Loved Never Tasted So Sweet..."Baked Fresh" Is A Romance That Will Have You Craving More!

Title:  Baked Fresh (Portland Heat #2) Author:  Annabeth Albert Format:  Kindle Length:  159 Publisher:  Kensington Rating:  4 Stars
Review For Served Hot (Portland Heat #1)
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
My Thoughts Vic Degrassi would love nothing more than to make Robin Dawson his. But Vic is a man haunted by the cruel specter of his past. Just a year into his new, post gastric surgery body. Vic has not come to terms with the 'new him. Making matters worse for Vic are the recent deaths of his father, uncle, and cousin from heart disease.
The two things that Vic is sure about however, are his skill as a patissier and his feelings for Robin Dawson.  

For his part...
Robin too, is a man haunted by his past. A man trying not to let anyone get too close. Trying to outrun the shame of a past fueled by his addiction to alcohol and drugs. A past filled with deeds and consequences that he would do anything to forget.
A past that he will come face to face with during his service at the homeless shelter where both men volunteer.

Vic Degrassi and Robin Dawson are the perfect blend of sweet brokenness. Each in need of what the other is more than willing to give. Each afraid to let the other see just how far the hurt, insecurities, and self doubt that plagues them both really goes.

While Fresh Baked is for the most part a light and steamy male/male romance. Authoress, Annabeth Albert,
makes great use of back story to bring darker emotionally and socially relevant issues to the fore.

The strength and fortitude that both Robin and Vic embody is brilliantly juxtaposed against their tender hearts and vulnerable psyches. When this is coupled with their undeniable sexual chemistry. What you have is the stuff of contemporary romantic dreams.

You go boys!

Reviewer's Note: This is the second book in the companion series Portland Heat. This series can be read any order.

I received this eARC in exchange for the honest review provided. Thanks to Edelweiss and Kensington.

About Annabeth 

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres. 

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Find Her:  Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Web