The Dos and Donuts of Love follows Shireen Malik, who is still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend Chris, when she receives news that she’s been accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show for teens. There’s no better distraction from a broken heart than following your dreams of becoming the best baker in the world—that is, it would be, if Chris wasn’t one of the contestants on the show. And if there wasn’t Niamh, the very outgoing, fun contestant that is becoming fast friends—and maybe more—with Shireen. Things are heating up in this kitchen and as the competition intensifies, Shireen will have to decide who will make for a great ally—and who is just in it for the victory, no matter who needs to be sabotaged.
I love this book beyond measure. Muffin compares to this sweet story. Buttered me up real nice. (Listen, the chapter titles are food puns, I’m just trying to get on Jaigirdar’s level here).
This book had so much to offer: from Shireen’s genuineness to her desire to help her parents’ donut shop, the cute second-chance romance, the highs and lows of being on a baking competition that means you’re thrust into the public eye to trying your best and still sometimes not quite measuring up to everyone else’s expectations. It also offered a closer look into second chances and how to get over your ex…or not. There are also discussions of dealing with racism on the internet, what it means to live with anxiety. It also features one of the best friendship depictions I’ve ever seen. There’s no part of this book that didn’t immediately appeal to me. I think Shireen is one of the most interesting and fleshed-out characters I’ve seen in a while and I couldn’t help but want to spend even more time with her, racing the clock to finish her delicious treats in time. All of the different ingredients in this book made for a delicious meal and it’s definitely become a comfort read for me.
All in all, The Dos and Donuts of Love is a pun-filled, cute and mostly lighthearted read with a sweet second-chance romance that is sure to butter you up real nice! If you’re a fan of baking competitions, books that feel like a hug, second-chance romances and all the puns, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble falling in love with Shireen and her story.
The Dos and Donuts of Love is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 6th.
Will you be picking up The Dos and Donuts of Love? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush – perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off and She Drives Me Crazy !
“Welcome to the first ever Junior Irish Baking Show!”
Shireen Malik is still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris, when she receives news that she’s been accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true! Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.
Things get complicated, though, because Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the very outgoing Niamh, a fellow contestant who is becoming fast friends with Shireen. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen.
As the competition intensifies , Shireen will have to ignore all these factors and more― including potential sabotage―if she wants a sweet victory!
