The Dos and Donuts of Love is a charming queer contemporary full of food puns and competition. For fans of reality TV, baking, and rivalry this is for you! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
“Welcome to the first ever Junior Irish Baking Show!”
Shireen Malik is still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris, when she receives news that she’s been accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true! Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.
Things get complicated, though, because Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the very outgoing Niamh, a fellow contestant who is becoming fast friends with Shireen. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen.
As the competition intensifies , Shireen will have to ignore all these factors and more― including potential sabotage―if she wants a sweet victory!
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: racism, fatphobia, anxiety
The Dos and Donuts of Love to me is pure summer goodness. With a foundation of competition – which felt immersive and realistic – this queer romance story is about proving to ourselves that we have what it takes. It’s about the power of representation, of sharing what we love, and friendship. For fans of YA Contemporary stories, this is a winner. On a side note, I adored the chapter headers with the puns – prepare yourself for some great ones!
The Dos and Donuts of Love features a precious story of swoony love and making amends. But it’s also a lesson in who to trust, how to be a good friend, and not letting the racism of the world stop us from pursuing our dreams. As someone who loves to bake, even if I can never eat enough of my sweet delights, I sunk fully into The Dos and Donuts of Love. With friendship drama and plenty of action in the kitchen, Jaigirdar’s latest release is a treat.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
Find The Dos and Donuts of Love on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & Blackwells.