I found this one to be extremely difficult to get into. Not only is this couple comprised of a professional sports player but the love interest is a reality tv dropout that has no job and is waiting for her trust fund to come in. It was not very relatable and I did not enjoy it much.

Fake it til you bake was a pretty middle-of-the-road romance for me. I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope and as a big fan of the bachelor, I liked Jada’s storyline. It was also great to read a romance with a black hero/heroine. It was a sweet and easy read (pun intended) and I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a quick romance, but it wasn’t overly memorable. Overall, I’d rate it 3.5/5.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Fake It Till You Bake It is an automatic 5 star. I as much as everyone love a good fake dating trope, and this book is one of the best fake dating books I have read. Jamie Wesley did an amazing job writing this book, and it made me feel all the emotions.
A big part of why I love this book is the because of diverse cast of characters. I love the BIPOC representation as well as the neurodivergent portrayal. This combined with a healthy relationship between the two love interests blew all my expectations.

I tried reading this one a few times but it never stuck log enough for me to get past like 20 pages. Sadly that becomes a sign that the book isn't for me. Plenty of other people have enjoyed this one so listen to them and just know it's me, not the book. Time to move on.

I really enjoyed Fake it Till You Back It! I did struggle to relate to Jada's character, but there was undeniable magic between her and Donovan! The idea of the cupcake shop was so fun and I hope there will be more books set in this world in the future, because I haven't had quite enough of these characters just yet.

This was an enjoyable read to spend time with over the weekend. What I like most is that the learning disability, dyslexia, was highlighted. I also liked that the female protagonist, Jada, grows in her confidence during the story - I liked seeing her growth. The interactions between her and Donovan were so sweet - they definitely made me smile. I look forward to reading the next book in the series - I need to read Auguste’s story!

Why am I reading so many books about dating celebrities lately? I have to say that from that select yet somehow crowded subcategory, this is the best I've read so far this year. It also gains entree into another niche group: baking romances. And that's one of my favorite overly specific genres full stop, so it's in good company there. The story follows serious, multitasking Donovan Dell, who plays professional football and just opened a bakery with a couple of his teammates as a passion project and retirement plan. It also follows Jada Townsend-Matthews, an impulsive, fun-loving, loud-talking reality TV dropout who earned the nation's ire when she said no to a televised Bachelor-Esque proposal when it didn't feel right in her gut. After an admittedly rocky first meeting, the two concoct a delicious and convincing fake dating scheme (the perfect combination) to protect Jada from a slew of anti-fans in the court of public opinion and to produce buzz for Donovan's struggling bakery. They've got the chemistry to pull it off and the banter to keep it sparking.

The characters in the book are divine. Donovan's stern, steady support is dreamy, and that's not an adjective I throw around a lot. Jada's a heroine who isn't initially likable, and ironically, I like that about her. She isn't some bland girl-next-door, but a woman trying to get her life together and accept herself, flaws and all. She owns up to her mistakes, fights her battles with integrity, and lights up the lives of those around her.

The book has this magical recipe that keeps the story balanced and engaging. Jada and Donovan have sweetness and spice (open door, hallelujah), moments of both angst and connection, and battle their insecurities with clear conversation. The love story has its match in the characters' personal journeys, and even side characters feel multi-dimensional, whether they're supporters or villains. The conflict is found in both internal turmoil and external pressure, and the final act drama is angsty without being drawn out.

So why pick up Fake it Til You Bake it? The BAKED GOODS. The swoon-worthy moments that include but aren't limited to smoldering at a ROMANCE BOOK CLUB. The HOT-AND-HEAVY SLOW BURN TENSION. The emotional support in moments of weariness and vulnerability that include but aren't limited to debriefs on family stress with WINE AND SNUGGLES ON THE BEACH. Just read it, ok? Thanks to SMP Romance for my copy to read and review!

Can I just say that fake dating is consistently one of my favourite romance tropes? Fake dating to help the bakery and rehab Jada’s reputation ends up being the perfect recipe!

I really enjoyed the bakery owned by football players - it’s almost unexpected, and the men all bring something different to the table. I’m low key hoping we revisit this bakery for more romance for the business partners!

Jada and Donovan are great together, and it was fantastic to see both of them flourish and find their rhythm together. Jada discovering her passion along the way was so great.

This was a really sweet story(pun absolutely intended) and I look forward to reading more from this author!

I just finished this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. The whole spoiled-rich-girl-who-has-everything-given-to-her vibe kind of made me wary at first, but I quickly came to love how headstrong and vibrant Jada was. Plus, I love a good forced proximity, fake dating trope. The back and forth between POVs was very reminiscent of the song "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" from Hercules, and I adored it. Though both of the main characters were wonderful, I'd have to say my favorite was Jada's grandmother, with her wily, tough, chaotic good vibes. She's someone I'd love to meet in real life.

I normally am a huge fan of fake dating but this one just didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was all the baking that just left me feeling bored, but I couldn't get into it.

Fake It Till You Bake It has a lovely premise, tons of good types, and some good representation. Fake dating, football players running a cupcake shop, and reality TV drama all come together in Fake It Til You Bake It. This was very fun and cute! Six-star read! More please!

This was a cute read! I'm a sucker for an athletic MMC and I thought it was interesting that Jada had been on a show similar to the Bachelor. (Die hard fan right here) Jada struggles to find her purpose in life, while Donovan is determined to make his shop a success for when he retires. I really enjoyed the overall plot and watching them navigate each other and breaking their confort zones!

This book had a very cute story. It was a charming love story with a great setting and well drawn out characters. Overall a fun romantic read!

Fake it Till You Bake It is the next laugh out loud, romance novel for the summer! Author Jamie Wesley nails the witty dialogue, steaming romance and pretend relationship drama. Jada shocked the entire nation when she said “no” on reality tv and in desperation, she starts working at a cupcake store in her hometown. Before she knows it, she’s being duped as famous football player Donovan Dell’s girlfriend. While it’s easy to imagine what transpires next, Wesley delivers in spectacular fashion. I often found myself laughing out loud, cringing and delighting in Jada and Donovan’s story. And, I won’t lie, I definitely craved cupcakes the entire time! Fake it Till You Bake It should not be missed and is out now!

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book, it was fast paced and a delight to read. The characters had an insane amount of chemistry and made me smile throughout the entire book

I went into this book with no idea what I was about to read other than it being a rom-com. I love how protective he was of her from the beginning. I also love this trope so that was a great surprise. I want to see some books about his business buddies.

This was an good book, but not great. I was ready for an easy to read, toe curling romance. And while I did get it, it just seemed to be a bit rushed. I wish there was more! LOADS MORE! It felt like the story that needed to be told just wasnt. Again, would have loved it it wasn't as rushed.

I have never read anything by this author but after completing this book I'll definitely be on the lookout! I love how sports and baking were combined. My favorite part by far is the shania Twain quotes!! When you pick up this book to read it just be prepared to not be able to put it down until you finish it. Cancel your plans now, light a sweet candle and get ready for a sweet treat.

Fake It Till You Bake It was a fun romance with an enhanced take on the fake dating trope. I loved the premise, a disliked reality television star and a hunky football player who owns a cupcake shop decide to start a fake relationship to strum up customers to the bakery and turn the tide on the social media tirade against Jada.

I enjoyed the characters and their stories, especially Jada. I like any book that has a woman finding herself and her purpose. The addition of Jada talking about having dyslexia and how it has affected her self-esteem and family dynamic was insightful and a nice, real addition to the book. I gave the book 4 stars, only knocked one off because personally the book was a bit too cheesy for me. The instant romance/love at first sight aspect doesn't do it for me. But if you enjoy the cheesiness, this is the book for you!

I am obsessed with the cover! I thought the fake dating trope was done well, but overall it wasn't a story that stayed in my mind. I enjoyed it, but won't remember it past The End