This was such a fantastic follow-up to one of my favorite Jae books, Perfect Rhythm. Sasha was immediately lovable and charming. Can’t go wrong with a gal who bakes. And though Ashley was somewhat of an antagonist in the first book, I quickly gained sympathy for her as she struggled with her decision to stay in the closet and give up entirely on love.

There are some amazing scenes that just sizzle with chemistry, from a flirty food fight to what may be my all-time favorite “only one bed” scene (which is high praise given how much I love that romance trope). You really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a warm, fluffy, and romantic slow burn. Though this can stand alone, I do recommend reading Perfect Rhythm (Leo and Holly’s story) first.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

This was the perfect palate cleanser for me. I needed to read something light with a HEA after I finished a pretty heavy non-fiction book. Jae is on of the most prolific writers I follow. I am amazed with varied plots and character representation in each new book. This one was no exception. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Ylva Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.

This is the second in the Fair Oaks series and it is a true sequel to the book Perfect Rhythm (Sept 2017), and they should be read in order. The couple from the first book, which I’ve read, are planning their wedding in small town Fair Oaks, MO and turn to their friends for help. Sasha Peterson is going to do the cake as she runs the town bakery. And Ashley Gaines will do the flowers as the best florist in town. Sasha and Ashley have been superficial friends for a few years but now are working together to support their friends.

Ashley is very much closeted. Her biggest fear is losing her relationship with her parents or causing them pain. They’ve already suffered a tragic loss of her sister. Ashley also knows that her livelihood depends on the people in her town and there will be judgment. But as she spends time with the more free Sasha, who is pansexual, Ashley wants more in her life. I like that Jae takes time and lets the two have little moments of shopping together or making a treat to talk and get to know each other better. Sasha wants more but understands if Ashley can’t be that. I don’t think I’ve heard the term sexual orientation more in a book. Ashely is forever on the lookout for any negative glance or action. And I love that Ashley is nervous and inexperienced as it fits her character. The transition to being open and trusting with Sasha is lovely. Jae is a reliable author and it is easy to recommend her stories.

This story deeply resonated with me. It's tough when you know your true identity, but the fear of rejection or disapproval looms. Jae wrote an absolutely beautiful story about two people following their hearts and standing by friends who are already on their own journey to forever. When Ashley conquered her fear for her own well-being, was poignant. The romance, sprinkled with fun and cute moments, made for a delightful read.

Ashley James, the town's main florist, is asked to do the flowers for the wedding of Leo Blake and Holly Drummond, BOTH of which she has history with. Asked to work with local baker Sasha Peterson, she ACCIDENTALLY comes out to the other woman, while both develop a attraction to the other.

While this book works as a stand alone, you probably would get more out of it if you read Perfect Rhythm first.

Jae is really good at getting the characters and small town life right, and the wedding plotline is quite good. She does a very good job of making Ashley likable, which is a BIG task considering how awful she was in the first book. And Sasha is just a warm and fuzzy teddy bear, so they make a interesting contrast.

Good book, really liked it.

I know the book can be read as a standalone but I would look at it as a sequel to Perfect Rhythm and would start with that one. It’s a spin off but Holly and Leo feature heavily so it makes sense to read their story, and Ashley’s involvement first. A very ‘Jae’ book, does not disappoint. A romance with all the bells and whistles, enjoyed re-reading it.
Free ARC via NetGalley

Return to Fair Oaks!
This is the second book in the Fair Oaks series and could be read as a standalone but would be best enjoyed paired with Perfect Rhythm being read first in order to be introduced to many of the characters who appear again in Not the Marrying Kind, but also to understand the various histories of and between them which affect them in this current story set in the small town of Fair Oaks. Holly and Leo from Perfect Rhythm are secondary characters here while their friends Sasha and Ash are the primary focus; however, Holly and Leo make plenty of appearances so fans of their story will get to enjoy them for a while longer. Fans of Jae's Hollywood series can enjoy the 'more than cameo' appearance of one couple from the series (you'll have to read the book to see which couple it is) here as well. The book is populated with a variety of characters across the board from homophobic to ally and/or queer; from asexual, closeted, out and proud, lesbian, pansexual, queer platonic and a few heterosexuals to round out the cast. Special mention goes to Sasha's aunt Mae who is a fierce ally and cheerleader for her niece's happiness and well being, and with whom Sasha shares many wonderful and enviable conversations throughout the book.
Foodies will love this book as will lovers of tropes; there is an abundance of literal food and metaphorical the latter of which is amusing when Ash and Sasha talk 'food'. Animals lovers will appreciate Sasha's baked treats for dogs and the names give to them; they all sound good enough for human consumption. The story is funny, fluffy and predictable but no less fun to read. Jae's greatest talent in storytelling is in their ability to perfectly articulate emotions in a character be it in their thoughts or dialogue with others; this makes the characters relatable if not familiar on one or more levels. The characters are easy to root for and tough to give up when the book has ended.
There is some drama but it's on the light side with greater focus being put on romance and old friends repairing past hurts; homophobia, coming out and being closeted are covered particularly well in the story as is living your life to please others versus living your life for your yourself and your own joy. The only (minor) drawbacks in the story are the absence of any safe sex talk or practices, the use of some silly similes in the narration and the overuse of one particular question in dialogue which took me briefly out of the groove and my enjoyment of the story.
I've read everything Jae has published in English and love their writing and skill at storytelling; while this book was not my favorite it still ranks as a solid read for the beach or escapism that will get you thinking as it raises your level of pleasure. I recommend it along with Perfect Rhythm, the Hollywood series and Jae's other works for satisfying escapes into a more ideal world.

Jae could punch me in the face and I would thank her for even acknowledging me! I have read every one of her novels and own them all and I love every one. She just writes hit after hit. They are adorable and sexy and I would marry every character she has ever written.
Now as a baking lesbian this book really fits me and this is definitely one of my top 3 Jae books. If lesbian romance is your thing definitely give this and all of Jae's other books a read!