We chat with author Jamie Wesley about A Legend in the Baking, which follows a cupcake-baking football player who gets assistance from a social media maven—and his best friend’s little sister—to help promote his new bakery after accidentally going viral online.
Hi, Jamie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I live in Dallas, TX, where I was born and raised. I’m an avid sports fan and spend an inordinate amount of time watching local sports team’s games. I’ve been reading romance since I was a kid and have no plans to stop. I love love. Walt Disney World and French fries also have my heart.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always been a writer, but growing up I always thought I would work in the communications field either as a news reporter or a public relations manager. I did enjoy writing stories, but it never occurred to me to turn my attention to writing fiction until after I graduated from college in 2002. One day, a story idea came to me and I was like, “I like writing. I’ve been reading romance for over a decade. Let’s try it!” Ahh, the innocence of youth. I quickly discovered reading romance is a lot different than writing romance. I had no clue what I was doing, but I loved it.
I got away from writing when I landed a full-time job, but I never forgot that story I’d been working on. I made sure to transfer the file every time I bought a new computer. I finally got back to it in 2008 and have been writing steadily ever since.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Honestly, I don’t remember. I do remember going to the library for the first time as a third grader and discovering The Babysitters Club, so I’ll say that.
- The one that made you want to become an author: All of them! Seriously, in my younger days before I had to be an adult, I was such a voracious reader. I remember reading my first adult romance, a Harlequin Temptation named Could This Be Magic and being like “Yep. This is what I’m meant to read.”
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Charming As A Verb. It’s a YA romcom. I feel like it was written specifically for me. As the title suggests, the protagonist is very charming, but so is the book. The story is adorable and I root for the hero through all his struggles and teenage crises.
Your latest novel, A Legend in the Baking, is out November 19th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Adorable. Fun. Funny. Sweet. Spicy.
What can readers expect?
A second-chance romance featuring a football player who owns a cupcake shop and his best friend’s little sister. It’s a fun, romantic time! There’s so much longing and pining. Obviously, I’m biased, but I love it to pieces.
Where did the inspiration for A Legend in the Baking come from?
This is the second book in my Sugar Blitz series about three football players who co-own a cupcake shop. The whole series was inspired about how football players prepare for life after football. Years ago, I saw a Microsoft Surface commercial about football players who own a cupcake shop, and I knew immediately I could use that.
This book in particular came about as I thought about the what-ifs of life. What if the one who got away because it wasn’t the right time or circumstance comes back? What if you could make it work this time? How do you navigate that history and move forward into the future?
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
August, the male lead, is the best. He’s the nicest guy who believes in doing the right thing because it’s the right thing and not because he wants any accolades for it.
There’s a scene where he and Sloane, the female lead, have a baking session and chaos (and maybe a little kissing) ensues. That was the most fun to write.
Are you a baker? Did you have to do some serious sweet treat research for the book?
I feel so guilty admitting this but I am, most assuredly, NOT a baker, sorry to say. I love eating cupcakes, but cooking is not my forte. For research, yes, I visited several bakeries to see how things ran and what cupcake flavors were offered. There was Internet research to make sure I was including the right ingredient and correct baking steps, lol. Also to scope out potential flavors I could include.
What do you love about the romance genre?
I love love. Always have, always will. I love people finding their person. I love writing about people who go through tough times, but who come out on the other side stronger and wiser with a partner by their side. Through the journey, they discover who they’re really meant to be and their capacity for love. The little moments when they realize “Oh, crap. I really like this person!” are the best.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on the third book in the Sugar Blitz series about Nicholas, the ultimate flirt. He’s a fun character to write.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on in 2025?
Farrah Rochon is one of my go-to authors. Her latest, Pardon My Frenchie, is great. I also adore Synithia Williams’ Peachtree Cove series. I have Celestine Martin’s witchy books on my TBR. I can’t wait to read Natalie Cana’s latest, Sleeping with the Frenemy.
