Rating
Summery
Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colourful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfil her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.
Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favourite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome 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.
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’re both determined 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?
Review
Baking, set in London and a romantic comedy, say no more! Battle Royal by Lucy Parker, the first book in the Palace Insiders series, was everything that I wanted it to be. It’s funny, it’s got romance, it’s full of delightful sweet treats, and all of the pop culture references you could ask for.
It’s a wonderful story told by awesome characters that have you laughing out loud all the way through, except for the few moments where there are tears.
This was my first read of 2022 and I totally adored it. I can’t believe that the first book I read this year is a 5 star read! Madness. It’s setting the bar high for the rest of the books I pick up this year.
I don’t really know what else I can say about this book. It’s wonderful and I very much recommend giving it a read. But I will add on some of my favourite quotes from it - be aware there may be spoilers from this point!
Quotes
Fun new fact: when a person snorted and swallowed at the same time, hot tea ended up on their chin and in their sinuses.
For a fucking cuddle, no less.
She was distracted from her speculation, however, when he opened his mouth and uttered the sexiest words a man had ever spouted in the history of orgasms. “We have cheesecake in the fridge.”
Her fingers twisted into his when he silently took her hand. “That sometimes you have to overcome your fears and reach out for what you really want. Because no matter what happens in the end, you’ll never regret a single moment. It’s always worth it. It’s the only thing that matters really.”