Battle Royal was incredibly cute, full of delightful treats, and an utter breeze to read. Full of action and plenty of baking disasters, Battle Royal is perfect for fans of baking competitions and rivals to romance. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
All these romances with baking competitions? I’m into it. With any competition, comes rivalries. And since rivals to romance is one of my favorite tropes, Battle Royal is definitely down my alley. Funnily enough, the baking competition – which was initially my main intrigue – ended up being my least favorite element. Battle Royal also features rival bakeries for an upcoming wedding which ended up stealing the show for me.
Sylvie and Dominic wormed their way into my heart. The scenes of them getting to know each other, of their banter and conversations – those stole my heart. And I felt like their judging of Operation Cake was another element thrown into the mix. But at the end of the day, it was my least favorite because I felt it took time away from Dominic and Sylvie’s stories, their rival baking styles, and the competition for the contract. I understand from a writing perspective that the judging is part of the reason they’re back in each other’s orbit, but it was certainly my least favorite element.
That being said, the other elements swept me away. I loved how driven and caring Dominic is even though he may be a bit of a grump. And don’t get me started on how much I love Sylvie’s love of life and her tender heart. But Battle Royal allows readers to witness the character’s histories, flaws, and vulnerabilities. And soon Dominic and Sylvia gain nuance and depth. Those times when you’re catching the feels, but you are sorta fighting it? That may be one of my new favorite tropes!
Overall,
Battle Royal is a romance that I was always excited to read. Not only to see how the competition would resolve itself, but also to watch Dominic and Sylvie navigate their feelings and relationship. I am beyond excited for the next one to see all of these colorful side characters in action! I also totally predicted who would be in the sequel and I am shrieking with excitement.
Find Battle Royal on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.