2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️💫

As an early reader of Cake with a Slice of Vengeance, I was eager to dive into the charming, witchy world of Magickal Morsels, a whimsical bakery nestled in the quaint town of Rusthollow. Run by a coven of magical bakers, this cozy little shop draws you in with the promise of a mix of treats and spells, making it the perfect setting for a Halloween-inspired adventure. Unfortunately, while I appreciated the light and easy nature of this read, I found myself wanting a bit more depth and development from the plot and characters.

The Storyline: Whimsy and Chaos at Magickal Morsels

The premise of Cake with a Slice of Vengeance is as enchanting as it sounds. Alita, one of the coven’s witchy bakers, is approached by Delano Zagan—a mysterious man with a grudge—to help him cast a revenge spell on his brother. But as spells in Rusthollow seem to do, things quickly go awry, resulting in a delightful blend of chaos and humor. Delano's brother is accidentally transformed into a tiny creature, and what was meant to be a sweet taste of revenge becomes a comical and somewhat steamy journey of fixing magical mistakes, navigating family feuds, and maybe finding love along the way.

A Light Read, Perfect for a Quick Escape

One of the book’s main strengths lies in its tone—it’s a breezy, light-hearted story that’s easy to get lost in. The setup of Magickal Morsels and the Halloween atmosphere create an ideal backdrop for a cozy, short escape. The book’s pacing also makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick read with a touch of magic and romance. You could easily curl up with a cup of tea (or a slice of cake!) and fly through the pages in an afternoon.

Characters and Development: Fun but Lacking Depth

The main characters, Alita and Delano, have an instant spark that adds an enjoyable layer to their interactions as they work together to undo the spell. However, I felt like both characters could have been explored in greater detail. Delano’s character is introduced with an intriguing backstory—a man bearing a grudge and family secrets—but the narrative never fully unpacks the depth of his family drama or the reasons behind his complicated relationship with his brother. I wanted to understand Delano’s motivations and history more thoroughly to feel truly invested in his and Alita’s journey.

Alita, too, is a character with so much potential. As a witch who works in a magical bakery, she’s bound to have fascinating layers and perhaps a hint of mystery in her past. But her character didn’t receive the development I hoped for, making her seem a bit one-dimensional. While her chemistry with Delano is sweet and endearing, I found myself wanting more insight into her inner world, her relationships with her coven, and what drew her to magic and baking in the first place.

A Plot that Feels a Bit Rushed

One of the challenges I faced while reading Cake with a Slice of Vengeance was the story’s pacing. While I appreciated the light, fast-moving plot, I found that the resolution felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end. There are so many intriguing elements—family secrets, forbidden magic, romance—that could have been expanded upon to give the story a more satisfying arc. By the time the conflict reached its peak, I felt that it was over before I’d truly sunk into it. If the book had lingered a bit more on certain plot points and allowed the tension to build, it would have created a more compelling and memorable story.

A Delightful Concept with Room for More Depth

The book’s concept is undeniably charming—a magical bakery run by witches who navigate spells, potions, and, occasionally, mishaps that result in mischief and love. I loved the idea of this cozy setting and could vividly picture the bakery with its warm scents, sparkling spells, and the bustle of Rusthollow residents flocking for their Halloween treats. However, I found myself wanting a bit more complexity woven into the magical elements. A bit of backstory on the coven, the history of Magickal Morsels, or the rules governing their spells would have added richness to the world-building and given me a stronger sense of immersion in this magical town.

A Fun Read for Fans of Lighthearted Fantasy

In summary, Cake with a Slice of Vengeance is an enjoyable read if you’re looking for something light, cozy, and quick. While it may not deliver deep character exploration or a tightly woven plot, it offers a fun, whimsical adventure with a bit of romance and Halloween charm. The world of Rusthollow and its magical bakery have so much potential, and I hope the author considers revisiting these characters and expanding on the enchanting setup in future books. For fans of light-hearted fantasy with a touch of romance, this book will make a sweet, magical addition to your reading list—especially as the Halloween season rolls around.

Final Thoughts: A 2.5 Star Read for Me

I’m grateful to have had the chance to read Cake with a Slice of Vengeance as an ARC. While it didn’t fully meet my hopes, I can see how it would appeal to readers seeking a cozy, fast-paced story with a hint of romance and magic. Overall, I rate this book 2.5 stars for its charming concept and lighthearted tone, though I’d have loved to see more depth in both the plot and character development. For those looking for an easy, feel-good read to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, this book will certainly satisfy that craving!