Lucy Parker – The Book Date

Book that Most Surprised me.

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for awhile now, and kept putting it off because well when a husband and wife are really happy and then she gets terminally ill. Not really calling to me. Yet once I was reading it I was sucked in, in spite of its more serious subject. Still so well written and the characters were great.

Review of Reading Goal for September

My main goal was to read up my Netgalley review books and catch up on them. I didn’t have that many but I had fallen behind. I caught up and so now I can relax a bit about them. Only 4 I think in the queue.

Libby App at the library. Our library has now switched to this app and it is a lot friendlier. I tried it out and listened to Faro’s Daughter by Georgette Heyer. Not her best book but still good enough.

I cut back my Audible Credits to one a month and I will see how that goes. I still have 8 in hand and some books not listened to.

Battle Royal

Published: Avon and Harper Voyager
Date: 17th August 2021
Source: Publicist via NetGalley

Ready…Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere. When Sylvie’s unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has used her fame to fulfill her dream of opening a bakery. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they fight to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

I have long wanted to read a Lucy Parker romance novel to see if I would like it. Battle Royal was my opportunity. It is definitely an enemies to lovers kind of story and anyone who has watched TV series that involve competition and baking will most likely be interested.

Dominic and Sylvie are interesting characters with childhood backgrounds that have had a big influence on their lives. I loved the little scenario of Dominic and his sister when he was thirteen. Of course they are grown now and I have to say Pet really intrigued me. I think her story will be fascinating and with royal links, will make it very readable.

Battle Royal is well written and involves many facets that I am sure romance readers will love. If you are interested in royalty ( I am) that’s another drawcard. However a British Prince Patrick?? Really the most unlikely name ever! It’s too Irish and Catholic!

Was the book for me? No, not really. First of all the tone is one of romantic comedy with smart writing but it sort of held me, the reader, at arm’s length from the characters. And they do have moving stories. I just didn’t get emotionally involved until way into the book. The plot seemed to weave about a bit and I was a little bored here and there.

There are a lot of “f” bombs and open door bedroom scenes so be warned if that’s not your thing.

I have to say I am tempted to take a look at the next book in the series – the characters and the whole family aspect, plus true royal love are very much a plus.