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Closing Time
Eli Preston and Xaden Pierce have been working together for a year and still haven’t figured out how to get along.
Eli, a financially struggling Computer Science scholar, has always been unimpressed by Xaden—the happy-go-lucky and flirty football scholar who seems to have everything. Working together is a nightmare, considering they argue every waking second What makes it even more difficult is the fact that Eli’s not actually unimpressed, and that he’s been crushing on Xaden since the day they met.
Xaden has never quite understood why Eli wants nothing to do with him. He’s always thought they could have a wonderful friendship—and more than that, if given the chance.
Closing Time is an MM Contemporary Romance Novella between two part-time baristas who are complete opposites and completely into each other.
Note: This novella is available as a free download via the author's newsletter. Subscribe through the author's website.
Eli, a financially struggling Computer Science scholar, has always been unimpressed by Xaden—the happy-go-lucky and flirty football scholar who seems to have everything. Working together is a nightmare, considering they argue every waking second What makes it even more difficult is the fact that Eli’s not actually unimpressed, and that he’s been crushing on Xaden since the day they met.
Xaden has never quite understood why Eli wants nothing to do with him. He’s always thought they could have a wonderful friendship—and more than that, if given the chance.
Closing Time is an MM Contemporary Romance Novella between two part-time baristas who are complete opposites and completely into each other.
Note: This novella is available as a free download via the author's newsletter. Subscribe through the author's website.
70 pages, ebook
First published July 7, 2024
5 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
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August 23, 2024To rate or not to rate. I have a problem here. It's a short story that is well written, quick and entertaining, and can be read comfortably during a lunch break.
Well crafted and it looks like a debut to me?
I think I'll skip the rating. I didn't like the story at all, unfortunately, nor the characters. I'm terribly sorry about that. I was totally bored at first, then I was annoyed. Then I briefly thought when the two MCs finally got closer and let go of their fighting that it was nice, but then I was just annoyed again.
But I think the author has talent, so maybe in the future there will be something that appeals to me more ...
Well crafted and it looks like a debut to me?
I think I'll skip the rating. I didn't like the story at all, unfortunately, nor the characters. I'm terribly sorry about that. I was totally bored at first, then I was annoyed. Then I briefly thought when the two MCs finally got closer and let go of their fighting that it was nice, but then I was just annoyed again.
But I think the author has talent, so maybe in the future there will be something that appeals to me more ...
August 8, 2024
This was an ok short story. I would have liked it more if it were longer. I really didn’t get a chance to stop thinking Eli was a creep. I felt sorry for Xaden.
June 25, 2025
A cute short story about two student coworkers in a cafe who have a crush on each other but instead of acting on it for a long time, were bickering.
Xaden is adorable, Eli is a bit too grumpy and the story ends right after they get together - could do with another chapter!
Overall a quick, fun read!
Xaden is adorable, Eli is a bit too grumpy and the story ends right after they get together - could do with another chapter!
Overall a quick, fun read!
March 11, 2025
3 stars
Nice story set in the same universe as Camrose U: the two MCs work at Stella's, a popular cafè on campus.
It was nice, but it ends right after Xaden and Eli get together. I definitely wanted to have more of them, especially because there's just a little romance in the story and Eli's grumpiness is overwhelming. The repeated hints to previous hookups didn't help either.
Nice story set in the same universe as Camrose U: the two MCs work at Stella's, a popular cafè on campus.
It was nice, but it ends right after Xaden and Eli get together. I definitely wanted to have more of them, especially because there's just a little romance in the story and Eli's grumpiness is overwhelming. The repeated hints to previous hookups didn't help either.
did-not-finish
November 13, 2024DNF @ 37%
This is probably more me but I just didn't like CLOSING TIME. Eli was quite grumpy and I couldn't figure out why he had a crush on Xaden if he disliked everything about him.
This is probably more me but I just didn't like CLOSING TIME. Eli was quite grumpy and I couldn't figure out why he had a crush on Xaden if he disliked everything about him.
September 9, 2024
It was okay. Eli was annoying. And very rude. Okay love story.
July 16, 2024
This was suuuuuch a cute story!
☕ We meet Xander and Eli at the Stella Coffee Cafe, where they are working to help with expenses during college. Eli can't stand Xander, allegedly. Xander flirts with everyone, allegedly. One night they stay after closing and are forced to confront how they actually feel.
☕ I loved the anxiety and ADHD rep in Xander. I'm also time blind and tend to overthink everything, so it is always nice to see that in characters on a page. The way these two interact with each other was so adorable, and I only wish this book was longer. Maia has another coming out in October, and I'm already looking forward to it.
Pick up if you love:
☕ University / Cafe setting
☕ Late night confessions
☕ Grumpy / Sunshine
☕ Important interviews....but not that important
☕ Scheming bosses
✨ Thank you for the chance to read early, Maia!
☕ We meet Xander and Eli at the Stella Coffee Cafe, where they are working to help with expenses during college. Eli can't stand Xander, allegedly. Xander flirts with everyone, allegedly. One night they stay after closing and are forced to confront how they actually feel.
☕ I loved the anxiety and ADHD rep in Xander. I'm also time blind and tend to overthink everything, so it is always nice to see that in characters on a page. The way these two interact with each other was so adorable, and I only wish this book was longer. Maia has another coming out in October, and I'm already looking forward to it.
Pick up if you love:
☕ University / Cafe setting
☕ Late night confessions
☕ Grumpy / Sunshine
☕ Important interviews....but not that important
☕ Scheming bosses
✨ Thank you for the chance to read early, Maia!
January 8, 2026
The story follows Eli Preston and Xaden Pierce, two college scholars who have been forced to work together for a year without ever getting along. Eli is stressed, broke, and serious, while Xaden is confident, flirty, and seems to have life figured out. On the surface, they clash constantly, but underneath all the arguing is a lot of unresolved tension.
What makes this novella work so well is the misunderstanding between them. Eli believes he dislikes Xaden, but the truth is he’s been crushing on him from the start and doesn’t know how to handle those feelings. Xaden, on the other hand, is confused by Eli’s coldness and genuinely wants to be closer to him. Watching them slowly realize they’re not enemies at all is both funny and heart warming.
The writing is clear and easy to read, making the emotions simple to understand without being overly dramatic. Even though the story is short, the characters feel real, and their connection feels earned. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done in a soft, believable way, and the barista setting adds charm to their interactions.
This is a cozy, low-stakes romance that focuses more on feelings than conflict. There’s no heavy angst, just two opposites learning how to communicate and let themselves be vulnerable.
If you enjoy MM romance, enemies-to-lovers, and quick reads with strong chemistry and a satisfying payoff, Closing Time is a lovely novella and well worth the time.
What makes this novella work so well is the misunderstanding between them. Eli believes he dislikes Xaden, but the truth is he’s been crushing on him from the start and doesn’t know how to handle those feelings. Xaden, on the other hand, is confused by Eli’s coldness and genuinely wants to be closer to him. Watching them slowly realize they’re not enemies at all is both funny and heart warming.
The writing is clear and easy to read, making the emotions simple to understand without being overly dramatic. Even though the story is short, the characters feel real, and their connection feels earned. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done in a soft, believable way, and the barista setting adds charm to their interactions.
This is a cozy, low-stakes romance that focuses more on feelings than conflict. There’s no heavy angst, just two opposites learning how to communicate and let themselves be vulnerable.
If you enjoy MM romance, enemies-to-lovers, and quick reads with strong chemistry and a satisfying payoff, Closing Time is a lovely novella and well worth the time.
November 18, 2025
I don’t think I was prepared for how much Closing Time would hit me right in the feelings. I picked it up expecting a cute grumpy-sunshine romance, and instead I got two boys who completely ruined me in the softest way.
From the very beginning, I felt so connected to Eli. The awkwardness, the sarcasm, the “please don’t look too closely at me” energy — it was painfully relatable in the best way. And then Xaden walks in with that warm, golden-retriever smile and suddenly Eli is choking on air and I’m kicking my feet like I’m the one being flirted with.
Their banter? Perfection.
Their tension? Slow-burn torture.
Their softness? Undid me.
There’s this moment where Xaden says, “Ridiculous. Can’t believe I’m into you,” and I swear I had to physically put the book down because I was blushing right along with Eli. And the way Eli slowly lets himself be wanted… God, that got me.
The whole story feels intimate in a way I wasn’t expecting — quiet moments, late nights, unspoken things simmering just under the surface. It’s tender and awkward and sweet and so emotionally charged. I loved every second of watching them stumble their way into something real.
By the end, I was smiling like an idiot, completely invested in these two disaster boys who somehow fit together so perfectly.
From the very beginning, I felt so connected to Eli. The awkwardness, the sarcasm, the “please don’t look too closely at me” energy — it was painfully relatable in the best way. And then Xaden walks in with that warm, golden-retriever smile and suddenly Eli is choking on air and I’m kicking my feet like I’m the one being flirted with.
Their banter? Perfection.
Their tension? Slow-burn torture.
Their softness? Undid me.
There’s this moment where Xaden says, “Ridiculous. Can’t believe I’m into you,” and I swear I had to physically put the book down because I was blushing right along with Eli. And the way Eli slowly lets himself be wanted… God, that got me.
The whole story feels intimate in a way I wasn’t expecting — quiet moments, late nights, unspoken things simmering just under the surface. It’s tender and awkward and sweet and so emotionally charged. I loved every second of watching them stumble their way into something real.
By the end, I was smiling like an idiot, completely invested in these two disaster boys who somehow fit together so perfectly.
March 8, 2025
This is one of those stories that I love. There is something about the grumpy/sunshine trope that just draws me in. Maybe because I'm grumpy? I don't know.
Xaden and Eli (where DO these names come from?) are co-workers at a coffee shop. From the day they met, they were super into each other, but thanks to a comedy of errors, they each think the other hates them. Xaden is all sunshine and rainbows. Eli is dark and brooding.
Xaden is a relentless flirt. Like, every single person who comes in the coffee shop, he'll flirt with, take time to get to know them (at the register!), and that gets on Eli's last nerve. Eli basically runs the place, has everything set in its proper place, and is methodical. Xaden, not so much.
So you can imagine what will happen when their boss has enough of their bickering and orders them both to stay late and do inventory. Alone. Without her (or customers) to calm them down.
I thought it was fantastic, and look forward to more from this writer.
Xaden and Eli (where DO these names come from?) are co-workers at a coffee shop. From the day they met, they were super into each other, but thanks to a comedy of errors, they each think the other hates them. Xaden is all sunshine and rainbows. Eli is dark and brooding.
Xaden is a relentless flirt. Like, every single person who comes in the coffee shop, he'll flirt with, take time to get to know them (at the register!), and that gets on Eli's last nerve. Eli basically runs the place, has everything set in its proper place, and is methodical. Xaden, not so much.
So you can imagine what will happen when their boss has enough of their bickering and orders them both to stay late and do inventory. Alone. Without her (or customers) to calm them down.
I thought it was fantastic, and look forward to more from this writer.
November 10, 2024
I received this book free without a promise of any response on my part (part of a promotion). The author was new to me so I am feeling a review is called for. It deserves more than a 4 but not a 5.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was well-written and I feel the characters were well-developed. Eli clearly had put up a front to ensure that he did not fall for Xander's flirting, knowing he was attracted to Xander.
After staying to close the coffee shop where they took shifts after classes, the two of them melted somewhat towards each other although neither would admit it at first. The ice was truly not broken until the very end.
I can see this book being expanded to be more than a novela.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was well-written and I feel the characters were well-developed. Eli clearly had put up a front to ensure that he did not fall for Xander's flirting, knowing he was attracted to Xander.
After staying to close the coffee shop where they took shifts after classes, the two of them melted somewhat towards each other although neither would admit it at first. The ice was truly not broken until the very end.
I can see this book being expanded to be more than a novela.
September 24, 2025
Enemies-to-Lovers Served with Extra Foam
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Closing Time by Maia Kinley is a sweet MM novella that pairs Eli, a grumpy, broke Computer Science scholar, with Xaden, a charming football scholar who never seems to take life too seriously. Their constant bickering as part-time baristas keeps the banter sharp, but beneath it all, the chemistry simmers. Eli’s hidden crush and Xaden’s genuine affection make their slow shift from irritation to attraction satisfying and tender. It’s short and cozy, perfect if you want a low-angst romance with plenty of opposites-attract tension. The only drawback is that being a novella, it feels like it ends just when you’re fully invested—you’ll be wishing for a few more chapters of Eli and Xaden.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)
Closing Time by Maia Kinley is a sweet MM novella that pairs Eli, a grumpy, broke Computer Science scholar, with Xaden, a charming football scholar who never seems to take life too seriously. Their constant bickering as part-time baristas keeps the banter sharp, but beneath it all, the chemistry simmers. Eli’s hidden crush and Xaden’s genuine affection make their slow shift from irritation to attraction satisfying and tender. It’s short and cozy, perfect if you want a low-angst romance with plenty of opposites-attract tension. The only drawback is that being a novella, it feels like it ends just when you’re fully invested—you’ll be wishing for a few more chapters of Eli and Xaden.
November 22, 2024
3.5 - 4 *
This is a really quick read and suitable for a lunchtime story read in private.
Both Eli and Xaden seemed to get off on the wrong foot and for a year have been having unnecessary harsh words for each other, yet behind their time together on shifts, they actually are interested.
This author pulled a sneaky move in getting them to work together via their manager. Such a lighthearted story to think back on how silly we are when we first start entering the dating phase of our youth. The angst, the possibilities and then taking the bull by the horns and facing the situation dead on.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a really quick read and suitable for a lunchtime story read in private.
Both Eli and Xaden seemed to get off on the wrong foot and for a year have been having unnecessary harsh words for each other, yet behind their time together on shifts, they actually are interested.
This author pulled a sneaky move in getting them to work together via their manager. Such a lighthearted story to think back on how silly we are when we first start entering the dating phase of our youth. The angst, the possibilities and then taking the bull by the horns and facing the situation dead on.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 21, 2024
This was a quick and easy read, but I'm not completely sure what I thought about it. Xaden was sweet and I felt so bad for him because Eli treated him like crap, and still darling Xaden kept on trying so damn hard to win him over. I do get that Eli was frustrated but come on, being absolute cruel to the poor boy for no reason at all? And yet he STILL wants to spend time with you? Eh, Xaden deserves better.
The ending was sweet, though, and I did enjoy most of it, so because of Xaden being a darling it still gets 3 stars. I do hope he realises he deserves better and go finds himself a new boyfriend in the future, however.
The ending was sweet, though, and I did enjoy most of it, so because of Xaden being a darling it still gets 3 stars. I do hope he realises he deserves better and go finds himself a new boyfriend in the future, however.
June 29, 2025
Anyone ordered a cute coffeeshop romance?
Closing time is like a well-brewed cup of coffee. It has the full flavor of well-written characters and a sweet romance as cream on top.
But underneath it all there still exists some bitterness, which in this case is some of the communication which Eli could have done a lot better. He kept thinking things that could have cleared up struggles a lot faster if he had opened up to Xander quite like he did.
However, I have hope for them and their future once they learn to actually talk to each other.
Closing time is like a well-brewed cup of coffee. It has the full flavor of well-written characters and a sweet romance as cream on top.
But underneath it all there still exists some bitterness, which in this case is some of the communication which Eli could have done a lot better. He kept thinking things that could have cleared up struggles a lot faster if he had opened up to Xander quite like he did.
However, I have hope for them and their future once they learn to actually talk to each other.
July 21, 2024
A new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A well written cute storyline about Xaden and Eli who are both working at a cafe to help with college costs. Initially Eli doesn't like Xaden mainly because he is an outrageous flirt and not realising he suffers from ADHD and anxiety! Things come to a head when they both end up staying late and confront both of their feelings.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review.
August 5, 2024
This was such a cute little forced proximity cute cafe coworkers romance. We meet Eli and Xaden, the former more pricklier than the latter and circumstances causing them to come together and face their feelings to themselves and each other.
A novella that doesn’t tell but shows time manangement and effects of ADHD and how one can overthink and get in their own way. How two opposing people can come together to help each other. A cute MM romance with an easy flow of writing and a quick read
A novella that doesn’t tell but shows time manangement and effects of ADHD and how one can overthink and get in their own way. How two opposing people can come together to help each other. A cute MM romance with an easy flow of writing and a quick read
August 14, 2024
Eli and Xaden are college students who work together at a coffee shop. Eli is a nerdy computer science major and Xaden is a cinnamon roll football players who is not only adorable but friendly and outgoing as well. Working together should be a breeze except that Eli is harboring a massive crush and uses snappy comments and sarcasm to keep it hidden, and Xaden is confused and dying for the chance to get close to Eli even if only as a friend.
This was such a cute and spicy story with lovable characters, even if I did want to shake Eli a few times. It is definitely great for a quick fun read.
This was such a cute and spicy story with lovable characters, even if I did want to shake Eli a few times. It is definitely great for a quick fun read.
November 10, 2024
A short, fast-paced love story that is great for quick read when traveling or on a break. A Coffee break~
Eli has always had a crush on Xan-Xan, but that affection has turned into annoyance since he's failing to get Xan-Xan's attention, and Xan-Xan is this flirty guy while Eli is just a nerd.
Xan-Xan on the other hand had his own issues he was dealing with.
All they needed was a confrontation, and I've been on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the story.
Eli has always had a crush on Xan-Xan, but that affection has turned into annoyance since he's failing to get Xan-Xan's attention, and Xan-Xan is this flirty guy while Eli is just a nerd.
Xan-Xan on the other hand had his own issues he was dealing with.
All they needed was a confrontation, and I've been on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the story.
July 28, 2024
This was my first novella, I loved how Maia was able to integrate the history of the characters and build rapport/tension in such a short time. It was cleverly done and the characters experienced growth even in such a short book! The characters were relatable and loveable, making for a fun read. Can’t wait for Maia’s next book!
February 15, 2025
This was a wonderful, cozy read for me. I love reading about sexual tension and just wanting to see the direction that it takes. Eli was so high strung about everything, his studies, his job, and Xaden was not. I loved the peeling away of the layers of their relationship and this was after they worked in the coffee shop together for a year! I look forward to other works by this author.
April 11, 2025
Such a cute and quick read.
Personally I don’t like third person narrations but It wasn’t bad. Both MCs had their flaws but I think that’s what attracted them to each other. I definitely feel like the manager knew more than she was telling.
I wish we got an epilogue but I haven’t checked if there’s a on bonus on the authors page so might do that. I’d read more from this author in the future.
Personally I don’t like third person narrations but It wasn’t bad. Both MCs had their flaws but I think that’s what attracted them to each other. I definitely feel like the manager knew more than she was telling.
I wish we got an epilogue but I haven’t checked if there’s a on bonus on the authors page so might do that. I’d read more from this author in the future.
August 9, 2025
A very fun novella with a couple of quirky boys who have that can't-stand-him/can't-keep-my-eyes-off-him vibe. Really enjoyed reading their magnetism. The way they end up getting stuck together and having to sort their sh*t out felt realistic, humorous, and ended up rather touching with, of course, some whooo-boy steamy. I'd love to see more of these two!
July 18, 2024
Two college students working part-time at a coffee bar, both like each other but the other doesn't realize. A great plot idea but for me the first half fell flat, a teensy bit boring. The second part was much more fun to read, rather cute actually. An ok read.
May 9, 2025
Cute! The dialogue was a little cringy and didn't work for me. I also wish the author used classic "show, don't tell". Like, don't TELL me that the two characters are "grumpy and sunshine" (an actual quote from the book), SHOW me!
September 18, 2025
Too damn short, I would have loved for it to be a full-length novel because these characters just deserve it
It was so good to see it's set in the Camrose U world (I think this could be considered sort of a prequel, though it's totally independent)
Lovely!
It was so good to see it's set in the Camrose U world (I think this could be considered sort of a prequel, though it's totally independent)
Lovely!
September 23, 2025
Even though this was a short read, I think the author really brought out the characters and made me care about them. She used small means to say a lot. I really enjoyed this story and I loved the characters and their dynamic.
July 9, 2024
Such a sweet novella. For such a short read it is packed with great dialogue and a rich storyline. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to read more by this author! Highly recommend!
July 30, 2024
Cute
August 30, 2024
3.6 - shorter. Cute fluff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews