Step into the delectable world of A Sweet Mess, where love, laughter, and mouthwatering baked goods collide in a heartwarming romantic comedy series! Written by Korean-American author Jayci Lee, this charming collection follows spirited characters navigating romance, cultural identity, and career dreams in sunny California. With its blend of steamy chemistry, witty banter, and rich Korean heritage, A Sweet Mess is a feast for the senses that leaves readers hungry for more.
From small-town bakeries to vibrant wine country, Lee’s stories capture the joy of self-discovery and the thrill of unexpected love. Whether you’re a romance enthusiast or simply craving a light, feel-good read, this series serves up a perfect recipe for cozy evenings and heartfelt smiles.
How A Sweet Mess Began
Jayci Lee, a former litigator turned full-time romance novelist, crafted A Sweet Mess to fill a gap she noticed in the genre: authentic Korean-American representation. Inspired by her own heritage and love for Harlequin novels, Lee wanted to normalize Asian-American characters as vibrant leads in mainstream romance. Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, the series debuted in 2020 with its titular first book, A Sweet Mess, and quickly won hearts with its fresh voice and culinary charm.
Lee’s passion for food, wine, and travel infuses every page, drawing from her California roots to create vivid settings and sensory-rich storytelling. Her goal was to write poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud tales that celebrate love and cultural pride, making A Sweet Mess a deeply personal and universally appealing creation.
The Heart of A Sweet Mess
The A Sweet Mess series comprises three delightful novels, each centered on Korean-American protagonists in the fictional town of Weldon, California. The first, A Sweet Mess (2020), introduces Aubrey Choi, a talented baker whose thriving bakery, Comfort Zone, faces ruin after a scathing review from food critic Landon Kim—her one-night stand. Forced to share a villa in wine country for a cooking show, their fiery chemistry and personal growth spark a spicy, sweet romance.
The Dating Dare (2021) follows Tara Park, Aubrey’s vivacious best friend, who swears off serious relationships until a game of truth or dare with photographer Seth Kim leads to four no-strings dates. Their volcanic chemistry and emotional baggage make for a witty, heartfelt journey. Booked on a Feeling (2022) completes the trio, focusing on lawyer-turned-bookseller Lizzy Chung and her slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance with Jack Park, blending anxiety representation with cozy bookshop vibes.
The series shines with themes of cultural identity, as characters navigate their Korean heritage alongside American ambitions. Lee’s humor, steamy romance, and vivid food descriptions—from decadent cakes to comforting Korean dishes—create a sensory escape. Set against California’s lush landscapes, these stories balance emotional depth with lighthearted fun, making them irresistible to rom-com fans.
Why A Sweet Mess Resonates
A Sweet Mess has carved a niche in contemporary romance by offering diverse, authentic voices in a genre often lacking Asian-American leads. Praised by outlets like O, The Oprah Magazine, and Cosmopolitan, Lee’s work resonates for its heartfelt portrayal of love and self-discovery. Readers adore the series’ relatable characters, from ambitious Aubrey to supportive Jack, and its celebration of Korean culture through food and family.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—finding love, chasing dreams, and embracing identity—wrapped in a fun, accessible package. With a rom-com film adaptation of A Sweet Mess in development, starring Daniel Dae Kim, the series is poised to reach even wider audiences, cementing its place as a modern romance gem.
- Publication Years: 2020–2022
- Number of Books: 3
- Notable Praise: Featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and Entertainment Weekly
- Upcoming Adaptation: Rom-com film based on A Sweet Mess, produced by and starring Daniel Dae Kim
Grab A Sweet Mess and dive into Jayci Lee’s irresistible world of romance, culture, and culinary delights—your heart and taste buds will thank you!