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Dungeons and Dating #2
Wisdom Check
Julian’s boss is newly single, ridiculously hot, and looking his way. He’s so screwed.
Cal Morgan’s life was going right on plan—got the wife, the baby, and the board game café he opened with his best friends. At least, until his wife dropped the dreaded ‘d’ word. Newly divorced and juggling custody of their toddler with his ex, Cal’s dreams of a family are burnt to ash.
Julian Hale’s been carrying a torch for his sexy boss, Cal, for far too long. As the oldest of five and surrogate mom to his siblings, Julian gets tugged in so many directions that he’s never made time for himself—his wants, his desires—and he definitely desires this man.
However, when Cal starts turning those scorching stares Julian’s way, he can’t resist, even though he should. They’re boss and employee, and Cal’s fresh out of a divorce with a two year old—it’s a recipe for disaster even if they’re both falling fast. But when Julian’s application to nursing school gets accepted, he’ll have to choose between pursuing the dreams he set aside when his mom died or the one man he could imagine a future with. Life taught him early on that he’ll never get both.
Roll the dice on romance at Tabletop Tavern…
Cal Morgan’s life was going right on plan—got the wife, the baby, and the board game café he opened with his best friends. At least, until his wife dropped the dreaded ‘d’ word. Newly divorced and juggling custody of their toddler with his ex, Cal’s dreams of a family are burnt to ash.
Julian Hale’s been carrying a torch for his sexy boss, Cal, for far too long. As the oldest of five and surrogate mom to his siblings, Julian gets tugged in so many directions that he’s never made time for himself—his wants, his desires—and he definitely desires this man.
However, when Cal starts turning those scorching stares Julian’s way, he can’t resist, even though he should. They’re boss and employee, and Cal’s fresh out of a divorce with a two year old—it’s a recipe for disaster even if they’re both falling fast. But when Julian’s application to nursing school gets accepted, he’ll have to choose between pursuing the dreams he set aside when his mom died or the one man he could imagine a future with. Life taught him early on that he’ll never get both.
Roll the dice on romance at Tabletop Tavern…
229 pages, Hardcover
First published December 13, 2021
70 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Katherine McIntyre
85 books712 followersGeeky Queer Romance.
Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Katherine McIntyre is a feisty chick with a big attitude despite her short stature. She writes stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to her own beat, she’s made it her mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
dnf
July 15, 2024It’s not often I want to yell ‘please run away as fast as you can’ to one of the MCs in a book, but this is one of them.
MC1 has been single for 1 day when the book starts.
MC1 is the boss of MC2.
Admits to having flirted with MC2 for over a year (still married, mind you).
Later says he had been crushing on MC2 for a long time.
Pretty much on the same day the ex wife moves out, he starts pursuing MC2.
Run. Run fast and far, dude. Mutual flirting or not, if MC2 was a woman, we would call that harassment and him a creep, not a love story.
It was also super sexual from the start, and not in a good way, at least not for me.
It’s a shame because I think the author is a rad person and I love how she’s got really diverse casts in her books. Maybe I’m just overly sensitive because the book has a good rating, but yeah unfortunately wasn’t for me.
MC1 has been single for 1 day when the book starts.
MC1 is the boss of MC2.
Admits to having flirted with MC2 for over a year (still married, mind you).
Later says he had been crushing on MC2 for a long time.
Pretty much on the same day the ex wife moves out, he starts pursuing MC2.
Run. Run fast and far, dude. Mutual flirting or not, if MC2 was a woman, we would call that harassment and him a creep, not a love story.
It was also super sexual from the start, and not in a good way, at least not for me.
It’s a shame because I think the author is a rad person and I love how she’s got really diverse casts in her books. Maybe I’m just overly sensitive because the book has a good rating, but yeah unfortunately wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
- single dad
- boss x employee
- friends to lovers
Divorced and doing weekly custody trade offs with his frosty ex-wife is not how Cal envisioned his life going, and he most definitely did not expect to find himself attracted to his employee and friend, Julian.
Things shift between them when Julian, who has been a surrogate parent to his younger siblings for the last decade, offers to help watch Cal’s daughter when his boss is in a pinch, knowing how worn thin the man is.
The tension snaps between them and the pair fall head first into a hot and steamy relationship despite all the hurdles in their path, but theses two are definitely better together and make it work no matter what gets thrown their way. (Big FU to Sara btw lol)
Wisdom Check was a quick and steamy read, and I really loved the chemistry and dynamic between Cal and Julian. Also sweet Kaylee was so cute, and I wanted to squish her 😍
- boss x employee
- friends to lovers
Divorced and doing weekly custody trade offs with his frosty ex-wife is not how Cal envisioned his life going, and he most definitely did not expect to find himself attracted to his employee and friend, Julian.
Things shift between them when Julian, who has been a surrogate parent to his younger siblings for the last decade, offers to help watch Cal’s daughter when his boss is in a pinch, knowing how worn thin the man is.
The tension snaps between them and the pair fall head first into a hot and steamy relationship despite all the hurdles in their path, but theses two are definitely better together and make it work no matter what gets thrown their way. (Big FU to Sara btw lol)
Wisdom Check was a quick and steamy read, and I really loved the chemistry and dynamic between Cal and Julian. Also sweet Kaylee was so cute, and I wanted to squish her 😍
December 30, 2021
4.5 rounded up to 5 for Goodreads
[I received a digital arc for honest review]
Wisdom Check is the second stand alone in the Dungeons and Dating series by Katherine McIntyre. I'll be honest, I was slightly nervous going into this because I was quite disappointed in book 1, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed this significantly more.
Cal, one of the owners of the Tabletop Tavern, is newly divorced from his less than pleasant wife. Now he's left with his job and giving his two-year-old daughter the best life he can as a single parent. Now that he's out of that toxic relationship, he is seeing things in a new light, especially his employee/ friend Julian. Julian has been crushing on his boss Cal since he was hired a year ago, so he doesn't mind being an emotional support for him in his time of need. He's also used to taking care of others, acting as a second parent to his 4 siblings alongside his dad after his mother's passing. Time spent together leads to them acknowledging their attraction to each other. When things get physical, Julian is hesitant to make it public because he's juggling so much and is afraid of being a rebound for Cal. When Cal's ex tries to reinsert herself will he step up and claim his feelings for Julian or let him push him away.
"The truth was if Cal needed anything, Julian would turn himself inside out to put a smile on that man's face."
Ya'll this one hit just right, I don't know if it's because I went in with low expectations or what, but I have zero complaints. Cal had his sh*t together pretty well for someone who was dealing with an evil manipulative ex-wife, a homophobic father, an ex friend trying to mess with his business, and being a single parent. Props to him for managing to provide a loving and stable environment for his absolutely adorable two-year-old among all that. Julian was precious and deserves ALL the love. He raised his siblings as best as his could, so their father could keep a roof over their head and no matter how ungrateful his siblings acted he never gave up on them. He just had the biggest heart, and it was wonderful to see Cal show him how much he deserved to be the one taken care of for a change. Besides being completely supportive of each other and domestic sweetness when it was Cal , Julian and little Kay, the two of them when they are behind closed doors is 🔥🔥🔥 The sexual tension between them pays off deliciously!
"He never stood a chance at keeping Cal out, and the moment the man turned his interest on Julian, it didn't matter if his heart might end up shattered. He'd already fallen deep."
Overall, Wisdom Check redeemed the Dungeons and Dating series in my eyes. The boss/employee trope that's filled with friend game nights, stolen moments at work in the walk in fridge, aquarium trips, family and happily ever afters.
[I received a digital arc for honest review]
Wisdom Check is the second stand alone in the Dungeons and Dating series by Katherine McIntyre. I'll be honest, I was slightly nervous going into this because I was quite disappointed in book 1, but I'm happy to say I enjoyed this significantly more.
Cal, one of the owners of the Tabletop Tavern, is newly divorced from his less than pleasant wife. Now he's left with his job and giving his two-year-old daughter the best life he can as a single parent. Now that he's out of that toxic relationship, he is seeing things in a new light, especially his employee/ friend Julian. Julian has been crushing on his boss Cal since he was hired a year ago, so he doesn't mind being an emotional support for him in his time of need. He's also used to taking care of others, acting as a second parent to his 4 siblings alongside his dad after his mother's passing. Time spent together leads to them acknowledging their attraction to each other. When things get physical, Julian is hesitant to make it public because he's juggling so much and is afraid of being a rebound for Cal. When Cal's ex tries to reinsert herself will he step up and claim his feelings for Julian or let him push him away.
"The truth was if Cal needed anything, Julian would turn himself inside out to put a smile on that man's face."
Ya'll this one hit just right, I don't know if it's because I went in with low expectations or what, but I have zero complaints. Cal had his sh*t together pretty well for someone who was dealing with an evil manipulative ex-wife, a homophobic father, an ex friend trying to mess with his business, and being a single parent. Props to him for managing to provide a loving and stable environment for his absolutely adorable two-year-old among all that. Julian was precious and deserves ALL the love. He raised his siblings as best as his could, so their father could keep a roof over their head and no matter how ungrateful his siblings acted he never gave up on them. He just had the biggest heart, and it was wonderful to see Cal show him how much he deserved to be the one taken care of for a change. Besides being completely supportive of each other and domestic sweetness when it was Cal , Julian and little Kay, the two of them when they are behind closed doors is 🔥🔥🔥 The sexual tension between them pays off deliciously!
"He never stood a chance at keeping Cal out, and the moment the man turned his interest on Julian, it didn't matter if his heart might end up shattered. He'd already fallen deep."
Overall, Wisdom Check redeemed the Dungeons and Dating series in my eyes. The boss/employee trope that's filled with friend game nights, stolen moments at work in the walk in fridge, aquarium trips, family and happily ever afters.
July 9, 2023
WISDOM CHECK is the second book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and this time we focus on Cal, one side of the triangle of owners and the recent divorcee from his ice-queen horror of an ex-wife. And then there's Julien, head chef of the Tabletop Tavern, who's had a long-term crush on his boss but is too busy being responsible for his own family to do anything about it.
The relationship between Julien and Cal is slow-burn, to begin with. My word, the number of near-misses had me ready to throw my Kindle against the wall. But then, THEN, they make a move and holy moly, it's hot. I loved their relationship, even with Julien's martyr tendencies.
We learn more about Cal's past, with his family and his ex-wife, and it leaves me loving his found family even more. I did enjoy hearing about Cal's mum though. There is always a chance... if you're lucky!
I really enjoyed the first book and was glad to see Roxie and Mel here, but I LOVED this one. Now, I just need to wait for Mase and Hunter's story. *Imagine me jumping up and down, all excited.*
Another winner from Ms McIntyre and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 15, 2021
The relationship between Julien and Cal is slow-burn, to begin with. My word, the number of near-misses had me ready to throw my Kindle against the wall. But then, THEN, they make a move and holy moly, it's hot. I loved their relationship, even with Julien's martyr tendencies.
We learn more about Cal's past, with his family and his ex-wife, and it leaves me loving his found family even more. I did enjoy hearing about Cal's mum though. There is always a chance... if you're lucky!
I really enjoyed the first book and was glad to see Roxie and Mel here, but I LOVED this one. Now, I just need to wait for Mase and Hunter's story. *Imagine me jumping up and down, all excited.*
Another winner from Ms McIntyre and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 15, 2021
February 10, 2022
Cal Morgan’s life was perfect, he had a wife, a child, and his dream board game café. Wisdom Check, the standalone second in the Dungeons & Dating series by Katherine McIntyre, reveals this to be a delusion for Cal. Following an initially devastating heartbreak, an epiphany occurs, yielding Cal’s true desires.
Cal owns and operates Tabletop Tavern, a gaming café, with his best friends, Roxie and Jas. They are a close-knit family at Tabletop, always there for one another. Such as when Sara, Cal’s now ex-wife, delivered the divorce blow. Cal felt like everything was falling apart, but his café family swooped in reminding him that he isn’t going it alone.
Julian (Jules) Hale joined the Tabletop Tavern café family a little over a year ago melding seamlessly in as their head chef, especially with Cal. Cal pushes all Jules’ buttons with his lumberjack chic attire and overly supportive nature. Jules is aware that not everyone can deal with his externally exuberant and flirty nature; it is his familial responsibilities that send most men packing.
With Cal’s divorce final, Cal and Jules are spending a lot of time together, often with Cal’s daughter, Kaylee. The hours, their history, and Cal’s freedom allow locked away feelings to blossom. Their somewhat taboo boss/employee relationship causes them to hide from their café family; never a great idea as secrets never stay hidden for long and tend to have an epic reveal. When the evil ex (there is always an evil ex) casts her ultimatum, hearts break and confusion abounds.
The chemistry between Cal and Jules is explosive and has been building for over a year. I just wish we didn’t have to witness all the close calls and suffer the constant frustration while they got their act together. Oh, who am I kidding, their easy banter, flirtatious nature, and caretaker nature made it all worthwhile and engaging from beginning to end. Even the evil ex gets put in her place but not before the angst and tension ratchet up a bit.
Cal and Jules, along with their café family, are a quirky bunch that fit together perfectly. They tackle life’s challenges as a team, with free-flowing dialogue, providing tough love and solidarity. Not even the best kept secret, albeit short term, amongst them intrudes for long. Combining this friendship and the acknowledgement of feeling gives both Cal and Jules the courage to let go of the past, where they were taken advantage of, building healthier relationships with their families and gives them more time to focus on their needs.
Wisdom Check is a close to perfect romance. Life isn’t sugary sweet, and this novel doesn’t portray it in such a way. There is blossoming romance, a small dose of angst, meddling family, scorching hot interludes, and the cultivation of friendships, depicting a valid life experience, and ending with a happily-ever-after.
Cal owns and operates Tabletop Tavern, a gaming café, with his best friends, Roxie and Jas. They are a close-knit family at Tabletop, always there for one another. Such as when Sara, Cal’s now ex-wife, delivered the divorce blow. Cal felt like everything was falling apart, but his café family swooped in reminding him that he isn’t going it alone.
Julian (Jules) Hale joined the Tabletop Tavern café family a little over a year ago melding seamlessly in as their head chef, especially with Cal. Cal pushes all Jules’ buttons with his lumberjack chic attire and overly supportive nature. Jules is aware that not everyone can deal with his externally exuberant and flirty nature; it is his familial responsibilities that send most men packing.
With Cal’s divorce final, Cal and Jules are spending a lot of time together, often with Cal’s daughter, Kaylee. The hours, their history, and Cal’s freedom allow locked away feelings to blossom. Their somewhat taboo boss/employee relationship causes them to hide from their café family; never a great idea as secrets never stay hidden for long and tend to have an epic reveal. When the evil ex (there is always an evil ex) casts her ultimatum, hearts break and confusion abounds.
The chemistry between Cal and Jules is explosive and has been building for over a year. I just wish we didn’t have to witness all the close calls and suffer the constant frustration while they got their act together. Oh, who am I kidding, their easy banter, flirtatious nature, and caretaker nature made it all worthwhile and engaging from beginning to end. Even the evil ex gets put in her place but not before the angst and tension ratchet up a bit.
Cal and Jules, along with their café family, are a quirky bunch that fit together perfectly. They tackle life’s challenges as a team, with free-flowing dialogue, providing tough love and solidarity. Not even the best kept secret, albeit short term, amongst them intrudes for long. Combining this friendship and the acknowledgement of feeling gives both Cal and Jules the courage to let go of the past, where they were taken advantage of, building healthier relationships with their families and gives them more time to focus on their needs.
Wisdom Check is a close to perfect romance. Life isn’t sugary sweet, and this novel doesn’t portray it in such a way. There is blossoming romance, a small dose of angst, meddling family, scorching hot interludes, and the cultivation of friendships, depicting a valid life experience, and ending with a happily-ever-after.
January 13, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
Wow. I liked book one, but this one is wildly better. McIntyre really got into the emotions and the story. This is just wow.
I loved how it was a bit of forbidden, slow burn, and inevitable. I loved the way the men interacted. I loved that they were flirty and snarky. I loved the way they both were broken from always being the caretaker, but they just wanted to take care of the other. It was just so heart melting and heart warming. I needed this romance so badly.
The way the café came to life in this one was perfect. The last book really set up a world, but this one explored just how deep those connections were. There was pain, love, anger, fear. Just so much happened. It just felt so complete in a way that a lot of romances don’t. There weren’t glaring plot holes, there weren’t huge emotional issues that were just dropped. Instead it really felt like everything made sense and all the responses were right. Not a single detail was out of place.
My only complain in the whole book is the lack of use of condoms for oral sex. There was not a discussion of risk or of condom use. For anal sex there was lube and condoms, which made me happy. But they had already had risk with oral sex. It was so close to being perfect. The flirting even went into some areas that made me feel like informed consent was covered which was YES for me.
I loved how one of the love interests being bi was a non-issue. There was none of the stereotypes, none of the tropes. It just was.
I could not put it down until I was forced to by adult responsibilities.
I got an ARC of this book.
Wow. I liked book one, but this one is wildly better. McIntyre really got into the emotions and the story. This is just wow.
I loved how it was a bit of forbidden, slow burn, and inevitable. I loved the way the men interacted. I loved that they were flirty and snarky. I loved the way they both were broken from always being the caretaker, but they just wanted to take care of the other. It was just so heart melting and heart warming. I needed this romance so badly.
The way the café came to life in this one was perfect. The last book really set up a world, but this one explored just how deep those connections were. There was pain, love, anger, fear. Just so much happened. It just felt so complete in a way that a lot of romances don’t. There weren’t glaring plot holes, there weren’t huge emotional issues that were just dropped. Instead it really felt like everything made sense and all the responses were right. Not a single detail was out of place.
My only complain in the whole book is the lack of use of condoms for oral sex. There was not a discussion of risk or of condom use. For anal sex there was lube and condoms, which made me happy. But they had already had risk with oral sex. It was so close to being perfect. The flirting even went into some areas that made me feel like informed consent was covered which was YES for me.
I loved how one of the love interests being bi was a non-issue. There was none of the stereotypes, none of the tropes. It just was.
I could not put it down until I was forced to by adult responsibilities.
January 25, 2022
Well......I think I'm in love!
This was an awesome read. Wisdom Check is the second in the Dungeons & Dating series and I'm not disappointed! The depth of emotions displayed by Jules and Cal is brilliant. They are well written characters that are loveable and relatable.
The sexual tension that simmers away beneath the surface is something else, it's hot, cheeky and moreish. It isn't just an itch to be scratched though, it's more, it's deep and meaningful but with unresolved personal issues it's also difficult and riddled with self doubt.
All of that makes me fall in love with them, over and over again! Both men are kind, compassionate, considerate and sexy as hell!
This really is a pleasure to read, it pulled many emotions to the surface and made me desperate to see how it ended but equally I didn't want it to end!!
A thoroughly adult read, with some hot mm sex and some fairly tough subjects.
This was an awesome read. Wisdom Check is the second in the Dungeons & Dating series and I'm not disappointed! The depth of emotions displayed by Jules and Cal is brilliant. They are well written characters that are loveable and relatable.
The sexual tension that simmers away beneath the surface is something else, it's hot, cheeky and moreish. It isn't just an itch to be scratched though, it's more, it's deep and meaningful but with unresolved personal issues it's also difficult and riddled with self doubt.
All of that makes me fall in love with them, over and over again! Both men are kind, compassionate, considerate and sexy as hell!
This really is a pleasure to read, it pulled many emotions to the surface and made me desperate to see how it ended but equally I didn't want it to end!!
A thoroughly adult read, with some hot mm sex and some fairly tough subjects.
January 22, 2022
this was..... so sweet!!!!! my heart is so full.
i really love Cal and Jules. their chemistry was really great, right from the start! i love their flirtyness and how they support and care for each other. it was sooo wholesome and satisfying.
i don't understand how dnd works, but it was a cool read about it.
anddd i also love the three repeats of words/sentences. it triple emphasize on things, and i think that was wonderful.
i only have one regret of why didnt i start this earlier?! honestly it was goodd.
i really love Cal and Jules. their chemistry was really great, right from the start! i love their flirtyness and how they support and care for each other. it was sooo wholesome and satisfying.
i don't understand how dnd works, but it was a cool read about it.
anddd i also love the three repeats of words/sentences. it triple emphasize on things, and i think that was wonderful.
i only have one regret of why didnt i start this earlier?! honestly it was goodd.
October 23, 2021
Who doesn’t love a sweet romance between two great guys? Cal and Julian were both such solid and deserving guys… there’s flirty banter, hot chemistry and fun found family. Let’s talk silky under things, man bun, hunky bear of a man, and an adorable 2 year old—and a cool game cafe. Low angst and held my interest the whole way through. I thoroughly enjoyed Wisdom Check. It was a joy.
December 31, 2021
Wisdom Check is a great book and Katherine McIntyre is a new author to me. Cal and Julian a perfect together and their scenes with Cal's daughter were so sweet. The book is romantic, some angst, sweet, and their sexy times are hot. All the characters were likeable and the book has a great flow to it. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 1, 2021
Wisdom Check is the second installment in the Dungeons and Dating series and let me say it was amazing! I read the first book in this series, Strength Check, and was very impressed, but this book way exceeded my expectations. I loved the pairing of Caleb and Julian especially their chemistry. Because I read the first book in the series, I was aware of the relationship Julian had with his now ex-wife, but I didn't realize how horrible she really was until I read this book.
Cal is one of the partners in a gaming cafe. Julien is the head chef for the cafe and has been in love with Cal since he was hired the year before. He didn't know Cal had feelings for him as well although he didn't act on them because he was married at the time. The more time they spent together and the more time Julien spent with Cal's daughter, the closer they became, even though they had to hide their feelings from everyone else. When the ex-wife decides she wants Cal back, she will stop at nothing to get Julien away from Cal. She lied and manipulated Julien into believing she would take Cal's daughter away from her him if he stayed with Cal and of course he believed her. His staying away though didn't last long once Cal figured out what was going on and went to find his man.
I loved their chemistry and that's mainly due to Julien and his beautiful personality. I'm glad I read the first book in the series because it gave me more clarity to the basis of the characters. I enjoyed the dialogue between the two characters and the snarkiness at times. I would definitely recommend this book to all readers that want a sweet romance with a bit of snark.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cal is one of the partners in a gaming cafe. Julien is the head chef for the cafe and has been in love with Cal since he was hired the year before. He didn't know Cal had feelings for him as well although he didn't act on them because he was married at the time. The more time they spent together and the more time Julien spent with Cal's daughter, the closer they became, even though they had to hide their feelings from everyone else. When the ex-wife decides she wants Cal back, she will stop at nothing to get Julien away from Cal. She lied and manipulated Julien into believing she would take Cal's daughter away from her him if he stayed with Cal and of course he believed her. His staying away though didn't last long once Cal figured out what was going on and went to find his man.
I loved their chemistry and that's mainly due to Julien and his beautiful personality. I'm glad I read the first book in the series because it gave me more clarity to the basis of the characters. I enjoyed the dialogue between the two characters and the snarkiness at times. I would definitely recommend this book to all readers that want a sweet romance with a bit of snark.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2021
RTC
Najważniejsza jest rozmowa, a szczególnie między osobami, które niby się kochają. Tu tego całkowicie zabrakło. Przegadane w głowach głównych bohaterów, a nie między nimi. Męczyłam się czytając tą książkę .
Najważniejsza jest rozmowa, a szczególnie między osobami, które niby się kochają. Tu tego całkowicie zabrakło. Przegadane w głowach głównych bohaterów, a nie między nimi. Męczyłam się czytając tą książkę .
October 13, 2021
It’s been a busy couple weeks so far this month, so I really cherish the moments when I can sit down and get into a good book. Katherine McIntyre is a new to me author, and I read this book out of order from its series, but that did not hinder my enjoyment of it. The dynamic between Julian and Cal was sweet because they both worked up to their relationship and actually communicated. Yes, there were times that I did not particularly enjoy the evil ex-wife trope because it has been overdone, and I would have liked to see something different in that aspect.
The rivalry between Cal and Brody (or whatever this name was) was another aspect that I don’t think added to the actual and overall story. Kind of wished that page time could have been devoted more to Cal and Julian growing as a couple.
Overall, I liked this book, and I appreciate being introduced to a new author.
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
The rivalry between Cal and Brody (or whatever this name was) was another aspect that I don’t think added to the actual and overall story. Kind of wished that page time could have been devoted more to Cal and Julian growing as a couple.
Overall, I liked this book, and I appreciate being introduced to a new author.
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
January 20, 2022
Julian has had a thing for Cal, his boss, for a long time and his boss was off limits. Until he was not any longer when Cal's wife divorces him and he has to co-parent with her. Which clears the way for him to see Julian in a different way than being married allowed him to. These men are both good guys with a lot on their plates. Both have caring responsibilities Cal's child, Julian's siblings. Both are dealing with drama, Julian's brother is getting in trouble in school and his father is so busy working that it falls to Julian to try to help. Cal's ex-wife is threatening to sue for custody. I was going to say in spite of all of that, but maybe because of it they find a bond and way to deepen their relationship from just a working relationship to so much more. Until Julian has to choose between following his dream of going away to school or staying with his family and his new love. This was so good!
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
January 21, 2022
I really liked this book. I was a little worried at first, because it was seeming like it might be a slow burn, low heat book where the author ramps up the sexiness but never delivers, like many books I’ve read before. I mean, that’s not the only reason I read the books but it’s disappointing when an author tells you all about how sexy the MCs are, how hot they are for each other, etc. but then…nothing. It feels like the author is not comfortable writing love scenes, so the characters’ relationship can’t progress naturally. Drives me crazy! Anyway, I digress!
All that is to say, I have never been happier to be wrong! This book had all the feels, was sweet, sexy, stressful at times, and thoroughly enjoyable! Highly recommended!
All that is to say, I have never been happier to be wrong! This book had all the feels, was sweet, sexy, stressful at times, and thoroughly enjoyable! Highly recommended!
October 16, 2021
Another great book! I loved the first book in this series about a found family that runs a gaming cafe and couldn’t wait for book two. Yay! Cal is such a big sweetheart and his daughter Kay is adorable. Sarah was showing her true colors in the first book so I am not surprised that she acted the way she did in this book. Julian is such a caregiver and is perfect for Cal in every way. These two were absolute magic together and I loved every page. Honestly I wish we had a place like the Tabletop Tavern around here because I would never leave. This team is amazing! Found families and gaming geeks for the win!
September 29, 2021
I remember I had read this kind of story before, with the super evil ex wife somewhere (I forgot the author's name, sorry).
So, it was predictable to me where this story headed from the start.
This was a decent read, a little boring in the middle, but I liked Julien, he's honest about his feeling. And as for Caleb, I can only say, he's lucky Julien liked him lol
It helps that Julien likes kids and had no effort of winning Cal's daughter.
I heard this was the MM debut for this author? Not bad for a first.
January 20, 2022
Steamy and entertaining. I loved this book. Cal is heartbroken from his divorce from his wife. Julian has had an intense crush on Cal for a long time now and flirts with him constantly. He offers his support to Cal when he is at his lowest. They get drunk and spend the evening together. Along with Julian's support, Cal doesn't feel as heartbroken as he did. Cal begins to see Julian in a new light. Soon enough, the two men acknowledge their feelings for each other and things get steamy. Can they find their way to an HEA? Great book from start to finish. I highly recommend.
January 18, 2022
Wisdom Check is one of those stories where you start at just the right place and end up in a better one... I didn't read the first book in the series, but Katherine McIntyre does a really good job of fleshing out the circumstances that the characters start in - and the overall setting for the book, so I didn't feel like I was playing catch up (although it made me want to go back for Mel and Roxie's story even though I don't typically read FF Romance)
Read the rest of my review:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022...
Read the rest of my review:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022...
October 20, 2021
I really wish I could give this more stars. Jules and Cal's story is just so sweet and so satisfying. I adore the organic way their relationship develops. Since I'd read the previous book in the series--Strength Check--I wanted Cal to find his happily ever after so badly, and Julian is perfect. McIntyre knows how to pull on the heart strings. I think this might be my favorite series of hers to date.
January 20, 2022
Warm-hearted story for a cold day
I really enjoyed this story! The rich writing was engaging and had all the feels I look for in a great story. You couldn’t help rooting for Cal and Julian to get their HEA. Kathrine McIntyre is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more stories by her. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
I really enjoyed this story! The rich writing was engaging and had all the feels I look for in a great story. You couldn’t help rooting for Cal and Julian to get their HEA. Kathrine McIntyre is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more stories by her. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
January 20, 2022
Cal is newly divorced with a baby running a cafe with his best friends. Julian works for Cal is has crushed on his boss. Cal starts to have feelings for Julian. They both have drama in their life, will that prevent them from seeing where their feelings can take them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2022
He thought he had it all until his wife asked for a divorce. They do divorce and his life may just be going to change gain with the young man working for him. They have had a crush on the boss for a long time but it seems it may just happen between them. Will they get together? What will happen if they gat the offer he had always wanted to do? Will love triumph? See just how it all goes
January 20, 2022
I love the world that has been created in these books. A group of friends starting a business together. Cal is such a sweet dad and good friend seeing him fall for Jas was just the book I needed. A great friends to lovers story .
January 20, 2022
This is book two in this wonderful series! I loved Cal and Julian's story! Great chemistry and engaging story from the beginning until the very end! I loved it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
January 30, 2022
MM, Friends to Lovers, Close Proximity, Romance. Easy to read page-turner that could be read as a stand-alone but definitely best when read in series order. Thoroughly enjoyed reading their story lots of wit and humour along with some angst and heat. Guaranteed HEA.
January 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and although I hadn’t read book one but it still worked as a standalone. Cal and Julian were great characters and their story was well written and very believable.
January 21, 2022
Loved this story. Great storyline and characters. The chemistry is off the charts between these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2022
This is a great book by a new to me author. I love how both Cal & Julian needed someone to lean on and it just naturally fell into them being there for each other. What Julian sacrificed to give Cal everything he thought he needed had me crying; it was so emotional. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely read book 3.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
January 26, 2022
Julian & Cal are just tooooo cute together.
Their attraction to each other - when they first fight against and then they fight for each other.
I love the story and again here we find the strong bound between all the friends and Travern family.
Their attraction to each other - when they first fight against and then they fight for each other.
I love the story and again here we find the strong bound between all the friends and Travern family.
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