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Seasons in the Hollow #2
Spring Dates & Sprinkled Cakes
In Heritage Hollow - where everyone knows everyone but no-one knows what’s really happening behind closed doors - two exes find themselves trapped in the lie of a life they were supposed to have together.
Small-town baker Casey Abbott has a lot going for him. With a successful bakery, a roof over his head and a loyal best friend, he doesn’t need much else. Unless it involves Ethan Bremer. On that front, it’s less hit and more miss. After an absence of almost four years, Ethan’s return to Heritage comes with a lot of secrets and feelings to work through. There’s a lot Casey is afraid to share - most importantly his heart.
As much as he would tell you otherwise, Ethan did not enjoy his years in the city. The loneliness, the fast pace of the day to day – he’d rather spend his days holed up in the older, cozy library in Heritage. It was obvious his return to town would be difficult, he’d just not imagined it being this hard. Getting to know each other again, in a town that thinks you’re closer to getting married than the actual break-up you’re working through. Five dates, that’s all he asks, and if they’ve worked through their differences by the end of those, they’ll try again.
How far are they willing to go to stop lying to the town, to their friends - and most importantly, to themselves?
Spring Dates & Sprinkled Cakes is a 50k word cozy, second chance, small town M/M romance between a troubled baker and the sweets-averse local librarian; the one that got away.
Small-town baker Casey Abbott has a lot going for him. With a successful bakery, a roof over his head and a loyal best friend, he doesn’t need much else. Unless it involves Ethan Bremer. On that front, it’s less hit and more miss. After an absence of almost four years, Ethan’s return to Heritage comes with a lot of secrets and feelings to work through. There’s a lot Casey is afraid to share - most importantly his heart.
As much as he would tell you otherwise, Ethan did not enjoy his years in the city. The loneliness, the fast pace of the day to day – he’d rather spend his days holed up in the older, cozy library in Heritage. It was obvious his return to town would be difficult, he’d just not imagined it being this hard. Getting to know each other again, in a town that thinks you’re closer to getting married than the actual break-up you’re working through. Five dates, that’s all he asks, and if they’ve worked through their differences by the end of those, they’ll try again.
How far are they willing to go to stop lying to the town, to their friends - and most importantly, to themselves?
Spring Dates & Sprinkled Cakes is a 50k word cozy, second chance, small town M/M romance between a troubled baker and the sweets-averse local librarian; the one that got away.
ebook
First published April 14, 2025
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Anouk de Rooij
7 books13 followersHi there! I'm Anouk, I write cozy queer romcoms. They're all stories with low angst, low spice, big feelings and found families.
I hope that, when you read them, it gives you just that little moment to escape from your day to day life.
You can find me on Instagram as well, @authoranoukderooij.
I hope that, when you read them, it gives you just that little moment to escape from your day to day life.
You can find me on Instagram as well, @authoranoukderooij.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 2, 2025
“Spring Dates & Sprinkled Cakes” by Anouk de Rooij is a delightful and heartwarming read. The story is filled with charm, romance, and mouthwatering desserts, making it a perfect feel-good book. The characters are well-developed, and the setting adds to the cozy atmosphere. While the plot is enjoyable, some moments felt a bit predictable. Nevertheless, it’s a great choice for anyone who loves sweet romances with a sprinkle of humor. Definitely worth reading!
April 6, 2025
Anouk de Rooij did another great job with this book. It's like being cuddled up in your favorite blanket, with your warm cup of tea, watching spring slowly coming alive from your window, just enjoying the simple things in life. That's the feeling I got from this book. Warmth and joy filled my heart thanks to Casey's and Ethan's story.
Casey and Ethan have a long history. When work got in the way, they lost sight of each other—whether intentionally or not, they had to protect their hearts. But nobody knew, and when Ethan is back in town, all the feelings from the past come rushing back with him.
Faking that they're still together does the rest.
It's not only the house sharing; it's the way they deal with the past and navigate the present that really resonated with me. There are some rather serious aspects they have to confront, and the way it was depicted in the book was both delicate and understanding.
The flow of this book is just lovely. You get glimpses of the past intermixed with the present, and you slowly come to understand the love Casey and Ethan share. It's a beautiful love I was happy to read about, and I’m looking forward to exploring more works by this author.
Casey and Ethan have a long history. When work got in the way, they lost sight of each other—whether intentionally or not, they had to protect their hearts. But nobody knew, and when Ethan is back in town, all the feelings from the past come rushing back with him.
Faking that they're still together does the rest.
It's not only the house sharing; it's the way they deal with the past and navigate the present that really resonated with me. There are some rather serious aspects they have to confront, and the way it was depicted in the book was both delicate and understanding.
The flow of this book is just lovely. You get glimpses of the past intermixed with the present, and you slowly come to understand the love Casey and Ethan share. It's a beautiful love I was happy to read about, and I’m looking forward to exploring more works by this author.
April 9, 2025
i loved this book 😭😭😭 i enjoyed reading cas and ethan’s story and to read how much love they have for each other even if they had their differences or difficulties 💜💜💜 i had the opportunity to read an arc 🫶
April 8, 2025
This is the second seasonal instalment in 'Seasons in The Hollow' series set in the small town of Heritage Hollow.
Spring Dates and Sprinkled Cakes will tug on your heartstrings. Casey and Ethan’s story is full of emotion, unresolved issues, and both characters learning to trust again and communicate their feelings.
These two have a complicated past exacerbated by their extended separation. Written in dual POV, we see the very real and lasting effect this had on them both.
(*** TW - hard topic treated sympathetically ***)
Follow their cute, oft awkward, humorous, but always sweet journey in the 5 'Spring' dates that Casey sets up to show Ethan that he is home and exactly where he belongs... side-by-side sharing a future together.
Beautifully written with a flowing storyline and loveable characters - this was a joy to read.
I'm looking forward to more...
Spring Dates and Sprinkled Cakes will tug on your heartstrings. Casey and Ethan’s story is full of emotion, unresolved issues, and both characters learning to trust again and communicate their feelings.
These two have a complicated past exacerbated by their extended separation. Written in dual POV, we see the very real and lasting effect this had on them both.
(*** TW - hard topic treated sympathetically ***)
Follow their cute, oft awkward, humorous, but always sweet journey in the 5 'Spring' dates that Casey sets up to show Ethan that he is home and exactly where he belongs... side-by-side sharing a future together.
Beautifully written with a flowing storyline and loveable characters - this was a joy to read.
I'm looking forward to more...
March 16, 2025
She’s done it again! I loved this book so much! When being introduced to Ethan and Casey in the first book, I wondered about their story and I’m so glad we finally got to hear it! I love that we get to hear from both of their POVs and the thought processes between Ethan and Casey. Please keep in mind there are TW, so be mindful of them before reading!
April 30, 2025
The ARC was provided me by the author
The first part of the series was very atmospheric, so was interested in the story of Casey the pastry chef and Ethan the librarian. After all: spring, exes to lovers, cakes, books – I definitely took the bait.
The first chapter set the basic mood, raised many questions in me, and I felt a little sorry for Cas – then as I kept on reading, my enthusiasm and interest steadily decreased. The worst part of it all is that I didn’t understand the guys. I saw in Casey where Ethan’s absence for almost four years had led him, I saw how much he longed for the old days, it was obvious how much he still loved him and how much he missed him; and in the meantime, there was Ethan, who (I repeat, after four years) unexpectedly returned to Casey’s home as if nothing had happened. And he feels bad that Cas hardly talks to him, that he doesn’t trust him, that he only pretends in public (long live the small town) that everything is fine between them, and that Casey sleeps in a separate room? And after four months, you start to think that maybe something's wrong?!
“[…] You thought we were building a life, and I was building my career.”
The thing is, I’m disappointed. I saw an evening taken from the middle of their relationship, and then I saw the present almost four years later. The past? I could deduce it from tiny pieces. I saw a certain point in their relationship, and then another at much later time. I knew where they had ended up. But I didn’t see how. I saw the end result. I saw it, but I didn’t understand it. There was no miscommunication – this was lack of communication. It’s no wonder, you really can’t maintain a relationship without communication. Because the main characters haven’t spoken to each other for years. Not just in the present, but before.
“I can’t do life without you.”
Then talk to him, for God's sake! You know, like, pick up the phone when he calls.
The book is very short, and the plot practically consists of Ethan coming back and trying to win Casey back by asking him out on five dates, while trying to convince him that he's here to stay for good this time.
It was short and it was missing important parts, and it didn't evoke the emotions in me as I was expecting.
I'm sorry - I really liked the first book, it was cozy and you could feel the chemistry between the main characters - but I'm dropping this series here.
The first part of the series was very atmospheric, so was interested in the story of Casey the pastry chef and Ethan the librarian. After all: spring, exes to lovers, cakes, books – I definitely took the bait.
The first chapter set the basic mood, raised many questions in me, and I felt a little sorry for Cas – then as I kept on reading, my enthusiasm and interest steadily decreased. The worst part of it all is that I didn’t understand the guys. I saw in Casey where Ethan’s absence for almost four years had led him, I saw how much he longed for the old days, it was obvious how much he still loved him and how much he missed him; and in the meantime, there was Ethan, who (I repeat, after four years) unexpectedly returned to Casey’s home as if nothing had happened. And he feels bad that Cas hardly talks to him, that he doesn’t trust him, that he only pretends in public (long live the small town) that everything is fine between them, and that Casey sleeps in a separate room? And after four months, you start to think that maybe something's wrong?!
“[…] You thought we were building a life, and I was building my career.”
The thing is, I’m disappointed. I saw an evening taken from the middle of their relationship, and then I saw the present almost four years later. The past? I could deduce it from tiny pieces. I saw a certain point in their relationship, and then another at much later time. I knew where they had ended up. But I didn’t see how. I saw the end result. I saw it, but I didn’t understand it. There was no miscommunication – this was lack of communication. It’s no wonder, you really can’t maintain a relationship without communication. Because the main characters haven’t spoken to each other for years. Not just in the present, but before.
“I can’t do life without you.”
Then talk to him, for God's sake! You know, like, pick up the phone when he calls.
The book is very short, and the plot practically consists of Ethan coming back and trying to win Casey back by asking him out on five dates, while trying to convince him that he's here to stay for good this time.
It was short and it was missing important parts, and it didn't evoke the emotions in me as I was expecting.
I'm sorry - I really liked the first book, it was cozy and you could feel the chemistry between the main characters - but I'm dropping this series here.
April 22, 2025
It is time for my long awaited review of this delightful book.
This was the first ever ARC I applied for and feel so so lucky to be working with this author.
This was a tender and sweet story of a second chance at a relationship in a little cozy town.
It was a slow burn and felt so real. It was unhurried trust building again and actually trying to figure out if they actually even can take that step together again or if their love was just a chapter of their past.
It was incredibly lovely at so many points and I saw the patient and kind love I one day hope to be around and was so soothing to read.
Some funny moments too and every time Ethan who supposedly doesn't like sweet treats scoffed down something his lover made with genuinely enjoyment (presumably just because Casey made it) made me giggle.
There was depth to their love and fixing wasn't easy and that made it feel so much better because I was actually invested in if they made it. I presumed they would with it being a romance but the point of the book was that the ending was uncertain. They might actually not be able to rekindle it, and that was okay.
This author has also been so so lovely to work with.
Seeing someone be so intentional with their hardwork and building a whole community of ARC readers that they treat so well is awesome.
She is doing everything to be expected of a giant publishing house but as an indie author and I have so much respect for her.
It is no secret if you know me IRL that I prefer to read books that have diverse main characters written by authors that we as readers know they hold as an identity, but this was written with such care and not once did I end up wincing at some unintended bias peeking through or owt like that. I loved it.
Will be reading from this author time and time again and will patiently wait to order my own physical copy because I need this little delight on my bookshelf forever.
This was the first ever ARC I applied for and feel so so lucky to be working with this author.
This was a tender and sweet story of a second chance at a relationship in a little cozy town.
It was a slow burn and felt so real. It was unhurried trust building again and actually trying to figure out if they actually even can take that step together again or if their love was just a chapter of their past.
It was incredibly lovely at so many points and I saw the patient and kind love I one day hope to be around and was so soothing to read.
Some funny moments too and every time Ethan who supposedly doesn't like sweet treats scoffed down something his lover made with genuinely enjoyment (presumably just because Casey made it) made me giggle.
There was depth to their love and fixing wasn't easy and that made it feel so much better because I was actually invested in if they made it. I presumed they would with it being a romance but the point of the book was that the ending was uncertain. They might actually not be able to rekindle it, and that was okay.
This author has also been so so lovely to work with.
Seeing someone be so intentional with their hardwork and building a whole community of ARC readers that they treat so well is awesome.
She is doing everything to be expected of a giant publishing house but as an indie author and I have so much respect for her.
It is no secret if you know me IRL that I prefer to read books that have diverse main characters written by authors that we as readers know they hold as an identity, but this was written with such care and not once did I end up wincing at some unintended bias peeking through or owt like that. I loved it.
Will be reading from this author time and time again and will patiently wait to order my own physical copy because I need this little delight on my bookshelf forever.
April 14, 2025
Heritage Hollow is the gift that keeps on giving. In Spring, we are met with the IT couple, couple goals galore, and the one that makes us believe in love. But they have a secret; they are not together and have not been for some time. When one comes back to HH, assumptions are made. Sometimes, it is easier to stick to the status quo and go with the flow. But hurt and missteps can hinder a love that seems destined to be.
Casey has had to pick up the pieces of his life after a night that should have been full of bliss became a festering wound as he let the man he adores go. Ethan had bigger dreams outside of HH, but that did not mean that it was not his home, and where his heart is at peace. However, time can change so much in a short period. But they are willing to try to get back what they have lost. Instead of big crazy gestures, they try something simple, a series of dates. Can everlasting love be found again between these two men? Can the simple half-truths and some lies be put aside for what feels completely right inside? Can they separate the assumptions and expectations from the real deal, the everyday struggle of love?
Casey and Ethan find a way back to HEA by communicating, by realizing the years have changed both of them in different ways, and that is okay. They found that you do need more than love, but love is the foundation of what makes perfection overcome the obstacles that threaten to break them apart. I cannot wait for the next story and couple to emerge through the seasons.
Casey has had to pick up the pieces of his life after a night that should have been full of bliss became a festering wound as he let the man he adores go. Ethan had bigger dreams outside of HH, but that did not mean that it was not his home, and where his heart is at peace. However, time can change so much in a short period. But they are willing to try to get back what they have lost. Instead of big crazy gestures, they try something simple, a series of dates. Can everlasting love be found again between these two men? Can the simple half-truths and some lies be put aside for what feels completely right inside? Can they separate the assumptions and expectations from the real deal, the everyday struggle of love?
Casey and Ethan find a way back to HEA by communicating, by realizing the years have changed both of them in different ways, and that is okay. They found that you do need more than love, but love is the foundation of what makes perfection overcome the obstacles that threaten to break them apart. I cannot wait for the next story and couple to emerge through the seasons.
April 29, 2025
Content warning: mention of alcoholism and its recovery
-----
This is book 2 of series. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading book 1.
First person pov. Dual pov.
Ending....HEA
Spice: none
----
Spring Dates and Sprinkled Cakes is a cozy mm romance about two men trying to make things work between them, but there is a lot left unsaid. This is a second chance romance that takes place in a small town.
I found Casey endearing. He's flawed, but likeable. I didn't like Ethan. I found Ethan a bit selfish. He randomly comes back expecting to go back to how things were before. The audacity. Casey played a part in how the relationship turned out too, not just Ethan. But I sympathized more with Casey's plight. And the miscommunication. I was okay with it at first, but I think it eventually became too much for me.
I liked the friendships in this story though. I loved Casey's friendship with Henry. Seeing the strong and supportive friendship they had made me happy. I also liked how Casey and Daniel were getting along.
This was not a bad book, but this book was not for me. I ended up not liking the romance and felt it could have been portrayed better. I also struggled to finish it.This book started off strong, but towards the end I felt it lost some momentum.
This is an ARC read and review. I'm grateful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
-----
This is book 2 of series. This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading book 1.
First person pov. Dual pov.
Ending....HEA
Spice: none
----
Spring Dates and Sprinkled Cakes is a cozy mm romance about two men trying to make things work between them, but there is a lot left unsaid. This is a second chance romance that takes place in a small town.
I found Casey endearing. He's flawed, but likeable. I didn't like Ethan. I found Ethan a bit selfish. He randomly comes back expecting to go back to how things were before. The audacity. Casey played a part in how the relationship turned out too, not just Ethan. But I sympathized more with Casey's plight. And the miscommunication. I was okay with it at first, but I think it eventually became too much for me.
I liked the friendships in this story though. I loved Casey's friendship with Henry. Seeing the strong and supportive friendship they had made me happy. I also liked how Casey and Daniel were getting along.
This was not a bad book, but this book was not for me. I ended up not liking the romance and felt it could have been portrayed better. I also struggled to finish it.This book started off strong, but towards the end I felt it lost some momentum.
This is an ARC read and review. I'm grateful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
April 15, 2025
messy review:
• there are people pleasers and then there is casey. bro spent five years with a man he thought forgot their anniversary every year without saying a word. I'm not even gonna mention the couch.
• not me slurping up all the early angst like a little leech
• ethan is the definition of oblivious. like you leave your partner for four years with little to no contact and then you're shocked that he thought you might’ve cheated? this whole plot sounds like an r/aita post. as for casey, he might be pretty spineless but i just feel bad for him. those abandonment issues do be running deep.
• this book got a little heavy on the (not really) miscommunication towards the end, like how ethan stormed off like five seconds after they both agreed they needed to communicate more. sure, he was angry but the whole situation of him storming off and instantly picking up the ring when casey is moments behind him (at least that's the way the writing makes it seem) feels a little forced. i think it would've worked better if the initial argument started at the library, or somehow put some more distance between the two arguments.
• this book did lose me a little towards the end but the first three quarters of the book was amazing and well worth the five stars
• there are people pleasers and then there is casey. bro spent five years with a man he thought forgot their anniversary every year without saying a word. I'm not even gonna mention the couch.
• not me slurping up all the early angst like a little leech
• ethan is the definition of oblivious. like you leave your partner for four years with little to no contact and then you're shocked that he thought you might’ve cheated? this whole plot sounds like an r/aita post. as for casey, he might be pretty spineless but i just feel bad for him. those abandonment issues do be running deep.
• this book got a little heavy on the (not really) miscommunication towards the end, like how ethan stormed off like five seconds after they both agreed they needed to communicate more. sure, he was angry but the whole situation of him storming off and instantly picking up the ring when casey is moments behind him (at least that's the way the writing makes it seem) feels a little forced. i think it would've worked better if the initial argument started at the library, or somehow put some more distance between the two arguments.
• this book did lose me a little towards the end but the first three quarters of the book was amazing and well worth the five stars
April 10, 2025
Another lovely book by Anouk!
We've met Casey and Ethan in the 1st book in the series Winter Days & Historical Gays and I wouldn't have guessed that their story is like this! Even though this book is short, but we can see glimpses into their past and to understand better what exactly went wrong in their long history together.
I feel like characters were well developed -- you have time and depth to form an attachment to them and that's why the story is heartbreaking at times. Casey, my sweet baby, needs all hugs he can get!
Author perfectly shows how important is communication in a relationship, no matter how many years you are together.
I totally recommend to read this one -- whole series (okay, there are only two books for now) is cozy and beautiful!
We've met Casey and Ethan in the 1st book in the series Winter Days & Historical Gays and I wouldn't have guessed that their story is like this! Even though this book is short, but we can see glimpses into their past and to understand better what exactly went wrong in their long history together.
I feel like characters were well developed -- you have time and depth to form an attachment to them and that's why the story is heartbreaking at times. Casey, my sweet baby, needs all hugs he can get!
Author perfectly shows how important is communication in a relationship, no matter how many years you are together.
I totally recommend to read this one -- whole series (okay, there are only two books for now) is cozy and beautiful!
April 29, 2025
Anouk has written such a wonderful story about two guys who get a second chance in a small town, these characters are written so beautifully and their journey pulls you in, wraps you up and settles you in to see how they find their way back to each other.
Right from the first page my heart was breaking for these two who clearly had big feelings but both also had big dreams.
Right from the first page my heart was breaking for these two who clearly had big feelings but both also had big dreams.
April 30, 2025
Sweet
This romance felt like a warm, cozy blanket even though the difficult moments.
Casey and Ethan have a long history and a lot of issues between them.
There's a hard topic that's dealt with very sensitively.
I really enjoyed seeing them work through their problems together and come out stronger on the other side.
This romance felt like a warm, cozy blanket even though the difficult moments.
Casey and Ethan have a long history and a lot of issues between them.
There's a hard topic that's dealt with very sensitively.
I really enjoyed seeing them work through their problems together and come out stronger on the other side.
May 1, 2025
Wonderful addition to the Heritage Hollow Series. Anouk does a great job of humanizing characters that were mentioned in the other books and giving them their own platform to get deeper into their own stories. It makes the whole world more real and exciting. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 14, 2025
Sweet feel good second chance romance. Set in an adorable gossipy town Casey and Ethan find their way back to each other even in the hard.
April 27, 2025
This is my second book by this author, and I truly enjoy her writing. This story is sweet (pun intended); a cozy, enjoyable read. I will absolutely pick up her next book.
April 19, 2025
This is what second chances should look like!
Let me start by saying second chances are tricky to write and I can count on my fingers, how many of them I like, so I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
This book is amazingly well written, and will have a hold on you since the beginning. Ethan and Casey seem so relatable that the book broke my heart so many times.
The book brings out themes of togetherness, trust, forgiveness, love and friendship. I loved how Ethan and Casey navigated their relationship and how they found their footing after so much pain.
Characters from Book 1 are also a part of the story, though you can still read this book as a standalone.
Let me start by saying second chances are tricky to write and I can count on my fingers, how many of them I like, so I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
This book is amazingly well written, and will have a hold on you since the beginning. Ethan and Casey seem so relatable that the book broke my heart so many times.
The book brings out themes of togetherness, trust, forgiveness, love and friendship. I loved how Ethan and Casey navigated their relationship and how they found their footing after so much pain.
Characters from Book 1 are also a part of the story, though you can still read this book as a standalone.
March 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Spring Dates & Sprinkled Cakes is a perfect cozy, small town romance that had me hooked from the start.
The story was fun and easy to read, with a charming small town setting and great characters. I really liked Ethan, but Casey stole my heart. Watching them work through their past, navigate their feelings, and find their way back to each other was both emotional and heartwarming.
I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
The story was fun and easy to read, with a charming small town setting and great characters. I really liked Ethan, but Casey stole my heart. Watching them work through their past, navigate their feelings, and find their way back to each other was both emotional and heartwarming.
I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews