Battle Royal by Lucy Parker | BOOK REVIEW | (Palace Insiders #1)

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker | BOOK REVIEW | (Palace Insiders #1)

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Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful 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 fulfill 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.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite 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.

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’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?

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker | BOOK REVIEW | (Palace Insiders #1)

BATTLE ROYAL BY LUCY PARKER
BOOK REVIEW

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

I’m a big fan of THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF, and lately I’ve been reading more and more novels that focus on baking shows – like Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake – and I’m loving it.

And although Dominic didn’t look anything like you know who from #GBBO, it was definitely him I imagined – lol. Also it didn’t hurt that both main characters were older, established and successful in their career. Their relationship started on equal footing, it was more mature and low on drama. And their interactions were SWOONWORTHY!!!

The book had much to offer, from the baking show, to the contract competition, to the royal drama – it had something for everyone. Also, the banter in BATTLE ROYAL was superb. I loved the quick witted and dry humor, and most of all the chemistry and obvious attraction between the couple.

Besides the rivals to lovers trope, I also enjoyed the patchwork/found family trope – it has always been a favorite of mine, and it’s still something that I enjoy immensely – especially with so many great characters. Hoping to see some of them in future books.

Overall the book was well written, maybe it dragged a little between the amazing dialogues, but the interaction between the characters was wonderful, and the characters themselves were memorable. I just lost steam at times, and that resulted in me reading the book in three big junks, with weeks in between each junk, and that wouldn’t have happened if the book would have hooked me 100%.

But, truly, that’s all I could complain about. Otherwise the novel had everything I love about a great romance.

ALMOST FOUR STARS

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Battle Royal by Lucy Parker | BOOK REVIEW | (Palace Insiders #1)