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Sugar Blitz #2
A Legend in the Baking
After accidentally going viral on social media, a cupcake-baking football player gets assistance from a social media maven—and his best friend's little sister—to help promote his new bakery.
August Hodges was supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. Emphasis on silent. That is until his impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity goes viral, making him the hottest bachelor in town. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this perfect opportunity to help cement their place in the community. But the hiring of his best friend’s younger sister, the woman who has haunted some of his best dreams for years, was as much of a shock as his new-found fame.
Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother’s best friend the moment she met him more than a decade ago, but that teenage infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother’s request to revamp the bakery’s social media presence to take advantage of August’s newfound popularity, knowing it’s the big break her fledgling career needs. She’ll just ignore the fact that August is still August, i.e. sexier and sweeter than any man has a right to be. And that he drives her crazy with his resistance to all her ideas.
They vow to leave the past in the past. But when an explosive make-out session makes it clear their attraction burns hotter than ever, Sloane and August are forced to reconsider what it means to take a risk and chase your dreams.
As they’re both about to find out, all’s fair in love and cupcakes.
August Hodges was supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. Emphasis on silent. That is until his impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity goes viral, making him the hottest bachelor in town. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this perfect opportunity to help cement their place in the community. But the hiring of his best friend’s younger sister, the woman who has haunted some of his best dreams for years, was as much of a shock as his new-found fame.
Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother’s best friend the moment she met him more than a decade ago, but that teenage infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother’s request to revamp the bakery’s social media presence to take advantage of August’s newfound popularity, knowing it’s the big break her fledgling career needs. She’ll just ignore the fact that August is still August, i.e. sexier and sweeter than any man has a right to be. And that he drives her crazy with his resistance to all her ideas.
They vow to leave the past in the past. But when an explosive make-out session makes it clear their attraction burns hotter than ever, Sloane and August are forced to reconsider what it means to take a risk and chase your dreams.
As they’re both about to find out, all’s fair in love and cupcakes.
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First published November 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 696 reviews
November 4, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
- This book is for the slow burn lovers and I ATE UP EVER MINUTE OF IT!!! You get sooo much tension from start to finish. The looks they give one another, the slight touch of the arm, I was literally blushing when we finally got to their first kiss which was over halfway through the book!! I loooooved how much build up their was. It felt like a realistic romance in every way.
- There were so many cute small details that the author really paid attention to when writing this story. So many swoon worthy moments! So many little micro tropes that YOU WILL LOVEEE.
- I really hope we get a story for Nicholas because I’m so invested. All of the characters give found family vibes. I don’t normally enjoy third person writing, but the way this story was written just feels like you’re in the mind of the character even though it’s not written in first person. This is going to be a book I’ll forever recommend to the besties that love a slow burn!!
- This book is for the slow burn lovers and I ATE UP EVER MINUTE OF IT!!! You get sooo much tension from start to finish. The looks they give one another, the slight touch of the arm, I was literally blushing when we finally got to their first kiss which was over halfway through the book!! I loooooved how much build up their was. It felt like a realistic romance in every way.
- There were so many cute small details that the author really paid attention to when writing this story. So many swoon worthy moments! So many little micro tropes that YOU WILL LOVEEE.
- I really hope we get a story for Nicholas because I’m so invested. All of the characters give found family vibes. I don’t normally enjoy third person writing, but the way this story was written just feels like you’re in the mind of the character even though it’s not written in first person. This is going to be a book I’ll forever recommend to the besties that love a slow burn!!
November 5, 2024
A Legend in the Baking
by Jamie Wesley is a contemporary romance set in San Diego, California. Three pro football players have opened a cupcake shop that is successful. This second book in the series features August Hodges. He’s supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes, and stay in the background, mainly doing repairs and ordering, and helping with the baking or customers only when needed. However, after a family telephone conversation, he makes a feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and that baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity. It goes viral on social media.
With a second location opening soon, they decide to capitalize on his new-found popularity with the help of his best friend and partner’s sister Sloane Dell. August and Sloane have known each other for twelve years, but have been mainly avoiding each other since an incident when Sloane was seventeen. When Sloane is brought in to revamp their social media presence, she and August must learn to work together.
Sloane is tenacious, a workaholic, and has great ideas, but seemed to push August into doing things he wasn’t prepared to do. She sometimes came across as manipulative. August is quiet, lonely, good at keeping his thoughts to himself, and doesn’t like being the center of attention. August is the more likeable character.
This novel felt more straight-forward than the first book in the series. Additionally, there wasn’t as much comedy and the pacing felt slower. I also felt the conflict at the second location should have been addressed more quickly. Despite this, I enjoyed it and the chemistry and connection that August and Sloane had. Additionally, there are themes around perceptions of women, family relationships and dynamics, regrets, and career advancement woven into the story that added depth.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel with a great setting for a second-chance romance. It’s cute and has a good ending. I am looking forward to a book featuring the third co-owner of the bakery, Nicholas.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jamie Wesley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 19, 2024.
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My 3.37 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
With a second location opening soon, they decide to capitalize on his new-found popularity with the help of his best friend and partner’s sister Sloane Dell. August and Sloane have known each other for twelve years, but have been mainly avoiding each other since an incident when Sloane was seventeen. When Sloane is brought in to revamp their social media presence, she and August must learn to work together.
Sloane is tenacious, a workaholic, and has great ideas, but seemed to push August into doing things he wasn’t prepared to do. She sometimes came across as manipulative. August is quiet, lonely, good at keeping his thoughts to himself, and doesn’t like being the center of attention. August is the more likeable character.
This novel felt more straight-forward than the first book in the series. Additionally, there wasn’t as much comedy and the pacing felt slower. I also felt the conflict at the second location should have been addressed more quickly. Despite this, I enjoyed it and the chemistry and connection that August and Sloane had. Additionally, there are themes around perceptions of women, family relationships and dynamics, regrets, and career advancement woven into the story that added depth.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel with a great setting for a second-chance romance. It’s cute and has a good ending. I am looking forward to a book featuring the third co-owner of the bakery, Nicholas.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jamie Wesley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 19, 2024.
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My 3.37 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
November 19, 2024
Happy publication day!
3⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Fake It Till You Bake It, #2
Others in the series ~ Fake It Till You Bake It
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ November 19, 2024
Publisher ~ St. Martin's Press
Est Page Count ~ 336 (39 chapters)
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, football player/cupcake shop owner, social media expert, forced proximity, brother's best friend, best friends sister, slow burn then super fast burn, workplace romance, some steamage
Sloane (29) & August (35) have known each other for years. There was a bit of a miscommunication back when she was 17, so they've really been avoiding each other since. Rightfully so since I did not care for what went down. Now she's stepping in at Sugar Blitz as a social media consultant.
August is not a fan of the spotlight, but one viral video puts him in it. It wasn't a bad video, so Sloane is trying to use it to promote the bakery and help herself in her own career path. I really liked August. He's a sweet and humble man that did not care for all of the attention.
I wasn't a super big fan of Sloane, now or in the 12 years ago chapters. She was basically using August, knowing he was uncomfortable, to help herself mostly. Yeah the bakery benefited too, but her main goal seemed to be herself.
Overall, the burn was very, super slow, but then once they get together it's full on lightening fast and that didn't really work for me. I wish the pace was steadier with their feelings for each other. I do look forward to reading Jamie's next book, which I assume will follow our 3rd bakery owner, Nicholas.
Series notes:
Sloane is the sister of Donovan from Fake It Till You Bake It (➡ my review), so he has a good amount of page time, but I suppose it's not absolutely necessary to read that one first.
PS ~ I love the title.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
3⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Fake It Till You Bake It, #2
Others in the series ~ Fake It Till You Bake It
Setting ~ California
Publication date ~ November 19, 2024
Publisher ~ St. Martin's Press
Est Page Count ~ 336 (39 chapters)
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, football player/cupcake shop owner, social media expert, forced proximity, brother's best friend, best friends sister, slow burn then super fast burn, workplace romance, some steamage
Sloane (29) & August (35) have known each other for years. There was a bit of a miscommunication back when she was 17, so they've really been avoiding each other since. Rightfully so since I did not care for what went down. Now she's stepping in at Sugar Blitz as a social media consultant.
August is not a fan of the spotlight, but one viral video puts him in it. It wasn't a bad video, so Sloane is trying to use it to promote the bakery and help herself in her own career path. I really liked August. He's a sweet and humble man that did not care for all of the attention.
I wasn't a super big fan of Sloane, now or in the 12 years ago chapters. She was basically using August, knowing he was uncomfortable, to help herself mostly. Yeah the bakery benefited too, but her main goal seemed to be herself.
Overall, the burn was very, super slow, but then once they get together it's full on lightening fast and that didn't really work for me. I wish the pace was steadier with their feelings for each other. I do look forward to reading Jamie's next book, which I assume will follow our 3rd bakery owner, Nicholas.
Series notes:
Sloane is the sister of Donovan from Fake It Till You Bake It (➡ my review), so he has a good amount of page time, but I suppose it's not absolutely necessary to read that one first.
PS ~ I love the title.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
August 14, 2024
2.5 ✰
I didn’t completely click with this story but I still think august and sloane had their sweet moments 💘
august is the CUTEST MMC EVER !! he’s a football player but he loves baking and isn’t afraid to admit that. when a gross stranger attacks him for doing something “unmasculine” and “stupid” like baking, he goes on a feminist rant defending the woman that work hard in this industry and how he doesn’t feel threatened and scared to do what he loves just bc society expects him to 🙈
and then his speech goes viral and everyone goes crazy for him 🥹 sloane, the fmc, is his social media manager (and best friend’s sister) and helps him navigate his way through this new fame. and they fall in love ~~ even though they’ve been lowkey crushing on each other since childhood 💓
whilst I didn’t completely love this story bc im not the biggest fan of very slow burn, I still appreciated their love for eachother and how they both got eachother through tough times <33 if you want something short and sweet, this is the book for you 🤭🤭
thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review !!
…
a football player that loves to bake cupcakes!?! stop this is too adorable!! 💗 so grateful my arc got approved <3
I didn’t completely click with this story but I still think august and sloane had their sweet moments 💘
august is the CUTEST MMC EVER !! he’s a football player but he loves baking and isn’t afraid to admit that. when a gross stranger attacks him for doing something “unmasculine” and “stupid” like baking, he goes on a feminist rant defending the woman that work hard in this industry and how he doesn’t feel threatened and scared to do what he loves just bc society expects him to 🙈
and then his speech goes viral and everyone goes crazy for him 🥹 sloane, the fmc, is his social media manager (and best friend’s sister) and helps him navigate his way through this new fame. and they fall in love ~~ even though they’ve been lowkey crushing on each other since childhood 💓
whilst I didn’t completely love this story bc im not the biggest fan of very slow burn, I still appreciated their love for eachother and how they both got eachother through tough times <33 if you want something short and sweet, this is the book for you 🤭🤭
thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review !!
…
a football player that loves to bake cupcakes!?! stop this is too adorable!! 💗 so grateful my arc got approved <3
Want to read
September 7, 2023AUGUST GETS A BOOK!!! I REPEAT, AUGUST GETS A BOOK!!!!
Want to read
November 16, 2023"a cupcake-baking football player"... say no more *adds to tbr*
April 21, 2025
I enjoyed this entire book.
I've been focusing on showing my black authors love (as well as books that have black FMC/MMCs) and they have not disappointed one bit. This was another win.
I love a second chance romance where someone didn't cheat. I love friends to lovers. I love a MMC that is aware of the issues and stereotypes that women face. In other words? I loved this book.
Very quick read, and if you enjoyed the first book then you'd more than enjoy this one as well. They're both cute, contemporary reads.
10/10 would recommend.
I've been focusing on showing my black authors love (as well as books that have black FMC/MMCs) and they have not disappointed one bit. This was another win.
I love a second chance romance where someone didn't cheat. I love friends to lovers. I love a MMC that is aware of the issues and stereotypes that women face. In other words? I loved this book.
Very quick read, and if you enjoyed the first book then you'd more than enjoy this one as well. They're both cute, contemporary reads.
10/10 would recommend.
November 12, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, contemporary romance novel. It has an intelligent, likable female protagonist who has a sharp business mind, an engaging and caring football player male protagonist who bakes, family and relationship drama, a touch of humor, a steamy, second chance romance, and a happily ever after ending. I especially liked its message about social media. This is the second entry in Ms. Wesley's Fake It Till You Bake It series, and it can be read as a stand alone. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin, NetGalley, and Ms. Wesley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2024
3.5 stars
~~~
Finding that unique twist in a story is a must for any author whose book wants to stand out. This author is new to me and she chose something totally off the cuff – football players, who love to bake cupcakes? Are you kidding me?
Not only is it unique but the story was sweet and fun. I love the male characters the most. They were perfectly blended and the author added so many layers to their characters. It was hard not to enjoy them all. August was a sweetheart.
As far as Sloane, the female lead, I liked most of her character. There were a few things that annoyed me with her quirks. But this second chance romance definitely stood out with an abundance of mooning over him and reliving the past. Silently hard-crushing was much of the topic for the middle of the story.
My favorite part of this book is the ending where we finally get the goods. The guy gets the girl; the girl gets the guy, and it’s a warm, fuzzy ending. The additional characters from the neighborhood bring levity and more twists to the story.
Much of the story is about regrets and memories, but the ending makes the book. Wesley digs deep for the unique twists and quirks that make A Legend in the Baking a fun story to check out!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-legend-in-...
~~~
Finding that unique twist in a story is a must for any author whose book wants to stand out. This author is new to me and she chose something totally off the cuff – football players, who love to bake cupcakes? Are you kidding me?
Not only is it unique but the story was sweet and fun. I love the male characters the most. They were perfectly blended and the author added so many layers to their characters. It was hard not to enjoy them all. August was a sweetheart.
As far as Sloane, the female lead, I liked most of her character. There were a few things that annoyed me with her quirks. But this second chance romance definitely stood out with an abundance of mooning over him and reliving the past. Silently hard-crushing was much of the topic for the middle of the story.
My favorite part of this book is the ending where we finally get the goods. The guy gets the girl; the girl gets the guy, and it’s a warm, fuzzy ending. The additional characters from the neighborhood bring levity and more twists to the story.
Much of the story is about regrets and memories, but the ending makes the book. Wesley digs deep for the unique twists and quirks that make A Legend in the Baking a fun story to check out!
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-legend-in-...
August 10, 2024
This was a 3-star book up until Chapter 24. Then it quickly dropped down to a 2-star book.
🧁 This book was super long, and it draaaaaaaged. Sloane and August were their own worst enemies
🧁 I was not a fan of the fact that August had a long-term girlfriend, and Sloane decided to kiss him anyway. I was also not a fan of Sloane telling August that her college decision depended on their relationship. This could be considered manipulation.
🧁 I was not a fan of the fact that August was emotionally cheating on Melinda (his long-term girlfriend who became his fiancé and then his wife)
🧁 When August dumps Sloane the first time, he calls her a kid which is 100% correct! She was a 17-year-old high schooler, and he was a legal-adult college student
🧁 In the beginning when August became SugarBae, he was constantly receiving butt pats and fondling from his fans. It was never commented on that this was unwanted behavior and sexual misconduct. Because August and this book promote themselves as “feminists,” I think they would have made a stronger point to talk about how men can receive unwanted sexual behavior and be on the receiving end of sexual misconduct and assault. When men refuse these sexual advances, they often face different stereotypes and prejudices than women.
February 27, 2025
I kinda enjoyed this book more than Fake It Till You bake It. Loved the main characters both individually and together.
I'm usually not a fan of slow burn but I didn't mind it in this book at all and I love that it was filled with tension from the get go.
I switched to the audiobook halfway through and I had to go start from scratch because the narration was just fire.
Thanks to St.Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC!
Story: 3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫
Narration: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm usually not a fan of slow burn but I didn't mind it in this book at all and I love that it was filled with tension from the get go.
I switched to the audiobook halfway through and I had to go start from scratch because the narration was just fire.
Thanks to St.Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC!
Story: 3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫
Narration: 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 3, 2025
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!
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!
May 1, 2024
A Legend in the Baking was so cute! I actually don’t really like the the best friend's little sister but here was good. The middle part was rather slow but it is still fun read and I recommend you check it out.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2025
A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley
Sugar Blitz series #2. Sports related diverse romance. Own voice. Brother’s best friend and second chance troupes.
Sloane Dell needs a career makeover. She knows social media but having a coworker take all the credit on her projects and get away with it hurts not only her pride, but her job status. Sloane agrees to work for her brothers business, Sugar Blitz Cupcakes to try to get a foot into an advertising agency. She’ll just ignore how baker and former NFL player August Hodges makes her shiver all over. Talk about a masculine threat to her psyche!
August is such a sweetie. He didn’t intend to be the face of the company but he steps up every time. And it’s usually to help someone else. So glad he got his hea.
Sugar Blitz series #2. Sports related diverse romance. Own voice. Brother’s best friend and second chance troupes.
Sloane Dell needs a career makeover. She knows social media but having a coworker take all the credit on her projects and get away with it hurts not only her pride, but her job status. Sloane agrees to work for her brothers business, Sugar Blitz Cupcakes to try to get a foot into an advertising agency. She’ll just ignore how baker and former NFL player August Hodges makes her shiver all over. Talk about a masculine threat to her psyche!
August is such a sweetie. He didn’t intend to be the face of the company but he steps up every time. And it’s usually to help someone else. So glad he got his hea.
December 16, 2024
very cute + definitely has a lil steam!
September 2, 2024
Dnf 59%
I’m kinda disappointed because I loved the first book, but there were quite a few issues in here that I can’t overlook.
1. What is up with all these women copping a feel? Grabbing his butt and some being bold enough to try for the front? Why are we playing this off as it being a part of the “game”. Let’s call it sexual harassment and not play it down. It’s no consensual and disgusting.
2. There were comments of he’s not married so he’s still in the market that other women made to dismiss any girlfriend he potentially could have.
3. Someone is in a relationship and you’re still going to kiss them? That’s disrespectful. I truly don’t care how long you’ve had a crush for.
All in all, this is not the book for me.
It’s pushing a lot of themes that I just don’t care for nor tolerate.
Thank you NetGalley and SMP for the arc. My opinions are my own.
I’m kinda disappointed because I loved the first book, but there were quite a few issues in here that I can’t overlook.
1. What is up with all these women copping a feel? Grabbing his butt and some being bold enough to try for the front? Why are we playing this off as it being a part of the “game”. Let’s call it sexual harassment and not play it down. It’s no consensual and disgusting.
2. There were comments of he’s not married so he’s still in the market that other women made to dismiss any girlfriend he potentially could have.
3. Someone is in a relationship and you’re still going to kiss them? That’s disrespectful. I truly don’t care how long you’ve had a crush for.
All in all, this is not the book for me.
It’s pushing a lot of themes that I just don’t care for nor tolerate.
Thank you NetGalley and SMP for the arc. My opinions are my own.
December 28, 2024
Special thanks to the author & @stmartinspress for my gifted copy‼️I still haven’t read book 1 however I plan to spend the block soon on that one but book 2 can obviously be read as a standalone it was very cute a little cheesy in some ways the sex scenes were a little spicy but overall I loved this. The pacing was a little up and down but the character development was superb I’m still iffy on August being an ex-football player turned baker but I loved him and Sloane together.
November 19, 2024
A Legend in Baking is the second book in a series of interconnected contemporary romance standalones. It features football players who co-own a cupcake store.
This is August’s book. It can be read as a standalone. However Donovan (co-owner of Sugar Blitz Cupcakes and August’s best friend) who was the male lead in the first book is in this book a lot.
This book alternates between the male and female POVs. The book takes place in the present. But we get a few brief glimpses of 12 years before.
The series takes place in San Diego. August is shy. But he has liked Sloane for years. Sloane is a social media expert. She is Donovan’s sister. And had a major crush on August when she was younger. When August goes viral he (and the cupcake shop) need Sloane’s help.
This is a cute fun read. I liked both August and Sloane. And they were great together. Major second chance and slow burn vibes. I also really loved seeing so much of Donovan. Overall an enjoyable sequel.
Thanks to netgalley and SMP Romance for allowing me to read this book.
This is August’s book. It can be read as a standalone. However Donovan (co-owner of Sugar Blitz Cupcakes and August’s best friend) who was the male lead in the first book is in this book a lot.
This book alternates between the male and female POVs. The book takes place in the present. But we get a few brief glimpses of 12 years before.
The series takes place in San Diego. August is shy. But he has liked Sloane for years. Sloane is a social media expert. She is Donovan’s sister. And had a major crush on August when she was younger. When August goes viral he (and the cupcake shop) need Sloane’s help.
This is a cute fun read. I liked both August and Sloane. And they were great together. Major second chance and slow burn vibes. I also really loved seeing so much of Donovan. Overall an enjoyable sequel.
Thanks to netgalley and SMP Romance for allowing me to read this book.
December 16, 2024
4 stars.
I enjoyed "A Legend in the Baking" by Jamie Wesley. First of all, this book has a fantastic dual audiobook narration from Jaime Lincoln Smith and Nia Serge. They are wonderful here! They bring these characters to life in a realistic, terrific way, embuing these characters with life! This second-chance romance was such a fun read. August is a football player, but he is also a baker. He works at/owns Sugar Blitz cupcake shop in San Diego (shout out!) with his two friends/teammates. Sloane is the little sister of Donovan, one of those friends. August and Sloane had a blossoming friendship/possibly more years ago when they were much younger, but circumstances discussed in the book led them to dissolve their friendship, turning into a decade-plus-long radio silence. Years later, Sloane is a budding social media manager looking for a new job, and in order to impress a potential employer, she agrees to handle the social media coverage for Sugar Blitz, putting her back in August's orbit. Sparks that never died fly freely now as their attraction and chemistry bubble once more. Readers learn Sloane and August's story in a dual timeline setting, which I liked and is handled well by Wesley. This story is short, sweet, and sexy! I loved Sloane and August. They have terrific banter had chemistry with one another. This story takes on toxic masculinity head-on in a way that feels natural and wholly welcomed. I loved the yearning and the spice book! I can't wait for the third installment in this series. Be aware, though, this book WILL make you want a cupcake!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Wesley, and Spotify Audiobooks for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I enjoyed "A Legend in the Baking" by Jamie Wesley. First of all, this book has a fantastic dual audiobook narration from Jaime Lincoln Smith and Nia Serge. They are wonderful here! They bring these characters to life in a realistic, terrific way, embuing these characters with life! This second-chance romance was such a fun read. August is a football player, but he is also a baker. He works at/owns Sugar Blitz cupcake shop in San Diego (shout out!) with his two friends/teammates. Sloane is the little sister of Donovan, one of those friends. August and Sloane had a blossoming friendship/possibly more years ago when they were much younger, but circumstances discussed in the book led them to dissolve their friendship, turning into a decade-plus-long radio silence. Years later, Sloane is a budding social media manager looking for a new job, and in order to impress a potential employer, she agrees to handle the social media coverage for Sugar Blitz, putting her back in August's orbit. Sparks that never died fly freely now as their attraction and chemistry bubble once more. Readers learn Sloane and August's story in a dual timeline setting, which I liked and is handled well by Wesley. This story is short, sweet, and sexy! I loved Sloane and August. They have terrific banter had chemistry with one another. This story takes on toxic masculinity head-on in a way that feels natural and wholly welcomed. I loved the yearning and the spice book! I can't wait for the third installment in this series. Be aware, though, this book WILL make you want a cupcake!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jamie Wesley, and Spotify Audiobooks for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
November 22, 2024
A legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley
This is book 2 of the series but it works as a standalone. So we have August, a football player and co owner of a cupcake store. Sloane is the sister to another one of the owners and August can’t seem to keep his thoughts in check around her. When they work together on a social media campaign the oven temp starts to rise!
It’s super cute and I loved the chemistry between both of them. I loved the plot, a gentleman who treats women with respect and as an equal. I loved the plot, it was a great romance read, well worth it!
4 stars
This is book 2 of the series but it works as a standalone. So we have August, a football player and co owner of a cupcake store. Sloane is the sister to another one of the owners and August can’t seem to keep his thoughts in check around her. When they work together on a social media campaign the oven temp starts to rise!
It’s super cute and I loved the chemistry between both of them. I loved the plot, a gentleman who treats women with respect and as an equal. I loved the plot, it was a great romance read, well worth it!
4 stars
dnf
April 15, 2025DNF @64% This man had the GALL to treat her the way he did years ago & he still wonders how other guys could let her go…? Make it make sense. I also don’t like how women grope him and it’s okay because he’s a celebrity-ish football player? I know this won’t be a new fav and I don’t love the romance, so it’s a DNF.
September 8, 2024
This book was just so gorgeous! The MMC is EVERYTHING! He's charming, loyal, sweet, and the fact that he's an introvert makes the story so much more fun. Him being a football player who also bakes cupcakes is such a unique combination and I'm so happy the author didn't forget to show him in action. Sloane is the determined, assertive FMC that I didn't realize I craved so much. She knows her worth and that's power. I enjoyed the slow burn with second chance romance, but I do think some things could've gone so much better.
I've read books with a similar scenario with the fame where no one's getting objectified, and if they are, it's not passed off as normal. There were also a lot of themes and sub-plots being juggled here, making the pacing of the book vary at times and the romance took a backseat at times. Now this isn't something that really bothered me, but if you can't stand slow burn or changes in pacing, this book probably isn't for you. That put aside, the side characters were awesome as was the banter, so I'm keeping an eye out for future books in the series, and I also want to read the first one.
I've read books with a similar scenario with the fame where no one's getting objectified, and if they are, it's not passed off as normal. There were also a lot of themes and sub-plots being juggled here, making the pacing of the book vary at times and the romance took a backseat at times. Now this isn't something that really bothered me, but if you can't stand slow burn or changes in pacing, this book probably isn't for you. That put aside, the side characters were awesome as was the banter, so I'm keeping an eye out for future books in the series, and I also want to read the first one.
November 17, 2024
Another cute romance that I enjoyed well enough. I didnt care for the whole social media set up that drew them together but over time, the MCs and their backstories grew on me. I liked August's growth and self reflection, his process of trusting himself and allowing himself to be loved. He's a good example of what it means to have tough conversations with the people you love to get the closure you need after being hurt or let down. Not to mention he is sexy and charming in the most humble swoony way.
Sloane took some time to grow on me. I found her feelings around trust to be valid based on her relationship history. I loved the connection with her and August. She's cute and funny but slightly annoying and immature at times. Because of both their mistrust and miscommunication with each other, the story and inner monologs made the story drag more than was necessary. I found myself speed reading because of the repetitiveness but nevertheless, this had an enjoyable mix of sweet, sexy, romantic connection between characters who are also working through deeper individual issues.
Sloane took some time to grow on me. I found her feelings around trust to be valid based on her relationship history. I loved the connection with her and August. She's cute and funny but slightly annoying and immature at times. Because of both their mistrust and miscommunication with each other, the story and inner monologs made the story drag more than was necessary. I found myself speed reading because of the repetitiveness but nevertheless, this had an enjoyable mix of sweet, sexy, romantic connection between characters who are also working through deeper individual issues.
November 6, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
A tall, dark, handsome and talented baker, August, captured my heart. His words are few and far between. Having the ability to relate to his personality was what I loved about him. He never thought of himself and had such a kind soul. Im a total SurgarBaeby.
In retrospect, Sloane and August had a complicated relationship, and I couldn't help but think that she was being selfish with her career goals being a social media manager and tasked with handling it for the bakery and forcing August to stretch himself.
Both of them grew as characters. My favorite part of their history was the dual timeline. Ultimately, I enjoyed this story. Particularly when August and Sloane were in the kitchen.
A tall, dark, handsome and talented baker, August, captured my heart. His words are few and far between. Having the ability to relate to his personality was what I loved about him. He never thought of himself and had such a kind soul. Im a total SurgarBaeby.
In retrospect, Sloane and August had a complicated relationship, and I couldn't help but think that she was being selfish with her career goals being a social media manager and tasked with handling it for the bakery and forcing August to stretch himself.
Both of them grew as characters. My favorite part of their history was the dual timeline. Ultimately, I enjoyed this story. Particularly when August and Sloane were in the kitchen.
December 1, 2024
Well this was the perfect book to cozy up with over the weekend! And even better news - it is in the world TODAY !
August Hodges is one of a trio of professional football players/investors and owners of SugarBlitz Cupcakes. Unlike his partners, he likes to stay behind the scenes. That all goes up in flames one afternoon when he goes on a feminist rant after some dumb bros question his career - and it is all caught on camera and goes viral. SugarBlitz is desperate to leverage the fame - much to Austin's chargin. And the best person to do it is the one that he does his best to avoid...
Sloane is the sister of Donovan, another owner of SugarBlitz and a social media professional. She has recently quit her job after they skipped over her for a promotion - but she's always shied away from doing anything that could be seen as riding her brother's coattails. And this opportunity is even more complicated - she was head over heels for August years ago, and never recovered from his rejection.
This captured so many of my fave romance components - the banter! friends and siblings trying to intervene! a feminist leading man! Characters trying to grow! Fire chemistry! Second chance romances are hard for me (iykyk), but I really enjoyed this one.
Happy Pub Day, Jamie Wesley!!! Can't wait to hear what yall think of this one!
August Hodges is one of a trio of professional football players/investors and owners of SugarBlitz Cupcakes. Unlike his partners, he likes to stay behind the scenes. That all goes up in flames one afternoon when he goes on a feminist rant after some dumb bros question his career - and it is all caught on camera and goes viral. SugarBlitz is desperate to leverage the fame - much to Austin's chargin. And the best person to do it is the one that he does his best to avoid...
Sloane is the sister of Donovan, another owner of SugarBlitz and a social media professional. She has recently quit her job after they skipped over her for a promotion - but she's always shied away from doing anything that could be seen as riding her brother's coattails. And this opportunity is even more complicated - she was head over heels for August years ago, and never recovered from his rejection.
This captured so many of my fave romance components - the banter! friends and siblings trying to intervene! a feminist leading man! Characters trying to grow! Fire chemistry! Second chance romances are hard for me (iykyk), but I really enjoyed this one.
Happy Pub Day, Jamie Wesley!!! Can't wait to hear what yall think of this one!
November 22, 2024
The trio of football player cupcake shop owners are back in A Legend in Baking. August accidentally goes viral with a rant about feminism and baking! Now, he and his partners are ready to ride that wave of fame to help with the opening of their second shop, and they bring in Sloane Dell, a social media whiz who has some history with August to help.
These two have been tiptoeing around their crushes for 12 years, and honestly, I felt for August. He’s a bit of a loner whose past experiences have made him feel unlovable and scared of failing in love. Sloane is all about getting things done with her killer marketing skills but she’s dealing with her own past relationship issues. The way the story flips between past and present really shows off their connection, which I loved!
Their slow-burn romance is packed with tension and longing, and it’s super satisfying to watch them build trust and realize they’ve found the partner they didn’t think they’d ever have. I couldn’t put this book down and I finished it in a day! If you’re in the mood for a charming story with a sprinkle of sweetness and humor, this one’s for you!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
These two have been tiptoeing around their crushes for 12 years, and honestly, I felt for August. He’s a bit of a loner whose past experiences have made him feel unlovable and scared of failing in love. Sloane is all about getting things done with her killer marketing skills but she’s dealing with her own past relationship issues. The way the story flips between past and present really shows off their connection, which I loved!
Their slow-burn romance is packed with tension and longing, and it’s super satisfying to watch them build trust and realize they’ve found the partner they didn’t think they’d ever have. I couldn’t put this book down and I finished it in a day! If you’re in the mood for a charming story with a sprinkle of sweetness and humor, this one’s for you!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
December 31, 2024
Sugar Blitz Cupcake owned by Donovan, Sloan’s brother.
Sloan and August - Young love who spins the block, created Sugar Bae.
Chpt 32 & 33 🔥
Song- Milli Vinilli - Girl you know it’s true
There’s my name in this book- Toni 🥰
Chpt 38: Closure - Black people, need in order to reconcile our place in this country and achieve closure with the past.
Sloan and August - Young love who spins the block, created Sugar Bae.
Chpt 32 & 33 🔥
Song- Milli Vinilli - Girl you know it’s true
There’s my name in this book- Toni 🥰
Chpt 38: Closure - Black people, need in order to reconcile our place in this country and achieve closure with the past.
September 10, 2024
There's a slow burn type of book...and then there is one that just drags on. Yep, this one drags on. 😫
I wanted to love "A Legend in the Baking" more than I did because I enjoyed the first book, "Fake It Till You Bake It". But this one I really didn't connect with the story or the characters as much. I love how we are introduced to the same cast of characters from the first book, but this time we are following August & Sloane, who we know have some type of history.
I also enjoy how August is more vocal in this story and we see how he puts his foot down on gender stereotypes & roles. There is a instance in this book where I wish the author would have spoken out more on how just because it's a guy doesn't mean that sexual harassment is okay. August also opens up about his father & ex-wife and those feelings he's carried with him for so long.
Usually I finish romance books pretty quickly but with this one I struggled. Like I said, it really dragged on and on about how they just didn't want to communicate their feelings (repeatedly) on the past & present. Yes, there's a few sexy scenes but even they were drawn out 😂. (Never thought I would say that)
I wonder if the 3rd owner, Nicholas, will have his book..🤔
Thank you to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
I wanted to love "A Legend in the Baking" more than I did because I enjoyed the first book, "Fake It Till You Bake It". But this one I really didn't connect with the story or the characters as much. I love how we are introduced to the same cast of characters from the first book, but this time we are following August & Sloane, who we know have some type of history.
I also enjoy how August is more vocal in this story and we see how he puts his foot down on gender stereotypes & roles. There is a instance in this book where I wish the author would have spoken out more on how just because it's a guy doesn't mean that sexual harassment is okay. August also opens up about his father & ex-wife and those feelings he's carried with him for so long.
Usually I finish romance books pretty quickly but with this one I struggled. Like I said, it really dragged on and on about how they just didn't want to communicate their feelings (repeatedly) on the past & present. Yes, there's a few sexy scenes but even they were drawn out 😂. (Never thought I would say that)
I wonder if the 3rd owner, Nicholas, will have his book..🤔
Thank you to NetGalley & St Martin's Press for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
March 5, 2025
3.75 stars! It was good, but it wasn't wow. I found myself wanting it to be over simply so I could move on from it. Dread wasn't necessarily the right word for it, but I did find myself not entirely entertained. I genuinely enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. However, the times when I wasn't actively listening to the audiobook, I was kind of dreading it a bit.
March 12, 2025
A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley is a sweet and satisfying romance with a unique twist—pro football players turned cupcake shop owners. When August Hodges, the bakery’s silent partner, accidentally goes viral for defending women bakers and smashing outdated gender norms, he finds himself thrust into the spotlight. To capitalize on his newfound fame, his team hires Sloane Dell, a sharp and ambitious social media manager—who also happens to be his best friend’s little sister and longtime crush.
Sloane and August have a complicated past, and their forced proximity leads to plenty of tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Sloane is driven and strategic, while August is more reserved, preferring to stay behind the scenes. Their push-and-pull dynamic keeps things interesting, though at times, Sloane’s persistence borders on manipulative. The romance is slow to build, with much of the book focused on their work relationship before things finally heat up.
While this book isn’t as comedic as the first in the series, it still delivers a charming second-chance romance with themes of ambition, family expectations, and breaking stereotypes. If you love sports romances, sibling’s best friend tropes, and a dash of foodie fun, this one is worth picking up.
#RomanceBooks #ContemporaryRomance #SportsRomance #FoodieFiction #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #MustRead #SiblingBestFrien
Sloane and August have a complicated past, and their forced proximity leads to plenty of tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry. Sloane is driven and strategic, while August is more reserved, preferring to stay behind the scenes. Their push-and-pull dynamic keeps things interesting, though at times, Sloane’s persistence borders on manipulative. The romance is slow to build, with much of the book focused on their work relationship before things finally heat up.
While this book isn’t as comedic as the first in the series, it still delivers a charming second-chance romance with themes of ambition, family expectations, and breaking stereotypes. If you love sports romances, sibling’s best friend tropes, and a dash of foodie fun, this one is worth picking up.
#RomanceBooks #ContemporaryRomance #SportsRomance #FoodieFiction #SlowBurnRomance #BookReview #MustRead #SiblingBestFrien
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