Crazy Sweet

By Lisa Volz

Blend one baking competition with two culinary school nemeses, season with dash of friendship, add a hint of romantic tension and a half-baked idea, and that’s how you get “Crazy Sweet.”
When Nova Wiley competes in the Christmas Baker’s Competition Show against her nemesis, Dylan Kane, it will be sweet revenge if she wins. After years in culinary school together, she can prove that she is the better baker, and finally put Dylan in his place. But that’s only half the story.
Dylan’s longtime dream of owning a baking food truck sounds like it may be just the change that Nova is looking for, but they must stop sparring if they want to be successful business partners.
When the production studio from the competition show hears of their successful baking food truck business, Crazy Sweets, they offer them another chance to be on national TV. This time, the studio offers them a contract to go on the road in their Crazy Sweets Bakery Truck for six weeks in a reality show called “Baking Up a Romance.” The only catch? Dylan and Nova are not romantically involved. But what’s a little acting between friends?
At the end of six weeks, Nova and Dylan will either find something they were never looking for, or it will be a recipe for disaster. Either way, it’s going to be crazy sweet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Volz
• Release date: May 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215551110

Lisa Volz

Lisa Volz is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She has two children and is continuously learning from them. She likes coffee and chocolate, especially cookies, and considers them a food group. She is a former graphic designer by trade, but a writer at heart. She writes about characters that are lovable but deeply flawed. She draws on her faith when finding the good in people, both fictional and actual. Her novels are uplifting and will have you rooting for the underdog.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Studio Five at the Cooking Network was more glamorous than Nova Wiley ever imagined. Having been chosen out of thousands of entrants, she had gotten this far, and she still couldn’t believe it. After two years at the Langford Culinary Institute, and learning countless extravagant techniques, it was her grandmother’s cinnamon apple tart recipe that had earned her a spot in the Christmas Baker’s Competition. She was standing at the door of her dreams.

Can I have your name, please? a woman carrying an iPad asked.

Oh, yes. Of course. My name is Nova Wiley. I’m here for the Christmas Baker’s Competition, Nova said.

The woman scanned her iPad. Yes, I would assume so. Security wouldn’t let just anyone through the studio doors, dear.

Nova was embarrassed. Her first gaff. She knew it wouldn’t be her last.

Ah, there you are, the woman said as she found Nova’s name on the list. Please make yourself comfortable with the other contestants. We’ll be getting started shortly. The woman pointed to three other people loitering at the side of the set.

Nova wandered onto the set. She was wide-eyed as she looked at each contestant’s baking station complete with its own state-of-the-art oven and KitchenAid Artisan mixer in passion red. Nova could never afford her own KitchenAid mixer with all the attachments. She couldn’t wait to use it. Each baking station had bright, overhead lighting, and a shiny stainless-steel counter to work on. There were several refrigerators along the far wall, also in passion red, and a door on the other wall with the word Pantry painted above it. The set was absolutely beautiful and almost intimidating for a newly graduated culinary student like Nova.

She walked over to the other contestants, two women and two men, and introduced herself to what appeared to be the oldest contestant. She looked to be in her sixties Nova guessed, more than twice Nova’s age, her curly gray hair tied into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck with a rose-colored bow.

Hi…I like your bow, Nova said.

Oh, thank you, the woman said as she touched her bow. It’s sort of my good-luck charm. At least I hope it is, she said and laughed. Are you here for the competition? the woman asked. She smiled and extended her hand. I’m Linda Keith.

Nova shook her hand. Hi, I’m Nova Wiley.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Linda said.

You too. This is quite a set up. I’ve never been in a studio before. Have you? Nova asked.

Oh, goodness no. I’m not even sure how I got chosen! Linda said and laughed.

I know the feeling.

Nova sized up the competition. The other female contestant seemed to be a little younger than Nova. Nova smiled at her. She smiled back, but she didn’t seem very friendly. Maybe she was just nervous. Nova didn’t approach her. One man looked to be in his thirties. He was on his phone arguing with whoever was on the other end. Another man stood with his arms crossed. He smiled and nodded at Nova.

The woman who took her name at the entrance walked back into the room and glanced at her watch. Hello, everyone, she said loudly with an authoritative tone. My name is Mary Jenkins. I am the studio coordinator. We’re so glad that you all made it on time this morning. We’re still waiting for one more contestant. I’m hoping he’ll be along any moment. She was clearly irritated.

While we’re waiting, why don’t I give you a quick rundown of how things will happen today. You’ll be assigned to your stations, and our assistant director, Jesse, will be giving you a tour of the studio including where you are permitted to go and areas that are restricted to studio personnel only. You will follow these guidelines without question. Any violation of such rules, and you will be asked to leave the competition immediately. There is a schedule of rehearsal times at each of your stations. Don’t be late. Usually, you will not be given any recipes or assignments in advance, but I can assure you that per your audition tapes, you have demonstrated that you know each technique that will be used during the competition. After you have read through the guidelines, you will be required to sign and initial where indicated. This is a legally binding document between the bakers and the Christmas Baker’s Competition. Be sure to sign the non-disclosure agreement. You will not be permitted to discuss the show with anyone outside of these walls during your stay here.

She was interrupted as the last contestant casually stepped onto the set. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and looked as if he had wandered in by mistake at first. All the other contestants looked at him.

You must be… Mary looked at her iPad, Dylan Kane. How thoughtful of you to join us today.

Nova gasped when she saw Dylan. How did her nemesis from culinary school get cast for the same baking competition?! They hadn’t seen each other in at least a year, and even that wasn’t long enough for Nova.

I…uh…I apologize. I got stuck in traffic, Dylan said and flashed his winning smile. No worries, I made it.

Mary glared at him, unaffected. Just the same, you’re late. You’ve already missed important instructions. I suspect you won’t get caught in traffic again?

Uh, no…of course not, he said, realizing that she was not impressed by his confidence.

Mary turned to the others. Go ahead and go to your stations. Your names are on the aprons at your stations. Please read through the documents and sign them. Jesse will be here in a few minutes for orientation. It will give you a few minutes to get acquainted with each other. Mary turned and left the room.

Nova and the others looked for their aprons and found their stations. Nova was happy to see that her station was beside Linda. She looked to see where Dylan was. His station was located right in front of the judges. She couldn’t help but snicker a little at the karma.

The other woman’s station was in front of her, but behind Dylan. Will Baker was beside Dylan. Hunter Jameson, the man who was on the phone when Nova walked in, was beside her. The woman in front of her turned around and introduced herself as Leilani.

Nova waited to see if Dylan recognized her. He finally turned around to meet the other contestants and saw Nova at her station.

He crossed his arms and grinned like a Cheshire cat. Well, well, well…isn’t this a coincidence, he said and smiled.

What are you doing here? she asked, trying not to be obvious about their history.

I heard you talking about the competition and sent in a video. Looks like I got chosen too, he said.

Yeah, I see that, she said.

Do you two know each other? Linda asked.

Nova hesitated at first but felt all eyes on her to answer. We went to culinary school together. Two long years, Nova said.

Well, that is a coincidence, Linda said.

I’m not so sure about that, Nova said quietly.

Aren’t there rules about that? Nepotism or something? Hunter asked.

Dylan laughed. She’s not my sister. It’s not like we’re related to the show or anything.

Hunter frowned. He didn’t like the situation one bit. It seemed fishy to him. But it wasn’t his competition. Surely the producers realized that Dylan and Nova were from the same school.

I think it makes things more interesting, Linda said. She winked at Nova, clearly on her side.

I agree with you, Dylan said. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.

Linda. And don’t let the gray hair fool you. It just means I have more baking experience than you, culinary school or not, she said.

Nova smiled at the exchange. Linda was going to be tough competition, she could tell. And it was going to drive Dylan crazy if a woman old enough to be his mother beat him.

Jesse walked in and introduced himself. Then proceeded to go over rules and regulations, and all the legal technicalities. Then he gave them a tour of the studio and their dressing rooms, one for the women and one for the men. He informed them that a van would pick them up from their hotel promptly at 8:00am from Monday through Thursday, and bring them back to their hotel at 6:00pm, or whenever filming was finished for the day. Their free time was their own. However, they were instructed to follow the show’s decorum rules. Anyone engaging in any activity that would shine a negative light on the franchise would immediately be given a ticket home, no exceptions. And they were not to discuss the show or the other contestants with any outside sources, including family and friends.

We run a quality operation here, and don’t want any undo press that would tarnish that reputation, Jesse stated. I think that covers just about everything. Does anyone have any questions?

Dylan raised his hand. When do we meet the judges?

The first day of taping, Jesse said. Any other questions?

No one had any other questions for the moment.

Good. I assume you all have your assignments for the first episode? he asked. Today will be spent in practice. Feel free to get comfortable with the equipment and where the supplies are located. There should be everything you need in the refrigerator and the pantry. If there’s something missing, please let me know immediately. Oh, I have sent a text to all of you with my contact information. Please do not attempt to contact Ms. Jenkins or any of the judges. I will be your sole contact while you are in the competition, he said.

Leilani raised her hand halfway. What if we have an emergency and can’t get ahold of you?

Contact the concierge at your hotel, and they will know how to advise you. Now, feel free to get acquainted with one another and the set. We will have a break for lunch at approximately 1:00pm. Good luck to all of you, he said. He turned and left the room.

The contestants took a collective sigh when he left the room.

Wow, he’s wound a little tight, don’t you think? Dylan said.

No one agreed with him.

Dylan turned to Nova. So, what recipe was it that got you here?

That’s none of your business, she said. I am here to win. That’s all you need to know. She was short with him, but polite. It was bad enough that he was there, but she didn’t want to stir up any trouble.

Dylan shrugged and went to the pantry.

Linda leaned toward Nova. Don’t let him get to you. If you ask me, he’s a little over-confident.

You have no idea, Nova said.

Don’t worry. A tiger always shows his stripes eventually, Linda assured her.

Thanks. I needed to hear that.

Nova pulled out her recipe for her grandmother’s cinnamon apple tart. Time to plan her strategy for the first episode.

Chapter 2

The Regal Resort was a five-star hotel on the west side of town where the contestants would spend the next six weeks. It was close to nightlife, restaurants, and shopping, and, of course, the studio. Nova, Linda, and Leilani shared a suite, and Dylan, Will, and Hunter shared another suite on the same floor.

After unpacking, the women ordered Chinese food and ate in their suite while they got acquainted.

Linda was from the Midwest, married, with two grown children and one grandchild. She was nervous to leave her husband alone for that long, so she convinced her daughter to check on him from time to time.

It isn’t that I don’t trust Wayne, she said, it’s just that he’s not very good at doing laundry and taking care of the house, especially for six weeks. I think he’ll miss me…eventually, she said and laughed.

How long have you been married? Nova asked.

Forever! Actually, thirty-six years this next month. It’s the first time we’ll be apart on our anniversary. But if I win the $20,000 dollars, I promised him a second honeymoon, so it will be worth it., she said.

Ahh, that’s sweet, Leilani said. Then she turned to Nova. How about you?

I’m from right here in California, born and raised. I’m single, I finished culinary school last year, and hope to start a bakery with the prize money…if I win, that is, Nova said.

Your turn, Linda said to Leilani.

She was reluctant at first. I’m amazed that I’m even here. I’ve never been to culinary school, and I don’t have baking aspirations at all. My family is not happy that I’m taking time off college to do this. In fact, I’m kind of doing it on a dare.

A dare? Nova asked.

Leilani nodded. My best friend, Kendra, and I bake when we get stressed out over school. We both sent in entries, but mine got picked. I was as shocked as anyone. I wasn’t going to do it, but she dared me. Besides, she said it would look great on my resume.

What is your major? Nova asked.

Accounting. Boring, right?

No, not at all. Besides, if you’re an accountant, you will always have a job, Nova said.

She’s right. But I see why you’d want to bake. It must be your creative release, Linda said.

Yeah, I guess it is. Then she turned to Nova. So, what’s the deal with you and that Dylan guy? Were you a couple or what?

Nova nearly choked on her egg roll. Wow, you don’t hold back at all, do you.

Leilani looked back and forth between Nova and Linda, a little embarrassed. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…

Nova wiped off her mouth with a napkin. No, it’s okay. You might as well know. I mean, it’s going to be obvious, and I’d rather you hear the story from me instead of Dylan. Who knows what he’ll say.

Ooo, this sounds good, Leilani said and crisscrossed her legs on the sofa.

Nova hesitated a little. She didn’t know these women and wasn’t sure how much she wanted to tell them, especially Leilani. But they were going to be together for the next six weeks.

Well, we met at the Langford Culinary Institute… she began.

That sounds ritzy, Leilani added.

It’s okay, I guess. I mean, I’ve never been to any other culinary schools, so I have nothing to compare it to.

Leilani hung on her every word, while Linda listened politely.

We had a few classes together, and I guess you could say that he was always trying to best me. No matter what we were required to bake or measure or whatever, he always tried to beat me at it, Nova said.

Oh, my, that sounds like a man with a real complex, Linda said and laughed. That must have been frustrating.

Nova nodded. It was. Fortunately, I had one semester where we weren’t in any classes together. Believe it or not… she paused. She looked at Leilani. She didn’t trust her and didn’t want to reveal too much. It really wasn’t her business. That is to say that we sort of buried the hatchet for a little while. We were actually amicable. It just didn’t stay that way.

She looked at the two women and suddenly felt very vulnerable. But that’s enough about me. Tell me about you two, Nova said. She looked at Leilani. So, an accountant you said?

Yes. Trust me, it wasn’t my first choice. But it was the choice I was given. It’s the family business, so I’m expected to go along to get along, Leilani said.

As she talked on and on about herself, her friends, and college life, Nova found herself nodding but not really listening. She wondered if Linda was doing the same.

After they finished dinner, Nova excused herself and said she needed to walk off her dinner. Besides, she knew she was going to have trouble getting to sleep. She had too much nervous energy, and she didn’t sleep well in strange places. Linda offered to go with her, but Nova assured her that she would be fine. She walked the hall then took the elevator to the lobby. There was a sitting area in the lobby with the local newspaper and magazines. She sat down for a few minutes and flipped through a magazine, but nothing caught her interest. She took the elevator back up to her floor and walked the hall some more. As she came around the corner, she nearly ran right into Dylan.