This is the second book of a series, of which I did not read the first. I did not feel lost, but I imagine that I would know more about the side characters and world if I read the first book. Though this did feel like a standalone and could be read as one.
Ok, so this story follows two POVs. The first is Sloane Dell, the little sister of one of the owners of Sugar Blitz, a cupcake shop, and a pro football player. Sloane feels that she is living in her brother's shadow and wants to make her way in the world without his help. After abruptly quitting her job, she applies for her dream job as a Social Media Director. They challenge her to make a campaign and bring it to them, like a working interview...for a different company...which I thought was weird, but what do I know. So she accepts a temporary job helping Sugar Blitz after another co-owner, August, went viral after going off on someone for having sexist views. He earned the nickname Sugar Bae, and Sloane is going to take that to the bank. Our other POV is Sugar Bae himself, August. August is the quiet type, a jack of all trades and sensitive soul. His mother passed when he was little, and his dad is a famous chef, but wasn't the best. He is divorced, and though he's a pro footballer, he has pretty low self-esteem. So this going viral business is way out of his wheelhouse. Sloan helps, and we have flashbacks to 12 years ago when Sloane and August first met and became friends.
I think that's all I'll do of a recap, but this is a sweet story with a few spicy scenes towards the end. August is such a sweet guy, and though this story is a sappy romance, there are some good heart-tug moments. In fact, there is a scene with August and his father that made me tear up I think that was my only almost cry like a baby moment. I'm weak, but there were plenty of just great scenes that tug those heartstrings or make you laugh. I do wish we could have gotten to the romance a little sooner because there was just so much indecision in the first half. I understand that Sloane has trust issues, but we skirted around the topic way too much. With that being said, this was a good book, and I bet the next book will be amazing.

3.75 ✨

A Legend in the Baking was such a cutesy story. I absolutely enjoyed the pining between Sloane and August, this is what romance is about. They definitely needed to get out of their own way to accept the happiness that they always wanted.

Unfortunately there were parts that I did not care much for. This is a second chance romance with an older brother’s best friend— yes we like it! But their backstory didn’t quite land for me, and each time there was a flashback I said “oh brother”.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and opportunity to share my honest opinion!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC. All opinions are my own.

This was an enjoyable reading experience.

I read "A Legend in the Baking" during the holidays, though it's not holiday-themed. The book works well for interrupted reading sessions between family activities. It follows August and Sloane in bakery settings with social media elements. The story addresses job issues and neighborhood development. The characters are relatable, and I found myself hoping they would resolve their conflicts and succeed.

The narrative maintains engagement throughout. This book stands alone well despite being part of a series. I plan to read more by this author.

I received a complimentary advance copy of "A Legend in the Baking" from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. The book is now available for purchase.

A Legend in the Baking* follows August, a pro football player turned cupcake-shop co-owner, who becomes an overnight viral sensation—dubbed “SugarBae”—after defending women in a sexist confrontation. Enter Sloane, Donovan’s sister and social media whiz, whose long-harbored crush on August reignites when she’s hired to revamp the bakery’s online presence. Their chemistry sizzles with decades of “wrong time” tension and nostalgic flashbacks, and the dual-POV narrative gives emotional weight to both characters’ arcs (including unresolved past heartbreak and personal growth).The San Diego setting and Sugar Blitz bakery scenes feel authentic—almost mouthwatering—from batter to broadcast-setting social media buzz
Occasionally, pacing drags a bit, and the supporting plots (like gentrification concerns and family dynamics) could’ve used more meat—but the charm and sweetness of love, cupcakes, and career ambition keep it deliciously engaging

While the mutual-pining/miscommunication/feedback tropes were a tad overdone here, it was still quite a delightful story. A strong FMC had numerous professional hurdles to overcome (through no fault of her own- just the usual misogyny and chauvinism). The MMC was a gentle giant, suffering at times from anxiety and shyness. Tearing down toxic masculinity (not from any of the protagonists or friends and family of the same generation) was a central topic throughout, without browbeating the reader (not that I would have minded more but some folks whine about it). Really enjoyed it and will track back to read the first book in the series.

DNF at 30%. Book felt like it was building to something better but the dialogue was so cringey. References to Bruno from Encanto, a line that said the MMC was the sexiest that ever sexied.

*A Legend in the Baking* by Jamie Wesley is a warm and engaging contemporary novel that I really enjoyed. The main characters felt genuine and relatable, and their friendships added a lot of heart and humor to the story. The baking theme provided a cozy, inviting backdrop that made the whole book feel comforting and fun.

While the pacing was mostly smooth, there were moments when I wished for more depth in the characters’ backstories and motivations. Some plot points felt a bit rushed, but overall, the story was satisfying and heartfelt. Fans of feel-good stories about friendship, personal growth, and food will find a lot to love here.

Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary fiction with a cozy vibe and strong character relationships. #BookReview #CozyReads #ABakingStory #JamieWesley #netgalley

loved the tension!! so entertaining. loved the slow burn and i can’t wait to read the next book. so many sweet moments

Due to medical reasons, I was unable to fully read this book before it expired. I throughly enjoyed what I did read, however I cannot write a proper review due to this. I apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

This was a cozy, feel-good read with lots of sweet moments (literally and figuratively!). I enjoyed the baking theme and the charming small-town setting. The story was predictable at times and the pacing felt a bit slow, but it still made for a relaxing, enjoyable read when I needed something light.

All the hearts this was such a fun little read. Cozy and charming with all the romance! The banter was witty the charm was charming and the cute factor was right up there!

This is the first book I read by this author but I look forward to reading more in the future. I loved the interactions between Sloane and her brother and the whole relationship evolution with August.

Jamie Wesley is quickly becoming one of my favourite romance writers.
This is book 2 in the Sugar Blitz series, and having read both, you could red this as a standalone.
But the first book is fabulous too so why would you.
Cupcakes, forced proximity and flashbacks to the past make this such a sweet and fun read.
All the banter was on point and the kissing parts were perfect!
Highly recommend going out and getting all Jamie's books!
Much love to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for my ebook!

I dnfd this one, I couldn't get into it. the premise was promising, but it never hooked me enough to finish.

3.5 Stars! Thank you, to the publisher, for this eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion!

Very quick read in my opinion despite it being somewhat of a slow burn, which was great for me! I appreciate both a second chance and friends to lovers romance.

I thought the plot was fun and sweet and I loved the characters. The author did a great job of adding depth to the characters and placing them together. Overall a cute read, after all, “all’s fair in love and cupcakes” (A Legend in the Baking - Jamie Wesley)

I found this to be a cute read! The romance was definitely a slow burn and took me a little while to warm up to. I' m not the biggest fan of the influencer trope in books, but I did like the juxtaposition of the love interest being a football player who loves baking and cupcakes. The writing style was a bit difficult for me to get into but otherwise was an enjoyable read.

I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

I absolutely loooved Fake It Till You Bake It so I was excited to be approved for this one. This book is just as good as the first! I absolutely love Wesley’s characters and humor.

A Legend in the Baking is a cute and charming second-chance romance with plenty of warmth and sweetness. Jamie Wesley delivers a delightful story about a former football player turned baker and his best friend's sister, a social media manager. Sloane and August had a close friendship when they were younger, spending a lot of time talking late at night on the phone. I didn't like that he encouraged this when he had a girlfriend, and it was inevitable that Sloane's feelings would get hurt. Fast forward some years, divorced and faced with the prospect of working closely with Sloane as she is in charge of the social media campaign for the cupcake shop.
I liked how he jumped right in to complete all the social media tasks even though it made him very uncomfortable and he made the effort to support Sloane despite her initial lukewarm response to him.
The chemistry and personal growth of the main characters make this an enjoyable read, especially if you love a slow burn with a happy ending. Plus, who can resist a romance centred around a cupcake bakery?