{"id":31638,"date":"2024-11-25T10:47:38","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T14:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/?p=31638"},"modified":"2024-11-25T10:47:39","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T14:47:39","slug":"dualing-reviews-a-legend-in-the-baking-by-jamie-wesley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/25\/dualing-reviews-a-legend-in-the-baking-by-jamie-wesley\/","title":{"rendered":"Dualing Reviews \u2764\ufe0f A Legend In the Baking by Jamie Wesley"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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August Hodges was supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. Emphasis on silent. That is until his impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn\u2019t a threat to masculinity goes viral, making him the hottest bachelor in town. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this perfect opportunity to help cement their place in the community. But the hiring of his best friend\u2019s younger sister, the woman who has haunted some of his best dreams for years, was as much of a shock as his new-found fame.<\/span>

Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother\u2019s best friend the moment she met him more than a decade ago, but that teenage infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother\u2019s request to revamp the bakery\u2019s social media presence to take advantage of August\u2019s newfound popularity, knowing it\u2019s the big break her fledgling career needs. She\u2019ll just ignore the fact that August is still August, i.e. sexier and sweeter than any man has a right to be. And that he drives her crazy with his resistance to all her ideas.<\/span>

They vow to leave the past in the past. But when an explosive make-out session makes it clear their attraction burns hotter than ever, Sloane and August are forced to reconsider what it means to take a risk and chase your dreams.<\/span>

As they\u2019re both about to find out, all\u2019s fair in love and cupcakes.<\/span><\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Release Date:<\/strong> Nov 19, 2024
Series:<\/strong>\u00a0Sugar Blitz
<\/em>Book:\u00a0<\/strong>2
Heat Level:<\/strong> Hot
Publisher:<\/strong> Macmillan
Imprint:<\/strong> St. Martin’s Press
Price:<\/strong> $12.99<\/p>

Sugar Blitz Two is the slowest burn, but oh so worth it.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>

I was eager for this one,\u00a0and ever since I read\u00a0Fake It Till You Bake It<\/strong>, I have <\/span>wanted Sloane and August\u2019s story. It\u2019s finally here! This has the tropes you want: the tortured hero, the brother\u2019s best friend, the high school crush. There is nothing like a good tropey book with rom-com vibes.<\/p>

August<\/strong> is the stoic, brooding football player. Natural introvert, and the guy who likes to bake and be behind the scenes at Sugar Blitz, the cupcake shop he runs with his two best friends. Though a momentary lapse in judgment when some customers act like jerks sends August viral via social media. Of course the man who never wants to be seen is suddenly the face associated with his company. With a second location opening up soon it would make sense to capitalize on this fame, though the one person capable of assisting with that is the one woman he broke the heart of years ago, add in her being his best buddies is sister is a double whammy.<\/p>

I loved August. He\u2019s probably going to be added to the ranks of preferred book boyfriends. He is not just an athlete or a baker but an intelligent, profound, polite, and caring individual. I definitely understood why Sloane was lusting after this man, and I don\u2019t blame her one bit.<\/p>

Sloane<\/strong> is also a treat. She\u2019s this conundrum of smart and sassy with a hint of internal dialogue mess. She tends to speak too soon, but in the same vein has brilliant ideas that make up for any of her \u2018mouth insert foot\u2019 moments. What I love about her is her independence and determination to make it on her own, along with a hint of self-deprecating humor and a witty attitude that reminds me of myself in many ways.<\/p>

She\u2019s only into the social media work to help her get a job. Though it puts her side-by-side, the man she\u2019s still crushing on since high school, even after he rejected her. Though August is all grown up, Sloane isn\u2019t incapable of falling right back into August’s arms if the circumstances are right.<\/p>

What keeps this from being a five for me? The pacing felt off. I respected the fact this relationship had to build slow, the romance elements of the story made sense. But the blend of romance with the external goals was a bit disjointed. It felt like the ending was rushed, and I didn\u2019t get nearly the satisfaction that I wanted. Let me say that this book was very adult in how it wrapped up, which I applaud the author for, though I wanted to see a few people get their just desserts. Give me that fairy tale, please.<\/p>

Overall, this is a good second story in the series, and I will definitely be reading the last book as I want to see how the playboy Nicholas falls. One additional note: if you enjoy stories that showcase widely different characters done extremely well, this is the series you want to dive into. For those who like rom-coms that are a bit more realistic and a grovel that will make you tear up, A Legend in the Baking<\/strong> should be at the top of the TBR.<\/p>

~ Landra<\/em><\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

August<\/strong> and Sloane<\/strong> have known each other for years. They have a history. August is best friends with Sloane\u2019s older brother. While he finds her cute, he has never tried to be anything other than friendly towards her. Sloane, on the other hand, has been crushing on August since she first met him. He is so easy to speak to, and he gets her.<\/p>

One incident led to Sloane getting her feelings hurt by August. She has kept her distance since then, but now she is forced to come together with him to help him out. August needs help re-inventing his online image, and Sloane\u2019s expertise is in that area. Neither one can deny how they feel now that they are working closely together.<\/p>

I didn\u2019t completely click with this book. The story has all the good bones to make a great romance, but somehow, I found myself not that invested in it. The romance came last for me because there were so many issues and themes going on at the same time. While that is what saved the book, it is also what made Sloane and August\u2019s connection dim a bit.<\/p>

Sloane spends too much time still reliving the past and being hurt in my opinion. Yes, they are older, and there is this attraction, but it didn\u2019t feel organic. The author goes back in the past to give readers a chance to understand the emotional aspect, but it fell short. Sloane was a teenager, and she kissed August. He was older and technically an adult, so I understand why the relationship didn\u2019t go anywhere.\u00a0 Fast forward and the connection started to spice up, it went a bit too quickly.<\/p>

The saving grace to me is that the author used page time to highlight the family dynamics and bring out other characters. I look forward to continuing the series and getting the feels in the next book. The couple from the previous book in this series plays a heavy role in this book. However, you don\u2019t really have to read Book 1 to follow along.<\/p>

Overall, if you like second-chance romances, then A Legend in the Baking<\/strong> may be for you.<\/p>

~ Samantha<\/em><\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Amazon<\/a><\/span>\u00a0|\u00a0iBooks<\/span><\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0B&N<\/span><\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Kobo<\/span><\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Google Play<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \t <\/div>\n\t \n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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src=\"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley.jpeg\" title=\"a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley\" alt=\"a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley.jpeg?w=900&ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley.jpeg?resize=184%2C300&ssl=1 184w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley.jpeg?resize=628%2C1024&ssl=1 628w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley.jpeg?resize=768%2C1253&ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley.jpeg?resize=400%2C652&ssl=1 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">August Hodges was supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. Emphasis on silent. That is until his impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn\u2019t a threat to masculinity goes viral, making him the hottest bachelor in town. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this perfect opportunity to help cement their place in the community. But the hiring of his best friend\u2019s younger sister, the woman who has haunted some of his best dreams for years, was as much of a shock as his new-found fame.<br \/><br \/>Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother\u2019s best friend the moment she met him more than a decade ago, but that teenage infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother\u2019s request to revamp the bakery\u2019s social media presence to take advantage of August\u2019s newfound popularity, knowing it\u2019s the big break her fledgling career needs. She\u2019ll just ignore the fact that August is still August, i.e. sexier and sweeter than any man has a right to be. And that he drives her crazy with his resistance to all her ideas.<br \/><br \/>They vow to leave the past in the past. But when an explosive make-out session makes it clear their attraction burns hotter than ever, Sloane and August are forced to reconsider what it means to take a risk and chase your dreams.<br \/><br \/>As they\u2019re both about to find out, all\u2019s fair in love and cupcakes.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/smitten-recommends-banner-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"296\" height=\"72\" \/><\/p><hr \/><p><strong>Release Date:<\/strong> Nov 19, 2024<br \/><strong>Series:<\/strong>\u00a0<em>Sugar Blitz<br \/><\/em><strong>Book:\u00a0<\/strong>2<br \/><strong>Heat Level:<\/strong> Hot<br \/><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> Macmillan<br \/><strong>Imprint:<\/strong> St. Martin's Press<br \/><strong>Price:<\/strong> $12.99<\/p><hr \/><p><em><strong>Sugar Blitz Two is the slowest burn, but oh so worth it.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p>I was eager for this one,\u00a0and ever since I read\u00a0<strong>Fake It Till You Bake It<\/strong>, I have wanted Sloane and August\u2019s story. It\u2019s finally here! This has the tropes you want: the tortured hero, the brother\u2019s best friend, the high school crush. There is nothing like a good tropey book with rom-com vibes.<\/p><p><strong>August<\/strong> is the stoic, brooding football player. Natural introvert, and the guy who likes to bake and be behind the scenes at Sugar Blitz, the cupcake shop he runs with his two best friends. Though a momentary lapse in judgment when some customers act like jerks sends August viral via social media. Of course the man who never wants to be seen is suddenly the face associated with his company. With a second location opening up soon it would make sense to capitalize on this fame, though the one person capable of assisting with that is the one woman he broke the heart of years ago, add in her being his best buddies is sister is a double whammy.<\/p><p>I loved August. He\u2019s probably going to be added to the ranks of preferred book boyfriends. He is not just an athlete or a baker but an intelligent, profound, polite, and caring individual. I definitely understood why Sloane was lusting after this man, and I don\u2019t blame her one bit.<\/p><p><strong>Sloane<\/strong> is also a treat. She\u2019s this conundrum of smart and sassy with a hint of internal dialogue mess. She tends to speak too soon, but in the same vein has brilliant ideas that make up for any of her \u2018mouth insert foot\u2019 moments. What I love about her is her independence and determination to make it on her own, along with a hint of self-deprecating humor and a witty attitude that reminds me of myself in many ways.<\/p><p>She\u2019s only into the social media work to help her get a job. Though it puts her side-by-side, the man she\u2019s still crushing on since high school, even after he rejected her. Though August is all grown up, Sloane isn\u2019t incapable of falling right back into August's arms if the circumstances are right.<\/p><p>What keeps this from being a five for me? The pacing felt off. I respected the fact this relationship had to build slow, the romance elements of the story made sense. But the blend of romance with the external goals was a bit disjointed. It felt like the ending was rushed, and I didn\u2019t get nearly the satisfaction that I wanted. Let me say that this book was very adult in how it wrapped up, which I applaud the author for, though I wanted to see a few people get their just desserts. Give me that fairy tale, please.<\/p><p>Overall, this is a good second story in the series, and I will definitely be reading the last book as I want to see how the playboy Nicholas falls. One additional note: if you enjoy stories that showcase widely different characters done extremely well, this is the series you want to dive into. For those who like rom-coms that are a bit more realistic and a grovel that will make you tear up, <strong>A Legend in the Baking<\/strong> should be at the top of the TBR.<\/p><p><em>~ Landra<\/em><\/p><hr \/><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/2_5-hearts-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"107\" height=\"44\" \/><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>August<\/strong> and <strong>Sloane<\/strong> have known each other for years. They have a history. August is best friends with Sloane\u2019s older brother. While he finds her cute, he has never tried to be anything other than friendly towards her. Sloane, on the other hand, has been crushing on August since she first met him. He is so easy to speak to, and he gets her.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">One incident led to Sloane getting her feelings hurt by August. She has kept her distance since then, but now she is forced to come together with him to help him out. August needs help re-inventing his online image, and Sloane\u2019s expertise is in that area. Neither one can deny how they feel now that they are working closely together.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I didn\u2019t completely click with this book. The story has all the good bones to make a great romance, but somehow, I found myself not that invested in it. The romance came last for me because there were so many issues and themes going on at the same time. While that is what saved the book, it is also what made Sloane and August\u2019s connection dim a bit.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sloane spends too much time still reliving the past and being hurt in my opinion. Yes, they are older, and there is this attraction, but it didn\u2019t feel organic. The author goes back in the past to give readers a chance to understand the emotional aspect, but it fell short. Sloane was a teenager, and she kissed August. He was older and technically an adult, so I understand why the relationship didn\u2019t go anywhere.\u00a0 Fast forward and the connection started to spice up, it went a bit too quickly.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The saving grace to me is that the author used page time to highlight the family dynamics and bring out other characters. I look forward to continuing the series and getting the feels in the next book. The couple from the previous book in this series plays a heavy role in this book. However, you don\u2019t really have to read Book 1 to follow along.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Overall, if you like second-chance romances, then <strong>A Legend in the Baking<\/strong> may be for you.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em>~ Samantha<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Zm21LJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amazon<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apple.co\/4eL6aNO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iBooks<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/a-legend-in-the-baking-jamie-wesley\/1143881539?ean=9781250801883\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B&N<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kobo.com\/us\/en\/ebook\/a-legend-in-the-baking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kobo<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/books\/details\/Jamie_Wesley_A_Legend_in_the_Baking?id=wMXQEAAAQBAJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Play<\/a><\/strong><\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31638","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31638"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31638\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31648,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31638\/revisions\/31648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31638"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31638"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smittenbybooks.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}