Honey Buns

Smalltown Secrets #3

by Cat Johnson

Welcome back to Mudville where Bethany bakes the sweetest confections in town.

But there's nothing sweet about the new rich guy who just swooped into town, buying up real estate on Main Street like it's her best selling honey buns.

He threatens her business. But more, this sexy billionaire threatens her resolve to continue hating him...

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

About the author

📚Find Series Reading Order and Book Lists at Cat's site CatJohnson.net

🎥 For Film/TV Inquiries Email Cat@Catjohnson.net

It all started in first grade when Cat Johnson won the essay contest at Hawthorne Elementary School and got to ride in the Chief of Police's car in the Memorial Day Parade...and the rest, as they say, is history. As an adult, Cat generally tries to stay out of police cars and is thrilled to be writing for a living. She has been published under a different name in the Young Adult genre, but released her first romance in 2006.

Today, she is a NY Times & USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of contemporary romance. A promo ho, she's sponsored real live bull riding cowboys and promoted romance using bologna.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[Cat]

You met Bethany in Kissing Books. Now Mudville's sweetest baker is back in a battle to save Main Street and her livelihood from the sexy son of a b**** billionaire buying up all the available properties.

Get Honey Buns in eBook or Print:
APPLE https://apple.co/2qvib7T

AMZ http://mybook.to/honeybuns

BN http://bit.ly/2VW0ppK

GOOGLE PLAY http://bit.ly/2Bt3m7L

KOBO http://bit.ly/2NQKHtk

Missed KISSING BOOKS? Grab it now!
Missed RED HOT? Get it today!

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰]

We all remember Bethany the baker from the first two books.

She just met this really hot guy at a hotel bar.

Insta attraction! They almost spent the night together ... but fears and insecurities/misunderstandings got in the way.

A few weeks later she finds out he bought two businesses on the town's main street.

Two businesses that will be selling food. And she was one of the only food-selling people in town!

This means war. Right? ☺

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!

══════════════════




Adorable!

Just like the first two books this one was super cute and funny and small-towny and sparky and just totally sweet. I adored it!

Brandon is such an adorable guy! Not at all what Bethany expected a city-boy-millionaire to be like!
The way he helps when the river threatens to flood the town. Adorbs!

She won't be able to resist him for long. But he's from the city - how can they ever be together???

Let's find out! ☺

I loved seeing the other couples again! And I so need Boone's book asap!

I also need to see this town and the people and animals on Netflix one day!

HONEY BUNS was such an adorable + funny + sweet small town love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Brandon - this one is MINE!


💜 💜

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy received from author for an honest review

If you have read the previous Mudville books, you will know our leading lady Bethany already. And if you haven't, you are missing some sweet reads.

Honey Buns is my favourite in the series so far.

Bethany an Brandon's almost one night stand leads to a wonderful flirtation - when she isn't p!ssed at him hahah. He is so not what she expected, and it was great watching them fall for each other.

One thing though - don't read whilst you are hungry,as you will be craving cake!

I loved getting more of the peeps of Mudville, and particularly Harper and Red from the first two books - and their delicious men,

Now I need Boone's book -stat!

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honey Buns

I adore Cat Johnson's Mudville books. Bethany and Brandon's story in Honey Buns is no exception. Written with her great style and humor always leaves me craving more.

[Kristi Kopydlowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Bethany and Brandon is a happy escape in this time of quarantine. Loved Harper, Red and Bethany in the other stories the Morgan boys sure make the city of Mudville hot. This is a great story of small town and good friends

[Madm007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Fascinating Romance in Mudville

What a fantastic journey for Bethany and Brandon! A chance meeting reinforcing that strangers do meet, ordained by a higher power, for a specific reason(s). More alike than they know, city meets country, they still feel that spark. A few assumptions finally corrected, they find time is a short commodity, futures are not always guaranteed, and they don't want to waste any more time.
Not the romance I was expecting at all, but equally, if not more, captivating. This brought the mystery of almost all things Rose Van de Berg, full circle on quite another journey. Her young, very much in love self, up until her passing just 20 short years ago--how fascinating geneology is!
Appearances by the citizenry, 2 or 4 legged, of Mudville fit perfectly, whether they battled the rising river or sat around reading old letters.
Not going to spoil anything here, but chocked full of surprises and all the feelings evoked by each one, very well worth the read.
I thought this was orginally a 3 book series, and realize now there is a 4th book coming. Each book can stand alone as far as a journey of love and each couple's HEA. The backstory, I feel, needs the books in order to appreciate the sequence of events for one hell of an amazing small town and it's residents with, I hope, much more to come. I feel like there's more anyway.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandon, the H, is a surprisingly impulsive, history loving and handsome data nerd who work so much he has no time for a relationship. I shared the character’s compulsion for history, and the author captures it very well! Bethany, the h, is a bakery owner who likes to put rainbow colors in her hair, runs her own business, and can identify any flavor, but can’t identify a good guy. I admit I would have liked to have known a little more about her backstory. For that reason I would give this 4.75 stars.

Even though this is the third book in the series, the author did a great job making it a solid stand-alone as well. It’s funny, and also tugs at the heart strings. I love how she tied the Van De Berg connections together. As a New York resident myself, it was unexpected and funny to see our governor play an important role in the story.

Honey Buns a very easy read; as enjoyable is something from Honey Buns bakery might be. I have never read a book by Cat Johnson that I didn’t like, and that still goes. I can’t wait to read Boone’s story!

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story and the only reason that I marked it 3/5 stars is because at points it was a bit boring and slow.

I’m so happy that Bethany got her happily ever after but the only thing that seemed to be missing from this story was the love….. the love was so prominent in Harper and Stone’s story, the way he didn’t everything and anything for her, Cash and Red’s story was so up and down and sexy with anything and everything they did but…. this story was a bit more dry and although it wasn’t dragged out, I wanted more emotion shown from Brandon and more back and forth between them. Maybe it’s because I’m a bit over the Rose drama? Maybe because I wanted Bethany’s HEA forever now and Brandon didn’t deliver?

I’m still interested in going on with the series to find out about Boone and his boo.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mudville

All the happy feels are what this book is made of.

I've been reading Cat's work for over 10 years and the reason for that is books like this. Her character and world building is top notch, there's always some humor thrown in, and of course the happy ever after that makes this reader's heart happy and puts a smile on my face and in my soul.

This book and it's happiness was just the balm I needed after the heartbreak of losing and burying my mom this week. And isn't that what books are for? To ease our minds, hearts, and souls for just a bit? The correct answer is that is exactly what they're for and Cat always delivers.

I can't wait to see who brings Boone to his knees and more about Mudville.

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

Bethany and Brandon were a fun couple to watch circle each other. First they were hot, then cold and then we got to really see the warmup.

I really liked the character of Brandon. He is a genuinely good man. He works hard, has great friends, doesn't mind pitching in and has hobbies outside his work.

I did like the character of Bethany. I completely understood why she jumped to the conclusion that she did. However, I was surprised how long he held the grudge. One conversation could have put her at ease.

I loved the others in the book also. Especially when the girls are having the talk with Bethany about her being too hard on Brandon. They are very supportive of her but also not afraid to call her out when she's being harsh.

[Schellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticky Sweet, Maybe!

Book three kicks A$$ as much as the first two! Bethany and her bakery are a staple in Mudville, that is until Brandon shows up! Brandon is a “city boy” as Stone would call him, and he’s just bought up the diner in Mudville. That makes him the direct competitor of Honey Buns! Angry with herself for falling for his charms, she vows to beat him at his own game. Little does she know, he has some tricks up his sleeve! Tricks that will change her mind and maybe, just maybe, melt her heart! This book was great! Sweet, sexy, a little tear filled(at least in the story) and had plenty of laughs too! Check out this series today, me I’m headed off to read Boone’s story!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well apparently, I'm not the only one that is falling in love with Mudville, New York and it's residents. What a fun story! And fun to have the characters from Kissing Books included too! The characters are quirky, motivated, intriguing and an all out joy to connect with! I loved Brandon and Bethany's story!

So, I just found the Smalltown Secrets seriesbook list and have secured the rest of the titles that I didn't already have in ebook or paperback. I'm about to devour the rest of this series!
I purchased the paperback copy of Honey Buns from the author at Lay All Your Books On Me (in Cleveland, OH) 2021 !!!

[Eileen McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a chance meeting and almost romantic evening (one night stand), Bethany the owner of Honey Buns Bakery in Mudville is surprised to find Brandon is in Mudville and buying real estate. She thinks maybe their meeting wasn’t chance. Her distrust of men in general is very evident. Brandon, couldn’t get Bethany off his mind. I really enjoyed this 3rd book in the Smalltown Se-crets series. I grew up in Upstate NY and though not as small a town as Mudville, I could easily relate to many of the characters and even some of the problems they faced. Wonderful story!

[Jennifer Lovins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance

Bethea y is trying to make a living in a small town, where business keep closing. She owns the bakery and pretty much is one of the places to get coffee and sweets. One night she makes a delivery to a hotel a couple of towns over and ends up meeting Brandon. A month later he is in town and now owns the closed dinner and is looking into owning the closed hotel. Will they be able to have a relationship or will rivalry of customers keep them apart? Can they help each other out instead? Come seewhat happens in the crazy town of Mudville.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

These fun romances by Cat Johnson just make my day. Easy reads, fun characters, and the histories and small town foibles that are in these stories are perfect. Set in Mudville, NY there are any number of happenings. I loved the unweaving of the letters, the bakery, the fantastic sounding drinks at the bar outside of town, everything makes me want to go find Mudville. Rated at a 3+ hr book, it took me a little over 2. Spend some time checking out this small town. I'm guessing you'll find something to like.

[Dana zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bee's knees

Holy cow this was beautiful, small town girl meets big city slicker in a bar, DNA test done because his partner insisted Brandon was surprised by a email from a possible cousin he didn't think he had, Bethany delivered her famous honey buns to the restaurant and visiting with her friend in the bar met Mr hottie big city slicker, small town romance begins when Brandon returns to Mudville to make amends with Bethany and learns more of his family history in Rose's love letters,

[Catharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Comeback for Me

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but was fairly disappointed in the second one, as it left me wanting to learn more about Red and Cash. Thankfully, Cat gave us a much more fulfilling story this time around, and wrote us a compelling and satisfying adventure with this one. We got back to the quirky townspeople and their interactions and got to really know the personalities of Bethany and Brandon here. I’m looking forward to the next book.

[May Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankfully, this series has not lost the feel-good vibes yet. I love reading this one. I think this has the best meet-cute and has more comedic quips, IMO. And while the knowing your roots and finding out long lost kin feels like your usual TV drama variety, it's still all good as it fits well into their love story. It also makes the hero truly connected to this series.

I cannot wait to read the next one. Especially if another reading went disturbingly dark, this would definitely give a good respite.

[BB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um. So. The quick peek at Rose's letters drew my interest more than Brandon and Bethany. (Seriously, they stop reading to go fool around and I was semi irritated, because the dead old lady was more engaging than the kinda bland couple. If they were a spice they would be flour)

Same lack of communication that plagues the other two. It's mostly in the beginning though. And they never talk about it, to actually resolve anything.

[Sue Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun story! Brandon and Bethany are great together. He comes to town because he just might be the great grandson of Rose the woman who left her journals that held all the secrets of Mudville. First Brandon buys the diner and then the hotel. He has a high pressure job on the city so he has the extra money to invest in the small town. Bethany mid-understands him at first but soon enough they become a great team. Yay for small town romances!

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Brandon and Bethany. Wonderful opposites attract story

These two are opposites in so many ways, but at first meeting there are sparks. Then a big misunderstanding and no contact for a month but then Bethany finds out he bought the diner and the building with the restaurant and more misunderstanding s happen. Will they be able to work things out and Bethany can keep running her bakery or will he run her out of business?

[Pansy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Mudville

Here we are on book three of this very entertaining series and I have fallen as in love with Mudville as Brandon has. Living in a small town myself, I can identify with so many of these characters. Loved this story, but I do advise not reading before bed if you have to work in the morning. I couldn't put it down.

[Clara Prieto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was great! I loved the characters of the town, and the addition of the city guy. In my opinion the development of the plot could have been better, at the end of the book I was left wanting to know more about what happened with the characters, also in the hole book was no explanation of Bethany’s background or how she got to the town, and I keep wondering about this.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Mudville romance yet! Yowza!

OMG…what a great read! The storyline is awesome; the characters crazy good. The plot twists and turns are really good; and the HEA? Well darling, it’s the Bee’s Knees! Grab your copy today…and maybe a box of tissues, too. You’re going to love this one! ❤️❤️❤️

[Hanlie Pienaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey Buns

This is Bethany, the baker’s story. What a whirlwind of baking, passion and love with friendship thrown in fir good measure. Not to mention all the hi-jinks that come about with living in the town of Mudville. Cannot wait for Boone’s tale next!

[Angie Bengston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muddy?

Everything around is muddy! Including a cat. As with the rest of this series, this is laugh out loud entertaining. You do not need to read the others in the series, but I highly recommend you start at the beginning. None of them will disappoint you.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

Having grown up in a very gossipy town in upper PA, I can fully relate to all the happenings in Muddville. The problems of having a romance which everyone knows about are great.

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't go wrong with honey buns!!!

I mean how do you not love a book named Honey Buns?? This was another great story in the Mudville series. I absolutely loved how Rose's letters brought everything to light and gave Bethany and Brandon their story.

[CYNTHIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Mudville-Crazy

This book definitely had me laughing out loud. As crazy as the happenings were surrounding Bethany and Brandon's coming together it could only have taken place in Mudville. I can't wait for the next saga from upper state New York.

[Anastasia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

I love the whole series. Love the town and its characters , especially the brothers. I'd definitely move there, seems like a great place to live. Great work . truly recommend to anyone who's looking for a great escape.