Cake & Comfort

Men of Fairlake

By: Romeo Alexander

Narrated by: Michael Dean

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Every scar tells a story. He stepped into my story, bringing his own, offering a taste of healing I never knew I craved. Secrets hurt, but comfort might be just a kiss away.

I went through hell. If it hadn’t been for my brother doing…what he did, I wouldn’t have survived. He nearly didn’t. We were children, and the records are sealed, but if the truth ever gets out, I don’t think we’ll survive again. So I keep my secrets.

My past does not define me. I’m just a baker…a broken baker with no social skills. If you want freshly baked bread or fancy cakes, I’m your man, but if you want anything more…forget it. I can barely get through the day without my lists and routines. But it works for me, and I’m happy…I think.

Then, out of nowhere, a famous movie star shows up wanting a cake for his sister’s wedding, and he won’t take no for an answer. Who the hell does Sylas Goner think he is? And why won’t he leave me alone?

Turns out he’s persistent and determined…and hot, handsome, funny, intelligent, and God, he wants me. Why? But Sylas refuses to give up. He shows me a brighter future full of possibilities I never allowed myself to imagine. Then, just when I start to believe my life could include love and a future I never dreamt of, the past comes rushing back. My dreams vanish, and I’m forced to give Sylas up. I knew it was too good to be true.

But I underestimated Sylas’ tenacity.

©2024 Romeo Alexander (P)2023 Books Unite People, LLC

4.5 Stars-Good book

This was a really good opposites attract romance. I enjoyed the connection and chemistry between Grant and Sylas. These two had me me rooting for them and so very happy that they got their HEA with all the drama. I really enjoyed Michael Dean's voice and how he brought Grand and Sylas' personalities to life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

So Wonderful!

I read this book a few months ago, and I loved it then, but the audiobook is possibly the one of the best performances I've ever listened to from a single narrator. He does an amazing job with the characters in this story. The oh-so-subtle differences in the voices from moment-to-moment in the conversations, where every single speaker has a distinctive voice is excellent! The dry, almost automaton-type delivery of Grant's voice was still somehow engaging and warm and just.... just so good! Which is funny, because my original review of the book actually made a distinctive mention of how the writing style was more "formal than conversational" because of Grant's personality, and the narrator delivered this perfectly.

As far as the story itself, I hadn't previously read the other books in the Men of Fairlake series, but I enjoyed this one so much, I had to do so, because this was an excellent, well-written story about two complicated men who manage to find their way (mostly) together through all the obstacles to their HEA. I LOVED how Sylas understood Grant in ways that most other people didn't seem to bother trying, and how Grant allowed Sylas to break through the shell he'd (understandably) lived with for decades--it all made so much sense, and was so well done from a narrative standpoint. While it had actually taken me a few days to read the book because of the writing style (which again, is excellent), I was able to devour the book as I'd wished to do originally because of this excellent audiobook option.

My favorite thing, perhaps about the whole thing is how realistically, and compassionately, all the mental health issues were discussed and handled, rather than being used simply as plot devices or to create drama; that was a lovely thing to witness, and also so well-done. I've definitely added Romeo Alexander to my list of automatically-going-to-read authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I Enjoyed It

I read this book three months ago and loved it. (Original ebook review below). So I was excited to listen to it on audiobook. I enjoyed Michael Dean's narration. I could hear the character's personalities through his voice- a great example being Sylas's mother. Omg you could just hear all the negativity in her tone! It felt well paced and enunciated.

Overall: 4.5 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 5 stars


* * Original Ebook Review: * *

“Because you were what was more important to me. Not what other people say or what they think of you.”

I loved this book. This was a sweet read, but not light and fluffy. My heart hurt for what Grant and his brother went through and how it has shaped them today. The mental health issues in this book were handled very respectfully and realistically. I loved Grant and Sylas as a couple. It was a slow burn romance where they get to know each other over the course of the book. They balance and compliment each other so well. Grant needing things at a certain pace, and Sylas was very patient and understanding. He also had his own insecurities. I also loved the supporting characters. Louise was such fun, and I really liked Luke and Devon. At one point in the book, Devon said a line that really resonated with me:

“You don’t have to say anything. I just felt comfortable enough to tell you. Sometimes all people need to do is know they’re being heard, and sometimes all they need is to be able to speak."

Overall, a beautiful read. I'm looking forward to Luke and Felix's book next. 5 stars.

PS- that cover is so beautiful! I am so attracted to it- the cover model, the beautiful scenery in the background, the delicious-looking cake. I think it's my favorite cover from Romeo Alexander's books.

Another Good Story

This is another good story in this series. We finally get Grant's story and it was worth the wait. Michael Dean's great narration really helped make it an even better experience. Please mind the trigger warnings.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

Grant and Silas

The audible was nicely done and the narrator embodied Grant nicely. Grant lives his life on a precise schedule as the baker of Fairlake. Silas was in town to take a break from life and meets an intriguing baker that has no clue who he is. It was a really sweet and adorable story of the two who had questionable parents and finding acceptance of who they are with each other.

Love in the Bakery!

I have been very curious about what made Grant tick. He has been in the background of the series as our grumpy baker and I needed his story. I really needed that story to get a happy ending too. Grant is very precise and orderly with his interactions with others and on the surface, it has come across as a bit non caring. Getting to really feel along with Grant was wonderful. Michael Dean narrating brought out the deeper feelings we needed to know about Grant and gave them a light side too. Sylas was such a happy, friendly guy that it was impossible for Grant to resist that. Grant was somehow just what Sylas needed as well. This entire listen had such a romantic feel.

Charming meets Grumpy

I love how there is almost a language barrier between Grant and Sylas. Also I’m obsessed with Louise! No one does grumpy misunderstood men quiet like Romeo!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Outstanding and Powerful . . .

Grant is the local baker who finds comfort in his lists to keep him on target. He owns his own business, because it’s easier to work under those conditions. And he takes joy in baking for the townspeople. His morning is disrupted by an early call from his brother, Felix, who was particularly agitated and obviously stopped taking his meds. It was difficult to talk to him when he was like this, especially for Grant who also had to suppress emotions. They were both trying so hard to move away from their horrible past. But Felix feels his multiple pills just turn him into a zombie so he doesn’t frighten people around him. And he knows that isn’t living when your world is gray. Grant knew if he stopped them “cold turkey”, the effects could be devastating. He admitted he had. Felix finally just hung up, and with no other options, Grant tried to catch up on preparing his baked goods until he could talk with Felix who would have turned his phone off.

When Sylas Goner, an actor wanting a wedding cake for his twin sister, comes into the bakery, he is surprised that Grant has no idea who he is. Louise had sent all the other giggling customers out of the bakery to avoid chaos. But Grant thought it would have been smarter to get rid of the trouble rather than the customers. And Grant has no intention of making a wedding cake for him. Despite Grant’s resistance, Sylas is determined and he is also aware of his attraction to the baker. Will the two of them start to trust each other? Can they overcome their difficult pasts and find happiness together? Or will something shake Grant up and make him ready walk away from the one who loves him? Is it too late for Felix, Luke, Grant, and Sylas to talk about the horror of what really happened?

This is another of the author’s excellently-written stories where the reader will experience many profound emotions. The pain and struggle of the characters that the author makes real for the reader will be deeply felt. Can Grant and Felix work out their past horrors and try to move forward? They deserve so much after what they have come through. Can sharing the whole truth with those who love and care for them start the real healing at last? Or are the wounds too deep? The narrator for the audiobook version is Michael Dean. He does a great job with the voices to personalize the story and make it easy for the listener to get an accurate impression of what each character is like. It helps to set the mood, familiarize the reader with the characters, and is a pleasant way to “read” and enjoy the book.

Great addition to the series 

Great addition to the series can’t wait for the next one. Narration was great as always I would highly recommend this book and the others if you haven’t read them as well.