He's the washed-up Hollywood star hosting her competition. She's the small-town baker who's about to make this Christmas cruise unforgettable.

KATIE:

A televised Christmas baking competition aboard a luxury cruise with a fifty thousand dollar prize -- this is my dream shot at proving my small-town bakery skills belong with the pros. Twelve days of gingerbread showdowns and candy cane challenges? I was born for this.

But there's one problem: Declan Murphy, the gorgeous grumpy host who knows absolutely nothing about baking, is watching my every move. He can't tell a whisk from a spatula. It's infuriating.

Almost as infuriating as the chemistry between us. But he's off-limits. I'm here to win. I can't afford this distraction -- no matter how cute he looks when he's scowling at my gingerbread, or how badly I want to be the reason he finally smiles.

DECLAN:

This hosting gig is my last chance at redemption. Stay professional. Avoid scandal.

Then Katie walks in -- all Christmas spirit, killer curves, and passion that could thaw even this Grinch's heart. Watching her work magic with sugar and spice makes me want to believe in Christmas again. In myself again.

But I can't get involved with a contestant. One mistake and my career is over for good.

So why am I fantasizing about her covered in frosting every night? And why does the thought of her leaving feel like losing something I didn't know I needed?

If you love Tessa Bailey, Lucy Score, and Christina Lauren you'll love this steamy grumpy/sunshine Christmas romance with forced proximity, workplace tension, and a guaranteed HEA.

One-click this Hallmark-with-heat holiday romance!

Perfect for fans of:

• Christmas Cruise

• Baking Competition

• Grumpy/Sunshine

• Forbidden Romance

• Curvy Heroine

• He Falls First

• Forced Proximity

• Enemies to Lovers

• Small Town Vibes (Recurring Cast)

• Steamy Holiday Romance

• Guaranteed HEA

This is the book for you!

Cupcakes & Coal is part of the Celestial Odyssey series -- steamy standalone romances set aboard a luxury cruise ship. This is the first Christmas romance in the series. Each book features a different couple with their own complete happily ever after and can be read in any order.

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• RomanceHolidaysChristmas
• RomanceRomantic Comedy

• Publication Date: December 13, 2025
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 349 Pages
• File Size: 32 KB