Deeds & Confetti (Mary’s Boys #4) by Brandon Witt

118 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Buy links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Steven Conley loves the excitement of owning his own Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Denver, Colorado, and his chosen family of coworkers makes life even better. Steven never regretted leaving the corporate grind behind until his father’s harsh deathbed words leaves him doubting himself. 

Ryan Fuller abandoned a lucrative career to start his own party-planning business, but he keeps afloat by coordinating funerals for the local mortuary. When Ryan bumps into Steven—his best friend’s uncle and the man Ryan has secretly crushed on forever—the attraction explodes into a night of passionate abandon for both men. 

Steven is blown away by the care and deep connection he feels for the hot young mortician—until Ryan admits who he really is. Reeling from the recent upheaval in his life, Steven must decide whether to give Ryan a chance. To find love, they must risk it all....

Review

Note to self: Do not read Brandon Witt’s books at work!

It’s just as well I was in the library with (virtually) no borrowers. Having them see me cry all the tears while making sobbing sounds, would have been awkward. J

And on that note I’ll start my review.

This is the fourth and, as far as I know, final book in the Mary’s Boys series and man am I going to miss these guys, this setting, and the wonderful, warm feeling these stories leave me with.

In this book it is Steven Conley’s turn to connect with the love of his life, but boy does he make it difficult — both for himself and for poor and smitten Ryan Fuller. Then again, Steven does have a lot on his mind. Between the death of his father who never had a kind word to say to him, and doubts about his life as the owner of Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Denver, the last thing he needs is the added worry of falling for a man about fifteen years his junior.

Ryan on the other hand can’t believe his luck. He’s been infatuated with Steven since he was a teenager and the attraction hasn’t lessened over the years, quite the opposite in fact.

“And Ryan knew what his heart had known since he was twelve. He loved this man. He was in love with this man. Even with all the unknowns about him, even with his litany of issues. Ryan Fuller loved Steven Conley. Just as much as he had when he’d written their names inside the hearts on his loose-leaf notebook paper all those years ago.”

Despite all his reasonable and unreasonable reservations, Steven can’t deny that there’s something about Ryan, something between the two of them that’s impossible to deny and even harder to ignore, despite his best efforts to do so. Deep down inside he knows the truth, even if it’s Ryan who has the actual thoughts.

“Maybe they didn’t know each other at all. But their bodies did. Their spirits did. It wasn’t some play fantasy that had consumed Ryan for all these years.

It was destiny. Fate. Twin hearts. Some stupid shit that he wasn’t really certain he believed in and was more than willing to bed Steven for sure didn’t believe in.”

The coming together of Ryan and Steven is hot from the start, but far from easy or smooth as a result of Steven’s hang-ups and reservations. But he has his family — both of the blood and of the heart variety — to help him sort out his emotional mess and not spoil what may well be his one real chance at lasting happiness. I loved how the crew from Mary’s stepped in to talk some sense into his stubborn head.

And talking about the Hamburger Mary crew, they had me in tears during the last chapter. If it is possible for love to flow from a kindle straight into my heart, that’s exactly what happened. I could easily gush about and quote from that chapter endlessly, but I don’t want to spoil it for anybody else. Just trust me when I say that ‘all the feels’ would be a gross understatement in this case. Those scenes hit me straight in the heart in the best possible way.

If I have one complaint it is that this is the end of a series. I could happily have spent numerous more hours in the company of these men. They and their place of employment have worked their way into my heart and will forever stay near the top of my ‘ultimate feel-good reads’ list.

Related Reviews: Nachos & Hash | Vodka & Handcuffs | Mascara & Bandages 

And... today only (September 27, 2017) the first three books are available for $1, $2, and $3 respectively. So if you haven't read this fabulous series yet, now's the time to get them! Dreamspinner

And finally, all four books are now also available in one bundle: The Mary’s Boys Collection. So if you want to own these wonderful stories in paperback make your way over to: 

Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Mascara & Bandages (Mary’s Boys #3) by Brandon Witt - A Release Day Review

121 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Buy links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Ariel Merman is a new drag queen who’s already finding a family at Hamburger Mary’s. After a performance as Ariel, Zachary Cooper walks home in his makeup and is assaulted by homophobes. Zachary’s worry that the attack has thrown a wrench in his good fortune is eased when he looks into the eyes of his doctor.

Dr. Teegan Chau is a little lost after divorcing his wife and coming out of the closet, but he can’t deny the pull he feels toward the young man he patches up. Luckily, Zachary takes the initiative and asks Teegan out. But attraction is the easy part of their blossoming relationship—as they deal with an ex-wife and child, being a drag queen in a heteronormative culture, Zachary’s lingering trauma from his attack, and Teegan acclimating to life as part of an out-and-proud gay couple.

The challenges seem daunting at the start of a romance. Can Zachary and Teegan make it through the rough patches and take a chance on the love that’s been missing from both their lives?

Review

Mascara & Bandages is the third book in Brandon Witt’s Mary’s Boys series and a very welcome addition to what is quickly becoming a favourite collection for me. With every book in this series I’m falling more in love with Hamburger Mary’s. The sense of family between the people who own, work in, and frequent the place makes my heart sing. The place is slowly turning into a microcosm of my ideal world; Hamburger Mary’s reality in these books (and maybe also in real life?) is what the rest humanity should be striving for. Togetherness, unconditional love and support, and a non-judgmental environment shouldn’t be too much to ask for. It should be the norm.

Okay, that’s enough about my personal world view. Let’s get back to Zachary and Teegan’s story.

I should start with a warning. The story starts with a shocking and heartbreaking act of violence which was hard to read for me and may be a trigger for others. It was one of those scenes I wanted to be able to read with my eyes closed, if you know what I mean. My heart broke for poor Zachary, but the healing started almost immediate. Doctor Teegan Chau is exactly who and what Zachary needs in order to heal both physically and mentally.

Teegan isn’t without a few issues of his own. He was late coming out of the closet, trying for as long as he possibly could to live up to his traditional parent’s expectations. Now out and divorced, he hasn’t actually dated a man before. Zachary entering his life, even if it is under the worst of circumstances, is what he needs to take the next step, even as he knows that it may lead to a further estrangement between him and his parents.

I loved that this story didn’t have one ‘strong’ guy being there to support and help the ‘weaker/damaged’ guy to realise his worth and deal with the world. Zachary and Teegan both fear that who they are and/or what they do may make them less in the eyes of other gay men. Here we have two men with doubts about themselves who help each other to the realisation that they are good enough, man enough, and loveable enough. These two men are each other’s equal from start to finish, and together they grow stronger, gain confidence. I enjoyed every single step of their journey and, if you’d listened carefully, you could have heard me cheering from the sidelines.

There were so many deeply touching scenes in this story. The one that really got to me was the moment Teegan shaves Zachary’s face. So much care. Such tenderness and deep trust. It took my breath away. I loved that Brandon Witt avoided all the obvious opportunities to introduce (more) angst into the story. Sure both men had their doubts and second thoughts, but both were also brave enough to keep on moving forward, trusting each other and their developing feelings to see them through and keep them safe.

Ariel Merman is a stunning creation. I fell in love with her from the very first moment. I adored how she was Zachary and yet so much more. Ariel gave Zachary the courage and focus to live fully despite any doubts and fears. And honestly, what's not to love about a merman based on the Little Mermaid story?

As in the previous books, the side characters were stars in their own right. I’ve mentioned above how I feel about the Hamburger Mary cast and I’ll refrain from waxing lyrical again. In this book we also meet Kelly, Teegan’s ex-wife who is his staunchest supporter and a wonderful antidote to his cold parents.

All in all this was, once again, a wonderful, uplifting and delightful reading experience. I’ve only just finished reading Mascara & Bandages and already find myself eagerly awaiting my next journey into this wonderful world. Is it time for Deeds & Confetti yet? And should I ever make it to Denver, I know exactly which establishment will be at the top of my lists of places to visit.

Related reviews: Nachos & Hash | Vodka & Handcuffs

Vodka & Handcuffs (Mary’s Boys #2) by Brandon Witt

Mary’s Boys #2

Novella / 112 Pages

Release Date: April 26, 2017

Publisher: Dreamspinner

Buy Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

The blurb

Vahin Arora, Hamburger Mary’s sexy bartender, plays the flirtatious role so well even his closest friends—his chosen family at Mary’s—don’t realize Vahin hasn’t had a hookup in months. Then Tall, Dark, and Handsome steps through the door, and Vahin’s libido races back to life.

Being a black cop on the Denver police force is no easy job—Marlon Barton can’t imagine adding being gay to the equation. And while Marlon loves his work as an officer, his life has taken a turn for the hellish because of his new partner, the nephew of a senator.

Fleeing his partner’s company one night, Marlon stumbles into Mary’s for the first time… and wakes up with a hangover in the bartender’s bed. The one-night stand heats up into a budding romance, but not without stress as Marlon’s partner’s actions threaten Vahin’s livelihood and Marlon’s future on the force. Can Vahin and Marlon face the challenges and hold on to the love, friendship, and family they’ve found?

My thoughts

Vahin and Marlon—give me a moment while I sigh and smile. I fell so very hard for these two men. They are far from perfect which made them all the more human and loveable in my eyes.

In fact, this whole story felt real to me. The issues Marlon and Vahin have to deal with aren’t a figment of the author’s imagination. Brandon Witt didn’t have to exaggerate in order to provide drama in their lives. It breaks my heart that people face this sort of prejudice every day of the week and that, unfortunately, the situation appears to be getting worse these days. Being a black cop isn’t easy. Add being gay to the equation and Marlon pretty much risks becoming an outcast in the job he loves. And it isn’t any easier for Vahin. Having already been rejected by his birth family when he came out as gay, he now suddenly finds himself in a society where his cultural background is viewed with suspicion.

Kudos to Brandon Witt for writing a story dealing with all those issues, without this book ever turning heavy or preachy. But the opposite is true too; he never diminishes the problems Marlon and Vahin encounter and the resolution to a very sticky situation was both realistic and perfect. In fact, it is safe to say that for me the balance between issues, angst, and love-story was just about perfect. Not to mention that Vahin and Marlon and rather hot when they get together and naked.

But, as much as I loved Marlon and Vahin in this book and Darwin and Cody in Nachos & Hash, it is the whole extended community of Hamburger Mary’s that has stolen my heart. The bonds between them and the loyalty that ties them together is what gives these story the ultimate feel-good vibe. I’m well and truly hooked and can’t wait for my next opportunity to visit Mary’s Boys.

Related review: Nachos & Hash

Images purchased through 123 RF

Nachos & Hash by Brandon Witt

Mary’s Boys #1

Novella / 33.904 words

Release Date: January 25, 2017

Buy Links: Dreamspinner Press       Amazon US    Amazon UK

The blurb

Darwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.

Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?

As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?

My thoughts

Oh my, what a delightful little gem of a book this turned out to be. From the very first paragraph this story hooked me. The characters captured my heart, the story captivated me and the setting has me thinking about booking a flight to Denver.

Nachos & Hash gave me the perfect blend of fun and feels. For every time Cody’s past and insecurities broke my heart there was a moment—more often than not taking place at Hamburger Mary’s—to put a huge and happy smile on my face. I loved how Cody, despite all his issues was more than ‘just’ his angst; he too had moments during which he was simply happy, times when his wonderful spirit and sense of humour pushed all his doubts aside, showing the man he could and would be if only he’d allow himself to be who he was born to be.

Darwin was, of course, exactly what Cody needed. Their pasts are similar enough for him to understand most if not all of Cody’s issues, while at the same time the way he lives his life now is proof that things do get better if only you open your heart and mind to the possibility.

Cody’s moment of despair broke my heart and angered me. Every time I allow myself to acknowledge that there are indeed parents who would reject and harm their children rather than accept they’re gay (or otherwise not living up to their parent’s idea of what they should be) I come as close to feeling pure hatred as I’ve ever done. If only every person this happens to could have a Darwin and a Hamburger Mary’s in their life, because families aren’t only the result of birth. Families are the people in our lives who are always there, regardless of who or what we are, and through all our struggles. And while a blood relationship can certainly be the basis for such a bond, it is by no means necessary.

Apart from Cody and Darwin, who completely stole my heart, this story comes with the most amazing secondary characters. First and foremost there’s Hamburger Mary’s. Of course that’s not a character in the strictest sense of the word, but it might as well be. That place has as much of a personality as any of the humans described in this story. I’m so glad this is the first instalment in a series because I can’t wait to spend more time in this venue with larger than life personalities such as ManDonna, Steven, Pat and Vahin.

If you like your stories perfectly balanced between angst and sweet do yourself a huge favour and pick up a copy of Nachos & Hash; you won’t regret it.