This is my first book by Hayes and I was pleasantly surprised - it was scorching, sweet, and funny.

Scott is deliciously grumpy and stoic. He's had his heart broken badly enough that he's not in a hurry to try love again. Too bad fate has him sitting next to bubbly, sweet Theo, who's fear of flying has him talking Scott's ear off. Before he realizes it, the flight is almost over and he didn't mind it a bit. And definitely not when things get a little hot in an airport bathroom; after all, what can it hurt since they'll never see each other again ... until Theo walks into his bakery a couple of days later.

Not usually one to take chances, Theo finds himself acting quite out of character but there's just something about Scott that draws him. And Theo knows he can help out the bakery. It's a great opportunity to help him evaluate the direction his life is taking him ... and get to spend even more time with the sexy baker. He just needs to remember that falling for him is a horrible idea.

With Fairy Cakes in Winter, Hayes gives readers appealing characters who find themselves in a realistic situation with minimal angst. It's a slow, but definitely steamy, build to an enjoyable HEA.

Oh, I did this as an audiobook and I rarely listen to them - I had a horrible experience AGES ago that was so bad it still makes me hesitant today :) - but Dean has a pleasant voice and does a fantastic job bringing Hayes's characters & their interactions to life. Made me brave enough to get another one to try out!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**