Reviews

Bake Off by Denise Grover Swank

cheyw85's review

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

storysquirell's review

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

skmur's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

4.5

stacieanne's review

5.0

Okay again i really enjoyed this book! I like the characters a lot and that they give a lot of information on who could be the murderer. They definitely do a big wrap up at the end but i kinda love that lol i think it’s fun. I can’t wait for the third one to come out!

briaraq's review

4.0

This is a good read but what about Maddie’s mom???

daisyknox's review

5.0

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder


Trouble seems to find Maddie Baker no matter what she’s doing. After being nearly kidnapped, then kidnapped and almost murdered, she expects life to go back to normal. But there’s never a dull moment as she searches for a missing woman, especially once her idiot ex shows up. Maddie’s got enough on her plate already when Steve shows up with a giant engagement ring and declares they’ll be married in a month. Of course, she says no but Steve hears something else entirely. No matter what she says or does, he won’t take no for an answer and Maddie can’t figure out why he’d suddenly want to get married. He didn’t seem too broken up when she dumped him and moved away, so that makes his marriage plan highly suspicious. He refuses to explain and just insists he loves her, but Maddie’s determined to figure out his ulterior motives.

If only Noah was the one pursuing her, she’d be much happier. But despite how close they became so soon after meeting, Noah spooked and ran off once the case was over and Maddie was no longer in danger. He’s been ghosting her ever since, to Maddie’s disappointment. We get more insight into Noah’s baggage than we did in the first book, which I wanted. Yes, we know what happened with Caleb and Sarge and how he struggles to come to terms with it even now, but there’s a lot more affecting him.

The mystery has the perfect amount of suspense to balance the tension between Maddie and Noah. I like both characters a lot and really enjoyed the supporting cast. Mallory is hilarious and Maddie needs someone to count on. Lance might be my favorite character in the series so I really hope he gets his own book. This series keeps you guessing and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Maddie.

spowers2627's review against another edition

5.0

Denise Grover Swank writes complex and layered characters and Maddie Baker is her newest fierce heroine. This story starts out strong with an interaction between Maddie and a mysterious character. From there the storyline is propelled by Denise’s trademark witty dialogue and a series of twists and turns that left me guessing until the end.
Maddie’s story is filled with action, angst and romance and is everything I hope for when I read one of Denise’s stories. Readers are going to LOVE this book ❤️

cloudedsulphur's review

5.0

Entertaining and exciting

I’m here to tell you that if you’re holding out on this series because you love Rose Gardner, give this a chance. Love Maddie Baker and all the characters with her. The mystery in this story will suck you in, and you’ll find yourself staying up past your bedtime to find out what happened. It’s great seeing the characters grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. And I’m so excited to see more of a potential relationship (without spoiling the who).

faifee's review against another edition

4.0

This is my first book by Denise Grover Swank, and I enjoyed it. I probably would have benefitted reading the first book first, but I honestly wasn't too lost reading the second. The author explains enough about the characters and their backgrounds throughout the book that I didn't really feel too lost.

I enjoyed Maddie's character. She is strong and caring and always out to help others. She doesn't let things go, and constantly pushes to figure things out. You can rely on her character.

Noah was..well...he needed to stop having his head up his butt. I liked his character, but he really needs to work through his personal issues. This book did have an HFN so that was good. Curious to see if there will be a book 3 and how it will develop. I really hope it has more of Maddie's best friend and Noah's partner. Would like to read more on those two.

I did enjoy this book and definitely recommend it to others.

marquez's review

hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0