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Jasper Springs

Mitch: An MM Gay Awakening Romance

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A perpetual bachelor.
A sweet, tempting baker.
A chance to heal a wounded heart.

Mitchell DeVille knows a piece of art when he sees it. After all, he’s the hottest photographer in Jasper Springs. When Mitch discovers a fresh face at the wedding of the season, he can’t turn away. And when his Pretty Boy muse offers him the chance to work together, he can’t refuse.

Mitch soon discovers that the object of his desires is struggling with his newfound attraction, and he knows he shouldn’t play with fire.

Penn Baker dreams of finding the perfect... someone. With a string of ex-girlfriends and one-night stands, he isn’t sure there is anyone out there for a shy golden boy like him. Until he discovers a sexy, confident, photographer, that is.

As unusual feelings and desires rise in Penn, he finds himself falling fast for the charm of the man behind the camera.

Can Mitch be honest with himself about what he wants?
Or will his high-built walls keep out more than just his fear of rejection?

Readers seeking a gay awakening romance set in a cozy little town may find this story checks those boxes. While Mitch and Penn may have cameos in other stories, each book in this series can be read as a standalone.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2024

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About the author

Evie Riley

57 books28 followers
Evie Riley believes too much time spent at the beach is barely enough. She enjoys spending time puttering in the garden, cooking yummy things for her family, and has a quirky personality, described by her partner as ranging from cute to deadly, depending on her blood-chocolate levels.

Evie crafts steamy gay male romance filled with all the edgy angst, or dark and gritty romantic suspense where her men must overcome difficult obstacles and may find love along the way while dishing out their own brand of justice.

Evie spends her nights writing bad boys in love, and her days wrangling the sweet boys she loves.

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5 stars
33 (47%)
4 stars
31 (44%)
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5 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) .
951 reviews235 followers
November 8, 2024
Remember those sweet Riley Hart books that were less about external angst and were more about two people finding themselves, falling in love and adjusting their expectations to their new reality? This was a bit like that.

It's a GFY romance featuring a shy baker and a photographer who's been comfortable with who he is for ages. It has what I'm sure the characters consider angst but the reader knows they're both so far gone for each other that there's not much angst there.

I did love the instant lightning bolt kind of attraction that they both felt for each other, but it felt like their progression from that to the love declarations was much too fast. They're basically the couple that decide first that they're in love, then figure out the rest later.

While that's their journey and it was a sweet one, it felt too idealistic and had very little bumps in the road. It all just felt too easy. Just two men who were both desperate for love finding each other and they live happily ever after. I wish they'd had something more to work through.

I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
9,377 reviews140 followers
October 31, 2024
This is a well written slow burn romance with strong characters in Mitch and Penn. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with insecurities, emotions and romance, moves the story fluidly and delivers an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,475 reviews209 followers
October 9, 2024
3.5 stars—MITCH is the sixth instalment in Eve Riley’s contemporary, adult JASPER SPRINGS erotic, LGBTQ+, MM romance series. This is twenty-three year old, baker Penn Baker, and professional photographer Mitchell De Ville’s storyline. MITCH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: MITCH is an LGBTQ+ story line with same sex scenarios.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mitch and Penn) MITCH follows the building relationship between Mitchell DeVille and Penn Baker. Penn Baker works for his family’s bakery, and never expected to find himself attracted to the wedding photographer Mitchell DeVille. Penn Baker had always been attracted to women, and in this , his sexual awakening was scaring him to death. Mitchell DeVille knew he wanted Penn Baker but Penn’s inexperience may be a hurdle they both struggle to jump.

The world building focuses on the building romance and relationship between our story couple. Hired to take pictures for Penn’s Bakery online presence, Mitch, in an effort to get closer to Penn Baker, offers to help Penn with each successive event, eventually seducing the man with whom he is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

Once again, most of the previous story line couples return as secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Penn’s parents, as well as his former girlfriend Amy.

MITCH is a story of friendships and acceptance, discovery and love. The premise is lively and charming; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are spirited yet caring.

copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Manuela Molteni.
657 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2025
Evie Riley has done it again, and this time, she’s outdone herself with Mitch, possibly the sweetest of all her MM romances—and that’s saying something. If you’re in the mood for a heart-melting, slow-burn romance wrapped in a cocoon of self-discovery and acceptance, look no further.

Mitchell DeVille and Penn Baker are the kind of characters that make you want to clutch the book to your chest and sigh dreamily into the void. They are, quite simply, adorable. But don't be fooled—Riley never serves us romance on a silver platter. Oh no, she makes us work for it, layering her story with that all-too-familiar feeling of not belonging and the sweet relief of finding that missing puzzle piece you didn't even know you needed. And when it finally clicks into place? Pure magic.

Set against the backdrop of Jasper Spring's "wedding of the season" between Gissel and Aaron, Mitch gives us more than just romance; it offers a front-row seat to the delightful chaos that unfolds when love meets small-town charm. Honestly, who knew one little wedding could stage so much fabulous drama? Riley's prose is, as always, elegant and effortlessly engaging, weaving humor, longing, and passion into a narrative that feels as comforting as your favorite blanket.

Whether you're here for the slow-burn, the sizzling chemistry, or just the sheer joy of watching two people find their way to each other, Mitch delivers in spades. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up, and let Riley's storytelling sweep you off your feet. Trust me, you'll be smiling long after you turn the last page.
Profile Image for Naito Diamond.
Author 3 books16 followers
December 2, 2024
Mitch by Eve Riley serves as the heartwarming conclusion to the Jasper Springs series, and though I was initially hesitant due to the cover not being to my taste, I’m glad I gave it a chance. As my first real experience with the "gay awakening" trope, it was both enlightening and utterly delightful.

The story centers around Mitch, an open and proud gay man, and Penn, a baker just beginning to explore his newfound sexuality. Mitch’s sensitivity and patience in guiding Penn through his insecurities and vulnerabilities was touching. Their romance was as sweet as the pastries Penn bakes, and their dynamic—Penn’s tentative self-discovery paired with Mitch’s nurturing understanding—was incredibly satisfying.

As with all of Eve Riley’s books, the small-town setting shines, with a warm, familial atmosphere that made reading this feel like coming home. The cameos from characters in earlier books added to the charm and tied up the series beautifully. I especially appreciated the inclusion of a sapphic couple, which rounded out the series’ representation perfectly.

While I still consider Greyson and Riley—darker stories in the series—my favorites, Mitch was a soft, sugary treat to close things out. It’s a breezy yet meaningful read that highlights the beauty of self-acceptance and love, making it a perfect finale for the Jasper Springs saga.

Highly recommend to anyone looking for a cozy, feel-good romance, especially fans of small-town LGBTQ+ stories.
3,464 reviews28 followers
November 7, 2024
A brilliant read
I could not put this book down. I got totally lost in Mitch and Penn. For me the patience and understanding that Mitch had for Penn was what made him a perfect gentleman he knew straightaway that he was attracted to Penn Finding out that he was struggling with his sexuality in the sense that Penn had only had three or four girlfriends. So to come round and admit that you are attracted to a man can be difficult for people and he need time, patience and space and that is what Mitch gave him. Penn Was attracted to Mitch straight away. He didn’t have a problem being attracted to a man, but to get his head round the fact that the age of 24 and only being attracted to females so far, was this the real reason why his relationships hadnt worked out?? These two have passion they have chemistry I would call them soulmates because when they’re together everything is perfect.
And let me just send massive hug to Penns mum because she knew that what was important with her sons happiness, big high-five.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
755 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2024
Penn’s return home from college to take over his family’s bakery. His first job was making a wedding cake for Giselle’s wedding. The way this entire series centers around Giselle’s wedding gives a sense of continuity and connection between the characters, which I absolutely love.

Penn’s encounter with Mitchell, the town photographer, adds another heartwarming element to the story.  It was a joy to watch Penn find his footing in his personal life.

As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. The recurring characters and small-town charm make each book more enjoyable when you’re already familiar with the various personalities. The town feels alive, and it’s easy to get lost in the interconnected relationships.

I truly hope this isn’t the end of the series. The small-town setting, combined with the romance and friendship, makes this series one I keep coming back to.

I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
331 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
I simply cannot get enough of Eve's books. Eve has a way of writing characters that makes you feel their passion, heartache and insecurities, all while knowing they really just want to love and be loved.

Mitch's story did not disappoint at all, he's a gay photographer who is proud of what he's achieved with his life but when photographing another wedding he can't help but wish he could find someone to look at him the way the bride and groom are looking at each other.

Penn has had girlfriends and one night stands but he's never felt connected to anyone, until he meets Mitch and he doesn't understand why his body instantly reacts to a man when he's never thought about a man in that way before.

Mitch really is so supportive and understanding, giving Penn the control he needs to truly discover himself, nurturing their connection until it's everything you didn't expect.

If you love a heartwarming MM romance then get comfy because this one left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel.
741 reviews9 followers
November 6, 2024
In my heart, Penn is the star of this book! He is the one who has to figure out that he's gay, where Mitch has known all along. But Mitch has had a hard time with love and can't quite believe that the inexperienced, beautiful man is for real.
The plot is not the point here, but it gives the story structure as these two fall in love and lust. Penn's awakening is sweet and powerful. There are only moments of angst, and all is well again quickly. They are surrounded by friends and Penn's parents are accepting. Nothing is heard about Mitch's family or how he got into photography, even though the book is named for him. A short, sweet story that is definitely worth your time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews27 followers
November 14, 2024
I loved Mitch: An MM Gay Awakening Romance (Jasper Springs Book 6) by Eve Riley. Mitch loves shooting weddings but he wants what they have. Too bad he knows everyone in Jasper Springs and there isn’t anyone there for him. When he sees Penn he’s instantly drawn to him but he doesn’t realize that Penn is straight, or is he? Penn has never been attracted to men but then he’s also never had a successful relationship. With Mitch he wanting things like forever and realizing that maybe Mitch is what he’s always been missing. I loved the story and the characters are great. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,016 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2025
Five plus stars!! I loved Penn and Mitch. Poor Penn wanted a love of his life. But every woman he dated or hooked up with were just not right. So after college and coming home to his parents bakery, Penn isn’t dating.

Seeing a handsome man at a wedding while he sets up the cake, Penn can’t help but be attracted to the stranger. And Mitchell noticed the cute baker too but neither gets to talk.

An Internet search, and soon Penn is sending Mitch a message asking for professional services. And Mitch’s done his homework too. As soon as they meet at the bakery you can feel the heat between them.

I loved how Mitch always let Penn be in charge. Following their hearts leads to a very HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DJ McCready.
535 reviews9 followers
October 7, 2024
I have read several of the Jasper Springs series and found this the weakest of the ones I have read. Grayson and Riley stand out as better. The question is why? This is a simple and enjoyable book where a gay photographer sees a straight baker at a wedding they are both working and a spark seems to spark between them. So what is it missing?

The other books have more of a falling out or "it can't work" moment where this book seems destined to move straight through to a conclusion. Albeit, Mitch goes slowly, well-aware that Penn is new and exploring his own feelings. It almost feels unreal.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gavin Stephenson-Jackman.
1,721 reviews
October 26, 2024
Penn's sex life has been less than stellar and now that he's finished his education he's back in Jasper Springs and working at his family's bakery. Mitch is photographing another wedding when a man near the exquisitely decorated wedding cake grabs his attention. So starts the relationship between these two men, one out, but unable to find the one, determined that he'll be alone, the other discovering a new outlook on desire. Business gives them an excuse to be together as they learn about each other and what it could mean to be together romantically. A very sweet story of self discovery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,789 reviews11 followers
November 14, 2024
I always enjoy Eve Riley’s books and this one is no exception. Loved the characters of Mitch and Penn, they were perfect for each other, and Penn’s gay awakening was so sweet. Mitch was so attentive to Penn and his feelings, constantly checking in to make sure he was comfortable with what they were doing, and not moving too fast. I found myself laughing out loud during the frosting war, picturing it in my mind so clearly and hearing Penn’s laughter echo in the bakery. The romance was so sweet and genuine as it developed, the whole book left me with a really good feeling.

I received an advance review copy for free and this is my voluntary review.
1,723 reviews14 followers
October 25, 2024
Just so very sweet! These characters, whether main or supporting, each individually made this story pop. I enjoyed the dynamic of the relationship, how it began and progressed. Everything about this book makes you smile. No real angst, which was a breath of fresh air, and no real anxiety of will they or won’t they. Sometimes just an old fashioned love story is just what we need to feel good. This is just that!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
614 reviews3 followers
October 27, 2024
"Mitch" is another great book in the Jasper Springs series. Much like all the characters in Jasper Springs, I love Mitch and Penn. Their story is sweet and low angst and progresses at the perfect pace. This series is full of wonderful characters and it is great to see them in other books. "Mitch" would be easy to enjoy as a stand alone but I think it is so much better having read the rest of the series. I know to read these books on a weekend since I won't put them down once I start. Eve Riley always leaves me ready for more and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
2,448 reviews16 followers
October 28, 2024
This is another good addition to the Jasper Springs series, this is a lot sweeter than some of the other stories but again the previous characters pop up along with new ones in the story. Baker Penn always thought of himself as straight until he meets Mitch a gay photographer at a wedding they are both working. Then Mitch helps to photograph the bakery where Penn works and they grow closer to each other but Mitch is very careful with Penn and lets him take his time to learn and understand his newfound feelings. This really is a low angst, small town sweet romance.
2,299 reviews20 followers
November 1, 2024
Penn is a baker with his Mom and Dad in Jasper Springs. At a wedding, he spots a man who makes him question his sexuality. Mitch is a photographer there and full out pursues Penn adoring his shyness and inexperience with men. The fantasies these two have are hot as they flirt their way into a relationship. There is an impressive amount of asking for consent here and Mitch's total respect for Penn to take his time. It was refreshing as Mitch appeared to be a player, but not with Penn. I received a copy of this book through Booksirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
1,721 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2024
Penn comes across as an introvert with few friends, trying to fit into a mould not meant for him. He excels at baking and trying to please others. On the opposite side of the coin is Mitch, who is an extrovert yet lonely on the inside. His expertise is photography and when these two get together they make magic.
A book once started you don't want to put down. A length and ease of writing made for a wonderful period between the pages.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
5,025 reviews19 followers
November 9, 2024
Enjoyable and satisfying. Penn, has several unsuccessful relationships with women in his portfolio. He is beginning to despair he will never find his 'one'. Mitchell, photographer extraordinaire spots the fine example of man, Penn at a mutual friend's wedding. Penn, is surprised to find that he is attracted to men, or rather Mitch. Their courtshop of getting to know each other, is sweet. Penn and Mitch grow into better men than they thought they were. Great caeful flow. Nicly done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kailyn Trainer-Walters.
57 reviews
December 12, 2024
sugary sweet perfection!!!

I’ve been binging and loving the Jasper Springs series. All of the books are so vibrant and different but the stellar cast popping up in each others books makes it feel like watching g an episode of Friends with amazing characters.

This installment was the sweetest (pun intended) one yet and I absolutely LOVE adorable Penn and his awakening. Mitchell is the perfect compliment and his patience with Penn was one of the sweetest things in this book.

Love this series and this was such a great ending with everyone making an appearance too.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,738 reviews7 followers
October 19, 2024
Being honest I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Jasper Springs books so far and though this was a great addition it is probably the least favourite! That's not to say it is not a good read and I still loved Mitch and Penns journey but felt their relationship and personalities lacked "depth" but there were enough enjoyable moments to definitely make it worth a read.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
171 reviews
October 22, 2024
Mitch and Penn's story is so sweet. Penn is confused with his growing feelings for Mitch since til then he's never been attracted to a guy. Mitch seems confident at first but as the story progresses you see that he's also suffering with insecurities of his own. It was nice to see how both characters had to overcome their fears to find happiness with each other.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3,258 reviews25 followers
November 9, 2024
Mitch was photographing a wedding when has saw a face he did not recognize.
Mitch was the photographer people went to for their special events and he was currently working a wedding between two well off local families. Covering most local event meant that he knew all the faces but then he saw one he did not know and he felt a spark of attraction as he watch the sexy man working around the cake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
932 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2024
4-*
This a sweet MM story, literally and figuratively.
Penn and Mitch are cute together. Penn has a bi-/ pan-awakening when he realizes Mitch makes him want a man. Mitch is intrigues by Penn and his baked goods.
They start a working relationship. It turns into more. I find it cute & sweet how they move towards to be together after a hiccup. Ofcourse it has a hea/ hfn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
926 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2024
Mitch is the town photographer who is openly gay, Penn is straight & relocates back to Jasper Springs to help his parents with their bakery. They meet when they both are doing a wedding. Penn hires Mitch to help in marketing the bakery. Penn didn't understand the attraction he was feeling towards Mitch. I liked how Mitch kept making sure that Penn was okay with things and didn't rush things. This story had me laughing at the antics. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
2,676 reviews50 followers
October 6, 2024
It was a lot of fun to read Mitch and Penn's story. It was light hearted and entertaining. I enjoyed their snarky banter. I liked that Mitch helped Penn " come out of his shell" , so to speak!! Lol. The scene with them decorating cupcakes was fire! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
2,930 reviews14 followers
October 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book immensely. Once I started reading it I could not stop until I finished. The old and new characters were well developed and so likeable. I would like to see another book where Mitch and Penn's story is continued. Recommend reading. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Linda.
784 reviews15 followers
October 29, 2024
Mitch is the town photographer who is openly gay, Penn is straight & relocates back to Jasper Springs to help his parents with their bakery. Time for the wedding of the century, Mitch is hired to take photos, Penn to bake the cake. They don't know each other but felt a connection from afar. Penn looks up Mitch's business profile & hires him to help in marketing the bakery. As their time together leads to something more, Penn many questions as he doesn't understand the pull he feels towards Mitch. Mitch knows he's scared but helps him through it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,920 reviews39 followers
November 4, 2024
Mitch is the sixth book in the Jasper Springs series and can be read as a standalone but I suggest the whole series, it's so good. This is a low angst, small town, slow burn, sweet read about photographer Mitch and baker Penn. I love all of the wonderful characters and this was such a good story. I hope to keep revisiting Jasper Springs with all the great people that live there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews