Photo provided by:Jamie Wesley
Photographer: Kim Campbell
**Me: Can you share a bit about your writing journey? What inspired you to become an author?
Jamie: I’ve always been a reader and a writer, since I was a little girl. I’ve been reading romance forever. I’ve always loved writing. English and Language Arts were always my best subjects in school. When I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a journalist. Soon after I graduated college, I got an idea for a romance. Since I’d been reading romance for a decade and thought I was a good writer, I decided to write the book. I laugh at my naivete now. I had no clue what I was doing. I got halfway through the book and had no clue what happened next. Then I got a full-time job and put the book aside, but I never forgot about that story. Every time I got a new computer, I made sure to copy that document over to the new computer. Seven or eight years later, I finished graduate school and was jobless. Since I had time on my hands, I opened that document and figured out what happened next. I started actively reading blogs about writing and taking classes. I’ve been writing ever since.
**Me: Your work has such a strong voice and emotional depth. What inspired the stories you’ve written, and how do you choose the themes you explore?
Jamie: Thank you so much! I get my stories from everywhere. My brain is always quietly buzzing for new ideas. I got the idea for my first book, Tell Me Something Good, when I heard the song on the radio driving home from work one day. I thought, “Hey, that would be a great title for a book!” and the rest is history.
I’m a huge sports fan. For my Sugar Blitz series, I wanted to explore how football players prepare for life after football. These guys play this sport for 10, 15 years and then it could be over in an instant. The players know this. Plus, football careers tend to be shorter than other sports. People often say “NFL” stands for “not for long.” One day, I saw a Microsoft Surface commercial featuring football players who owned a cupcake shop, and I knew I had to use that angle.
The female lead in Fake It is really special to me. I wanted to write someone who has a disability (in her case, dyslexia) and how the disability affects her, but more importantly, how people around her treat affects her.
Mainly, I want to write about real people with flaws and strengths. It’s really important for me to portray athletes as three-dimensional people with lives and relationships and emotions and triumphs and setbacks that have nothing to do with their career. But I also want to make it fun. Life is funny. The crazy, unexpected things that happen every day is where I draw from.
**Me: Many of my readers are always looking for new titles to add to their reading lists. Which of your books would you recommend they start with, and why?
Jamie: Fake It Till You Bake It is the first book in the Sugar Blitz series, so that’s a great book to start with. Tell Me Something Good was my first book, so it holds a special place in my heart.
**Me: What does your creative process look like? Do you have any writing rituals or routines that help you stay focused and inspired?
Jamie: I wish I had a steady routine. First, I come up with an idea and determine if it is sustainable. Can I imagine a few scenes throughout the book? If so, then I flesh out the characters’ backstory and conflicts. Then, I write a synopsis, usually 5-8 pages double-spaced. I don’t like to get too detailed because discovering those surprises (oh, her favorite pie is lemon meringue) is part of the fun for me. Then I write a rough draft and try not to overthink things too much. That draft is for my eyes only. Then I do another draft that I’ll allow my editor to see.
**Me: How do you balance storytelling with character development, especially when writing romance or emotionally driven narratives?
Jamie: Storytelling and character development are both really important. I want to tell a story that will keep readers turning the page, but the heart of romance is the characters. Therefore, the storytelling is there to facilitate the character development, in my opinion. As I tell the story, I keep that at the forefront of my thoughts. OK, these characters are going through this, so what are they thinking? How does this affect them? How does their personality and history inform how they react to each situation? If the hero is laidback, he might roll with the punches and not get upset at a setback (which may or may not get him in trouble). If the hero has a type A personality, he might dive headfirst into fixing the issue while lambasting himself for not foreseeing the problem in the first place (which may or may not get him in trouble).
**Me: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a published author?
Jamie: Hearing from readers who really connect with my stories and characters and understand what I’m trying to accomplish with my books. I write fun, funny, romantic stories featuring Black characters who have fun while they fall in love and grow as individuals and as a couple throughout the book. Black people are a joyous people, who experience all the emotions under the sun. We’re not a monolith.
**Me: Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or events you’re excited to share with us?
Jamie: I’m working on edits for the third Sugar Blitz books. Once I turn the edits in, I have a couple of new ideas I’m really excited about working on.
**Me: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting out or struggling to find their voice?
Jamie: Keep writing! The more you write, the more you will find your voice. If you’re just starting, write the story the way you want to write it. Don’t worry about trends or what anyone else is going to say. Just write. You’ll figure it out as you go. You will evolve as a writer the more you do it. Read! Reread your favorite books and try to figure what draws you to those books. Is it the characters, the tropes, the tone?
**Me: How do you hope your stories impact readers—especially women who may see parts of themselves in your characters?
Jamie: I want readers to have fun while reading my books. I write books for people who love romance. I want readers to squee with joy when the characters figure out they can’t live without each other. Black people are deserving of all the love in the world, and I do my best to convey that in all my books.
Me: Lastly, is there anything else you’d love to share with my audience—whether it’s a personal message, a behind-the-scenes insight, or something fun about your work?
Jamie: So I write books about a cupcake shop, but here’s my dirty little secret – I don’t cook! I feel guilty for admitting that, but it’s true. I know the basic process and ingredients for making cupcakes, but I rely on my imagination to come up with cupcake flavors and Google to make sure the flavor is actually something that exists!
Secondly and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has ever given one of my books a chance. I absolutely do not take it for granted!
Book Review: Fake It Till You Bake It – A Sweet and Sassy Contemporary Romance That Delivers
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d connect with the main character in Fake It Till You Bake It. Jada’s initial demeanor gave off that all-too-familiar “stuck-up” vibe we often see on social media—confident to the point of being dismissive. But as the story unfolded, I found myself drawn into the layers the author so skillfully revealed. What started as skepticism quickly turned into admiration for the depth and complexity of the characters.
This novel is a must-read for fans of contemporary Black romance, especially those who enjoy a touch of celebrity drama and a sprinkle of spice. The author does a fantastic job capturing the nuances of fame, insecurity, and emotional growth in today’s rumor-driven culture.
Jada’s entrance into Sugar Blitz bakery—dressed to the nines and unimpressed by the decor—was a moment that stuck with me. Her subtle insults toward Donovan, the bakery’s owner, were a sharp contrast to the warmth and dedication he poured into his business. And let’s be honest: a man who can bake with passion and precision? That’s a win in any romance.
The chemistry between Jada and Donovan starts off rocky, but their fake relationship arrangement becomes the perfect setup for emotional breakthroughs. Watching them slowly dismantle the walls around their hearts was both satisfying and heartfelt. The reality show subplot added an extra layer of drama, especially when Jada boldly rejected her suitor John—turning the moment into a cupcake-selling frenzy for curious fans.
Donovan is a genuinely good guy, and while I would’ve loved to see more of his football backstory, the focus on the fake relationship trope worked well. The story stayed true to its theme and delivered a fun, engaging ride from start to finish.
Book Review: A Legend in the Baking – Sugar, Spice, and a Whole Lot of Heart
In A Legend in the Baking, the second installment of the Sugar Blitz series, readers are treated to a slow-burn romance that’s equal parts sweet, sizzling, and socially relevant. Sloane Dell is a woman who knows her worth. As a savvy social media manager, she’s experienced both success and setbacks—but when she brings her talents to her brother’s bakery, Sugar Blitz Cupcakes, she’s ready to turn things around. The only complication? Her brother’s business partner is August Hodges—the man she’s secretly loved since their first meeting.
August, a quiet co-owner and professional football player, is used to attention on the field, not in the kitchen. But when a heartfelt speech about masculinity and baking unexpectedly goes viral, Sloane seizes the moment and turns him into the face of their brand. As their professional relationship deepens, so do their personal feelings—though both try to keep things strictly business.
The chemistry between Sloane and August is undeniable. Their banter is sharp, funny, and emotionally charged—so much so that I found myself wanting to yell, “Girl, go get your man!” Their shared history adds depth to their dynamic, and watching them navigate their feelings while building a business is both heartwarming and satisfying.
As Sugar Blitz gains popularity, Sloane pulls in numbers she only dreamed about. But her ambitions stretch beyond the bakery—she hopes to leverage this success into a new position at a major firm. Still, she can’t shake the feeling that what she’s building with August might be more than just professional.
The story takes a thoughtful turn when protests erupt at the launch of a new Sugar Blitz location. Concerns over gentrification challenge Sloane and August to prove that their business is here to uplift the community, not displace it. Sloane’s determination and strategic brilliance shine as she tackles the issue head-on, showing her bosses—and the neighborhood—what real leadership looks like.
August is the kind of book boyfriend you root for: sweet, grounded, and fiercely loyal. Sloane is independent, strong-willed, and a true boss in her own right. Together, they’re a perfect match.
What I especially loved was the realistic portrayal of Black love, ambition, and emotional vulnerability. The author doesn’t shy away from social issues, and that depth adds richness to the romance. This story is more than cupcakes and chemistry—it’s about growth, community, and choosing love even when it’s complicated.
Final Thoughts: A Legend in the Baking is a delightful follow-up to Fake It Till You Bake It, with even more heart, humor, and heat. The character development, the slow-burn tension, and the meaningful themes made this a solid 4-star read for me.
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