Chocolate Covered Mistletoe

Stone Creek #1

by Samantha Baca

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, but when my Grinch of a landlord decides to raise the rent on my bakery and a new candy shop opens directly across from me, I’m anything but jolly.

The problem is that it’s not just ANY candy shop— it’s an over-the-top fancy chocolaterie owned by none other than Ryder Jones— former best friend and the boy who unknowingly stole my heart in high school.

He may have come back from Nashville with a big city mindset, but my small town heart knows how to win over the locals. I just need to stay focused on my business and not let his charming personality squeeze its way into my life. The magic of the holidays have a way of making things look sweeter than they are.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2020

About the author

Samantha lives in the southwest with her husband and two children, where she enjoys writing, drinking iced coffee, and watching the greatest show of all time—Friends. With over 30 books published, Samantha enjoys writing across several different genres, from steamy romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedies. She also has a sweet spot for holiday stories, so grab a blanket and get ready to binge some of the sweetest—yet spicy—holiday romance your heart can handle!

Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:

Facebook Reader Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29457...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamant...

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/author_samantha...

Webpage:
www.samanthabaca.com

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/authorsamant...

Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/RQAYK9/Sama...

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Genre ~ holiday novella
Series ~ Stone Creek #1
Setting ~ Tennessee
Publication date ~ December 3, 2020
Est page Count ~ 177 (18 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ characters in their mid 30's, small town, parent with dementia, rival sweet shops, enemies~ish to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage

This one's been chilling on my kindle since December 2021, so I figured I'd better get to it before another Christmas goes by.

Brooke & Ryder were friends while he was dating her best friend. She told him something pretty important, but he left town soon after. Now it's 10 years later and Ryder is back in town opening up Delectable Delicacies right across the way from her shop, Sweet as Sugar.

I'm so glad I was introduced to older Ryder because he seems like he was a right dope back in the day, and even during his time in Nashville that we'll discover with some 3rd act drama. In the now he was really sweet and sensitive, and really broken up about his mom's dementia progression after just losing his father a few months ago.

Brooke was a sweet character, too, and you could just tell she was still hurt about what happened in the past.

Overall, this was a little crazy with their quick feelings after so long of not talking to each other. Even though it was a slow burn they still seemed to whomp it up somewhat quickly IMO, but it's a novella so I shouldn't be surprised. (I prefer a glove with the love when you don't know where the other has been for the past 10 years! and where it happened, really?)

Thanks for the added recipes at the end.

Side characters ~ Sheila & Parker were really cute and I bet their book will be super fun.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[MarvelUsReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Savored every moment! Samantha Baca’s most recent read Chocolate Covered Mistletoe is a delectable gem!

Years after being betrayed, Brooke still harbors a broken heart. However, when he left she put the past behind her and moved on with her life, or so she thought.

She is his one regret! Tragedy brings him back, and love forces him to stay. He took her love for granted, and now he must fight to make it right. Resistant at first, Brooke succumbs to Ryder’s charm. However, love turns bitter sweet as the past throws a wrench in their plans. Will these two get a second chance at love?

Samantha Baca this was such a sweet read!

Many thanks to Samantha Baca for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

www.marvelusreads.com

[Nite0wl29 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy massive sweet tooth, I binged my ARC copy of this book in one morning and it was exactly what I needed to start my weekend off on a happy note! I adored this book a lot. Perfect for getting yourself in the Christmas spirit with a happy dose of angst and a dash of sugary sweet indulgence. ;)

[claire - clairesbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke owns her own bakery in her small town and is shocked to hear her landlord will be raising her rent, especially with new competition operating up across the street. When Brooke finds out this new shop is being opened by her former best friend and big school crush who broke hear heart, she can't believe her eyes. Ryder is back from Nashville to take care of the only family he has left, his mother with Alzheimer's. Brooke tries to keep her focus on her business and affording her new rent, but the holidays have a way of bringing people together.

I loved how Brooke and Ryder finally got back together after being apart for so long and also how Brooke just didn't drop everything to be with him. She made him work for it a little and I loved that. This book has the perfect amount of “other girl” drama without getting too crazy, which I liked. I don't mind when former partners come up or are actually in books, but I do mind if they stay around too long and you won't find that problem here. There are definitely Hallmark vibes here but they aren't cheesy like I find most to be.

Apparently I'm a rebel, so I started reading this series backwards starting with book three. While they should be read in order, I don't think there were any crazy spoilers in book three for this one. This is one of Samantha's less spicier books, so if you're new to spice in your books, or are looking for something that won't overwhelm you, this would be a perfect pick.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You love sweet treats, a little girl drama, and a cute happy ending.

[Cynthia Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute holiday read. It’s a couple hours of escape, into this fun little world of utter sweetness. The best friend, the old love coming back. Had all the feels. Its a beach read made for the early nights of winter.

[Katy Van Maaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, quick read right before the holidays! I love how Samantha alternates the points of views for each chapter. I especially enjoyed the friendship turned romance.

[Stephanie Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was a cute one. As well as Samantha does Romantic Suspense, she does just as wonderfully at writing cute little Rom-Coms. Chocolate Covered Mistletoe didn't disappoint. Brooke and Ryder are adorable (although half the time I was screaming for them to just get over the nonsense and get together already!) It's a perfect holiday read that lets you escape into a lovely small town for a little while...all while making you hungry for some chocolate covered snacks. (Also, LOVED the fact that there are recipes in the back of the book from actual readers.)

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was ok.

I loved the storyline and knew it had potential but there were times I found myself skimming and being bored.

I loved the characters backstory but I felt like in real life there would be a lot more emotions than mad one minute and not the next and then complete forgiveness the next minute, it just blew my mind at how quick it was.

I liked that they had friendly competition with each other even if at the start it wasn’t good. They’re completely different and even together it worked.

Wish I had enjoyed it more than I did.

[Gsmitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocolate Covered Mistletoe by Samantha Baca was a sheer holiday delight!

Brooke is feisty and sassy and I adored her spunk!

And then we have the SWOONWORTHY Ryder! Oh my GIDDY AUNT but he was a delectable mug of hot chocolate to devour! He is such a sweetheart and I just wanted a big hug from him and to return it because I bet he gives AMAZING hugs.

The tension sizzles between these two as shared history unravels and draws the reader in, tempting us almost as much as the baked goods that get described!

I adore Sheila and Parker and the way they are such wonderful and supportive best friends! Do we get to have their story?! Pretty please? Maybe for Valentine's?! And can I come play Uno too?

If you're looking for a feel good holiday romance with second chance vibes that will have you reaching for an ice cold glass of water when it comes to SHMEKSHAY times look no further than Chocolate Covered Mistletoe!

[Amanda Marie ❤'s Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 "really, really liked it" stars

A sweet holiday treat! This is a fun Christmas story with both steam and humor. And perhaps I am just suggestible right now (I definitely am) but the descriptions of all the treats had me salivating. I need white chocolate cranberry fudge! Or maybe just white chocolate cranberry bark. Or both.

Sigh.

I liked the dual POV and getting to experience Ryder's feelings and thoughts as well as Brooke's, especially with showing his relationships with his mom and Ruby. Of COURSE a guy who can patiently take care of a parent with Alzheimers, and have a beautiful friendship with that parent's childhood/family friend, would be a great guy. And since this is a light Christmas romance as opposed to my typical darker fare, sweet is perfect.

I like how this author dangles other characters (hey, Parker!) in front of us in her books. I hope we get to see more of flirty Parker and fun Sheila.

Recommended for a fun, easy Christmas romance!

[Heather Quarnstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic read. The second you start you already feel like you're in town with old friends. The story grabs you and you're along for the ride. The characters are well rounded and the world is fully fleshed out. I don't know if it was just me, but I sat down and finished the whole book in a day. I just couldn't stop.

Plus as an added bonus there are some great recipes in the back of the book!!

[Joni Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! Wonderful characters.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little novella that'll put you in the holiday spirit and have you craving sweets!

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder and Brooke story was super sweet and super cute. 💜

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke Hansen and Ryder Jones grew up together in the small town of Stone Creek, Tennessee, but she hasn't seen her former high school crush in the years since he moved away with his ex-girlfriend. Following the sudden death of his father, Ryder realizes that he's needed at home to help care for his mother, so he sells his successful chocolate shop in Nashville and decides to open a new location in his father's old flower shop in Stone Creek. Unfortunately, that puts him in direct competition with Brooke, whose bakery is already struggling after a recent rent increase. Brooke is willing to do just about anything to save her business, but rekindling her friendship with Ryder is not part of those plans. Can he give her a reason to change her mind?

I very much enjoyed this funny, sweet, and perfectly steamy story. Ryder and Brooke made an adorable couple and the connection between them was apparent from the moment they first saw each other again. I appreciated that Ryder apologized for his actions toward Brooke before he left town and that he was honest about his feelings for her when they were younger. His behavior showed real growth and maturity, which is sometimes tough to do in a novella.

I recommend "Chocolate Covered Mistletoe" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, featuring Ryder's friend Parker and Brooke's friend Sheila.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Remember the Reason for the Season!

I had high hopes for this book. After all, what's not to love about a sugar-fueled friends-to-lovers romance that includes a hero who's come back to town to take care of his mother with Alzheimer's? Well, let me tell you! First, I was put off by the language errors in this book, including run-on sentences and other problems with commas. The book doesn't just have a few of these, unfortunately; it has many, as if the book was never professionally copyedited or proofread. The run-on sentences aren't only in dialogue—an annoying trend I've seen lately in self-published books—but also in narrative passages as well. One sentence even had a comma error AND an incorrectly punctuated instance of “however.” As an editor, these kinds of things jump out at me and ruin the enjoyment of a book. I did receive an ARC copy, but the problems appear to have persisted in the published edition as seen in the preview here. But perhaps more difficult for me to swallow in a Christmas romance is the use of profanity, including the F-bomb. As a rule, I don't like swearing in books, but I find it particularly distasteful in holiday stories as it seems disrespectful to the reason for the season. Despite the arguably swoon-worthy hero, because of these factors, I do not feel like I can recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[TMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was cute, heartwarming, bantery, romantic, and steamy for sure - plus gives you all the holiday feels, people!

Sure Ryder and Brooke have their issues, he broke her heart disappeared, now is her next door sweet shop owner enemy. Brooke meanwhile suffering through her past heartbreak, angry, clamoring for revenge, is trying her best to keep her shop afloat, all while her friend tries to convince her to let old grudges go.

Despite me usually having a mild reception to Samantha's books, I felt this one really changed my mind about how she wrote. The romance, steam, banter, friendships, town people, and holiday feels really put me in a swell mood and made me root for the characters hard.

Really loved this novel a lot, and hope to continue to love Samantha's novels.

A delayed review, but eh worth the wait.

Until the next read,

-TMR

[Simply Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

So. Much. Winking. Like, you can have a cheeky conversation without having to wink.

It started off as a cute hallmark movie but took a weird turn at around 70% ish. I mean. I wasn't expecting all that. Not that I'm a prude, but exhibitionism just doesn't do it for me. Plus, I didn't buy Ryder's explanations or Brooke's sudden turnaround. I get it's a novella, so there's not a ton of time, but still. Wasn't for me.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first time that I had read anything by this author and I enjoyed this book. I did think that Brooke held onto the hurt way too long that she had experienced when Ryder left town and essentially ran off with her former best friend, Lauren. Especially since Brooke and Ryder were friends but were not romantically involved at all. Brooke was also too ready to believe the worst of Ryder based solely on the fact that he had hurt her feelings all those years ago and then when he explains everything to her and they are beginning to forge a new relationship she goes and believes every lie that Lauren (who has pursued Ryder back to town) tells her even though she is fully aware of the type of person Lauren really is. That just did not make sense to me.
Ryder had some definite flaws also but I really liked how loving and caring he was with his mother and how patient he was with her Alzheimers and everything that he did to make sure that she was able to stay in the home she had shared for so many years with his father before that man had passed away. There were times that I just wanted to reach out and give Ryder a hug and tell him that it would all be okay.
To me, this book was good but not great. I do hope that there will be a book coming that will give us the backstories of Sheila and Parker as well as their full love story. I would really like to learn more about them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy little book by Samantha Baca.
Chocolate Covered Mistletoe is a fun sexy audiobook that is wonderfully narrated by Marie Hawkins.
Brooke and Ryder have history together.
Ryder left Stone Creek years ago and now he is back and opening up a new buisness right across from Brookes Bakery.He is opening a shop almost exactly like her shop...and so she is so angry with him.
Brooke can't forget what he did to her years ago and so doesn't want anything to do with him...But Ryder is determined to win her back,despite being rivals in buisness.
This is a cute story it is a little emotional as there is more to Ryders story than what Brooke thinks..
Brooke and Ryder have so much chemistry and when they are together they are so HOT and Steamy.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook narrated by Marie Hawkins who is so Amazing performing all the characters with all the emotions needed and changing her voice to accomodate the males and female characters...She does it effortlessly
Samantha Baca is brilliant at writing short stories that don't lack in anything you want in a romance.
A Wonderful book.
5 Stars.

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 ⭐️ rounding up to 4

I really enjoyed following Brooke and Ryder, especially with all their history. Ryder walked away from Brooke ten years ago, completely crushing her heart, and now he’s suddenly back in Stone Creek after his father’s passing. And as if that isn’t enough emotional whiplash, he’s also a baker just like Brooke. and decides to open his brand-new shop right across the street from hers. Talk about tension.

This story is full of some of my favorite tropes: small town holiday romance, second chances, forced proximity, rivals to lovers, and a hint of grumpy x sunshine energy. Their past heartbreak mixed with their bakery rivalry makes their spark feel even more satisfying.

The holiday vibes are strong, warm, and sugary sweet (literally). It’s a quick read, but it packs plenty of heart, humor, and chemistry. Watching Brooke try to protect herself while Ryder tries to make things right had me rooting for them the whole way.

If you’re craving a festive, feel good romance with swoon, a sprinkle of spice, and all the holiday charm, this is the perfect cozy read to curl up with.

[Linda V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Chocolate Covered Mistletoe is book #1 in the new Stone Creek series. This series is set in Tennessee, so already winning for me!! Brooke and Ryder were friends 10 years ago when he broke her heart and ran off to Nashville with her best friend. Years later, Brooke owns a thriving sweet shop and is facing a rent hike from the new landlord. Ryder has come back to Stone Creek to take over his father's flower shop, but ends up putting in a chocolate shop (like he had in Nashville with business partner Parker). Old feelings still run deep as well as the old hurt. This holiday novella gives us some angst (from an ex), some friends-to-enemies-to-lovers drama, and amazing spice to keep your holly jolly going. I can't wait for the rest of this series...and where has Parker been????!!!!?????

The narration was fantastic. Marie Hawkins is a fabulous narrator and gave us all the voices for the town. So much talent! 5 delicious stars!

[CelKat_reading_hea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Town Childhood Friends to Lovers

Another enjoyable Christmas story from this author, this story has us in a small town with former childhood friends with a wedge divided between them and a lot of miscommunication.

Ryder has moved back to Stone Creek after his father’s recent death to now to take care of his mother with Alzheimer’s disease and open a new chocolate specialty store.

Brooke is not happy to find out that Ryder is not only moving back to town, but is also opening a competing store front across the street from her business in town.
Things ended badly between the two of them years ago when he announced that he was moving to Nashville with his cheating girlfriend and Brooke laid her feelings bare for him to let him know that she was in love with him and begged him not to go with his cheating girlfriend.

[Baby Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chocolate Almost Always Makes Everything Better

Samantha Baca's book, Chocolate Covered Mistletoe was as sweet as the chocolates mentioned in the book and as decadent as a second chance love story can be. Brooke and Ryder were meant to be. It just took them longer than normal to figure that out even with evil Lauren trying to mess things up between them, again. This book made me weep because I personally know what Ryder was going through because I had to take care of dad who also suffered from Dementia. It opened up old wounds and the scenes with his mom were to close to home for me. I also loved the recipes provided at the end of the book. So Sweet!!

[Dasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story about second chances at love. Brooke and Ryder were in love with each other when they were younger but didn't tell each other. When Brooke finally told Ryder she loved him, he bolted to Nashville with her best friend, who he had been dating. Ryder moves back to take care of his mother after his dad passes away and open up a chocolate shop across from Brooke's bakery. Ryder spends the rest of the story convincing Brooke he still loves her, but the ex-friend/ex-fiancé tries to ruin it. The story has a HEA and a heated scene involving chocolate near the end of the story. I really enjoyed it. Thank you Samantha for a copy!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. At the worst possible time for her bakery, Brooke learns that her past is coming back to haunt her. Brooke and Ryder have a history that did not end very pleasant. A Christmas miracle just might get Ryder another chance with Brooke. There are enough sparks to ignite a fire between them. If they can get past the obstacles, they have a chance at a happy future

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun holiday story. It was sweet and steamy and just what I needed in a holiday romance. Brooke is your typical single woman doing her thing and running her bakery and when Ryder strolls back into town 10 years later trying to own his competing business across the street you know the fireworks are about to spark. I loved that Ryder was a apologetic and humble hero in this story. It really was a sweet treat!

[Midniteillusion · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing was atrocious. Paragraphs contradicted each other. Literal back to back sentences contradicted each other.
It was poor thought out and poorly researched.
I felt like I was reading creative writing by a pre-teen who just things magically happen, you know, in the way twelve year olds think the laundry does itself or dinner just appears on the table.

And don’t get me started on this disservice to the Alzheimer’s community and the families/caregivers this book does.

[Chelsea Economon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book I have read by Samantha and they just keep getting better and better!

In Mistletoe she jumps back into a comedy/romance and it is everything you want in a Christmas novella. The love story is complicated, but they come together so perfectly. I loved every minute of this book and didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait to see what 2021 brings from Samantha Baca!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written fun Christmas book to read. Ryder Jones comes back to Stone Creek to help his ailing Mother and he meets his former best friend Brooke Hansen who is not to happy with him. I enjoyed seeing this story come. This is a new Author to me and I want to read more by her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.