Review: Baked Fresh (Portland Heat #2) by Annabeth Albert

From its famous coffee to the mouthwatering fare at its cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, Portland, Oregon, has a lot to whet the appetite, including the hard-working men who serve it all up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Vic Degrassi is a baker on the rise, and it’s all thanks to his rare ability to make—and keep—his New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, giving up smoking, or graduating from culinary school, Vic goes after what he wants—and gets it. This year? He wants Robin Dawson, the sweet-hearted hottie who volunteers with him at the local homeless shelter. When he learns that Robin is suddenly single after being unceremoniously dumped, Vic is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on—or at least a fresh-baked pastry to bite into. But it’s been a long time since Vic’s gone on a date, and he’s nervous about risking his friendship with Robin. So when their flirtation turns into a steamy night together, Vic and Robin have to figure out if they’re friends with benefits or lovers in the making, and if Robin is ready for something more than just a rebound. There’s only one way to find out: turn up the heat.

Goodreads | Source: e-ARC provided by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review:

Albert’s Served Hot (Portland Heat #1) was one of my favorite romances I've read this year so I was quick to request book #2 in the series, Baked Fresh, when it popped up on Netgalley. Unfortunately I didn’t love it as much.

I loved how Vic lost over a 100 pounds but still has confidence and body issues, especially around the hot volunteer, Robin.

I wish this had been more of the focus but instead it was more about Robin and a former bad relationship that has left him wary.

Vic and Robin are both kind and have amazing chemistry but it went down a fairly predictable path, no surprises. Robin is ok with sex but nothing serious yada yada. Add a bit of a weird dom/sub dynamic in the bedroom and meh…this book just didn’t captivate me in the same way and the relationship dynamics just didn’t ring true to the characters IMO.

The good stuff: Vic - he's just adorable and self deprecating (out of the bedroom - in the bedroom - is this the same person? It didn't make sense to me to all of a sudden be dominate and call Robin boy).
The setting of the homeless shelter. I love how this author always touches on important issues with respect and without lecturing. Baking! I love reading about food and Vic's a pastry chef. Yum.

Welp – this one wasn’t for me but I will continue with the series because I love how Albert incorporates the Seattle setting, social causes and romance. Maybe the next book will be a better fit.