Bake it 'Til You Make It by Kassie Jones

 

All Taylor Madden has ever wanted is to own a bakery filled with whimsical designs and unforgettable flavors. Landing a spot on America's Next Great Baker is her chance to make that dream a reality--even if her biggest competition is a cocky, annoyingly gorgeous distraction who smirks every time she slips up. Winning could mean a fresh start. Surviving him might be the bigger challenge.

Alexander Harrington only agreed to the competition to get his parents off his back, not to complicate things with the disaster-prone optimist who insists on making everything cute. She's not supposed to be his biggest obstacle, but the longer they're stuck in the kitchen together, the harder it is to remember he's meant to beat her... not fall for her.

The stakes are high, the ovens are hot, and the cameras are rolling. But when the rivalry starts to taste like something sweeter, will either of them walk away with more than just the prize?

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The duet narration (my favourite) brought a lovely warmth to the story and captured the characters’ personalities beautifully. Their performances made the whole experience easy to sink into and kept me engaged throughout.

There were a few genuinely funny scenes that added a nice lift to the story. One of my favourites was the interview segment where Taylor and Alexander recorded their confession pieces. Their opinions on each other were hilarious, and I was fully expecting the whole thing to blow up in their faces once it aired, but thankfully, it didn’t. I also loved the shady production sabotage and behind‑the‑scenes manipulations woven into the plot. Reality shows are never as straightforward as they seem, and the book captured that perfectly.

The sweet, heartfelt ending was a real highlight for me. It wrapped everything up in a gentle, satisfying way that left me smiling. Overall, this was a charming and enjoyable listen with narration that genuinely enhances the story.

Lucky Haven: Dragonfly Creek, Book 2 by Zoe York with June deBorahae (Narrator); Lance Greenfield (Narrator)

 

Description

It’s sundress season in Dragonfly Creek… and the good girl librarian needs an ex-con bodyguard—or a big, bruising cowboy to be her fake boyfriend. Maybe both.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. Screwed up a career in the military, went to jail. Got some bad tattoos. Coming home to open a garage wasn’t one of them, because now I get to watch Haven Bingham work at the library across the street.

And one summer afternoon, when she’s been pushed to her limit, I’m right there waiting for her when she storms across the street and plants an unexpected but very welcome kiss on my mouth.

Now everyone thinks we’re dating.

Everyone knows she’s mine. Mine to protect, mine to worship.

And behind closed doors?

I get to teach Haven a thing or two about how good it can feel to have the full attention of the town’s bad boy.

A standalone opposites attract, small town romance with a suspense arc! Set in Canada's cowboy country, this book is high heat and full of heart, with an ex-con mechanic and an inexperienced but very curious librarian who has always seen the best in him.

Additional content notes: 

• This book begins with a prologue 12 years in the past that sets up gaslighting and attempted grooming of a 16yo minor (Haven) by a youth pastor. 
• It contains general descriptions of previous abuse multiple characters have experienced.
• There’s on page violence and sex.

I really enjoyed listening to Lucky Haven. Cash and Haven’s long history gives the story a lovely emotional foundation, especially with Cash having quietly carried feelings for her since their school days. That long‑standing connection makes their romance feel genuine and deeply rooted, and it’s easy to get invested in them finally finding their way to each other.

The duet narration adds an extra emotional layer to the experience. Hearing both voices brings out the tension, the longing, and the softer moments in a way that suits this story perfectly. It makes Cash’s devotion feel even more heartfelt and Haven’s uncertainty more relatable.

Cash and Haven are adorable together, though Haven’s cluelessness, particularly for someone in her thirties, is both endearing and occasionally amusing. It fits her sheltered, slightly oblivious personality, and Cash’s steadiness balances her well.

There’s a good mix of romance and suspense throughout, enough to keep the plot moving without overshadowing the relationship. The danger element adds stakes and keeps the story engaging.

Overall, Lucky Haven is a warm, satisfying listen with great chemistry, strong narration, and a blend of sweetness and tension that works beautifully.

Buy link Audible Amazon