What do you think?
Rate this book
Peppermint Mocha Kisses #1
Peppermint Mocha Kisses
Randy Miller wants nothing more than to make a living selling the fantastic cookies he dreams up when he’s not working as a web designer. He’s always loved baking, but he’s afraid of taking the leap from hobby to business. Mostly he’s afraid of failing, and of Eli coming up with a better recipe.
Eli Canton has a crush. A big crush on someone who avoids him whenever he can. Eli loves everything about Randy, even if he’s grouchy and seems to work way too much. Eli knows he’s not all bad and hopes to have a chance with him someday.
A broken oven throws the two of them together, and even though Randy doesn’t want to admit it, he likes the time he spends with Eli. And Eli definitely can’t wait to spend more time with Randy. Now if only they can make it past the annual cookie exchange and possibly Valentine’s Day to their own sweet happy ending. #smalltown Romance, #opposites attract, #MM Romance
Eli Canton has a crush. A big crush on someone who avoids him whenever he can. Eli loves everything about Randy, even if he’s grouchy and seems to work way too much. Eli knows he’s not all bad and hopes to have a chance with him someday.
A broken oven throws the two of them together, and even though Randy doesn’t want to admit it, he likes the time he spends with Eli. And Eli definitely can’t wait to spend more time with Randy. Now if only they can make it past the annual cookie exchange and possibly Valentine’s Day to their own sweet happy ending. #smalltown Romance, #opposites attract, #MM Romance
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
28 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 8, 2024
This is a super sweet story. It’s perfect to read after you’ve read a really heavy book. Randy is a web designer who loves to cook. He’s jealous of Eli because of the attention he’s received at the last Christmas cookie exchange. That’s about as complicated as the plot gets. Of course they get over their differences and fall in love.
March 22, 2023
Peppermint Mocha Kisses stars Randy Miller, a web designer and cookie chef, and Eli Canton. This is told in first person from both Randy and Eli’s povs.
This is a chirpy, bouncy, fluffy, super-sugar-sweet story. It revolves around thinking about cookies and making cookies. Almost everything revolves around cookies. Don’t expect any sex in this book, because there isn’t any. All Randy and Eli do is kiss. Reading the blurb, I got the impression this was an adult M/M. Instead, it strikes me as more of a Y/A or N/A even though the men are in their early twenties. It wasn’t just because of the lack of sex; it was in the style of writing. It was like a girl’s romance story I would’ve read in junior or senior high. I don’t remember reading another book by this author before, so I don’t know if this is their normal style of writing, or specifically for this story because they wanted to write a fluffy book. Whatever the reason, it didn’t work for me. The writing was simplistic and almost all dialogue. Many books I’ve read have more monologue than dialogue, which comes across as telling. I don’t know if the author was trying to avoid that problem, but this book is almost ninety percent dialogue, and that dialogue is highly repetitive. I don’t remember ever reading a book with so much dialogue before.
When I read, I see many issues that I think most reviewers don’t care about or notice. For instance, as I mentioned the dialogue, it was stilted, awkward, planned, and repetitive. Just from Randy’s pov, I can point out numerous conversations that were repeated with just different wording. Here are examples, paraphrased, on topics Randy ruminated about throughout the story:
1) I don’t know why I’m hesitant to start a business, just that I am.
2) I have to beat Eli in the cookie gift-away.
3) No one likes my cookies. They won’t buy my cookies if I make a shop.
4) Eli isn’t anything like I expected. How could I have misjudged him?
5) I don’t know why I didn’t like Eli, he’s so nice.
6) Eli, you’d really help me? I don’t know why you would.
7) I don’t deserve your help, Eli. I wasn’t very nice to you.
8) I can’t tell anyone that Eli and I are seeing each other even though they suspect.
9) I don’t know why I can’t tell anyone Eli and I are seeing each other.
10) I’m so surprised everyone likes my cookies.
Anyway, those are just the ten repetitive dialogue topics Randy keeps repeating, and Eli repeatedly reassures Randy that everyone loves his cookies. I’m going to have to be honest, the repetitive dialogue, the simplistic writing style, and the lack of any real conflict, bored me. I had to push myself to finish this book by reading one chapter, putting it down, and then coming back after an hour or two to read another chapter. This story would’ve been much better cut by fifty percent and all the repetitive dialogue deleted. There was another unusual dialogue technique that was used, I don’t think I’ve seen it before. It was what I can only call ‘affirmation’. Paraphrasing again, it went something like this:
Randy: Do you mean you’d really help me, Eli? I can’t believe it. I can’t ask you to help me.
Eli: Of course I’ll help you, Randy, Why can’t you believe I’d help you? Of course, you can ask me to help you. That’s what friends are for.
Can you see how that dialogue played out? Eli’s responses were an exact repeat of Randy’s questions making the whole conversation sound stilted. It’s not how a casual, normal conversation would go. It reminds me of writing from a children’s or young adult book. Like I mentioned before though, this might have been the author’s intention, to write a very fluffy, N/A book.
As to Randy and Eli, Randy was the insecure person, and Eli, was what I’d call a ‘Marty Stu’, the perfect boyfriend and person. Eli didn’t seem to have any flaws. I did have a problem with their voices, they were exactly the same. The only way to tell them apart, was the designations per chapter with the character name, and when Randy’s internal monologue expressed insecurity about his cookies. Too many times I had to stop and go back to the beginning of the chapter to find out whose pov I was reading. However, the author did have me believing in Eli and Randy as a couple.
Overall, I don’t think Peppermint Mocha Kisses was written for me as the target reader. Many other reviewers liked it, so your mileage may vary. I wasn’t expecting a Y/A or N/A story that was written almost completely in highly repetitive dialogue with absolutely no conflict, and which I struggled to finish reading. I can only give this story, 2 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a chirpy, bouncy, fluffy, super-sugar-sweet story. It revolves around thinking about cookies and making cookies. Almost everything revolves around cookies. Don’t expect any sex in this book, because there isn’t any. All Randy and Eli do is kiss. Reading the blurb, I got the impression this was an adult M/M. Instead, it strikes me as more of a Y/A or N/A even though the men are in their early twenties. It wasn’t just because of the lack of sex; it was in the style of writing. It was like a girl’s romance story I would’ve read in junior or senior high. I don’t remember reading another book by this author before, so I don’t know if this is their normal style of writing, or specifically for this story because they wanted to write a fluffy book. Whatever the reason, it didn’t work for me. The writing was simplistic and almost all dialogue. Many books I’ve read have more monologue than dialogue, which comes across as telling. I don’t know if the author was trying to avoid that problem, but this book is almost ninety percent dialogue, and that dialogue is highly repetitive. I don’t remember ever reading a book with so much dialogue before.
When I read, I see many issues that I think most reviewers don’t care about or notice. For instance, as I mentioned the dialogue, it was stilted, awkward, planned, and repetitive. Just from Randy’s pov, I can point out numerous conversations that were repeated with just different wording. Here are examples, paraphrased, on topics Randy ruminated about throughout the story:
1) I don’t know why I’m hesitant to start a business, just that I am.
2) I have to beat Eli in the cookie gift-away.
3) No one likes my cookies. They won’t buy my cookies if I make a shop.
4) Eli isn’t anything like I expected. How could I have misjudged him?
5) I don’t know why I didn’t like Eli, he’s so nice.
6) Eli, you’d really help me? I don’t know why you would.
7) I don’t deserve your help, Eli. I wasn’t very nice to you.
8) I can’t tell anyone that Eli and I are seeing each other even though they suspect.
9) I don’t know why I can’t tell anyone Eli and I are seeing each other.
10) I’m so surprised everyone likes my cookies.
Anyway, those are just the ten repetitive dialogue topics Randy keeps repeating, and Eli repeatedly reassures Randy that everyone loves his cookies. I’m going to have to be honest, the repetitive dialogue, the simplistic writing style, and the lack of any real conflict, bored me. I had to push myself to finish this book by reading one chapter, putting it down, and then coming back after an hour or two to read another chapter. This story would’ve been much better cut by fifty percent and all the repetitive dialogue deleted. There was another unusual dialogue technique that was used, I don’t think I’ve seen it before. It was what I can only call ‘affirmation’. Paraphrasing again, it went something like this:
Randy: Do you mean you’d really help me, Eli? I can’t believe it. I can’t ask you to help me.
Eli: Of course I’ll help you, Randy, Why can’t you believe I’d help you? Of course, you can ask me to help you. That’s what friends are for.
Can you see how that dialogue played out? Eli’s responses were an exact repeat of Randy’s questions making the whole conversation sound stilted. It’s not how a casual, normal conversation would go. It reminds me of writing from a children’s or young adult book. Like I mentioned before though, this might have been the author’s intention, to write a very fluffy, N/A book.
As to Randy and Eli, Randy was the insecure person, and Eli, was what I’d call a ‘Marty Stu’, the perfect boyfriend and person. Eli didn’t seem to have any flaws. I did have a problem with their voices, they were exactly the same. The only way to tell them apart, was the designations per chapter with the character name, and when Randy’s internal monologue expressed insecurity about his cookies. Too many times I had to stop and go back to the beginning of the chapter to find out whose pov I was reading. However, the author did have me believing in Eli and Randy as a couple.
Overall, I don’t think Peppermint Mocha Kisses was written for me as the target reader. Many other reviewers liked it, so your mileage may vary. I wasn’t expecting a Y/A or N/A story that was written almost completely in highly repetitive dialogue with absolutely no conflict, and which I struggled to finish reading. I can only give this story, 2 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
3.5 Stars
Peppermint Mocha Kisses was a very sweet read just like the title, maybe a little too sweet for me, but still a nice read when you want something light and fluffy.
Randy and Eli bond over cookies, Randy wants to start a business but is too scared but Eli is his cheer squad and goes out of his way to help in any way he can to make Randy's dream come true. I felt that other than cooking, they didn't seem to have much in common or a life outside of making cookies and I would have liked to have seen more from their relationship, I know it's a novella, but I'd have still liked more variety.
It's a slow burn, very low heat easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Peppermint Mocha Kisses was a very sweet read just like the title, maybe a little too sweet for me, but still a nice read when you want something light and fluffy.
Randy and Eli bond over cookies, Randy wants to start a business but is too scared but Eli is his cheer squad and goes out of his way to help in any way he can to make Randy's dream come true. I felt that other than cooking, they didn't seem to have much in common or a life outside of making cookies and I would have liked to have seen more from their relationship, I know it's a novella, but I'd have still liked more variety.
It's a slow burn, very low heat easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2023
This is a sweet MM slow burn romance between childhood friends Randy and Eli. Unbeknownst to either of them, they've each crushed on the other but hung back. I loved watching them come together as they bonded over baking. It's well written with perfectly painted scenes, moves fluidly and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 26, 2023
Cookies -- a Passion for Both !! . . .
Randy Miller does web design for a living, but his real passion is baking delicious cookies. His childhood friend, Eli Canton, also happens to enjoy baking. But Randy sees him as a “competitor” in the annual cookie event the town runs. In truth, Eli is not trying to compete. Baking cookies is something he just loves to do and is amazingly talented at it. And his other passion is his crush on grumpy Randy who ignores him.
When Randy’s oven fails and needs to be replaced, the smaller oven is not large enough for the baking he needs to do. Shelly lets him use her oven as long as he allows her to sample his new cookie recipe. Eli arrives and offers to help him with packaging ideas to enhance the presentation of his delicious cookies. Will Randy control his stubbornness and accept Eli’s kind offer and friendly gestures? Would working together allow them to see they have more in common than they realized? Would Randy even consider opening the cookie business he dreams of with maybe Eli as a potential partner?
The characters we meet in this story are so likable! I love how everyone seems to care about others and help out as they can, and how encouraging they are with each other. It’s a feel-good story where the reader can’t help but cheer for Randy and Eli who hopefully see how perfect they are together.
Randy Miller does web design for a living, but his real passion is baking delicious cookies. His childhood friend, Eli Canton, also happens to enjoy baking. But Randy sees him as a “competitor” in the annual cookie event the town runs. In truth, Eli is not trying to compete. Baking cookies is something he just loves to do and is amazingly talented at it. And his other passion is his crush on grumpy Randy who ignores him.
When Randy’s oven fails and needs to be replaced, the smaller oven is not large enough for the baking he needs to do. Shelly lets him use her oven as long as he allows her to sample his new cookie recipe. Eli arrives and offers to help him with packaging ideas to enhance the presentation of his delicious cookies. Will Randy control his stubbornness and accept Eli’s kind offer and friendly gestures? Would working together allow them to see they have more in common than they realized? Would Randy even consider opening the cookie business he dreams of with maybe Eli as a potential partner?
The characters we meet in this story are so likable! I love how everyone seems to care about others and help out as they can, and how encouraging they are with each other. It’s a feel-good story where the reader can’t help but cheer for Randy and Eli who hopefully see how perfect they are together.
March 26, 2023
This book focuses on Randy and Eli. Randy is a web developer whose real passion in life is baking but he is scared to make the leap and turn his passion into his business. He also views Eli as his main competition when it comes to baking, but in reality, Eli just enjoys baking. Randy and Eli have grown up together in their small town so when Randy needs help, Eli doesn’t hesitate to help. Eli has liked Randy for a while so when the opportunity to spend more time with Randy comes up, he is all about it. The more the two of them work together, the more they discover about each other and how they feel about each other. I really enjoyed the two of them slowly learning about each other and figuring out what they meant to each other. This was a great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2023
This book makes you feel very warm inside and the plot is very easy to follow.
It has the kind of soothing quality to it that makes you smile and feel very satisfied by the time you end the book.
The story as a whole is such that you feel like it is probably happening right now in someone's life. It is very real and while I was reading it, not once did I feel like I was reading a story: it felt like I was reading someone's biography.
It has the kind of soothing quality to it that makes you smile and feel very satisfied by the time you end the book.
The story as a whole is such that you feel like it is probably happening right now in someone's life. It is very real and while I was reading it, not once did I feel like I was reading a story: it felt like I was reading someone's biography.
March 14, 2023
I loved this book. Everything is sweet and wonderful, especially the connection between Randy and Eli. So it was in the making for many years, I am so happy they realized there feeling and fallowed them. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm romance stories. I received this book free to review and give my honest opinion.
March 18, 2023
I started this book looking for something light and simple, and it certainly delivered. There wasn't much of a plot and no angst whatsoever, just super sweet without being too much. The cookies sound delicious too.
March 24, 2023
I love this story. Randy Miller is a web designer but his heart is in baking cookies. He is afraid to take his passion of baking and turning it into a business. Eli Canton is Randy's crush and he avoids him because he thinks Eli his competition. Randy realizes that Eli is not his nemesis thanks to a broken oven. Will they find love together one cookie at a time?
March 25, 2023
Peppermint Mocha Kisses is a sweet, wonderful read between two MCs who were crushing on each other. I enjoyed watching the evolution of their romance. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2024
This is a sweet and fun read. Exactly what you would want for a light and easy read. There is no angst in the story at all. This is the story of Randy Miller and Eli Canton. Both have grown up together and their families all intermingle at holidays. For this years cookie exchange Randy wants a decisive win and has decided that Eli is his biggest competition. Eli enjoys baking but he wants to enjoy Randy's company more. He has had a crush on Randy for years but no signs of interest have come his way. This is their story. I enjoyed the book. But I have to say that it was perhaps a little bit too sweet for me. This book is a slow burn romance with all the small town trappings. A fun way to spend a couple of hours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2024
Cute Grumpy/Sunshine
I loved this story. It is such a cute and absolutely sweet grumpy/sunshine story. I couldn't put it down and I loved their HEA.
Update: I loved listening to the audiobook for this one just as much reading it. Great narration.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I loved this story. It is such a cute and absolutely sweet grumpy/sunshine story. I couldn't put it down and I loved their HEA.
Update: I loved listening to the audiobook for this one just as much reading it. Great narration.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 14, 2023
What a sweet treat for the heart and tummy! Give me those cookies!
Oh, wow! I gobbled this cookie up in one sitting and it made my heart full! I have only read BL Maxwell’s Four Packs Trilogy (with the final book, I have yet to read) so when I saw this book on the newsletter, my interest was piqued. The trilogy has a serious plot in general and so, seeing Peppermint Mocha Kisses was the opposite, I wanted to try this other side of BL’s writing. And what a treat it was!
It was so sweet and fluffy and adorkable. Very straightforward romance with no angst and 100% happy ending. I love that sweet-as-a-sugar-cookie Eli is very understanding of Randy’s tendencies to overthink and panic and introvert Randy went with his heart as soon as he stopped resisting his fears. Genuinely just love each other.
Also, everyone is already encouraging them to be together but they took the time to know each other and let their relationship build through conversations and common passion. Such a wholesome pair!
One thing I love and hate about this book:
This story makes me want to try Randy’s cookies and Eli’s lemon bars. I. AM. SALIVATING. Honestly, I can even picture how the goodies look like and how gooey and tasty they are. ARGH! Also, all these techniques in baking make me want to try it at home. *crying in despair*
This book is a perfect holiday read or when you just want to chill and enjoy a feel-good book to destress and recharge. *wink*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh, wow! I gobbled this cookie up in one sitting and it made my heart full! I have only read BL Maxwell’s Four Packs Trilogy (with the final book, I have yet to read) so when I saw this book on the newsletter, my interest was piqued. The trilogy has a serious plot in general and so, seeing Peppermint Mocha Kisses was the opposite, I wanted to try this other side of BL’s writing. And what a treat it was!
It was so sweet and fluffy and adorkable. Very straightforward romance with no angst and 100% happy ending. I love that sweet-as-a-sugar-cookie Eli is very understanding of Randy’s tendencies to overthink and panic and introvert Randy went with his heart as soon as he stopped resisting his fears. Genuinely just love each other.
Also, everyone is already encouraging them to be together but they took the time to know each other and let their relationship build through conversations and common passion. Such a wholesome pair!
One thing I love and hate about this book:
This story makes me want to try Randy’s cookies and Eli’s lemon bars. I. AM. SALIVATING. Honestly, I can even picture how the goodies look like and how gooey and tasty they are. ARGH! Also, all these techniques in baking make me want to try it at home. *crying in despair*
This book is a perfect holiday read or when you just want to chill and enjoy a feel-good book to destress and recharge. *wink*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2023
This is a cute love story, very low angst, very sweet and not a lot of heat.
Randy and Eli know each other since childhood but as adults lost the connection and are just family friends. Unknown to each other, they both have a crush on the otheer man.
In preparation for the annual cookie swap, perfectionist Randy is trying something new as he feels he is never good enough, he dreams of a cookie bakery but just can't find the confidence to make the step.
Eli manages to pull Randy out of his shell, gently, because of Randy's anxiety of anything unknown, but thoroughly by cheering him up from the side and showing him opportunities.
During joint baking it becomes clear that they are more than just friends.
It's the kind of book you want to read on a rainy day, curled up on the sofa with a hot drink and cookies. This book makes you hungry.
Both guys are so sweet, competing on sweetness with the cookies they bake.
I love how Eli is pushing Randy slowly and gently to do something he always dreamt of.
It is quite low heat, lots of kisses but it takes ages for more. I would have loved seeing a bit more than just this.
And the author didn't include the cookie recipes, I got so hungry reading the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Randy and Eli know each other since childhood but as adults lost the connection and are just family friends. Unknown to each other, they both have a crush on the otheer man.
In preparation for the annual cookie swap, perfectionist Randy is trying something new as he feels he is never good enough, he dreams of a cookie bakery but just can't find the confidence to make the step.
Eli manages to pull Randy out of his shell, gently, because of Randy's anxiety of anything unknown, but thoroughly by cheering him up from the side and showing him opportunities.
During joint baking it becomes clear that they are more than just friends.
It's the kind of book you want to read on a rainy day, curled up on the sofa with a hot drink and cookies. This book makes you hungry.
Both guys are so sweet, competing on sweetness with the cookies they bake.
I love how Eli is pushing Randy slowly and gently to do something he always dreamt of.
It is quite low heat, lots of kisses but it takes ages for more. I would have loved seeing a bit more than just this.
And the author didn't include the cookie recipes, I got so hungry reading the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2023
This is a great book to read! This book was hard to put down. I enjoyed reading this book. Randy is a web designer, he also loves to bake. The cookie exchange is coming up and he wants to make the best cookies this is. Randy makes his first batch and is ready to bake them but the oven is not working. Randy ends up going to Shelly's to use her oven. Eli comes over and tastes the cookies also. Eli offers to help Randy find the right packaging for the cookies. Eli and Randy spend a lot of time together. Randy talks about selling some of his cookies but is afraid that they are not good enough. Randy does start selling his cookies and orders are coming in every day. Eli helps Randy with the cookies. When Randy gets hurt Eli steps in and makes the cookies that are needed. When Randy is on his feet again will he still need Eli's help??? Will Eli finally admit that he wants Randy to move in????.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2024
What a sweet cookie filled book!
Oh my goodness I feel like I have sugar overload! This is book one of a two book series called PM Kisses by BL Maxwell. This is a palate cleanser at its finest.
I listened to this on audible and the narrator, Guy Veryzer, did a good job with all the voices, including the women. I did have to speed up the narration but I normally do anyway on all the books I listen to. I think I'm probably listening at about the same speed that I read. Once I learned the trick of speeding up the narration, several years ago, I never realized how the narration dragged, it makes sense though because someone is actually reading the book out loud. If I had to read a book aloud it would be slow as well, I can read much faster.
Oh! If you do the trick with the canned sweet and condensed milk in your pressure cooker instead of on top of the stove in a pan, it's really fast - 35 minutes instead of 3 hours. Just saying, it's delicious.
Grouchy insecure MC, childhood family friend, slow burn, low heat
Oh my goodness I feel like I have sugar overload! This is book one of a two book series called PM Kisses by BL Maxwell. This is a palate cleanser at its finest.
I listened to this on audible and the narrator, Guy Veryzer, did a good job with all the voices, including the women. I did have to speed up the narration but I normally do anyway on all the books I listen to. I think I'm probably listening at about the same speed that I read. Once I learned the trick of speeding up the narration, several years ago, I never realized how the narration dragged, it makes sense though because someone is actually reading the book out loud. If I had to read a book aloud it would be slow as well, I can read much faster.
Oh! If you do the trick with the canned sweet and condensed milk in your pressure cooker instead of on top of the stove in a pan, it's really fast - 35 minutes instead of 3 hours. Just saying, it's delicious.
Grouchy insecure MC, childhood family friend, slow burn, low heat
March 22, 2023
Super cute story
Randy Miller is a amazing baker he makes the best cookies in town but he is extremely competitive when Eli who he grew up with started to do well at the cookie swap, Something in Randy’s mind made him forget about the person Eli is and let his competitiveness take over. And it’s such a shame because Randy really likes Eli but he can’t act on it.
Eli has had the biggest crush on Randy for so long and he doesn’t understand why Randy just doesn’t seem to like him. Everyone around them could see that they were perfect for each other if only Randy would let Eli in.
It was a very cute story a slow burn really about Randy and Eli finally opening up to one another and admitting to what they feel. Eli is very scared to move too fast where Randy Can’t wait to move things on but then something happens it changes everything can Randy really trust Eli to be there for him??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Randy Miller is a amazing baker he makes the best cookies in town but he is extremely competitive when Eli who he grew up with started to do well at the cookie swap, Something in Randy’s mind made him forget about the person Eli is and let his competitiveness take over. And it’s such a shame because Randy really likes Eli but he can’t act on it.
Eli has had the biggest crush on Randy for so long and he doesn’t understand why Randy just doesn’t seem to like him. Everyone around them could see that they were perfect for each other if only Randy would let Eli in.
It was a very cute story a slow burn really about Randy and Eli finally opening up to one another and admitting to what they feel. Eli is very scared to move too fast where Randy Can’t wait to move things on but then something happens it changes everything can Randy really trust Eli to be there for him??.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2023
SWEET FRENEMIES TO LOVERS!
Oh this was such a sweet and sugary love story it actually makes your toes curl!
Eli Carlton always had a crush on the family friend Randy Miller but he was always grouchy and aloof when they got older.
Randy Miller sees Eli Carlton as competition when it comes to the annual cookie swap bake but maybe Eli is not competition like he thinks but something so much more…
It was so sweet how Eli saw right through Randy’s aloofness and teased and flirted with him knowing he will get irritated but persevered until Randy agreed to his help regarding baking and that is how they learned about each other on a deeper level and learned how much they have in common…
A sweet slow burn with delicious cookies that will make your mouth water like the peppermint mocha kisses of Randy that made Eli’s mouth water….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh this was such a sweet and sugary love story it actually makes your toes curl!
Eli Carlton always had a crush on the family friend Randy Miller but he was always grouchy and aloof when they got older.
Randy Miller sees Eli Carlton as competition when it comes to the annual cookie swap bake but maybe Eli is not competition like he thinks but something so much more…
It was so sweet how Eli saw right through Randy’s aloofness and teased and flirted with him knowing he will get irritated but persevered until Randy agreed to his help regarding baking and that is how they learned about each other on a deeper level and learned how much they have in common…
A sweet slow burn with delicious cookies that will make your mouth water like the peppermint mocha kisses of Randy that made Eli’s mouth water….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2025
2.5 stars
Oh my gosh, I've read books about bakers before, but I've never read one that was almost entirely about them baking cookies or them talking about cookies. No joke, that was about 90% of the story. There's also very little monologue, a lot of which is awkward and repetitive, so there's not much character development, and the dialogue is also awkward and repetitive. The MCs are really similar characters although I could recognize whose POV I was in without looking at the chapter headings. I'm really wondering how there's a follow-up book about these guys because there's no conflict in this story at all, and the main crisis was a broken leg that was easily worked around. This was a cute piece of fluff, but it feels like some the stories I read when I was under the age of 12. Simple, sweet, kisses only. Still going to read the sequel because I'm dying to know if anything actually happens.
Oh my gosh, I've read books about bakers before, but I've never read one that was almost entirely about them baking cookies or them talking about cookies. No joke, that was about 90% of the story. There's also very little monologue, a lot of which is awkward and repetitive, so there's not much character development, and the dialogue is also awkward and repetitive. The MCs are really similar characters although I could recognize whose POV I was in without looking at the chapter headings. I'm really wondering how there's a follow-up book about these guys because there's no conflict in this story at all, and the main crisis was a broken leg that was easily worked around. This was a cute piece of fluff, but it feels like some the stories I read when I was under the age of 12. Simple, sweet, kisses only. Still going to read the sequel because I'm dying to know if anything actually happens.
March 23, 2023
Peppermint Mocha Kisses are about as far as you get with this romance - it's sweeter than previous books I've read from this author - we don't really even get to fade to black... for me it was a little incongruous because the men live in the same small town, their parents interacted and they interact regularly, but never connected before this... and then they click and kiss and they still don't know if they're together... but there's no angst, no pining, just the next date...
It was a great story to start off with and I kept expecting them to do more, explore their relationship more, but they just kept baking cookies...
If you're looking for a sweet book to make you hungry for cookies and don't mind a no-heat romance, than this book is for you... but this author wanted just a little more savoury to go with the sweet...
Rating. 3.5 Stars rounded up
It was a great story to start off with and I kept expecting them to do more, explore their relationship more, but they just kept baking cookies...
If you're looking for a sweet book to make you hungry for cookies and don't mind a no-heat romance, than this book is for you... but this author wanted just a little more savoury to go with the sweet...
Rating. 3.5 Stars rounded up
March 24, 2023
Eli and Randy both live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else, their families are friends, and the two were good friends when they were younger but have drifted apart. Both love to bake and participate in a Christmas cookie exchange with family and neighbors each year. Randy considers Eli his competition when in reality Eli isn’t competing, he just loves to bake cookies, too. When Eli offers to help Randy with his cookies this year, both discover they have a lot in common besides cookies and baking, namely a sexual attraction that strengthens over time as they grow closer together.
This is a sweet, vanilla romance between two young men who bond over baking and sweet treats. Short, fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet, vanilla romance between two young men who bond over baking and sweet treats. Short, fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
Peppermint Mocha Kisses by BL Maxwell is as sweet as the title. The two main characters, Eli and Randy, are perfect for each other, as everyone who knows them can tell. But Randy is a perfectionist and doesn’t believe anyone could live with him. It takes a series of disasters to make him see Eli is the answer he did not know he was looking for. This is a pure feel-good book, with nice characters, including all the secondary characters. If you are like me and prefer low-angst books, this is the perfect tasty read. I enjoyed all the scrumptious cookies Randy came up with and would have liked recipes for them. Reading the book will put a smile on your face! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2023
Randy loved creating different cookies but was afraid of trying to sell them and no one buying them and failing. He worked at the coffee shop were his sister works at designing web pages for different people and had a crush on Eli but thought Eli was his competitor in making cookies for the cookie swap. Randy created a new cookie and his mother’s oven quit so asked to used Shelley’s oven but she wanted a taste test one. Eli and his cousin found out what Randy was doing so they went to Shelley’s home, Eli tasted a cookie and they started talking and dating plus Eli helped start his cookie business as he wanted it was a success. Good book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2023
Sweet story! Randy, works as a web designer and hobbies as a baker. He dreams of baking the recipes he dreams up. He has a love hate relationship with Eli which leans more toward love. Eli crushes on Randy. The only thing he finds to dislike is how much Randy works. He is all sunshine and happiness. Maybe Eli can erase Randy's grump. This is a very sweet story about willingness to step out of the bubble and take a chance. They were friend when younger and let adulting interfere. Then there is an opportunity to collaborate on a task and the door is opened. Good story, smooth flow have a cup of tea or a glass of milk handy. Nicely done. Great cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2024
Of course a book with this title would be very sweet.
Two should-be friends who love to bake cookies have to get past one character's worries about who is best at the oven. Randy, the worrier, also fears a new romance after some bad experiences. Eli, however, has no doubts--he is very attracted to Randy, whom he has known since childhood. Once Eli makes his interest known, Randy is able to put aside his fears, acknowledge his hidden attraction to Eli, and join with him, and not only in the kitchen.
This is a quick read, low angst, low spice story set in a small town where everyone has only encouragement for the pair to become a couple. It is the first in a two-book series about Eli and Randy.
Two should-be friends who love to bake cookies have to get past one character's worries about who is best at the oven. Randy, the worrier, also fears a new romance after some bad experiences. Eli, however, has no doubts--he is very attracted to Randy, whom he has known since childhood. Once Eli makes his interest known, Randy is able to put aside his fears, acknowledge his hidden attraction to Eli, and join with him, and not only in the kitchen.
This is a quick read, low angst, low spice story set in a small town where everyone has only encouragement for the pair to become a couple. It is the first in a two-book series about Eli and Randy.
March 18, 2023
After reading this book I am not sure I could eat a cookie again. The whole story revolves around Randy and Eli making cookies and a lot of cookies. They admit they like each other and spend more time together.....baking cookies. They finally kiss and that is as steamy as it gets. It is a like a PG Hallmark movie, all sweetness, happy families enjoying the traditional town events but no angst and zero steam. A cute story but don't expect fireworks. The steamiest part of the book is when their mocha's have just been brewed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review
March 24, 2023
I loved this book! The story of Eli and Randy is filled with small town wonderfulness, cookies galore and lots of love. The stress of the town’s annual cookie swap will turn to so much more for Randy when Eli, a man he’s known all his life, turns out to not be the competition Randy imagines. The two will work together to perfect Randy’s cookie and launch him on the path to owning his own baking business, something he never thought he would do. The love that develops between the two is a wonderful added bonus and makes this story an absolute must read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2023
Those who bake together, stay together.
This is one sweet treat! I got a sugar rush just reading it. My sweet tooth was aching. I wanted to go make cookies, but the recipes were missing. No matter. The attraction between Randy and Eli is as intense as it is inevitable. If you're looking for wall to wall sex, this book is not it. It doesn't need sex to tell a sweet love story. Get ready for lots of sugary goodness, crazy family, and kisses. Many, many kisses. HEA is assured. You are simply gonna love this book! Go on. Get it now. You know you want it!
This is one sweet treat! I got a sugar rush just reading it. My sweet tooth was aching. I wanted to go make cookies, but the recipes were missing. No matter. The attraction between Randy and Eli is as intense as it is inevitable. If you're looking for wall to wall sex, this book is not it. It doesn't need sex to tell a sweet love story. Get ready for lots of sugary goodness, crazy family, and kisses. Many, many kisses. HEA is assured. You are simply gonna love this book! Go on. Get it now. You know you want it!
March 29, 2023
Peppermint Mocha Kisses is a sweet romance that melts your heart.
Randy and Eli have a unique relationship. Growing up they use to be friends, but when they got older, Randy began to feel that Eli was competing against time, when in truth he was in aww.
I loved this story as there is no drama or major misunderstandings, but kindness, love and heart as Randy lets down his wall to see what a treasure Eli is in his life. Eli has a kind heart and was there when Randy needed him without question.
Loved their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Randy and Eli have a unique relationship. Growing up they use to be friends, but when they got older, Randy began to feel that Eli was competing against time, when in truth he was in aww.
I loved this story as there is no drama or major misunderstandings, but kindness, love and heart as Randy lets down his wall to see what a treasure Eli is in his life. Eli has a kind heart and was there when Randy needed him without question.
Loved their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews