Why am I reading so many books about dating celebrities lately? I have to say that from that select yet somehow crowded subcategory, this is the best I've read so far this year. It also gains entree into another niche group: baking romances. And that's one of my favorite overly specific genres full stop, so it's in good company there. The story follows serious, multitasking Donovan Dell, who plays professional football and just opened a bakery with a couple of his teammates as a passion project and retirement plan. It also follows Jada Townsend-Matthews, an impulsive, fun-loving, loud-talking reality TV dropout who earned the nation's ire when she said no to a televised Bachelor-Esque proposal when it didn't feel right in her gut. After an admittedly rocky first meeting, the two concoct a delicious and convincing fake dating scheme (the perfect combination) to protect Jada from a slew of anti-fans in the court of public opinion and to produce buzz for Donovan's struggling bakery. They've got the chemistry to pull it off and the banter to keep it sparking.

The characters in the book are divine. Donovan's stern, steady support is dreamy, and that's not an adjective I throw around a lot. Jada's a heroine who isn't initially likable, and ironically, I like that about her. She isn't some bland girl-next-door, but a woman trying to get her life together and accept herself, flaws and all. She owns up to her mistakes, fights her battles with integrity, and lights up the lives of those around her.

The book has this magical recipe that keeps the story balanced and engaging. Jada and Donovan have sweetness and spice (open door, hallelujah), moments of both angst and connection, and battle their insecurities with clear conversation. The love story has its match in the characters' personal journeys, and even side characters feel multi-dimensional, whether they're supporters or villains. The conflict is found in both internal turmoil and external pressure, and the final act drama is angsty without being drawn out.

So why pick up Fake it Til You Bake it? The BAKED GOODS. The swoon-worthy moments that include but aren't limited to smoldering at a ROMANCE BOOK CLUB. The HOT-AND-HEAVY SLOW BURN TENSION. The emotional support in moments of weariness and vulnerability that include but aren't limited to debriefs on family stress with WINE AND SNUGGLES ON THE BEACH. Just read it, ok? Thanks to SMP Romance for my copy to read and review!

Can I just say that fake dating is consistently one of my favourite romance tropes? Fake dating to help the bakery and rehab Jada’s reputation ends up being the perfect recipe!

I really enjoyed the bakery owned by football players - it’s almost unexpected, and the men all bring something different to the table. I’m low key hoping we revisit this bakery for more romance for the business partners!

Jada and Donovan are great together, and it was fantastic to see both of them flourish and find their rhythm together. Jada discovering her passion along the way was so great.

This was a really sweet story(pun absolutely intended) and I look forward to reading more from this author!

I just finished this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The whole spoiled-rich-girl-who-has-everything-given-to-her vibe kind of made me wary at first, but I quickly came to love how headstrong and vibrant Jada was. Plus, I love a good forced proximity, fake dating trope. The back and forth between POVs was very reminiscent of the song "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" from Hercules, and I adored it. Though both of the main characters were wonderful, I'd have to say my favorite was Jada's grandmother, with her wily, tough, chaotic good vibes. She's someone I'd love to meet in real life.

I normally am a huge fan of fake dating but this one just didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was all the baking that just left me feeling bored, but I couldn't get into it.

Fake It Till You Bake It has a lovely premise, tons of good types, and some good representation. Fake dating, football players running a cupcake shop, and reality TV drama all come together in Fake It Til You Bake It. This was very fun and cute! Six-star read! More please!

This was a cute read! I'm a sucker for an athletic MMC and I thought it was interesting that Jada had been on a show similar to the Bachelor. (Die hard fan right here) Jada struggles to find her purpose in life, while Donovan is determined to make his shop a success for when he retires. I really enjoyed the overall plot and watching them navigate each other and breaking their confort zones!

This book had a very cute story. It was a charming love story with a great setting and well drawn out characters. Overall a fun romantic read!

Fake it Till You Bake It is the next laugh out loud, romance novel for the summer! Author Jamie Wesley nails the witty dialogue, steaming romance and pretend relationship drama. Jada shocked the entire nation when she said “no” on reality tv and in desperation, she starts working at a cupcake store in her hometown. Before she knows it, she’s being duped as famous football player Donovan Dell’s girlfriend. While it’s easy to imagine what transpires next, Wesley delivers in spectacular fashion. I often found myself laughing out loud, cringing and delighting in Jada and Donovan’s story. And, I won’t lie, I definitely craved cupcakes the entire time! Fake it Till You Bake It should not be missed and is out now!

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book, it was fast paced and a delight to read. The characters had an insane amount of chemistry and made me smile throughout the entire book

I went into this book with no idea what I was about to read other than it being a rom-com. I love how protective he was of her from the beginning. I also love this trope so that was a great surprise. I want to see some books about his business buddies.

This was an good book, but not great. I was ready for an easy to read, toe curling romance. And while I did get it, it just seemed to be a bit rushed. I wish there was more! LOADS MORE! It felt like the story that needed to be told just wasnt. Again, would have loved it it wasn't as rushed.

I have never read anything by this author but after completing this book I'll definitely be on the lookout! I love how sports and baking were combined. My favorite part by far is the shania Twain quotes!! When you pick up this book to read it just be prepared to not be able to put it down until you finish it. Cancel your plans now, light a sweet candle and get ready for a sweet treat.

Fake It Till You Bake It was a fun romance with an enhanced take on the fake dating trope. I loved the premise, a disliked reality television star and a hunky football player who owns a cupcake shop decide to start a fake relationship to strum up customers to the bakery and turn the tide on the social media tirade against Jada.

I enjoyed the characters and their stories, especially Jada. I like any book that has a woman finding herself and her purpose. The addition of Jada talking about having dyslexia and how it has affected her self-esteem and family dynamic was insightful and a nice, real addition to the book. I gave the book 4 stars, only knocked one off because personally the book was a bit too cheesy for me. The instant romance/love at first sight aspect doesn't do it for me. But if you enjoy the cheesiness, this is the book for you!

I am obsessed with the cover! I thought the fake dating trope was done well, but overall it wasn't a story that stayed in my mind. I enjoyed it, but won't remember it past The End

Fake It Till You Bake It is a fake dating to lovers romance that I could not put down! I literally finished this book in 2 days. The writing felt real and authentic. It had just the right amount of comedic relief that I appreciate in rom coms. The story begins with both Donovan and Jada at important crossroads in their lives and they literally start off annoyed but also attracted to each other in their first meeting. The chemistry between them was amazing from the very beginning. I also love stories like this that keep it light but also touch on the tough parts of life whether it be trying to find what your true purpose is or releasing the hurt from the past in order to embrace a better, freer future. Wesley was able to add depth to the characters and it definitely made you more invested in their outcomes. Also it looks like this might be a series which I'm excited for!

Thanks to netgalley and SMPRomance for the arc in exchange for my review.

If, like me, you love the fake-dating trope, I suggest you give Fake it Till You Bake It a chance!

Firstly, I liked the premise of the book a lot, especially because it takes place in my hometown, San Diego. After enraging fans of a reality show similar to The Bachelor after turning down a proposal, Jada is sent to work at a bakery, THE bakery that our male main character owns. This has elements of enemies-to-lovers but falls a bit short on that trope.

Although overall, I did like this book, I think I wanted more substance from the characters and their relationship. Their attraction to each other felt very insta-love/like, which I'm not usually fond of. I was looking forward to the yearning and pining and slow-burn that usually occurs when it comes to fake-dating but didn't really ever get that.

My favorite part of the book was definitely Jada. Although at first she is, as expected, a bit of a spoiled rich girl, you soon understand that she is more than that. She wants to find her purpose, something I can relate to.

I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a quick cute story!

I love a fake dating trope! First of all, absolutely adored these two characters — a reality dating show star and an NFL player who owns a cupcake bakery? Couldn’t be better! The story itself was light and predictable as you’d expect from a romcom. Enjoyable read, but nothing too special.

I loved the cover, it’s eye catching and pulled me to this story. The storyline was cute and I enjoyed the characters. I really loved the positive representation of black people, that was definitely a plus.

Overall I liked the story but the writing kinda fell flat. It was too many cheesy moments that just didn’t feel authentic. Yes I know Romcon’s are supposed to be like this but this just felt wrong.
Don’t get me wrong this author has so much potential and so much going for them, just some stuff that needed a little tweaking

Rating: 3.5/5
Steam: 3/5
Tropes: Fake Dating, Sports Romance, Celebrity Romance
Rep: BIPOC, Dyslexia

Thank you to SMP Romance and NetGalley for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was cute, but (forgive me) completely forgettable. I loved this concept of a pro-football playing owning a bakery + some fake dating vibes. But a lot of this story felt like we were stopping and starting concepts/plot points. It lacked the depth that there was opportunity for…and felt both rushed and so slow at the same time. I can say I enjoyed that it didn’t include the typical 3rd act breakup, Mrs. T was a gem, and I did like the side characters. Over all a meh, story for me but I know others might really enjoy it.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Jada Townsend-Matthews is having a moment. Not a good one. She is the most hated woman in America after "breaking the heart" of the most recent reality show bachelor. So, now she is hiding out in her home in San Diego trying to get her life back on track and out of the headlines.

Donovan Dell is a professional football player and 1/3 owner of Sugar Blitz, a local cupcake shop. The other two owners are on his team. Jada's grandmother is the owner of Donovan's team and has Donovan hire her to work at the shop while she tries to figure out her life.

An unfortunate incident leads to a reporter believing that Jada and Donovan are dating and blows up their lives on social media. However, could this be for the best? Sugar Blitz has never been busier and Jada is getting a makeover in social media. Isn't this what all parties wanted?

I really enjoyed this book - look forward to more by this author.