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Sycamore Mountain
To Hive and to Hold
They’re going to make it through this fake engagement,
Or kill each other trying…
Alden
I’ve saved for years. I pinched every penny, skipped nights at the bar, and cashed out my vacations, all so I could buy the town bakery. For twenty years, I’ve managed this place. Now the owner wants to sell to someone else, all because I don’t have a family to pass the bakery on to.
In a moment of panic, I tell her I’m engaged to Cece Barnes, the literal last woman in Sycamore Mountain that would actually date me. Getting Cece to play along is going to cost me an arm and a leg, plus most of my sanity. But the longer I spend with the feisty beekeeper, the more I wish this wasn’t fake.
Cece
I was done with men. Really, I was. Which is why I laughed so hard I hurt myself when Alden, the town flirt, showed up on my property, asking me to pretend to be his fiancé. And I kept laughing right until he promised to fund repairs on my crumbling farmhouse. I’m fiercely independent, but I’m also pragmatic and broke as hell.
But when our dates start to feel real, and the kisses lose their platonic safety, I know I’m in too deep. My heart shouldn’t race when he looks at me. My ribs shouldn’t squeeze the breath out of my lungs when he touches me. I shouldn’t be falling in love with my fake fiancé… but I don’t think I can stop.
The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2022, escape to Sycamore Mountain, North Carolina and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Can’t wait to see you there!
Or kill each other trying…
Alden
I’ve saved for years. I pinched every penny, skipped nights at the bar, and cashed out my vacations, all so I could buy the town bakery. For twenty years, I’ve managed this place. Now the owner wants to sell to someone else, all because I don’t have a family to pass the bakery on to.
In a moment of panic, I tell her I’m engaged to Cece Barnes, the literal last woman in Sycamore Mountain that would actually date me. Getting Cece to play along is going to cost me an arm and a leg, plus most of my sanity. But the longer I spend with the feisty beekeeper, the more I wish this wasn’t fake.
Cece
I was done with men. Really, I was. Which is why I laughed so hard I hurt myself when Alden, the town flirt, showed up on my property, asking me to pretend to be his fiancé. And I kept laughing right until he promised to fund repairs on my crumbling farmhouse. I’m fiercely independent, but I’m also pragmatic and broke as hell.
But when our dates start to feel real, and the kisses lose their platonic safety, I know I’m in too deep. My heart shouldn’t race when he looks at me. My ribs shouldn’t squeeze the breath out of my lungs when he touches me. I shouldn’t be falling in love with my fake fiancé… but I don’t think I can stop.
The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2022, escape to Sycamore Mountain, North Carolina and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious mountain men. Can’t wait to see you there!
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
58 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Mae Harden
29 books428 followersHi! I'm Mae Harden and I have an addiction to happy endings.
Join my newsletter to keep in touch!
I write the kinds of books I love to read. Low angst and good communication make me happy. I love a little drama, a metric shit-ton of sexual tension, a good meet-cute, and dirty talk. So, so much dirty talk. Hot with a plot is my personal motto and I take it seriously!
I have a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Baking and Pastry. Before staying home to raise my kids, I was a pastry chef for seven years and specialized in wedding cakes. (See, always a sucker for a happy ending!)
In real life, I’m a wife, and a mother to two adorable hellions. We have two puppies, a chonky cat, and more houseplants than I know what to do with.
Join my newsletter to keep in touch!
I write the kinds of books I love to read. Low angst and good communication make me happy. I love a little drama, a metric shit-ton of sexual tension, a good meet-cute, and dirty talk. So, so much dirty talk. Hot with a plot is my personal motto and I take it seriously!
I have a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Baking and Pastry. Before staying home to raise my kids, I was a pastry chef for seven years and specialized in wedding cakes. (See, always a sucker for a happy ending!)
In real life, I’m a wife, and a mother to two adorable hellions. We have two puppies, a chonky cat, and more houseplants than I know what to do with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 16, 2022
"I don’t need air. I need her."
I love Mae Harden's novellas. They're insta-love, which is something I don't usually like, but she makes it work, while still making you feel like you know the characters pretty well.
This is the story of Alden and Cece. Their meet-cute is... interesting, to say the least. In fact, I was laughing out loud at the first few sentences of the book because the start is, well, original. To cut a long story short, Alden is a baker and Cece is a beekeeper, which was a first for me when it comes to romance. They're both alone, and not necessarily looking for anything serious. In fact, they may not even like each other much.
However, Alden needs to fake a relationship with someone. When pressed, the first name out of his mouth is hers.
You get all the tension of the fake relationship trope. They're so very different and so much fun together. I love how she both dislikes him and wants him, and how sweet he is.
"Every day before I met you, was gray, but I didn’t think anything of it. I thought that’s how the world was for everyone. I didn’t know any better. Until you."
More than anything, I loved them both together. I just wanted more of them. I'm not sure this is a complaint, because it just goes to show it's definitely a quick, sweet, and sexy read that will leave you wanting more!
I love Mae Harden's novellas. They're insta-love, which is something I don't usually like, but she makes it work, while still making you feel like you know the characters pretty well.
This is the story of Alden and Cece. Their meet-cute is... interesting, to say the least. In fact, I was laughing out loud at the first few sentences of the book because the start is, well, original. To cut a long story short, Alden is a baker and Cece is a beekeeper, which was a first for me when it comes to romance. They're both alone, and not necessarily looking for anything serious. In fact, they may not even like each other much.
However, Alden needs to fake a relationship with someone. When pressed, the first name out of his mouth is hers.
You get all the tension of the fake relationship trope. They're so very different and so much fun together. I love how she both dislikes him and wants him, and how sweet he is.
"Every day before I met you, was gray, but I didn’t think anything of it. I thought that’s how the world was for everyone. I didn’t know any better. Until you."
More than anything, I loved them both together. I just wanted more of them. I'm not sure this is a complaint, because it just goes to show it's definitely a quick, sweet, and sexy read that will leave you wanting more!
April 13, 2023
This is a really fun book! It has a lot of what I like, including snarky banter, strong, kick ass heroine, fake dating, etc.
It’s just too short to be five stars. This book has a lot of potential and needs more depth to connect the dots. It’s missing something.
No OM/OW. The hero has been celibate for 18 years.
It’s just too short to be five stars. This book has a lot of potential and needs more depth to connect the dots. It’s missing something.
No OM/OW. The hero has been celibate for 18 years.
April 20, 2022
I just adore Mae's stories. She has likable, relatable characters, they are funny, sweet and yes sexy. This is a fake relationship, slow burn, laugh out loud tale between two enemies and oh my heavens I just loved them. Alden and Cece will entertain you and pull you into their world.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
~~Michele McMullen ~~
May 19, 2022
Mae never disappoints
Harden always provides a good read and To Hive and to Hold is no exception. It left me feeling all kinds of sweet and melty. This is small town romance at its best. No angst, just good old-fashioned tension and a happy ending.
Harden always provides a good read and To Hive and to Hold is no exception. It left me feeling all kinds of sweet and melty. This is small town romance at its best. No angst, just good old-fashioned tension and a happy ending.
March 15, 2022
There’s a reason why Mae Harden’s novellas are my absolute favorites. They have everything, the laughs, the swoon, the bickering, all the steam and absolutely ALL THE FEELS.
I read this beauty in an hour and couldn’t be more satisfied. Cece and Alden’s story was beautiful, sexy and wholesome.
100% recommended!
I read this beauty in an hour and couldn’t be more satisfied. Cece and Alden’s story was beautiful, sexy and wholesome.
100% recommended!
July 3, 2022
Alden has dedicated blood, sweat and tears to the bakery. The owner is finally retiring to Florida and he’s saved every penny to be able to buy it out. Unfortunately as a family bakery the owner doesn’t want to sell to perpetual bachelor, Alden, who has seemingly no interest in marriage and children. So he gets a crazy idea. What if he was engaged? Then she couldn’t possibly object right? And he knows just the girl to ask.
Cece is having a rough go since moving to Sycamore Mountain. She’s low on funds and struggling to renovate her farmhouse and while keeping up with her bee farm. When Alden proposes a fake engagement she instantly opposes the idea but when he offers to help her renovate she reluctantly agrees.
The more time they spend together the more the lines become blurred. But how can they reconcile real feelings in their fake relationship?
Okay I love a good fake dating trope and toss in a small town vibe and a hot baker and I’m here for it! I loved the banter between these two and the scene where they first meet had me rolling. My only complaint is how quick it turned. I know in novellas the story is condensed so everything has to happen fast but they spent a majority of the story avoiding each other so it felt kinda fast to jump to love. Otherwise I really enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her novellas!
Cece is having a rough go since moving to Sycamore Mountain. She’s low on funds and struggling to renovate her farmhouse and while keeping up with her bee farm. When Alden proposes a fake engagement she instantly opposes the idea but when he offers to help her renovate she reluctantly agrees.
The more time they spend together the more the lines become blurred. But how can they reconcile real feelings in their fake relationship?
Okay I love a good fake dating trope and toss in a small town vibe and a hot baker and I’m here for it! I loved the banter between these two and the scene where they first meet had me rolling. My only complaint is how quick it turned. I know in novellas the story is condensed so everything has to happen fast but they spent a majority of the story avoiding each other so it felt kinda fast to jump to love. Otherwise I really enjoyed this one and I’m looking forward to checking out more of her novellas!
April 6, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mae Harden, you had me at baker hero and beekeeper heroine. If that's not enough to entice the rest of y'all to read, you should know that in the opening scene, the male MC quite literally reaches over the female MC's head to grab her the lavender vibrator she's considering. I mean...
For more romance reviews and to listen to my podcast, please visit www.boobiesandnoobies.com
Mae Harden, you had me at baker hero and beekeeper heroine. If that's not enough to entice the rest of y'all to read, you should know that in the opening scene, the male MC quite literally reaches over the female MC's head to grab her the lavender vibrator she's considering. I mean...
For more romance reviews and to listen to my podcast, please visit www.boobiesandnoobies.com
March 18, 2022
"I don’t need air. I need her."
This was adorable. I wanna run away to a small town, be a bee keeper and have a fake engagement with a sexy baker.
Mae Harden never misses.
This was adorable. I wanna run away to a small town, be a bee keeper and have a fake engagement with a sexy baker.
Mae Harden never misses.
January 3, 2024
WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
**I only wish we could see sometime into the future of this couple!
Alden mets Cece when he finds her at the pharmacy and she's trying to reach a vibrator. When she goes to check out her card is declined so Alden pays for it. Alden tries to introduce himself but Cece tells him she knows who he is. The next day when Alden goes into the bakery he works at he finds out the owner Birdie is going to sell it, but she wants to sell to a family so that it gets passed down. Birdie doesn't want to sell to Alden because he has always told her he doesn't want to settle down. Alden sees Cece walk by the window and he tells Birdie he is engaged to marry Cece. After Cece puts on her beekeepers suit she head out to attend to them. Cece is a beekeeper and owns her own home but it's run down and she doesn't have the money to fix it up. Just as Cece is about to take the queen from her hive she hears a males voice behind her, he tries to wave at him to back away. Alden keep advancing towards Cece, when he gets up to her he tells her he needs to talk to her. Cece tells him to back up and move very slowly. Alden soon realizes what Cece is doing and turns to leave, she tells him to head to her truck. Their feet tangle together and they both go down irritating the bees, soon they are both running to Cece's truck. When they get inside the truck she tells him that was stupid for him to do, he tells her he knows that now. Alden tries to remove the stingers out but Cece tells him not to do that she'll take him back to her place and remove them. While Cece is fixing up Alden's bee stings she asks him why he's there, he tells her he has a proposal to ask of her. Alden explains to Cece that he needs her to be his fake fiancé so that he can buy the bakery. After talking for a while Alden convinces Cece to be his fake fiancé but he's going to fix up her home in return. Cece wants to know how long she'll have to be his fake fiancé and Alden tells her it could take months. Alden loves to mess with Cece he notices he can get under her skin easily. When Alden tells her they'll have to live together, she tells him no. Alden tells her it'll be more convincing if she moves in with him but she tells him she can't leave her farmhouse, so he tells her he'll move in with her. Cece goes to change out of her beekeepers suit and Alden follows her, he tells her they need to know a little about one another if they want this to work. So they lay on her bed and talk about their past, their families and their previous relationships. Cece tells him that he needs to learn a little about her bees, so when she suggest she take him outside he refuses. Alden ask her if he can have a beekeepers suit and when she gives him one he can't fit into it. Cece and Alden head outside where she tells him about about her bee's. Later Alden goes home and brings back some of his things. When they head to bed, Cece piles blankets and pillows in between them. Alden grabs a blanket and pillow and tells her he doesn't want to make her uncomfortable so he'll go sleep on the couch. Alden is gone for the next few mornings when Cece wakes, one morning she notices a note he left her, telling her they'll be having dinner at Birdie's tonight. When she arrives at Birdie's Cece doesn't want to go in, Alden calls her and tells her to come in. Then he comes out and helps her out of her truck, Cece enjoys the food at Birdie's home. When they have dessert Cece moans over the cake, and Alden just stares at her. Alden tells Cece they need to be heading home, when they leave Birdie tells Alden he needs to kiss his fiancé before they leave. When they kiss both of them feel it's earth shattering. Alden drives around for hours not wanting to go back to Cece's place. While Cece gets lost trying to find her way back to her place. Cece comes to find Alden at the bakery, but when she sees his assistant she get jealous. Alden wants her to admit she's jealous but she won't. Cece sneaks out when Alden's assistant comes back. Cece heads back home and goes right to bed, she wakes up later and she's hungry. Cece heads downstairs to grab a bit to eat but she sees the honey on the counter, so she starts to lick it off her fingers. Soon she hears Alden and sees him in the doorway. He tells her to do it again, she's confused and asks him what. He walks closer to her and tells her he wants her to lick the honey off her fingers again. Alden asks her why she ran off early he asks her if she's jealous. Alden tells her if she's jealous then there's something between them. Alden asks her if she wants to know what he wants, she asks him what does he want. Alden tells her he wants her, he starts kissing her. As they kiss Cece tells him not to stop, so Alden then strips her of her clothes. Then Cece is taking off his clothes, he beings to pleasure her, and she pleasures him. Alden tells her to tell him that this is real, Cece tells him she wants him. Alden carries her to her bedroom where they make love. When Cece wakes the next morning Alden is snoring beside her. When she moves he wakes and pulls her closer to him, he tells her he has to go someplace but he wants her to promise she'll be in bed waiting for him. Cece asks him where he's going and he tells her he needs to talk to Birdie and come clean. Cece tells him she's sorry but Alden tells her it's okay. The bakery was all he ever thought he wanted until she came into his life. Cece makes his world better, more colorful without her his world is empty. He tells her he doesn't want to start their life with a lie hanging over their heads. Before he leaves Alden tells her he in love with her, Cece tells him she already fell. When Alden gets to Birdie's house she invites him inside, he tells her it was all a lie. Birdie pulls out an envelope and tells him she already knew. Birdie pulls out the paperwork and tells Alden to sign, she wants him to have the bakery. When Alden tells her he needs to run to the bank Birdie ask him why. When Alden looks at the paperwork he realizes that Birdie gave him the bakery. Birdie tells him she wants him to have it, she doesn't need the money. When Alden gets back Cece is waiting for him in her bed. She has her laptop open and starts to tell him about available properties. Alden tells her that Birdie gave him the bakery, Cece tells him that's amazing. Alden tells Cece he would have given it up for her, and she asks him why. He tells her because he loves her, because she makes him a better man. Cece tells him she loves him too, Alden tells her impossible. Alden tells her they'll going to have to concede on this one, when she tells him never he tells her good, and presses his forehead to hers.
**I only wish we could see sometime into the future of this couple!
Alden mets Cece when he finds her at the pharmacy and she's trying to reach a vibrator. When she goes to check out her card is declined so Alden pays for it. Alden tries to introduce himself but Cece tells him she knows who he is. The next day when Alden goes into the bakery he works at he finds out the owner Birdie is going to sell it, but she wants to sell to a family so that it gets passed down. Birdie doesn't want to sell to Alden because he has always told her he doesn't want to settle down. Alden sees Cece walk by the window and he tells Birdie he is engaged to marry Cece. After Cece puts on her beekeepers suit she head out to attend to them. Cece is a beekeeper and owns her own home but it's run down and she doesn't have the money to fix it up. Just as Cece is about to take the queen from her hive she hears a males voice behind her, he tries to wave at him to back away. Alden keep advancing towards Cece, when he gets up to her he tells her he needs to talk to her. Cece tells him to back up and move very slowly. Alden soon realizes what Cece is doing and turns to leave, she tells him to head to her truck. Their feet tangle together and they both go down irritating the bees, soon they are both running to Cece's truck. When they get inside the truck she tells him that was stupid for him to do, he tells her he knows that now. Alden tries to remove the stingers out but Cece tells him not to do that she'll take him back to her place and remove them. While Cece is fixing up Alden's bee stings she asks him why he's there, he tells her he has a proposal to ask of her. Alden explains to Cece that he needs her to be his fake fiancé so that he can buy the bakery. After talking for a while Alden convinces Cece to be his fake fiancé but he's going to fix up her home in return. Cece wants to know how long she'll have to be his fake fiancé and Alden tells her it could take months. Alden loves to mess with Cece he notices he can get under her skin easily. When Alden tells her they'll have to live together, she tells him no. Alden tells her it'll be more convincing if she moves in with him but she tells him she can't leave her farmhouse, so he tells her he'll move in with her. Cece goes to change out of her beekeepers suit and Alden follows her, he tells her they need to know a little about one another if they want this to work. So they lay on her bed and talk about their past, their families and their previous relationships. Cece tells him that he needs to learn a little about her bees, so when she suggest she take him outside he refuses. Alden ask her if he can have a beekeepers suit and when she gives him one he can't fit into it. Cece and Alden head outside where she tells him about about her bee's. Later Alden goes home and brings back some of his things. When they head to bed, Cece piles blankets and pillows in between them. Alden grabs a blanket and pillow and tells her he doesn't want to make her uncomfortable so he'll go sleep on the couch. Alden is gone for the next few mornings when Cece wakes, one morning she notices a note he left her, telling her they'll be having dinner at Birdie's tonight. When she arrives at Birdie's Cece doesn't want to go in, Alden calls her and tells her to come in. Then he comes out and helps her out of her truck, Cece enjoys the food at Birdie's home. When they have dessert Cece moans over the cake, and Alden just stares at her. Alden tells Cece they need to be heading home, when they leave Birdie tells Alden he needs to kiss his fiancé before they leave. When they kiss both of them feel it's earth shattering. Alden drives around for hours not wanting to go back to Cece's place. While Cece gets lost trying to find her way back to her place. Cece comes to find Alden at the bakery, but when she sees his assistant she get jealous. Alden wants her to admit she's jealous but she won't. Cece sneaks out when Alden's assistant comes back. Cece heads back home and goes right to bed, she wakes up later and she's hungry. Cece heads downstairs to grab a bit to eat but she sees the honey on the counter, so she starts to lick it off her fingers. Soon she hears Alden and sees him in the doorway. He tells her to do it again, she's confused and asks him what. He walks closer to her and tells her he wants her to lick the honey off her fingers again. Alden asks her why she ran off early he asks her if she's jealous. Alden tells her if she's jealous then there's something between them. Alden asks her if she wants to know what he wants, she asks him what does he want. Alden tells her he wants her, he starts kissing her. As they kiss Cece tells him not to stop, so Alden then strips her of her clothes. Then Cece is taking off his clothes, he beings to pleasure her, and she pleasures him. Alden tells her to tell him that this is real, Cece tells him she wants him. Alden carries her to her bedroom where they make love. When Cece wakes the next morning Alden is snoring beside her. When she moves he wakes and pulls her closer to him, he tells her he has to go someplace but he wants her to promise she'll be in bed waiting for him. Cece asks him where he's going and he tells her he needs to talk to Birdie and come clean. Cece tells him she's sorry but Alden tells her it's okay. The bakery was all he ever thought he wanted until she came into his life. Cece makes his world better, more colorful without her his world is empty. He tells her he doesn't want to start their life with a lie hanging over their heads. Before he leaves Alden tells her he in love with her, Cece tells him she already fell. When Alden gets to Birdie's house she invites him inside, he tells her it was all a lie. Birdie pulls out an envelope and tells him she already knew. Birdie pulls out the paperwork and tells Alden to sign, she wants him to have the bakery. When Alden tells her he needs to run to the bank Birdie ask him why. When Alden looks at the paperwork he realizes that Birdie gave him the bakery. Birdie tells him she wants him to have it, she doesn't need the money. When Alden gets back Cece is waiting for him in her bed. She has her laptop open and starts to tell him about available properties. Alden tells her that Birdie gave him the bakery, Cece tells him that's amazing. Alden tells Cece he would have given it up for her, and she asks him why. He tells her because he loves her, because she makes him a better man. Cece tells him she loves him too, Alden tells her impossible. Alden tells her they'll going to have to concede on this one, when she tells him never he tells her good, and presses his forehead to hers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2022
My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.
4.5/5 stars
Alden needs a fake fiancé so he can buy the bakery he has worked at for 20 years from the owner, Birdie. The first person he can think of when asked who his fiancé is Cece, the woman who he bought a vibrator for at the local pharmacy. Cece is done with dating apps and guys, when she goes to return a box of condoms the pharmacist tells her they can’t be returned. Frustrated she decides she doesn’t need a man, she can take care of her needs herself through self love. She can’t reach the box, a strong muscled arm reaches over her and gets the box for her. The arm belongs to Alden who takes great pleasure in teasing her. When her card is declined he pays for her b.o.b. As you can imagine she is in no mood to help him pretend to be his fiancé after that. But being a nice person and Alden offering to help pay for her home repairs, she agrees.
Their banter is hilarious, she is attracted to him but does not let her body betray her, she holds her own against his sexiness. Alden is super cocky and arrogant, he loves to flirt with the ladies but isn’t a manwhore. He’s only had two partners in his 38 years. As they spend more time together they both feel the pull of attraction. Plus her sassiness is a real turn on for him. When they share their first kiss for the benefit of Birdie to sell their fake engagement, they are both shaken at how powerful it is.
Alden avoids her for a few days but eventually they talk and have their first time together. After he needs to come clean to Birdie, he doesn’t want their relationship to start with a lie. Birdie knew he was faking, but she saw how he looked at Cece, she just wanted him to be happy and have more than the bakery in his life. She gifts him the bakery. Back at Cece’s they confess their love. Sadly no epilogue, more a HFN.
Cece is a beekeeper and the scene with the to small for Alden bee suit is funny.
4.5/5 stars
Alden needs a fake fiancé so he can buy the bakery he has worked at for 20 years from the owner, Birdie. The first person he can think of when asked who his fiancé is Cece, the woman who he bought a vibrator for at the local pharmacy. Cece is done with dating apps and guys, when she goes to return a box of condoms the pharmacist tells her they can’t be returned. Frustrated she decides she doesn’t need a man, she can take care of her needs herself through self love. She can’t reach the box, a strong muscled arm reaches over her and gets the box for her. The arm belongs to Alden who takes great pleasure in teasing her. When her card is declined he pays for her b.o.b. As you can imagine she is in no mood to help him pretend to be his fiancé after that. But being a nice person and Alden offering to help pay for her home repairs, she agrees.
Their banter is hilarious, she is attracted to him but does not let her body betray her, she holds her own against his sexiness. Alden is super cocky and arrogant, he loves to flirt with the ladies but isn’t a manwhore. He’s only had two partners in his 38 years. As they spend more time together they both feel the pull of attraction. Plus her sassiness is a real turn on for him. When they share their first kiss for the benefit of Birdie to sell their fake engagement, they are both shaken at how powerful it is.
Alden avoids her for a few days but eventually they talk and have their first time together. After he needs to come clean to Birdie, he doesn’t want their relationship to start with a lie. Birdie knew he was faking, but she saw how he looked at Cece, she just wanted him to be happy and have more than the bakery in his life. She gifts him the bakery. Back at Cece’s they confess their love. Sadly no epilogue, more a HFN.
Cece is a beekeeper and the scene with the to small for Alden bee suit is funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
To Hive And To Hold is a steamy small town novella between a cheeky older baker and a younger fiery beekeeper who end up in quite the hilarious fake engagement.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Small Town, Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Age Gap, Fake Engagement, Forced Proximity
POV: First Person, Dual POVS
Format: eBook via Kindle Unlimited
TW/CW:
HOLY HOT D*MN! Someone get me some water because I am thirsty!
This novella is the perfect amount of sassy, spicy, and sweet! I mean what do you expect between a beekeeper and a baker but ooey gooey goodness! From the hilariously unique meet cute to the comical bickering and bantering to the down right sinful sexy time in the kitchen, Mae had me completely smitten with this couple!
I love a cheeky hero and Alden brings so much of that with a secret cinnamon roll soft side too! He’s a big flirt with a heart of gold and he is definitely one of my all time favorite book boyfriends! Cece was my girl! She was so headstrong and fierce. Mae really did her research on beekeeping because Cece impressed me so much with her intelligence and care she had for her hives. I also really loved the names she gave each of her hives and the reasons for them! I could read a thousand more pages of this couple because they were each so quirky and unique. And dang if they didn’t have some fire chemistry!
This novella was such a joy to read and I can’t wait to explore more of Mae’s writing! If you’re looking for a cute, sweet, and steamy small town novella with a reverse grumpy sunshine dynamic you should absolutely check this out!
Now if only I can convince Mae to write us a scene featuring that little gift Alden bought Cece when they met…
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: Small Town, Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Age Gap, Fake Engagement, Forced Proximity
POV: First Person, Dual POVS
Format: eBook via Kindle Unlimited
TW/CW:
HOLY HOT D*MN! Someone get me some water because I am thirsty!
This novella is the perfect amount of sassy, spicy, and sweet! I mean what do you expect between a beekeeper and a baker but ooey gooey goodness! From the hilariously unique meet cute to the comical bickering and bantering to the down right sinful sexy time in the kitchen, Mae had me completely smitten with this couple!
I love a cheeky hero and Alden brings so much of that with a secret cinnamon roll soft side too! He’s a big flirt with a heart of gold and he is definitely one of my all time favorite book boyfriends! Cece was my girl! She was so headstrong and fierce. Mae really did her research on beekeeping because Cece impressed me so much with her intelligence and care she had for her hives. I also really loved the names she gave each of her hives and the reasons for them! I could read a thousand more pages of this couple because they were each so quirky and unique. And dang if they didn’t have some fire chemistry!
This novella was such a joy to read and I can’t wait to explore more of Mae’s writing! If you’re looking for a cute, sweet, and steamy small town novella with a reverse grumpy sunshine dynamic you should absolutely check this out!
Now if only I can convince Mae to write us a scene featuring that little gift Alden bought Cece when they met…
December 8, 2023
f: Cece
m: Alden
(Dual POVs)
Cece and Alden’s very first run in was.. unique to say the least! It wasn’t a meet-cute. It wasn’t really a meet-awkward. Is there such a thing as a meet-hilarious? Because this would definitely classify as one! Frustrated from wasting her money on a box of condoms for a date that turned out to be a dud, Cece tries to return the box of unused condoms. I’m sure you can assume how well that goes.
I thought Cece’s job was so unique! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a character had the job of a beekeeper and her job does add some entertaining scenes to the book! Alden can come off as having a bit of an ego, but deep down, he’s really not as egotistical or experienced as everyone thinks he is. The banter between these two is pretty top notch though!
To say I was excited when I figured out that Cece is the sister of Sam from Lumber Snack is an understatement. But if you haven’t read Lumber Snack, have no fear because there’s really no content that you might find yourself confused over. It’s just a reference to how her grumpy brother recently found someone, yet she’s still single.
Overall, this was another cute novella from Mae Harden that provided the spice and humor that I’ve come to love from her!
Favorite Quotes:
Sycamore Mountain is lousy with big gorgeous men. It’s the personality thing they haven’t figured out. -Cece
“we need to know each other inside and out.”
“Care to reword that? Because I am not sleeping with you.” -Alden & Cece
This is his party. I’m just here to look fertile. My mood darkens all over again. There’s nothing like being used as an incubating prop to make a girl feel special. -Cece
m: Alden
(Dual POVs)
Cece and Alden’s very first run in was.. unique to say the least! It wasn’t a meet-cute. It wasn’t really a meet-awkward. Is there such a thing as a meet-hilarious? Because this would definitely classify as one! Frustrated from wasting her money on a box of condoms for a date that turned out to be a dud, Cece tries to return the box of unused condoms. I’m sure you can assume how well that goes.
I thought Cece’s job was so unique! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a character had the job of a beekeeper and her job does add some entertaining scenes to the book! Alden can come off as having a bit of an ego, but deep down, he’s really not as egotistical or experienced as everyone thinks he is. The banter between these two is pretty top notch though!
To say I was excited when I figured out that Cece is the sister of Sam from Lumber Snack is an understatement. But if you haven’t read Lumber Snack, have no fear because there’s really no content that you might find yourself confused over. It’s just a reference to how her grumpy brother recently found someone, yet she’s still single.
Overall, this was another cute novella from Mae Harden that provided the spice and humor that I’ve come to love from her!
Favorite Quotes:
Sycamore Mountain is lousy with big gorgeous men. It’s the personality thing they haven’t figured out. -Cece
“we need to know each other inside and out.”
“Care to reword that? Because I am not sleeping with you.” -Alden & Cece
This is his party. I’m just here to look fertile. My mood darkens all over again. There’s nothing like being used as an incubating prop to make a girl feel special. -Cece
March 16, 2022
4 Stars!
POV: Dual (1st person)
Slow burn/Insta Love
Standalone
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, Fake relationship, Novella
Triggers: Loss of parent
Likes: Mae is one of the best steamy novella writers! I loved Alden! Everyone thinks he's this huge playboy manwhore, if only they new the truth! He cares so deeply about his beloved cafe that he's never really had time in his life to think about relationships. That is until the owner refuses to sell to him unless he has someone to spend his future with! Unfortunately the only woman that comes into mind to help, is the one who can't stand his guts! Will either of them end up getting stung by more than just her Cece's bees?
Dislikes: It did go quite quickly to love after what was some great slow burn banter.
OW/OM drama: No OW/OM mentioned.
POV: Dual (1st person)
Slow burn/Insta Love
Standalone
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, Fake relationship, Novella
Triggers: Loss of parent
Likes: Mae is one of the best steamy novella writers! I loved Alden! Everyone thinks he's this huge playboy manwhore, if only they new the truth! He cares so deeply about his beloved cafe that he's never really had time in his life to think about relationships. That is until the owner refuses to sell to him unless he has someone to spend his future with! Unfortunately the only woman that comes into mind to help, is the one who can't stand his guts! Will either of them end up getting stung by more than just her Cece's bees?
Dislikes: It did go quite quickly to love after what was some great slow burn banter.
OW/OM drama: No OW/OM mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
Another fantastic read by Ms. Harden!!! I absolutely love Cece, she isn't immune to Alden's body but she is witty and doesn't put up with his charm. Alden will do what he needs to buy the bakery he has worked in for twenty years and he needs Cece to help with his plans. Cece has recently moved to the small town to start her own bee and honey business. Alden is the baker in the town. His charm and smoothness rubs Cece the wrong way but she just can't help but be attracted to him. This was a fun, witty, and steamy short read. It involves a fantastic enemies to lovers and fake engagement, two of my favorite romance tropes! I highly recommend this wonderful read.
March 26, 2022
I love a good age gap romance read and 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗 was exactly what I love about this trope. You get all the feels, all the sass, all the sweet and all the sexy that makes for a great read in one sitting instalust romance read.
Cece and Alden get off on the wrong foot but things take a turn for the better and the sexier when they call a truce and work together. Their attraction to one another was yumminess personified and I couldn’t get enough of them.
Watching them fall in love made this the unputdownable, read in one sitting romance that it is! I’m giving 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Cece and Alden get off on the wrong foot but things take a turn for the better and the sexier when they call a truce and work together. Their attraction to one another was yumminess personified and I couldn’t get enough of them.
Watching them fall in love made this the unputdownable, read in one sitting romance that it is! I’m giving 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
October 31, 2022
Hilarious! This book had me laughing so hard I was in tears. Easily my favorite thus far from the man of the month series.
Picture this, it’s 10 pm you had a lousy date and you just want to buy a vibrator! But No! Life throws you one more smack when your card declines. Then the hottest guy in town swoops in to make the purchase for you 🥴 shoot me now. However it makes for a great how did you meet story 🤣🤣
This is how Cece meets Alden. These two are snarky, hilarious and the chemistry is **chef’s kiss** I absolutely love these two!
The man of the month series continues to deliver quick amazing reads!
Picture this, it’s 10 pm you had a lousy date and you just want to buy a vibrator! But No! Life throws you one more smack when your card declines. Then the hottest guy in town swoops in to make the purchase for you 🥴 shoot me now. However it makes for a great how did you meet story 🤣🤣
This is how Cece meets Alden. These two are snarky, hilarious and the chemistry is **chef’s kiss** I absolutely love these two!
The man of the month series continues to deliver quick amazing reads!
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 27, 2022
I absolutely adored this story from start to finish!
Alden has been managing a bakery for years and now he has a chance to own it, only the current owner is afraid and this leads Alden down a road of trouble when he lies about his current relationship status. Cece is new to town, she is a beekeeper and full of sass.
Alden and Cece were absolutely hilarious and the tension and chemistry between them was delicious. I loved seeing them push each others buttons. It was fun seeing their dynamic shift from enemies to lovers.
If you’re looking for a fake relationship, age gap, small town, enemies to lovers check this one out.
Alden has been managing a bakery for years and now he has a chance to own it, only the current owner is afraid and this leads Alden down a road of trouble when he lies about his current relationship status. Cece is new to town, she is a beekeeper and full of sass.
Alden and Cece were absolutely hilarious and the tension and chemistry between them was delicious. I loved seeing them push each others buttons. It was fun seeing their dynamic shift from enemies to lovers.
If you’re looking for a fake relationship, age gap, small town, enemies to lovers check this one out.
March 16, 2022
A fun fake fiancée novella
This is a sweet and sexy fake relationship novella with a side of enemies to lovers. In order to buy the bakery he’s worked at for 20 years, Alden has to have a family to pass it down to. Cece recently moved to town to grow her apiary while she fixes up the old farmhouse she bought. Alden and Cece have a cringe worthy meet cute right before he tells the bakery owner Cece is his fiancée. Their journey from hostility to forever is a fun journey. While short, the writing was good, the characters were well developed, and the storyline was engaging.
This is a sweet and sexy fake relationship novella with a side of enemies to lovers. In order to buy the bakery he’s worked at for 20 years, Alden has to have a family to pass it down to. Cece recently moved to town to grow her apiary while she fixes up the old farmhouse she bought. Alden and Cece have a cringe worthy meet cute right before he tells the bakery owner Cece is his fiancée. Their journey from hostility to forever is a fun journey. While short, the writing was good, the characters were well developed, and the storyline was engaging.
October 2, 2022
An absolutely perfect novella
I LOVED this! I'd already read Addison's story so it was awesome to discover how Alden and Cece got together. Wow! I absolutely LOVED their chemistry, right from the start. I loved that it didn't fall into the trap of a lot of novellas by starting drama for the sake of drama. I called the Birdie situation but it didn't change how much I enjoyed their story. The enemies-to-lovers aspect was sharp, sassy perfection from both characters, and when they finally got together? So. Damn. Hot! (AND adorable).
I LOVED this! I'd already read Addison's story so it was awesome to discover how Alden and Cece got together. Wow! I absolutely LOVED their chemistry, right from the start. I loved that it didn't fall into the trap of a lot of novellas by starting drama for the sake of drama. I called the Birdie situation but it didn't change how much I enjoyed their story. The enemies-to-lovers aspect was sharp, sassy perfection from both characters, and when they finally got together? So. Damn. Hot! (AND adorable).
March 20, 2022
Alden has made his whole life about the bakery. When he finds a way to make it finally his, he does the only thing he can think of to close the deal.
Cece is new in town, but is determined to make it home. Despite obstacles popping up, she loves the area and knows she can fix up her home and run her business.
They quickly realize that they can help each other out while encouraging their chemistry.
Received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Cece is new in town, but is determined to make it home. Despite obstacles popping up, she loves the area and knows she can fix up her home and run her business.
They quickly realize that they can help each other out while encouraging their chemistry.
Received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2022
Mae Harden never lets you down - it'll be fun and steamy - guaranteed!
And she does it again. Mae Harden has a real talent for creating characters that you immediately take into your heart and makes the process of watching them interact and fall in love (of course) a whole lot of fun - not to mention steamy - another real talent there too!
I absolutely love reading her novellas when I want to kick back with a coffee, or a glass of wine, lose myself quickly and be entertained.
And she does it again. Mae Harden has a real talent for creating characters that you immediately take into your heart and makes the process of watching them interact and fall in love (of course) a whole lot of fun - not to mention steamy - another real talent there too!
I absolutely love reading her novellas when I want to kick back with a coffee, or a glass of wine, lose myself quickly and be entertained.
January 7, 2023
Quick read that leaves you smiling
Quick read with an head. I enjoyed the banter and dual POV. I thought the adult language was not necessary. The snark and tension kept the story interesting. I thought parts of the story needed more details. I did not understand the age gap thing but maybe I just overlooked it. I don't think it adds anything to the plot though. This is an adult read so know that adult things are mentioned and described.
Quick read with an head. I enjoyed the banter and dual POV. I thought the adult language was not necessary. The snark and tension kept the story interesting. I thought parts of the story needed more details. I did not understand the age gap thing but maybe I just overlooked it. I don't think it adds anything to the plot though. This is an adult read so know that adult things are mentioned and described.
January 18, 2024
Love these novellas
This book is filled with laughs, funny banter and enemies to lovers that make Alden and Cece's story perfect! Alden lives for his work and now that he could own the bakery he will do anything to secure it from Birdie. He has settle down before she will give him the bakery. He proposes a fake engagement with Cece but soon the fake becomes real and he will do anything to keep her. Love these novellas and can't wait to read the next one. Happy Reading!!
This book is filled with laughs, funny banter and enemies to lovers that make Alden and Cece's story perfect! Alden lives for his work and now that he could own the bakery he will do anything to secure it from Birdie. He has settle down before she will give him the bakery. He proposes a fake engagement with Cece but soon the fake becomes real and he will do anything to keep her. Love these novellas and can't wait to read the next one. Happy Reading!!
April 25, 2024
3 stars
This was a pretty cute novella about a beekeeper and a baker who fake an engagement for romance reasons. Very TV romcom vibes, leaning a bit cheesy at times. I’m a big fan of Mae Harden’s Sonoma series, which are all longer, and the additional page count really makes a difference. In comparison, this story and the characters stayed pretty surface level, but it still made for a good palate cleanser.
This was a pretty cute novella about a beekeeper and a baker who fake an engagement for romance reasons. Very TV romcom vibes, leaning a bit cheesy at times. I’m a big fan of Mae Harden’s Sonoma series, which are all longer, and the additional page count really makes a difference. In comparison, this story and the characters stayed pretty surface level, but it still made for a good palate cleanser.
March 16, 2022
A good love story
Enjoyed reading this book and learning more about bees. Not that I'm willing to get close to three...nope. Alden met his match in Cece, she gave him a run for his money. All he wanted in the world was to own the bakery shop he's worked in for twenty years. So he devised a plan. Read how their story goes. It's cute. Written by Cindy :)
Enjoyed reading this book and learning more about bees. Not that I'm willing to get close to three...nope. Alden met his match in Cece, she gave him a run for his money. All he wanted in the world was to own the bakery shop he's worked in for twenty years. So he devised a plan. Read how their story goes. It's cute. Written by Cindy :)
March 16, 2022
This is a quick and delightful book to read. Both Cece and Alden have fun personalities with lots of snark and teasing for each other. At first Cece really does not care for Alden who she but soon what started as a fake relationship took a turn. Their story will keep you laughing as you root for them.
March 19, 2022
Mae Harden is a queen, i’ll remind everyone of this as much as needed. This was such a cute novella! I love all her Sugar Creek novellas and this one is loosely connected but introduces us to another town i want to take up residence in. Alden is another character to add to my “Mae Harden book boyfriend” collection.
March 22, 2022
Super quick read with lots of funny banter and wit! The angst and spice is definitely weaves throughout this novella! I love everything Mae Harden writes! She knows how to build the scene for the book and gives just the right amount of detail to keep you hooked from the first chapter! Definitely a great novella to add to your TBR!
March 24, 2022
It started as a fake engagement
Alden has worked at the local bakery for twenty years and now he's ready to own it. In a moment of panic he tells the current owner Birdie he's engaged to Cece. New resident who happens to run a beekeeping business. She's a feisty woman who drives a hard bargain but Alden loves pushing her buttons. Insta love at its finest!
Alden has worked at the local bakery for twenty years and now he's ready to own it. In a moment of panic he tells the current owner Birdie he's engaged to Cece. New resident who happens to run a beekeeping business. She's a feisty woman who drives a hard bargain but Alden loves pushing her buttons. Insta love at its finest!
April 14, 2022
all the feels
This was my first by this author and I’m glad I took a chance on it! It gave me all the feels and made me smile it’s exactly what I needed short sweet and oh so delicious. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick read that will still knock you off your feet!
This was my first by this author and I’m glad I took a chance on it! It gave me all the feels and made me smile it’s exactly what I needed short sweet and oh so delicious. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick read that will still knock you off your feet!
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