Reviewed by Nikyta
Title: Just Desserts
Author: Mary Calmes
Series: Tales of the Curious Cookbook
Heroes: Boone & Scott
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 102 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: April 29, 2015
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Boone Walton has tried hard to create some distance between himself and his past. He’s invested in his new life, his New Orleans art gallery, and his friendship with Scott Wren. Things finally seem to be settling down to normal, and Boone couldn’t be happier.
Chef Scott Wren wants much more than normal with Boone. He wants to raise things to the next level, but Boone is terrified—and not because of the ghost in Scott’s apartment or Scott’s relatives. No, Boone’s past is about to pay him a visit, and the only thing that can get between Boone, Scott, and a hinky recipe for chocolate mousse found in a curious cookbook is the river of pain Boone had to swim across to get to this side of The Big Easy. There’s a secret behind the ingredients, though—one that might reveal the trust and love that have been missing from Boone’s life.
Review:
Boone’s done everything he can to forget about his past and start a new life. He’s determined not to let himself get close to anyone but when he meets Scott, he can’t help but let the man get under his skin. Now years later, him and Scott are best friends and while Boone wants more, he’s not willing to risk their friendship for a quick fuck. But all that changes when Scott finds a recipe that just might ‘sort’ their relationship out for them.
This was a freaking ADORABLE story. I adore friends to lovers stories especially when it comes from Mary Calmes. This book was no different and I loved that Boone and Scott were so close that they were basically already a married couple. Their bickering and bantering was too cute and I loved that Boone was so protective of Scott while also showering him with gifts. I really liked that Scott wore his heart on his sleeve and had no issues with trying to find love while Boone did everything he could to avoid falling in love… even though it didn’t work.
I really enjoyed this one (it’s Mary, of course I did!) but I had two big issues. For one, too much sex for me for the length of the book. The other reason is that I felt like there was a little TOO much going on for how short this story is. There’s the cookbook aspect of it, the jealousy, the yakuza, the pain in Boone’s background, etc. and not much time was spent on elaborating on the different conflicts aside from a quick glimpse into each problem.
In the end, though, I still really enjoyed it. It’s a feel good read, something that’s sweet and cute and a bit of fun. I loved reading about Boone and while I wished we could have explored his background and Scott’s more, I still really loved them together. I just can’t help but fall in love with Mary’s characters, they’re so darn lovable!! Not sure if I’ll read any of the other stories in this collection but I’m definitely intrigued about the whole cookbook thing!
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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