like meeting a stranger but having the feeling that You know this stranger, that he isn't stranger at all !!
This story took place within the same Green Valley community, that I already love, yes, the characters were all new ( Except for the Winstons - Especially Cletus and Jennifer - ) , But when I started reading I didn't feel as if I'm starting a new book , EVERYTHING WAS FAMILIAR , and I don't know why !!! ? as this could be read as a standalone novel .
Best Friends to lovers Trope isn't new to the Romance Genre , BUTT Karla Sorensen In Baking Me Crazy made me fall in love AGAIN with this trope .
Ahhhhh, Levi is one of the best heroes I've EVER read about, I already love the name Levi, and in this story, he was sweet, charming, funny, loving, adorable, hot ....... I can keep talking about him FOREVER ..... What I liked the most about him , his compassion and love for Joss how he was understanding, considerate and careful with her feelings , how he sacrificed a lot of chances to be with her, just waiting for THE RIGHT TIME, the time when she is ready to accept him as more than just her best friend , but While All that she needed is A friend < he was that For her ..
While-Reading the first chapters, My heart broke, every time he gazed lovingly at Joss while she wasn't looking at him, every time he described the color of her eyes, Every time he was proud of her for her courage and hard work ...
AHHHHH ! I JUST LOVE HIM SO MUCH <3 <3 <3
"Hopefully, They'd be like Levi. Be One of those people who met me and simply saw me. Those Were the Unicorns "
Joss was a brilliant character, ( in most Romance novels, there is kind of standers for the characters: they should be perfect, beautiful, hot, confident ..... ) BUTTT The amazing Karla Sorensen changed all the rules, as our Levi wasn't arrogant and brooding, Our Joss was Badass, Awesome, Sassy, funny and with a disability that made her MORE AMAZING...
Sorensen in this Romantic - Comedy , was able to spread awareness and educate others in many topics Regarding People with disabilities , she described the struggles that Joss had to face since she started using the Wheelchair, with herself to start with, with the society and how others started to view her, ending up with her dating life ....
It was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time to read about Joss experience and story, I ADMIRED her so much, in some scenes, I found myself angry for This Incredible Woman.
Levi and Joss Love story was so sweet, romantic, amazing and really admirable. I loved every single part of this novel.
For Karla Sorensen writing style, it was Brilliant, Her words were sooooooo beautiful. Definitely, a New favorite Author.
THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMENDED, PLEASE JUST READ IT ;) You can thank me later ;)
" Sliding into a relationship with Levi Was Like Breathing "
**************************
ARC provided by the publisher & Social Butterfly PR , Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read the book.
**************************
" Then ... Then she gave me a real smile - White teeth , Pink lips , Tiny dimple on the right side - and I never .. Ever got my heart back "
WOW ! Did I just Read all this Perfection ??!!
When I read the news of The Smarty Pants Romance new books from Penny Reid Newsletter, I was really skeptical , Green Valley Fictional World IS so dear and special to my heart , I just Couldn't imagine how multiple writers other than Penny Reid could write stories from this fantastic world , I mean , Nothing good could get out from this mess !!
Ohhhhh Myyyyyy ! I was SO FREAKING WRONG! Baking me crazy was perfection, reading this book was like meeting a stranger but having the feeling that You know this stranger, that he isn't stranger at all !!
This story took place within the same Green Valley community, that I already love, yes, the characters were all new ( Except for the Winstons - Especially Cletus and Jennifer - ) , But when I started reading I didn't feel as if I'm starting a new book , EVERYTHING WAS FAMILIAR , and I don't know why !!! ? as this could be read as a standalone novel .
Best Friends to lovers Trope isn't new to the Romance Genre , BUTT Karla Sorensen In Baking Me Crazy made me fall in love AGAIN with this trope .
Ahhhhh, Levi is one of the best heroes I've EVER read about, I already love the name Levi, and in this story, he was sweet, charming, funny, loving, adorable, hot ....... I can keep talking about him FOREVER ..... What I liked the most about him , his compassion and love for Joss how he was understanding, considerate and careful with her feelings , how he sacrificed a lot of chances to be with her, just waiting for THE RIGHT TIME, the time when she is ready to accept him as more than just her best friend , but While All that she needed is A friend < he was that For her ..
While-Reading the first chapters, My heart broke, every time he gazed lovingly at Joss while she wasn't looking at him, every time he described the color of her eyes, Every time he was proud of her for her courage and hard work ...
AHHHHH ! I JUST LOVE HIM SO MUCH <3 <3 <3
"Hopefully, They'd be like Levi. Be One of those people who met me and simply saw me. Those Were the Unicorns "
Joss was a brilliant character, ( in most Romance novels, there is kind of standers for the characters: they should be perfect, beautiful, hot, confident ..... ) BUTTT The amazing Karla Sorensen changed all the rules, as our Levi wasn't arrogant and brooding, Our Joss was Badass, Awesome, Sassy, funny and with a disability that made her MORE AMAZING...
Sorensen in this Romantic - Comedy , was able to spread awareness and educate others in many topics Regarding People with disabilities , she described the struggles that Joss had to face since she started using the Wheelchair, with herself to start with, with the society and how others started to view her, ending up with her dating life ....
It was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time to read about Joss experience and story, I ADMIRED her so much, in some scenes, I found myself angry for This Incredible Woman.
Levi and Joss Love story was so sweet, romantic, amazing and really admirable. I loved every single part of this novel.
For Karla Sorensen writing style, it was Brilliant, Her words were sooooooo beautiful. Definitely, a New favorite Author.
THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMENDED, PLEASE JUST READ IT ;) You can thank me later ;)
" Sliding into a relationship with Levi Was Like Breathing "
January 16, 2020
This book is just like a slice of Triple Chocolate Cake - comforting and oh so sweet.
Levi Buchanan didn't think that his family's ''curse'' to fall madly in all-consuming love only once in their lives was real - until he met Jocelyn Abernathy.
Jocelyn or Joss as she likes to be called wasn't having a great time when Levi saw her for the first time and asked her out on a date. She was still recovering from the consequences of Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation to the spinal cord that led her to lose most of the movement in both legs. While adapting to a completely new lifestyle she wasn't confident enough to go on dates, but she desperately needed a good friend by her side.
That's how Levi became her best friend, and stayed that way for five full years, until, Joss started to have date feelings - but not for him.
That's when Levi decides it's time to step up the game and see if he can finally win over the girl.
I loved how Joss was a great heroine, that despite her struggles was determined, strong and independent. Levi was one of the sweetest characters I ever read about. He was so thoughtful, careful, and full of passion, all while still challenging Joss and respecting her needs to do things on her own.
I give this book 4.5 stars. The only thing that could be slightly better is that there is no real conflict, and everything was resolved pretty smoothly. But if you don't enjoy drama or angst in romances, this is the book for you.
The overall cast was pretty interesting too. I loved Joy and Levi's family. I'm very curious about his brother and the cousins moving from LA to Green Valley. Even Andy/Brad/Chris was nice and charming. I really tried to hate him to no avail. Hopefully, we'll see more of them in the books to come.
Baking Me Crazy in the first book in the Donner Bakery series, but it lives inside the Green Valley Universe created by Penny Reid. There will be a few books that will come from Penny's new collaborative publisher - SmartyPants Romance.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review. Baking me Crazy is out now on all platforms
Levi Buchanan didn't think that his family's ''curse'' to fall madly in all-consuming love only once in their lives was real - until he met Jocelyn Abernathy.
Jocelyn or Joss as she likes to be called wasn't having a great time when Levi saw her for the first time and asked her out on a date. She was still recovering from the consequences of Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation to the spinal cord that led her to lose most of the movement in both legs. While adapting to a completely new lifestyle she wasn't confident enough to go on dates, but she desperately needed a good friend by her side.
That's how Levi became her best friend, and stayed that way for five full years, until, Joss started to have date feelings - but not for him.
That's when Levi decides it's time to step up the game and see if he can finally win over the girl.
I loved how Joss was a great heroine, that despite her struggles was determined, strong and independent. Levi was one of the sweetest characters I ever read about. He was so thoughtful, careful, and full of passion, all while still challenging Joss and respecting her needs to do things on her own.
I give this book 4.5 stars. The only thing that could be slightly better is that there is no real conflict, and everything was resolved pretty smoothly. But if you don't enjoy drama or angst in romances, this is the book for you.
The overall cast was pretty interesting too. I loved Joy and Levi's family. I'm very curious about his brother and the cousins moving from LA to Green Valley. Even Andy/Brad/Chris was nice and charming. I really tried to hate him to no avail. Hopefully, we'll see more of them in the books to come.
Baking Me Crazy in the first book in the Donner Bakery series, but it lives inside the Green Valley Universe created by Penny Reid. There will be a few books that will come from Penny's new collaborative publisher - SmartyPants Romance.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review. Baking me Crazy is out now on all platforms
September 13, 2020
I picked up this book due to high positive vibe for Penny Reid's books. I also familiar with Miss Sorensen's work. Her last book is Focused, which I like.
Baking Me Crazy is, sadly, boring. To me it is more clean romance. I guess my problem is connecting with the push and pull between Levi and Joss. Levi waited for 5 years before he made a move to Joss.
I need some reason or plot why they can not move their romance faster. Somethibg angsty, dramatic, suspense, swoony wothy courting will also help.
Well overall I do manage to finish the book.
3 stars
Baking Me Crazy is, sadly, boring. To me it is more clean romance. I guess my problem is connecting with the push and pull between Levi and Joss. Levi waited for 5 years before he made a move to Joss.
I need some reason or plot why they can not move their romance faster. Somethibg angsty, dramatic, suspense, swoony wothy courting will also help.
Well overall I do manage to finish the book.
3 stars
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
November 11, 2022Dnf. Maybe later. Not in the mood for tragic back stories. I know, I know I’m a shit person.
October 9, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such an enjoyable read. The characters are well written, likeable and down to earth. Joss and Levi’s heartwarming story felt authentic and it had the perfect recipe for the makings of a delightfully entertaining romantic comedy: it was sweet, sexy and fun, with a smidge of angst thrown in for good measure.
This was my first Karla Sorensen read, but it certainly won’t be my last!
***ARC generously provided by Social Butterfly in exchange for an honest review***
#BakingMeCrazy
This was such an enjoyable read. The characters are well written, likeable and down to earth. Joss and Levi’s heartwarming story felt authentic and it had the perfect recipe for the makings of a delightfully entertaining romantic comedy: it was sweet, sexy and fun, with a smidge of angst thrown in for good measure.
This was my first Karla Sorensen read, but it certainly won’t be my last!
***ARC generously provided by Social Butterfly in exchange for an honest review***
#BakingMeCrazy
October 10, 2019
Sorensen has the perfect recipe in Baking Me Crazy: start with a swoony book boyfriend, throw in a strong, empowered female lead, sprinkles of hilarious banter, just a dash of angst, and all baked up in the perfect small town. This wasn’t just a romance, it was a powerful, poignant and emotional read that pulled me in from the first word to the last. This was the romantic comedy I didn't know I was craving. I DEVOURED it. An absolute must read — and one you’re sure to never forget!
March 12, 2020
3.5 Stars. I loved the perfect Southern voices used in the Audio version. This was a sweet friends to lovers romance. The characters of Jocelyn and Levi were so awesome and well developed. I especially loved how the heroine of this story was completely different than the norm, with many physical obstacles to overcome.
June 2, 2020
Short and simple but I didn't really think this romance stood out! I really appreciated the disability rep though.
February 22, 2022
This was a sweet Friends to Lovers. There is a heroine in a wheel chair who loves baking and basketball. And a hunky hero who is ready to take his shot.
4 Stars
1.5 on the spice scale.
4 Stars
1.5 on the spice scale.
February 16, 2020
This is the first book in the new Smartypants romance series, which is a spin off from Penny Reid Winston brothers series based in Green Valley.
Different authors are writing about secondary characters from the original series.
This book is Levi and Joss and the link is the bakery which Jenn Sylvester, now Winston, owns.
So it's based some time after the series.
There are a couple of scenes with Jenn, very brief glimpse of Cletus and other previous loved characters, though some references are vague, as well as places readers will be familiar with like The Pink Pony.
It's not necessary to have read these books before this one but for those who have have it's great to see them again and make those connections.
I found the premise of the book interesting, the Hero knows his 'One' but the heroine is oblivious.
It works in their situation as when they meet Joss is at a time in her life where she is concentrating on making a recovery from a huge change in her life and she can't contemplate a romantic relationship at that time so she asks Levi to be her friend and that's when he gets friend zoned for 5 years.... 5 years.
Levi is amazing. He is loyal and patient.
Joss has had some set backs in life and I'm not going to explain as it's part of the magic of the book to discover her story.
There is no abuse or triggers.
The issues Joss has are dealt with sensitively and with understanding of her situation.
There are a plethora of secondary characters that could have possible future storylines developing through the series or in a spin off between other staff at the bakery and Levi's family, his brother, cousins the potential is definitely there and I would love to read their stories.
For the safety gang.
Levi and Joss have been friends for 5 years so they are friends before the romance starts.
Levi has had relationships before he met Joss and after he met her his future lay with her but she is not receptive to that for 5 years so due to his frustration and trying to beat the curse he does date, I think it's twice, but Joss thinks it's loads more.
On those dates it mentioned that they kissed, touched and other things but gives the impression no sex, so intimacy but it depends on where as a reader you feel it's okay.
He is single so he is available and free to do this but I know some readers are sensitive to the Hero or heroine being with anybody else after they meet.
He does this hoping to feel that connection with someone else as he feels Joss will never return his feelings.
There is no detail of those scenes it's really vague and it's up to the reader to think how far that went.
Joss, due to her issues is a virgin and has not had any sexual feelings for anyone, in her circumstances this is understandable.
Small other man drama.
The situation, which is in the blurb, where Joss meets a handsome stranger who then awakens the feelings of attraction made me slightly uncomfortable with how far this would go.
Would the Hero feel like a second best choice?
How far would Joss and this handsome strangers relationship go?
Spoilers below.
The answer is not far. She recognises she likes him, there is a bit of flirting banter but again due to circumstances their relationship doesn't progress in a romantic way.
The thoughts of second best or "now I feel sexual attraction will anyone do" are addressed.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
I did feel the end came a but quick, Joss has a tendency to 'run off' when they have a argument and it felt a bit like they'd be fine once they moved on with their future as she won't do it again.
If that was real life I'd be a bit worried about that reaction esp as she is so stubborn.
HEA.
I did enjoy it but the reason for three stars is I'm not sure I'd reread.
Different authors are writing about secondary characters from the original series.
This book is Levi and Joss and the link is the bakery which Jenn Sylvester, now Winston, owns.
So it's based some time after the series.
There are a couple of scenes with Jenn, very brief glimpse of Cletus and other previous loved characters, though some references are vague, as well as places readers will be familiar with like The Pink Pony.
It's not necessary to have read these books before this one but for those who have have it's great to see them again and make those connections.
I found the premise of the book interesting, the Hero knows his 'One' but the heroine is oblivious.
It works in their situation as when they meet Joss is at a time in her life where she is concentrating on making a recovery from a huge change in her life and she can't contemplate a romantic relationship at that time so she asks Levi to be her friend and that's when he gets friend zoned for 5 years.... 5 years.
Levi is amazing. He is loyal and patient.
Joss has had some set backs in life and I'm not going to explain as it's part of the magic of the book to discover her story.
There is no abuse or triggers.
The issues Joss has are dealt with sensitively and with understanding of her situation.
There are a plethora of secondary characters that could have possible future storylines developing through the series or in a spin off between other staff at the bakery and Levi's family, his brother, cousins the potential is definitely there and I would love to read their stories.
For the safety gang.
Levi and Joss have been friends for 5 years so they are friends before the romance starts.
Levi has had relationships before he met Joss and after he met her his future lay with her but she is not receptive to that for 5 years so due to his frustration and trying to beat the curse he does date, I think it's twice, but Joss thinks it's loads more.
On those dates it mentioned that they kissed, touched and other things but gives the impression no sex, so intimacy but it depends on where as a reader you feel it's okay.
He is single so he is available and free to do this but I know some readers are sensitive to the Hero or heroine being with anybody else after they meet.
He does this hoping to feel that connection with someone else as he feels Joss will never return his feelings.
There is no detail of those scenes it's really vague and it's up to the reader to think how far that went.
Joss, due to her issues is a virgin and has not had any sexual feelings for anyone, in her circumstances this is understandable.
Small other man drama.
The situation, which is in the blurb, where Joss meets a handsome stranger who then awakens the feelings of attraction made me slightly uncomfortable with how far this would go.
Would the Hero feel like a second best choice?
How far would Joss and this handsome strangers relationship go?
Spoilers below.
The answer is not far. She recognises she likes him, there is a bit of flirting banter but again due to circumstances their relationship doesn't progress in a romantic way.
The thoughts of second best or "now I feel sexual attraction will anyone do" are addressed.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
I did feel the end came a but quick, Joss has a tendency to 'run off' when they have a argument and it felt a bit like they'd be fine once they moved on with their future as she won't do it again.
If that was real life I'd be a bit worried about that reaction esp as she is so stubborn.
HEA.
I did enjoy it but the reason for three stars is I'm not sure I'd reread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2019
read the full review on my blog!
"There is no crying in the bakery."
Take some of the best friends to lovers trope, add some of Penny Reid’s universe with a pinch of spicy scenes, and Voila, a perfect recipe! Baking Me Crazy has it all and more. I think I haven’t finished a romance book this quickly in a while, and it’s all thanks to Sorensen’s writing. Prior to starting this book, I was intrigued to see how this concept would work: different romance authors all writing within the same well-loved universe. But, this book is 100% well worth it!
What is this book about?
Baking Me Crazy follows Joss, who works at small town bakery and her best friend Levi, who’s looking for a job after finishing his Master’s. The two met when they are in their teens, and have been best friends for over 5 years. However, what Joss doesn’t know is that Levi has fallen victim to the “Buchanan” curse and has been in love with her since the day they met. Levi thinks he’s content with being just friends, until Joss starts showing interest in one of her new customers.
What did I think of Baking Me Crazy?
I don’t know if it’s the trope, the characters, or both, but I absolutely adored this book. Set in Penny Reid’s beloved universe, Baking Me Crazy builds on all of the aspects I know and love, and adds its own twist.
Though nice seeing Jenn and Cletus again (my favorite Winston Brothers couple), the definite highlight of this book was the relationship between the two main characters. Best friends to lovers is my favorite romance trope and this particular story was executed so perfectly! Romance books are in danger of becoming boring once the couple gets together at the 50% mark, yet, I didn’t get that feeling with this one at all. Sorensen’s writing manages to keep everything exciting and fun from start to finish.
I also want to say that I enjoyed the dual perspective a lot, especially getting to read about Joss’ disability. The book contains some talk of ableism, which was refreshing to read!
If you’re looking for a quick, funny, heartwarming, and super sweet romance, look no further! I’m very intrigued to see what the next book in the series will be like, since each of them is written by a different author. But for now, this is a solid 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!
April 14, 2020
I enjoyed the hell out of this sweet easy book with a hero and heroine who were so damn fun. I loved the believability of their relationship road blocks. I couldn’t get enough of him. And finally a prickly heroine whose standoffishnness I could embrace! I thought the writing went down smooth and easy, and I struggled to put it down.
Such a treat. Pun intended.
Such a treat. Pun intended.
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