My Favorite Kidnapper by Melanie Moreland
Cupcakes, Kidnapping, and a Grumpy Hero
I’ve been on a streak of reading without reviewing, but I’m changing that—starting with My Favorite Kidnapper by Melanie Moreland. This book was completely over-the-top, full of clichés, and honestly? I loved every bit of it.
We follow Brianna, a struggling bakery worker just trying to get by, when she crosses paths with a grumpy stranger at her friend’s wedding—who, naturally, steals some of her cupcakes. That man turns out to be Dante, her friend’s extremely rich (and broody) uncle. Fast forward a few chapters and she’s been kidnapped—yes, literally—to his villa in Italy so she can bake for him. Wild? 100%. But somehow, it works.
What made this book shine for me was the dynamic between Brianna and Dante. I have fully accepted that I am a sucker for the grumpy/sunshine trope. Their banter was sharp, their chemistry was instant, and watching Dante go soft for her had me smiling like an idiot. She brought light, humor, and a no-nonsense attitude that balanced him perfectly.
Also, the baking. I love sweets, and this book basically fed my dessert-loving soul. Every cake, cookie, and sugary moment felt warm and intimate. Baking was more than a plot point—it was connection, comfort, and romance all rolled into one.
The scenery was another highlight. The Italian villa, the countryside, the cozy kitchens—it was all written in such a vivid, dreamy way. It felt like a Hallmark movie meets fantasy vacation, and I was all in.
That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. The third-act breakup felt forced and too easily resolved. Dante, being his usual stubborn self, didn’t really give us the grovel we deserved. Brianna carried the emotional weight, and while I appreciated her strength, I wanted him to meet her halfway.
Still, this book was fun, fast, and gave me exactly the kind of joy I needed. It’s light on realism, heavy on charm, and full of heart. If you’re in the mood for a sweet, trope-heavy romance with cupcakes, countryside views, and a grumpy man falling head over heels, this one’s for you.
