I am always amazed at books written like the popular reality tv shows, but when they’re cooking shows? Even more amazed!!

Bake-o-Rama is a reality baking show bringing in bakers from all over the country. The ultimate prize is $100K.

Tori is a recently divorced mom of twins who is a teach by day and a baker by night. Her dream is to open her own bakery, but with the divorce, there’s a lot standing in the way. When Tori is signed up to be a contestant on the show, the imposter syndrome is strong and she doubts herself. Once she makes it through to the taping, she knows she can do it.

Enter Kendra, one of the 2 judges on the baking reality show. She’s been career driven for all her life, and never had enough time for relationships. At least that overcame her career.

When Kendra and Tori start a friendly secret chat in passing notes via the weekly gift boxes, both women question it all. Is it really worth potentially ruining Kendra’s career and hindering Tori’s new outlook on life to even admit to the feelings that have sprung up over the course of filming?

Tori Moore is a high school educator, who teaches the biochem of baking, a home baker and a single mother. Her 2 children are about to go off to college and leave her an empty nester. Her kids sign up for the tv baking competition American Bake-o-Rama, and she makes it onto the show where she is hoping to win $100,000 that would help her pursue her dream of opening up her own bakery.

On the show, things don't go the way Tori expects and she catches the eye of celebrity chef, and judge Keandra Campbell. Throughout the 6 weeks of filming they try and stay away from each other but subtly communicate and get to know each other. They might get more out of this competition than either of them expected.

A SAPPHIC BAKING COMPETITION ROMANCE, is exactly what I needed in life. Also it was refreshing for the romance to be of older characters. I also enjoyed that there was a big focus on the food and baking portion of the story. My big qualm is was I did not buy into the romance, it felt very insta love and because the romance was not a big focus it did not feel well developed or believable.

Introduction:
Lisa Peers’ "Love at 350" is a delicious blend of passion, pastry, and the perseverance of two strong women striving to make their mark.

Plot Summary:
Tori Moore, a high school chemistry teacher and baking enthusiast, embarks on a journey not just to win a baking competition, but to reclaim her self-worth following a painful divorce. The stakes are high, with the promise of not only a significant monetary reward but a chance for Tori to realize her long-cherished dream of owning a bakery.

Parallel to Tori’s journey, we meet Kendra Campbell, a fiercely ambitious celebrity chef. Kendra grapples with societal expectations, trying to recalibrate her stern approach in an industry that has often been unkind to women.

Strengths:
Kendra and Tori are multifaceted characters, who have a strong character arc. They both grew immensely as the book progressed. I enjoyed learning about baking, baking shows, and the complexities of the kitchen.

Areas of Improvement:
Without spoiling anything, I wish we could have spent more time with Tori and Kendra as a couple. Maybe adding an epilogue with helped with that. The romance aspect of the book felt scaled back, even though it was marketed as a romance. Also, sometimes I was confused about which POV we were reading about, so it would have helped to put each woman’s name at the beginning of each chapter.


Conclusion:
I would read another book by Lisa Peers!

Cooking shows seem to be a popular setting for romance novels right now and I'm here for it. Love at 350 is sweet and funny, while also delivering the fun of a baking competition and the meanderings of recipe development.

2.5 rounded up to a 3. Love At 350 isn't my idea of a rom-com. It's primarily centered around food and a baking competition- with barely there romance and no real comedy, wit, or banter.

*3.5

I did enjoy the book but Kendra and Tori did not talk enough at all. They literally talked maybe twice a week. I could have survived if maybe on one of the notes that they wrote to each other they put their phone number. I just wanted to see them together more. On that note there isn't an epilogue which is weird considering they don't get together until the last three pages of the book.

I received an arc through netgalley.

- Oh my goodness, LOVE AT 350° is everything I wanted it to be. Delicious food descriptions, tense baking moments, and the pining from a distance! This book is a delight.
- I adored that both our main characters were over 40, with Tori having teenage kids and contentiously divorced from her wife. I loved that she and Kendra both knew themselves (including their weaknesses) and still grew emotionally - both together and separately - in a believable way.
- This book is a suuuper slow burn, no steam romance. It's all about the longing, the meaningful glances, the coded, hidden messages. It puts the focus on the characters' internal growth in a way I found so satisfying.

I love a good baking romance and this one is great! Kendra is a chef and one of the judges of Bake-o-rama, known for her gruff reaction to the contestants. Tori is a high school teacher whose twins nominate her for the show the summer before they leave for college. When Tori makes it on to the show, sparks begin to fly between her and Kendra. Due to a "no fraternization" clause in their contracts, both women do their best to hide their feelings. Told in alternating perspectives, this is a sweet romance with a satisfying ending.

This book was the epitome of a warm hug, a freshly baked apple pie, or a cup of hot cocoa on a winter’s day!! Wholesome and cute in all the right ways. The vibes were flawless! It gave great British bake off with a bit of a forbidden romance!

The characters were great and fully flushed out, real, and like able (for the most part😂)! The plot was more focused on the -com part of romcom with a dash of romance but I didn’t really mind that! It featured queer/lgbtqia+ rep, Women in STEM rep, divorce rep, Middle age rep, an much much more!!

For me this book was fully a winner, and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!!

4.5⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dial Press Publishing for the review copy!

I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher.

So to say I was confused by this story when the romance is minimal and the title has love in it is an understatement. While I generally enjoy baking shows and baking show themed romances, and I genuinely like this book I think it's wildly mismarketed. It's a baking show romance that's HEAVY on the baking show. I learned more about baking and the side characters than the main two that were supposed to fall in love spent interacting. And yes I understand completely they're in a tight spot being a contestant and a judge, but like where's the fun in not having them really interact and almost get caught. Idk seems a little lackluster. That being said this book definitely makes you want to pull out your baking equipment and get in there and try a new baked good lol.

As her twin children are about to leave for college,Tori is still adjusting to being divorced, with her ex-wife now living her dream on the other side of the country, having left Tori a few years prior, essentially holding the emotional and financial bag of finishing raising their twins.

Meanwhile, Kendra is literally working herself to the bone while struggling with the reality of tiny profit margins, rising rents, and constant staff turnover at both her small chain of bakeries and her flagship restaurant, Gamma Raye, while wondering where her life has gone.

I need to start by saying that I haven’t been pulled this hard into a straight (ha!) romance for a good long while. On its face, it’s a simple story about what happens next when people come to crossroads, set within the trappings of a tv “reality” baking show, but the execution made it something richer.

The writing voice grabbed me from the first chapter, but I suspect that someone who actually enjoys cooking (especially baking), and/or watches so-called “reality tv”, would love this book even more than I did.

And I loved it quite a lot!

It really is lovely to see both women feeling those first flutters of attraction and interest and heat, and more so because they are also dealing with all the cumulative baggage of four decades of living, of dreams attempted and abandoned, realized and soured; and the stakes are high for both, not just personally, but professionally.

“It wasn’t that she didn’t want to fall in love again. She just didn’t know if she could.” (Tori’s point of view, Chapter 1)

“More than once, she’d heard the words, “It’s just food!” But it was never “just food”. It was her livelihood, her artistic temperament, her ambition, and her personal history” (Kendra’s point of view, Chapter 2)

The book is structured around the shooting of the baking show over the course of eight weeks, and on the instant connection between Kendra and Tori; however, the rest of their lives do not go on hiatus. Kendra is facing a crisis regarding her restaurant; Tori’s ex-wife keeps bringing long-distance drama into her life, and then there’s that pesky “no fraternizing” clause in their contracts.

Essentially, “life keeps happening, whether it’s convenient or not, what are you going to do with it, then?”).

At the start, the chapters alternate in point of view between Tori and Kendra; through their eyes, we meet the secondary characters organically: Tori’s kids, worried about her turning into a hermit when they leave; her friends, trying to draw her out for the same reason. Kendra’s older brother, also her financial manager, hoping to help her find a better life/work balance while ensuring she’s financially secure.

While we don’t spend a lot of time with these characters, they’re written in a way that conveys that each of them have lives of their own, with interests that intersect or diverge from Tori’s and Kendra’s.

The twins show their love for their mother by getting her into the show; Kendra’s and Alden’s sibling dynamic is expressed through the repeated use of the phrase, “as someone who loves you” (followed by sarcasm, reassurance, criticism, etc). These relationships are well done without taking up too much space.

As the story goes on, the changes in point of view become shorter as the stakes grow higher, both in terms of the baking competition and the two protagonists’ personal lives, and as the undeniable attraction between them grows, changing them for the better at the same time that it endangers both their futures.

There is something particularly satisfying in feeling how Tori’s and Kendra’s feelings for each other deepen, how they solidify into something more real than either expected, without having them revert to teenage angst. Tori struggles with impostor syndrome after decades of being in a marraige with someone who constantly made her interests and talents be inconsequential, smaller, unimportant. Kendra is trying to soften edges sharpened by decades of having to prove herself worthy in a male-dominated field.

And yet, they find a way to connect with each other without outright violating the terms of the blasted contract (we even get a bit of an epistolary romance, which I absolutely loved).

While the lion’s share of characterization goes to the two main characters, the author introduces the crew producing the show very efficiently; with a couple of lines from Tori’s perspective, we get quite clear portraits of Zack, the efficient and long suffering production assistant; Trevor, the well respected chef and main judge; Buddy, the insufferable Lothario-wannabe tv exec; Anika, the bubbly host, who’s nonetheless heartily sick of all the cutesy puns, and so on.

There is no romanticizing of the making of a ‘reality tv’ show; we get to see ‘how the sausage is made’, warts and all: non-disclosure agreements, internal politics, power struggles, and so on. There’s even a bit of a mystery, complete with red herrings and subtle clues that keep the reader guessing.

The solutions to the different conflicts in the story are well executed; there’s just a bit of fantasy in how all the pieces come together at the end, but the whole works really well, and I’m convinced that Tori and Kendra will make their relationship work.

A final note: there are only a few kisses in the book, and those at the very end; and yet, the sexual tension between the leads starts growing from early in the story. Those kisses are earned.

Love at 350° gets 8.75 out of 10

Edit: I was very tired when I wrote this review, which means I left something really important out: the narrative goes to lengths not to address race, in a story set in a very multicultural city in a country that describes itself as “a melting pot”.

A little bit of love, a little bit of mystery, and lots of baking!

Tori and Kendra meet on the set of a baking show and sparks fly, but their contracts don’t allow for them to pursue a relationship.

Tori is a chemistry teacher with dreams of owning her own bakery. She is a single mom to twins who are big fans of the show. Kendra is a chef who owns her own restaurant and a chain of cookie shops. She is known as The Chopper for her attitude and coldness on the show, but she softens in the presence of Tori.

Tori is doing well on each challenge but it seems someone may be trying to sabotage her. Who is it and why would they do such a thing?

This was so cute and cozy. It reminded me of The Charm Offensive with its unique setting of a reality show and LGBTQ+ love story. I loved how normalized it was that Tori and Kendra were gay, though. There was never even a reference to it or an explanation or any kind of awkward dialogue—it was just two people who were interested in each other.

I also enjoyed how much of this book was about baking and cooking and more specifically the character’s dreams. The character development was great; I felt like I really knew the characters and what they wanted.

Overall, this was a cute and cozy read, perfect for fall. If you like cooking shows and romance novels, you’ll enjoy this one!

This book was so fun and sweet. I really loved Tori and Kendra and enjoyed reading about two middle-aged MCs which seems to be so rare in romance novels. I wish we got to see a little less of the competition and a little more romance but overall I enjoyed this and cannot wait to see what other books we get from Lisa Peers in the future!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This was cute. I wouldn't call it a romance -- don't get me wrong, there was a romantic aspect to it, but it was more like two parallel stories that became interwoven from time to time... and that ended with a HEA.

We have Tori - chemistry teacher who loves to bake, is the mother of twins who are about to leave the house, and is newly divorced - after her wife cheated on her. Her kids have entered her in a national, televised baking competition (Bake-O-Rama) which leads her to meet...

Chef Kendra Campbell - #TheChopper - baking judge who doesn't mince words. Who is also facing the closure of her restaurant and the last thing she expects is to fall for a contestant ... something that is very much against the rules.

I'm giving this 3.5 stars because while I loved Tori and Kendra individually - I did find that their connection felt a little... forced? Almost as though the author wanted to sprinkle in a romantic storyline to this book, when it could have worked equally well without it.

Or maybe it would have worked better if our two mains had met prior to meeting at "Bake-O-Rama", had a connection and then met on set and realized that it was "forbidden" but the attraction had continued to grow (honestly - even a one night stand the night before filming starts could have set this up beautifully)? Maybe that would have worked better. It was just a *little* hard to believe that they would both jeopardize their career or their place in the competition over someone they found attractive but didn't really know if there was actual chemistry.

That said. The baking challenges are great fun. Think "The Great British Bake Off" with a slight twist. If you enjoyed both "Love and Other Disasters" by Anita Kelly and Erin La Rosa's "For Butter or Worse" - both books about cooking competitions and/or professional chefs - I think you'll enjoy this one too.

Recommended reading with a strong cup of coffee/tea and a scone. Or perhaps coffee cake. Or pie. Or babka. Basically - don't be surprised if you get the munchies while reading this book.

This was sweet. I will always support queer romance, especially from different age groups, but sadly this romance was a little flat for me. All of the food stuff was great though!

First Thoughts: Gimme all the sweet treats!
My mood while reading: Lovey
Songs: My Boy Lollipop/ Elevator Love Letter

A huge thank you to Dial Press and PRH Audio for granting me access to this title. I crushed this one in a day, because I had to know how it worked out.

Any romance novel with a cooking competition theme will be an auto-buy for me. Love at 350° by Lisa Peers was a delight. This book has forbidden love, a quest to reignite personal passions, and self-discovery.

Tori is a high school chemistry teacher, but burnout is real and her job just isn't doing it for her anymore. Her kids are about to fly the nest and Tori isn't sure what she will do with herself over the summer. When her kids tell her they've submitted her to a cooking competition in Sonoma, Tori is quick to say no. However, they convince her to follow through with the audition and soon Tori's summer is taking off on a very different trajectory.

Meanwhile Kendra is known as the ruthless judge on the show. She relishes her fear inducing role. Think Paul Hollywood... everyone has a soggy bottom (iykyk). However, there's something about Tori that has the ice queen's hard exterior melting.

As both women navigate the competition through very different lenses, they both are seeking professional validation, personal validation, and desperately trying to ignore the sizzle that sparks between them any time they interact.

The romance in this novel sells itself. Other elements I particularly enjoyed was the cooking aspects of this book and the competition elements. In particular, I liked the way Tori blended unusual favors and leaned into her chemistry background to craft her bakes. I always love a little competitive sabotage (we know the saboteurs never come out on top!) and Peers gave me just enough of that to enjoy it. I felt a lot like I was watching an episode of Great British Bake-Off play-out on the pages of this novel.

Love at 350 is a sweet rom com featuring a forbidden love between a baking show contestant and judge. Tori a long time chemistry teacher finds herself taking a chance and following her passion as she ends up on the newest season of bake o rama. Kendra begrudginly finds herself the judge of yet another season. Forbidden by the shows congrats the two women navigate their feelings for each other as well as their ambitions.

Highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a baking themed rom com!

This was a goddamn DELIGHT!!

Big Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for an ARC that allowed me to read this gem before it came out on Oct 10.

This is technically a romance, but to me, it felt like a story about women who are drawn to each other, though each at their own life crossroads with a baking competition as a backdrop.

Tori Moore is a high school chemistry teacher, and her trademark course combines her two passions: chemistry and baking. She is still dealing with the dissolution of her marriage, and her twins are heading off to college soon. She is still harboring dreams of opening her own bakery but isn't sure that's in the cards for her. And reentering the dating scene isn't even remotely on her radar. Her kids are nervous about what being an empty nester will mean for her, and submit an application on her behalf for American Bake-o-Rama. When she shows up for casting she is immediately taken by Judge Kendra Campbell - known for being a bit of a hardass as well as a prodigious baker herself.

If you enjoy food and baking, you will LOVE this one. The details!! I also think this is something refreshing about using a baking show as a backdrop for two middle-aged women who are facing a lot of changes in their lives, and figuring out how to navigate it all.

I finished this in one day, and couldn't wipe the smile off my face!! I highly, highly recommend

Will post this to goodreads, retail sites and my bookstagram @scottonreads

3.25 stars!

"Love at 350°" by Lisa Peers is a solid 40s-somethings sapphic baking show novel that certainly made me very hungry, but made me slightly less enthralled with the romantic aspect. What this book does well is describe the baking show proceedings, cooking and baking preparations, and the various types of foods to be prepared in great detail. It is also full of reality show and in-real-life character drama. This story is very reminiscent of "The Great British Bake-Off" combined with books like "Chef's Kiss" by TJ Alexander, "Fake It Till You Bake It" by Jamie Wesley, and "Sugar and Spice" by Kimberley Kincaid. What this book is light on is romance. While the attraction between main characters Tori and Kendra shows up at some point, on Kendra's part, it feels like her feelings go from 0-100 rather quickly. Their potential love story takes a backseat to baking show shenanigans. It might be because their potential romance is "forbidden" because they each signed contracts that don't allow contestants (Tori) and judges (Kendra) to fraternize for at least a year after the show has wrapped. As a result, they are forced to communicate by passing notes to one another. This slows down the pacing a lot, in my opinion. We have to keep waiting for all of the reality show stuff to stop for Tori and Kendra to even have the slightest communication together. There is also a mysterious element involving another one of the contestants, Natalie, who leaves quickly, doesn't communicate with the bakers, and has an unpleasant disposition. I loved that the characters were in their 40s, more of that in the romance genre, but please, let there be ACTUAL ROMANCE in more mature character novels! The writing is fine, but it feels like this book was mismarketed in large part. It wraps up nicely, but I feel a bit duped by this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Peers, Random House Publishing Group - Random House, and Dial Press Trade Paperback for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

This book was marketed as a rom-com. It's barely a romance and it certainly isn't funny. I love a book with a cooking or baking competition in it but this one is not it. I don't mind the lack of romance really because the cooking competition part is always interesting to me but I want publishers to do better with their marketing. Yes there's an HEA and yes there is some flirting but overall, it's very very very romance lite. I was completely disappointed with the book.

Don't go in expecting a rom-com. This isn't it.