Release Day Review ~ Nachos & Hash by Brandon Witt
Title: Nachos & Hash
Series: Mary's Boys
Author: Brandon Witt
Release Date: January 25, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: TBD (Novella)
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?
Rating: 4 Stars!
Darwin has been looking for that special someone that will complete the life plan he's set for himself, although so far, he's been quite unlucky. Match.com proves to be another bust as they pair him with Mark, with whom he can barely wait for the date to end. The only good thing about his date is that they met at Hamburger Mary's and the place is nice, the food is good, the entertainment is very entertaining and their waiter is adorable and suddenly much more interesting than his own date.
Cody can't believe it when his friends at work tell him Darwin is interested in him. How could he be? When Darwin is so put together and successful and Cody, well, isn't. Even if they share the midwestern small town upbringing, Darwin is out and proud to his family and Cody doesn't even want to think about what his own family would say if he came out to them. Still, when Darwin starts pursuing Cody, Cody is unable to resist, even if he knows not much can come of this relationship.
I adored Cody, he was such a sweetheart and had gone through so much and my heart broke for him several times. I loved that he was so happy with what he had. I liked Darwin, but I felt he wasn't as realistic as Cody. Honestly, no matter your upbringing, there aren't that many guys that will feel that at 24 they old enough to get married. A girl, maybe, but a guy? No. Something else that bothered me a bit about him was how condescending he was with Cody at first, although I have to admit he did get much better as the book advanced which was what made me warm up to him. Cody and Darwin were sweet together and had great chemistry.
This is my first Brandon Witt book and I was pleasantly surprised. The writing was great and the story flowed at a nice pace. The book was entertaining, fun, angsty and heartbreaking at times and I was invested in what both Cody and Darwin and the secondary cast were going through. All in all, a very recommendable read!
*** Copy provided to the reviewer by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement.***
Nachos & Hash is Novella 1 in the Mary's Boys series by Brandon Witt. This series will take place at Hamburger Mary's, which is an actual restaurant in real life! In Brandon's series, it's full of colorful characters!
Darwin is at Hamburger Mary's for the first time on a date that he's regretting being a part of. He's ready to swear off dating, when his date gets dragged off for the game of Family Feud, making an easy end to a miserable time. Then Darwin starts speaking to their waiter and is intrigued by the young man and decides to stick around. Cody doesn't understand why Darwin is sticking around the bar and why Darwin keeps watching him. Even though his boss and fellow employees keep telling him that Darwin is interested in him, Cody can't believe a man that good looking who seems to have it all, could possible be interested in him. He's sure Darwin just wants a hook-up like the previous interested customers.
Both Cody and Darwin are boys from small Midwestern towns. Darwin comes from a great family, who may have struggled with him being gay, but fully embrace and love him now. Darwin is educated and works in a lab researching cures for cancer. Cody had a miserable home life and left as soon as he was able to fully live life. He never bothered to come out to his family, he waited to come to Denver. He works two jobs, one at Hamburger Mary's and the other diving. He's happy with his life and is doing exactly what he wants. Both men are young, Darwin is 24 and Cody 21, but they're at different points in their life. Darwin is ready to be in a committed relationship, he wants marriage and one day a family. Cody hasn't reached that point in his life and with his self-esteem issues can't understand why Darwin would want any of that with him.
As with any Brandon Witt book, the characters give the story life! Every character whether main, or supporting, is integral to this story and help bring it to life. The characters are full of life and flaws, that you feel like you're reading a story about someone in real life that you'd love to become friends with! This was a great story, quick read and a beautiful start to a new series! I can't wait to read more about the shenanigans at Hamburger Mary's!
Rating: 4 stars
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