Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley is about a fake relationship.

Donovan Dell, a professional football player, and his teammates own a Sugar Blitz bakery in San Diego, CA.

After turning down a proposal on a reality dating show, Jada Townsend-Matthews is the most renowned woman in America. Who goes home to lick her wounds. Much to her surprise, her family believes she needs to work for a living when she finds herself working for the one man she dismissed.

While the blurb set the intentions and expectations for this book, I felt like it missed the mark.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars

The premise of this book is so cute and enticing: three pro-football players open a cupcake shop in San Diego. You’ve got a set-up for three fun romances.

This first one features Donovan, the business mind of the trio, but he also bakes! His heroine is Jada, a disgraced reality star and trust fund-baby. After a less than friendly meeting in the cupcake shop, Jada ends up working there.

I wanted to love this book from the first time I heard about it but it didn’t live up to the promise of the premise. The story was all over the place, the banter seemed artificial and unrealistic, and I thought this book needed some major editing with timeline issues and action scenes. It’s a slow burn romance, and the last-minute relationship wrench was a reach.

I did appreciate the positive Black representation (other than the hero’s gambling addicted father who is mentioned but never seen) and I’d love to see more of it. I hope the next book in this series shows more planning and restraint.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A really wonderful novel.Well written characters that come alive had me involved from the first pages.Perfect summer romcom reading #netgalley#st.Martins.

Fun and flirty, Fake It Till You Bake It is the latest release from Jamie Wesley and will have you swooning over this reality TV star and her fake, football-star, baking boyfriend. This book was so much fun and there is a lot to love about it: fake relationship, enemies-to-lovers, gorgeous football players who also bake cupcakes, POC main characters…I could keep going 😉

Jada Townsend-Matthews is the most hated woman in America at the moment after turning down the proposal in a reality TV show similar to The Bachelor. Jada has lived afraid of this moment since the show finished filming, and now that it has aired her worst dreams have come true. The outgoing, speaks her mind Jada is a force to be reckoned with on most days, but now she has retreated in on herself. She’s reflecting on her failures, and with little support from her family, Jada has to figure out what she wants in her own life.

Donovan Dell is a famous football player in the NFL and also bakery owner with two of his closest friends and teammates. He’s realistic, knowing he can’t play the game forever, and has already devised his fallback. He enjoys what he does, loves numbers and diagrams and order. Then Jada blows into his shop dissing his cupcakes. Something about her pushes all the wrong buttons, but he also secretly hopes she comes back. What he doesn’t suspect is Mrs. T, the team’s owner, asking him to take on her granddaughter who is having a bit of a rough go and said granddaughter turning out to be Jada.

I love both of these characters. Their banter drives the story. The chemistry is off-the-charts. Donovan and Jada couldn’t be more opposite if they tried, and yet common ground is easy to find. What made me fall head over heels though is how Donovan sees the hurt behind Jada’s walls and does what no one except her best friend has done: has her back. He stands up for her, supports her, and even goes along with all her crazy ideas because he believes in and trusts her.

Overall, I really enjoyed Fake It Till You Bake It. I really didn’t want their story to end! Donovan and Jada were easy to root for and provided a lot of laughs along the way. AND based on that ending, it looks like Nicholas and August, Donovan’s friends and business partners, will be getting stories of their own. I cannot wait! If you enjoy steamy, sweet romcoms, I highly recommend this one. Now, don’t mind me. I’m going to go see if I can recreate one of the cupcakes featured in the book *yum*

This really was a cute story with some pretty funny, amazing banter and a bit of steam thrown in. When Jada crashes and burns on a reality/love television show, she becomes the most hated person in America. Her inability to please EVERYONE also means she is unable to please herself as well. She's bougie as heck and isn't afraid to show it--until someone (Donovan) finally calls her on it. Enter a well meaning grandma and some pretty amazing friends and you have a story that will, in the end, make you feel good.

DNF @57%. Unfortunately, I don’t think this book was for me. Donovan and Jada were interesting characters to follow, and I would have really liked their dynamic if they kept their same energy from their first encounter all the way through the book. I felt like the beginning was promising, but it kind of fell off around the 25% mark and was still trying to find its footing by the time I decided to DNF. Also, I really love a good fake dating trope, but the fake dating didn’t actually begin until almost halfway through the book and I just didn’t feel enough tension between the characters as I normally would like in a romance.

I think this could be the book for you if you want a sweet romance with a lot of cupcake/bakery vibes, but unfortunately it just wasn’t my cup of tea!

Fake It Till You Bake It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and it did not disappoint! I loved how this was a genuine, laugh-out-loud RomCom. I love Contemporary Romance as much as the next person, but I do miss the days when this sub-genre of Romance dominated the scene because they're a great form of escapism and entertainment.

Moving onto the cast of characters and the plot, I enjoyed reading more about Jada and Donovan! They were hilarious, relatable, and likeable to me. However, being the character-driven reader I am, I admit that they did feel a bit one-dimensional at times. If we could've had some chapters where we spent some time with them outside of work/the relationship and really explored their past and why that led to them turning out the way they did, that would've allowed me to be even more invested in them.

As for the plot itself, I thought it was solid! I love fake dating, (soft) enemies-to-lovers, and baking tropes included in Romance books, so this checked all the boxes for me.

I also loved the diversity/representation in this book.

Overall, I 100% recommend giving this cute story a try! It'll be more fun for you if you take this for what it is - i.e., a classic RomCom! You'll definitely have to suspend all disbelief and understand that this has that cheesy dialogue/writing that many RomComs have. Still, if you need a wholesome filler read, then this is perfect!

Thanks so much, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for this copy of Fake it Till You Bake It in exchange for my honest review! 💗

New to Wesley’s writing, I seriously enjoyed her feel-good romance. She’s combined plenty of laugh-out-loud scenes with an enemies-to-lovers touch, and although it’s not overly angsty, her story kept me stuck to the pages. Also, I liked the subject she’d chosen. Not easy to imagine strapping professional footballers baking cupcakes, but she pulled it off to a tee. 

At the outset, Jada Townsend-Matthew’s stance gave me negative vibes. It wasn’t until I’d reached the end of the first quarter that I realised the author had gone out of her way to mislead me. Well-plotted out here because I was starting to get worried. Anyway, observing the genuine Jada in action without heels was a joy. Ha-ha, the Crocs scene had me in fits! I mean, this footwear is so damn underrated.

It was no surprise seeing Donovan Dell, the grumpily scrupulous but gorgeous owner of the Sugar Blitz bakery, have a change of heart, especially after making a deal with his new employee. He and Jada might not get on; nonetheless, they need each other for distinct reasons, reasons I’d rather not divulge.

Regardless of what felt like constant friction, signs of their chemistry came across to those around them. I liked their growth and eventual understanding, how they dealt with some rather personal issues and Dell’s protectiveness. The banter between all the characters was off the charts. And some of them I’d sooner not name even charmed the socks off me. 

I got a bit upset with Jada closer to the finale, but what the . . . I honestly thought that a happy ending was not to be. That said, the author made the story more realistic by doing just that. A twist which would complicate matters somewhat appeared a tad early for my liking, but in retrospect, I don’t think Wesley could have done it any other way. 

Narrated in the third person past tense, Fake It Till You Bake It is a sweeter than sweet sexy story, and if you’re like me and take pleasure in baking, relish eating cupcakes and reading about delectable fillings and toppings, you’ll lap up this easy-to-read, opposites-attract romantic comedy in no time. <b>Bravo!</b>

ARC kindly received from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

3.5 stars ☆ If you like a book that has fake dating, forced proximity, slow burn and diverse characters, this one is for you.

Donovan is a professional football player and also a co-owner of sugar blitz (which is a cupcake bakery) with his two teammates.

Jada was a reality tv star in a bachelor/bachelorette show but due to her turning down a proposal, it causes her fans became furious at her.

It was such a cute and light romance which is perfect if you’re looking for a light summer read.

I enjoyed Donovan and Jada’s banter especially from the first few pages into this book and I loved each and every character here, they were all so entertaining. Overall, it was such a good read.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC !!

Jada is receiving a lot of backlash for not accepting a proposal on a dating show. She has to figure out what to do next, since she doesn’t have access to her trust yet.

She ends up working at a bakery co-owned by Donovan. A football player who is trying to setup his life for when football ends.

While the bakery might be struggling to maintain their initial success Jada seems to breathe new life into, and a reporter mistakenly think they are dating doesn’t hurt.

Seeing each other and pretending soon leads them to realize it hasn’t been hard to fake their attraction.

This is a light and fun read. I didn’t get the depth or character development I would have liked but overall a quick fun read.

There’s something truly satisfying in feeling capable and knowing you can make something from scratch and it doesn’t matter whether we’re talking about a successful business or a perfect cupcake!
Loved this new romcom from Jamie Wesley! Sweet and satisfying!
Jada Townsend Matthews may appear confident and outspoken, but deep down she believes she is a disappointment to her brainy parents. To be fair, at twenty five Jada still needs to find her direction in life, but it doesn’t have to be science or law. Jada’s latest attempt to start her career of an influencer by participating in a TV reality show has backfired and now she is a bit of a pariah on social media. When her friend Olivia takes her to Sugar Blitz cupcake store, all Jada does is express her opinion and it’s not her fault that the store owner Donovan Dell takes offence. The baking goods may be delicious, but the customers aren’t there and that’s the truth.
In a twist of fate, Jada finds herself forced to take up a temporary job with Donovan and…both of them have a lot to learn. Yes, Donovan is a bit uptight, as having grown without financial stability, he craves logic, calm and order. He is also sweet and responsible…He is the proverbial good man who is hard to find. Jada, on the other hand, is both a ray of sunshine and a hurricane with her spontaneity and creativity. Opposites attract, grumpy versus sunshine, fake dating- pick your favourite trope, they are all here in this deliciously entertaining romcom.
I loved the way the protagonists were so flawed and realistic. I knew Jada was my kind of girl when she focused all her attention on what brought the customers to the bakery on that particular day, why they wanted or rather needed their treat. My special mention and gratitude for the dyslexia rep!
Light-hearted, charming, diverse- Fake It Till You Bake It is a fun summer read and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I really enjoyed this book! I found it absolutely adorable and I loved the banter and tension between Jada and Donovan. This book followed Jada, a former reality star on a dating show who is just trying to find her path in life, and Donovan, a professional football player who is trying to save his struggling bakery. I loved reading a cute black romance with swoon-worthy scenes and I really liked Jada's character. I found her to be very realistic and her struggles throughout the book in deciding what she wanted to do with her life were very relatable and I enjoyed reading about them. I also really liked Donovan's character and I liked how although he was almost the exact opposite as Jada they balanced each other out really well which was what made their chemistry so apparent. This book just had a ton of really cute scenes and I loved reading about the development of Jada and Donovan's relationship as the book progressed. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute, fun read!

This was a really cute novel and I flew through it in about a day! The characters were great and there was diversity and disability representation which was awesome! I loved the reality television star and cupcake store aspects and the drama that ensued. I found Jada and Donovan to be super likable main characters and I loved the fake dating storyline as it was executed well! The steam was so good in this one too!!! Secondary characters were well written and brought a lot to the storyline. The ending was satisfying and I’m hoping that last part of the epilogue means that there is another book coming to make this a series!!

Incredibly charming and cute, with great banter and chemistry between the leads. I enjoyed this so much. I really thought I was going to hate Jada and her bougieness from the beginning, but she immediately won me over with her toughness and her vulnerability, and I ended up absolutely adoring her. I liked that for the most part, things that would have led to miscommunication in another story were addressed quickly and neutralized, but the final conflict felt super rushed and underdeveloped. So looking forward to more from Jamie Wesley in the future!

Such a cute read and a laugh out loud story! I became attached to these characters and their personalities.

Jada Townsend-Matthews turned down a proposal on a reality dating show, earning public ire. Coming home to San Diego, she bumps into professional football player and bakery owner Donovan Dell. They're mistaken for an item, and decide to use that to help the bakery's popularity and repair Jada's image. But a fake relationship might not be so fake after all.

The fake dating trope is a fun one when done well, and is the main component of our meet-cute.

Jada had been hiding to avoid those intensely angry with her and Donovan focused on his football career as well as baking. Jada at first insults the shop, then later it turns out her grandmother owns the team Donovan plays for. She has her own hang-ups about dyslexia and "ruining" everything she tried to do, though she's twenty-five and still figuring out a potential career.

Donovan believes in tactics and study, and taking a logical approach; opening the shop instead of converting the building into apartments was as wild as he got, and even then he researched the business proposal thoroughly.

Impulsive Jada and straitlaced Donovan are the opposites that needed to balance each other out. Each has their insecurities and supports each other to the best of their ability. Of course, there's the dark moment of the story, where the two separate before getting back together and being stronger for it. It's scary to be emotionally vulnerable, but we know they'll get there.

I adored the book and raced through it in a single day. It's as light and fluffy as a frosted cupcake.

What a funny first meeting for this couple. Donovan is a successful football player and is following a dream with his best friends by opening a cupcake bakery. He is very focused on providing for his mom and sisters and hates surprises. I love his focus as he sets goals and attacks them but the bakery is struggling which has him confused. Jada has struggled to find her purpose and passion in life. She comes from a family of doctors and scientists which has always had her feeling less than. Her grandmother challenges her with working a job for 6 months before she can have access to her trust fund. What she doesn’t expect is to have Donovan as her boss, especially after her not so great first impression. What Jada does do well is make people comfortable and happy which seems to be just what the bakery needs. I love how this Donovan and Jada push each other to be better. Donovan needs to loosen up and accept help while Jada needs someone in her corner, giving her that confidence boost so she can find the courage to trust her heart. I had fun with their chemistry and banter. Really a fabulous read. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

This book was so incredibly cute and left me really craving a cupcake!

Honestly, the synopsis had me at an NFL star cupcake baker and reality star as I’m a sucker for the celebrity trope. Then add in fake dating and I’m already cozied into my couch ready to read!

This book was CUTE and a light, fun quick read. It was sweet like the cupcakes that left me constantly hungry for more.

It took me a minute to take the heroine seriously, as her reasons for getting the job and fake dating revolve around obtaining her trust fund which automatically makes me roll my eyes, but, I quickly began to like her as she settled into her role at the cupcake shop!

I recommend this one to those who love the fake dating trope and are into sweet books with extra frosting.

Thank you so much to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

This cover and blurb was too cute for me not to enjoy or believe the romance in this book. Something has to be wrong with me (sad face)!

This story starts off with Jada going back to her home town after turning down a proposal on a reality tv show. To get Jada out of this funk, her grandmother gets her a job at this very cute bakery in town that ran by a professional football player, Donovan Once the media get ahold of the fact that Jada and Donovan will be working together at the bakery, they spin a story about them being in love and dating. Should Jada and Donovan tell the media the truth or keep it to themselves and save the bakery from closing.

I swear the book is super cute because the majority of it takes place inside the bakery and if it doesn't make you want sweets while reading it, then you are doing it wrong. I had at least two cookies while reading this book. What I didn't like about this book is the romance and chemistry between the two main characters. I don't know what it was but I didn't believe they had feelings for each other and fell in love.

This book was a great read. You have some hot chemistry even though it is suppose to be a fake relationship. I love that Jada goes through a journey of self discovery. Heat, chemistry, self discovery and love all wrapped up in this wonderful book.