This book was a delight to read! I enjoyed both the main characters and the cut sexy and light hearted relationship they have. I think that fake dating make end up being my new favorite trope - it always comes with a fun storyline that leaves me smiling as I read along with the characters falling for one another. My only complaint is that it took me a little longer to get through than I would've liked. However, once I had finished 3/4 of the story, it took off for me and I finished it in one sitting.

This was such a great romance novel! I really liked the characters, both the leads, and the supporting ones, too. And I love the book cover! Overall, I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

My first by Jamie Wesley and I really enjoyed it. Definitely my kind of romcom! I listened to some of the audio and preferred the physical copy.

I'm really sad this one didn’t work out for me ☹️

The premise is interesting—an ex-reality star ends up, against her will, working at a cupcake shop run by football players—but the writing did not deliver. Jada and Donovan had no chemistry or connection that I could feel, the fake dating was boring (they didn't even go anywhere together 😩), and yes … there was a third-act breakup for absolutely no reason at all!!!

Fake It Till You Bake It is a romance novel about Jada, a recently failed reality star trying to find her way, and Donovan, professional football player and bakery owner extraordinaire. Though a series of unfortunate events Jada ends up working at Donovan's bakery and chemistry ignites! I love books about food and baking and thought this one looked cute. It did not disappoint!

I really enjoyed the banter, characters, food descriptions, and the way that the characters actually talked to each other and learned throughout this book. The romance progression felt natural even though it was in a fairly contrived setting. Donovan is a huge hottie and I quite enjoyed reading his descriptions! Both he and Jada felt well rounded and I liked the side characters as well.

One thing that I think this book did really well is the depiction of dyslexia. I'm a psychologist who identifies dyslexia vs. a specific reading disability in reading, which are different disorder. This is the ONLY book that I have ever read that actually shows dyslexia and not a misnomer for a reading disability. I loved seeing Jada working with her disability and showing real strategies that are helpful for people with dyslexia (and would not be helpful for people with a reading disability!)

This book shifts perspectives between Donovan and Jada and while that is not always my cup of tea, I thought it worked really well in this book. While there tragically is a third act breakup, it is at least short and the characters act like they are in possession of their brains when they finally freaking talk to each other!

Overall, I had a great time reading this book and recommend it to anyone who wants a cute and steamy romance. 4 stars from me. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Reality tv, football and baking are 3 of my favorite things. The fake romance and great characters were great and I really enjoyed this one.

If you’re in the mood for a low angst black romance that will definitely make you crave a cupcake then add Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley to your TBR. Jada Townsend-Matthews is home after turning down a marriage proposal on a reality dating show. Her grandmother gives her a challenge: hold one job for six months, and then she’ll get access to her trust fund. Football player Donovan Dell’s cupcake shop Sugar Blitz is struggling. So when the team owner suggests her granddaughter work for the shop to learn discipline from him, he’s open to it. Too bad it’s the same woman he overheard insult his business and thought he’d never see again. And when a reporter assumes Donovan is the reason Jada turned down the marriage proposal, only fake dating can save her reputation and his business. There is so much tension in this book! Donovan and Jada are opposites, and I liked how she showed him how to let go and he gave her support when her impulsiveness took over. There are so many sweet moments where they’re both just *looking* at each other and I kept wanting them to just KISS already! I’m glad this is the first of a series because I’m very interested in reading more about Donovan’s teammates August and Nicholas.

Meh. Writing was fine, and the plot was interesting, but I didn't feel the chemistry between the love interests. It wasn't a bad book...but it could have been better.

4.5
Fake dating.
Enemies to lovers.
Grumpy sunshine.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED
I loved the book. It was a really cute romcom. Loved the characters. Took a while to finish it but it was worth it. I would definitely recommend it

I love a fake romance turned real. Donovan is the picture perfect boyfriend and jada was relatable. Such a cute romcom!

This was a really cute rom-com! I loved the adorable story and the wonderful characters. This made me feel so happy reading, and I just loved it!

Go read this book! It has such familiar and authentic characters. Plus, the descriptions of the food had me running to the nearest bakery. The love story between Jada and Donovan was a pleasure to read. If you are looking for a light romance, run to the bookstore (or website) and purchase it.

I found this to be just okay all around. I really didn't care for the couple and I didn't connect with the characters at all..

This one was just okay. Not a big fan of the romance at all. Felt very forced, which I guess it kind of was since it has a fake dating trope, but I didn't get why they fell for each other. Other than looks I wasn't convinced of their love. Did love Donovan and his friend group. That was the most entertaining part to read.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

2.5 Stars

I. Loved. This. Book. It has everything I love within a book, and add in the fact that it's black love and I was hooked. I wish I could even call this a grumpy sunshine, but it's move like chaos and anti-chaos. They're enemies - Jada trash talked the bakery in front of Donovan and he ends up becoming her boss and her fake boyfriend to help her out of a situation and also boost sales for the bakery.

This book was fantastic, and I cannot wait to read more Jamie Wesley.

Fake It Till You Bake It is a enemies to lovers and fake dating combo with a grumpy/sunshine added to the mix. Let's not forget the cupcakes!

Donovan is a football play that is a co-owner of a failing cupcake shop with two of his coworkers. Jada is a reality TV star that has been getting backlash for turning down a proposal on National Television. One thing leads to another Jada ends up working for Donovan, which leads them to start a fake relationship to help Jada with her public image and Donovan with his cupcake shop.

This is a cute read I genially laughed at certain moments. I also started craving cupcakes while reading this. Although there were moments that felt a little slow it was overall a good book. I fell in love with the side characters as well with their funny remarks. I truly recommend for those who want a nice easy read.

🧁🧁🧁🧁/5

When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect book to snuggle up with on any day.

Rounding up from 3.5

This was a cute, light and fluffy read. The main (and secondary characters) are charming and flawed and real. Lots of intriguing sequel bait! The tension between the two main characters is well done and I totally bought the enemy vibe. The love was a bit insta but not ridiculously so. There were times later in the book when I felt like we were missing a little bit of depth in the character's motivations (including a villain - which is not my fave device) but it didn't pull my out of the book. I was able to enjoy it for what it was - a fun and fluffy read.

Jada Townsend-Matthews is a hated woman. When she comes home to heal, she ends up working at a local bakery alongside a man who is the prickly owner. Can they play nice when a reporter thinks that they are an item, or will love get in the way?

Many thanks to NetGalley for the gifted eARC and to my friend Asha for the giveaway print copy win!

Review & Notes:

Notes:
This book connected from the first line! Even if you didn't read the book description you'd know a huge part of the story right from the get go: 'Donovan Dell was a professional football player who loved to bake.'
I really enjoyed this book and will absolutely look for her other books too, as this is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed the writing style, the plot, and the characters. I really loved Jada's character, watching her come into her own and finding her passion both in life and in love. I loved her grandma's character and would have liked to see more of her written into the story. I'm interested to see if there's going to be another book or books featuring August and Nicholas!
Misc. details:
Location: San Diego, CA - Donovan co-owns a cupcakery called Sugar Blitz
Trope/details: Meet cute, a smidge of enemies to lovers, work/colleagues and the biggest one... Fake Dating! :)
Topics/themes: reality tv drama, famous athlete, bakery owner, financial instability as a child from a parent with an addiction, dyslexia - I liked the juxtaposition of the financial instability of his youth to his financial success as an adult, juxtaposed with her family's wealth.
Content warnings:
Steam Rating: R - from my notes, one open door scene but pretty steamy
Editing notes: there were quite a few small editing errors that I noted in the eARC that I read and will assume they were edited in the final copy.