Peaches and Honey

by Imogen Markwell-Tweed

Matt’s come a long way from the hyper-masculine jerk he was fifteen years ago. He never expected to love his step-son so fiercely, or to agree with his now ex-wife that divorce was the right choice for both of them. He should be less surprised that he’s happy he moved back to his hometown of Blue Bell and sells homemade pies at the local farmer’s market. So when his first impression with his neighbor completely tanks, Matt’s determined to be cordial.

Heath is surly and distrustful of Matt at first, but their mutual interest in baking grows into friendship. Matt loves Heath’s playful and relaxed nature, the way his eyes sparkle when he talks about his bees. Matt’s never looked at a man the way he looks at Heath, or has felt so comfortable around anyone. Confused by his thoughts and more of his new friend, unsure and falling hopelessly in love with his neighbor, Matt doesn’t know what to do. Caught off guard by his growing feelings for Heath, can Matt keep from ruining the best friendship of his life?

Genres: Romance, LGBT, Audiobook, Contemporary, Queer, Contemporary Romance, Adult

156 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2021

About the author

Imogen Markwell-Tweed is a queer romance writer and editor based in St. Louis. When she's not writing or hanging out with her dog, IMT can be found putting her media degrees to use by binge-watching trashy television. All of her stories promise queer protagonists, healthy relationships, and happily ever afters. @unrealimogen on Twitter and Instagram.view less

Reviews

[Nida]

The writing was great, the characters had so much chemistry I had a toothache, and I loved the dynamic between them and Matt's kid (and big plus since it's a love story around baking).

But I feel like there was one little problem that I hope will not be taken badly and that English not being my first language, I'll still be able to articulate my thoughts well.
On the cover, Heath appears to be black but no descriptor in the book refers to that fact. The book industry being as it is and even though I am myself Black, I would have pictured Heath as White if it weren't for the cover.

At some point in the book, it says : "He was an openly gay man moving to a small town in Missouri and the idea of being easily accepted — let alone immediately — hadn’t occurred to him."
I've googled Missouri and it's a red state. In this context, wouldn't other people's perception of his blackness have been another concern of his while thinking of this move ?

[Shelba]

Sweetness overload, with a few chuckles thrown in. I’d say this was perfection, were it not for the whole Ben/Linda thing… not necessary to the plot and a distraction from the romance at nth hour.

[Jae Stanford-Gant]

This was very cute, really short but so cute. I really wish there was more of Matt and Heath. For such a short book, the process of getting to know the two main characters was seamless. From a small mistaken identity in the beginning, to a slight hint a enemies to lovers - these two neighbors because quick friends and in the end, best friends to lovers.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich]

Sweet and adorable short.
A friendship that is born with a confrontation and ends in such a beautiful relationship.
Something quick to distract yourself.

[Penny]

This is very cute and sweet, and with no depth. The audiobook didn't help as the narrator and production were was OK.

[Kar]

Short and sweet, no pun intended

[Heather(Gibby)]

It was a very simple book without much depth, and the narrator was terrible

[Brianna - Four Paws and a Book]

2.5 stars

This was cute and sweet, but it was so rushed. It was like slow burn for most of the book and then flip the switch and they’re all the sudden in love. The characters felt really stereotypical and it was really obvious the characters were written by a woman.

[Jacob Williams]

This was okay. I didn’t love the writing. The relationship was a little too fast and not sweet enough. Plus the narrator was horrible.

[Kimmy’s Reads!]

This was soo cute but extremely underwhelming. I wanted this to be freaking adorable and giggly and it just read very awkward at times.

[Ian Rosales]

This is is a delectable exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a Southern summer, the novel delicately intertwines the lives of its characters, weaving a narrative rich with emotion and nostalgia. Markwell-Tweed's prose is lyrical, painting vivid portraits of the Georgia landscape and the complexities of human connection. The story unfolds with a perfect balance of sweetness and poignancy, leaving readers savoring the nuances of life's bittersweet moments. This evocative tale captures the essence of Southern charm and the enduring power of love, making it a compelling read.

[Aiyana]

This wasn't too bad. It was a cute story, but I feels like anyone could've written it. The author basically to strung simple English sentences together then she called it a book.


2.5 Stars

[AnnieReads]

I liked the slow burn- friends to more trope... but the end felt rushed... I wanted a happy moment of them together more than just at the fair... Like give me an epilogue with them together in the backyard the day after the shop opened or SOMETHING..

[Ashley GR]

This story was cute but I spent the whole time trying to decide what the narrator’s original accent was because all the misplaced inflections were so distracting. I would suggest reading over listening to the audiobook.

[Lydia Hephzibah]

Setting: USA
Rep: bi MMC; queer MMC

Honestly, this was so badly narrated by Ray Jericho, I struggled to retain anything about the story. A lifeless performance with terrible diction. I usually love Imogen's books but this fell so flat and I think that's mostly because of the narration.

[ten thousand bees]

3.5 rounded down
listen this was nothing special, sure, but it was /CLENCHES FIST/ SOOOOO...FFFFFFCUTE. i giggled and kicked my feet

[Charlie]

DNF after 2% the writing is incredibly poor and considering this is the second novella by this author i have picked up and had the same complaint about i will not be picking up anything by them again

[Avery]

I think this book was absolutely adorable! I would describe this book as cozy. You end up falling in love with the characters and the style of writing. Each chapter ends so quickly that you are dying to read the next. I enjoy a feel-good book with a happy ending and this totally gave me what I wanted! If anything, I wish that it was longer and had more character development. I would have loved to gone further with Matt's realization of his love for Heath, and what that meant for him. I also really liked how much they were crushing on each other that I was hoping it wasn't going to end with him confessing their love, but it did. All in all, this is an easy read and it's cute. It is not perfect but it made me smile.

[Lucia Fidhel]

Ay, de verdad que necesitaba una novela de este tipo. Un romance ligerito, bonito, dulce y que me hiciera suspirar. ¡Además viene con recetas de pie! ¿Qué más puedes pedirle a la vida?

Si tuviera que describir esta novela diría que es la versión gay de Waitress, pero sin tanto drama, casi como un Hearstopper, pero con Charlie y Nick de adultos y con un divorcio a cuestas.

Es un libro que transcurre en un pueblo pequeño, en medio de postres, miel, un romance lento se irá cociendo hasta que será imposible contenerlo.

Realmente es una historia muy tierna que, fácilmente, podría llevarse al cine con éxito, especialmente si va de mano de Lifetime.

PD: La portada es una PRECIOSIDAD.

[elstaffe]

Pull quotes/notes
"But they’re a bottle and a half in and while Matt’s pleasantly buzzed, Heath is full on drunk — like, keeps trying to sneak away from the patio furniture they’re sitting on to go mess with his beehives because he misses them, and Matt’s one glass away from dragging the bastard inside before he gets them both attacked by an army of sleeping insects." (118-119) if this also has a sneaky bee pun, huge kudos

[Emma]

3.25 🌟
Cute and fitting read for pride month. I wish it was longer so we could have more time with the characters and more build up.

I read this via Scribd (UK)
Sign up to Scribd using my link and get 60 days free access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more! I also get an extra 30 days for every sign up. I use it daily so it would mean a lot ❤️
Link: scribd.com/gae/97wno1

[Agnese]

Disclamer: My opinion is subjective

Rep: Queer
Personal category: Subjectively came here for the romance
Note: 3.5

Came here for a sweet and short romance, got that and an intense desire to go to a farmers market and eat a cake.
Easy to read, fast to read, cute and funny. Sometimes a bit cring-ish.

[Courtney Williams]

4.5 stars

This was the perfect short and sweet little story 🥺 I’ve been struggling to connect with books lately so I needed something light and easy and this was exactly what I needed! Matt & Heath were both so sweet, I honestly would love more little stories with snippets of their life after this book! Just very cute!!

[Rachel Bowdler]

I can never get enough of IMT’s sweet queer romances. Cinnamon roll characters with depth, lots of cosy baking scenes, humour, and iconic secondary characters are guaranteed in Peaches and Honey, a perfect, short summer read full of warmth and sunshine. Also, a parrot named Andrew!

[Kara]

The writing was so over exagerated and over explained~ a lot of the descriptions were confusing. Like one of the characters touches the other for one second and suddenly his arm is "on fire" Why? Very meh.

[Corey Smoot]

Very sweet story, with pies! 🥧
I listened to the audiobook, but I suggest reading it. Narration was not good in the book I listened to. Story is worth a read, though, and author is worth reading more.

[Just Bored❤️]

Cute read but it is a PG romance.

[Kelsey Lynn]

I absolutely loved this book! The pining will keep you on the edge of your seat and the cuteness will entertain you throughout. Such a fun and funny summer read. 10/10 would recommend.

[GoWithTheFlo]

3.5/5

[lucia♡]

bro this was so cute 🥹