3.5 stars rounded to 4
This was cute! I loved the premise (pro football players own a bakery! Best friend's little sister!) and the story kickoff with August's viral feminist speech moment. A little bit too much of a slow burn for me, and I think the flashbacks weren't super necessary to the story. They gave the main characters some background, but that probably could have been covered by their heart to heart/clear the air of the past moments.
I didn't realized this was part of a series, and I did like it enough that I'll probably go back and read the first book!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's press for the ARC!

3.75 rounded up to 4 ⭐

"A Legend in the Baking", by Jamie Wesley, is about a girl named Sloane who quits her job, and she decides to work at this cupcake shop that her brother and two other pro football players own. Just in case you didn't know, Sloane is Donovan's younger sister. When Sloane is offered a position for another job, she has to prove herself by going on a mission by helping August in becoming a viral sensation called "SugarBae" after making a speech about how baking can be for guys too; not just for females.

You know, I really really liked this book. I received this book as an arc from Netgalley. I really liked how easy the book was to get into. I really loved the chemistry Sloane and August had when they worked together, I loved all of the drama the book had to offer, and overall the book was really good. I absolutely ate it up. I definitely recommend reading this book.

I'll be posting this review on Goodreads when the book is released. <3

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this sequel since reading the first book in the series and getting a taste of August. It did not disappoint! I still enjoy the author’s writing and love these characters so much.

August is quiet, reserved, not wanting to be the focus of attention. Even though he is a star football player, his role is to block the defense and allow his teammate, Nicholas, to work his magic. At Sugar Blitz, the cupcake shop he co-owns with two friends and teammates, he would gladly quite literally be the “silent” partner when it came to interacting with customers or promoting the business on social media. However, August unintentionally goes viral when a male customer asserts that baking cupcakes is unmasculine and should be “beneath” August as a football player, and August stands up for women and states he and his partners opened the shop to honor the legacy of the women who had shared their love of baking with them, and they are trying to be men whom the women in their lives can be proud of. Other customers videotaped the exchange and posted it online. And soon August was trending as #SugarBae.

Sloane, the younger sister of Donovan Dell, one of the co-owners of Sugar Blitz (and one of the stars of the first book in the series), has just quit her social media job. In order to land a new job with a different company, she has to demonstrate that she can run a successful social media campaign by herself. Her brother has repeatedly tried to convince her to work with him, but she wants to succeed on her own merits, not appear to be riding his coattails. However, to try to secure the job, she agrees to take over the social media for Sugar Blitz and help them with their upcoming launch of a second store by capitalizing on the SugarBae sensation.

Of course, with August’s aversion to being the center of attention but finding himself a viral sensation, the story is set up for numerous awkward and humorous moments. However, making the situation more awkward and complex, Sloane had a crush on August when they were younger, and impetuously acted on those feelings but was shot down by August, who had a girlfriend he planned to marry. Sloane’s feelings for August have been suppressed, but never changed. They have remained good friends. However, Sloane will not allow herself to entertain the idea that August might be attracted to her. August is attracted to her, but unwilling to act on those feelings as Sloane has made it clear that what happened in the past was a mistake. Yet, working together on the social media campaign will make it harder for August and Sloane to suppress their feelings for each other. They will eventually have to face the fears and insecurities that have been holding them back. How this comes about is quite clever and enjoyable.

A Legend in the Baing by Jamie Wesley

When I started reading this, I thought someone had ripped off Jamie Wesley's first novel 'Fake it Til You Bake It's until I checked and realized this was a sequel! This time we follow August, another partner and his attraction to Donovan's sister Sloane, who had had a huge crush on him when she was younger. A cute but predictable novel that is lots of fun to read! Thank you to the author publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I received a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for fair and an unbiased review. I hadn't heard of the author before. I like fiction and romance genre. I was excited to read this book.

I was captured by the beginning of the book. It was a cute and warm story. I liked the characters. I felt like a knew how the book would end. I could feel the sweetness of the book.

I started getting bored by the middle of the book. It was a long book for a romance novel. There was some character development but not enough for it to warrant such a long book.

The chapters were pretty short. It was an easy book to read.

Most of the book was very sweet. There were some chapters that were quite raw and explicit. I didn't expect it from the rest of the book.

I really loved the ending of the book. There was growth of the characters. I really wish the whole book was like the ending. The ending makes me want to read another book by the author.

If you’re looking for a cute sports romance with a man that can bake (yes please!) - this is your must read!

This book takes place in the off season so it’s more about the cupcake shop that’s ran by three hunky football players and one of their sisters. I loved the dual POVs that helped shape the story as well as the throw back chapters. I did read this on my kindle which I was grateful for as there were a few words that I had never heard of mixed into the text.

Overall, this was a well written and heartwarming love story!

Tik Tok preview posted June 9th, Goodreads review is posted now, full Tok review will be posted with a month end wrap up beginning of June and a review post featured around the time of publishing.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Sloane's crush on her brothers friend has been going on for years. When she uses her skills to help their bakery, her crush on him dies not disappoint. A quick read

I loved this book so much. It made me so happy to read Sloane and August’s story. I hope we get a Nicholas story next

A cute romance for dessert lovers and social media fans. Fairly fast read, three stars.

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press and netgalley for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I liked the premise and I think the cover is super cute. The characters were likeable as well. However, this book was just way too slow for me. It was a slow burn, which is not my favorite, and it was just too slow. I wish they would've had some more action or something to keep me interested.

I think people who like slow burn will like this one but it just wasn't for me.

This book as a follow up from the first one is phenomenal. I enjoyed Sloane and August chemistry immensely. The whole premises was a bit extra, him doing everything just for her ro get a job. But in between that there was a lot of growth of the characters and they moved forward which I did liked a lot. Only thing I wasn’t thrilled about if 4 or 5 chapters that are developed in the past and mostly because I figured what must have happened from hints and I wasn’t invested on that line of the plot as much as I was on the present plot. Overall really good book, and I can wait to add it to my collection 😍

A Legend in the Baking takes us back to Sugar Blitz cupcakes for August and Sloanes story. Sloane has just quit her job. She’s interviewing for the head of social media position at a new company, but her experience is lacking. She’s tasked with a two week challenge to market and turn around a company’s social media presence. Around the same time, August is caught ranting to a customer about feminist rights and its role in the creation of baking which goes viral. On the cusp of opening a new cupcake shop, Sloane uses Augusts internet fame to help launch the success of the newest shop. However, the path is not as easy as she expects it to be. This is a great second installment of the baking series. It’s friends to lovers, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, no third act break up book. The chemistry was already present between August and Sloane because of their childhood. We get to see the return of Donovan and Jada. Plus, the antics in the book were stellar. I cannot wait to see if there is a third installment featuring Nicholas.

This was on okay book. Characters were enjoyable as was the writing of the plot. I thought this was a fun easy read

This was a cute story! I love the way this book really
empowers to be your true self and not “fit molds”

This is a REALLY SLOW BURN. I felt like this story highlighted their development of finding themselves, and less on the romantic side of their relationship but in the end they fit together so well.

this was such a cute story but not for me because i can’t stand the slow burn😭😭😭😭 i would still recommend this book if u love brothers best friend mixed wit a second chance type read you might like this :)

**A Legend in the Baking**: A Delightful Treat That Will Leave You Hungry for More

Imagine savoring a cupcake that’s beautifully decorated, with flavors unfolding layer by layer—this perfectly describes *A Legend in the Baking* by Jamie Wesley. This charming romance novel, the second in the series following *Fake It Till You Bake It*, offers a sweet, slow-burn love story that is as comforting as a warm kitchen on a rainy day.

From the get-go, we know that August and Sloane have a history. Twelve years of friendship and unspoken feelings simmer beneath the surface, creating a delicious tension that makes the reader's heart flutter. Sloane is on a mission to revamp her brother's cupcake bakery, blending her passion for social media with the art of baking. August, the best friend's protective older brother, is there every step of the way, adding a sprinkle of complication to their journey.

Wesley’s writing shines in her portrayal of complex characters who are relatable and lovable, each with their own set of challenges and growth arcs. Sloane’s determination to succeed in the baking business is both inspiring and heartwarming, while August’s support and subtle flirtations add a layer of sweetness that’s impossible to resist.

However, it’s the pacing that truly sets this novel apart. The slow burn between Sloane and August might test your patience, especially in the middle chapters where the story drags slightly. Yet, it’s this very slow simmer that makes their eventual union so satisfying. The lack of a significant, dramatic conflict in the second act might seem like a missed opportunity for some, but it’s a refreshing take on romance where the focus remains on the characters' development and their journey together.

The second book in the series, *A Legend in the Baking* doesn’t just reintroduce us to familiar faces but also delves deeper into the lives of football players turned bakers. This unique twist adds a fun, quirky element to the story, making it a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a mix of sports and sweets.

As someone who didn’t realize this was a sequel, I was pleasantly surprised by how well Wesley integrates backstory, making it easy for new readers to dive right in. And for those who loved the first book, revisiting the bakery and its characters feels like catching up with old friends.

If you're a fan of second-chance romances, brother’s best friend dynamics, and stories that blend ambition with heartfelt connections, then *A Legend in the Baking* is your perfect pick. While the story may have its slow moments, the overall experience is nothing short of delightful. I found myself invested in Sloane and August’s journey, rooting for them as they navigated their complicated lives and blossoming relationship.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good romance that’s as comforting as a well-baked cupcake. Whether you’re reading it by the pool or curled up on the couch, *A Legend in the Baking* is sure to put a smile on your face. Solid 3.5/5 stars—Jamie Wesley, you’ve gained a fan for life.

Interested in learning more about this sweet romance? Dive into the first book, *Fake It Till You Bake It*, and join us in eagerly awaiting more from this talented author.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Burn Rating: Very Slow Burn

Tropes:

Second-Chance Romance - Sloane and August have known each other for twelve years, and their relationship evolves from a long-standing friendship.
Brother's Best Friend - August is the best friend of Sloane’s brother, adding an extra layer of tension and familiarity to their romance.
Found Family - Both characters find support and family-like connections within their close-knit group of friends and colleagues.
Workplace Romance - Sloane takes on the challenge of revamping her brother's cupcake bakery, bringing her into close professional contact with August.
Friends to Lovers - The story focuses on the gradual transition from friendship to romantic love, enriched by their shared history and deep emotional connection.

Sloane is a driven woman looking to make her own way. If she'd just get out of her own way she'll be set up with exactly the life she wants! August just needs that safe place to be himself and sometimes get the little push out of the comfort zone he needs.

This was such a sweet read. I'm not generally a fan of the time jumps, but these were the right length with the right information. I loved it and now I need to go back and read the first companion book by Wesley.

This was an incredibly cute and fun read since I'm such a sucker for a good brother's best friend trope! The premise of a pro-athlete owning a cupcakery was so endearing. I love how passionate August is for baking, which he never shies away from, and his eventual willingness to step out of his comfort zone after spending so much time in the background in both his careers. Sloane really tried to get August to come out of his shell while respecting his boundaries when it would cross the line for him. Each snippet of their history provided so much insight to each of their behaviors and motivations and I wish we saw more of their late night conversations. It was so cute how they remember little details about the other which were briefly mentioned years ago and it seemed to full circle on their first date (loved that scene so much!). Overall, it was such a fast-paced and lighthearted romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I thought Nicholas was such a stand out character and I'll definitely be tuned in for his book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a cute read!

I loved the slow burn between August and Sloane, and at times was a little annoyed with how slow it was going 😂 but good things are worth the wait! August was so patient with her, and I loved seeing their romance blossom.

Some tropes that stood out to me for this book were slow burn, small town romance, and second chance. It gives the vibe of community and togetherness, and is all around a cute and cozy read. Plus, who doesn’t love some baked goods!

I plan on putting my public review up on Goodreads and Instagram about 1-2 weeks before pub date!