I have mixed feelings about this slow burn romance. First, I totally enjoyed the book for the first sixty percent of the story. It looked like it would be as good as the first one. I like Sloane and August and there are a lot of amusing moments in the story. While I understand why the relationship between Sloane and August build so slow, there were a couple of decisions that they made to promote her career that I didn't agree with. It also put them both in uncomfortable decisions. I didn't understand why they kept doing that. I also thought that something should have been said to try to stop women pawing August while he was promoting the business. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.

I didn't read the first book in the series, but now I might because this was a really fun and cute read. August and Sloane were a delight to read and this story was heart warming. Even thought this is a part of a series it was easily to follow along and read as a standalone with out being confused in general. I really found myself really chuckling as I read through this because there were plenty of fun and silly moments. The dialogue and banter flowed really well throughout the story and never felt cringe. I had fun with this.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

I need to premise this by stating I read Fake It Till You Bake It and thought it was adorable, so of course I requested this one as soon as I saw it.

Way. To. Go. Sloane. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You’re every woman’s spirit animal. This was a cute, the girl finally got her man, read for me. I enjoyed the flirty wit and the spice. This was a quick, fun read for me.

The most unique taste on a spicy romance. I think that was the best part of this book. A football player who is a baker and proud to be one! Loved that!
I think the rest of the book was cute in the way that there was some slow burn, second chance, and brother's best friend, which I never usually read, so it was interesting to read this trope. I think some of the topics were talked about, are not something we conventionally read about, so it shed a light to certain topics, in regards to loss. and addiction.

The story otherwise did not really connect with me and there were parts where it felt very unrealistic. I was unsettled by something Sloane did as well, and it went unspoken and was excused which did not feel right to me.

Otherwise, I think August is the best MMC ever, he reminded me so much of one of my favorite basketball players, and I just love soft, quiet MCs! He was such a gentleman, and I loved every interaction I got with him.

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley is a sweet and charming romance novel that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. The story follows the unexpected journey of August Hodges, a cupcake-baking football player whose life takes a sudden turn when his viral online video propels him into the spotlight.

The dynamic between August and Sloane, his best friend's younger sister and the social media manager hired to help promote his bakery, is both heartwarming and full of sizzling chemistry. Their long-standing history adds depth and tension to their burgeoning relationship, making their interactions feel authentic and relatable.

Wesley expertly weaves together themes of love, friendship, and pursuing one's passions in this delightful tale of second chances and new beginnings. The banter between August and Sloane is witty and engaging, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last.

As August and Sloane navigate the challenges of fame, attraction, and past regrets, they must learn to take risks and follow their hearts in order to find true happiness. The character development is well-crafted, allowing readers to connect with the protagonists on a deeper level and become invested in their journey towards love and fulfillment.

Overall, A Legend in the Baking is a feel-good romance with heart, humor, and a touch of sweetness that will appeal to fans of the genre. Jamie Wesley's storytelling is engaging and uplifting, making this novel a perfect escape into the world of love, cupcakes, and second chances. A truly delightful read that is sure to satisfy romance enthusiasts looking for a heartwarming story with a delicious twist.

I loved the first book in this series, so I was excited to watch another football-playing cupcake shop owner fall in love. A Legend in the Baking combines two of my favorite tropes--second chance at brother's best friend. It was every bit as good as the first book. Wesley has become a one-click author for me.

I guarantee you'll fall in love with the characters. If you're looking for a second chance romance, brother's best friend, and slow burn, this is your book. I can't wait to see if Nicholas gets a story because I am so ready to read that.

I love a man who knows the value of women!!!

This was an easy, low stakes, joyful read. Not much more to say other than it made me smile with his sweet it was.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stand alone sequel, I definitely will be reading the first in the series. Loved the premise: unrequited crush, finding your time, brother's best friend! I love a good viral moment, and August did not disappoint. I thought it was clever the way the viral moment happened: not because of an embarrassing moment or lack of judgement. An honest viral moment.

I usually shy away from anything about social media content creators but this one showed the actual numbers on how to use social media in a positive way.

This book is a lot of fun. The two MCs are Sassy and fun. She has had a long time crush on him. And he is realizing he has too. Sloane is a social media manager. And August is a football player/co-owner of a cupcake store. A series of events makes her helping the cupcake store take advantage of August's viral fame (he goes on an anti-toxic masculinity rant that is caught on camera). The majority of the book is them dancing around each other and their feelings. The author has made them complex enough, that I wasn't screaming "just have a conversation". Though it was close. All and all, good fun. perfect for a poolside rad.

This is the second part of a 3-part series. I did not know that initially, so this is a standalone book, but I’ll definitely go back to read book one.
One theme that I enjoyed reading in this book was the growth that August experienced. Seeing him confront his feelings around his dad and ex-wife was really touching and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the conversation he had with his ex-wife. It gave him closure that he didn’t know he needed.
I liked how the author introduced feminist themes around the discussion of men doing things that are considered feminine. It’s a good conversation starter, as well as a mind shifting thought. It does a powerful thing to read about three black men who are athletes but find pleasure in baking.
I also enjoyed how the book, albeit briefly touched on gentrification and how communities get affected. I really enjoyed this book beyond the storyline and romance for how it encompassed different topics that are relevant in today’s world.
Bonus reason I enjoyed this book, black characters and black author!
Themes in this book: brother’s best friend, slow burn, second chance, friends to lovers.

𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
4 🌟
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I enjoyed how August Hodges' impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn't a threat to masculinity went viral. Sloane Dell is a social media manager whose brother is August's best friend. A Legend in the Baking is book two in the Fake It Til You Bake It series. While this is a series, these books are stand-alone and don't have to be read in order. The beginning of this story held my attention and went at a decent pace, but once you hit the middle, it kind of slows down.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Slow burn
•Black Romance
•Brother's bestfriend - to - lover
•Second chance
•Dual Timeline (Past and Present)
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 Nov.19
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Thank you, Netgalley, and St.Martin Press for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.

The opening hooked me. I enjoyed this book, and I'll be going back to read book 1 in this series, and looking out for book 3!

My outward facing review can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6726602790.

Copyedit & proofing notes:
--*NOTE: page numbers are based on phone/app pagination and may differ from word processor layout

Pg 5, 2nd paragraph: why is the first set of parenthesis there?
Pg 21, last sentence: consider using "nor" instead of "or" to enhance the negative.
Pg 22, penultimate sentence: "owing" should be "owning"
Pg 22, penultimate paragraph uses "brain" then pg 23, second paragraph, 2nd to last sentence uses "brain " again. Maybe change one instance to "mind"?
Pg 35, 1st paragraph. End with a question mark instead? The dry/slightly condescending statement works, but the question gives more sisterly sarcasm.
Pg 35, paragraph 4: "acknowledge the shiver *that* the quick..." missing "that"
Pg 46, 2nd paragraph, replace full stop midsentence with comma.
Pg 80, 2nd to last paragraph: what is that string of capitalized letters? "HOPHMJJJ"
Pg 108, paragraph 2, sentence 2: "overhead" should be "overheard"
Pg 161: paragraph 1, second to last sentence: ".. Every day." End with question mark?

This was 3. 5 stars for me.

Although the characters cross over between this boon and the first book, Fake It Till You Bake it, it is a stand alone book and do not need to read the first book to read this one. I did read the first book and seeing how August's character was written about in that book I was very curious to see how he went viral in this one. The viral post happened very early in the book; however, after that it moved slow for me. While I appreciated the author writing about what happened between him and Sloane' before to make their relationship what it was in present day they way the writing kept going from past to present took a little away from the story to me and it didn't quite flow as easily. In addition to that, when Sloan and August were written about in the present day I felt it dragged with whether they should be together or not. Every time I thought this is it something would happen and it wouldn't be which made me feel like just tell each other how you feel already. I will say it was cute the way in which August did finally take her out but it just took way to long to get there for me.

While I appreciated how the author tried to make social media a focal point of the story as well, it didn't work as well for me in this book the way it did in the first as I couldn't really make the connection with the social media posts and August's dating life and how it was supposed to help the new bakery come to the fore front. There were other ideas in the story that helped with the new bakery but the dating aspect just didn't fit for me. Also since they were talking about the new bakery they were planning to open in this one it would have been nice to see a littler of the bakery once it was opened. I liked the August and Sloane together but overall I felt the book was lacking in certain areas. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

First, a big thank you to St. Martin's Press and Jamie Wesley for providing me with an advanced e-reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:
-Brother's Best Friend
-Second Chance Romance
-Slow Burn

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This is the second book in the Sugar Blitz series, focusing on Sloane Dell and August Hodges.
August is the quiet (heavy on the quiet) partner/co-owner of Sugar Blitz. When a customer claims baking is unmasculine, he goes on a rant defending not only baking but also how he is not threatened or scared about society's thoughts about his doing so because he loves it and how the women in the industry are treated. This immediately goes viral, and he is branded SugarBae and pushed into the public eye.
Sloane, who recently quit her job, takes this opportunity to use her social media manager skills to not only help Sugar Blitz (since they're opening a new shop and could use the exposure) but also propel herself into a new job. The only problem is that Sloane and August had a semi-fling a decade ago, and feelings still linger.

This book was a super slow burn. There was no real action until about 70% into the book, which was very different from the books I usually read, but I think people who enjoy slow burns would like this book. I personally felt it was a tad long, and some parts dragged, but overall, it was a good book. I really found myself caring about the characters and falling for August like all the SugarBaebies.

Such an amazing read! I’m so happy with the journey August and Sloane were on together. This book dealt with feeling abandoned, trauma, and finding the closure that was absolutely needed. It definitely had me smiling the whole book and I consider it a medium burn. I can’t wait to get a final copy of the paperback because I hope it includes an epilogue, I need a little bit more from August and Sloane.

Hoping for this series to be turned into a trilogy with the focus being on Nicholas.

Jamie Wesley's writing style is engaging and witty, with a good balance of humour and heartfelt moments. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, and the descriptive passages bring the bakery to life, making readers crave the delicious cupcakes described in the story. Wesley's ability to blend romance with everyday challenges adds depth to the characters and makes the story relatable.

Overall, "A Legend in the Baking" is a delightful read for anyone looking for a heartwarming romance with a unique twist. Jamie Wesley's engaging writing and charming story make it a worthwhile addition to the romance genre.

I love August and Sloane event more than a I loved Jada and Donovan!

I would highly recommend this for people who love a slowburn, friends to lovers, workplace romance that is also forced proximity and brother's best friend! Both August and Sloane are struggling with their past and have to finally address that in order to move forward together.

3.5⭐

This is a slow burn. Personally, I felt like the pacing was a little too slow for my taste. I was invested in the characters at the beginning. However, I lost some interest because of the story development. It took almost 70% for Sloane and August to realize they had feelings for one another. 🫣 By that point it was clear as day.

Like the first in the series, Legend in the Baking was a really cute romance, this time taking on the "older brother's best friend" trope. By and large I enjoyed it, though it did burn a little too slowly for my taste!