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Banned from baking outside of the shops her Cuban immigrant parents named after her, 17-year-old Rubi is given a “recipe for success.” Catholic school achievement + a dash of extracurriculars = top-tier Alma College. But when she is burned by the Alma admissions committee, Rubi hides being wait-listed and then ignores her parents’ ban by following her heart and competing in a local amateur bake-off. As she dishes entries that honor her heritage and satisfy Rubi’s “longing to bring [her] unbaked recipes out of the margins,” tense family dynamics and first-generation expectations receive tender treatment. A cute surfer-turned-trig-tutor spices up Rubi’s secrets, and a sweet friend balances the salty rival on Rubi’s debate squad. With strong nods to The Great British Bake Off—think congratulatory fist pumps from a suave host—this debut novel bursts with baking puns and flirty innuendo. Those hungry for a compulsively readable romance will be satisfied, but the deeper consideration of how the things we do (and what we love) become part of who we are—well, that’s the cherry on top.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A high school senior feels pressured to give up her passion for baking to achieve her immigrant parents’ Ivy League dream for her. Aware of all the sacrifices her Cuban parents make to send her to an exclusive Catholic school in Orange County, Rubi Ramos works hard to try to get into Alma, an elite university that represents the American dream to her family. Though they own two successful bakeries, Rubi’s parents, especially her mother, are single-mindedly determined that their daughter become a lawyer someday. But while Rubi kicks butt as captain of her high school’s debate team, her heart truly lies in concocting new pastries and connecting with her Cuban heritage through her family’s special recipes. When Rubi is wait-listed by Alma but accepted into a prestigious baking contest, she struggles with making herself a competitive candidate on both fronts—while keeping it all a secret for fear of disappointing her parents. Rubi, whose father is Afro-Cuban, confronts racism and classism, particularly from a White peer who is jealous of her success. Readers will cheer for Rubi as she stands up for herself and reconciles her parents’ priorities with her dreams. Mouthwatering descriptions of food and Rubi’s blossoming romance with her supportive math tutor further sweeten this thoughtful, joyful coming-of-age story. Beautifully written and brimming with love and acceptance. (Fiction. 13-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Publishers Weekly
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Inspired by her years growing up in her parents’ Orange County bakery, 17-year-old debate captain Rubi Ramos loves to invent recipes, but her parents want her to pursue what they consider to be a more practical career. They encourage her to give up baking and, instead, attend prestigious Alma University to become a lawyer. Rubi wants to make her Afro-Cuban father and Cuban mother happy, so she’s devastated when she’s waitlisted at Alma. To make matters worse, her parents mistakenly think she got in and, not wanting to break their hearts, Rubi doesn’t set them straight. As Rubi strives to solve her predicament, white debate teammate Madeline proposes a trade: if Rubi gives up her captain status, Madeline will use her connections to get Rubi off the Alma waiting list. Rubi agrees; she then secretly enters a baking competition, which distracts her from Alma preparations. But when Madeline intentionally schedules an important Alma interview on the same day as the baking competition final, Rubi must choose between her two passions. Propulsive chapters, plenty of high-stakes tension, and candid conversations about racism and classism fill Parra’s lively debut. Foodies will relish detailed descriptions of Rubi’s scrumptious Cuban-inspired creations, while romance buffs will swoon over the budding romance between Rubi and her surfer boy math tutor, who cues as white. Ages 12–up. (May)

School Library Journal
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Gr 8 Up—Afro-Cuban American Rubi Ramos lives for baking. Good thing her family runs two bakeries—except she's been forbidden by her mom to follow in their footsteps. Instead, they want her to follow a preset plan to go to Alma University to become a lawyer. But when the debate team captain hears about a baking contest, she can't resist, and decides to sign up anyway. She also can't resist her adorable math tutor Ryan (who cues as white), whose tutelage will hopefully help her get off the college's wait list. Rubi is trying to define herself at every turn. Parra's debut hits all the required items on the romantic comedy checklist, but readers won't mind. The engaging plot, relatable protagonist, and cast of lovable secondary characters make this familiar and poignant tale one that teens will be drawn to. The Orange County/Los Angeles setting also shines through. Additional layers about not wanting to disappoint her immigrant parents, especially as a first-generation college student, and the racism and classism she must endure, give this romance some heft. Rubi's struggle to define herself while not letting her family down will resonate with teens. The baking puns and references sometimes get old, but the descriptions of the food will make readers want to raid their pantries for some goodies. This is the kind of book that will leave a smile on readers' faces at every page turn. VERDICT A scrumptious debut that fans of Nina Moreno's books will want to savor.—Shelley M. Diaz