Feast Mode: A Man of the Month Club Novella

Sycamore Mountain

by Matilda Martel

The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2022, escape to Sycamore Mountain, North Carolina and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Can’t wait to see you there!

Genres: Contemporary, Novella

126 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2024

About the author

Matilda is a Texas girl in love with a Philly boy who loves to write dirty books about two people who trip into love and fumble their way into a Filthy, Funny, Happily Ever After.

I live in Austin, with my husband, two crazy Chihuahuas and an even crazier cat. And I spend most of my day writing dirty romance books about older men who fall in love with younger women and make fools of themselves trying to win their hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, you’ve come to the wrong place. I don’t like dark heroes.

I like my hero to be successful, sweet, suave, sophisticated and kind--- and then I want him to lose all his composure and game when he meets the heroine. I want him to turn into a bumbling idiot when he spots the girl of his dreams and revert to a teenage boy in a man’s body trying to win her.

I like my heroines to be witty, intelligent, and unshakeable---who could do just as well without a man—until the hero convinces her otherwise.

I write A LOT OF AGE GAP--because I LOVE AGE GAP ROMANCE. I’ve got no other excuse for it.

No matter what kind of story it is, my ladies are ADORED, and my endings are always Happily EVER AFTER, not HFN.

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Reviews

[effin surrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book from MM.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick and sweet read. When a guy finds insta love and makes a vow to meet her. Gwen is only in town for a quick trip to wrap things up when she stumbles into Vance, he remembers her and starts to think of all the ways to keep her. I quick , cute read.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He is drop-dead gorgeous and, from what I've seen so far, as sweet as pecan pie."...

Feast Mode: A Man of the Month Club Novella by Matilda Martel is part of the multi-author Sycamore Mountain series. When Gwen Burton comes back to the small town on Sycamore Mountain she does not know what she is about to walk into. But she quickly learns to expect the unexpected as this quirky town is filled with wonderful people and a vortex she may not be able to leave. Vance Owens owns the Owens Body Shop in Sycamore Mountain and after basically stalking the only girl he has ever fallen head over heels for he is about to get his chance. It seems that Great-Aunt Mimi has some plans from beyond the grave to bring these two together and she is working her magic for all it is worth.
I loved this OTT, insta-love with a twist, age-gap romance with quirky but very lovable characters who can be infuriating and sneaky but always for the best. After all, Vance can't force Gwen to stay, but he doesn't make it easy for her to leave.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feast Mode is a quick romance that has Vance on a mission to win over his crush over a short holiday week.
Gwen has just graduated from college and landed her dream job in the big city, but she has also just lost her favorite aunt. Now she is headed back to the small town with so many great memories to settle her aunt Mimi's estate. When she has a bit of minor car trouble the handsome shop owner comes to her rescue, but she can't do more than a holiday fling. Vance has carried a torch for the sweet younger Gwen for a few years, he even went as far as meeting up with her favorite aunt the last time she was visiting. Gwen is now back he knows this is his last shot to show her every reason she needs to stay even if he might have to use a few tricks up his sleeve. Get ready for the swoon worthy Vance to get your motor running literally and figuratively in this short, sweet sexy romance.
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vance Owens fell in love with Gwen the first moment he laid eyes on her. Unfortunately, before he could meet her, she had left town, having only been visiting her Great Aunt Mimi. Now that Gwen is back in town, albeit temporarily, to get Mimi's home ready to sell after her passing, Vance has no intention of letting her leave again without her knowing that she is meant to be his - even if that means the mechanic is going to slow-walk the repairs her vehicle needs. Can the swoon-worthy Vance convince the young and ambitious Gwen by Thanksgiving that he can give her everything she needs?

Matilda Martel's Feast Mode, the latest entry in the Sycamore Mountain Man of the Month multi-author series, is a swoon-y, steamy and sweet age-gap instalove romance, a very entertaining, engaging read.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Gwen's aunt Mimi passes, it is time to go to Sycamore Mountain settle her estate, she will not be there long as she is starting a new job. When car trouble keeps her there longer than necessary a certain mechanic seems to have in his sights. She can do a fling, right?

Vance caught sight of Gwen when she blew in and out of town, he missed his chance. When she comes back after her aunt's death it is time to make his move. Her car tire is flat, he is called into help, an easy fix he just might have to drag out to win his girl.

Can he convince this city girl that Sycamore Mountain offers so much more, including him?.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Georgia Herpen · Rating 4 out of 5]

GWEN AND VANCE. I loved how Vance takes one look at Gwen from afar and decides right there and then that she's the girl for him. Unfortunately, he missed the window to introduce himself to her. When she returns a year later, he decides to win her no matter what it takes. But she's only in town for a week! Van enlists the help of his mom and her friend to sing his praises and keeps "finding" things wrong with her car (BTW, Van is a successful mechanic) to keep her in town. She starts to realize what a wonderful person he is and how he's pulling out all of the stops to win her over. But will it be enough to make her stay? Read this delightful book to find out.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen (h22) travels to Sycamore Mountain to settle her aunt’s estate before she starts her new job in Washington. Vance (h36) and his tow truck come to the rescue when her car gets a flat tire. Gwen doesn’t know that Vance had spotted her a year earlier and instantly fallen for her just as she was leaving town. He’s thrilled that she’s back in town if only for a short time and knows he has to work fast to convince her to give him a chance, much less get her to fall in love with him. Sweet small town OMYW romance with a side of heat.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great age gap romance. I really liked this story, it was well written and had a great pace. For Vance it was love at first sight when he saw Gwen but he didn’t get to know her before she left town fast forward a year and she’s back and he’ll do anything to make her stay. I really loved how persistent he was and in such a sweet way. The two had so much chemistry and I really enjoyed their story. I’m also excited to see what’s in store for Harlow.

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

[Leslee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does every holiday movie romance start with? A big city girl returning to her beloved aunt's home to settle the estate. Gwen figures she only needs a few days before Thanksgiving to handle things and she can move on to her new job in Washington DC. What she didn't plan on is the determination of Vance to keep her in town long enough to fall in love with him. While this isn't a holiday movie based on Christmas, it certainly gives all the feels with a dash of humor. Vance pulls out all the stops to delay her departure. Such fun!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Guys gotta do what a Guys gotta do.

I didn't really understand the title. But the story was okay. I felt I needed more from Gwen's side. I didn't see her angst. I felt we saw a lot of Vances side but we didn't see a lot of Gwen's struggling and then when she left, she struggled super hard? It was hard for me to wrap my head around her coming to that feeling so quickly when we didn't see it in precious chapters.

Otherwise. I loved the side characters and I loved how Vance did everything in his power to keep Gwen there. 😂😂

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book in the Man of the Month Club Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is a sweet romance between Vance and Gwen. These likeable characters and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is a love story with enough drama, humor, angst, sweetness, frustrating moments, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. An easy read.

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

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vance knew Gwen was his girl from the moment he saw her. He found out about her and waited for her to return to Sycamore Mountain. Gwen has inherited her Great- Aunt’s home and is planning to sell it and return to Washington to start her new job. Plans sometimes have a way of changing. This was a quick fast paced read with lots of steam. Vance and Gwen were great together and had no problem calling each other out when they were wrong. Great read. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vance loved her a first sight, begged her Aunt for details and then waited for her return to the small mountain town. Gwen loved her Aunt and is heartbroken by her death but Vance is making it easier in one way but so much harder to return to her original life plan. He is dedicated and determined to keep his girl. Hot, steamy and a cute HEA.

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

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda Martel doesn’t often write small town romances but when she does, she does it well! 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘 was a read in one sitting, laugh out loud, swoony romance reading treat! I loved everything about Vance and Gwen’s age gap love story. My favorite part be far was Vance. He is Prime Book Boyfriend material, he can look under my hood any day and twice on Sundays! I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m giving 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vance has been in love with Gwen from the moment he saw her a year earlier. She came in and out of town before he could approach her. Now she is back to settle her aunt’s estate and Vance is not letting the chance pass him by. Sweet, steamy story with amazing chemistry, lots of love and laughter, amazing chemistry and a beautiful HEA.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

City girl Gwen is coming home for a family funeral, when she bumps into Vance, who had crushed on her when he first met her before she left for the big city, he vows to find a reason for her to stay and he wants it to be for him! Well written short and spicy, funny, desires and steamy scenes galore!.

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

[Jenn Theis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this book, but not due to the quality of the writing or a lack of editing. I just didn't like Gwen. Vance was a sweetheart, but Gwen was a child. Her reactions and decisions were all over the map and Vance was a saint for putting up with her.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Vance fell for Gwen the first time he saw her. A year later when she returns to Sycamore Mountain, he pulls out all stops to win her heart. When she insists on leaving, he lets her go. However, she doesn't go far before returning to stay with him forever.

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vance and Gwen were wonderful! I absolutely loved this one! Vance fell for Gwen before she even knew he existed, but he was determined to make her his. Watching their love story unfold was delightful. I loved the epilogue!.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Vance and Gwen and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant love, determination and steam.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Van. He falls hard and he falls fast. I think Gwen is a little flighty. This is a quick read. The story is cute and a little awkward at times. It is a true over the top instant love story. It is fun to read.

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

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inheritance of a home from her Great aunt. Vance has been waiting for her for over a year. Real mechanic making real oppsies to her car. Funny and intense moments of the landscape and them. Real mountain man encounters.

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

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen leaves home to see the house her Aunt Mimi left her. When her car breaks down she is towed by Vance. What she doesn’t know is that Vance saw her a year ago and fell in love at first sight. He will do anything to make her his. Slowly Gwen gives in to his advances and a beautiful relationship starts. Short, sweet with heat.

[Ashley K · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a fun, fastpaced romance with steam, slight obsession perhaps, and a HEA, check this out. The only thing I didn't really like is the repeated use of "little girl" to describe Gwen. Well written, funny and likeable characters - definitely recommended!.

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

[Laura Carter-Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vance is smitten with Gwen from the moment he meets her and sparks between them fly. But Gwen is a big city girl while Vance is pure small town boy. Will they be able to make their relationship work?

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and hot

Van was exactly what Gwen needed and he arrived into her life when she needed him the most and thought didn't need him or couldn't keep him. A pretty cute story worth of Sycamore Mountain. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen returned to town to sell her Aunt's home but found her HEA

Vance did everything in his power to claim Gwen. His antics included messing with her car and setting his mother on Gwen. Gwen already had a new job lines up but Vance knew they belonged together. Cute love story!

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

This was a cute holiday read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were great. Gwen and Vance were a wonderful couple.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen & Vance's story was sweet,romantic, funny, wonderful chemistry everything making you smile from start to finish.

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