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Big Boys Small Spaces #1
Marshmallow Mountain
What’s worse than being snowed in with your ex? Literally nothing.
Initially, the only thing Marshall and Marshall had in common was a name. Marshall (aka Data) lived his life around spreadsheets, while Marshall (aka Marsh) was an F5 tornado of chaos. Yet for eight years, they were madly in love. Until Marsh abruptly ended things with a half-baked excuse.
Six months later, Data gets a text from Marsh out of the they need to clean out their cabin in Maine and sell it ASAP. He can make it through one more weekend with the man who broke his heart.
Marsh loved adding squiggles to the straight lines of his boyfriend. If only he could’ve lived up to the potential Data saw in him. If only he didn’t feel like he was one big miscalculation on Data’s ledger. Saying goodbye to Marshmallow Mountain will be the final tie to sever, even though he still pines for his number-crunching teddy bear.
But when a massive snowstorm traps them in their small cabin for days, they’re forced to confront hard truths about their breakup…as well as resist the sweltering heat raging between them.
These boys might be headed for a second act, but only if they can make it off Marshmallow Mountain.
Initially, the only thing Marshall and Marshall had in common was a name. Marshall (aka Data) lived his life around spreadsheets, while Marshall (aka Marsh) was an F5 tornado of chaos. Yet for eight years, they were madly in love. Until Marsh abruptly ended things with a half-baked excuse.
Six months later, Data gets a text from Marsh out of the they need to clean out their cabin in Maine and sell it ASAP. He can make it through one more weekend with the man who broke his heart.
Marsh loved adding squiggles to the straight lines of his boyfriend. If only he could’ve lived up to the potential Data saw in him. If only he didn’t feel like he was one big miscalculation on Data’s ledger. Saying goodbye to Marshmallow Mountain will be the final tie to sever, even though he still pines for his number-crunching teddy bear.
But when a massive snowstorm traps them in their small cabin for days, they’re forced to confront hard truths about their breakup…as well as resist the sweltering heat raging between them.
These boys might be headed for a second act, but only if they can make it off Marshmallow Mountain.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2024
166 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Wardell
11 books830 followersI write steamy queer romance and romantic comedies. My goal is to make you laugh and turn you on. Often at the same time.
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November 22, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
Marshmallow Mountain is book one in the Big Boys Small Spaces series by both M.A. Wardell and A.J. Truman. This is both of these author’s first time writing together and what a wonderful book it is! You are going to meet two men, both nearly forty years old, Marshall and Marshall. I can’t wait to introduce you to them!
Marshall Kaplan (Data) is an accountant for a large firm in New York City. He loves the security of numbers, of everything adding up as it should, of orderliness. His boyfriend and the man he shared his life with, Marshall (Marsh) Goldberg, was the complete opposite. He was a whirlwind. They shared their apartment in New York City and co-owned a cabin in the mountains of Maine, Marshmallow Mountain. But six months ago, for no real apparent reason, Marsh ended their relationship. They haven’t spoken in those six months until he receives a message from him saying he wants to sell the cabin and can he meet him up there for the weekend to pack it up. It will be the last thing that tied them together.
Marsh Goldberg let his father down by deciding not to take over the family piano building business and pursuing his dream of being a stand up comedian. But his dream suffered an epic failure. Marsh knows that Data deserves more than a middle aged man who has nothing to offer him so his decision to end things was in Data’s best interest. Selling the cabin is best for both of them.
What neither of these two anticipated was that even though they are no longer a couple, the chemistry between them is stronger than ever. So maybe spending this time together is just the closure they need. But when an unexpected blizzard comes along, they are given the opportunity to finally air out everything they’ve held in. To share real truths about what happened. Both men realize they haven’t been living their best lives. Is there a chance they could try again? Could Marshmallow Mountain work it’s magic on them and help to repair everything that went wrong? Well, first, they need to find a way to get off the mountain!
I loved this story! These two men were so in love. There was never any doubt about that. But they both needed to admit some truths. And they needed to listen to each other. I hope I didn’t make this sound too angsty because it wasn’t. It was sweet and steamy and full of humor! These are two good men who were trying to live their lives the best they could and do what was right. They just needed to figure out that the best way to do that, was to do it together.
“The best thing that ever happened to me was getting this man to love me.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Marshmallow Mountain is book one in the Big Boys Small Spaces series by both M.A. Wardell and A.J. Truman. This is both of these author’s first time writing together and what a wonderful book it is! You are going to meet two men, both nearly forty years old, Marshall and Marshall. I can’t wait to introduce you to them!
Marshall Kaplan (Data) is an accountant for a large firm in New York City. He loves the security of numbers, of everything adding up as it should, of orderliness. His boyfriend and the man he shared his life with, Marshall (Marsh) Goldberg, was the complete opposite. He was a whirlwind. They shared their apartment in New York City and co-owned a cabin in the mountains of Maine, Marshmallow Mountain. But six months ago, for no real apparent reason, Marsh ended their relationship. They haven’t spoken in those six months until he receives a message from him saying he wants to sell the cabin and can he meet him up there for the weekend to pack it up. It will be the last thing that tied them together.
Marsh Goldberg let his father down by deciding not to take over the family piano building business and pursuing his dream of being a stand up comedian. But his dream suffered an epic failure. Marsh knows that Data deserves more than a middle aged man who has nothing to offer him so his decision to end things was in Data’s best interest. Selling the cabin is best for both of them.
What neither of these two anticipated was that even though they are no longer a couple, the chemistry between them is stronger than ever. So maybe spending this time together is just the closure they need. But when an unexpected blizzard comes along, they are given the opportunity to finally air out everything they’ve held in. To share real truths about what happened. Both men realize they haven’t been living their best lives. Is there a chance they could try again? Could Marshmallow Mountain work it’s magic on them and help to repair everything that went wrong? Well, first, they need to find a way to get off the mountain!
I loved this story! These two men were so in love. There was never any doubt about that. But they both needed to admit some truths. And they needed to listen to each other. I hope I didn’t make this sound too angsty because it wasn’t. It was sweet and steamy and full of humor! These are two good men who were trying to live their lives the best they could and do what was right. They just needed to figure out that the best way to do that, was to do it together.
“The best thing that ever happened to me was getting this man to love me.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 6, 2024
This book is a heartfelt departure from the typical rom-com style you get from both MA and AJ. Data and Marsh are characters you can't help but root for, and their journey is both relatable and heartwarming. In fact, the external pressures they faced from their family and careers was far more emotionally charged than the inevitable romantic reconciliation. And even when moments are steeped in the heavier topics, joy and hope always remain at the forefront of the story.
My one issue? As much as I love AJ Truman and MA Wardell as both writers and people, the humor in this book often veers into cheesy, Hallmark territory and while I know that's the point... in this instance it didn't fully work for me.
My one issue? As much as I love AJ Truman and MA Wardell as both writers and people, the humor in this book often veers into cheesy, Hallmark territory and while I know that's the point... in this instance it didn't fully work for me.
November 10, 2024
Oh brother, I really wanted to like this. I love these authors but I just didn’t feel any of their magic. For me, there are two main problems that tanked the story:
1: These characters lacked chemistry. I’m not saying they had zero moments where palpable chemistry could be felt, but somehow the authors managed to make me more invested in the idea of Data & Marsh permanently cutting ties, rather than them getting back together. I didn’t buy that we were following a couple that had been together for nearly a decade. They could reminisce about their history all they want, it still felt very hollow—the closest thing I could compare it to is being forced to listen to some stranger jabber on and on about the good ol’ days. Maybe it would’ve been interesting if I were invested in these characters…but I wasn’t….therefore the barrage of memories made me feel nothing.
2: Marsh’s character. Were we really supposed to find him cute & charming? He was so annoying! The quips, the banter, the jokes all fell completely flat. Some could’ve been decent zingers if this character didn’t reek of someone trying WAY TOO HARD. In the beginning I think he was intended to come off as someone just trying to lighten up a very awkward situation, but instead he came off as arrogant, like he thought reconnecting with Data (as friends 🙄) was a sure thing because he is just oh so charming and lovable. It is actually stated several times in the text that he was trying to push Data’s buttons. Data’s response was to jump his bones, but it only made me wanna claw Marsh’s eyes out. This character was already unlikable enough for the asinine excuses he used for dumping his boyfriend of 8 years.
Okay so, maybe this story didn’t connect that well with me because it brought out my bitter vengeful side…😂 It didn’t satisfy it by putting Marsh in his place, nor did it effectively cool it down by slowly making me come around to these two and their relationship. I was angry on behalf of Data, therefore I was angry that the story didn’t seem to take his pain all that seriously, all while having Marsh come off as unapologetic and apathetic to the pain he’d caused. There was an element to their 8 year relationship that made no sense to me… like, did they seriously hit no other roadblocks in all that time? Before Marsh broke things off, it’s like we’re painted a perfect rosy picture of the past. You’re seriously telling me that maintaining a loving relationship for 8 freakin’ years gave them no armor to withstand a sucky but otherwise typical life crisis? Their breakup is something that is shockingly kinda glossed over. Supposedly Data just let it play out without insisting that he deserved a better explanation other than “I need space”; and Marsh supposedly knows Data SO WELL that he honestly couldn’t fathom how this would destroy the love of his life. Maybe their relationship would’ve felt more believable if such a pivotal culmination of 8 years didn’t feel like it was thrown away on a whim by one, and blindly accepted without asking a simple “why?” by the other.
1: These characters lacked chemistry. I’m not saying they had zero moments where palpable chemistry could be felt, but somehow the authors managed to make me more invested in the idea of Data & Marsh permanently cutting ties, rather than them getting back together. I didn’t buy that we were following a couple that had been together for nearly a decade. They could reminisce about their history all they want, it still felt very hollow—the closest thing I could compare it to is being forced to listen to some stranger jabber on and on about the good ol’ days. Maybe it would’ve been interesting if I were invested in these characters…but I wasn’t….therefore the barrage of memories made me feel nothing.
2: Marsh’s character. Were we really supposed to find him cute & charming? He was so annoying! The quips, the banter, the jokes all fell completely flat. Some could’ve been decent zingers if this character didn’t reek of someone trying WAY TOO HARD. In the beginning I think he was intended to come off as someone just trying to lighten up a very awkward situation, but instead he came off as arrogant, like he thought reconnecting with Data (as friends 🙄) was a sure thing because he is just oh so charming and lovable. It is actually stated several times in the text that he was trying to push Data’s buttons. Data’s response was to jump his bones, but it only made me wanna claw Marsh’s eyes out. This character was already unlikable enough for the asinine excuses he used for dumping his boyfriend of 8 years.
Okay so, maybe this story didn’t connect that well with me because it brought out my bitter vengeful side…😂 It didn’t satisfy it by putting Marsh in his place, nor did it effectively cool it down by slowly making me come around to these two and their relationship. I was angry on behalf of Data, therefore I was angry that the story didn’t seem to take his pain all that seriously, all while having Marsh come off as unapologetic and apathetic to the pain he’d caused. There was an element to their 8 year relationship that made no sense to me… like, did they seriously hit no other roadblocks in all that time? Before Marsh broke things off, it’s like we’re painted a perfect rosy picture of the past. You’re seriously telling me that maintaining a loving relationship for 8 freakin’ years gave them no armor to withstand a sucky but otherwise typical life crisis? Their breakup is something that is shockingly kinda glossed over. Supposedly Data just let it play out without insisting that he deserved a better explanation other than “I need space”; and Marsh supposedly knows Data SO WELL that he honestly couldn’t fathom how this would destroy the love of his life. Maybe their relationship would’ve felt more believable if such a pivotal culmination of 8 years didn’t feel like it was thrown away on a whim by one, and blindly accepted without asking a simple “why?” by the other.
October 15, 2024
Oh my goodness, Marshmallow Mountain was SO MUCH fun y'all. It's hilariously funny, incredibly sweet (and SPICY), and unapologetically gay - I enjoyed every minute. It's a second chance romance with a snowed in forced proximity plot, and despite all the tension it definitely reads as a cozy, wintery read. Oh, and there's SOUP - a pretty epic soup scene at the turning point of the story, MY FAVORITE. Highly recommend, get this on your cuffing season TBR my friends!
Marshmallow Mountain starts off with two exes, both named Marshall (and nicknamed Data and Marsh for clarity), heading up to their remote cabin to prep it to sell. They get stuck in a surprise winter storm, and many shenanigans ensue. It's pretty obvious from the beginning that they are both NOT over each other - Marsh has some pretty flimsy reasons for dumping Data, so despite their best efforts they have a very hard time keeping things platonic. They immediately jump back into comfortable banter, flirty looks, and yeah, some pretty spicy situations, so it's really just a waiting game of WHEN they realize that they are meant to be together.
I loved how REAL this book was y'all. It's older MMCs, incredibly body positive, and both Data and Marsh are flawed, but ultimately loveable. I'm a fan of both authors from their individual books, and it was so fun to read a cowrite - I frequently felt like I could hear Matt or AJ's voice coming through, but it overall melds so well. Absolutely worth a read when you are looking for something cozy, hilarious, and low angst.
Marshmallow Mountain starts off with two exes, both named Marshall (and nicknamed Data and Marsh for clarity), heading up to their remote cabin to prep it to sell. They get stuck in a surprise winter storm, and many shenanigans ensue. It's pretty obvious from the beginning that they are both NOT over each other - Marsh has some pretty flimsy reasons for dumping Data, so despite their best efforts they have a very hard time keeping things platonic. They immediately jump back into comfortable banter, flirty looks, and yeah, some pretty spicy situations, so it's really just a waiting game of WHEN they realize that they are meant to be together.
I loved how REAL this book was y'all. It's older MMCs, incredibly body positive, and both Data and Marsh are flawed, but ultimately loveable. I'm a fan of both authors from their individual books, and it was so fun to read a cowrite - I frequently felt like I could hear Matt or AJ's voice coming through, but it overall melds so well. Absolutely worth a read when you are looking for something cozy, hilarious, and low angst.
December 28, 2024
This book totally hit my sweet spot.
Those guys are so in love with each other, even in the midst of breaking up.
I liked the banter, puns and dad jokes, I loved how little things became important and how your person just gets you and feels like home.
❤️❄️☕
Those guys are so in love with each other, even in the midst of breaking up.
I liked the banter, puns and dad jokes, I loved how little things became important and how your person just gets you and feels like home.
❤️❄️☕
December 4, 2024
This was an absolutely sweet and wonderful second chance romance that completely hit the spot. Was it a little cheesy and Hallmark Christmas movie at times? Yes, but Kirt Graves and Ryan H Reid's narration made this absolutely amazing. Just what I needed!
December 27, 2024
4.75 stars
I am a sucker for plus-size MCs, and here we get two. So, needless to say, I was excited. AND it's written by a couple of my favorite authors. This story was set up for success. This cozy second chance romance is super sweet and a lot spicy. There's plenty of emotion, a little bit of humor, and some good smut to balance it all out. This is a really great wintery read, and I had so much fun reading it.
I am a sucker for plus-size MCs, and here we get two. So, needless to say, I was excited. AND it's written by a couple of my favorite authors. This story was set up for success. This cozy second chance romance is super sweet and a lot spicy. There's plenty of emotion, a little bit of humor, and some good smut to balance it all out. This is a really great wintery read, and I had so much fun reading it.
October 28, 2024
Boring and extremely unrealistic. These guys are in their forties and they talk/“banter” like they are in the high school or worse.
And the style of writing…I really have no words.
Why the hell would you write “ dat ass” like that? And the sex scene where this “dat ass” was repeated was cringe as fuck…
I don’t like Marsh. He really is not funny at all. His reasoning for the breakup is meh.
“I’m almost forty and have no clue what to do with my life. Data doesn’t deserve that. He deserves Evan the handsome ENT with the adorable corgi named Maxwell. Maxwell probably has more Instagram followers than me.”
“Data sees such potential in me, potential that I can’t live up to. I can’t face watching him drown.
So I made the heartbreaking choice to put the love of my life on that door and sink into the ocean. Alone.”
🙄
And the style of writing…I really have no words.
Why the hell would you write “ dat ass” like that? And the sex scene where this “dat ass” was repeated was cringe as fuck…
I don’t like Marsh. He really is not funny at all. His reasoning for the breakup is meh.
“I’m almost forty and have no clue what to do with my life. Data doesn’t deserve that. He deserves Evan the handsome ENT with the adorable corgi named Maxwell. Maxwell probably has more Instagram followers than me.”
“Data sees such potential in me, potential that I can’t live up to. I can’t face watching him drown.
So I made the heartbreaking choice to put the love of my life on that door and sink into the ocean. Alone.”
🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I really liked this one. I had the notion it would be a trapped-to-reconnect story, and it’s all that and more. The series title is Big Men Small Spaces, and both the Marshalls are hefty gentlemen. They’re also Jewish, and nearing 40, so they have both mature mindsets and interesting cultural insights. There is a lot of very positive body awareness represented on the page, with both MCs thoroughly attracted to the other, pretty much reveling in their size and heft. I enjoyed having both POVs on the page, because Marsh would have seemed too flighty if we hadn’t been able to see inside his heart and mind. He’s dealing with the failure of his dream of being a comedian, and helping care for his ailing father. He felt he couldn’t burden the man he loved dearly to suffer along with him and thinks he’s being selfless by stepping away.
This was a very sweet and fairly sexy story, with an intriguing use of Mallomars that could have melted the confection. I really connected with the struggle to pack memories of a loving life into separate boxes, and how hard that truly can be.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I really liked this one. I had the notion it would be a trapped-to-reconnect story, and it’s all that and more. The series title is Big Men Small Spaces, and both the Marshalls are hefty gentlemen. They’re also Jewish, and nearing 40, so they have both mature mindsets and interesting cultural insights. There is a lot of very positive body awareness represented on the page, with both MCs thoroughly attracted to the other, pretty much reveling in their size and heft. I enjoyed having both POVs on the page, because Marsh would have seemed too flighty if we hadn’t been able to see inside his heart and mind. He’s dealing with the failure of his dream of being a comedian, and helping care for his ailing father. He felt he couldn’t burden the man he loved dearly to suffer along with him and thinks he’s being selfless by stepping away.
This was a very sweet and fairly sexy story, with an intriguing use of Mallomars that could have melted the confection. I really connected with the struggle to pack memories of a loving life into separate boxes, and how hard that truly can be.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2024
❄️ Thoughts ❄️
When two of your favourite authors make a book baby, you get Marshmallow Mountain. This ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read will have you laughing out loud, rooting for Data & Marsh, rubbing your heart and clunching for the nearest fan.
I was nervous to read Marshmallow Mountain as I've read & loved their solo work. But this is my favourite read of 2024. This is book 1 of the Big Boys, Small Spaces series. I cannot wait for more from this dynamic duo... I encourage you to read the thanks at the back.
Things I 🤍
❄️ Dual POV
❄️ Second Chance
❄️ Small spaces
❄️ Big Boys
❄️ Snowstorm
❄️ Chickens
❄️ Epilogue
Thank you for my copy of Marshmallow Mountain.
When two of your favourite authors make a book baby, you get Marshmallow Mountain. This ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read will have you laughing out loud, rooting for Data & Marsh, rubbing your heart and clunching for the nearest fan.
I was nervous to read Marshmallow Mountain as I've read & loved their solo work. But this is my favourite read of 2024. This is book 1 of the Big Boys, Small Spaces series. I cannot wait for more from this dynamic duo... I encourage you to read the thanks at the back.
Things I 🤍
❄️ Dual POV
❄️ Second Chance
❄️ Small spaces
❄️ Big Boys
❄️ Snowstorm
❄️ Chickens
❄️ Epilogue
Thank you for my copy of Marshmallow Mountain.
December 11, 2024
Second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes. It’s always filled with so much angst, heartache, betrayal and rejection. My fragile heart can’t always take it. The reason for the breakup is usually some form of miscommunication or one leaving the other for their own good. Blah blah. However, despite my initial bias I liked this and I think that comes down to the characters. Data and Marsh are both wonderful. You can’t help but root for them.
This takes place only 6 months after the break up. Even though Data knew Marsh was going through a rough patch after bombing at a comedy show and his dad’s health declining, he was blind sided by the break up. Marsh calls him up out of the blue asking him to meet him at the cabin they own together to clean it out so they can sell it. What is supposed to be a weekend of severing the last ties they have to each other turns into them reminiscing on how happy they were and unloading some truths they had kept from each other.
Looking at the cover it would seem like this is a cozy, charming rom com but my heart was aching. Their break up is still incredibly fresh for both of them. In a second chance romance, I am picking a side. I have a team. One of you was right and one was wrong. I was absolutely team Data. Marsh’s reasons for breaking up with Data, although they made sense to him, were awful. I don’t particularly love self sacrificing in my romance, mostly because it’s not just that character who suffers. But as the story went on I got a better understanding of what Marsh was dealing with and I warmed to him more. Still dumb though! I was really annoyed with his mixed signals toward Data. You broke that man’s heart, stop flirting! I will begrudgingly admit he was charming, if not a bit corny. Not being together allowed them to talk to each other in a different way. Each confronting some things about themselves and their lives they hadn’t previously. Gun to my head, I will say that from their break up they came out not only stronger as a couple but as people. BUT I still think it was somewhat unnecessary and the heartache caused to my dear sweet Data is borderline unforgivable.
This was corny and cheesy and I definitely squinted my eyes at some of the jokes. It was also heartbreaking and sweet and I enjoyed watching two people with so much love for each other find their way back.
This takes place only 6 months after the break up. Even though Data knew Marsh was going through a rough patch after bombing at a comedy show and his dad’s health declining, he was blind sided by the break up. Marsh calls him up out of the blue asking him to meet him at the cabin they own together to clean it out so they can sell it. What is supposed to be a weekend of severing the last ties they have to each other turns into them reminiscing on how happy they were and unloading some truths they had kept from each other.
Looking at the cover it would seem like this is a cozy, charming rom com but my heart was aching. Their break up is still incredibly fresh for both of them. In a second chance romance, I am picking a side. I have a team. One of you was right and one was wrong. I was absolutely team Data. Marsh’s reasons for breaking up with Data, although they made sense to him, were awful. I don’t particularly love self sacrificing in my romance, mostly because it’s not just that character who suffers. But as the story went on I got a better understanding of what Marsh was dealing with and I warmed to him more. Still dumb though! I was really annoyed with his mixed signals toward Data. You broke that man’s heart, stop flirting! I will begrudgingly admit he was charming, if not a bit corny. Not being together allowed them to talk to each other in a different way. Each confronting some things about themselves and their lives they hadn’t previously. Gun to my head, I will say that from their break up they came out not only stronger as a couple but as people. BUT I still think it was somewhat unnecessary and the heartache caused to my dear sweet Data is borderline unforgivable.
This was corny and cheesy and I definitely squinted my eyes at some of the jokes. It was also heartbreaking and sweet and I enjoyed watching two people with so much love for each other find their way back.
September 19, 2024
4.5 Stars
Marshall (aka Data) and Marshall (aka Marsh) had been together and in love for 8 years until one day Marsh unceremoniously ended things with a very flimsy explanation. Six months later, Data is still nursing his broken heart when he receives a message from Marsh telling him they need to get to their cabin in Maine and clean it out so they can sell - officially severing the last tie between them. Data reluctantly agrees, hesitant to spend the weekend with the man who broke his heart. Marsh may have spewed some nonsense about needing space when he broke things off between them but he’s been pining for Data ever since. When a huge snowstorm traps them on the mountain, they are forced to face what happened 6 months ago while trying to resist the love and attraction that still sizzles between them.
There were plenty of emotional moments throughout this story but what actually brought tears to my eyes were AJ and Matt’s acknowledgments at the end of the book. I love their friendship and I loved getting to read the first brainchild of theirs. It was evident from the very early chapters that AJ and Matt’s writing styles complement each other perfectly. It’s virtually impossible to discern who wrote what, it all blended seamlessly.
The story itself was sweet, funny, and of course, spicy. These guys never stopped loving one another and it was bittersweet as they walked down memory lane, remembering the good times, as they cleaned out the cabin. The breakup caused a lot of damage but I loved seeing them work their way through it and finally have the hard conversations they should have had 6 months ago. Even when they were fighting it, there was no doubt these two were meant to be together.
I thought the story struck a good balance with the humor, the emotional bits, and the steamy bits. The book is relatively low angst and the angst that is there is usually tempered with a well-timed joke, keeping the overall vibe of the book light. And it should come as no surprise that a book from the brains of AJ and Matt is full of spice. Data and Marsh had plenty of issues to work through but their sexual chemistry was not one of them!
This was a fun second-chance romance that’ll make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings and I look forward to whatever AJ and Matt are going to cook up next!
I am showing as much resolve against Marsh’s charms as I am with my New Year’s resolutions. And I haven’t had a salad since January.
Marshall (aka Data) and Marshall (aka Marsh) had been together and in love for 8 years until one day Marsh unceremoniously ended things with a very flimsy explanation. Six months later, Data is still nursing his broken heart when he receives a message from Marsh telling him they need to get to their cabin in Maine and clean it out so they can sell - officially severing the last tie between them. Data reluctantly agrees, hesitant to spend the weekend with the man who broke his heart. Marsh may have spewed some nonsense about needing space when he broke things off between them but he’s been pining for Data ever since. When a huge snowstorm traps them on the mountain, they are forced to face what happened 6 months ago while trying to resist the love and attraction that still sizzles between them.
“You good?” Marsh asks.
No, I’m not good. I’m stuck in a cabin with my ex who broke my heart six months ago and is now attempting to pick his way inside to do more damage by having amazing sex with me multiple times before we pack up and sell the damn place. I should write a country song.
There were plenty of emotional moments throughout this story but what actually brought tears to my eyes were AJ and Matt’s acknowledgments at the end of the book. I love their friendship and I loved getting to read the first brainchild of theirs. It was evident from the very early chapters that AJ and Matt’s writing styles complement each other perfectly. It’s virtually impossible to discern who wrote what, it all blended seamlessly.
The story itself was sweet, funny, and of course, spicy. These guys never stopped loving one another and it was bittersweet as they walked down memory lane, remembering the good times, as they cleaned out the cabin. The breakup caused a lot of damage but I loved seeing them work their way through it and finally have the hard conversations they should have had 6 months ago. Even when they were fighting it, there was no doubt these two were meant to be together.
We belong together—like peas and carrots, we’re perfectly adequate on our own, but make so much more sense combined.
I thought the story struck a good balance with the humor, the emotional bits, and the steamy bits. The book is relatively low angst and the angst that is there is usually tempered with a well-timed joke, keeping the overall vibe of the book light. And it should come as no surprise that a book from the brains of AJ and Matt is full of spice. Data and Marsh had plenty of issues to work through but their sexual chemistry was not one of them!
This was a fun second-chance romance that’ll make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings and I look forward to whatever AJ and Matt are going to cook up next!
How did I ever let him go? I spent years struggling to get my big break, but the whole time, it was him.
October 23, 2024
I love it when two authors come together and you can't actually tell who is writing what. Now, for me, that's a match made in heaven. With AJ and MA, you just can't tell you to get a feel that both wrote aspects of each of these loveable men.
Marshall (Marsh) and Marshall (Data) broke up six months ago and didn't get the true closure they needed. When it's time to close their holiday home, they soon realize neither is ready to move forward, and just maybe they have a chance to be together once again. These two are hilarious together and just get each other. The chemistry is perfection. You can easily see why they should be together, and once they do, they finally lay it all out magic. What a perfect way to start a combined universe with real men just wanting to find their place and be happy.
Marshall (Marsh) and Marshall (Data) broke up six months ago and didn't get the true closure they needed. When it's time to close their holiday home, they soon realize neither is ready to move forward, and just maybe they have a chance to be together once again. These two are hilarious together and just get each other. The chemistry is perfection. You can easily see why they should be together, and once they do, they finally lay it all out magic. What a perfect way to start a combined universe with real men just wanting to find their place and be happy.
October 20, 2024
Data’s heart is broken, trapped on, the day Marsh told him he needed space and left six months ago.
Now, with a voicemail of all things, he asked Data to come over and clean up their cabin in Maine with him, so they can sell it.
Another punch in the gut for Data. The last thing between them will vanish.
Watch them clean up their cabin and their lives. There’s a lot to behold.
Together with Data and Marsh, we travel along memory lane. Gosh, they have so much history built in the eight years they’ve been together.
We could hate Marsh for what he did to Data, but when you meet him, he is just a warm and adorable creature. Both men fit like a glove. The love and attraction are still there. Why on earth did Marsh leave the love of his life?
Read and learn.
This was a more than lovable story, the whole narrative was wonderfully developed. The location of the scene was excellently chosen.
The story has humor, gravity, and sexiness, the tension between them is on all fronts hugely present. You can only cheer for these two immensely lovable, adorable, affectionate, and vulnerable men. The writing was flawless, a grand compliment to the two authors!
A winner! Applause!
Now, with a voicemail of all things, he asked Data to come over and clean up their cabin in Maine with him, so they can sell it.
Another punch in the gut for Data. The last thing between them will vanish.
Watch them clean up their cabin and their lives. There’s a lot to behold.
Together with Data and Marsh, we travel along memory lane. Gosh, they have so much history built in the eight years they’ve been together.
We could hate Marsh for what he did to Data, but when you meet him, he is just a warm and adorable creature. Both men fit like a glove. The love and attraction are still there. Why on earth did Marsh leave the love of his life?
Read and learn.
This was a more than lovable story, the whole narrative was wonderfully developed. The location of the scene was excellently chosen.
The story has humor, gravity, and sexiness, the tension between them is on all fronts hugely present. You can only cheer for these two immensely lovable, adorable, affectionate, and vulnerable men. The writing was flawless, a grand compliment to the two authors!
A winner! Applause!
October 23, 2024
I love a good second chance romance and this book gave me all the right vibes I needed for the week. Both the authors are kind of new to me author for me and I have enjoyed their individual work alot but their Collab is more amazing.
Marsh (Data) and Marsh were amazing characters, there were so many sweet and spicy moments in this book which I enjoyed alot. The humor in this book was excellent which kept me entertained. Their character growth was amazing and I liked how they pursued what they wanted. The supporting characters we meet in this story were all so amazing and supportive I loved each one of them.
Overall, Loved this book and highly recommend you to check it out.
Marsh (Data) and Marsh were amazing characters, there were so many sweet and spicy moments in this book which I enjoyed alot. The humor in this book was excellent which kept me entertained. Their character growth was amazing and I liked how they pursued what they wanted. The supporting characters we meet in this story were all so amazing and supportive I loved each one of them.
Overall, Loved this book and highly recommend you to check it out.
October 27, 2024
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. This one had a smidge of angst but was not over flowing. I've enjoyed both of these authors individual works so I was super excited to read their collab and it did not disappoint.
Loved all the fun and funny references and that Data & Marsh were completely comfortable being themselves with each other and others. The convenience store and the chickens were really something else lol
Really enjoyed this one. Bryce seems like a delightful handful and I cannot wait to read his story next year!!
Loved all the fun and funny references and that Data & Marsh were completely comfortable being themselves with each other and others. The convenience store and the chickens were really something else lol
Really enjoyed this one. Bryce seems like a delightful handful and I cannot wait to read his story next year!!
November 28, 2025
This was a fun audio. I loved the two Marshalls and their connection and history. I loved how it all played out and their love was so strong and beautiful.
December 14, 2025
Not all the jokes landed for me, but this was very cute.
December 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
October 22, 2024
Thank you to AJ Truman arc team for the advanced copy of Marshmallow Mountain.
This is my first book by AJ and well, I’ve read all of MA’s books. They do-wrote this book seamlessly. I had no idea who wrote what part. GREAT a job
If you need a light and fluffy no angst book, this is what you should go to. I’ve had a hard time reading lately and thank goodness I was off work yesterday, as I read it from page one to the end.
Marsh broke up with Data six months ago, and both are still upset over it. The reunite when it’s time to sell their mountain cabin. Data is angry and upset he is now stuck in a cabin with his ex and Marsh is making his way through this with him.
I really enjoyed the reminiscing as they had 8 years together. This book is light, fluffy, no angst to me, but does touch your heart in remembering the past. Of course, with MA Wardell (remember I haven’t read AJ before) there is plenty of spicy time.
This second chance romance, snowed in will have you laughing and smiling all the way through. Looking forward to book 2. Good job guys.
This is my first book by AJ and well, I’ve read all of MA’s books. They do-wrote this book seamlessly. I had no idea who wrote what part. GREAT a job
If you need a light and fluffy no angst book, this is what you should go to. I’ve had a hard time reading lately and thank goodness I was off work yesterday, as I read it from page one to the end.
Marsh broke up with Data six months ago, and both are still upset over it. The reunite when it’s time to sell their mountain cabin. Data is angry and upset he is now stuck in a cabin with his ex and Marsh is making his way through this with him.
I really enjoyed the reminiscing as they had 8 years together. This book is light, fluffy, no angst to me, but does touch your heart in remembering the past. Of course, with MA Wardell (remember I haven’t read AJ before) there is plenty of spicy time.
This second chance romance, snowed in will have you laughing and smiling all the way through. Looking forward to book 2. Good job guys.
October 25, 2024
I love these authors normally, but this one was a big "oof, no". The reason they broke up was silly, I had to skip large portions of it because it just kept going in circles and then I got bored, and then the depiction in the end of how they spoke to Marsh's father about his cognitive decline was just awful and inaccurate. My mother has Alzheimer's and I would NEVER approach any kind of conversation with her the way that they confronted Marsh's dad. YIKES. Super insensitive, and frankly you have to be a lot more delicate with them because they freak out.
I'll try the next one, but I just don't think this one was for me. I am looking forward to Bryce's story though!
I'll try the next one, but I just don't think this one was for me. I am looking forward to Bryce's story though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2024
DNF. I couldn't get into these guys and their relationship. I got through 25% and stopped reading.
October 22, 2024
MARSH. MALLOW. FREAKING. MOUNTAIN.
This second chance and forced proximity spicy MM romance was everything we needed this winter season.
Marshall (aka “Data” but also absolutely not going by that nickname after the breakup) and Marshall have been together for 8 years but are no longer together. After a painful separation Marshall reaches out to have his “Data” meet up and pack up their shared cabin in Marshmallow Mountain. The end of an era and the final nail in the coffin that was their painfully separation marking the final goodbye of their relationship.
Marsh and Not-Data-Just-Marsh get snowed in while packing up their lovers cabin. Can somebody say “Snowmaggedon”?! Tensions run high, emotions come to surface, and their undeniable chemistry continues to bring the two together.
These types of second chance romances are my favorite. It’s lovely to see right from the start two people who are meant to be together. Despite their separation, Marsh and Data know eachother body, heart and soul. Seeing them naturally and organically finding their way back to eachother was so endearing it made it clear from the start they were meant to be together.
Throughout the snow-in chronicles, we get to see each characters internal monologues that show just has distraught the separation has made them. Marsh and Data both harboring their own insecurities and pain with the breakup, but that chemistry is inevitable. Their history cannot just be forgotten and moved on from, they have a deep and profound love for one another.
A couple of sexy big boys who are horny as hell and still head over heels for one another gives life and love to this second chance romance. 🎶(cue SZA’s SNL bop its cuffing season, I need a big boy I need a big boyyyy) 🎶
A detail I really loved about this book was that the characters were so confident and sexy in their size. The big boy representation was a major connection to how romantic but steamy their intimate moments were. And I loved that the book started out with Data scratching out his nickname and putting “Marsh” for his chapters but as their space and distance dissipated, so did the scribbled out name. In the end Not-Data-Just-Marsh is and will always be Marsh’s Data.
No surprise that Truman and Wardell wrote a seamless, sexy, and spicy romance with two big boy lovers that are meant to be together, I mean who else could come up with this quote: “We’re gay men. We subsist on a diet of c*m and gossip.”
Solid 4.5 stars for me.
This second chance and forced proximity spicy MM romance was everything we needed this winter season.
Marshall (aka “Data” but also absolutely not going by that nickname after the breakup) and Marshall have been together for 8 years but are no longer together. After a painful separation Marshall reaches out to have his “Data” meet up and pack up their shared cabin in Marshmallow Mountain. The end of an era and the final nail in the coffin that was their painfully separation marking the final goodbye of their relationship.
Marsh and Not-Data-Just-Marsh get snowed in while packing up their lovers cabin. Can somebody say “Snowmaggedon”?! Tensions run high, emotions come to surface, and their undeniable chemistry continues to bring the two together.
These types of second chance romances are my favorite. It’s lovely to see right from the start two people who are meant to be together. Despite their separation, Marsh and Data know eachother body, heart and soul. Seeing them naturally and organically finding their way back to eachother was so endearing it made it clear from the start they were meant to be together.
Throughout the snow-in chronicles, we get to see each characters internal monologues that show just has distraught the separation has made them. Marsh and Data both harboring their own insecurities and pain with the breakup, but that chemistry is inevitable. Their history cannot just be forgotten and moved on from, they have a deep and profound love for one another.
A couple of sexy big boys who are horny as hell and still head over heels for one another gives life and love to this second chance romance. 🎶(cue SZA’s SNL bop its cuffing season, I need a big boy I need a big boyyyy) 🎶
A detail I really loved about this book was that the characters were so confident and sexy in their size. The big boy representation was a major connection to how romantic but steamy their intimate moments were. And I loved that the book started out with Data scratching out his nickname and putting “Marsh” for his chapters but as their space and distance dissipated, so did the scribbled out name. In the end Not-Data-Just-Marsh is and will always be Marsh’s Data.
No surprise that Truman and Wardell wrote a seamless, sexy, and spicy romance with two big boy lovers that are meant to be together, I mean who else could come up with this quote: “We’re gay men. We subsist on a diet of c*m and gossip.”
Solid 4.5 stars for me.
December 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - parent with Alzheimer’s (mentioned and episodes recounted and on page), MC with asthma (symptoms and asthma attacks on page), mild car accident (on page), unsolicited dick pic (scs, mentioned), MCs are broken up after a long term relationship (discussed and recounted), financial insecurity, death of a parent (cancer, past, mentioned), homophobic family members (implied), insomnia
CW - spanking, semi public play
Tropes - second chance, forced proximity (snowed in)
Representation - Jewish rep, gay rep, mid/plus size rep
Do you know what a book about exes doesn't have? A third act break up 🤩🤩
Marshall (Marsh, MMC), and Marshall (Data, MMC) were together for 8 years when Marsh called it quits because he needed time and space (🍅🍅🍅). Data is built different - I think I’d just cry in his situation. Break up out of the blue because he needs time and space after 8 years to end up in a forced proximity situation where I’m meant to act perfectly okay with everything? Lol, no
When I realised that the MCs have the same name, I thought I'd be heavily confused reading this book but I wasn't. The nicknames helped but the characters also have distinct personalities, it was easy to tell them apart based on the 'voice' of the narrator.
I liked getting to learn more about the characters, how each of them are dealing with the breakup, the reasons behind why Marsh wanted the breakup in the first place and you kinda just want to wrap the both of them in a hug.
I enjoyed this read and I'm excited for the next 🤩
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW - parent with Alzheimer’s (mentioned and episodes recounted and on page), MC with asthma (symptoms and asthma attacks on page), mild car accident (on page), unsolicited dick pic (scs, mentioned), MCs are broken up after a long term relationship (discussed and recounted), financial insecurity, death of a parent (cancer, past, mentioned), homophobic family members (implied), insomnia
CW - spanking, semi public play
Tropes - second chance, forced proximity (snowed in)
Representation - Jewish rep, gay rep, mid/plus size rep
Do you know what a book about exes doesn't have? A third act break up 🤩🤩
Marshall (Marsh, MMC), and Marshall (Data, MMC) were together for 8 years when Marsh called it quits because he needed time and space (🍅🍅🍅). Data is built different - I think I’d just cry in his situation. Break up out of the blue because he needs time and space after 8 years to end up in a forced proximity situation where I’m meant to act perfectly okay with everything? Lol, no
When I realised that the MCs have the same name, I thought I'd be heavily confused reading this book but I wasn't. The nicknames helped but the characters also have distinct personalities, it was easy to tell them apart based on the 'voice' of the narrator.
I liked getting to learn more about the characters, how each of them are dealing with the breakup, the reasons behind why Marsh wanted the breakup in the first place and you kinda just want to wrap the both of them in a hug.
I enjoyed this read and I'm excited for the next 🤩
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
October 22, 2024
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I absolutely adored this collaboration between A.J. Truman and M.A. Wardell! Marshmallow Mountain is a low angst, second chance romance about two guys named Marshall. Their story is hilarious and heartwarming. I loved the body positivity and older MCs in this book.
Data is an accountant and Marsh is a stand up comedian. It’s been six months since they broke up, after 8 years of dating. On a particularly bad night at a comedy festival, Marsh dumped Data in a vague and cliche way. Marsh reaches out o Data about selling their cabin in Maine. Data is hesitant, but agrees. The pair take on the task of selling their cabin over the course of one weekend. Despite their breakup, the MCs gravitate towards one another while cleaning out the cabin. The attraction and connection between them is still there. These two have some serious chemistry! After a night of spice, then getting snowed in, the exes consider keeping the arrangement over the weekend.
Truths eventually come out and the exes grow closer. Both men desire to push each other to be their best selves. Marsh wants Data to pursue his woodworking hobby and Data wants Marsh to give comedy another chance. It’s obvious that both of them are still in love with one another. There are some things that both MCs are dealing with. Marsh is dealing with his dad’s increasing cognitive decline. Data is dealing with his lackluster job. After a a sudden scare, Marsh and Data realize they need to change some things in their lives. Their HEA is both swoon worthy and sweet. That epilogue made me jump for joy.
I love all of the pop culture references in this book. This book will make you laugh out loud, while also giving your heart some solid squeezes. It’s full of jokes, banter, forced proximity, and Mallomars. Now run out and grab a copy!
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
I absolutely adored this collaboration between A.J. Truman and M.A. Wardell! Marshmallow Mountain is a low angst, second chance romance about two guys named Marshall. Their story is hilarious and heartwarming. I loved the body positivity and older MCs in this book.
Data is an accountant and Marsh is a stand up comedian. It’s been six months since they broke up, after 8 years of dating. On a particularly bad night at a comedy festival, Marsh dumped Data in a vague and cliche way. Marsh reaches out o Data about selling their cabin in Maine. Data is hesitant, but agrees. The pair take on the task of selling their cabin over the course of one weekend. Despite their breakup, the MCs gravitate towards one another while cleaning out the cabin. The attraction and connection between them is still there. These two have some serious chemistry! After a night of spice, then getting snowed in, the exes consider keeping the arrangement over the weekend.
Truths eventually come out and the exes grow closer. Both men desire to push each other to be their best selves. Marsh wants Data to pursue his woodworking hobby and Data wants Marsh to give comedy another chance. It’s obvious that both of them are still in love with one another. There are some things that both MCs are dealing with. Marsh is dealing with his dad’s increasing cognitive decline. Data is dealing with his lackluster job. After a a sudden scare, Marsh and Data realize they need to change some things in their lives. Their HEA is both swoon worthy and sweet. That epilogue made me jump for joy.
I love all of the pop culture references in this book. This book will make you laugh out loud, while also giving your heart some solid squeezes. It’s full of jokes, banter, forced proximity, and Mallomars. Now run out and grab a copy!
November 12, 2024
4.5⭐️
Marshall Kaplan (Data) has been dumped by the love of his life, and boyfriend of eight years, without any warning. Devastated he tries to move on with his life.
Marshall Goldberg (Marsh) decided he ‘needed time’ to process things going on in his life, so instead of turning to his boyfriend to help half the problems, he dumps him, thinking he will be better if with out him.
Data and Marsh own a cabin in the woods together, affectionally called Marshmallow Mountain, and now they have split up, they need to sell the property. After being separated for six months, they both head to the cabin to pakc up all their belongings, ready to sell.
They are only meant to be there the weekend, but thanks to the ‘chickens’ correct predictions, snow falls and traps them in the cabin, together.
These two men who are both such wonderful, heartwarming characters, quite frankly need their heads banging together. They are both so obviously still in love with each other, but neither seem to want to address or admit it. Once they face uncertainty, they finally talk.
I loved the two Marshalls, their character development is perfect. I adore the way both M. A. Wardell and A. J. Truman write, and them writing together is a match made it heaven. They both have a unique and wonderful writing styles. I loved this book, even if I was tearing my hair out and shouting at them both.
Oh and I need to try mallomars.
“Here’s the brutal truth: I am still hopelessly in love with Data. Of course I miss him, so badly my heart hurts”.
Marshall Kaplan (Data) has been dumped by the love of his life, and boyfriend of eight years, without any warning. Devastated he tries to move on with his life.
Marshall Goldberg (Marsh) decided he ‘needed time’ to process things going on in his life, so instead of turning to his boyfriend to help half the problems, he dumps him, thinking he will be better if with out him.
Data and Marsh own a cabin in the woods together, affectionally called Marshmallow Mountain, and now they have split up, they need to sell the property. After being separated for six months, they both head to the cabin to pakc up all their belongings, ready to sell.
They are only meant to be there the weekend, but thanks to the ‘chickens’ correct predictions, snow falls and traps them in the cabin, together.
These two men who are both such wonderful, heartwarming characters, quite frankly need their heads banging together. They are both so obviously still in love with each other, but neither seem to want to address or admit it. Once they face uncertainty, they finally talk.
I loved the two Marshalls, their character development is perfect. I adore the way both M. A. Wardell and A. J. Truman write, and them writing together is a match made it heaven. They both have a unique and wonderful writing styles. I loved this book, even if I was tearing my hair out and shouting at them both.
Oh and I need to try mallomars.
“Here’s the brutal truth: I am still hopelessly in love with Data. Of course I miss him, so badly my heart hurts”.
November 8, 2025
I had low to medium expectations, anticipating fluff (marshmallow and other) but initially, I was delightfully surprised by the writing and set up.
However, given the exes/second chance dynamic, I grew increasingly frustrated with how the dumper treated the dumped. Even though we could see that they were going to get back together, there were some really basic things I needed the dumped to get to say to the dumper before they reconciled. The lack of those convos really burdened the "finding the way back to each other" story. I wasn't rooting for their relationship because the issues hadn't been addressed yet.
Along with that, it was really hard to buy that one of these guys was a working stand up. Insidious puns and double entendres in everyday conversation do not a believable comic make.
Then, just when the story is wrapping up its denouement, there's an unnecessary burst of manufactured drama and peril, which then leads nowhere, followed by an epilogue that turns out not to be an epilogue but actually the story just staying way past its welcome—for MULTIPLE chapters. And THEN the actual epilogue, as equally unnecessary.
Plenty of readers will enjoy the cozy comeback relationship story. If it was a third shorter and a bit more honest in the lead up to reconciliation, I would have found it as sweet as it aims to be.
[Nice audiobook narration from Kirt Graves and Ryan H. Reid]
However, given the exes/second chance dynamic, I grew increasingly frustrated with how the dumper treated the dumped. Even though we could see that they were going to get back together, there were some really basic things I needed the dumped to get to say to the dumper before they reconciled. The lack of those convos really burdened the "finding the way back to each other" story. I wasn't rooting for their relationship because the issues hadn't been addressed yet.
Along with that, it was really hard to buy that one of these guys was a working stand up. Insidious puns and double entendres in everyday conversation do not a believable comic make.
Then, just when the story is wrapping up its denouement, there's an unnecessary burst of manufactured drama and peril, which then leads nowhere, followed by an epilogue that turns out not to be an epilogue but actually the story just staying way past its welcome—for MULTIPLE chapters. And THEN the actual epilogue, as equally unnecessary.
Plenty of readers will enjoy the cozy comeback relationship story. If it was a third shorter and a bit more honest in the lead up to reconciliation, I would have found it as sweet as it aims to be.
[Nice audiobook narration from Kirt Graves and Ryan H. Reid]
October 14, 2024
„The right person is someone you can‘t live without, but who you could see yourself murdering too. Love‘s funny that way.“
Marshall and Marshall (yes, there are two of them!) stole my heart. This second chance romance is warm and cozy, the kind of what you would read in front of a crackling fireplace.
Six months after their break up, Marsh and Data meet in their cabin on Marshmallow Mountain – to sort out things before selling the place. Sounds painful? Well, it is. Going through 8 years of memories brings all repressed emotions and feelings to the surface, and I‘M HERE FOR IT.
And while the story is kinda angsty (angst is low here, though, more on nostalgia side), it is written with such care, perfect amount sweetness and has hilarious & spicy moments, which is expected as well. There‘s no way you could tell who wrote what – it‘s so smooth.
I loved how their insecurities were revealed and that they finally started communicating properly. Both MCs feel very real and are dealing with real life problems (satisfaction with job, trying to please others, long-term illness of parents, wobbling self-worth). You can see that the story is important for both authors – it really is heartfelt and pulls all the right heartstrings.
So, don‘t hesitate to pick this book up on a cold evening! It will warm you up even if you won‘t have some hot cocoa in your hands.
Marshall and Marshall (yes, there are two of them!) stole my heart. This second chance romance is warm and cozy, the kind of what you would read in front of a crackling fireplace.
Six months after their break up, Marsh and Data meet in their cabin on Marshmallow Mountain – to sort out things before selling the place. Sounds painful? Well, it is. Going through 8 years of memories brings all repressed emotions and feelings to the surface, and I‘M HERE FOR IT.
And while the story is kinda angsty (angst is low here, though, more on nostalgia side), it is written with such care, perfect amount sweetness and has hilarious & spicy moments, which is expected as well. There‘s no way you could tell who wrote what – it‘s so smooth.
I loved how their insecurities were revealed and that they finally started communicating properly. Both MCs feel very real and are dealing with real life problems (satisfaction with job, trying to please others, long-term illness of parents, wobbling self-worth). You can see that the story is important for both authors – it really is heartfelt and pulls all the right heartstrings.
So, don‘t hesitate to pick this book up on a cold evening! It will warm you up even if you won‘t have some hot cocoa in your hands.
October 24, 2024
This story was all of the things it said it would be, but I really need to get ahold of a new definition for “low angst”. Because there sure was an awful lot of angst to me. I mean, I’m not complaining, and it’s not like it fucked my life up or anything, but I wasn’t expecting there to be any. It just kinda threw me off for a minute. It’s fine, I recovered well.
And no, I don’t mean traumatic, you-WILL-sob-for-hours, gonna-hurl-this-bitch-at-a-wall angst. I mean like, the kind where you’re, like, rooting for the MCs while simultaneously cursing them for being dummies and some nail-biter situations. Calm down. Maybe that’s the new definition? Idk. Whatever. There was a lot of feeling emotions going on, so that felt angsty.
Aside from that, though, this was pretty fucking perfect. It was stupid funny, but also so sweet, there was a lot of really hot schmexy time, and I will be using “at least I’m/you’re/we’re not straight” a lot more than I used to from here on out. I absolutely loved the resolution each point found, I loved the side characters, and I can’t wait for the next book to add more to this little world and bring these two back to us for a quick hello.
4.5/5. Cosplaying as Cher in Moonstruck is a worthy enough reason on its own! Don’t be like that, buddies! No shame in the game! Just let it happen😩😂
And no, I don’t mean traumatic, you-WILL-sob-for-hours, gonna-hurl-this-bitch-at-a-wall angst. I mean like, the kind where you’re, like, rooting for the MCs while simultaneously cursing them for being dummies and some nail-biter situations. Calm down. Maybe that’s the new definition? Idk. Whatever. There was a lot of feeling emotions going on, so that felt angsty.
Aside from that, though, this was pretty fucking perfect. It was stupid funny, but also so sweet, there was a lot of really hot schmexy time, and I will be using “at least I’m/you’re/we’re not straight” a lot more than I used to from here on out. I absolutely loved the resolution each point found, I loved the side characters, and I can’t wait for the next book to add more to this little world and bring these two back to us for a quick hello.
4.5/5. Cosplaying as Cher in Moonstruck is a worthy enough reason on its own! Don’t be like that, buddies! No shame in the game! Just let it happen😩😂
November 6, 2025
I liked this more than a lot of second chance romances but I think it's because it's barely a second chance romance haha, like of course it is, that's the hallmark of the story, but it doesn't have a lot of the beats that make the genre harder for me. The partner who did the breaking up did it because he was in an emotional spiral and didn't want to drag the love of his life down with him (that's not much of a spoiler, it's spelled out in the first few chapters), so ultimately neither of them did anything hateworthy, and I have no problem believing they'll continue to make it work. Hell, when they do make the decision to be back together (that is more of a spoiler but come on, we're reading fluffy KU romances here, getting back together isn't breaking news), I kind of missed that it happened for a good 15-20 pages because I barely processed that they were broken up the whole book, that's how in love these idiots were.
I think this story might have been better as a novella. Being isolated from pretty much everyone, and ultimately with not that much for either of them to work through, it got super repetitive by the end. Pick a room to pack, have a hard conversation while you pack, flip a coin to see if you need space or to fuck the feelings out, repeat. I'm MUCH more excited for Bryce's story, and thankfully it's already out!
I think this story might have been better as a novella. Being isolated from pretty much everyone, and ultimately with not that much for either of them to work through, it got super repetitive by the end. Pick a room to pack, have a hard conversation while you pack, flip a coin to see if you need space or to fuck the feelings out, repeat. I'm MUCH more excited for Bryce's story, and thankfully it's already out!
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