Not That Kind of Icing by Stella Stevenson is a delightful foray into the world of competitive baking intertwined with a sweet, yet poignant, romantic storyline. Aimed at fans of lighthearted romances and culinary capers, Stevenson's novel bakes up a story that is both engaging and refreshing, enriched with vivid imagery and an array of colorful characters that add depth and humor to the plot.

The protagonist, Lila Bennett, is a charismatic young baker, whose life is as disorganized as her kitchen. Despite her messiness, she has her sight set on winning the prestigious Grand Bake Competition. Lila's journey is rife with mishaps and challenges, some of which are sweet and others that are bitter. Lila’s passion for baking is palpable; Stevenson crafts her character with expertise, allowing readers to smell the vanilla essence wafting through her kitchen and to feel the flour dusting their fingertips as they turn the page.

Stevenson cleverly integrates the theme of self-discovery throughout Lila's journey in the competition. As she whisks through a slew of challenges, both in and out of the kitchen, Lila learns more about her own strengths and weaknesses. This introspective journey is portrayed with a light touch, ensuring that the lessons Lila learns are conveyed with subtlety and grace amidst the chaos of baking disasters and romantic entanglements.

The romance element of the novel, which brews slowly between Lila and her competitor, Jameson Reid, is as sweet as the confections they create. Jameson is initially presented as Lila’s polar opposite: meticulous, organized, and seemingly unflappable. Stevenson excels in peeling back the layers of Jameson's character, revealing vulnerabilities that resonate with Lila's own uncertainties and fears. Their chemistry is a slow burn; it simmers softly alongside the main storyline, providing a delectable side dish that complements the main course without overpowering it. The romantic development is paced perfectly, with enough tension to keep readers flipping pages eagerly.

This novel also offers an insightful criticism of the nature of competition, particularly within creative fields like baking. Stevenson portrays both the camaraderie and the rivalry among competitors in a manner that feels realistic and relatable. Through Lila’s eyes, the reader experiences the complexity of balancing friendship with the need to outperform one’s peers, which serves as a commentary on professional environments and their impact on personal relationships.

The supporting cast in Not That Kind of Icing adds a rich layer to the narrative. From Lila’s quirky family members to her supportive friends, each character is crafted with care and contributes uniquely to Lila’s world. They serve not only as comic relief or plot catalysts but as integral components of Lila's journey toward understanding her own desires and capabilities.

Stevenson's writing style is fluid and engaging, making it easy to consume large portions of the book in a single sitting. Her descriptions of the baked goods are particularly noteworthy; they are so detailed and vivid that one could almost taste the sugary creations. Furthermore, the book is sprinkled with humor, lightening moments that might otherwise seem heavy with an easy laugh or a whimsical observation.

One of the novel’s minor drawbacks, however, could be the predictability of some plot twists, which seasoned readers of the genre might see coming. Despite this, Stevenson manages to keep the narrative engaging with her sharp wit and deeper subplots. The core strength of the book lies not just in the story itself but in how it's told—with warmth, humor, and a touch of realism that keeps it grounded and relatable.

In conclusion, Not That Kind of Icing is a heartwarming novel that blends the art of baking with the complexities of human nature and relationships, all while maintaining a lightness that makes for a pleasurable read. Stella Stevenson has whisked together a story of love, self-discovery, and pastry that satisfies the romantic and the gourmand in all of us. For readers looking to indulge in a sweet, fulfilling story that is as comforting as a homemade apple pie, this book is a perfect choice.