I received this book for free from Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Great Christmas Cook Off by Helen Buckley Published by Choc Lit on November 15, 2022
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance
Pages: 285
Source: Rachel's Random Resources
Format: E-galley
My Rating:
Goodreads
Blurb:
It’s the festive showdown to end all festive showdowns …
“Queen of Chocolate” Beatrice Wodehouse, known for her decadent desserts, is ready to go head to head with her social media nemesis, clean lean baking machine Charlie Simmonds, in the Great Christmas Cook Off TV show.
Beatrice is fed up of Charlie’s sanctimonious attitude and is ready to show him that food is there to be enjoyed. Surely she’ll blow his keto, low sugar, low-carb mince pies out of the water with her chocolatey creations?
Except filming for the Cook Off turns out to be anything but sugar, spice and all things nice when the contestants realise there’s a festive saboteur in their midst – leading to melted ice cream, trifle mishaps and private stories leaked to the press.
As the countdown to the final commences, suspicions run high and sparks are bound to fly – and not just from the flaming Christmas puddings!
Part of the Spotlight series but it can be read as a standalone story.
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BFJSNQ8Y
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFJSNQ8Y
My Review
As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, while I do not like watching cooking shows, there is something about a book that takes place in a cooking show, especially a reality competition like this one that I can’t resist! This book was a lot of fun in so many ways. I loved all the different types of food that were part of this story. So many that I would love to try!
It was easy to see how Beatrice and Charlie would have such a contentious relationship because of the opposite types of foods they cooked. Although once you got down to the reasons for why they cooked what they did, and their own histories, we could see that really the two were more alike in their reasons for what they did than they could ever imagine. It wasn’t necessarily two opposites attracted to each other, but the enemy to lover trope could fit for sure.
There was a lot of good background for both of the main characters. It made all the things they did and felt make sense. Although I still feel that Beatrice accusing Charlie at that last accident was a little out of it after all the times she’d been talking with the other past contestants about talk of a saboteur. And between the two of them accusing each other back and forth, at a certain point if they’d believed the other, I feel like they should have not gone down that doubting path so quickly and easily. But I guess, the whole saying, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, could come into play here.
This was a sweet romance. There was no actual action more than a kiss or so. A few somewhat lusty thoughts, but nothing major. So if you enjoy a sweet holiday romance with lots of delicious sounding foods, you should give The Great Christmas Cook Off by Helen Buckley a try.
About the Author
Ever since I was little I wanted to be a writer, to turn daydreams into books. I’m fascinated by fame, in love with Happy Ever Afters, and enthralled by slow-burn romances. I squeeze in time to write around looking after my two sons. Find out more about me on my website www.buckleybooks.org
Social Media Links –
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HelenCBuckley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/helenbuckleyauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/helencatherinebuckley
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I love baking and cooking shows, and a good clean romance. I’m going to have to check this one out.
You definitely should! Sounds perfect for you!
Sounds like a cute read overall. I do love baking shows, especially holiday themed ones, so that aspect is always fun in a book.
It is a cute little read. Hope you get the chance to try it!