August 2, 2021
Romance blossoms between a baker and a movie star in this bland romance from Lau (The Professor Next Door). Up-and-coming actor Ryan Kwok stumbles into Lindsay McLeod’s Toronto bakery and promptly knocks over a tray of fresh doughnuts. Beneath the quippy exchange that follows, there’s a current of attraction that leaves them both dazed as they part ways. Ryan is so enchanted by Lindsay that when his agent books him on the celebrity cooking show “Baking Fail” he hires her to be his baking teacher. Through their lessons, they realize that despite leading very different lives, they have a lot in common, including shared grief over losing a parent, and their growing bond pushes their initial spark and casual, flirtatious connection into becoming something much more. But Ryan’s life in the public eye has Lindsay worried that she won’t be enough for him. Though Lau bolsters the story with appealing subplots about Ryan’s and Lindsay’s careers and loved ones—including a timely exploration of Asian American representation in film and TV—the romance itself feels thin, predictable, and laden with undue angst. There’s great potential, but much of it is wasted. Agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Handspun Literary.
September 1, 2021
An up-an-coming actor and a bakeshop owner find love in Toronto. Ryan Kwok is back home under less than stellar circumstances. He's just finished the press tour for his latest film, the rom-com That Kind of Wedding, and his abs have gotten more positive reviews than the movie. His mother died four months ago, in the middle of his sister's pregnancy with her first child, and his relationship with his emotionally distant father is strained at best. Ryan is on a walk through downtown Toronto when he passes Kensington Bake Shop, reminding him of an afternoon he spent attempting to bake with his mom. Instead of the sweet treat he bargained for when he popped inside, Ryan accidentally knocks over a tray of special matcha tiramisu donuts, inviting the ire of owner Lindsay McLeod. It's not the best first impression, but soon after, when Ryan is asked to participate in a celebrity episode of the TV show Baking Fail, he can't think of anyone better to ask for lessons. Lindsay's life is also in flux. She loves her bakery and working with her best friend, Noreen. But seven years after Lindsay's father's death, her mom has started dating again, Noreen is newly married, and Lindsay is living in an apartment she doesn't own with a roommate she's barely spoken to. She feels like everyone is moving on without her, but teaching Ryan seems like an interesting step forward. As they grow closer over chocolate ganache, they'll have to figure out if their romance can survive their insecurities and past traumas. While the connection between Ryan and Lindsay takes center stage, author Lau tackles big issues--Asian representation in media, male body image, grief, postpartum depression, complicated family dynamics--with skill and heart. A warm treat with just enough spice and complexity to temper the sweetness.
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