With a Pinch of Love

by Hayden Hall

There's no one recipe for it, but every happy ending needs a pinch of love.

DALTON

I have it all figured out. I’m going to marry the woman I love and I’m going to put in the work for that promotion. Life can only get better from here on out.

Or so I thought. My blushing bride elopes minutes before the ceremony and turns my life upside down. I’m now heading to Vermont with Marshmallow to seal the deal on his soon to be Bed and Breakfast.

After a series of unfortunate coincidences, Marshal and I are fake-dating, but my long repressed desire starts lurking from deep within.

Impossible. I’m not bi, right? I can’t discover that at twenty-nine, can I? It must be the breakup trauma; nothing more. It’s got nothing to do with my homophobic upbringing, surely.

But my broken heart flutters more every time I see him.

MARSHAL

My best friend stole my first kiss and I’ve loved him ever since.

Dalton doesn’t know it, though. Nobody knows. It’s only written in dozens of unsent letters I can’t bring myself to destroy and finally move on.

I can’t stand pretending to be his boyfriend when pining after him is all I’ve ever known. And I can’t let us fool around even when he kisses me again. He’s heartbroken and lonely – that’s a far cry from being in love.

I will not be his rebound.

The charming small town of Rocky Springs quickly gets under our skin and it doesn’t take much to make me fantasize about our future here. Except it’s all fake. Dalton has a career to go back to once his heart is healed and I am building my future here.

We’re a lost cause.

With a Pinch of Love is a slow-burn, fake boyfriends, best friends to lovers, bisexual awakening, close proximity, standalone romance. It’s a heart-wrenching story with a healthy dose of angst and a grand, hard-earned happily ever after. Lose yourself in the sleepy town of Rocky Springs as Marshal and Dalton fall in love against all odds.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Romance, Queer, LGBT

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2021

About the author

Gay. Sweet. Steamy.

Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.

Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.

His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.

You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com

Reviews

[Gloria (in a slump? idk) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so torn on rating this 🥲

But um it's slowbrun af! I'm just not sure I liked how rushed it felt at the end and how nicely everything tied up. 3.5 stars maybe?

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 67%

This had so many tropes I love: best friends to lovers, unrequited pining, fake relationship...it sounded so great! But it wasn't.

There was no emotion on page, and I never felt connected to the characters. They were all flat, including the secondary characters. I couldn't tell the dual first person POV apart. There was more time spent on describing the house renovations and meals than the characters feelings.

They sort of kissed once early in the book, but at 67% were still not together at all, and in fact Dalton was in the process of running away because he rudely read private letters (could see that coming from a mile away).

Speaking of Dalton - he had very little emotion and time spent thinking or processing the part where he got dumped at the altar! Where were the feelings here? He should have so many. No heartbreak, no introspection, no angst. There were some hints of internalized homophobia from a religious upbringing and crappy parents, but that also got dropped.

There were some downright bizarre writing choices: lots of "roaring with" or extreme levels of laughter, slightly odd word choices that didn't quite work, and just some weird descriptions in general.

I tried really hard to stick with it and see if it would improve, and it did not.

[Rielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Lots of frustrating things happened in this book, but the word choices were the most frustrating. It was weird, uncomfortable, and consistently ruined the moment. Talking about someone’s “puppy eyes” during sex? Not cute at all. When a book is set in the United States I expect the writing to reflect that and when it doesn’t in pulled out of the story over and over agin.

Beyond that, this book was cute in the beginning, frustrating in the middle, and cringey at the end. I wasn’t a fan of how everything was figured out. Just not my style.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story brings out every emotion I have. I love a long time, best friend relationship. Though it is heartbreaking when love is one sided. Dalton and Marshal have been BFF’s since kindergarten. Even though Marshal’s coming out caused Dalton problem with his parents, they stayed BFF’s. When Dalton’s wedding doesn’t go as planned its road trip time. These two head to check out a house Marshal was looking to buy and turn into a B&B. The owner of said house Mrs. Keys is so heartwarming. Here the stereotype grandmother who bakes cookies and has quick answers and provides that feel good tenderness. The path to Marshal’s being a success as a B&B owner and Dalton with a happy future is the fun part of the story. The sad part is when Marshal is facing his future without Dalton even being close by. The warmhearted part comes as Marshal settles in running the B&B with a little help from Mrs. Keys and Dalton deciding his future. This is one of the few stories I hated to have end. I just was so invested in these characters. Since this is the first in the series, I’m hoping that these characters will be a part of the ongoing stories.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

[tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great read. it hurts like more than half of it, and one of them learning to embrace another part of himself, and the romance was slow and built alrighty.

i absolutely love Marshal, his acceptance of things and being brave to let go was a beautiful thing to read. i love how he was strong to push away and draws the line, how he knows his worth and will not stoop down to be a rebound.

Dalton Dalton. one moment he's scared and running from his attraction to men, another he is arguing with Marshal over his kept feelings for him. in the end, he still didn't see this reasoning or any reasoning at all. he's frustrating. but i like him putting aside his grief and helping out Marshal. it felt like he was already home there.

but what keeps throwing me off, is that we kept getting their attraction for other people thrown into our face. we kept being reminded of how Jen meant the world to Dalton and how that dude attracted their attention. but it was never of Marshal to Dalton. i couldn't feel the depth of Dalton's love for Marshal.

so their chemistry was great but their romance chemistry was a bit meh and lacking.

but but it was a good read.

ps where did Jesse went in the end? i was expecting Jesse and Marshal to be good friends.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm conflicted. I liked certain parts of the story, but I also didn't like other parts. I enjoyed getting to witness Marshmallow making one of his dreams come true. I loved Mrs. Keyes with all her charm, acceptance, and motherly love. Dalton I just never felt connected to. He had his good moments, but he was a mess mostly. I wish Marshall would have spoke up about his feelings, it's understandable that he didn't want to lose their friendship, but at the same time it makes me feel that he's undeserving of that love and relationship he wants. Then Dalton is so wrapped up in the fact that Jen is the love of his life, even after putting the moves on his best friend. Said friend has a really hot guy ask him on a date, and Dalton mopes around about it, but doesn't have the guts to say anything, because he's honestly still a mess who believes Jen was the love of his life. While Marshmallow is out at dinner, Dalton is having a bit of a meltdown over things he's just finally realizing. I thought that what he discovered would be a good thing, would put them on the right course, but oh how wrong I was. Maybe the happenings that take place once Marshall returns home will make sense to others, but I almost tossed my tablet in the air and walked away. Yep, I was annoyed beyond belief. I was ready to cut ties with Dalton for good. The next few chapters were a mix of being proud of Marshall's accomplishments, and disappointed with Dalton. Now, you would think that I'd be thrilled when Dalt finally, finally, makes the right decision, and I was happy he smartened up. However, thrilled I was not. Happy for the hot reunion, yes, happy they would finally get to be a couple, yes. But it still felt a little tainted to me. I didn't feel like they had some kind of deep, all encompassing, will never find another, type of loving relationship. This is because I spent majority of the book having his love for Jen shoved in my face, and then barely any real acknowledgement and proof of a true and meaningful romantic love for Marshmallow. This is one of those times when too little too late applies. So, deciding on a rating took me a couple days. Obviously this wouldn't be a five star read for me, but there was still those moments in the book I really liked. Taking everything into consideration, I feel a three is where this book lands for me.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a pinch of love is a slow burn, bi awakening novel with lots of pining.

Marshall and Dalton have been friends since childhood, they have shared everything, and Marshall is even the best man at Dalton's wedding, even though he has always been in love with Dalton.
Marshall has a dream, which is to run a bed and breakfast, on the day of the wedding he tells Dalton that he has found a house in a town to set up his business.

The wedding does not take place, Dalton goes with Marshall for a few days to the village where he has his future business. A series of events will make Dalton realize that he is in love with Marshall.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

M/M
Quick read
Friends to lovers
Fake boyfriend
Forced proximity/One bed
Hurt/comfort
Bi awakening

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down from start to finish. It gave me The Notebook vibes with all the feels. It was perfect. All the characters were absolutely fantastic, not just the 2 MCs. Hopefully Jesse gets his HEA.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glacial Romance

I’m seriously disappointed in this book. The friendship between Marshal and Dalton was sweet, but it took forever for it to heat up. Both men knew they were attracted to each other but kept coming up with reasons why they shouldn’t make a move. While their first kiss is fairly early on, they don’t actually get together until more than 80% through the book, so by the time they admitted their feelings, I honestly didn’t care any more.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers with a good dose of angst. Marshal and Dalton have been BFFs since Kindergarten and still are in their 30s. They're extremely close, yet Dalton has no idea that Marshal has loved him since they were teens. When Dalton plans to get married, Marshal plans to leave. Its time he moves on and lives his other dreams, instead of the useless dream of having Daulton.

But it doesn't work out that way. Dalton gets left at the alter and Marshal can't leave his friend. In the end, he doesn't have to because Dalton comes with him. Together they work on fixing up the B&B of Marshals dreams, all while both pining for each other. There really was a lot of pining. The book dragged a tad in the middle for me because of it. I wanted to smack Dalton a few times and say "Open your eyes you idiot! He's amazing and he loves you and you're too busy finding excuses to confuse your brain."

The side characters were cute. Mrs. Keyes is both the sweet grandmotherly type and the fiesty one. I craved cookies everytime she baked because I could imagine my own grandmothers fresh baked cookies hot from the oven. That woman is quite the hot ticket herself.

There wasn't any true steam until very close to the end. I would have liked to have gotten more page time of them finally together. I felt rushed. I wanted more of Dalton exploring this side of himself for the first time and more of them thriving in their relationship. I did love the epilogue. It was sweet and romantic and I'm such a sucker for both. Doesn't everyone love a happy ending?

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book interweaves the perspectives of our two protagonists, Marshal and Dalton, so we get to see their relationship evolve through both their eyes. They have a complicated friendship-- complicated, in no small part, by the fact that Marshal has been secretly in love with Dalton for 10 years and has never been able to find it in himself to be honest about that, while Dalton’s strictly religious parents have conditioned him not accept things about himself he’s always known. They both have baggage, a decade’s worth of it, and so this isn’t quite as simple as friends-to-lovers. For one thing, it’s friends-to fake boyfriends- to lovers, and if there’s one thing these two didn’t need, it’s an extra layer of pretense and dishonesty. They are, separately and together, a hot mess. That said, however, they’re both super compelling characters, each easy to empathize with, even when they make choices that are hard to like. The love they feel for each other, is, even when they are absolutely rubbish at expressing it, plain to see. There’s also an absolutely charming small town setting (find me an activity more romance novel appropriate than restoring a bed and breakfast in New England) and great supporting characters: Mrs. Keys steals every scene she’s in.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet life long friendship that evolves into an inferno of love everlasting. Marshal has big dreams of opening a bed and breakfast and finally decides to make the move when his best friend/secret desire, is getting married... or is he? Dalton gets ditched at the alter on his wedding day. He loved Jen, really he did. But he runs away after being ditched, with his best friend Marshal as Marshal buys his dream business of a bed and breakfast. Dalton helps get it ready for the big opening, but things get serious between him and Marshal, different than they ever were before. How is he feeling? Does he really desire his best friend? What will that do to their friendship? Is Marshal feeling the same? Yes, he is!
I enjoyed the give and take between both characters. I could see exactly how things progressed between them. The author did a great job in showing us how each of them felt about each other and the timeline in how both came to feel like they did. Marshal loved an desired Dalton from an early age. For 10 years he hid his feelings in secret, only wanting what was best for Dalton. Once Dalton realizes how he really feels about Marshal is so he starts making changes.

A definite HEA full of sweet childhood friends to lovers. This book left me with a happy feeling and glad I read it!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like baking cookies. You put this beautiful friendship in the oven and you watch as the heat rises and the relationship grows into something tasty. You are patient at first, but then you hit a point where you need it. Where you want it. You may even start salivating a little bit. Just when you think you can't take it anymore, Hayden finally takes the cookies out of the oven and he serves you up the most delectable and sweetest treat possible. At one point, you may have cried, and at another, your toes definitely curled because it was just soooo good. You've devoured the whole plate, and in the end, all that waiting was absolutely worth it. But now you are craving more. What do you do? You just have to sit there until Hayden serves you up some more. But that's okay, because you always know that in the end, just like Mrs. Keys, Hayden is always going to serve you up another great batch (and it's usually the next month - I don't understand how he writes so fast!). I can't get enough of Hayden's little treats. This is definitely worth all of the calories. So take a bite. You know you want to.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic! The story of best friends Dalton and Marshal. Dalton’s bride to be will leave him at the altar and he will head out of town with Marshal to look at a house Marshal intends to purchase to make it a Bed and Breakfast, which is his dream. The current owner, Mrs. Keys, has lived there for 40 years and is ready for a change. She thinks the two are a couple and since Dalton thinks it will help Marshal get the house, he goes along with it. What he doesn’t know is that Marshal has loved him for years. The fake relationship will bring them closer as they prepare the house and deal with the lovely sassiness of Mrs. Keys who ends up buying the house next door to Marshal. Dalton will stumble upon Marshal’s secret one night and it will send him home to his lonely apartment. It will take his ex fiancée, Jen, showing up to ask his forgiveness that will make Dalton realize just how he feels about Marshal and he will run as fast as he can to beg forgiveness himself. He will get it and so much more and it will be a happy ending for them both.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is dramatic, sad, sweet, entertaining and romantic. Marshal dream of owning a bed a breakfast were finally coming true, unfortunately it was mostly due to the fact that his best friend Dalton, who he'd been in love with for more than 10 years, was getting married, and he couldn't live in the same city with them. When Dalton gets jilted at the alter, he decides to go with Marshal to see his new home. Spending more time together than they had in years, Dalton was starting to realize that what he felt for Marshal was more than just friendship, but he was raised by parents who thought that being with a person of the same sex was wrong. And when Marshal agrees to go out with a man, Dalton regrets not saying anything to him about his feelings, but won't interfere with Marhal's happiness. A twist in their lives has them both regretting the past. It does have a happy ending, but it takes a while to get there. I loved Dalton and Marshal, and the next door neighbor is a riot. It'll make you cry and laugh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Hayden's writing and I feel like a proud mum. He has written quite a few stories now and he keeps writing these heartfelt and amazing stories and his writing is so confident and engaging. This is a slow burn friends to lovers story. Dalton and Marshall have been friends for many years in which Marshall have been in love with Dalton. He decides to move away to start his life long dream of running a bed and breakfast when Dalton is due to get married. When Dalton gets dumped at the alter he goes with Marshall. It was meant to be for two weeks. It comes clear in that time that they both have feelings for each other but Dalton leaves when he finds out how long Marshall have been in love with him. But he is miserable without his best friend but needs to decide if he can take a chance with Marshall and leave his job. Oh, I really loved this story. It was so sweet, emotional at times and full of humour and chemistry.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshal and Dalton ❤️

3.5 stars 🌟
Slow burn, angsty, friends to lovers.....swoon worthy love ❤️ I enjoyed this story, I really liked both characters but Marshal.... I loved him, even though he had secretly loved Dalton which was never reciprocated he wasn't weak and refused to lay down his self respect and just fall at Dalton's feet while he struggled with his sexuality..... he refused to be second best and that was everything!! It proved just how much of a strong character he really was....I was so happy he finally found his HEA with the perfect man for him ❤️ Dalton for me was a like-able character as well....but...... parts of the story left me feeling like he wasn't as invested into the relationship as much as Marshal, but he pulled it out in the end. Overall, this was a really sweet, slow burn romance... I hated for this book to end, I'm hoping we can see these guys in future books in this series.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Fay Azure · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a mixed bag for me as I was very invested at first but then it just seemed to drag on for most of it with no real progression in the relationship. I don't know if to call it a slow burn because most of the book was spent with one main character convinced that he was in love with the fiancee who left him at the altar, which made it feel a bit that his realisation of feelings for Marshall was just a rebound as it happened fairly quickly in the last 25% of the book. I didn't get feelings of falling in love from Dalton.

And the resolution of the situation with his mother did not fit at all with how she had been portrayed for the entire book; it basically felt like this was an entirely different character and was very jolting and unrealistic.

So while there were individual elements that I enjoyed, Mrs. Keys, the food, and the world building for example, the MCs themselves and their relationship almost made me DNF.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dalton has just been jilted at the alter. His best friend Marshall has more bad news to tell him. He is leaving the next day to buy a house for a bad and breakfast. He hasn't told Dalton yet. Marshall can't leave his friend in his time. He whisks him away for the night. You see Marshall has been in love with Dalton for a long time. Once Dalton finds out he offers to go with Marshall. He has the time off for his honeymoon anyway. The owner of the house for sale Mrs. Keys would love to sell the house to a couple. She automatically assumes that Dalton and Marshall are a couple. They don't deny it as they think this might help Marshall get the house. Dalton finds himself attracted to Marshall but Marshall believes he's just hurting and needs the comfort. Can the two overcome these issues and become more? I loved this book. A beautiful love story. I highly recommend.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet best friends Marshal and Dalton. Now, read their delightful romance, written by Hayden Hall, in With a Pinch of Love.

As far as best friends go, these two have always been there for each other. But one holds a huge secret and the other just might be keeping one from himself.

This thoughtful tale gives readers the chance to look back at their own romantic endeavors and wonder ‘what if’. The love that these two men share shines through Hall’s narrative, and the struggles to surpass such a friendship, to chance a different kind of love, is a daunting one.

But fear not, because we know that, even though Hayden likes to make his characters struggle for it, we are always treated to a happily ever after.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fate knows what she's doing. Dalton and Marshal have been besties seems like forever. Marshal has been in love with Dalton a little less than that. Marshal, gets stood up at the altar by his bride and decides to take a trip twith Marshal o regroup. There are a few miscommunications and misunderstandings and they enter into a fake relationship. Dalton, spends his time reassessing his life, his beliefs and his orientation. He understands, he's not as romantically indifferent to Marsh as he believed. Do they take the time to really talk? Can Dalton be honest with himself, with Marsh? Will Marsh trust new developments? Nice story. Great development and getting to know each other on a different level. Is this what Marsh wants? Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has so much of what I love: best friends to lovers, unrequited love, all the pining, slow-burn bi-awakening, fake dating small-town romance. My heart ached for Marshal. He’s been in love with Dalton for years, and to add a fake relationship to this only heightens his fears and uncertainties. Marshal is trying to protect his heart, and Dalton is trying to understand his feelings whilst navigating a breakup. Naturally, there is a bit of angst and drama before a spectacular and well-deserved HEA. This is a wonderful slow burn emotional romance with a good amount of heat, humour, and heart.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my fav Hayden Hall story.
While it was a very slow burn, it was the sense of loss feel of the story made it harder for me personally.

Marshal in love with his best friend for years, decides to follow his dreams since he feels like hes losing Dalton to a new wife. When the wedding doesnt happen, Dalton wants break from everyone and goes to see the b and b Marshal wants to run.
He plays the part of his boyfriend, to ensure he gets the house. Leading to the opening of his eyes.

Dalton is a character I wanted to shake some sense into repeatly. He couldnt understand why Marshal didnt say he was im love with him

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

Oh! I love friends to lovers story but I think this one just got in the first place.

The suspense was killing me but well dam worth it. I can't tell you how much I.love this. I read it in a day.

That book made me cry, laugh, frustrated and feel so much joy and love.

The plot was really great and the process of the relationship couldn't have been better. I am a very impatient person that like the thing to most fast but this one needed the time to grow.

The characters were so wonderful it's like a cozy family in the making it was great. That woman got me so much I love her.

This book was definitely worth reading I really recommend it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Slow Burn

With a nickname like Marshmallow you know this story is going to be super sweet. Marshall and Dalton are best friends and would do anything for each other. When Dalton gets jilted at the altar, Marshall is ready to put his dream on hold to comfort his friend. Not wanting Marshall to miss out on a chance of a lifetime, Dalton suggest they make this an adventure and see if they can make Marshall's dream come true. Enter a small town and the adorable Mrs. Keys and the story takes off. This was such a sweet fake boyfriends, bi-awakening story with a little heartache as we learn just how deep Marshall's love for Dalton goes.

[Anny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too sugary and too much forgiveness overall. Don’t know what to say about this one - liked parts of the story e.g. the market description, setting up the business for Marshal, but when it comes to the MCs, well, something was off. Especially with Dalton I couldn’t get his real POV and drama, totally not believable character. The constant usage of pet names was irritating too. On a side note - I imagined Marshal to be rather on the slim/slender side, while at some point some ‘muscles’ were mentioned, not sure where they came from - he is neither doing sports, nor eating a lot from what was described😄

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshal and Dalton is a friends to lovers slow burn that melts your heart with its sweetness. Marshal has long known he’s in love with his best friend. He’s the reliable, always there for you guy you know you can count on. Dalton is equally reliable, but he has more baggage from his upbringing, and he hasn’t been able to identify or accept his feelings. Now he’s just been stood up at the altar. What starts as an escape from his life and a chance to get away and turns into a fake relationship and becomes a chance to explore more. This one is pretty low angst and super cute.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalton and Marshal have been best friends since they were kids. All the while Marshal has been in love with Dalton. As Dalton finalizes the details on his wedding, Marshal prepares to move away and begin a new life running a B & B. When the wedding ends with a runaway bride, Dalton goes with Marshal to his new bed and breakfast. Dalton soon discovers his feelings for Marshal are no longer platonic and that maybe they could be more. From there, we go on a roller coaster of emotions while these two decide if their relationship is worth taking chances and possible heartbreak.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like just the other day that I decided to give a new to me author a chance and read one of his books. Now I know to get the book without reading the blurb.
Hayden Hall pulls me into the characters world and laugh, fall in love, have my heart broken and then put back together again.
I fell in love with Marshall and Dalton from the start and traveled their flats, downs and eventually highs with them. Thank goodness for Mrs Keys.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.