Sinfully Sweet

Return to Starlight Bay

by Matilda Martel

She’s scooping ice cream. He’s serving heart eyes. And this summer? Things are about to melt.

Hazel Brown has a open the cutest little ice cream shop in Starlight Bay, keep her head down, and definitely not fall in love. Especially not with Finn Morgan—her best friend since forever, tech genius, and walking definition of “boy next door turned way-too-hot.”

Finn has been in love with Hazel since she first pelted him with a snowball in fifth grade. Now that she’s back in town and chasing her dream, he’s determined to be the guy who helps her succeed—and maybe, just maybe, convince her that their friendship could be the start of something so much sweeter.

Running a business, navigating small-town chaos, and dodging nosy neighbors was never going to be easy... but falling for your best friend? That’s the real scoop.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

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

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn have been best friends for years, carefully walking the tightrope between friendship and something more. Everyone around them—family, friends, even casual observers—could see what they tried so hard to ignore: the love simmering just beneath the surface. Their connection was undeniable, and every shared glance, every lingering touch only added fuel to the fire they had tried so long to contain.

When the sparks finally ignite, their confession is both heartfelt and overdue. Instead of diving headfirst into romance, Hazel and Finn choose to take things slowly, cherishing the bond they’ve built while carefully exploring the new emotional terrain between them. It’s a refreshing, thoughtful approach that makes their journey all the more satisfying—and when they do finally cross that line, the moment is every bit as spectacular as readers will hope it to be.

Of course, keeping their relationship under wraps proves impossible. Their chemistry is too strong, too genuine to be hidden, and those around them quickly begin to piece the truth together. Yet even as Hazel wrestles with her fear of losing Finn if things go wrong, the strength of their relationship—and Finn’s unwavering devotion—guides them through.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risking it All for Love -
Hazel and Finn are best friends who have been dancing around their feelings for years, even though their family and friends have been urging each of them to confess to the other. Spending time together heightened the sparks between them to an explosive level, which pushed Finn and Hazel to finally confess their feelings for each other. However, Hazel and Finn agreed to take the relationship slowly to ensure they were comfortable with each other, which was really great, as the moment they crossed the boundaries of friendship, turned out to be immensely spectacular.

Unfortunately, Hazel and Finn decision to keep their relationship secret was futile, as their longing looks and touches easily gave them away. As luck would have it, Hazel’s fear of their relationship ending and losing Finn didn’t come to fruition, as they got the chance at the happily ever after they had always wanted. This is an excellent feel-good romance story with wonderful characters and a great storyline. I was hooked on the story from the first chapter and didn’t stop reading until I reached the end. If you are looking for a cheerful story to read, then this is the book for you.

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

[Dankinia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sinfully Sweet by Matilda Martel is a short friends-to-lovers novella. Finn and Hazel grew up together and Hazel has moved back to their small town after spending a few years in the city. They both realize their feelings are deeper than friendship, but neither speak up due to fear of losing what they have.

While they've known each other for years, the story itself is pretty insta-love but considering the length of the novella, I expected that. The length also contributes to a lack of character development, but the characters life-long friendship is pretty apparent. There were a few instances where it seemed like things said were sort of repetitive and some continuity issues, but I'm not incorporating that into my rating since I was reading an ARC and those issues might be addressed in the final version.

This isn't a book I'll read again in the future, putting it at 3/5 stars on my rating scale, but it did a good job of keeping me entertained for a short period of time.

Thank you BookSprout for providing this book for review consideration. All thoughts and options are my own.

Date Finished
07/14/2025

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Best Friends**

*Sinfully Sweet* by Matida Martel is the 14th book in the delightful *Return to Starlight Bay* series. This charming story centers on Hazel and Finn, who have been best friends for over 20 years. They’ve both felt a spark between them for quite a while but have been hesitant to act on it, fearing it might ruin their wonderful friendship. However, their family and friends have witnessed the love they share and have been cheering them on to express their feelings finally.

When Hazel and Finn finally decide to confess their emotions to each other, the tension that’s been building for so long makes for some truly heartwarming and exciting moments! The author does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life in this sweet "instalove" tale. You can't help but root for them as they navigate their relationship and move from friends to lovers. With just the right amount of steam and very little drama, this book is an enjoyable read that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon. You’ll definitely find yourself wanting more of Hazel and Finn as they chase their happily ever after!

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

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn. First there a cute couple. Finn just knew she was the one to the point where he is sacrificing his tech company for the shop. Hazel on the other hand. I’m not sure if it was the writing, but it seemed confusing at times. The timing seemed off. So it was set with them planning the ice cream festival, then all of a sudden it seems like it’s a year later and it’s the second year, so we didn’t even get to see how the festival went. Clearly it was a success since they did it the following year but why couldn’t we get a peek of how it went, even if it was at the end of the day. Also how did Finn end up being a partner owner of the ice cream shop? Hazel 73 percent in is still trying to figure out if it they should be more then friends when not even a chapter before he asked her to be his girlfriend and there saying I love you all over the place. The editing wasn’t good, or it could just be me. I don’t know.

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

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like close best friends, ice cream, and dreams coming true? Well if you do then you really should get this electric ebook.You won't wanti to put this ebook down written by this totally outstanding author.Finn has been in love with his best friend since they were little. Hazel is stunning and has gotten even more so with time. Hazel has been crazy over Finn since she was 5 years old and those feelings get stronger and stronger for Finn everyday. They have such a deep and sizzling connection and their passion once let out is explosive. Will Finn and Hazel finally admit that the inevitability of being together forever is looking more like a reality rather than a dream? Can Haxel decide to boldly tell Finn what she's felt for him for a long time? Does Finn decide that the waiting is over and plans to tell Hazel what she means to him? I absolutely recommend this 5⭐️ winner. You will definitely love it. I know that I did.

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

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twenty years as best friends slow burn or crawl? Hazel has loved Finn for years but was always too frightened to do anything about it. Finn is just as bad. His whole world revolves around Hazel and her needs and whims. When she floats the idea of a festival around ice cream day Finn goes overboard with details and anticipating Hazel’s needs. He even risks his own tech business to facilitate Hazel’s festival. Some odd bits and pieces in plot? One chapter even seems out of the proper place in book. Another chapter gets details about wardrobe wrong her t-shirt magically gets unbuttoned. One scene says there are four people at a table celebrating the success of the truck at the festival but then only names three people.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn has been best friends with Hazel since they were kids, and they are the most important person in each other’s life. He never hesitates to put whatever he is doing on hold to be there for whatever she needs and is cautious about extending their relationship beyond friendship.

Hazel also accepts that Finn is the most important person in her life, and he is one of the reasons that she returned to Starlight Bay to open her ice cream shop. She may want more with him but is nervous that if it doesn’t work out it could destroy everything, but some risks are worth taking.

This is a low angst story as everyone in their lives realizes they were meant to be together, and it was fun to see them realize it as well.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn have been best friends for years, and they've been in love with each other for just as long. Neither told the other how they felt because they didn't want to ruin their friendship. Now, Hazel is back in her hometown, fulfilling her dream of owning an ice cream shop, and Finn is ready for more. I loved how everyone in the small town knew they belonged together so when they finally admitted their love, it was cheered on by many. This is a friends to lovers, small town romance with great characters, a sweet, slow burn romance, and a perfect ending. Sinfully Sweet is a fabulous addition to the multi-author Man of the Month: Return to Starlight Bay series, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

" she's scooping ice cream. He's serving heart eyes. And this summer? Things are about to melt."

Hazel opens a little cute ice cream shop in the small town of starlight bay. She only has two things on her plate, 1. Keep her head down. 2. Don't fall in love. Simple right? Wrong. But with a certain tech geek that's her best friend that might be easier said than done.

Finn has been in love with Hazel since the 5th grade, he's so glad she's back in town and will do anything to help her. And to show her they are right for each other.

This was such a quick and sweet read. Best friends to lovers, Small town, ice cream shop, Great characters, wonderful storyline. I ate this baby up. Never putting it down.

Definitely recommend.

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn have been best friends since they were very young. They each have felt more for the other but never found the place to tell the other one. Being in Starlight Bay, they come together to put on an ice cream festival since Hazels scoops are very well sought out for. Hazel has always been the creator and as her best friend Finn is the one that can put the important things to put to paper and get things done. So outside of the love for one another they really do make a great working team. After each one of them as someone say, Hey put yourself out there you finally get to see them come together as a couple. Absolutely loved this book.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friend-to-lover romance.
Hazel is a young woman who returns to her hometown to open an ice cream shop. However, her shop must operate in the summer to survive the winter. Fortunately, her best friend Finn is there to help her. But Hazel is hiding a secret: she's had a crush on him for years.
Finn left to study in the big city and has returned to his hometown to be close to his best friend, Hazel. He never dared to confess his feelings to her. But now that they're spending a lot of time together organizing Ice Cream Day, he can't hide it anymore.
Will Finn and Hazel have a happy ending, or will their story remain just a beautiful friendship…

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This friends to lovers quicky is full of OTT protectiveness and Devotion between these two "just friends". A 20 year friendship is potentially on the line, and it's why Finn has stayed on the safe side of that line. However, it's growing thinner by the day. A festival focused around ice cream May be the break he needs, along with the unintentional aide of her twin. This story will sweep you up in a sugar cloud from the very first page. So much tension and anticipation, accompanied by fear of losing something you love dearly. Are they strong enough to make that leap?

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinfully Sweet by Matilda Martel is an adorable and heartwarming friends-to-lovers novella that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon read. Finn and Hazel have known each other their whole lives, and when Hazel returns to their small hometown after a few years in the city, it doesn’t take long for old feelings to resurface—and grow into something more.

Their chemistry is instant, and while the romance moves quickly, it totally works within the shorter format of the story. You can really feel the depth of their lifelong bond, which adds a sweet emotional layer to the whirlwind romance. The story is light, fun, and full of charm.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Twenty years of friendship turns into a slow burn romance between Hazel and Finn. She’s loved him for years but never acted on it, and he’s just as devoted, going so far as to risk his tech company to help her plan an ice cream festival.

The romance is sweet, and Finn is incredibly supportive, but the pacing and editing pulled me out of the story. One chapter feels out of order, there’s a wardrobe inconsistency (a magically unbuttoning t-shirt), and a scene mentions four people at a table but only names three. The timeline also jumps ahead without showing how the first festival went, which was disappointing.

Cute story with a devoted MMC, but the execution could have been tighter.

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn have been friends since childhood but have hidden feelings for each other. Can they overcome their fears of losing their friendship by taking a new direction in their relationship? This was entertaining with a mix of sweetness and spice but it did have some timeline and off details that slowed my reading pace (hoping these get sorted before released. Simple storyline with a side of sizzle romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Morgan has been in love with his best friend, Hazel Brown since he was in grade school. Now she has opened a ice cream shop in Starlight bay, returning from chasing her dream in the city. What he does not know is that is bestie has the same feelings as him but is scared to ruin their friendship.

Can he and her sister convince her it is worth the risk? This is a sweet and steamy story, this man puts her before everything else.

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

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name says it all!!! This novella centers around the sweetest place in Starlight Bay, Sweet Scoops Hazels dream ice cream parlor. Her life long best friend Finn is helping her prepare for the up coming festival. The pair secretly lover each other and both are scared of doing anything to jeopardize their friendship! The storyline is great with plenty of "sweet" moments and romance. Its a great read that I immensely enjoyed! Another great addition to the Man of the Moth Club!.

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

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story

What a lovely, sweet short story of best friends Hazel & Finn who have loved each since they were children & everybody can see it. They are both too afraid of losing their friendship if they told each other how they feel. After listening to everyone s advice they eventually take the leap & the sparks fly with the start of a perfect happy ever after that they could have been having all those years.

This is a story that you can't help but smile all the while ypur reading it.

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

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What if you find it's everything?"

Finn and Hazel have been in love with each other for twenty years, they have also been denying it for twenty years, they are "best friends" and nothing else. But if they are just brave enough to admit their feelings, they could have everything.
The whole town know they belong together, so them finally, finally getting together seems more inevitable than a surprise, the surprise is that it took so long.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn have been best friends for years and both scared to follow their hearts. They were each other’s biggest supporters and their friendship was everything. When faced with taking a leap of faith and following their hearts or living with their hidden feelings they take a chance and discover everything that neither believed was possible.

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

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and Hazel have known each other all thier lives. Thier friendship means so much to Hazel that she never wants to lose it. Even if she really wants more with Finn. Finn will do anything for Hazel, even jeopardize his own business. Will they ever figure out they should be together?

This is a short story so a lot happens but it is good.

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

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly Sweet

Hazel and Finn have been best friends since high school; he’ll drop everything to help her, and she trusts his opinion on everything. Also, her heart skips a beat when they touch… he watches her like she hangs the moon… but, of course, both are too scared to make a move for fear of ruining their friendship. I enjoyed the dance these two have going on, between should we or shouldn’t we, and the side characters were a hoot. A fun read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Finn is all in, even though he is afraid Hazel may not be. I want Hazel to be brave and overcome her doubts. I love how Sarah tells her like it is. I love how Hazel's sister Helen gives Finn flack. Their story is slow burn, cute memories and future adventures and family building. There are a couple of times I almost lose the thread for some unknown reason. Overall a good story. 3.5 stars.

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

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a sweet book from the beginning to the end. Both Finn and Hazel in love with each from when they were young but afraid to admit it. They finally got together and it was so sweet luv the epilogue.

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

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinfully Sweet is a super cute insta love romance by Matilda Martel! Hazel and Finn have been best friends for the last twenty years and that’s the same amount of time they have been harboring their feelings for one another. These two have danced around each other for so long I loved watching them break that wall and just take the chance!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Matilda and instalove for the ARC!

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

RETURN TO STARLIGHT BAY #14

Hazel the town sweetheart, ice cream owner and her best friend , Finn. they have been dancing around their mutual attraction for years. soo such so that everyone around them has been able to see their chemistry... they risk it all for each other and it ends up in the best HEA for them .

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel and Finn have been best friends forever and both have secretly been longing for the other, but afraid of losing what they already had. This quick and easy read is full of sweet moments, loads of ice cream, friends, family, steam and the consequences of finally taking a chance at love.

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

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long-time friends, Finn and Hazel, have been keeping how they feel about each other for years. Each of them have wanted to be more. The fear of damaging their friendship has kept them quiet. Their tale is cute and an enjoyable read.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda Martel's Sinfully Sweet is a best friends-to-lovers romance that's is a steamy and swoony from first page to last. Finn and Hazel are BFFs but as Hazel works to make her new bakery a success, the sparks are flying between her and techie Finn. A fun, quick, steamy read.

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