Tacos & Toboggans

by Katie Mettner

Jaelyn Riba:
Age: 30
Looks: If you ask the new doctor in town, a Spanish goddess.
Favorite Food: Why choose just one?
Status: Single and avoiding the mingle.

Major Warren:
Age: 38
Looks: Tall and handsome with a killer pair of bedroom blue eyes.
Favorite Food: The Spanish Rooster.
Status: Single but afraid to mingle.

Dr. Major Warren arrives in Bells Pass searching for a fresh start but doesn’t expect to find it in the middle of the town square. Jaelyn Riba can’t help but notice the hot guy in the three-piece suit standing by her taco truck, but she has no time for romance, even when their paths unexpectedly intertwine. The townspeople spy their next Christmas couple and get an assist from a Spanish rooster, a tumbling toboggan, and an infamous legend filled with undeniable charm. When the chips are down this Christmas, Major will question if he’s healing Jaelyn or if she’s healing him.

Inclusion: Hero is an above-knee amputee.

317 pages, ebook

Published November 4, 2025

About the author

Katie Mettner writes inclusive romance and romantic suspense novels featuring characters with disabilities, keeping readers turning pages long past their bedtime.

Her love of books began in childhood when her father took her to the library every Saturday. At seven years old, she discovered The Boxcar Children and immediately fell in love with character-driven stories. She couldn't get enough of books that pulled her into the lives of unforgettable characters, making them feel like lifelong friends.

After losing her leg at age thirty-five, Katie searched for romance novels featuring characters with disabilities, only to find stories that were often inaccurate, rooted in pity, or focused on "fixing" disability through love. Determined to change that narrative, she wrote Sugar’s Dance. When readers embraced Sugar and her story, Katie discovered her passion: writing novels that portray the disability community as loving, capable, complicated, and beautifully human. Whether she's writing a heartwarming Christmas romance or a gritty romantic suspense novel, every story is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in a love story.

When she isn't writing, Katie can often be found along the shores of Lake Superior with her husband searching for agates, baking something sweet, visiting her children, or being lovingly bossed around by her quirky miniature dachshund service dog, Lilibet Linn.

Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemettner/
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
https://www.pinterest.com/katie_mettner/

Reviews

[DebM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the town of Bells Pass Dr. Major Warren is new to Bells Pass and small town he has a military doctor background but decided it was time to leave the military and start looking for a civilian places to work and live.

Jaelyn Riba, one of the Bells Pass girl gang is a server at Ivy’s dine. She also works with the children in the new food truck to make it a success. This is Cameron’s group of children with disabilities and that are mentored so they can learn a job and work. Jaelyn manages this program and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Jaelyn also writes books for children and teaches them about traditions around the world.

Jaelyn and Major meet on Taco Tuesday at the food truck and Major loves the Spanish Rooster

Major is an above-the-knee amputee from a bomb exploding and he also has PTSD. Major is not hiding his disability fom Jaelyn but he’s worried she may not accept it due to other women he’s dated in the past. Jaelyn doesn’t have confidence in herself about how she looks and these make her vulnerable and these are a few things they need to discuss with each other.

They have beem voted by the town as the 2025 Christmas couple.

As I’ve said in other review ls in the Bells Pass series i’m always left happy and sometimes I wish the town was real so I could visit and meet this wonderful community that supports each other. I love this series!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

After stepping away from romance fiction—burned by contrived plots and hollow characters—I didn’t expect to be drawn back in. But Tacos & Toboggans had the real touches I didn’t know I was craving: vulnerability, honest communication, and characters who ring true. It reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place.

Emotional & Intellectual Integrity
* This story respected my emotional bandwidth.
* The characters had doubts, insecurities, and real bodies with real challenges.
* The hero’s prosthesis wasn’t a plot device—it was part of his lived experience, integrated with care and clarity. Nothing felt forced.
* The dialogue was intelligent, the relationship tentative but tender, and the emotional beats landed with grace.

What Restored My Faith
* No billionaires. No breathless ingénues with size 2 bodies. Just two smart, grounded people navigating connection.
* Well-written and emotionally resonant—I stayed up late to finish it, and I don’t regret the lost sleep.
* The Christmas setting and series continuity made it cozy, festive, and full of characters I now want to revisit.

Bonus Points
* Authentic representation without tokenism
* Emotional pain handled with dignity
* Dialogue that respects the reader’s intelligence
* FMC who is realistic
* MMC who’s more than his prosthesis

Takeaway
This book didn’t just entertain—it healed. It reminded me that romance can be smart, emotionally grounded, and deeply human. Katie Mettner, thank you for restoring my faith in the genre. I’ll be returning to Bells Falls. I recommend this for the fun, intelligent Christmas romance you didn’t know you were missing!

[Rachel Richeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another wonderful story in Bells Pass!

You might be wondering why I’m reading a Christmas book in October. Well, don’t let the cover fool you… while part of the story is set during Christmas, this book is so much more than a holiday read. It’s about accepting and trusting ourselves, finding love, facing challenges, and conquering fears.

This beautifully written story is filled with equally beautiful characters. This is the newest book in the series, and it might just be my favorite (though it’s hard to choose!). I love how both Jaelyn and Major have their own struggles but are vulnerable and brave enough to open up to each other and work through them together.

Bells Pass continues to feel like such a warm, supportive community. I often find myself wishing it were a real place I could live. I also deeply appreciate the thoughtful representation of people with various disabilities. As someone living with a disability myself, it makes me feel seen, even if my experience is different from the characters’.

[Jennifer Bowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Christmas story and Bells Pass gives me that.

I always learn something new from each of Katie’s books. We always learn about a new disability and how it affects each person. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist!

I love tacos and food trucks. We have a favorite taco truck nearby and another that I really want to try. However I won’t be tobogganing any time soon 😂. I think it’s a cool idea how the school kids get to help on the food truck.

One of my favorite scenes in the book has to do with crocs, lol. I am a huge croc fan and almost always where them. Rain, snow it doesn’t matter I will wear them, mostly without socks 😬 I know Major just rolled his eyes at me.

I loved Major and Jaelyn, thank you Katie for this ARC

[Jo Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jaelyn and Major as the newest Christmas Couple of Bells Pass!!

A beautifully written story along with strongly written, magnificent characters set in the small, tight-knit town of Bells Pass where everyone knows and supports each other.

Jaelyn and Major - age gap, amputee, each struggling with their own vulnerabilities. Includes some suspenseful intrigue and romance.

The inclusion of the school-to-work program designed to train kids with physical and cognitive disabilities to work in the service industry along with the food truck touched my heart as my oldest daughter has a cognitive intellectual disability and my younger daughter owned and ran a Taco truck 💕

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jaelyn and Majors' story! The town of Bells Pass has become one of my favorites, and I think it would make for a great halmark Christmas movie setting! I would love to see this book made into a movie! All the feels!! Both characters are dealing with trusting things and overcoming things from the past. Can they work through and build the trust to find their happy ever after.
Grab your copy today!!

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

TACOS & Toboggans is a heartwarming story set in a small town where everyone knows everyone & they all take care of each other. Jaelyn does many things to help everyone. When Major, the new doc, moves to town, they become friends, but soon it moves beyond friends. if you are looking for suspense, action, romance and mystery all in one package, this is the book for you.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Christmas season in Bells Pass!
I love Jaelyn & Major struggle with their own vulnerabilities, but Jaelyn especially has such a strong support system with the residents of Bells Pass. I appreciate the theme that runs through these books of the sense of found family & how each main character that’s a newbie to the town gets to experience this in their own unique way.

[Vickie Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaelyn and Major,a person with a disability, is a wonderful story. How they grew together as a couple and their community support was awesome. Found family is the best. I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Katie Mettner. Jaelyn is struggling but still has a big heart. Major is an above the knee amputee surgeon who also has a big heart. Jaelyn and Major together are amazing. This book showed how someone can struggle and still get things done. Definitely a 5 star must read

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters...
looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Mettner's heartwarming holiday story will put the legend of the Bell's Pass Gazebo and its selection of a new holiday couple to the test.

Jaelyn Riba is one of the most emphatic and hardest working people in Bells Pass. She truly enjoys one of her many jobs, managing the school-to-work food truck. Her latest taco addition wasn't selling well until a handsome stranger's praise has the whole town craving it.

Dr. Major Warren, a military hero and an above-the-knee amputee, is drawn to the small-town atmosphere of Bell's Pass. Major sees the town as a place where he can work and have a quieter life as a surgeon.

Immediately, Major is drawn to Jaelyn's ability to connect with people, her beauty, and maybe her Spanish Rooster tacos. Life in the small town soon has them becoming friends until an incident with a toboggan changes everything.

While both Jaelyn and Major struggle with internal doubts about themselves and their relationship, the gazebo and townspeople, as always, have other plans.This is a wonderful addition to the Bell's Pass series that will draw you in to a special town where legends and true love are real.

[Karen McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mere words really don't give this book or this series justice. Amazing warm characters, the warmth and love of the holidays, real romance, true love with scene stealing children. Compassionate, strong characters, a mystical legend, Christmas couples, wonderful food (you can almost taste it). What more could you want? Well, to start, another book set in Bells Pass. Katie is an amazing author that brings all of her characters to life. This is must read for any person who loves holidays, community, Christmas, Christmas magic, strong heroes and heroines, and true romance and love. We learn, as her characters do, how to face the challenges that having a less than perfect body brings, to love themselves and their soulmates, and to take a chance on the future. She demonstrates what a true community is and what can be accomplished when people work together. When we are bombarded on a daily basis with so much negative, this book (and all the others in the series), shows us what we can be. If you have not read Katie before, I urge you to do so now. You read one, you will have to read another, and another and another. Since we can only give five stars, that is what I gave, but on a scale of one to ten, this is a ten.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Mettner has done it again! Another amazing book I couldn’t put done. She’s a waitress/taco food trucker worker/writes and illustrates children’s books. He’s an ex army doc turned orthopedic surgeon. She’s in the process of selling her grandma’s house and finding somewhere to live. He’s has come to town to live. When I tell you the people of Bells Pass show up, they show up. They are a community of people that help each other in times of need. You will see this as you read this book.

Jaelyn runs a taco truck which is a school-to-work program that mentors students. Major shows up one day to the food truck and sparks just fly. I feel the chemistry is instant. He shows up in a 3 piece suit. From there so many events happen-from a toboggan incident to an attack not once but twice, Jaelyn and Major become closer. He also does something unexpected that Jaelyn is so grateful for. Will they both be able to build a life together and be each other’s forever? Major especially has some secrets, but will he be able to tell Jaelyn? Wait til you find out!

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bells Pass! This series is amazing and Tacos and Toboggans is a wonderful addition.

Katie writes beautiful characters that are facing real life disabilities. She always educates me when I read one of her books.

Amazing tropes - small town, entrepreneur, disability representation, doctor, age gap.

Jaelyn enjoys her job as a server at the local restaurant. She has the biggest heart and teaches children how to cook at the local food truck. She’s creative and everyone loves her food.

Majors the new doctor in town and he’s not looking for love l…until he meets Jaelyn. He’s hiding a secret but will share when he is ready.

These two are fantastic together. They have an instant connection, great dialogue and an amazing love story. They help one another with their challenges and insecurities. Along the way they fall in love and become the couple of the year. The magic of the gazebo…IYKYK.

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being back in Bells Pass made my heart so happy! It’s one of my favorite fictional towns with so many unforgettable characters! Another highly anticipated book in this lovely series that has captured my heart since Book 1.

The iconic Bells Pass gazebo is working its holiday magic once again and this year the lucky couple is Jaelyn and Major. Major is the handsome new doctor in town and is so caring and attentive. Jaelyn has a heart of gold and is passionate about everything she does from writing and illustrating children’s books to creating high in demand tacos. Their paths keep crossing and they quickly grow an unbreakable bond. They are so lovable and it was such a joy following along with them on their journey to love even if it was a bit bumpy at times. Such a heartwarming story from beginning to end and an absolute joy to read!

Thank you so much Katie for the arc!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It even got me to make tacos after reading it!

This was very well written and a heartwarming story. I loved the kids working on the truck. That just got me in the heart and was my favorite part of this story.

I loved the character of Jaelyn. She has so much heart and I was pulling for her to have good things happen to her the entire time. Major was also a great character and you could see how these two would be so well suited for each other.

There is enough information about other characters to be able to read this as a stand alone. However, this is such a wonderful town full of people who support each other in the most beautiful way that you will want to go back and read the others to get to know them even better. Wonderful world building as a series!

[Barbara Lack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Katie Mettner’s books, they are just so real. Major is an above the knee amputee surgeon. This limits his mobility, but doesn’t limit his brilliance or huge heart. Major’s character impacted me hugely. He’s the epitome of people doing their best to live a fulfilling life, but struggling. I loved Jaelyn. She represents those of us that struggle seeing our self worth. As a couple these two characters are sweetness personified. I learned a lot of new vocabulary. The technology for people with disabilities just blows me away. It’s very sad that the prohibitive costs keep it from being used by many patients. That’s what I love about this author. In a non pushy way she opens are minds to the real world.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaelyn Riba meets the cute guy in the three-piece suit standing by her taco truck, admires his looks but doesn’t pay any more attention because she figures he’s just passing through town. When he shows up again, she can’t help but be intrigued.

Dr. Major Warren is a military hero and an above-the-knee amputee who is looking forward to the slower pace of a small town.

Both Jaelyn and Major have feelings of self-doubt but are attracted to each other. Could they get past their issues and get together? The town’s residents seem to think so.

A fun holiday story! This is an awesome series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laurel Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little bit late to the party. This is the first Bells Pass story I’ve read. I’ve been thrilled with so many of Katie Mettner’s romantic intrigue novels - - just love them!! - - so I wanted to test drive this very successful series.

Jaelyn Riba eyes the handsome man standing near her taco truck, who, in his three-piece suit, sticks out like a sore thumb in this charmingly quaint country town.

Dr. Major Warren is a military hero and an above-the-knee amputee who also has PTSD.

Both Jaelyn and Major have deep insecurities, but there is an attraction between them that the good people of Bells Pass immediately recognize and help foster.

I was quite touched by Jaelyn and Major’s tentative approach to their relationship as they explore their feelings and learn about each other’s self-perceived shortcomings.

To add depth to this tale, Ms. Mettner adds insight to the workings of Major’s prosthesis, along with other medical details. She skillfully works this into the narrative, not in a preachy or textbook way, but as part of the Christmas Couple’s own discoveries of each other and, indeed, themselves.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite story of the Bells Pass series. I hope this series continues!! This town knows Christmas and and how to make sure everyone has wonderful holiday!

In this book, Jaelyn and Major who is the new Dr on town. Learn they are the Christmas couple for the year as Chosen by the gazebo! Yes, the gazebo chooses the town Christmas couple. I absolutely loved this story. Both have hang ups from their past. Also Major, has PTSD from his military days. That adds to some tension between the couple. Did the gazebo get it right? Will this couple make it till Christmas and beyond??

If you have not read the other books in this series, you don’t know what your missing!! I look forward to this series to help get me in the mood for Christmas!

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bells Pass and the love that the characters have for each other. Jaelyn and Major’s story will warm your heart and get you in the Christmas spirit anytime of the year! The town’s legend and the gazebo makes believers out of nonbelievers and has a way of working out the problems. I absolutely love that Author Katie, always educates us about different disabilities and her characters figure out ways to work with their disabilities to make some things easier, and are always willing to help anyone who needs it.

[Leisl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaelyn and Major are the newest Bell's Pass couple, and I actually slowed myself down reading this book so it wouldn't end too soon! This is a favorite series for me, and this newest installment absolutely does not disappoint. Jaelyn doesn't feel as educated and accomplished at first as she gets to know Major. Then she discovers Major is just about nine years older than she is. However, they grow as a couple. As always, disability representation is excellent in this book. It makes me wish I could live in Bell's Pass.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell's Pass - a caring and supportive community of people who look out for each other. This one is Jaelyn and Major's story - a story of conquering self doubt, dealing with life's challenges and issues, and finding true happiness. A heartwarming story that includes emotions, struggles, interactions, action, community involvement, making choices, found family, acceptance, romance, and love. Loved being able to become totally immersed in Bell's Pass and its awesome residents. Definitely a series I would and have recommended to friends.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at Bells Pass is incredible...

In the quiet town of Bells Pass, food truck owner Jaelyn Riba was struggling until a handsome stranger, Dr. Major Warren, praised her food. A disabled veteran and orthopedic surgeon seeking a fresh start, Major was drawn to Jaelyn's warmth; she, to his mysterious strength. They shared their secrets and struggles, growing close until a fateful "toboggan incident" brought their community together and changed everything. This is a story of healing, hope, and finding love unexpectedly, Christmas in Bells Pass.

[Pointeaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story. I really enjoyed Jaelyn and Major's story, from how they met to him asking her to marry him. Jaelyn struggled to accept that she could love someone like Major. He didn't give up, he knew she would accept him eventually. I enjoyed when he worked on the taco truck with Jaelyn and how he took care of her. Of course the girl gang was amazing, I enjoy how everyone in Bells Pass story continues throughout the new books. It was a sweet, engaging read. I definitely recommend you read it. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major meets Jaelyn at a Taco truck she helps run. Her staff is High School Children. They are being taught how to do jobs in the work field. Jaelyn has a Toboggan accident and injures her arm. Major is a orthopedic surgeon. When seeing who the patient is he performs Jaelyn's surgery. Along the way through many ups and downs they both start having feelings for each other.
Bells Pass sounds like the perfect place to live. I would love for the town and people to be real. It's a wonderful community where the people that live there Love and support each other.
Great book to read.

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I think Jaelyn and Major have had it rough....
Ms Mettner has done it again with this new heartfelt Bells pass story.
I feel like these two are my new favourite couple. They go through so much to be together, it was touch and go though.
The story made me laugh and even had me crying, it also had me shouting at the book.
I've loved every single word and chapter.
This is a great holiday read.

[Tracy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Bells Pass Hit

I love all the people of Bells Pass and the way Katie lets you know them personally makes me feel like apart of the town! I really want to move there. This story was as heartwarming as all the others!