A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley

TL;DR: Cute with some very good moments but overall nothing mind blowing.
Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher!

Plot: August ends up famous on Social Media for being a feminist and Sloane just so happens to need a job. It was very convenient.
Characters: Interesting but nothing standout. I did like the brief appearance of August’s ex. She was interesting.
Setting: We mainly stayed in the cupcake shops which, in all fairness some effort was put into it, but it didn’t stand out to me.
Romance: Weirdly though it was shown in bits and pieces I didn’t really feel much chemistry or angst here.

Thoughts:

A Legend in the Baking was… cute. I know I’ve used that word a few times in other places for this but it’s the best I can do. The word fits. It wasn’t stand out, it wasn’t bad – it was cute. I can’t say I’ll remember much of this in the future, and if I do I’ll change my rating but if you’re wanting something in the moment fun than try this!

August goes on a feminist rant at some young guys in his cupcake shop which is caught and posted to social media. He gains traction as #SugarBae and the cupcake shop is swamped with new customers and fans. Enter Sloane – who has just quit her job as a successful social media manager and is looking for work. Her older brother is one of August’s best friends and partners and she swoops in to manage and save August from his swarming fan club. The two have some unrequited love and we see them begin to sort that out and fall into a relationship.

While I didn’t feel the romance, I did like how these two interacted and talked. There wasn’t much as far as miscommunication (one small event in the last 15% serves as a climax), most conflicts being external. That was truly the focus of the story, we spent a lot of time with the two and their thoughts on each other. There was a secondary plot running about the new shop and the neighborhoods worry of gentrification but it is quickly and fairly painlessly resolved.

If you enjoyed the first book I’d say this one is a good follow up. It’s very low stakes and sweet, and if you need something fast and distracting. I definitely found myself wanting a cupcake after that so be wary if you’re watching what you eat!

3 stars