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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
**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.
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.
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley is a “second chance romance” joy. August Hodges is a football player and cupcake baker at Sugar Blitz. Sloane Dell is a social media manager seeking employment. The two had an undeniable connection but missed their chance when August tried to stick out a romance with his high school sweetheart – which ultimately failed. Full of emotional and meaningful flashbacks, spice, and more hard-hitting themes like combating toxic masculinity and exploring gentrification, A Legend in the Baking is a dessert of a romance novel. The substantial messages folded into the narrative is the icing on top.
3.5⭐️ really enjoyed the first half and the flashbacks, they were short and sweet. The second half was good but just fell a bit flat for me.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved the internal musings of each main character!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes