The Marquess of Cake (Redcakes #1)
Heather Hiestand
Release Date: July 4, 2013
Heather Hiestand
Release Date: July 4, 2013
Book Description:
Coffee…tea…or a pastry chef sweeter than any confection…
Scotch trifle fit for Queen Victoria, scones with clotted cream…Alys Redcake knows the way to a man’s heart. Yet she is unaware that with each morsel—and flash of ankle—she is seducing the handsome marquess frequenting her father’s tea shop. Unmarried at twenty-six, Alys’s first love is the family business. But thoughts of the gentleman’s touch are driving her to distraction…
With his weakness for sugar, the Marquess of Hatbrook can imagine no more desirable woman than one scented with cake and spice. Mistaking Alys for a mere waitress, he has no doubt she would make a most delicious mistress. And when he finds himself in need of an heir, he plans to make her his convenient bride. Yet as they satisfy their craving for one another, business and pleasure suddenly collide. Will Hatbrook’s passion for sweets—and for Alys—be his heart’s undoing?
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Review:
Digital review copy provided by Foreword Literary in exchange for fair and honest review.
What can I say? Romance and sweets – I simply couldn’t resist the temptation. And so I found myself with a copy of The Marquess of Cake, an enjoyable and quick read that certainly played to my sweet tooth.
Alys Redcake is 26 and considered a spinster at her age, however unlike her younger sisters Alys has no wish of finding a husband and feels quite content working at her father’s Redcake's Tea Shop and Emporium. She loves to bake and decorate cakes, but with her family’s changing position in society her dreams of continuing on in her father’s business are cut short. Devastated by the loss of her job and avoiding her father’s persistent attempts at marrying her off Alys’s only escape is ironically in marriage.
“She foresaw some type of Jane Austen life, and she couldn’t stand that lady’s novels. So utterly dull, to think of nothing but husbands all the time.” The Marquess of Cake (p. 190).
Michael Shield, Marquess of Hatbrook has a real sweet tooth, and an eye for a feisty cakie – Alys from his favorite Redcake’s Tea Shop and Emporium in London. But Michael is a nobleman and with a younger brother as his heir, he is not looking for marriage until a mistake would change his plans…
Victorian setting, a strong-willed couple and a story of their lust, marriage, love and of course desserts. The Marquess of Cake is not a perfect historical romance, but certainly a refreshing one. Bar the instant attraction this is not your usual insta-love romance, there is time for romance of course but it is slowly developing and neither of the characters truly grasps their love for each other until it is almost too late. And it is certainly fun to watch the developing relation between Alys and Michael. Both have their own struggles to overcome together and on their own, and at the end, learn to trust and rely on each other.
I admit I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and if you are one of those people who judge a book by its cover [ducks head -- guilty as charged] I suggest you don’t dismiss this one right away as a quickie romp. The author does a fine job keeping to the Victoria setting and not letting the characters get away with too many actions contradictory to the time period, which is certainly a refreshing touch. With both lighter and darker touches, some family drama and interesting secondary characters [Lewis in particular was a favorite of mine] there is plenty to keep the reader’s attention. So, if you are in the mood for a lighter historical romance this one is for you.
Happy reading!
Redcakes Series:
The Marquess of Cake (Redcakes #1)
One Taste of Scandal (Redcakes #2)
Expected Publication: December 5, 2013
His Wicked Smile (Redcakes #3)
Expected Publication: 2014
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour Stops:
Be sure to stop by the other stops of the tour!
November 07: Sharon | The Book Barbies
November 08: Mandi | Never Too Fond of Books
November 11: Victoria | Zemfirka Blogs
November 12: ELF | The Reading Addict
November 13: Jessica | Peace Love Books
November 14: Caz | Romantic Historical Lovers
Sounds interesting! I'll have to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! It kept me well entertained on my flight. :)
DeleteWell the cover is yummy, and at first I didn't even think it was a historical. This looks good, and of course you know I adore the marriage trope. Wonderful review Victoria and thanks for the chance to win it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kimba! :) Yes, I think the cover even though yummy might be a bit contradictory to what's inside.
DeleteI love the title and the cover of this book! As a baker, the title has appeal. As a woman, the cover has appeal.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
I'm glad you approve... by the way I wasn't trying to be negative over the cover, I just thought it didn't reflect the historical setting of the book as well... but other than that desserts and men!? Count me in!!! :)
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