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Holidays and Heroes #1

Mistletoe and Mochas

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His pain keeps him isolated. Alone. Until Devan breaks through his walls.

Mac hasn't voluntarily spoken to another soul in months. Not since a mortar attack left him scarred and in constant pain. But when he runs out of coffee, he heads out into the snowy, Boston winter to fuel his caffeine addiction.

He's never been to Artist's Grind—part coffee shop, part local artist mecca—but when he sees Devan wiping graffiti off her door, something about her draws him in.

One taste is all it takes for Mac to want more. Much more. But he won't subject anyone to his scars—or his particular brand of damage.

He should walk away.

He will.

After one more cup.

Devan doesn't need help defending her home. Her heart, on the other hand, is about to be stolen.

Devan isn't going to let a little red paint scare her away. Even if the vandals are escalating.

When Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sexy walks in, she doesn't see his scars. Only a man with a little hitch in his step, a rough voice, and a maddening personality. And the first guy she's wanted to know more about in years.

Too bad he spooks at every personal question.

A little danger, a little intrigue, and a lot of sexy banter will leave you turning these pages all night long.

Fall in love with Mistletoe and Mochas, and let Devan and Mac's heat keep you warm for the holidays.

Mistletoe and Mochas is the first book in the Holiday and Heroes series, but each book can be read as a complete standalone.

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2014

86 people are currently reading
553 people want to read

About the author

Patricia D. Eddy

77 books892 followers
Patricia D. Eddy is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes romance for the beautifully broken.

Fueled by coffee, wine, and Doctor Who episodes on repeat, she brings damaged heroes and heroines together to find their happy ever afters in many different worlds. From military to paranormal to BDSM, her characters are unstoppable forces colliding with such heat, sparks always fly.

Add Patricia's latest releases to your TBR list now!
Rogue Operator (Gone Rogue #5) by Patricia D. Eddy and Trusting His Instincts (Away From Keyboard #11) by Patricia D. Eddy

Patricia makes her home in Seattle with her husband and very spoiled cats, and when she’s not writing, she loves working on home improvement projects, especially if they involve power tools.

Her Away From Keyboard series will always be her first love, because that’s where she realized the characters in her head were telling their own stories—and she was just writing them down.

You can find Patricia all over the web:

Website: https://patriciadeddy.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/patriciadeddyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patriciadeddy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patriciadeddy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/patri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-D.-Ed...


Sign up for Patricia's newsletter to receive a free romantic suspense short story! https://patriciadeddy.com/mailinglist

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5 stars
246 (48%)
4 stars
158 (31%)
3 stars
72 (14%)
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23 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,056 reviews25.3k followers
February 23, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS

Mistletoe and Mochas is book one in the Holidays and Heroes series by Patricia Eddy. Have you ever seen a cover for a book and just knew you would love it? Well, that happened with this one. And my instincts were correct because I fell in love with these two characters.

Mac Fergerson was seriously wounded in a mortar attack and is now retired from the military. He spent nine long months in the hospital and has only been home in Boston for three months. His body is badly scarred and he is still in constant pain. He barely leaves his apartment and speaks to no one. One thing Mac does enjoy is his coffee and when he realizes he is out of beans, he forces himself to head to a local coffee shop. As soon as he saw the woman running the shop, he felt the attraction. But he can’t involve another person in his darkness. It wouldn’t be fair to them or himself. Because he is positive one look at his scars would send anyone running far away.

Devan Windsom is thirty one years old and is running her dream business of a combination coffee shop, bakery and place where local artists can also show their pieces. Her business is doing well and it takes up every minute of her time. It’s been years since she felt any interest in getting to know a man but as soon as the stranger with a limp walked in, she was intrigued. But, he is frustrating because every step they take forward also includes two steps back. He is closed off and gruff but just enough little bits of light show through that keep her hanging in there, trying to get to know him.



When some acts of vandalism seem to be escalating, Mac insists on protecting her. She can take care of herself but is also glad for the chance to get to know him better. And the more time they spend together, the more she knows that she wants him in her life.

This was such a good book. The added bit of danger just made it all the better. Mac so deserved some happiness in his life. He was such a proud man. And Devan was so strong. They were perfect for each other. I sped right through this and enjoyed it so much. The next book in the series is Love and Libations and sounds so good. And wow, the cover of that one is amazing as well!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Jennifer Senhaji.
Author 5 books164 followers
November 4, 2014
What an amazing holiday short. Our hero, Mac, is a dark and tortured gentleman, recovering from injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, who has isolated himself from the world. Our heroine, Devan, is a sharp and strong role model for women. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t, and as a connoisseur of coffee, has caffeine running through her veins, which I can totally relate to.
The story mostly takes place in a quaint café in Boston called the Artist’s Grind. The author paints a very clear picture of the characters and the setting, pulling a complete story together in this quick read. It is touching and sexy and the writing is flawless.
Another reason why I fangirl over this author. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for A.E. Snow.
Author 4 books12 followers
February 7, 2015
I really loved Devan and Mac. Patricia Eddy has written a really lovely holiday story about two lonely people who happen to find each other at the holidays. It was sweet and sexy, and there was a lot of talk about coffee which I appreciate very much. I highly recommend this Mistletoe and Mochas. It is the perfect story to get you into the holiday spirit!
Profile Image for Jen_C.
1,112 reviews56 followers
October 7, 2015
3.75 stars.

Feisty, independent heroine with a potty mouth falls for scarred, wounded, in pain, protective, chivalrous former army LT turned artist. Bad guy trying to run her out of her business.

“What’ll it be?”
“What would you order right now?” he asked her.
You, naked, on a platter. The thought slammed into her like a freight train and she blushed.

“You’re a puzzle, Mac Fergerson. A handsome, infuriating puzzle.”
He nearly choked on his wine. “Infuriating?” Wait, did she say handsome?
“Yes. Other than the limp, which isn’t bad, by the way, you’re the best looking man to walk into my shop in three years. Yet you’re hiding. From everyone.

“I was terrified I wasn’t going to get there in time last night. That they’d get to you and I’d lose you.” Devan started to protest, but Mac held up his hand. “I know. You were never mine. I want you to be.”
She smiled. He loved it when she looked at him like he was whole. Like he could be what she needed. Her words were quiet but firm when she said, “I’d like that too.”
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,636 reviews267 followers
March 31, 2015
What a delightful holiday read! This story of Mac, injured and recovering soldier and Devan, owner of a local coffee shop hit all my buttons. Surly and brooding hero and strong and feisty heroine meet and the sparks fly. It's a short novella, but managed to detail well the back stories of the characters and the setting. There is a bit of a suspense story to the plot as well that brings out Mac's protective instincts. Sexual attraction between them leads to some steamy scenes and they get a well deserved happy ending. Loved it! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
December 25, 2014
“Why are you doing this?” He slid some cash into the bill sleeve. Before he could pull his hand away, Devan reached out for it and twined their fingers. The intimacy of the gesture and the electricity that spread up his arm warmed him. He wanted more of Devan Windsom. A lot more.

“Because I like you. And I think you like me. And it’s the holidays. Maybe I want to share them with someone this year."

3.25+ RATING-
Reading through some of the short and novella length holiday books I have on my kindle. Picked up this one today for free. Because of the shorter length, there wasn't a lot of room for development. Still, the story featured a wounded warrior (which I love!), an independant heroine, and overall, was pretty cute. There were a couple editing issues but those were easy to overlook. I really liked Mac, he was a great protective hero. I think the story had potential to be a bit longer but it worked for what it was. I would read this author again and recommend this book if able to pick up for free.


Profile Image for Kay Blake.
Author 22 books76 followers
November 6, 2014
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. What a great holiday story. The story had enough emotion and tension between the two to melt snow. It had great suspense and a great story line. Devan and Mac? What can I say about them? I loved how they complimented each other. This was a great book.
Profile Image for Sheri.
Author 26 books55 followers
December 9, 2014
Great holiday short. A super quick read, with a lot of heart. I'd recommend it to anyone and can't wait to see what Miss Eddy comes up with next.
Profile Image for Aimee.
764 reviews62 followers
December 4, 2018
This was cute and quick. It had potential if there was just more time for the relationship and character development, but it was cute for what it was. I liked Mac but almost felt like I didn't have a chance to get to know or connect with Devan. We get much more of a back story with Mac and not so much with Devan.

The only thing that bugged me outright was that the author doesn't know the difference between a stepbrother and a half brother. Such a small thing, but after one little passage that highlights that they are siblings, I started to wonder if it really is confusing for people to figure out.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,489 reviews23 followers
February 10, 2020
Nice Holiday Story

Mac and Devan's story is one that will have you wanting to know more. He is not only physically scared and in constant pain, but he is dealing with crippling emotional inadequacy issues as well. There are at least a half a dozen moments with Max that will have you reaching for Kleenex. Devan is attracted to Mac from the first moment she sees him...but he is very closed off. She can't seem to get through to him. Can these two make their way to trust each other with their hearts?
Profile Image for CARLA.
995 reviews41 followers
December 19, 2018
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/12/...

This was a cute xmas novella. Both characters had a nice depth and independance I could appreciate. And they both seemed like normal, no nonsense people.

What I really liked about it was Mac’s past. I don’t know why but military backgrounds seem to always give a depper layer to a character, especially one that leaves him permantly injured. I feel like they are more relatable and ‘real’ I guess. His struggle with his injury and the way he dealt with his pain was both wonderful and made me feel sorry for him at the same time. I loved the art aspect of his therapy, just perfect outlet for his trauma.

Devan was sweet and brave. She didn’t give up, even when things started to get hairy. She had a great head for business and what she lacked in knowledge she made up for in passion and talent. I loved how she accepted his help and then grew to care for him. She even seemed to miss his grumpy butt when he was absent. And when he was being difficult she didn’t give up on him. I’m definitely going to read the next one.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,134 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2014
Once I picked up Mistletoe and Mochas, I didn’t want to put it down! Mistletoe and Mochas is a heartfelt story about Devan and Mac. Two people who are basically alone during the start of the holiday season in Boston. Devan owns and runs the local coffee shop where she has carved out her own world of coffee beans and artesian shop. Mac is back from the service where he was wounded and now must recover both his physical and mental wellbeing. Mac doesn’t want to be around people and doesn’t want to involve himself. But then he runs out of coffee!

Devan is being harassed to sell her shop and Mac ends up helping her whether they both like it or not. You can feel Mac’s attraction and protectiveness and Devan’s caring as they spend more time together. Devan may be the healing that Mac needs. I really enjoyed watching how Devan and Mac come together in this sweet story. I liked that the story just focused on Devan and Mac and didn’t spend a lot of time on outside stories. Other people were introduced and made integral for Devan and Mac without overkill on who they were, leaving just enough tidbits for future stories. Mistletoe and Mochas is a sure fire way to warm you up for the start of the holiday season.
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews63 followers
December 26, 2014
Making it back...

Mac was hurting but he couldn't let anyone near him not after seeing the revulsion in that nurses eyes. No one will ever get that close again. He knew he had to go out soon or he wouldn't have anymore coffee.

Devan was angry but she knew that the police couldn't help her. The vandalism was minor compared to the other crimes the police have to take care of but it still angered her that the vandals would get away with the damaged they had caused.

What did I like? I can't help it, I fell in love with these two. Mac is the guy that every woman is looking for, handsome, caring, strong but gentle and a defender of women. Not many of those around. Devan is so cute, strong, bossy, beautiful and perfect for Mac.

What will you like? One truly awesome Christmas story about a guy that needs love so bad and the cute gal that wants to give it to him. Christmas is a time for love and these two so deserve it. A remarkable story of just one of the battles our servicemen face. Written in an easy flowing manner, grabbing you on page one and giving you a enjoyable ride to the end. Ms Eddy's moments of descriptive brilliance will leave you wanting more. Strong characters that carried this with dignity and grace and are superbly written.
Profile Image for Leslie.
119 reviews16 followers
November 8, 2014
This is such a sweet holiday novella!! It makes me wish Christmas was a little closer so I could really cuddle up in the cold with my sweetie. :)

Mac is a war veteran that was severely injured and has little hope for his own future. Devan is the fun coffee shop owner alone in the world and is having some trouble with her business. When Mac decides he needs coffee the last place he wants to get it from is Devan's shop! When Devan & Mac meet it's instant chemistry!

Mac is resistant to the whole idea of Devan due to his injuries. Despite that Mac's protective instincts come out as Devan gets put into more danger. Devan & Mac finally come to a mutual caring and understanding, from there it blossoms into the perfect Christmas love story!

This story is such a sweet romance! I definitely loved it and will be re-reading it again when Christmas is closer!
Profile Image for Cari.
1,321 reviews43 followers
December 1, 2016
Mistletoe and Mochas was yet another story labeled as a "Christmas read" that just really didn't feel like one. I want the whole "Christmassy" ambience: the soft glow of lights on a Christmas tree, a fire flickering in the fireplace, snow falling softly outside the window, and a little bit of Christmas magic instilling a sense of peace on Earth. This was just a so/so romance set in the month of December... Yes, there's a mention of mistletoe and Christmas lights, but that's about it. I do enjoy the whole quaint little coffee shop idea; however, it wasn't the warm and cozy type of little shop that you'd find in, say, a Jenny Colgan novel (such as Christmas at the Cupcake Café). I'm starting to think I need to just give up the ghost and turn on the Hallmark channel.

☆☆☆
Profile Image for Nancy.
391 reviews
December 25, 2014
This was written by an author whose books I hadn't read before. However, after reading this story I will definitely be looking for more of her books.

Mac is an injured veteran and tends to keep to himself because of his injuries. Devan owns the coffee shop across the street from Mac's apartment building. They meet only because Mac ran out of coffee at his apartment and her shop was so close.

Because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, I will leave it at that rather than take a chance at spoiling it for you. This book was one of those books that once you pick it up you don't want to put it down until you have finished it. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Never Stop Reading or Dreaming.
898 reviews31 followers
July 15, 2017
Sigh

Can I tell you how lovely this book was? It was so refreshing to read a book where the lead girl has a backbone and is not a push over. Not to mention the hero is the one with the issues. I really want more for this couple. It's rare a book leaves me feeling all warm inside. Book hangover here I come.
June 2017 reread:
This book still did everything it did to me the first time I read it. I for real love this story and wish characters were written more like this in stories. I just wish it was longer or there was a second book. One can only hope. Once again, book hangover here I come.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ray.
Author 0 books6 followers
December 1, 2014
I could not put this story down! I had to finish it in one sitting!

I loved the suspense of who was attacking Devon's shop and the growing relationship of Devon and Mac. It was great to see how Devon drew Mac out of his shell.

I loved the setting of a snowy holiday with the backdrop of Boston! Just make sure to read it with a cup of coffee because you will crave a cup if you don't!

Ms. Eddy did an excellent job of drawing you in and getting you attached to both Devon and Mac. I highly recommend reading this story!
Profile Image for Beverly Diehl.
Author 5 books76 followers
December 23, 2014
At just about 70 pages, this tale takes us into the lives of Mac - scarred military veteran who just wants to hole up in his man-cave apartment, and Devan, the owner of the coffee shop across the street. These two brew up all kinds of delicious steam as he helps protect her from thugs who want her to close up shop. Just enough action to move things along, and enough internal conflict that the Happily After doesn't feel like a sure thing.
Profile Image for Laura Brown.
Author 10 books348 followers
November 28, 2014
What a cute story! I picked this up after seeing a teaser quote, depicting Mac as being self conscious of the scars on his body. I'm not one for novellas, holiday ones at that, but this was cute. The holiday theme is merely a backdrop. I enjoyed Mac and Devon's relationship. There was plenty of character building for such a short book.
Profile Image for Tammy Campbell.
123 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2015
Good story.

Great short story. Clearing Kindle of things I've read. Read this 5 months ago. After reading the first few pages again, so I could decide keep it or not, I went ahead and read it again. It is easy to hope he can get past his fears to a HEA. I like how it is told from both points of view. I enjoyed the story both times.
29 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2014
Lovely and moving

This book is very timely and understanding what are wounded troops have to go through when they return home I loved this book it moved me very much and I highly recommend it especially to those who have wounded soldiers to deal with and love
Profile Image for Vickie Hawkins.
61 reviews
January 9, 2015
This is a wonderful story of a woman who sees beyond a man's outer appearance. And the man fighting his internal demons to decide if finding love is what he wants or if he is too damaged to accept it.
Profile Image for Stephanie Johnson.
155 reviews
January 9, 2015
Love heals all wounds

Severely scarred from the war and feeling like a monster Mac knew he could never find love or be wanted - that is until he met the independent Devan.

Great little story with super character development.
Profile Image for Mary.
195 reviews
December 22, 2014
Short story that's for sure, but a great intro to this author. I look forward to reading more of her stories
Profile Image for Ashlynn Pearce.
Author 9 books83 followers
December 27, 2014
great read!

I really enjoyed this story. Mac was real, Devon a sweetie. I loved Macs toughness. All in all a great quick read that will make you smile.
Profile Image for DEBBIE  W..
79 reviews
December 27, 2014
Loved it!

Such a feel good story. I'd really like to hear more about these characters. Perhaps more on Mac's and Terry's past??
97 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2015
Loved this short story! A strong leading lady who draws out a brooding wounded hero. Great read!
Profile Image for Kat Ryker.
788 reviews43 followers
August 27, 2018
I couldn't quite decide how many stars to give this book. I enjoyed it and I loved that it filled in blanks in the "Restrained" series by Patricia Eddy. This was the book I had missed. I started reading Ms. Eddy's books last year and originally thought I had read them all, and in order no less. Of course, I'm usually wrong about those things, and found out that I'd missed a couple, this book being one of them.

This is a novella that fills in some characters that we met briefly in the Restrained Series of books. This story is about Devan, who runs the Artist's Grind, a coffee shop that sells the best expresso on that side of Boston combined with items made by local artisans. We met Devan in the other books of this series. Her shop is where Elizabeth has gone to buy Alexander his Christmas gifts, it is where Milos begins to court Elora, and this is where Devan meets her love, Mac.

This book is just plain sweet. Mac, broken by an IED and nearly always in pain, has kept himself away from society for years. A chance Quad Americano sets them off on a path to love. Mac's protectiveness surfaces when Devan is being attacked and her shop vandalized, and Devan quickly acknowledges her feelings for Mac, even though she doesn't know if he can reciprocate.

There is absolutely nothing to dislike about this book. To the one or two reviewers on Amazon I saw write something about porn, I'd have to say you were reading a different book. In fact, this novella is about love being discovered between two people that life had been treating unkindly. The steam is well done and there's not enough of it to complain about, in my opinion of course. I tend to want steamier bits throughout a book, but in this case, this novella was written perfectly. Ms. Eddy was attuned to what the characters owned and needed, and the two halves made a perfect whole.
Profile Image for Lady Elizabeth.
456 reviews17 followers
December 1, 2017
Mac is a veteran that was injured and has to live with pain every day of his life. On top of that, he has survivors guilt and getting out into the world is harder every day. He has to keep on living but doesn't know what to do with himself. That until the day he runs out of coffee and goes to the little place close to his apartment.

Devan loves coffee and art. That's the reason why she turned the building she inherited into a coffee shop that feature artist of every kind. She loves her shop, she's an artist herself and also loves life. She's just a little lonely some days and the problems she's been having with the vandalism on her shop is not making her life easier.

This two have their own problems to solve but most of all, Mac need to come out and live again. I really love how Patricia shows him breathing again and falling in love with Devan. I can't complain about the story line because it was beautiful and very fitting for this Holiday season that we are in right now.

I think it was sexy and sweet at the same time. With a beautiful happy ending that was satisfactory and left me curious about what would happen in the future for this two characters. Their story in this book is done but there is always tomorrow.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautiful hero in pain and a sweet strong heroine that get together and love each other with their differences. Also, if you don't like sexy times on your books, you may want to skip some pages but I think those made the book even more attractive because... sexy *wink*

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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