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Love on the Rise
Matteo Leonelli is getting by, running his old-fashioned family bakery in the heart of Belleview, North Carolina. He’s struggled to keep the place going since his parents passed, and his cakes don’t taste the same without someone to share them.
Then, Matteo meets Ethan, a thoughtful, handsome artist, who sees Matt in a way no one has before, who touches him as if it’s a privilege. One date, and Matt is in love, dancing among clouds of meringue as he bakes up a storm to prepare for the holidays.
Ethan Price is getting by, running his family banking firm. He had to abandon his dreams of becoming an artist, but he gives it his best effort in his father’s memory. Then, he meets a man who makes his stress melt away like butter on warm bread. Matt, who smells like cookies and looks like a Caravaggio painting. Ethan is in love, head over heels as he rushes through the business of the day so he can see Matt again. He plans to sweep him off his adorable feet.
Disaster strikes as Matt’s bakery loans come due during the holidays. The news is just as shocking as the man who delivers it. Ethan isn’t the sensitive artist of Matt’s dreams, but a cold-hearted banker, and Matt’s heart crumbles like shortbread. As Christmas draws near, Matt works to save his bakery, while Ethan works to win him back. Beneath the sparkling lights of bakery windows displaying holiday treats, they must decide: can Ethan reconcile his passion for art and his love for Matt with his obligations to the family business? Can Matt forgive Ethan and open his heart to a love so sweet it outshines his pastries?
With determination, well-placed mistletoe, and a dash of cinnamon, they just might.
Then, Matteo meets Ethan, a thoughtful, handsome artist, who sees Matt in a way no one has before, who touches him as if it’s a privilege. One date, and Matt is in love, dancing among clouds of meringue as he bakes up a storm to prepare for the holidays.
Ethan Price is getting by, running his family banking firm. He had to abandon his dreams of becoming an artist, but he gives it his best effort in his father’s memory. Then, he meets a man who makes his stress melt away like butter on warm bread. Matt, who smells like cookies and looks like a Caravaggio painting. Ethan is in love, head over heels as he rushes through the business of the day so he can see Matt again. He plans to sweep him off his adorable feet.
Disaster strikes as Matt’s bakery loans come due during the holidays. The news is just as shocking as the man who delivers it. Ethan isn’t the sensitive artist of Matt’s dreams, but a cold-hearted banker, and Matt’s heart crumbles like shortbread. As Christmas draws near, Matt works to save his bakery, while Ethan works to win him back. Beneath the sparkling lights of bakery windows displaying holiday treats, they must decide: can Ethan reconcile his passion for art and his love for Matt with his obligations to the family business? Can Matt forgive Ethan and open his heart to a love so sweet it outshines his pastries?
With determination, well-placed mistletoe, and a dash of cinnamon, they just might.
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Published November 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 26, 2021
4.5
Accidental enemies to lovers done well.
Ethan and Matt don't know that Ethan's family's bank is about to out Natt's Bakery out of business and the reveal hurts them both.
Matt doesn't forgive easily and Ethan works hard to convince him that he doesn't want to hurt Matt and works to save the bakery.
They are utterly adorable together and although it's a slower burn, there's plenty of eat between them considering the length of this novella.
Although this is technically the second book in this series, I read it as a standalone with no issues. I am tempted to pick the first one up now though since I enjoyed the writing.
Accidental enemies to lovers done well.
Ethan and Matt don't know that Ethan's family's bank is about to out Natt's Bakery out of business and the reveal hurts them both.
Matt doesn't forgive easily and Ethan works hard to convince him that he doesn't want to hurt Matt and works to save the bakery.
They are utterly adorable together and although it's a slower burn, there's plenty of eat between them considering the length of this novella.
Although this is technically the second book in this series, I read it as a standalone with no issues. I am tempted to pick the first one up now though since I enjoyed the writing.
November 30, 2021
This was a lovely story about interesting and engaging characters, and I am utterly charmed!
I received an ARC of this book, and thus got the pleasure of reading it a little bit earlier than I normally would have, but this review is an honest one and not affected by the fact, because I would have bought it anyway (WILL buy it too, if it's ever released in paper form, so I can put it in my bookcase), simply because I love the premise.
The premise? Well, it takes place mostly in a bakery. Honestly, once I read that, I was sold.
I was hooked on this story after only a couple of pages - it didn't take more than that for me to be invested in Matt and his bakery (and his love life). It was also very rewarding to read other characters (whom I have learned to love dearly) who were ALSO invested in Matt and his bakery (and his love life).
Matt is adorable and relatable, and I am so relieved to read about the little imperfections that make him seem so real and human (how he's got an artist's soul, and how he is perhaps not inclined towards paperwork, very much). I loved his personality, his big heart, his dreams - and his determination to keep the bakery open but the cream shop closed! XD I love his accepting nature, and that he is so, so bad at holding a grudge.
I love Ethan just as much, for being an artist with perhaps a BIT more penchant for paperwork ... and for being brave, for daring to take a leap, for working hard and not giving up on his dreams - dreams he may not have had until recently. He's open, and honest, and he deserves all the treats. ALL the (mouth-watering, home-baked) treats.
This book starts where many other books end; with a happy ending, and then it goes on from there. It's an untraditional place to start a story, but one that made me instantly hooked and invested.
While I was reading this book, I was smiling like a loon. When I had finished, I felt soft and warm and happy - and also I had the BIGGEST urge to bake, like, EVERYTHING mentioned in this book. Because damn. I don't think a book has ever made me drool this much.
All in all, this book is exactly like the pastries in Matt's bakery: soft, fluffy and sugary enough to go straight into your bloodstream and give you a high that lasts for a long time. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this book, and thus got the pleasure of reading it a little bit earlier than I normally would have, but this review is an honest one and not affected by the fact, because I would have bought it anyway (WILL buy it too, if it's ever released in paper form, so I can put it in my bookcase), simply because I love the premise.
The premise? Well, it takes place mostly in a bakery. Honestly, once I read that, I was sold.
I was hooked on this story after only a couple of pages - it didn't take more than that for me to be invested in Matt and his bakery (and his love life). It was also very rewarding to read other characters (whom I have learned to love dearly) who were ALSO invested in Matt and his bakery (and his love life).
Matt is adorable and relatable, and I am so relieved to read about the little imperfections that make him seem so real and human (how he's got an artist's soul, and how he is perhaps not inclined towards paperwork, very much). I loved his personality, his big heart, his dreams - and his determination to keep the bakery open but the cream shop closed! XD I love his accepting nature, and that he is so, so bad at holding a grudge.
I love Ethan just as much, for being an artist with perhaps a BIT more penchant for paperwork ... and for being brave, for daring to take a leap, for working hard and not giving up on his dreams - dreams he may not have had until recently. He's open, and honest, and he deserves all the treats. ALL the (mouth-watering, home-baked) treats.
This book starts where many other books end; with a happy ending, and then it goes on from there. It's an untraditional place to start a story, but one that made me instantly hooked and invested.
While I was reading this book, I was smiling like a loon. When I had finished, I felt soft and warm and happy - and also I had the BIGGEST urge to bake, like, EVERYTHING mentioned in this book. Because damn. I don't think a book has ever made me drool this much.
All in all, this book is exactly like the pastries in Matt's bakery: soft, fluffy and sugary enough to go straight into your bloodstream and give you a high that lasts for a long time. Highly recommended!
November 30, 2021
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review*
Love on the Rise is the perfect holiday novel! This novel is so cozy and romantic and I was completely sucked in from the moment I started reading. As always, the characters and world that Thomas creates feels so real. She writes about well rounded people, with flaws along with strengths. Matt is so easy to fall in love with as a main character, he's funny, warm hearted, and such a strong willed character. And Ethan is sweet and romantic and so so caring. You’ll be rooting for these two within the first few pages of the book! And they make a truly adorable pair, their personalities work so well together! Thomas puts just as much care into the side characters of this novel as Ethan and Matt. I instantly fell in love with Miz Rose, one of Matt's fellow employees and a maternal figure, and she was a source of a lot of funny quips in the bakery.
And the pacing of Love on the Rise is wonderful, there's the perfect balance of enemies plot and lovers plot. There is never a dull moment in the plot and it is full of moments of yearning and romance! Also there is a great supply of baking puns, which I really loved! I couldn’t recommend this book more if you’re looking for a fantastic, enemies to lovers, holiday novel!
Love on the Rise is the perfect holiday novel! This novel is so cozy and romantic and I was completely sucked in from the moment I started reading. As always, the characters and world that Thomas creates feels so real. She writes about well rounded people, with flaws along with strengths. Matt is so easy to fall in love with as a main character, he's funny, warm hearted, and such a strong willed character. And Ethan is sweet and romantic and so so caring. You’ll be rooting for these two within the first few pages of the book! And they make a truly adorable pair, their personalities work so well together! Thomas puts just as much care into the side characters of this novel as Ethan and Matt. I instantly fell in love with Miz Rose, one of Matt's fellow employees and a maternal figure, and she was a source of a lot of funny quips in the bakery.
And the pacing of Love on the Rise is wonderful, there's the perfect balance of enemies plot and lovers plot. There is never a dull moment in the plot and it is full of moments of yearning and romance! Also there is a great supply of baking puns, which I really loved! I couldn’t recommend this book more if you’re looking for a fantastic, enemies to lovers, holiday novel!
February 20, 2022
Another beautiful Hallmark Christmas movie turned into an MM romance novel.
I loved Ethan and Matteo's story, and I loved that FINALLY the main MC wasn't a perfect fitness model with washboard abs and a 10+ inch cock as thick as a coke can 🤣 regular bodies and thick guys can be just as hot and sexy as those muscled ones, hell, even sexier, at least in my opinion.
In fact, it's the first time the MC is described to look a little bit like me! Hahaha down to the messy curls and round cheeks that turn bright red when embarrassed. Wish I also had any baking skills though but alas, that would be impossible.
I loved that Ethan made sure to make Matt feel treasured and important and sexy.
Definitely one of my favorite Christmas stories so far.
I loved Ethan and Matteo's story, and I loved that FINALLY the main MC wasn't a perfect fitness model with washboard abs and a 10+ inch cock as thick as a coke can 🤣 regular bodies and thick guys can be just as hot and sexy as those muscled ones, hell, even sexier, at least in my opinion.
In fact, it's the first time the MC is described to look a little bit like me! Hahaha down to the messy curls and round cheeks that turn bright red when embarrassed. Wish I also had any baking skills though but alas, that would be impossible.
I loved that Ethan made sure to make Matt feel treasured and important and sexy.
Definitely one of my favorite Christmas stories so far.
November 30, 2021
Love on the Rise is the second book from A.C. Thomas that I've had the pleasure of reading and it was a pleasure to read! It's such an age old trope - they guy you hook up with because he's only in to wn for a short while is actually there to meet you in a professional capacity and pull the rug out from under you, but the pull is too strong...
Read my full review here:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
Read my full review here:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
February 2, 2022
It is 3:21 in the morning and I couldn't allow myself to fall asleep until I finished this book! Everything was going so well... and then it just ENDED! Like, where is the rest? Do I have to wait until book 3? Is there going to be a book 3? Will it come out next Christmas? UGH... *sigh*
OK, maybe I am being a bit whiney, but I expected MORE! I guess I will just have to be happy with what I got and hope for more next Christmas. *grin*
OK, maybe I am being a bit whiney, but I expected MORE! I guess I will just have to be happy with what I got and hope for more next Christmas. *grin*
November 30, 2021
*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review*
A.C. Thomas has done it again! A perfect feel-good, warm fuzzy holiday romance with just enough bumps in the road to make the ending feel well-earned and very much appreciated. Fans of Thomas’s previous Belleview novel, Burying the Hatchet, will be just as delighted with this one (and, believe me, there’s a very rewarding moment for you!)
In Love on the Rise, we meet Matteo Leonelli, a talented baker running his family bakery. Matt’s busy putting all his love into tasty treats as he fills the bellies of everyone in his small town of Belleview, but he can’t help but wish he could find love and fill his own, aching heart. It seems like a Christmas miracle when he spends a wonderful night with Ethan Price, a banker who wants to trade his flash suits in for an easel but can’t quite bring himself to leave the family business, but then Matt discovers exactly why Ethan has arrived in Belleview and it looks like his poor heart is going to end up broken after all.
From the moment I started reading, I was sucked right back into the Belleview World, I could smell the cinnamon in the air! Matt is a wonderful main character- as soft and warm as the goodies he bakes, but with a brilliantly snarky humour that had me laughing out loud- and Ethan makes for the perfect enemy to lover, as his presence threatens to disrupts Matt’s idyllic small time life completely, but the flame he’s been holding since their first hook up is so strong that you can’t help but want them to figure it all out!
This is (reluctant) enemies to lovers done absolutely perfectly! I loved how well rounded Ethan was, and how much he clearly adored Matt, and even though I could really feel Matt’s pining for him, he definitely makes Ethan work for his forgiveness! These two definitely have their issues to work through, and it makes their happy ending feel so much more well-deserved. Of course, I adored the gorgeously written smut! It’s all here, from the kisses to the much more explicit, and all of it shines with love and desire.
There is so much to enjoy about this story, the plot had me on the edge of my seat, and the way it gets resolved is incredibly satisfying; the ups and downs of Matt and Ethan’s relationship had my heart aching, then warming; and I had tears in my eyes at the end. Plus the wonderful cast of side characters who had me grinning and giggling throughout! And the whole thing was so sweet and Christmassy that I felt like I’d been sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and covered in glitter. What more can you ask for?
Just like a perfect pastry, I devoured this story in one greedy bite, but I couldn’t stop coming back for more! I found myself reaching for it once more (on a particularly snowy day with a cup of cocoa within reach) and it definitely holds up for a second reading (and a third...and a fourth…) And believe me, the author knows what she’s doing! The book will make you absolutely ravenous, so I was delighted to see that there’s a lovely (and simple!) recipe to try out at the end. What a superb little touch.
A.C. Thomas has done it again! A perfect feel-good, warm fuzzy holiday romance with just enough bumps in the road to make the ending feel well-earned and very much appreciated. Fans of Thomas’s previous Belleview novel, Burying the Hatchet, will be just as delighted with this one (and, believe me, there’s a very rewarding moment for you!)
In Love on the Rise, we meet Matteo Leonelli, a talented baker running his family bakery. Matt’s busy putting all his love into tasty treats as he fills the bellies of everyone in his small town of Belleview, but he can’t help but wish he could find love and fill his own, aching heart. It seems like a Christmas miracle when he spends a wonderful night with Ethan Price, a banker who wants to trade his flash suits in for an easel but can’t quite bring himself to leave the family business, but then Matt discovers exactly why Ethan has arrived in Belleview and it looks like his poor heart is going to end up broken after all.
From the moment I started reading, I was sucked right back into the Belleview World, I could smell the cinnamon in the air! Matt is a wonderful main character- as soft and warm as the goodies he bakes, but with a brilliantly snarky humour that had me laughing out loud- and Ethan makes for the perfect enemy to lover, as his presence threatens to disrupts Matt’s idyllic small time life completely, but the flame he’s been holding since their first hook up is so strong that you can’t help but want them to figure it all out!
This is (reluctant) enemies to lovers done absolutely perfectly! I loved how well rounded Ethan was, and how much he clearly adored Matt, and even though I could really feel Matt’s pining for him, he definitely makes Ethan work for his forgiveness! These two definitely have their issues to work through, and it makes their happy ending feel so much more well-deserved. Of course, I adored the gorgeously written smut! It’s all here, from the kisses to the much more explicit, and all of it shines with love and desire.
There is so much to enjoy about this story, the plot had me on the edge of my seat, and the way it gets resolved is incredibly satisfying; the ups and downs of Matt and Ethan’s relationship had my heart aching, then warming; and I had tears in my eyes at the end. Plus the wonderful cast of side characters who had me grinning and giggling throughout! And the whole thing was so sweet and Christmassy that I felt like I’d been sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and covered in glitter. What more can you ask for?
Just like a perfect pastry, I devoured this story in one greedy bite, but I couldn’t stop coming back for more! I found myself reaching for it once more (on a particularly snowy day with a cup of cocoa within reach) and it definitely holds up for a second reading (and a third...and a fourth…) And believe me, the author knows what she’s doing! The book will make you absolutely ravenous, so I was delighted to see that there’s a lovely (and simple!) recipe to try out at the end. What a superb little touch.
December 7, 2021
I first began reading A.C.Thomas with their The Verge series, which I loved, being a big SFF fan. I was unsure if I would enjoy Love on the Rise, since it is a contemporary story. My concerns were unfounded. Being half Italian, I fell in love with Matt and his baking all the Italian sweets I remember. Not being a fan of lawyers, it took me a while to warm up to Ethan. Since this is a romance, obviously Ethan is not a complete Scrooge and redeems himself nicely at the end. It was fun to see these two interact in an adorable small town during the Christmas season. For people who read the first Belleview book, those characters return for an important cameo. If, like me, you did not read the first book, I think Love on the Rise stands alone. I received a copy of Love on the Riset by A.C. Thomas from Indigo Marketing and Design and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2021
When a banker falls for a baker, foreclosure becomes forever.
Ethan and Matteo fall for each other at first sight and have one perfect night together, only for reality intrude the next day when they discover that Ethan’s bank is foreclosing on Matteo’s bakery. That should make a romance between the two of them impossible. But they are so smitten with each other that Matteo finds it impossible to resist Ethan, and Ethan decides that he’ll do whatever it takes to save Matteo from losing everything.
This Christmas romance is sweet, and not just because of all the mentions of yummy treats. (It will make you want to find the nearest Italian bakery, though.) One of the things I liked about the book is how Matteo and Ethan’s love for each other is made tangible in the story. Matteo’s love language is baked goods, and even when he’s upset with Ethan, he can’t resist feeding him. Ethan is an artist at heart, and he expresses his love through drawings and paintings, reveling in the beauty he sees whenever he looks at Matteo. Their emotions are revealed through their creations, not just their words, and I found that incredibly sweet.
Words are important too, though. Matteo is insecure about his looks, especially the extra pounds he’s carrying around. Whenever Ethan compliments Matteo on his appearance, telling him that he’s beautiful and sexy, Matteo balks. But Ethan worships him with his words as much as his art, calling Matteo a “masterpiece” and comparing him to a Caravaggio painting, and Matteo slowly starts to believe him. Ethan doesn’t need as much affirmation as Matteo, but Matteo also praises Ethan’s work and encourages him to pursue his art. To me, the way they support and build each other up is what love is all about.
What else did I like about the novel outside of the romance? It’s written with quite a bit of humor. Some of that is due to Matteo’s comical internal narration, and some of it comes from the secondary characters, particularly Clementine, Matteo’s employee, who’s a lot of fun. And speaking of secondary characters, Jake and Clayton from the author’s last Christmas book, Burying the Hatchet, share a pivotal moment in this one. Fans of the earlier book won’t want to miss it!
I’d recommend this for anyone craving a sweet treat of a holiday romance.
This review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy; all opinions are my own.
Ethan and Matteo fall for each other at first sight and have one perfect night together, only for reality intrude the next day when they discover that Ethan’s bank is foreclosing on Matteo’s bakery. That should make a romance between the two of them impossible. But they are so smitten with each other that Matteo finds it impossible to resist Ethan, and Ethan decides that he’ll do whatever it takes to save Matteo from losing everything.
This Christmas romance is sweet, and not just because of all the mentions of yummy treats. (It will make you want to find the nearest Italian bakery, though.) One of the things I liked about the book is how Matteo and Ethan’s love for each other is made tangible in the story. Matteo’s love language is baked goods, and even when he’s upset with Ethan, he can’t resist feeding him. Ethan is an artist at heart, and he expresses his love through drawings and paintings, reveling in the beauty he sees whenever he looks at Matteo. Their emotions are revealed through their creations, not just their words, and I found that incredibly sweet.
Words are important too, though. Matteo is insecure about his looks, especially the extra pounds he’s carrying around. Whenever Ethan compliments Matteo on his appearance, telling him that he’s beautiful and sexy, Matteo balks. But Ethan worships him with his words as much as his art, calling Matteo a “masterpiece” and comparing him to a Caravaggio painting, and Matteo slowly starts to believe him. Ethan doesn’t need as much affirmation as Matteo, but Matteo also praises Ethan’s work and encourages him to pursue his art. To me, the way they support and build each other up is what love is all about.
What else did I like about the novel outside of the romance? It’s written with quite a bit of humor. Some of that is due to Matteo’s comical internal narration, and some of it comes from the secondary characters, particularly Clementine, Matteo’s employee, who’s a lot of fun. And speaking of secondary characters, Jake and Clayton from the author’s last Christmas book, Burying the Hatchet, share a pivotal moment in this one. Fans of the earlier book won’t want to miss it!
I’d recommend this for anyone craving a sweet treat of a holiday romance.
This review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy; all opinions are my own.
December 11, 2021
This book has all the ingredients for a great holiday romance (yes, one of the protagonists is a baker, yes, there’s a good chance I will be over-indulging myself in food-related puns in this review). A one-night stand that might be true love is complicated by ostensibly being on two different sides of a potentially life-changing (not in a fun way) upheaval for one of them: this could have gone full Hallmark movie, and there are definitely times it comes close. I liked the atmosphere of Matt’s bakery, which is full of loving friendships, community togetherness, and delightful pastry (my one caveat here, and I say this with love and respect, is that I really really wish authors would think about retiring the random female friend/employee who’s way too invested in her gay friends’ sex lives and fetishies the heck out of every man that crosses their path…I get it, it’s a trope, but not a super comfortable one and frankly, I could live without it).
I loved the premise of this story so much, and there’s no denying that Ethan and Matt have crazy good physical chemistry. The emotional connection felt a bit more overworked, under-proved to me– readers don’t get to see their initial meeting or hookup,which happens off page before the events of the story start, so we get to linger instead in pages upon pages of the guys, mostly Matt, dwelling on what has been lost and how good it was in ways that I found at first poignant, then angsty, and then overdone. On one hand, I’m deeply sympathetic to Matt– he’s facing some serious hardship and a perfect storm of unexpected complications– but on the other, I’d be lying if I said some of my empathy wasn’t chipped away by the feedback loop that is him being mad at himself for still being attracted to Ethan and demonizing Ethan for all his problems. To be fair though, I loved that he was honest, at the end of the story, with himself and with Ethan about how much it really *wasn’t* Ethan’s fault. Ethan, of course, goes above and beyond to solve Matt’s problems, and manages to be both awkward and charming about it.
To make a long review shorter, let’s go with this: for me this story had a great premise, some super hot physical chemistry, a charming setting, and a bit of angst overload. Overall, some rough edges, but really an enjoyable read.
*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily composed an honest review.
I loved the premise of this story so much, and there’s no denying that Ethan and Matt have crazy good physical chemistry. The emotional connection felt a bit more overworked, under-proved to me– readers don’t get to see their initial meeting or hookup,which happens off page before the events of the story start, so we get to linger instead in pages upon pages of the guys, mostly Matt, dwelling on what has been lost and how good it was in ways that I found at first poignant, then angsty, and then overdone. On one hand, I’m deeply sympathetic to Matt– he’s facing some serious hardship and a perfect storm of unexpected complications– but on the other, I’d be lying if I said some of my empathy wasn’t chipped away by the feedback loop that is him being mad at himself for still being attracted to Ethan and demonizing Ethan for all his problems. To be fair though, I loved that he was honest, at the end of the story, with himself and with Ethan about how much it really *wasn’t* Ethan’s fault. Ethan, of course, goes above and beyond to solve Matt’s problems, and manages to be both awkward and charming about it.
To make a long review shorter, let’s go with this: for me this story had a great premise, some super hot physical chemistry, a charming setting, and a bit of angst overload. Overall, some rough edges, but really an enjoyable read.
*I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily composed an honest review.
December 1, 2021
To begin this review, I should say that I have read roughly nine thousand romances based around the holiday season in one form or another, so I approached this book with the jaded eye of an experienced, old sea captain. Yet, Love on the Rise still knocked me overboard and into this deliciously tumultuous sea of a story. The epitome of the modern romantic, Matt has a deep appreciation for life's pleasures and a heart to match. Yet, he is no cream puff, despite his soft exterior, as Ethan finds out when he runs afoul of Matt's bad side at the beginning of the story. Ethan, too, is distressingly relatable as a man wrestling with identity and individuality in the face of things that I can't really explain more without spoiling the book.
Seriously! Go read this book! If you've ever enjoyed a warm chai latte, this is the book for you. Picking up roughly a year after the events of Burying the Hatchet, Love on the Rise takes place in the same town but follows an entirely different set of characters as they navigate the quagmire of life. I wish I could tell you more without spoiling it, but all I can say is that this book made me laugh a lot, briefly weep, and blush as bright as a peony more than I'd care to admit in writing. I think everyone deserves a story this deliciously charming in their lives, and I hope you indulge yourself and give this book a shot. I feel I should mention that I received an ARC of this book, but I have since reread it half a dozen times if that makes a difference.
Seriously! Go read this book! If you've ever enjoyed a warm chai latte, this is the book for you. Picking up roughly a year after the events of Burying the Hatchet, Love on the Rise takes place in the same town but follows an entirely different set of characters as they navigate the quagmire of life. I wish I could tell you more without spoiling it, but all I can say is that this book made me laugh a lot, briefly weep, and blush as bright as a peony more than I'd care to admit in writing. I think everyone deserves a story this deliciously charming in their lives, and I hope you indulge yourself and give this book a shot. I feel I should mention that I received an ARC of this book, but I have since reread it half a dozen times if that makes a difference.
December 6, 2021
A.C. Thomas brings us a lovely holiday romance novel in Love on the Rise. Small town baker meets big bad businessman with a heart of gold. It's a super sweet, low angst story that begs to be read with a cup of hot chocolate and pastry.
Matt Leonelli is a baker who we meet after he has an incredible night with his potential dream man. Ethan rocks his socks and his world on its axis. Matt runs a bakery that has been in his family for generations and loves almost every minute of it. What he doesn't like is the daily paperwork and mail. This is why he's behind on some of his loan payments. He has an appointment with the bank to talk about it and who happens to walk in? His date from last night.
Ethan Price works for the family banking business but is a painter at heart. He's kind, passionate, and hates his day job. All he can think about is his date the night before. Too bad Matt is mad at him. He has to find a way to make it up to him in time.
This story is very swoony. Hot small-town baker falling in love at the holidays is a fan (and personal) favorite. The lengths Ethan goes to show Matt how much he cares is almost unreal. Matt is a charming one, for sure.
If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be delightful. I very much enjoyed the side characters as well. I did have a few issues where I wish Matt would have gotten over his issues faster. I wanted to get to the HEA quicker than we did. That being said, I still thoroughly reading enjoyed this.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Matt Leonelli is a baker who we meet after he has an incredible night with his potential dream man. Ethan rocks his socks and his world on its axis. Matt runs a bakery that has been in his family for generations and loves almost every minute of it. What he doesn't like is the daily paperwork and mail. This is why he's behind on some of his loan payments. He has an appointment with the bank to talk about it and who happens to walk in? His date from last night.
Ethan Price works for the family banking business but is a painter at heart. He's kind, passionate, and hates his day job. All he can think about is his date the night before. Too bad Matt is mad at him. He has to find a way to make it up to him in time.
This story is very swoony. Hot small-town baker falling in love at the holidays is a fan (and personal) favorite. The lengths Ethan goes to show Matt how much he cares is almost unreal. Matt is a charming one, for sure.
If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be delightful. I very much enjoyed the side characters as well. I did have a few issues where I wish Matt would have gotten over his issues faster. I wanted to get to the HEA quicker than we did. That being said, I still thoroughly reading enjoyed this.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
January 1, 2026
4.5 super sweet stars
I really enjoyed this story (new to me author) but a few small things kept me from giving 5 stars.
The books opens with Matt in his bakery thinking about his steamy encounter with a mystery man. I would have liked this first meeting to be part of the story and not just some mini flashback afterthoughts. This would have given more credibility to Ethan's feelings.
We also get to meet up with Jake and Clayton but it felt like I was missing something. I should have read Burying the Hatchet first. I think these books should be put into an actual series so the readers know the order to read them in. I'm hoping to get a 3rd book where we see Ethan in his .
I loved learning about all those delicious Italian pastries.
I really enjoyed this story (new to me author) but a few small things kept me from giving 5 stars.
The books opens with Matt in his bakery thinking about his steamy encounter with a mystery man. I would have liked this first meeting to be part of the story and not just some mini flashback afterthoughts. This would have given more credibility to Ethan's feelings.
We also get to meet up with Jake and Clayton but it felt like I was missing something. I should have read Burying the Hatchet first. I think these books should be put into an actual series so the readers know the order to read them in. I'm hoping to get a 3rd book where we see Ethan in his .
I loved learning about all those delicious Italian pastries.
November 30, 2021
Grab a blanket and snuggle up by the fire, it’s time to head back to Belleview for the second festive novel by A.C Thomas and it’s a real page turner!
Matt Leonelli is muddling along running his family bakery, while dreaming of falling in love. He thinks he’s met the man of his dreams in ‘film-star gorgeous’ artist Ethan and is swept off his feet after only one date.
Disaster strikes, however, so close to Christmas, when Matt’s bank loans fall due and the manager sent to collect on the debt is none other than his beloved Ethan (co-owner of the Price banking empire).
We follow Matt as he struggles to save his bakery and heal a broken heart over the festive period, while Ethan has troubles of his own, forced into a role he doesn’t want and desperate to help Matt at any cost.
This story has it all - enemies to lovers, mutual pining and a whole host of baked goods (with a fabulous recipe at the end), as well as cameo appearances by favourites from the first novel in the series Burying the Hatchet.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a fun, romantic Christmas read!
Matt Leonelli is muddling along running his family bakery, while dreaming of falling in love. He thinks he’s met the man of his dreams in ‘film-star gorgeous’ artist Ethan and is swept off his feet after only one date.
Disaster strikes, however, so close to Christmas, when Matt’s bank loans fall due and the manager sent to collect on the debt is none other than his beloved Ethan (co-owner of the Price banking empire).
We follow Matt as he struggles to save his bakery and heal a broken heart over the festive period, while Ethan has troubles of his own, forced into a role he doesn’t want and desperate to help Matt at any cost.
This story has it all - enemies to lovers, mutual pining and a whole host of baked goods (with a fabulous recipe at the end), as well as cameo appearances by favourites from the first novel in the series Burying the Hatchet.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a fun, romantic Christmas read!
December 1, 2021
Much like a pastry fresh out of the oven, this book is both sweet and hot. (I KNOW and I’m NOT SORRY.) This fun little romance starts with a bang, as Matteo Leonelli realizes that the man of his dreams from his recent date is also the banker who has arrived to close down his family bakery. (Spoiler alert: this book does not end in foreclosure.) The story continues from there with charming characters, plenty of mutual pining, bakery innuendo, and enough loving descriptions of pastries to make you very hungry. It’s a perfect holiday read and a genuinely good time. Combine with fresh-baked cookies and enjoy!
November 30, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review. Opening this book I was totally taken just by the first lines! Matt is such a fun and cute character to follow, and you really find yourself rooting for him right from the start. Captivating read that is perfect for the holidays. Best way to get in the holiday spirit for sure! Oh, but all the mentions of food is very dangerous for my weight. And all the mentions about how handsome Ethan and Matt are might also make your mouth water while reading! So fair warning ;)
December 1, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was an absolutely delightful holiday romance story with a twist. A classic lovers to enemies twist featuring incredibly described baked goods and a whole cast of supporting characters that felt real and became well loved.
I adored how A.C. featured a heavier, chunky body instead of the cut buff dudes were used to reading about in classic romances. The body worship in this book is E V E R Y T H I N G.
I also loved that characters from her previous holiday romance featured as a central part of the plot in moving the romance forward, while also having their own special highlight moment. It was the sweetest.
A sweet, soft holiday romance meant to be enjoyed with some hot chocolate and some delicious cookies. 5/5 do recommend.
This was an absolutely delightful holiday romance story with a twist. A classic lovers to enemies twist featuring incredibly described baked goods and a whole cast of supporting characters that felt real and became well loved.
I adored how A.C. featured a heavier, chunky body instead of the cut buff dudes were used to reading about in classic romances. The body worship in this book is E V E R Y T H I N G.
I also loved that characters from her previous holiday romance featured as a central part of the plot in moving the romance forward, while also having their own special highlight moment. It was the sweetest.
A sweet, soft holiday romance meant to be enjoyed with some hot chocolate and some delicious cookies. 5/5 do recommend.
February 2, 2022
Even though I loathe the 'creative MC sucks at finances' trope, this novel is so stinkin' cute it obliterated my (singular moment of) annoyance under metric tons of sweetness delivered in clever, coy, charming prose. If you'd like to snicker and smile your way through a Christmas love story, this is a very good one.
January 4, 2022
3.5 stars
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