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?

After reading Fake It Til You Bake It, I was ready for this book! And did it live up to my expectations, yes it did! If you don't like slow burns this book may not be for you but babyyyy I lived for this one here!! I wanted them to just say how they felt a few times because we all could see they loved one another even if they couldn't admit it to themselves. Now I did scream "GIRL WTF YOU DOING" to Sloane on a few parts, especially when she went Meridith Grey lol. But she got it together and they did what needed to be done to get it right. Definitely a good read that will give you great laughs and all the feels. Can't wait for book 3 to see what playboy Nicholas will be up to.

Love love this book! I was laughing out loud while reading the book. It reminds me of a hallmark rom com. Although it is a slow burn it is a good read.. I love that she keeps with the setting of the bakery in the story

i tried to get into the physical book and the audiobook but i was struggling so hard. the influencer trope isn’t for me no matter how hard i try

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley is a sweet, slow-burn, second chance romance. This is the 2nd novel in the series.

August is a professional football player who owns a cupcakery. Sloan is the little sister one Augusts co-owners, and she is helping the shop out in order to get her dream job.

A sweet read that will have you caving cupcakes.

Written in dual third-person POV, Jamie Wesley’s A Legend in the Baking (Fake It Till You Bake It #2) follows August Hodges, Sugar Blitz Cupcakes baker and silent partner, and social media manager Sloane Dell, August’s best friend/partner’s baby sister, who discover their shared connection and attraction from 12 years ago still exist and are just as powerful when Sloane joins the business to revamp the bakery’s social media presence. In response to sexist comments mocking him for being a football player and baker, August went viral ranting about how baking isn’t a threat to masculinity and supporting women as the backbone of the industry. His meltdown made him a popular bachelor.

I like Wesley’s writing and narrative style, language use, authentic/colorful dialogue, and vivid descriptions that use the characters’ senses, all of which add layers to her excellent story, character development, and world building. She draws you in from the first scene and keeps you reading nonstop. The snarky banter and sweet, funny, sexy, emotional interactions between the characters reveal and evolve the characters and further the novel’s plot.

August and Sloane are conflicted, likable, and relatable, with fiery chemistry supported by genuine emotion and love for each other. Wesley develops Sloane and August’s relationship through flashbacks to 12 years ago—when they meet, become friends, and Sloane develops a teen crush on him—and the present. I love their interactions and couldn’t help wanting them to work out their issues and be honest with each other about their feelings. August and Sloane’s interactions and love scenes are sweet, funny, intimate, and intensely sexy and steamy. They’re so thirsty for one another.

A starting fullback for San Diego and third co-owner of Sugar Blitz with his teammates, August fears taking risks. Because he’s shy, he isn’t much of a talker and doesn’t enjoy being the center of attention. Raised by his grandfather, he rebels against his father, a Michelin-starred sexist chef who is uninterested in him. He was a college classmate and roommate of his partner, Donovan, Sloane’s older brother. August’s shyness, anxiety, and inability to speak made it hard for him to express his feelings for—and to—Sloane. So, August hurt her and lost his chance to be with Sloane. She’s been haunting his dreams ever since, leaving him with an aching loneliness. He wants to keep his promise of 12 years ago not to touch Sloane, but his desire for her is too strong, and he’s never stopped caring for her, even believing she doesn’t feel the same—if she ever did.

Stubborn, fiercely independent, and determined, Sloane hates relying on anyone. Sloane quits her job at the company where she put all her time and blood into after being denied the promotion she worked so hard to earn. Her brother asks her to come work with them so they can take advantage of August’s popularity to open a new location in the community. To help with her career prospects, she agrees.

Wesley’s examination of gentrification and its effects on Black communities and businesses is interesting and well-integrated into the story. A Legend in the Baking is a sweet, sexy, funny, steamy, emotional, fast-paced romance perfect for forced proximity, brother’s best friend, forbidden romance, baking, Black love, and second-chance romance fans. It explores sexism, stereotyping, following your dreams, taking risks, and opening your heart to love.

St. Martin’s Griffin provided an advanced review copy via Netgalley for review.

August was amazing! He had his ups and downs. It was interesting reading about a man and his self consciousness. Sloane! Now she had me frustrated. It should not have taken so long for them to come together. Her continuing to cut August off before he was able to express his feelings was tiring. Glad to get a HEA. I’m looking forward to Nicholas story.

I had read the first book with my book club , we all loved it . it made me want cupcakes , when i had heard this book was coming out i got excited , i ( no pun intended) ate this book up . i do enjoy Jamie Wesley's writing ,

The blurb sounded great, but I couldn’t get into this. I DNF’d this. It’s not a bad story, but it’s just not for me.

August August August!!! I love a man with some sense!
The tension between August and Sloane was great.
I hope we get another trip to the Sugar Blitz world soon.

The Sugar Blitz Bakery sounds like the best place to visit and Jamie Wesley makes it come to life on these pages. I was excited to see August get his own book after meeting him in "Fake It 'Til You Bake It". I also wanted to see how Donovan's story continued. August was the sweetest male main character. His banter and connections with Sloane had me swooning and giggling. I really hope we get to see these stories continued and Nicholas gets his own book too! Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

I really enjoyed this fun friends to lovers romance. The banter between August and Sloane was so fun. I liked how they had to work together and they fun they had together solving the program of the protesters and how he was willing to come out of his shell for her.

The characters were believable in the flaws while also being so likable. I enjoyed it, but I did enjoy the first book a little bit more.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

It has been a minute since I was in the Sugar Blitz world, so I was excited to return to the bakery. It was a good slow burn, did drag a tiny but at some points, although I will say I am hypercritical of slow burns and don't like them TOO slow. Overall it was a sweet, mildly spicy, contemporary romance. Was fun to see some friendly faces, and the characters had good chemistry.

Rating: 4/5

I had a great time with A Legend in the Baking! August is the definition of a cinnamon roll hero—sweet, humble, and completely unaware of the effect he has on Sloane. Their slow-burn romance had plenty of tension, but wow, it took forever for them to finally admit their feelings. Sloane’s ambition was refreshing, though some of her choices frustrated me. A fun, flirty read with heart!

A great follow up to the second book. While the will they won't they dragged a bit in the middle, the rest of the pacing was pretty good. Sloane and August were such robust, well developed characters. The resolving all the trauma bits were a bit rushed, but we are here for a happy ending, so the author had to give us a happy ending. I am ready for Nicholas' book.

A Legend in the Baking perfectly blends romance, humor, and delicious competition as two rivals face off in a high-stakes baking show. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, with plenty of banter and tension that keeps the story engaging.

I loved how the story balanced the competitive nature of the show with the slow-burn romance, making it feel both fun and heartfelt.

**Book Review: *A Legend in the Baking* by Jamie Wesley**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*A Legend in the Baking* by Jamie Wesley is a sweet and deliciously charming romance that will have readers hooked from the first page. Set in the world of competitive baking, the novel blends heartwarming moments with high-stakes drama, creating a fun and engaging story.

The plot follows the blossoming relationship between two strong-willed characters: a renowned baker seeking redemption and a charming, no-nonsense woman determined to make her mark in the baking world. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their relationship develops in a way that feels both realistic and heartwarming. Wesley does a great job of balancing the romantic tension with the characters' individual struggles, creating a compelling and engaging storyline.

Wesley's writing style is smooth and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the story. The baking competition setting adds a unique twist, bringing an element of competition and creativity that makes the book feel fresh and exciting. The descriptions of the baked goods are mouthwatering, and the tension of the competition gives the story an extra layer of intensity.

The characters are well-developed, and their personal growth is satisfying to watch. While the romance is at the heart of the novel, the book also touches on themes of self-discovery, trust, and second chances. There are moments of humor, vulnerability, and real emotion that give the story depth.

The pacing of the book is strong, keeping the reader engaged throughout, though at times the plot can feel a bit predictable. While the romance is heartwarming and enjoyable, the resolution of certain conflicts could have been developed a bit further.

Overall, *A Legend in the Baking* is a fun, sweet read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies and baking. It’s lighthearted, engaging, and full of flavor, making it a perfect pick for readers looking for a cozy and uplifting escape.

Adorable and witty! I am not usually one for contemporary romance, but this was gripping and a fun read!

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley
A Legend in the Baking is a fun, sweet romance with a bit of spice thrown in. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and the high-energy plot keeps things moving fast. However, there are a few moments that get a bit steamy, so I skipped some parts, but if you’re a fan of romance with a touch of heat, this one will definitely satisfy your cravings. The baking theme adds a delicious charm to the story, making it a light, enjoyable read overall!