Love at 350°

In this sweet sapphic love story from Peers (Love and Other B-Sides), a schoolteacher and a famous chef come together on the set of American Bake-o-Rama, a competitive cooking show. Always optimistic Tori Moore dreams of opening a bakery, leading her teenage children to convince her to try out for Bake-o-Rama—but she worries about stepping out of her comfort zone as a high school science teacher. Meanwhile, notoriously ruthlessBake-o-Rama judge Kendra Campbell must fight to save her first restaurant when her landlords decide to sell the building. Though fraternization is forbidden by their contracts with the TV network, the two fall for each other in a classic case of grump meets sunshine. The high stakes of fame and money don’t stop the romance itself from being cozy, with endearing romantic notes and gifts reminding readers that it’s all about love. The supporting cast—including Tori’s children, her ex-wife, and her main baking competition, Natalie—add dimension and help propel the story. The pace occasionally falters, especially in extended baking scenes, but the yummy results are well worth it. Like the apple pie recipe included at the back of the book, this is a simple but satisfying treat. Agent: Frances Black, Literary Counsel. (Oct.)