The Peppermint Premise: a Sweet & Spicy Christmas Romance Novella

by Zara Monzel

A single cup of peppermint mocha becomes the catalyst for a Christmas miracle that proves the real fight begins after you find the person worth fighting for.

Between his sex-addicted roommate and finals, CHRISTOPHER “CHRIS” BRENNAN’s easy smile is wearing thin. His only calm now comes from watching the quiet girl who seems to have found a peace he can’t even imagine.

When her usual order is unavailable, he buys her a peppermint mocha.

That one drink is all it takes to rattle the lonely snow globe of her life.

GUINEVERE “GWEN” PIERCE is used to driving people away with her bluntness, but now she can’t stop noticing the guy with a worn-out smile and thinking about the way he accepts her aloofness without question.

When she finds him stranded in the common room, she makes an her couch. What starts as a practical roommate arrangement turns into a routine of study sessions and Christmas movies.

But as winter break approaches, so does reality.

He’s trapped between a stable future that feels all wrong and the fear of losing her. For the first time, she feels normal. Now, her only fears the future she’s building isn’t real if the one person who truly sees her walks away.

This Christmas, the greatest gift they can give each other isn’t love, but the courage to fight for themselves.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

Zara Monzel grew up watching action and thriller movies and secretly pining for fictional characters in her bedroom. Never quite a hopeless romantic, she now writes heartwarming romance for fellow skeptics and dreamers alike. When she’s not writing, she can be found curled up in bed with her shark plushie, binging true crime podcasts.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn Varner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and happily booked pr for this ARC. I read this short story in just two days. It was cute and cozy. I loved that the main characters each had their own in depth storylines even though the story was short. The way they hyped each other up and helped each other come out of their shells and into confidence was really sweet.

[Angy Twisted Library]

beta reading loved it

[Uzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
The Peppermint Premise was one of those books which felt like a warm hug during hard times. It was comforting, angsty and sweet. The characters in this book represented social anxiety and the people-pleasing tendency so well. I literally shed a couple tears when they argued. 😭
I need Chris to exist IRL too because he was way TOO hot in the book. The author needs to be sued for making him this hot! (Jk) The portrayal of Gwen hit me hard because I'm like that sometimes but instead of having a Chris myself, I just threaten to punch people (I'm just a girl 🎀).
The romance was *chef's kiss*! Safe to say, I wish that people who exist and suffer from such disorders do find their people who will take care of them and love them the way they deserve to be loved or they find it in themselves to love themselves. 🫶
I really wish I would have read this in December because the wintery vibes would've been better. 😭 But it was still stunning.
Thank you so much to the author and Love Notes PR for gifting me an ARC for the book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Alexandra Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Peppermint Premise was such a cozy little holiday read 🩷 It’s sweet, low-stress, and full of soft moments that feel like sipping a peppermint mocha during finals week. Chris and Gwen’s connection is gentle and awkward in the best way, and I loved how their relationship grew through quiet support rather than big dramatic gestures. Perfect if you want a quick, comforting college romance with festive vibes and zero emotional damage. Cozy, cute, and very easy to enjoy 🎄

[Neida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a lighthearted story, both Chris & Gwen see each other when they feel like no one else sees them. They see how they are worthy. I need to know more about what comes after for them! Such an amazing cute story.

[Adrianne Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute cozy winter romance. I loved the main characters. Chris is a sweet, gentle and caring MMC and Gwen is also sweet and so relatable. I lived how they both built each other up, had confidence for one another and encouraged each other. Literally so sweet.

Thank you to Happily booked for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[the honeyed library · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What do you mean there’s a black cat FMC and a golden retriever MMC??? WHERE. DO. I. SIGN???”
Because that was exactly my thought when I found this... and oh my GOD, it did not disappoint. And then I found out it’s a debut?! A DEBUT?!?! I refuse to believe someone came out swinging this hard on their first try. FULL ON PRAISE TO ZARA!!!

This slice-of-love story of Gwen and Chris is everything. Soft, cozy, real, and insanely addictive. I got so emotionally attached to Chris I saw myself in him (minus the ability to make a perfect peppermint mocha, ik tragic, really ╥﹏╥).

Chris is THE golden retriever boyfriend. Write that down I ain't saying it again. He’s cute, blonde (my very fatal weakness), makes a kicka$$ peppermint mocha, takes care of his girlfriend (I'm jealous), and somehow manages to be gentle, supportive, and stupidly lovable all at once. The man gives her a bath. A BATH. (I am jealous×infinite). I could keep going, but honestly? Just go read it and then we can scream about this.

And Gwen...oh, Gwen. She’s adorable, relatable, and so beautifully written. Watching her go from socially awkward and guarded to comfortable, open, and truly herself with Chris made my heart melt. The way they understand each other without needing to explain everything? That's so cute!!!. They don’t just love each other...they choose each other. They fight for one another with softness, patience,
and honesty. No fake smiles. No quiet suffering. Just real love, shown in the most tender ways.

And let me be clear: this book is not just sweet and cozy (though it absolutely tops at that). It has spice. The good kind. The kind that sneaks up on you while you’re already smiling like an idiot.(cuz I did)

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be sitting alone in a café, staring dramatically into the distance, waiting for my own Chris to appear with a spilled peppermint mocha and unconditional love. Because honestly? Peppermint mocha has never meant this much to me before.(⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this entire novella straight through and loved this beautiful story!

Chris Brennan is tired and overwhelmed. Between his studies in finance that he isn't sure he actually wants to do, being a chronic people-pleaser, and his inconsiderate roommate, he hasn't gotten enough sleep or been able to focus on studying. Gwen Pierce is an introvert who struggles with social anxiety and often ends up rubbing people the wrong way with her blunt nature. Chris has noticed Gwen for a while, but she is always in her own world so when he has the chance to talk to her he immediately takes the opportunity to recommend a peppermint mocha. When Gwen later finds Chris in the dorm common room freezing and half asleep, she offers to let him sleep on her couch. As they spend more time together, they see past the masks that they both wear. With winter break approaching, their relationship evolves, but they have to figure out if it can survive the real world or if their insecurities and fears will tear them apart.

Gwen and Chris were both so well written and really relatable. As a recovering people-pleaser, I could completely understand how Chris felt when he was trying to smile for people and didn't genuinely feel it. I also felt like his existential crisis of "is this what I really want to do with my life" is something that everyone goes through at some point. Gwen's introvert tendencies and social anxiety were also super relatable. I really felt like her struggles with fitting in helped me connect with her character. Their interactions were really cute and I loved how Chris would step in when he could see Gwen getting uncomfortable. The one thing that bothered me about this novella is that the timeline seemed very wishy-washy. I think the story mostly takes place over a few weeks, but at times it seems like Chris and Gwen have been living together for months. The spice kind of surprised me and seemed a little awkward at times, but I did enjoy how focused Chris was on making sure that Gwen was comfortable and happy.

Overall, I would recommend this cute holiday novella. It has a lot of fun moments with meaningful themes of overcoming self doubt and finding community with people you choose.

I received a free advanced copy of this novella from Love Notes PR and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Peppermint Premise snuck up on me. I thought I was getting a soft, festive meet-cute. What I got was a tender, emotionally observant story about two people who don’t need grand gestures, just someone who sees them and stays. One cup of peppermint mocha turns into a lifeline, and I loved every single sip.

Chris Brennan with his tired smile and too much weight on his shoulders broke my heart in the gentlest way. He’s kind without being loud about it, exhausted without being bitter, and watching him hover on the edge of a life he’s supposed to want felt painfully real. Gwen is prickly, blunt, quiet, and deeply human. She doesn’t soften herself for anyone, and the way Chris accepts her exactly as she is felt like watching a locked door slowly open from the inside.

Their relationship builds in the small moments. Study sessions. Shared couches. Christmas movies playing in the background while feelings quietly rearrange themselves. No forced drama, no instant fixes. Just two lonely people creating a pocket of calm in the middle of chaos. It felt intimate, almost intrusive, like I was sitting in the common room pretending not to listen.

And the emotional core. Wow. This story understands that love isn’t the finish line. Finding your person doesn’t magically solve everything. Sometimes it’s the thing that forces you to finally look at your own fears, your future, and the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding. That message hit hard and true.

By the end, I wasn’t crying loudly. I was sitting there with that full, quiet feeling in my chest, the one that comes from being understood. This book is soft, sincere, and quietly brave. A perfect Christmas read for anyone who loves slow-burn connection, emotionally grounded romance, and stories that whisper instead of shout.

Peppermint mocha will never be the same, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. 🎄☕💚

[Spicy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Brennan is running on fumes. Juggling a finance major he’s no longer sure he even wants, a lifelong habit of putting everyone else first, and a roommate who seems allergic to basic consideration, he’s exhausted and unfocused. Gwen Pierce, meanwhile, keeps to herself. Her social anxiety and straightforward honesty often push people away, even when she doesn’t mean to.

Chris has been aware of Gwen for a while, quietly intrigued, but she always seems tucked inside her own thoughts. So when he finally gets a moment to talk to her, he seizes it—offering a simple recommendation for a peppermint mocha.
Later, Gwen stumbles upon Chris shivering and half-asleep in the dorm common room. Without hesitation, she invites him to crash on her couch. That small act of kindness becomes the start of something deeper. As they spend more time together, they begin to see through each other’s defenses and the personas they’ve learned to wear.
With winter break looming, their connection starts to shift into something more. But both of them carry fears and insecurities that could either strengthen their bond or pull them apart once the real world presses in.

This novella was so cute! Chris is just a big teddy bear - quiet but popular. Gwen is fiesty, but shy. I love how the FMC was the "lead" in this book - she took care of him, but then he did take care of her too. Their interactions are some times frustrating (like just tell each other how you feel!), but they were very sweet! They break through each other's defenses and talk to each other, instead of keeping everything internal.

All I did the entire book was crave peppermint mochas! I had so many of them during December that you would think I would have been sick of them!

Great holiday read! Thank you to Happily Booked PR and to the author for the gifted copy to read!

[Katie Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author and HappilyBookedPR for the ARC copy of The Peppermint Premise in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cozy, gentle holiday romance with a surprising amount of emotional depth for a novella. Chris and Gwen’s story felt soft, intimate, and quietly powerful. Chris is overwhelmed by finals, a frustrating roommate, and questioning his major, while Gwen is guarded, anxious, and used to pushing people away. One peppermint mocha and a shared moment later, their worlds begin to overlap in the most comforting way.

I really loved watching their bond grow through simple things like studying together, watching Christmas movies, and just being present for each other. Their conversations felt meaningful and grounded in real college struggles. Chris’s people-pleasing nature balanced so well with Gwen’s grumpy, closed-off personality, and together they created such a warm emotional dynamic.

The anxiety representation stood out to me in a big way. The way panic, self-doubt, and social anxiety were portrayed felt genuine and relatable. It was handled with care and realism, which made their connection even more powerful. Seeing them support each other through those moments was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book.

For a novella, the intimacy scenes were well done - steamy but still emotional and connected to the story. They never felt out of place and added to the vulnerability between the characters.

My only real complaint is that I wanted more. Some storylines felt slightly rushed, and this easily could have been 100 pages longer. I would have loved more time with these characters and a deeper exploration of certain conflicts. That being said, this is Zara Monzel’s debut, and it left me really excited to see what she writes next.

Overall, The Peppermint Premise is a heartfelt, cozy, spicy holiday romance with strong emotional themes and beautiful character balance.

Tropes & Themes:
🌶 Spicy
🎄 Holiday College Romance
👀 Dual POV
🐈‍⬛ Grumpy Black Cat FMC
☀️ Ambivert Sunshine MMC
🧠 Neurodivergent Rep
💭 Panic Disorder / Anxiety

[Julrenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming Christmas novella that has elements of real issues.

What does a guy have to do to get a girl he has been noticing on the college campus to take notice of him, too? Be a clutz spilling his coffee over himself. Even then, she goes right back to scribbling in her notebook.

I honestly feel for the MMC, Christopher Brennan. He is a popular guy on campus, studying Finance at college, yet he enjoys his side job of being a graphic artist more. On top of that, he has to vacate the dorm room that he shares with a sex addict at various times of the day and night, leaving him to study in the cold of the common room unsuccessfully. It’s there that the FMC, Guinevere Pierce, finally acknowledges him.

Gwen suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and is content to go about her day in stealth mode. She is studying creative writing, which complements her introverted personality and gives her joy. Gwen takes a big step, coming to Chris’s aid and offering him a place to sleep and study in peace.

What these two characters do is to breathe life into one another. After finding out that Gwen hasn’t truly experienced the festivities of Christmas, Chris goes out of his way to show her what she has been missing out on. In return, Gwen learns more about Chris, offering him advice in his freelance work.

What is truly wonderful about this novella is the love story. These characters are two strangers truly seeing and understanding one another. They have an equilibrium in their relationship that makes way for love to bloom, but can it survive what's to come?

This novella started slowly, and I wasn’t sure if it would change. It did, and I am glad I continued to read until the end because it ends with meaning.

[Charlene Atmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for the holiday season. It’s about Chris and Gwen who are both college students. They’re not friends or have ever interacted with each other. But one day in the coffee shop they have a very sweet “meet cute”. Gwen always orders a specific tea, which they don’t have that day. Chris suggests the Peppermint Mocha and after that nothing has been the same. After another run in and finding out that Chris doesn’t exactly have a good place to sleep, Gwen invites Chris into her dorm room to stay till winter break.

I give this book 4 stars. I loved the characters Gwen and Chris. They are complete opposites, but because of that they really complete and complement each other. They both have their internal struggles and personal issues they need to work on, but I liked that about the characters because it made them feel real and relatable. Even though it’s kind of a short read, you can really get lost in the story and world Zara Monzel created in the book.
I think because it’s a novella, the relationship between Gwen and Chris progressed pretty fast. They start off as complete strangers and still she invites him to stay with her in her room, even though they just met. After a short while you can also already tell there is some romantic interest between them.

I do wish the book was a little longer, just so I could have more of Gwen and Chris. They are super cute together and their first I love you will make your heart melt. If you’re looking for a fast paced, short but very sweet holiday story. I would definitely recommend this book! You won’t get enough of Gwen and Chris.

Thank you Zara Monzel and Lovenotes.PR for the e.ARC!

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Peppermint Premise❄️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Zara Monzel for trusting me with this wonderful ARC!❤️

The Peppermint Premise was my last holiday book/novella for the season,& I am SO GRATEFUL I rounded up ,with such a wonderful story.
It gave that (dark) academia vibe that for the first time I TRULY ENJOYED + it was written FOR THE INTROVERTS.

Taking and deeper dive into the characters,we have Gwen,a lonely mysterious girl,that always has her nose under a book,and Chris,who has a s/x addict roommate(I PROMISE IT IS RELEVANT).Those two will instantly click together and share a wonderful romance,with an incredible chemistry.
However,I cannot not refer to THE WOMAN,Gwen became in the end/her character development.
Starting,we have that little frightened girl,who is always worried about taking space,yet in the end,she is not afraid to speak her mind nor what is hers-I was literally so proud for her🥹
Getting back to the romance,I will say one thing Oh.My.God.
The thing with novellas,is that 🌶️scenes either complete them or completely ruin them since the length is short and characters have to connect instantly.I think you can guess in which side we are in this time.
IT WAS PERFECT.JUST PERFECT.

Rounding it all up,if you are just like me ready to close the festive season,with a quick & beautiful read that will leave you already missing the🪵🍪🎁🎄 ,The Peppermint Premise is just for you.
out on Jan,15th🧸
5⭐

[Knollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading TPP, it was hard to believe it's Zara Monzel's debut novel. It's written to the same caliber of authors with more titles under their belt, and seeing this at the beginning of her published work makes me excited to pick up her next release already!

Even though this book is meant to be a Christmas novella (and it is so cutely Christmassy!), it's honestly a good read for any time of year! It blends a perfect mix of festive and everyday, and I am already planning a re-read of it for the end of this year!

So often in short-form contemporary romance, there isn't time for the main characters to be both foils/mirrors of one another and their own fully fleshed-out people, as well. Monzel walks that line so well in TPP, though. Chris and Gwen are both lonely, but in very different ways. Chris is lonely because he feels pressure to be everything others expect him to be, while Gwen is lonely because she refuses to be anything other than herself. What begins as accidental proximity becomes a place of genuine comfort, friendship, and acceptance, free of expectations. From there, an intentional, deeply earned love grows. They are easy to root for, both individually and together.

The last 20% of the book reads a bit like the final half hour of a rom-com, in that cozy, Hallmark sort of way (with the addition of some nice spice, too!). While there is conflict, it's one of those conflicts where you don't want to smack anyone, but rather hug them both and then make them hug each other, too. While Chris and Gwen sort of fell into each other by accident, their love is intentional.

Zara Monzel, you knocked this out of the park! I am looking forward to the rest of your work!

Three and a half stars!

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆/5 stars!!

Tropes:
* College romance
* Mental health rep
* Open door romance

Thank you Zara Monzel and Love Notes PR for the ARC read! I’m not usually the biggest fan of reading Christmas-themed books after Christmastime, but this was definitely the perfect exception! I had a great time reading this novella, and I highly recommend it!

Chris’s roommate has unofficially kicked him out of his own dorm room just weeks before finals, and Chris is exhausted. Without a place to comfortably rest, he can’t focus on passing his classes for the semester. Gwen notices Chris’s exhaustion and, despite her extreme social anxiety, she allows him a place to stay in her dorm room. As they spend more time in close proximity, Gwen begins to open up from her shell as she lets Chris become closer to her.

When I have a busy schedule, I usually favor shorter, faster books so I don’t end up in a book slump. This book was the perfect read for me with finals coming up for myself! It was short and sweet, and I highly enjoyed it. I felt like I could relate to Gwen’s character, and I really liked the accurate social anxiety representation. Also, Chris was the SWEETEST PERSON! He gave off such golden retriever energy, and I liked how Chris learned that it’s okay to just be yourself.

One thing I want to say is that I felt the romance in this book was very fast. I know it’s hard to make it slow considering it was a novella, but just a fair warning, they jump into a relationship very quickly. I personally didn’t mind it, but I just wanted to share.

If you enjoy holiday reads no matter what time of the year it is, I highly suggest to pick up this book! I had a blast reading it, and I would recommend it to anyone.

[anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

SLIDES ON INSTAGRAM : analira_deslivres

The Peppermint Premise de Zara Monzel 🤎
Service presse
→ 3/5

Coucou tout le monde, je vous retrouve en ce dimanche pour vous parler d’un arc que j’ai eu la chance de lire récemment. Je ne vous cache pas, j’aime trop les lectures festives quand c’est pas/plus la saison 🤓 If christmas is not there anymore, it’ll bring it back ☝️.

Cette histoire est d’une douceur sans nom. Les attentions entre Chris et Gwen, nos personnages principaux, sont tendres à souhait et PAS TOXIQUES (j’en peux plus des « romances » toxiques 🙆🏻‍♀️), leur relation est vraiment angélique, ils sont dans leur bulle à eux, bien que j’ai eu un peu de mal au départ à cause de leur alchimie qui s’installe un peu vite 🥺.

Le format Novella (entre nouvelle et roman) était assez nouveau pour moi ! J’ai bien aimé, c’était fluide et rapide à lire même si nos protagonistes méritaient plus de développement, que ce soit leur relation ou leur personnalité 🫵. À voir si je retente l’expérience !

La plume de Zara est un vrai page turner, très facile à lire en anglais et qui reste poignante en même temps 🥹. Malgré tout, j’ai remarqué quelques facilités scénaristiques qui auraient pu être évitées 🙂‍↔️.

Hormis ça, c’était vraiment une chouette lecture qui replonge bien dans l’ambiance hivernale/festive des fêtes de fins d’années avec douceur 🫶, si vous cherchez une histoire courte et facile à lire, foncez !! ❄️

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peppermint Premise
By Zara Monzel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, joy! The Peppermint Premise is more intoxicating than the perfect holiday coffee it features! Zara Monzel has delivered a sweet, heartwarming, and utterly real story that feels like a cozy hug on a cold winter's night. The way Chris and Gwen's worlds collide over a simple drink is pure magic, and watching their quiet, genuine connection blossom amidst the chaos of dorm life is an absolute delight. The dialogue is snappy, the emotions are raw, and every moment is infused with a "chipper" charm that makes it impossible to put down. This is truly a Christmas miracle of a book!
What elevates this read to an easy five stars is the beautiful authenticity of the characters and their struggles. Gwen's social anxiety and Chris's quiet desperation are handled with such care, making their journey from practical roommates to something so much deeper incredibly rewarding. The story expertly captures that vulnerable feeling of finding "your person" and then having to face the terrifying realities of the "real world." It's a gorgeous reminder that true strength often lies in letting others in and fighting for the relationships that truly matter. Monzel has crafted a festive, touching gem that will leave you smiling long after the last page. Simply wonderful!

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[bibliophilecrowdiaries · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a cute college romance, with no sports, then this one is for you! Within this story is a cute first love feel written with a lot of emotional healing woven in. Don’t let the shortness fool you, it packs a punch and is worth the read.

My favorite part of this book was the authors ability to bring to life how someone feels with social anxiety.The anxiety was brought tot life so well that I was immediately immersed into the scene playing out within the pages. I cant describe what I felt reading about a character that experienced such similar anxieties in social situations. It made me want to love the anxiety right out of the Gwen and I am so glad that Chris stepped up and took over that job.

Speaking of Chris, the people pleasing that he kept up for so long was eventually going to come crashing down and sweet Guinevere was right there to save him. I love how almost instantly Chris also became protective over Gwen, swoon worthy! The slow burn relationship building was absolute perfection. With healing that was able brought out of both characters was written so good you couldn’t help but to root for them to overcome both them to win against their anxieties. I can’t say it eough, but I LOVED LOVED LOVED how the helped to bring healing to each other and that they got HEA in the end.

[Veronica]

ARC Book Review 🎄📚❄️

This one wrapped itself around my heart like a winter scarf and refused to let go.

Chris is exhausted—by finals, by chaos, by a life that looks fine on paper but feels hollow. Gwen is quiet, guarded, and painfully honest, hiding behind sharp edges because it’s safer than being seen. When a single peppermint mocha (I prefer peppermint hot chocolate - but I digress) sparks an unexpected connection, two lonely people collide in the soft glow of winter.

What starts as a practical couch-crashing arrangement slowly turns into late-night study sessions, shared silences, and Christmas movies that mean more than they should. The chemistry is subtle, tender, and achingly real. No grand gestures—just comfort, understanding, and the feeling of being chosen.

But as the semester ends, reality creeps in. Futures don’t always align, and love doesn’t always arrive at a convenient time. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s about becoming brave enough to want more, to choose yourself, and to risk heartbreak for something that feels true.

Quiet. Emotional. Hopeful in the best way.
If you love slow-burn romance, winter vibes, and characters who feel like real people, this one is a must.

Thanks to @lovenotes.pr and @authorzaramonzel for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.

[Nevada · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Peppermint Premise was a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Everything started with a terrible roommate, a Peppermint Mocha, and Gwen having an open couch for Chris to crash on.

I enjoyed the characters in this book and thought they were very relatable. Gwen has anxiety and Chris is a chronic people pleasure - two things that I relate to a lot. I wish this were a full length so that the characters had time to develop further on the page, but I still think it was well done for a novella.

The one big thing that kind of shocked me was the spice happening 47% of the way in. At this point, our MC’s haven’t even kissed yet, but they are going beyond that. Gwen also mentioned not wanting to kiss Chris in this moment because he was sick, but all cares were gone and they moved on quick.

I think The Peppermint Premise is going to be a novella that readers pick up in the colder months leading up to Christmas. I would have loved to have this in November - December when I was getting all of my holiday reads in.

All in all, a good debut for this author. I’m excited to see what she releases next.

Thank you to the author and Happily Booked PR for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who knows me can tell you how much I love my mocha drinks ,made by my beau . How to show his love he does know . These two would be lovers are attracted to one another above others. Each have their own insecurities and feelings to work through but I can see an happy ending maybe culminating in I do…Chris sees Gwen now and then and when her usual drink is unavailable Chris buys her a Peppermint Mocha to try …aw what a guy! She is one of those gals who stand for no nonsense and is blunt to the point of be unattainable,not amiable. But one day she finds him at a table stranded in the common room. Yeah not the drive in ,it’s not Grease but she offers him a place to stay and it does please. Can they stay this happy even though she’s snappy but not with he . He thinks she’s heavenly but where they are going he can’t see. He really needs to decide where his future does lie ,and she has feelings for this guy. Will they still be more than friends though in the end ? When winter ends. Wonderfully written and of these characters I am smitten as a kitten all a purr with his pair. They both have depth and layers and aren’t players but each brings this out in each other and each makes a delicious lover …

[DeeG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Brennan is overwhelmed by finals, a frustrating roommate, and life in general, until he starts quietly noticing Gwen Pierce. One peppermint mocha later, their lives gently collide.
Gwen is guarded, introverted, and used to pushing people away, while Chris is a soft-hearted people-pleaser just trying to find his footing. When he ends up stranded, Gwen offers him her couch, and soon their days are filled with studying, Christmas movies, and a connection neither of them expected. As winter break approaches, both are forced to face the fear of losing the one place, and person, that finally feels safe.

I really loved how these two balanced each other. Watching them navigate social anxiety, panic attacks, and self-doubt together felt genuine and thoughtfully done. The anxiety representation stood out in a meaningful way, and the intimacy scenes were surprisingly well written for a novella, steamy but still emotional.
This was a quick, cozy, feel-good read that felt like sipping a warm peppermint mocha on a cold day. My only complaint? I wanted more. I would’ve happily stayed in this story longer.

Thanks to the author and LoveNotesPR for this book.

Tropes:
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spicy
🎄 Holiday College Romance
👀 Dual POV
🚪 Open Door
🏠 Close Proximity
🐈‍⬛ Grumpy Black Cat FMC
☀️ Ambivert Sunshine MMC
🧠 Neurodivergent Rep
💭 Panic Disorder / Anxiety

[adri · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ARC review.

I've recently gotten into holiday romance, so I decided to give it a chance. And sadly, I don't think this was my cup of tea, mainly for the writing and characterization. The story in general was cute, but too cute. I feel it could've worked better as a YA novella/book, taking out the spicy scenes, because the characters didn't feel like college students.

I couldn't connect with the characters at all. I knew Gwen was autistic only because I had seen the character info on social media posts, but during my read, I didn't see it. It was mostly just her being anxious. Chris, on the other hand, was a people pleaser, and it was done well. But to me, he felt entitled, as if seeing her every day in the coffee shop gave him the right to know her when they had never crossed a word before. Their conversation felt unnatural and rushed. Their spicy scenes, once they started, just kept showing up. I wished it had been less rushed because some things felt unfinished. I wish it were longer to see them develop further and see the product of their decisions.

Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the ARC.

[butterfly_reading_effect · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet cozy holiday romance novella that also had a surprising good amount of character grow and plot to it.

Our college student MMC Chris that after some unfortunate circumstances leads him to be stuck in the communal room of the residence with no where to go untill our FMC Gwen sees him and decides to take a change and offer to share her room with him.

Gwen has caught his eye for a while as she is this mysterius quiet girl even after a brief meet cue she keeps her distance until that one evening.
i love that both characters is complex and have their own insecurities about love, careers and family that leads to self discovery and character growth through out the book.

The writing style is so good it’s hard to believe it’s a debut book. Its written in a 3rd person narrative which i normally don’t like for romance but Zara still manage to make you feel all the characters emotions and wrote it so well that i did not actaully mind it at all.
There is also just the right amount of spice to balance the sweet out.

Overall if you are looking for a great feel good while still having a deeper plot novella this one is for you!

[Cindi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable. Full stop. The premise is charming, the romance is soft and swoony, and the entire story feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a peppermint mocha and a Hallmark movie on in the background. I loved the characters, I loved the emotional pacing, and I loved how naturally the connection between them unfolded.

The only thing that kept this from being a full, unhinged five-star obsession for me was the third-person POV. I’m such a first-person girlie, and while the writing is lovely, that little bit of narrative distance made it harder for me to feel completely feral and emotionally possessed by the characters the way I usually like to be.

But truly? That’s a me thing — because the story itself is sweet, warm, romantic, and comforting in all the right ways. If you love cozy romance with gentle tension, heartfelt moments, and a festive vibe that feels like emotional hot cocoa, you’re going to eat this up.

Basically: I smiled a lot, I swooned a little, I wanted to hug the book… and I would 100% read more from this author.

[Tamara Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ No spoilers, all vibes

The Peppermint Premise by Zara Monzel is a festive romance that hits the perfect balance between cozy, clever, and quietly addictive. It wraps holiday atmosphere, emotional depth, and chemistry into a story that feels both comforting and fresh.

The characters are thoughtfully written, with interactions that feel natural and layered. Their dynamic builds in a way that keeps you turning pages, savoring each moment rather than rushing to the end. The setting adds charm without overwhelming the story, and the pacing makes this novella ideal for a seasonal binge or a cozy evening read.

What stood out most was how grounded and genuine the romance feels. There’s warmth, tension, and just the right amount of spice, all delivered with a confident, polished voice. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling when you’re done, already missing the characters.

A perfect pick for readers who want a holiday romance that feels modern, heartfelt, and satisfying from start to finish. This one earns every star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was such a cozy holiday treat. I loved how a simple peppermint mocha became the start of something special between Chris and Gwen. Their first meeting felt sweet and natural.

Chris is the kind of character many would immediately connect with, tired, overwhelmed, and questioning his choices in life. Gwen is guarded and struggles with social anxiety, but beneath her blunt exterior she’s vulnerable and relatable. Watching them slowly open up to each other was heartwarming. Their bond grew through everyday moments like studying together, sharing meals, and just being present for one another.

I appreciated how the book explored themes of self-doubt, loneliness, and finding comfort in someone who truly sees you. The representation of anxiety felt real and respectful. Chris’s people-pleasing nature balanced her grumpiness perfectly, and together they created a dynamic that was both tender and fun.

It fit the holiday atmosphere and gave the story that magical, whirlwind feel. My only wish is that it had been longer, because I wanted more time with these two characters.

[Aga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Happily Booked PR for this ARC.

This is a sweet, forced-proximity holiday romance with a spicier edge. I always appreciate seeing neurodivergent representation, but here I found myself unsure how Gwen was meant to be read-whether she struggles with severe anxiety or is coded as autistic wasn’t entirely clear, which made it harder for me to fully connect with her character. Chris, on the other hand, is very much a people-pleaser, and on paper the dynamic should work.

In execution, though, the pacing felt slow while some developments-particularly how quickly Gwen becomes comfortable in a sexual relationship-felt oddly rushed and not fully earned. Chris also lacked depth for me; he never quite moved beyond the surface, and I kept feeling that something essential was missing. I would have preferred a longer story with more room for character development and emotional grounding.

That said, I never felt tempted to abandon the book, which definitely counts for something. In the end, this may simply come down to a personal disconnect with the writing style rather than the concept itself. Readers who enjoy gentle holiday romances with spice may still find plenty to enjoy here.

[Samiksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

a college romance set right around christmas, this was a super cute read! both chris and gwen were characters who deserved all the happiness in the world and i love how they brought out the best in each other with their time together 🤍 their stories felt very realistic; especially with them having to figure out what they individually want from life and together, and the constant conflict between choosing what would make them happy vs what people thought/ wanted from them. i just wish we got to see a little more of the characters before they met in the book- theirs was sort of an insta attraction trope that didn't really hit for me, and the third act breakup felt rushed towards the end.
however i liked the character development over the course of the book for both our leads, zara monzel wrote this with a lot of heart and meaning to convey to her readers and it was beautifully done in all :) thank you for the arc @authorzaramonzel @lovenotes.pr !!