Things are heating up for author Jamie Wesley in the second release of her Sugar Blitz series. I recently spoke with her about A Legend in the Baking.
Tell me about your latest book.
A LEGEND IN THE BAKING is the second book in my Sugar Blitz series, which features three football players who own a cupcake shop. It’s a cute, fun romcom.
August is the strong, silent type who loves doing the uncelebrated work to make the cupcake shop a success. That plan goes very awry when he can’t keep silent any longer, and his feminist rant goes viral.
Sloane is his best friend’s little sister, who also happens to be a social media manager in need of a job. The two join forces to use August’s newfound notoriety to promote the cupcake shop’s newest location, which is, of course, complicated by the fact that they have some history and serious trouble ignoring their long-simmering, undeniable chemistry. Good times!
Why did you decide to write it?
I’m a huge sports fan, including football. Because football is a brutal sport, careers can be very short compared to those in other sports. I was fascinated by how football players prepare for life after football, so I started brainstorming how I could incorporate that into a new series. Around that time, I saw a Microsoft Surface commercial about football players who own a cupcake shop. I loved that idea, and the Sugar Blitz series was born!
Who is your favorite character and why?
If I have to choose (and I don’t like to), I would say August because he’s seriously the nicest guy ever. He always does the right thing because it’s the right thing and not because he wants accolades for it. He’s a tough football player, but he has a soft side.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve always loved stories. In the third grade, my teacher asked if I had a library card. I told her no, and she told me I should get one. I went home and asked my mom to take me to the library to get a card. She did, and the rest is history! There were so many books in the library, and I could take them home for free! Who could ask for anything more?
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I love Disney World, so probably something there. I’ll also say a movie/TV show producer. I love organizing stuff and the entertainment industry, and think I’d be really good at it.
What author would you fangirl over?
I’m lucky in that I’ve met many romance authors at conferences over the years, and I’ve managed to keep my cool (at least on the outside). The one author I’ve seen at these conferences and never said a word to because I’m so seriously awestruck: Beverly Jenkins.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Farrah Rochon is one of my go-to authors. Her latest, Pardon My Frenchie, is great. I also love all of Synithia Williams’ books.
What books are you most excited to read next?
I know Halloween is over, but reading Celestine Martin’s witchy books series is high on my priority list.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on the third book in the Sugar Blitz series. It’s about Nicholas, the head baker and resident flirt.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Romance is my fave, and I love writing about Black people finding their person despite all the craziness of life.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley.
To learn more about romance author Jamie Wesley, connect with her on social media.
Twitter: Jamie_Wesley
Instagram/Threads: @jamiewesleywrites