Book Review: By Way of Vegan Donuts by Kay Walker

Guest Reviewed by Ami

Title: By Way of Vegan Donuts
Author: Kay Walker
Heroes: Simon/Benji
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 48 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: July 22, 2015
Available at:  Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb:  In a tourist town in the Canadian Rockies, Simon is spending the summer working at his sister-in-law’s bookstore. Shy around new people, Simon prefers to keep his nose in a book. When Benji, a local who works at a café down the street, hears Simon is vegan, he figures the best way to welcome him is bake him a vegan donut.

Upon their first meeting, there’s an undeniable burst of chemistry. Simon is drawn to Benji’s outgoing personality and wants to get to know him better. All Simon has to do is figure out a way to get over his nervousness and ask the casually flirty Benji on a date.

Review: Simon moves to the small town of Canmore, Alberta, to help his sister-in-law after his older brother (her husband) passed away. A week after he arrives, he receives a welcome gift from Benji works at a café down the street: the welcome gift is a package of vegan donuts. Apparently Benji hears from Simon’s sister-in-law about him (and him being a vegan) and he wants to try out some vegan recipes. Simon then visits Benji to say thanks and well, there is attraction and friendship soon follows.

I must admit that the word “Vegan Donuts” on the title was what caught my eyes. It was intriguing. Then I thought the blurb promised a sweet story to go along with it. And I totally got what I expected. The tone of this story was laid-back – there wasn’t huge drama looming over it. Both Simon and Benji were likeable characters. Simon was a bit shy; he loved his books and his tea. While Benji was more outgoing (he said that he used to be one of the jocks in school); he loved his adventure and sports. But the two of them clicked and they enjoyed each other’s company. We also had secondary characters in form of Simon’s sister-in-law and his niece, which added to the realistic day-to-day feel to it.

I loved reading the backdrop of a Canadian small town. We had the men hiking the mountain and staring out at the beautiful Lake Louise. I could imagine the beautiful scenery – definitely looked like a postcard in my head – and I wish I could be there myself.

Bottom line, I think By Way of Vegan Donuts is a sweet, light-angst, conflict-free, and low-steam story with two likeable characters. Bonus for the vegan character, although it would be nice to see more vegan-related food or menu (*grin*).

Overall Impression: I liked it

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*