Quick Summary: A "sugar buzz" romance

My Review: Baking It Merry by Samantha Chase is a sweet enemies to lovers fiction novel that is just right for the holidays.

About the Book: Mr. Bah Humbug meets his match when he crosses paths with Ms. Claus.

About the Characters:

Daphne - >

At the end of the year, Daphne Noelle gets to live out her dreams and bake until her heart is content. She successfully operates a pop up bakery at a downtown venue. For the last three years, all has gone incredibly well, for the most part. Unfortunately, Mr. Grinch himself (Tristan) tries to bring his gray cloud of an attitude her way. Little does he know that she won't be so easily deterred by his grouchiness.

Tristan - >

Little Miss Sunshine is at it again, and it is all Tristan can do to keep his attitude in check. Every holiday season, he cannot help but to get annoyed by the gingerbread setup and the I'm so happy" vibes given off by Daphne. This is the year that he will definitely put a stop to what she has going on.

About the Conflict: When Tristan finds himself in the middle of a holiday hiccup, he has to enlist the help of you know who. Although he does so begrudgingly, he soon appreciates the assist from Daphne. What began as a favor eventually becomes something more. Will the two be able to create the perfect relationship recipe for themselves?

About the Narration: This novel was narrated by Melanie Mendez. It flowed so effortlessly that I was wrapped up in every word and emotion. It was easy to listen to and get swept up in the story in one sitting.

My Final Say: I adored this story. It was a just right read for the Christmas season. It was light and playful. It even had a dose of closed door, sugary heat. Both leads were able to demonstrate growth and courage. I would even dare say that this should be a holiday movie.

Other: I loved the involvement of family in the lives of both characters. Each family proved not to be to overly heavy or pushy, rather they presented as positive and supportive, for the most part.

Rating: 4.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: 🍬
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure to read/listen to this novel.

Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media for the gifted ALC of this one. These are my honest thoughts!

I only got into Samantha Chase this year, so I definitely have not read her extensive backlist. However, I've been adoring her The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge series.

Baking It Merry was a bit different than the other Samantha Chase books I've listened to, but I liked it nonetheless! This was the perfect little "Hallmark Movie" of a book, with a little small pop-up baker battling it out in with the stuck up architect in the sterile office building where his firm is located. The happy-go-lucky bakery owner making everything sweeter just really makes him bitter, and we all know what happens when that happens...

This one was such a fun take on the well-known holiday romance of these sorts. I enjoyed it a lot and enjoyed the performance by narrator Melanie Mendez.

3.75 stars

Special thanks to NetGalley, author Samantha Chase, and Dreamscape Media for the advanced listener copy of Baking It Merry. I'm a big fan of Samantha Chase, so I was thrilled to see she's releasing a Christmas book! This book was a delight! Small Town, Enemies-to-Lovers, holiday romance that truly delivered

Everyone in the building adored the bake shop—except for the guy on the top floor.
Tristan wishes there were no trace of Christmas in the building. For two months each year, Daphne Noelle lives her dream of running a pop-up bakery that looks like a gingerbread house, spreading joy to everyone who visits. But this year, Tristan is determined to ruin it all.

When a family crisis strikes, he reluctantly turns to Daphne for help, and he must navigate her cheerful holiday spirit. As they spend time together, he begins to see there’s more to her than just holiday cheer—and maybe Christmas can be a little more special when you’re with the right person.

Publication Date- November 19, 2024
#BakingItMerry #NetGalley