Peppermint Bark, No Bite

All or Nothing #1

by Bailey Seaborn

Grace doesn’t want a lot for Christmas …

When it comes to relationships, Grace isn’t hoping for any mistletoe miracles. Instead of asking Santa for yet another disappointing date, her list would have only one to be a mom … a lifetime goal that she put on hold after being kicked out of her biological family for being transgender.

There is just one thing she needs.

But Grace’s plans to avoid heartbreak are shattered when she meets Alex, her best friend’s ridiculously hot and painfully arrogant brother who’s more interested in moneymaking than merrymaking. Their unexpected connection heats alongside her grandmother’s famous caramel apple pie … until reality sets in as the New Year approaches and Alex’s prestigious promotion across the country beckons.

Will her Christmas wish come true?

Or will their fledgling feelings spoil like forgotten eggnog?

“Peppermint Bark, No Bite,” is a romantic, funny, heartwarming journey about staying true to yourself and finding your own family, especially when you need one you weren’t born into.

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Christmas, LGBT, Transgender, Queer

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

Reviews

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander Clarke is a hot shot lawyer working in San Francisco Law Firm and he will do anything to get promoted to a Partner. He hasn’t taken a break to go visit his parents in upstate NY for ages. Nor has he communicated with his older brother, Nate, or his younger sister Mallory who lives at home with parents Bruce and Helen.

Grace Alvarez is employed as a Social Worker at the hospital where Bruce Clarke was helping her to set up a special sensory facility for long term patients. At the opening ceremony Bruce collapsed from a heart attack. His daughter Mallory panics and asks Grace to call her brother Alexander and get him home immediately.

So when Alexander is summoned from an important business meeting by a phone call from a strange woman he is non too pleased. He’s shattered when she gives him the bad news.

When Alexander Clarke arrives at his father’s hospital room Grace is blown away by the tall, dark haired handsome man who she had spoken with by phone. He is rude and very grumpy and caused a scene when the nurse said visiting hours were over. Grace sorts it out with the nurse. Later she even drives him to his parents house.

After such an inauspicious meeting, Grace is surprised the next day when Alexander’s icy manner seems to have defrosted somewhat. Within days Grace becomes smitten with him and Alexander has no idea what’s come over him since he met Grace Alvarez. She even has him dressing up as Santa and entertaining the children.
**************************
The central theme of ‘Peppermint Bark,No Bite’ is acceptance for who you are. Grace, Mallory and Alexander all fought for that whether at work or home. There is also the wake up call for Alexander about his life/work balance and being so far away from his close knit family, and creating distance between himself and his world famous movie star brother. Alexander was a bit jealous of Nate’s success.

All it took was a bedside meeting with Grace Alvarez to see that there was so much more to life than being the No.1 Negotiator at top notch boardroom meetings, expensive Armani suits, dining out at fancy restaurants and entertaining clients. Unfortunately for him none of that impressed Grace.

Bailey Seaborn is a new author to me and given the ‘frothy fluffy title, I was surprised by the actual serious topic that was central to the story. Both Grace and Alexander’s attraction to each other was quite fast but neither admitted it. Alexander though was such an adorable flirty guy that I was rooting for him as soon as he volunteered as Santa. Grace was equally smitten but was afraid that her friendship with Mallory, would be damaged if she admitted her feelings for her brother. So she held back.

I was so impressed by Alexander when he went and investigated so thoroughly into the subject that Grace had casually raised with him. Who wouldn’t fall in love with such a fabulous man. He did have faults and one left Grace broken hearted.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my freely given review.

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very sweet and packed with emotion right from the start with discussions of serious topics throughout the book.

There was a very short dry spell at the beginning that was humorous but seemed to let off the emotional pressure a bit. However, it picked back up before the midway point at which time it just steam rolled all my emotions.
There’s plenty of talk about spice and a couple of smutty scenes, but this isn’t something I would call super spicy. In fact, I would say this is a very sweet and emotionally intelligent book with enough spice to keep you entertained and a strong focus on the plot and development of the characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ | 🌶️🌶️ | 💙💙💙💙💙
First Person, Present Tense, Dual POV (mostly)

Holiday LGBTQ+ Romance:
🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender Romance (MF)
🎄 Christmas Season
⛅️ Grumpy-Sunshine
🤞🏻 Best Friend’s Brother
💼 Hot Shot Lawyer
💗 Big Hearted Social Worker
🛏️ Only One Bed
❤️‍🩹 Hurt, Comfort, and Unpacking Traumas

[Sam Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Grinchy Sunshine
✨ Transgender FMC
✨ Holiday Romance
✨ Best Friends Brother

I read this in one sitting and nothing could pry me away from this book. This was one of the cutest holiday rom coms I have ever read. As a tw, there is a chapter of transphobia, and a few mentions of it throughout the book, but I felt it showed a side of being a trans person that others may not understand. But this book didn't make me feel uncomfortable. To be 100% transparent, I am a transgender non-binary person. I adored how Grace was written, Alex is incredible, and her best friends were who I wish I had as best friends. There are so many parts of the story I keep wanting to jump to, but I won't spoil it because it really is good enough to read at least once, but it's on my shelf for a Christmas re-read for sure.

Anyway, huge thank you to Booked With The Emilys and Bailey Seaborn for letting me read this one early!

[Aster · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am on a mission to read m/f romances with trans characters to see how the author envisions and reflects on traditional gender dynamics and gender roles. In this mission I trust trans authors over cis authors and nevertheless I read this m/f with a trans heroine by a cis author hoping to see what she would make of it. Turns out that despite the heroine being a bi trans woman, this is written as an aggressively cishet romance where the heroine genders handwriting (once again i could show you handwriting you wouldn't be able to tell if a man or a woman wrote it have you even met a doctor). The MMC (as they say in m/f romance) is written as a stereotype of the masculine, no emotion man that must learn to open up and love etc who remains very masculine in the borderline toxic way of cishet romances

[Skyler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Proof that trans women are women, even in books they're treated with sexism...

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had some fantastic moments to it and I enjoyed hearing about Graces’ story . The book for me could have been half the size and it would have gotten a 4 out of me. Regardless, I really did enjoy this book and I think others will as well when it comes out

[Sw3 · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 17%

Sorry I'm tapping out on this one. The tropes are just unbearable.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 1

Tropes:
grumpy x sunshine
best friend's brother
holiday romance
one bed
Trans FMC
found family
mental health rep
Dual POV

Trigger Warnings:
PTSD
harsh religious upbringings

Omgosh you guys. Please go read this book. I loved it everything about it! I'm not sure how to put it into words honestly.... but I am not a crier. However, there's one particular scene in this book that made me cry-- in the most beautiful way (I promise) and that says a lot about the way the characters of this story impact your soul without you realizing it. Gosh, it was good.

The FMC of Peppermint Bark, No Bite is Grace. She's a beautiful transgender woman who has a past of harshness that she's moved on from. She's found an accepting and loving family in her best friend Mallory and her parents. She works as a social worker and teaches yoga at Mallory's studio. Everyone in town loves Grace! Life recently has been on the upside. However, Grace can still have a panic attack from her PTSD and she misses her biological family that got left behind. Grace hasn't seen them in 8 years, when her father kicked her out of the home after coming out about her authentic self.

The MMC is Alex, he's also Mallory's brother. He's a corporate lawyer, overworked, never makes time for his family any more, and a bit grumpy. But when he gets a phone call saying he needs to come home, his father has had a heart attack right before Christmas, Alex gets on a plane and heads home- all because Grace is who called him, on the behalf of Mallory, and wasn't afraid to put Alex in his place.

After Alex gets to town, Grace helps him see what he's been missing the last few years- I mean the guy doesn't even call! This magnetic pull Grace has over the town, she has it on Alex too because his Grinchy heart grows 3x larger. Alex realizes that his life has been full of 80+ hour work weeks, barely any sleep, and a repeat cycle. While Grace and Alex made a "no love pact" they both realize when it's time for Alex to go back to his work life, that they both may have screwed the pooch on that one.

But what I loved the absolute most about this story, wasn't the love story between Grace and Alex- it was Grace's story herself. Grace came from an overbearing religious father, and 3 brothers- one who is just as toxic as the father. When she finally tells her family who she truly is- 2 of her brothers aren't there and she's immediately kicked out of the home. Losing touch with everyone, Grace always wonders about her Twin, specifically, and misses the bond they had. Her story of thriving, creating a life, being a beautiful soul of a person- when life could have dictated otherwise, is really the best parts for me. I loved Grace. She's probably one of my favorites now!

Go read this book. Let me know if it emotionally got you too. Now I'm off to read book 2!

[Liv Plunkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get into the review, I want to thank Booked with Emily for the ARC of this book! That being said, the following thoughts and opinions are completely honest and my own.

“Grace’s plans to avoid heartbreak are shattered when she meets Alex, her best friend’s ridiculously hot and painfully arrogant brother who’s more interested in moneymaking than merrymaking. Their unexpected connection heats alongside her grandmother’s famous caramel apple pie … until reality sets in as the New Year approaches and Alex’s prestigious promotion across the country beckons” (Peppermint Bark, No Bite synopsis)

🎄🎄🎄

Who doesn’t love a good holiday romance? Especially one that is straight out of the Hallmark channel in the best ways possible? Grumpy overworked lawyer? Check. Amazing desserts that have all been added to my Pinterest? Check. Cute holiday traditions? Check. Found family, both literally and figuratively?! Double check.

From the start of this book, I immediately fell in love with Grace, her personality, her dedication, and the environment she created as a social worker at the hospital. I was fully invested in Grace’s story and her story. Throughout the book, we learn about Grace’s family, her struggles to find herself, her femininity, and her place in the Clarke family, and I am not going to sugar coat it, the trauma that Grace went through was heart wrenching to read, but it was well handled. We got to see the different ways the people in Grace’s life handled her being transgender, whether it was the vitriol of her family, the lack of acceptance from previous partners, or, in the case of our main man, acceptance and a dedicated willingness to understand.

And on the side of Alex, through coming home to support his father after his heart attack, we were able to see how much he grew as a person, particularly regarding separating his worth from his billable hours, something that even though I’m not a lawyer, I completely relate to the struggle of detaching your worth from your productivity. I particularly appreciated the development of his relationship with Victoria and oh my god I cannot wait for her book next.

Grace and Alex felt so authentic and believable, I could truly see them lasting as a couple and creating the family that they both have wanted and I am so glad I was able to read this book and experience the magic of Peppermint Bark, No Bite.

Stars: 5/5
Spice: 3.5/5
Tropes and Triggers: Transgender FMC, Best Friends Brother, Grumpy x Sunshine, Only One Bed, Holiday Romance, Found Family, Transphobia, Abusive family, panic attack and anxiety attacks

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

“I think grown-ups are like butterflies, each uniquely beautiful. But butterflies aren’t born that way, are they? Some butterflies don’t change much, they start and finish blue. But some caterpillars are different when they grown up.”

This story was absolutely beautiful. This is the first romance that I’ve read that centers around a transgender heroine. Grace’s story broke my heart and put it back together again. The description of her journey from her childhood to living her truth & transitioning to finding the family she always needed was so heartwarming.

"I assumed you had a sweet tooth." "I do. And you're the sweetest I've ever tasted."

How the grumpy-sunshine trope is executed with the introduction of Alex was perfection. From their first interaction on the phone to the moment they meet, you can feel their chemistry. Once Alex arrives and they spend more time together, you can feel Alex’s struggle with who he has become vs who he truly is. I love the scene where Alex finds out that Grace is transgender and the way he responds.

The found family aspect of this story had me crying. The acceptance that Grace, Mallory, Kate, Alex, Bruce, and more have for one another was truly beautiful. They accept each other for exactly who they are.

I’m sure I’ve used the word beautiful too much in this review, but that’s exactly what this book was in every way. I will definitely be reading more by this author and I can’t wait for Victoria & Cruz’s story.

[A Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey Seaborn’s debut novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite, was fantastic! It totally lived up to my expectations and even went beyond them. The slow burn and tension between the main characters, Alex and Grace, were spot-on and kept me glued to the pages.

Seaborn did an incredible job including a trans main character and addressing PTSD. I don’t want to give too much away, but she handled these topics beautifully. At first, I really didn’t like Alex, the male lead. But as the story went on, I found myself falling for him just like Grace did. Their relationship’s growth was so well done.

The side characters were also super interesting, and now I’m really curious about Victoria’s and Mallory’s stories. I can’t wait for those!

The writing was full of humor, which I loved, and it had a great feminist vibe throughout. The plot and side plots were well-developed, making the story feel complete and satisfying. Even though it’s a spicy novel, it never felt shallow—the sex scenes were well-written and fit perfectly into the story.

I connected with the characters on a personal level and was so happy they got their happy ending. For a debut novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite was excellently done, and I’m really excited to see what Bailey Seaborn writes next. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great romance read.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story about found family, acceptance and love! When it comes to relationships, Grace isn’t hoping for any mistletoe miracles. Instead of asking Santa for yet another disappointing date, her list would have only one to be a mom … a lifetime goal that she put on hold after being kicked out of her biological family for being transgender.

But Grace’s plans to avoid heartbreak are shattered when she meets Alex, her best friend’s ridiculously hot and painfully arrogant brother who’s more interested in moneymaking than merrymaking. Their unexpected connection heats alongside her grandmother’s famous caramel apple pie … until reality sets in as the New Year approaches and Alex’s prestigious promotion across the country beckons. Will her Christmas wish come true?

Grace’s character has such strength hidden behind her sweetness that is only brought even closer to the surface throughout this story. She has amazing friends, friends that are like family, and the romance connection she makes with Alex is simply beautiful.

Read this one if you like Holiday romance (with full Santa and Mrs. Claus dress-up), Kissing under the mistletoe, A trip to the tree farm, Best friend's brother, Grumpy sunshine, Christmas homecoming, Transgender heroine, and Only one bed!

A big thank you to the author, Bailey Seaborn, and Booked with the Emilys for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in english and spanish/ Reseña en inglés y español

"But I realized... I don't want you to be mine, Grace. I just want to be yours."

I really enjoyed reading this story, it gave me all of what i needed and more. If you are looking for a new book set during holiday, with the tropes of found family, grumpy/sunshine and best friend´s brother, you should really read this one (even if it´s still not December).

❤️‍🩹Oh Grace is a wonderful person, I just loved her, she is the cutest and strongest woman, and she deserved so much that ending. I liked how honest was with herself, she knows what her goals and wishes are, and no one could take that from her, not a men or her family.

❤️‍🩹Alex was such a great character, he wasn’t perfect, and I appreciated how he learned from his mistakes, and was willing to grow and change for the better for himself and Grace.

❤️‍🩹I loved Mallory, I think she is a very good sister and best friend, I agree with all the advices she gave to Alex, one of my favorites ones was “Mallory kept ranting that she wanted Grace to choose me for me, not my name or my money or my house”

❤️‍🩹The transexual representation was well written, we can see Grace´s fear of how, for example, Alex could react once he knew she is a transexual woman, mostly because of her father’s past reaction. So, seeing how accepted she was with the Clarke family, and her brothers, made me the happiest.
And I think even though it’s hard and sad to read how much her father couldn’t accept her as she is, it’s currently still a reality, and mostly in religious families.

❤️‍🩹Another theme that was develop during the story was adoption, and I can´t explain how glad I was to see Grace making her wish of becoming a mother a reality.

Overall, i´m happy i had the opportunity to read this book before its release and i hope it gets the attention it deserves.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

---------------------------------------------------

"Pero me di cuenta ... No quiero que seas mía, Grace. Solo quiero ser tuyo".

❤️‍🩹Realmente disfruté leyendo esta historia, me dio todo lo que necesitaba y más. Si estás buscando un nuevo libro ambientado durante las vacaciones, con los tropes de found family, grumpy/sunshine y el hermano de su mejor amiga, realmente deberías leer este (incluso si todavía no es diciembre).

❤️‍🩹Oh Grace es una persona maravillosa, simplemente la amé, es la mujer más linda y fuerte, y se merecía tanto ese final. Me gustó lo honesta que era consigo misma, sabe cuáles son sus metas y deseos, y eso nadie podría quitárselo, ni un hombre ni su familia.

❤️‍🩹Alex fue un gran personaje, no era perfecto y aprecié cómo aprendió de sus errores y estaba dispuesto a crecer y cambiar para mejorar para él y para Grace.

❤️‍🩹Amé a Mallory, creo que es una muy buena hermana y mejor amiga, estoy de acuerdo con todos los consejos que le dio a Alex, uno de mis favoritos fue “Mallory seguía insistiendo en que quería que Grace me eligiera por mí, no por mi nombre o mi dinero o mi casa”

❤️‍🩹La representación transexual estaba bien escrita, podemos ver el miedo de Grace a cómo, por ejemplo, podría reaccionar Alex una vez que supiera que es una mujer transexual, principalmente debido a la reacción pasada de su padre. Entonces, ver lo aceptada que era con la familia Clarke y sus hermanos me hizo sentir muy feliz.
Y creo que aunque es difícil y triste leer cuánto su padre no pudo aceptarla tal como es, actualmente sigue siendo una realidad, y sobre todo en familias religiosas.

❤️‍🩹Otro tema que se desarrolló durante la historia fue la adopción, y no puedo explicar lo feliz que me sentí al ver a Grace hacer realidad su deseo de ser madre.

En general, estoy feliz de haber tenido la oportunidad de leer este libro antes de su publicación y espero que reciba la atención que merece.

Recibí un ARC de forma gratuita y dejo esta reseña voluntariamente.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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bookscoffeebrews
BOOK REVIEW: PEPPERMINT BARK, NO BITE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Bailey Seaborn @baileyseabornauthor
Publisher: Margaret Casebolt

A big thank you to Booked with the Emiy’s @bookedwiththeemilys and Bailey Seaborn @baileyseabornauthor for my #gifted copy of this book.

Tropes:
☃️Holiday Romance
🎄Best Friend’s Brother
☃️Found Family
🎄Transsexual FMC
☃️Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄One Bed
☃️He Falls First

This is my first Bailey Seaborn book and OMG it was unbelievably fantastic. I could not put this book down. This is a perfect book to read for Christmas.

Grace Alvaraz our FMC is a Social Worker. Bruce Clarke is her best friend Mallory’s father and a wonderful humanitarian. He has been helping her with a special sensory facility at the hospital. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Bruce has a heart attack. Mallory is a bit panicky and she ask Grace to call her brother Alexander and inform him what has happened. Alexander Clarke is a big hot shot lawyer in San Francisco. His life is his work as he want to be partner one day.
Grace calls Alexander and he is rather annoyed at her for interrupting him during an important meeting. He is utterly rude to her on the phone. She is not quite sure about him as his patents and siblings are wonderfully nice. After the phone call Alexander decides to head to the hospital in up state New York. When he arrives at the hospital he ends up meeting Grace in his Father’s room. Even though she knows how rude he is she can’t believe how handsome he is. Grumpiest is as its best as he is rude to most workers at the hospital. Grace interferes and appologize‘s to people for his rudeness. Grace is so wonderful that she drives Alexander to his parent’s house. Grace is a sweetie and loves Bruce’s family as they have always been there for her. She considers them as her family. As Alexander and Grace get to know each other better and his shell is cracking, they realize they have chemistry.


The full review is here on my IG page https://www.instagram.com/p/C-Ddnh2tq...

[Hunter037 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fluffy holiday romance, but it felt deeper than that. The characters, including side characters, are really lovely. I loved the friendship between the FMC and her best friend. I loved the communication - there's no angst or silly drama about the “best friend's brother” relationship, they just talk about it. When Grace tells Alex she is trans, it's direct and he does some research, asks some questions and they talk - again, it's not some big drama or misunderstanding.

There are also some deeper themes explored here, such as transphobia, family estrangement, and childhood illness - the FMC is a social worker in a kids ward. I thought all of these were treated seriously and with realistic emotions, but without making the overall tone of the book too negative.

There were a few bits which were a bit cheesy, especially at the end. Like “we just met, name my baby!” And “we all read romance, what's your favourite trope”, and the loose ends wrapped up a bit too neatly. But for a debut novel I thought it was done really well overall.

I liked this line: “I don't want you to be mine, Grace. I just want to be yours”

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were endearing the romance was sweet. Just such a lovely novel. If you enjoy a holiday romance with some fun tropes than this is definitely for you!

The reason it's 4 stars is I feel there was a little too much filler and it pulled me out of the story sometimes.

[Alesandra: banter_or_bust · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

“Peppermint Bark, No Bite” is a romantic, witty, heartwarming journey about staying true to yourself, especially when those who were once closest to you contradict that truth. It’s a story about finding a new inner circle of friends/family and about allowing members of your previous circle to come back to you, if you want them to. It’s about knowing your self-worth and standing your ground on your value. It’s about the importance of civility and humanity.

I found this story to be endearing and delightful to read. It provides opportunities for the reader to chose the kind of read they want. Some readers will chose to have a great time with a fun, sweet Christmas romance. Others may chose to dive deeper into one or more of the heavier topics tastefully delivered throughout the story to come awayt having learned something they likely weren’t anticipating. Nothing felt artificially focused on which makes this aspect uniquely the reader’s choice.

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @baileyseabornauthor for the #gifted copy of this book.

[Kate Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppermint Bark No Bite was the sweetest holiday romance! It handled some heavy topics remarkably! I could not put it down and read it in a day. Just make sure you have tissues near, I cried for a majority of it. Like it needs its own Hallmark movie

If you’re a fan of:
Grinchy x Sunshine
Best Friends Brother
He Falls First
Trans Rep (beautifully handled)
PTSD Rep (also beautifully handled)
Holiday Romance
Mr & Mrs Claus goodness
Happily Ever Afters

This is the book for you!

[Nikki Mcknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and funny Christmas romance, combined with real heart. You get my favourite grumpy and sunshine, combined with found family, real character, growth, and some heart wrenching emotional moments that turn into a well won happy ever after.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[Dea Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

All her life, Grace has only wanted one thing to become a mom. But her life hasn't been filled with happy memories or even chances to get her wish. Her family kicked her out when she told them that she was transgender and since then, she's been keeping her heart locked away to avoid further heartbreak. Then she meets her best friend's super hot, very grumpy brother, Alex. They both have an instant connection, and Grace feels that maybe her dream might actually have a chance at coming true. But Alex has a job and a promotion across the country he has to go back home to. Maybe her Christmas wish won't be coming true this year, after all.

Peppermint Bark, No Bite is one of my favorite reads of the year. Not only does it take you on a beautiful romantic journey, but it takes you on an emotional journey, too. Be prepared with tissues. Words can not even begin to describe how much I loved Grace's character. She has such a beautiful heart and soul. She loves deeply and fiercely. When she meets Alex, someone she finds immensely attractive, yet not really her type, she finds herself starting to let down her walls. Little do Grace and Alex know that they are perfect for each other. Seaborne did an amazing job handling the sensitive topics of transgender, PTSD, chronic illness, foster care, and adoption with sensitivity and care. I can't wait for the next book in this series to release and see what Seaborn had in store for us next.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot that is addressed in this book, and I was a little concerned about how it would all be addressed. Apparently I did not need to be worried. Somehow Seaborn took many significant issues, made them relatable and human, and gave you characters you couldn’t help falling in love with! Thank you for introducing me to Grace and Alex, and all their wonderful family and friends.

Grace wormed her way into my heart with her easy going nature, friendly manner and dedication to her job and friends. Her insecurities about her family and relationships make her real and relatable. She’ll do anything for those she cares for - including going head to head with the grumpy brother to make sure he is where he is needed.
Alex is perfect for her, even though neither can really see it. They bring out the best in each other, and support each other fully. Seaborn not only addressed the transgender “issue” with ease, making it a natural part of the story, but did the same with chronic illness in a child, and adoption. Issues that often seem so big were simply a matter of fact way of life - which is the way it should be. This in itself will have me looking for more Bailey Seaborn books!
I would like to have heard more about Grace’s family interactions, particularly between dad/Levi, and Issac/Elijah. I love that her brothers stuck by Grace, but what did it cost them?

[Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for sending me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

I would give this a 3.5 out of 5, it was a good book and I really enjoyed all of the conversations regarding transgender identities which occurred throughout. However the only thing that let it down for me was the ever so slightly cringy dialogue.

But overall, it was a lovely, wholesome book! I enjoyed it a lot!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book though I tend to keep Christmasy books in December... But it's not really so much about the holiday.

Grace is a transgender woman who is estranged (they kicked her out) from her very Christian family. When her "found" Dad suffers a heart attack and her best friend Mallory has Grace call her brothers, she gets into it with Alex, the only one who picked up.

Alex and Grace are attracted to each other and slowly melt their defenses. When Alex finds out she's trans, he learns what he can to speak the right way with her and to be sensitive. He also learns how to talk her back from PTSD episodes.

I really like her relationship with Mallory and how day they became instant besties. Mallory is a rock in Graces life. She's a breathe of fresh air at her bluntness 🤣

I could not stand Grace's family and how they treated her. Her father especially. Though a few of them redeemed themselves and I was so happy that Grace finally got the support she needed from them.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally rate romances more than a 3 but making an exception.

Fun romp. Entertaining. Interesting characters and social justice themes woven in nicely.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Bailey Seaborn novel that I have read and I am looking forward to reading her next novel. Peppermint Bark, No Bite is a wonderful, powerful and highly emotional novel. Grace and Alex are wonderful and complex characters and their relationship is very moving. The plot is funny and captivating and very romantic. I adore the grumpy-sunshine trope and this book hits the mark. I could not stop crying in some scenes, this book is a total tear-jercker. It was unputdownable!

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @baileyseabornauthor for the #gifted copy of this book.

Merry Christmas! (in July) 🎄

I had the pleasure of reading the new indie from Bailey Seaborn and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

Peppermint Bark, No Bite is about Grace, a woman with only thing on her wish list: to be a mom someday. However, this wish has been hold for a while as Grace grapples with her new life as a transgender woman after going no contact with her own family. Her life is suddenly turned upside down when she meets her best friend's grumpy older brother, Alexander. These two share an unexpected connection, but Alex doesn't plan on staying home long. What follows is a Christmas romance that will warm your heart like a freshly baked apple pie.

I loved how heartfelt this book was. Grace has had to overcome some struggles but she remains a strong heroine and I loved how her best friend Mallory's family pretty much adopted her into theirs. Right from the second chapter, you can feel the love this family has for Grace.

Some tropes you can expect from this book:

💚Holiday romance (with full Santa and Mrs. Claus dress-up)
❤️Kissing under the mistletoe
💚A trip to the tree farm
❤️Best friend's brother
💚Grumpy x sunshine
❤️Christmas homecoming
💚Transgender heroine
❤️Only one bed

Peppermint Bark, No Bite is available on Kindle Unlimited so if you need a winter romance to cool you off from some summer sun, make sure to check it out!

[Jessa Vetrano (jess.reads.lit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this SO much! Such a cute, heartwarming and cozy Christmas read. I love how delicately Bailey handled sensitive topics through out her book. Reading Grace’s story was truly a masterpiece! This was the first book I have read where the FMC is transgender and I think Bailey transpired Grace’s story in such a beautiful and tactful way! Of course, I can’t pass up a grumpy X sunshine trope either!!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 :)

Alex is a friggin green flag. From the outside, he may seem like an intense person, but deep down, he is willing to learn new things and adapt. The reason why I am saying that is because he was willing to learn more about the LGBTQ community so that he could use the right words to talk to Grace. For instance, he did not react that well when he first learned that Grace is a transgender female. But he took the time to research and ask questions so that he did not make the same mistake twice. He also accidentally triggered one of Grace’s traumas and he learned from that experience not to do that again, and if she does experience an episode he knows how to bring her back.

I also like how Grace found closure with her family. She got the support she needed when going back to her childhood house and seeing her parents and one of her brothers. I got the feeling that her mom was trying to accept the new version of her child. As for Grace’s dad, he still did not accept Grace’s new identity but I believe that Grace got the closure she needed to finally move on because, in the end, her twin brother and older brother accepted her for who she really is after looking for her so many years.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It is very heartwarming and, after everything that she has gone through, Grace deserves a man like Alex who accepts everything about her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it dealt with serious subject matters and handled them really well, whilst still being a cute festive read. Will 100% be reading the next one.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.