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Caramel Cove Collection
Smoked & Spiced
Caeli Webb and her sister Camilla are bringing a unique twist to the town’s culinary scene with Sweet Reasons Cupcakes.
Brayden Young and his cousin Lennox are mainstays on the town’s culinary scene who offer a distinct flavor with Smoked & Spiced BBQ.
When Brayden pulls the Smoked & Spiced truck into Food Alley and finds a bright pink, sugar explosion parked in their prime location, he’s prepared for all-out war. What he finds instead is a beautiful, persistent, clever, and gorgeous woman who challenges his restraint.
Caeli’s current focus is to secure a spot at Food Alley so Sweet Reasons gains the visibility and traction she and her sister need to expand their brand. When she pulls their truck into the best spot on the property, she quickly learns her competition is not only just as strong-willed, but also incredibly charming and handsome.
These two entrepreneurs can’t see eye to eye. However, if they’re not careful, they just might find themselves falling for the enemy. In this small town romance, Caeli and Brayden face off with witty banter and stubborn intentions.
May the best foodie win.
Brayden Young and his cousin Lennox are mainstays on the town’s culinary scene who offer a distinct flavor with Smoked & Spiced BBQ.
When Brayden pulls the Smoked & Spiced truck into Food Alley and finds a bright pink, sugar explosion parked in their prime location, he’s prepared for all-out war. What he finds instead is a beautiful, persistent, clever, and gorgeous woman who challenges his restraint.
Caeli’s current focus is to secure a spot at Food Alley so Sweet Reasons gains the visibility and traction she and her sister need to expand their brand. When she pulls their truck into the best spot on the property, she quickly learns her competition is not only just as strong-willed, but also incredibly charming and handsome.
These two entrepreneurs can’t see eye to eye. However, if they’re not careful, they just might find themselves falling for the enemy. In this small town romance, Caeli and Brayden face off with witty banter and stubborn intentions.
May the best foodie win.
- GenresAfrican American Romance
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2024
About the author
K.C. Mills
204 books1,904 followersK.C. Mills is a USA Today bestselling author of over 100 traditionally and independently published novels, including Innocent Intent, Christmas in Spite of You, and You Could Do Damage. Since publishing her first novel in 2015 Mills has solidified her literary career by writing beautifully flawed characters and realistic, edgy stories displaying love in all shades of brown. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia and can be found online at theauthorkcmills.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 9, 2024
Brayden and his cousin co-own the popular BBQ food truck Smoked & Spiced. Their popularity allows them prime parking in a coveted spot at Food Alley. When he pulls up to begin prepping for the day’s business, there’s a bright pink truck parked in “their” spot. Well, clearly this is a mistake because everyone know this spot belongs to the Smoked & Spiced truck. So, Brayden makes his way over to his new neighbor to politely ask them to move. However, he’s temporarily dumbstruck when the owner appears and he almost forgets why he’s even there.
Caeli and her sister co-own Sweet Reasons dessert food truck. They were lucky enough to win a week at Food Alley rent free and they plan to use this windfall to promote their business and build their clientele. Caeli is taking in their surroundings and is ecstatic Sweet Reasons can finally be a part of the popular Food Alley scene but, this dude knockin’ at their door is blowin’ her high. After some sarcastic back and forth, Brayden talks Caeli into a friendly wager which, unfortunately for her, she loses. She not only has to take her cocky food truck neighbor to dinner but, she also has to give up the prime parking spot. Once the Sugar Princess and the Burnt Meat King start spending time together, they realize they have more in common than just their business interests. I loved these two. Caeli and Brayden were giving me Kenni and Carter vibes. Their attraction to each other was just so infectious and I loved how they were able to bond over their similar family issues. I also loved how KC referenced Indie Love in the book. I kinda wish there were food trucks outside the community center when we were there. Smoked & Spiced was a cute and pallet cleansing read. I highly recommend it.
Caeli and her sister co-own Sweet Reasons dessert food truck. They were lucky enough to win a week at Food Alley rent free and they plan to use this windfall to promote their business and build their clientele. Caeli is taking in their surroundings and is ecstatic Sweet Reasons can finally be a part of the popular Food Alley scene but, this dude knockin’ at their door is blowin’ her high. After some sarcastic back and forth, Brayden talks Caeli into a friendly wager which, unfortunately for her, she loses. She not only has to take her cocky food truck neighbor to dinner but, she also has to give up the prime parking spot. Once the Sugar Princess and the Burnt Meat King start spending time together, they realize they have more in common than just their business interests. I loved these two. Caeli and Brayden were giving me Kenni and Carter vibes. Their attraction to each other was just so infectious and I loved how they were able to bond over their similar family issues. I also loved how KC referenced Indie Love in the book. I kinda wish there were food trucks outside the community center when we were there. Smoked & Spiced was a cute and pallet cleansing read. I highly recommend it.
July 19, 2024
Burnt meat vs Puffed Sugar 😂 Brayden co-owner of Smoked and Spiced, has been doing well with his food truck business being in a prime location. Well, this day he arrives and sees a sparkly cupcake truck in "his" spot and is livid. He is going to walk over there and tell the owner to move their truck out of his spot. However, when he sees who owns the truck he is stuck by her beauty.
Caeli is dumbfounded why this man thinks he can make her move her truck when she arrived first. Who the hell does he think he is? After some lively banter between the two and a friendly/not friendly bet, the food truck war begins. Caeli takes her L somewhat okay, but having dinner with this arrogant, yet handsome man is giving her anxiety. Caeli is surprised to learn that Brayden is not all that she believed he was. The more these two interacted they realized how attracted they were to the other, and their thoughts began to drift to other things. Conversations were had, dinner and lunches were shared, and the chemistry heats up. Before long they both don't remember why they were beefing in the first place, and most of their free time is spent together. They bonded over their love of business, and parental issues, that ultimately drew them closer together. K.C. always does us right, so I wasn't surprised at how much I enjoyed this quick read. Check it out. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Caeli is dumbfounded why this man thinks he can make her move her truck when she arrived first. Who the hell does he think he is? After some lively banter between the two and a friendly/not friendly bet, the food truck war begins. Caeli takes her L somewhat okay, but having dinner with this arrogant, yet handsome man is giving her anxiety. Caeli is surprised to learn that Brayden is not all that she believed he was. The more these two interacted they realized how attracted they were to the other, and their thoughts began to drift to other things. Conversations were had, dinner and lunches were shared, and the chemistry heats up. Before long they both don't remember why they were beefing in the first place, and most of their free time is spent together. They bonded over their love of business, and parental issues, that ultimately drew them closer together. K.C. always does us right, so I wasn't surprised at how much I enjoyed this quick read. Check it out. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
July 29, 2024
4.5 ✨️✨️✨️
No 3rd act breakup
No 3rd act breakup
August 12, 2024
4 1/2 "Burnt meat and sweet treats!" Stars!
This book felt longer than 166 pages in the best way. This novella packed an emotional punch and left me on cloud nine. Happy reading!
This book felt longer than 166 pages in the best way. This novella packed an emotional punch and left me on cloud nine. Happy reading!
August 31, 2024
Picked this book up because it won the book club poll. The story is about Brayden and Caeli who meet each other when Caeli parks her food truck in Brayden's regular spot. They end up entering into a bet for the spot that turns into a date. The banter between them was really cute. They definitely had chemistry in the beginning. The rest of the story is essentially Brayden courting Caeli with unique experiences hoping their relationship turns into more.
The story overall was decent for me. There's really no real drama and these two fall for each other fairly quickly. I would have liked to have more time with the food truck business side of things because the description made it seem like a rivals to lovers but they aren't rivals at all. I also feel like there were certain storylines that were unnecessary and took me out of the main story a few times. Overall, this is an easy read if you're looking for something written well, quick and sweet.
The story overall was decent for me. There's really no real drama and these two fall for each other fairly quickly. I would have liked to have more time with the food truck business side of things because the description made it seem like a rivals to lovers but they aren't rivals at all. I also feel like there were certain storylines that were unnecessary and took me out of the main story a few times. Overall, this is an easy read if you're looking for something written well, quick and sweet.
August 9, 2024
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
It’s only get 4.5 because I feel both stories could’ve went in one book…. However, this was the perfect example of love at first sight… Off rip Bray knew he wanted Lee even though she and her sister took they spot he didn’t care he made it a point that he was gone get her… Hated the parents and the mother but glad they didn’t let that stop their relationship 💛
Next up Nox and Ami 😍
It’s only get 4.5 because I feel both stories could’ve went in one book…. However, this was the perfect example of love at first sight… Off rip Bray knew he wanted Lee even though she and her sister took they spot he didn’t care he made it a point that he was gone get her… Hated the parents and the mother but glad they didn’t let that stop their relationship 💛
Next up Nox and Ami 😍
September 15, 2024
This was a cute little summer read. No drama, the spice was right, communication was great, and the FMC was giving “I could be friends with her,” vibes.
July 22, 2024
Loved
I recommend this story to anyone that's interested in seeing young people make positive decisions to be better than their circumstances. Brayden and Caeli were perfect each other, though young. I love how Brayden was straightforward with Caeli and continued to show her how he felt with his actions, and Caeli didn't he same for him.
Both have parents with issues, but they are able to navigate around their parents and become better as they stand in their truth!
I'm looking forward to seeing more about Nox and Ami since they are engaged now. I know there's more to Nox story.
I recommend this story to anyone that's interested in seeing young people make positive decisions to be better than their circumstances. Brayden and Caeli were perfect each other, though young. I love how Brayden was straightforward with Caeli and continued to show her how he felt with his actions, and Caeli didn't he same for him.
Both have parents with issues, but they are able to navigate around their parents and become better as they stand in their truth!
I'm looking forward to seeing more about Nox and Ami since they are engaged now. I know there's more to Nox story.
September 7, 2024
I was surprised by this book. I have read this author before and usually experience a situation where it grabs my attention immediately. Then, I am holding on until the last page. Didn't happen this time.
I was expecting more conflict between Bray and Caeli. Especially since their romance started out as a rivalry for who would get the best food truck spot. That entire conflict fizzled out.
Caeli wasn't my favorite character, but I did like Camilla, Nox, and Bray. Caeli grew on me to the point she became OK. The story morphed into what I would call a romance between 2 people with lots of parental baggage.
I did like the way Caeli supported Bray, and the way he was not intimidated by Caeli's success and/or business acumen. I found myself more interested in Camilla and Nox's romance.
This was a sweet romance. It didn't go where I thought it would. I didn't pick up any sexual tension, any emotional buildup, etc. The only feelings I experienced during the reading of this book was the tirade from Bray's mother, and the descriptions of the food and cupcakes. It took me a really long time to read it because there wasn't much else interesting in the book.
Sweet, insta attraction, supportive relationships, but not much more.
I was expecting more conflict between Bray and Caeli. Especially since their romance started out as a rivalry for who would get the best food truck spot. That entire conflict fizzled out.
Caeli wasn't my favorite character, but I did like Camilla, Nox, and Bray. Caeli grew on me to the point she became OK. The story morphed into what I would call a romance between 2 people with lots of parental baggage.
I did like the way Caeli supported Bray, and the way he was not intimidated by Caeli's success and/or business acumen. I found myself more interested in Camilla and Nox's romance.
This was a sweet romance. It didn't go where I thought it would. I didn't pick up any sexual tension, any emotional buildup, etc. The only feelings I experienced during the reading of this book was the tirade from Bray's mother, and the descriptions of the food and cupcakes. It took me a really long time to read it because there wasn't much else interesting in the book.
Sweet, insta attraction, supportive relationships, but not much more.
July 30, 2024
Sweet 🥹
Caeli and Brayden were the absolute cutest 🥰 I loved how they were more alike than they realized. Just two ppl who knew what they wanted from each other and both agreeing that they were elite for one another. They literally had me smiling through the entire book.
Can we please revisit them 😩 I don’t want them to go!
As always KC. Tha 🐐 has released another banger. I found this one to be a bit different from her usual style of writing but her signature is most definitely all over this love story. 📚 🔥 🖊️ 👏🏾
Caeli and Brayden were the absolute cutest 🥰 I loved how they were more alike than they realized. Just two ppl who knew what they wanted from each other and both agreeing that they were elite for one another. They literally had me smiling through the entire book.
Can we please revisit them 😩 I don’t want them to go!
As always KC. Tha 🐐 has released another banger. I found this one to be a bit different from her usual style of writing but her signature is most definitely all over this love story. 📚 🔥 🖊️ 👏🏾
August 18, 2024
Enjoyable
I enjoyed getting to know this couple. Their initial meeting was filled with enough tension to make it interesting. Brayden came off as a little too arrogant for my liking, but he grew on me. Caeli’s confidence and spunk made her very likable. Their food truck rivalry was a cute concept. Things progressed very quickly in their courtship. A few dramatic encounters with their families added some depth to the story. Their determination to not let any outside forces get in between them was sweet. I’m looking forward to reading the other book in this series.
I enjoyed getting to know this couple. Their initial meeting was filled with enough tension to make it interesting. Brayden came off as a little too arrogant for my liking, but he grew on me. Caeli’s confidence and spunk made her very likable. Their food truck rivalry was a cute concept. Things progressed very quickly in their courtship. A few dramatic encounters with their families added some depth to the story. Their determination to not let any outside forces get in between them was sweet. I’m looking forward to reading the other book in this series.
October 14, 2025
Smoky hot
What happens when two people argue over an unofficial parking spot at a food truck park? Brayden finds out immediately when he approaches the owner of a dessert food truck. Not only Caeli is attractive but she’s just has confident as Brayden is.
A bet is made, but when it time for the loser to pay up it more than she bargained for.
Every good recipe has its trials & errors before the recipe is perfected. Just the right about smoke & spice leads Brayden & Caeli on an exciting journey of love,
What happens when two people argue over an unofficial parking spot at a food truck park? Brayden finds out immediately when he approaches the owner of a dessert food truck. Not only Caeli is attractive but she’s just has confident as Brayden is.
A bet is made, but when it time for the loser to pay up it more than she bargained for.
Every good recipe has its trials & errors before the recipe is perfected. Just the right about smoke & spice leads Brayden & Caeli on an exciting journey of love,
July 26, 2024
Taste The Chase
Hahahaha 🤣😂, men their egos & a quick pivot (to appear unaffected) are hilarious & too darn predictable 🤭‼️…and Brayden in the presence of Ms. Caeli was prepared for his internal competition to “taste the chase”. Nevertheless, “Smoked & Spiced” was a good read. More so, Carli & Bray compliment each others personality, hustle and biological parental voids. ..looking forward to book two of this series and a doubled HEA.
Hahahaha 🤣😂, men their egos & a quick pivot (to appear unaffected) are hilarious & too darn predictable 🤭‼️…and Brayden in the presence of Ms. Caeli was prepared for his internal competition to “taste the chase”. Nevertheless, “Smoked & Spiced” was a good read. More so, Carli & Bray compliment each others personality, hustle and biological parental voids. ..looking forward to book two of this series and a doubled HEA.
January 4, 2026
I really didn’t enjoy this book at all. The pacing was terrible, everything happens way too fast with no real buildup, so nothing had time to feel meaningful. Any potentially good aspects of the story were completely overshadowed by the constant horny content and excessive spice. Instead of adding to the plot, it just ruined it for me and made the story feel shallow and rushed. Overall, it just wasn’t my thing, and I struggled to stay engaged from start to finish.
July 27, 2024
I liked it
I think this was kinda different. It still had the KC Mills feel but the story was kinda different and I liked it. It was a sweet and endearing story with very minimal drama and that came from very complicated parents. This introduction to Caramel Cove is off to a great start.
I think this was kinda different. It still had the KC Mills feel but the story was kinda different and I liked it. It was a sweet and endearing story with very minimal drama and that came from very complicated parents. This introduction to Caramel Cove is off to a great start.
August 1, 2024
Oh Gosh
I really really loved these two characters. Normally KC does slow burns, but she jumped right into the action with this one and I loved it! Caelia and Brayden definitely deserved each other. I love how Brayden was straight forward with Caelia. He saw what he liked and didn’t waste no time in locking Caelia down. You will love these two! Trust!
I really really loved these two characters. Normally KC does slow burns, but she jumped right into the action with this one and I loved it! Caelia and Brayden definitely deserved each other. I love how Brayden was straight forward with Caelia. He saw what he liked and didn’t waste no time in locking Caelia down. You will love these two! Trust!
August 26, 2024
This was such a cute and cozy read. ☺️ The story was just amazing and beautiful written. I loved the purest of the characters Camilla, Ami, Bray and Nox. I loved how tight knit they stuck together supporting each other. Imagine finding your person when you’re not even looking! 🫶🏽 It just flowed so nicely in the love/romance book. Idk what’s not to love about this book it was wonderful.
September 4, 2024
I enjoyed this short romance. I was definitely rooting for Brayden and Caeli as well as Nox and Ami. I loved watching the relationships blossom. Seeing the doubts and fears due to past experiences and upbringing that could have shattered both sets of couples leaving them unable to accept the relationships they were both in.
I will definitely be reading more of your work @authorkcmills
I will definitely be reading more of your work @authorkcmills
September 24, 2024
sweet
A sweet, fast moving love story. I love a confident man and this one definitely was! The nice piece was she was not or the foolishness and was a strong woman. I’m going to read Bailey’s book that is a companion to this one,however, it seems so much of Camille’s story was told in this book. Can’t wait to find out if this is true.
A sweet, fast moving love story. I love a confident man and this one definitely was! The nice piece was she was not or the foolishness and was a strong woman. I’m going to read Bailey’s book that is a companion to this one,however, it seems so much of Camille’s story was told in this book. Can’t wait to find out if this is true.
November 6, 2024
Vickie J
Braden couldn't believe someone was parked in their spot but here they was, now Caeli and her sister had their food truck parked at the perfect spot and b this guy tells her that she needs to move cause it's their spot .... not gonna happen cause it's a great spot now the adventure begins. Great Book to read
Braden couldn't believe someone was parked in their spot but here they was, now Caeli and her sister had their food truck parked at the perfect spot and b this guy tells her that she needs to move cause it's their spot .... not gonna happen cause it's a great spot now the adventure begins. Great Book to read
July 19, 2024
LOVED IT!!
This book was so refreshing! Everything I didn’t know I needed in a book. Bray & Lee were simply too cute! & I loved watching their relationship unfold.
On to Sweet Reasons!
This book was so refreshing! Everything I didn’t know I needed in a book. Bray & Lee were simply too cute! & I loved watching their relationship unfold.
On to Sweet Reasons!
July 20, 2024
This was a very cute, fast paced romance. The only reason I can’t give it 5 stars is because the jewelry was making me cringe but that’s a personal preference! The actual story was easy and lighthearted, had a dose of family drama, and was just very sweet!
July 20, 2024
A SMOKED & SPICED REVIEW
I loved this it was a wonderful story.Bray was and Caeli were just fun it’s nice to read a love story without drama of cheating or violence KC MILLS never fails
I loved this it was a wonderful story.Bray was and Caeli were just fun it’s nice to read a love story without drama of cheating or violence KC MILLS never fails
July 24, 2024
Ethnic
We can decide which way our future goes requesting boundaries and respect for what was acceptable when you were a child isn’t acceptable as an adult. Knowing your worth and respect yourself will set the bar on how others should treat you.
We can decide which way our future goes requesting boundaries and respect for what was acceptable when you were a child isn’t acceptable as an adult. Knowing your worth and respect yourself will set the bar on how others should treat you.
July 24, 2024
Smokey with a little Spice
I like the pace Bray and Lee is at with their relationship. They have so much in common. I like how they protect each other. Now I'm looking forward to more books about Caramel Cove. Daquan getting a book?
I like the pace Bray and Lee is at with their relationship. They have so much in common. I like how they protect each other. Now I'm looking forward to more books about Caramel Cove. Daquan getting a book?
July 26, 2024
Smoked and Spiced
This was a cute story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I loved the chemistry and banter between Brayden and Caeli and how they were willing to stand up for each other. I also loved how supportive they were of each others' businesses.
This was a cute story and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I loved the chemistry and banter between Brayden and Caeli and how they were willing to stand up for each other. I also loved how supportive they were of each others' businesses.
July 27, 2024
enemies to lovers💕
This was just the palate cleanser I needed. Bray and Cali were it. Def Hallmark in the summertime material. It was such a sweet, realistic read. I felt like I knew them because of how relatable they were. I can’t wait for Nox and Ami💕
This was just the palate cleanser I needed. Bray and Cali were it. Def Hallmark in the summertime material. It was such a sweet, realistic read. I felt like I knew them because of how relatable they were. I can’t wait for Nox and Ami💕
August 1, 2024
I Love It!
KC Mills delivers as always! This story is sweet and all the way grown! You will love Caeli and Brayden as they navigate their way through their relationship. Both characters are decided, mature, and relationship goals!
KC Mills delivers as always! This story is sweet and all the way grown! You will love Caeli and Brayden as they navigate their way through their relationship. Both characters are decided, mature, and relationship goals!
August 3, 2024
Sweet Deals
This was a good and fascinating story. I loved the characters they kept it real. Bryden and Caeli were so funny. Parents sometimes do not realize the potential of their kids.
This was a good and fascinating story. I loved the characters they kept it real. Bryden and Caeli were so funny. Parents sometimes do not realize the potential of their kids.
August 5, 2024
Lee and Bray were an enjoyable couple thst pat had some messes up parents. I loved thst Bray went for what he wanted no matter how standoffish Caeli was at d first. But Ami and Nox stole the show for me. I hope there is a story about them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews