Donut Fall in Love
Author: Jackie Lau
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Ryan Kwok is a sitcom actor staring in his first leading movie roll. The movie and actor aren’t getting the best reviews, although his abs are receiving a lot of airtime on social media. Determined to take a moment to grieve his mother’s death and spend quality time with his family, Ryan takes off a few months to stay home in Toronto.
Lindsay owns a bakery with her best friend Noreen. They specialize in gourmet donuts and other custom baked goods. Lindsay is in the process of displaying her latest creation when a good looking man runs into her, causing all the donuts to fall. She’s annoyed, but when he returns later asking for baking lessons, she’s intrigued.
Donut Fall in Love is a delightful romance that hits all the right notes. Ryan and Lindsay have a meet cute and an immediate attraction. But they come from two different worlds, so the idea of Lindsay teaching Ryan how to bake provides the perfect “forced proximity” situation. They spend time together and learn that they can be themselves with one another. They are two people who were ready for a relationship with the right person, even though they don’t know it. Being around one another helps them to be their best selves.
I love that the story feels genuine. Yes, there is some fairytale/romcom vibes, but when the couple is together, they are real. The humor, friendship, and struggles are all relatable on some level. The author does a great job of getting readers into the mind and heart of her main characters. I appreciate the weight Ryan feels of being an Asian male in a lead role and his worries the bad reviews will make it harder for Asian men to get good leads. I adore that Lindsey is confident and doesn’t doubt Ryan’s interest; she just feels practical about the fact he’ll leave some day. I also love the family dynamics and how each deals with it. Their story is feel good without lots of unnecessary drama.
Donut Fall in Love is a sweet romance with a side of sexy abs. I highly recommend.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
Actor Ryan Kwok is back in Toronto after the promotional tour for his latest film, a rom-com that is getting less-than-stellar reviews. After the sudden death of his mother and years of constant work, Ryan is taking some much-needed time off. But as he tries to be supportive to his family, he struggles with his loss and doesn’t know how to talk to his dad—who now trolls him on Twitter instead of meeting him for dim sum.
Innovative baker Lindsay McLeod meets Ryan when he knocks over two dozen specialty donuts at her bakery. Their relationship is off to a messy start, but there’s no denying their immediate attraction. When Ryan signs up for a celebrity episode of Baking Fail, he asks Lindsay to teach him how to bake and she agrees.
As Lindsay and Ryan spend time together, bonding over grief and bubble tea, it starts to feel like they’re cooking up something sweeter than cupcakes in the kitchen.
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, rom-com
Format(s): paperback (368 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)