When a hot cocoa “accident” brings a gorgeous doctor and a self-conscious shifter together, their chemistry is impossible to ignore.

Hugh Caldwell, a caribou shifter and restaurant owner, has admired Dr. Carol Winters from afar for years, but believes a successful physician would never be interested in someone who “just flips burgers.” When Carol accidentally spills her drink on Hugh’s sweater, it creates the perfect opportunity for these two lonely souls to finally connect.

Under the glow of holiday decorations in the California town of Branwen Beach, their connection deepens with each shared moment—from enchanting winery excursions to moonlit walks in gently falling snow. But can Hugh overcome his insecurities and embrace the love Carol so freely offers? With New Year’s Eve approaching and midnight kisses on the horizon, these kindred spirits might just discover that sometimes the most delicious romances begin with a sweet, hot splash.

Titles in the Yule Fall in Love series (Covid Valley world connection) include:  Hot Cocoa Kisses ~ Mistletoe Kisses ~ Gingerbread Kisses ~ Sleigh Bell Kisses ~ Tinsel Kisses ~ Evergreen Kisses ~ Candy Cane Kisses ~ Nutcracker Kisses ~ 

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Hot Cocoa Kisses
Series:  Yule Fall in Love #1
Author:  Kat Vroman
Published:  September 19, 2025
My Rating:  4 stars

Hot Cocoa Kisses begins the Yule Fall in Love series with Carol, a human ER doctor, and Hugh, a caribou shifter with a wicked talent at the grill who owns a restaurant with his brother.  Both are a bit hesitant about speaking to each other because, for some reason, neither believes they’d be “good enough” for the other. Pfffft.  Tell that to the intense attraction going on when sparks fly at every encounter!

One tossed cup of hot chocolate, one stained sweater, and you have the beginning of a fun, sizzling, Christmas romance that will have you chuckling out loud and reaching for a cold drink to quench the flames these two produce.

Hot Cocoa Kisses by Kat Vroman is a very quick story, easily read on a lunch break, but with a charming, sexy story to be told.  I enjoyed myself at the start of this Covid Valley connected series, and should you love a well-written, feisty, sizzling romance, then you’d feel right at home with Carol and Hugh.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)